Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, October 8, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump disagrees on paying all federal workers after the shutdown ends.

• We all have a friendship capacity!

• Do we have a best time to poop?

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump Is Dicey On Back Pay For Federal Workers

The Trump administration has warned that federal workers furloughed during the government shutdown may not receive back pay once it ends, sparking criticism from lawmakers and unions. A draft memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) argues that the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which guarantees retroactive pay after shutdowns, does not automatically cover employees temporarily sent home. President Donald Trump added that back pay “depends on who we’re talking about,” suggesting some workers “don’t deserve to be taken care of.”

About 750,000 federal employees are currently without pay as the shutdown enters its first week. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Warner, insist the law clearly entitles all furloughed workers to compensation. Even some Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis and John Kennedy, questioned the administration’s legal stance, calling it a poor strategy.

The shutdown, which began October 1, stems from a Senate standoff over budget resolutions, with Democrats seeking healthcare provisions and Republicans pushing “clean” funding bills. The administration has also threatened layoffs, using unpaid furloughs as leverage to pressure Democrats to reopen the government. Federal agencies, meanwhile, remain unclear on whether they will follow OMB guidance or provide back pay. Mass layoffs that Trump is threatening might be illegal.

Elon Musk: “Robots Will…Do Everything Better”

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US News

Pam Bondi Faces Senate Hearing And Answers Nothing

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a heated Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, repeatedly refusing to answer Democratic lawmakers’ questions about the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile cases under the Trump administration. Senators pressed her on the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, the handling of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s files, and alleged misconduct by Trump allies. Bondi declined to discuss conversations with President Trump ahead of Comey’s indictment, saying, “I am not going to discuss any conversations I have or have not had with the President of the United States.”

She also deflected questions about border czar Tom Homan, accused of accepting $50,000 in cash, and repeatedly redirected scrutiny toward Democrats. Senator Dick Durbin warned, “Eventually you’re going to have to answer for your conduct…you won’t do it today, but eventually you will.”

Bondi’s approach combined stonewalling with combative attacks on senators, framing her tenure as a restoration of Justice Department priorities. She touted victories advancing Trump’s agenda while dismissing oversight concerns, declaring, “Our FBI is targeting violent criminals, child predators and other law breakers, not sitting senators who happen to be from the wrong political party.”

The hearing highlighted ongoing friction over DOJ independence, political pressure, and accountability. The key takeaways from the hearing.

Economy

Gold Rush Is Breaking Record

Gold is surging to record highs, topping $4,000 an ounce for the first time, even as US stocks hit new peaks—a rare combination that’s raising eyebrows on Wall Street. The rally reflects investor anxiety over the dollar, political uncertainty, and eroding trust in institutions. So far this year, gold has jumped more than 50%, on track for its best year since 1979, when high inflation and geopolitical crises fueled a historic run.

Investors are flocking to gold as a hedge against economic and policy uncertainty. The US government shutdown, trade tensions under President Trump, and concerns over ballooning debt are driving both retail buyers and global central banks toward the metal. Central banks have collectively purchased over 1,000 tonnes annually since 2022, diversifying away from dollar-denominated assets. Exchange-traded funds have also seen record inflows, while gold-mining stocks have doubled this year.

Analysts note that while gold’s rally is partially tied to short-term turbulence, it signals a broader reassessment of safe assets. “People are reassessing what they view as safe,” says Ryan McIntyre of Sprott, highlighting a global pivot toward gold amid uncertainty in currencies, interest rates, and geopolitical stability.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🧠 SCOTUS appears skeptical of conversion therapy ban on minors, debating free speech and regulation of harmful practices.

👩‍🎓 Gen Z women voters are the most liberal group in the US.

🏈 Mike Johnson, Trump blast NFL for Bad Bunny Halftime show.

👥 Our brains can evolve to socialize but there’s a limit on how many friends can you really have!

🕊️ In Gaza peace talks, a Trump family member is set to join.

🍔 Ultra-processed food is bad for you. But, where to stop?

📱 Over 9 hours?! A deeper look at how TikTok keeps users scrolling for hours everyday.

🏙️ Which are the best and the worst US cities to live alone in?

🎤 Kamala Harris goes on a slang rant on the current political climate. She clearly isn’t on a campaign run.

🚽 Did we need this — what is the best time to poop!

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

💊 It might be time to cool it on the supplements. As Americans begin taking gummies, pills, vitamins, and powders more than ever before, some doctors are trying to convince patients to be more cautious. 

💺 Stiff spine from sitting all day? One small change could fix your back pain. Aches, stiffness, soreness — gone. Here’s what physical therapists want you to know.

🚭 The new nicotine epidemic? WHO says vaping is hooking millions, especially kids, across the globe as an alarming number of people switch to vapes.

🪥 Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? Experts weigh in on the surprising pros and cons of both.

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

💎 Bougie style without the splurge: These under-$25 home upgrades make any room look expensive, stylish, and completely put together.

🛋️ From velvet loveseats to modular sectionals, these top-rated couches elevate your space with chic design and supreme comfort.

🛏️ A perfectly made bed isn’t complicated. Your bed should feel like a hug. Layer blankets, add pillows, and call it cozy-chic done right. How to do it right?

🎨 Elevate your small space with this designer-approved technique. Use wallpaper to turn your powder room into a memorable, stylish retreat.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎤 Taylor Swift reveals why she won’t perform at Super Bowl and why Ed Sheeran didn’t know of her engagement!

💋 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have a red carpet reunion.

🏈 Travis and Jason Kelce praise “friend” Blake Lively amid Taylor fallout rumors.

⚔️ Liam Hemsworth debuts as Geralt after Henry Cavill exit in ‘The Witcher’ Season 4.

🏆 Seth Rogen jokes his Emmy wins “weren’t a big deal — not Oscars”.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Phones are everywhere, and so is the anxiety that comes with them. Gen Z students say going offline can lift moods but also risk missing out on friends, plans, or important updates. From pandemic habits to TikTok doomscrolling, the phone dominates attention and social life. Experts and students alike wonder: how do you balance connection with mental well-being when your device is always demanding attention?

“If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”

— Toni Morrison