Good Morning!

It's Thursday, February 05, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• US-Iran talks to take place on Friday. 

• Do healthy breads even exist?

• Americans are anxious… over democracy.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

US-Iran Talks Set For Friday

US and Iranian officials are expected to hold talks in Muscat on Friday, CBS News reported, after the US military shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a US-flagged tanker. Iran sought direct talks without intermediaries, according to an Arab diplomat and another source. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting in an X post. 

US officials said the talks were briefly in flux over location and parameters. Nine regional leaders urged the Trump administration not to withdraw from diplomacy, while Israel warned the US that Iran’s promises cannot be trusted.

Economy

Is US Really Facing A Housing Crisis?

Estimates of America’s housing shortfall vary widely, ranging from Moody’s 2 million homes to Goldman Sachs’ 3 million, Zillow’s 4 million, Brookings’ 5 million and McKinsey’s 8 million. Congressional Republicans estimate a 20 million home gap. Analysts differ because calculations rely on assumptions about vacancies, household formation, and affordability. 

Zillow cites 8.1 million doubled-up households and 3.4 million available vacant homes. Other models weigh ideal vacancy rates, delayed household formation, and historical baselines. A congressional Republican report argues the shortage is what developers would build without regulatory limits, placing the gap at 20 million. Some economists say no overall shortage exists.

Fashion

Are Outfits Becoming Political Again?

Fashion is edging back into political territory, and this week made it hard to ignore. At the Grammys, artists wore ICE Out pins in solidarity with nationwide immigration strikes, while several independent brands closed their doors to support the protests. Designers have begun addressing social tensions more directly, and red-carpet statements are once again becoming cultural flashpoints. 

After years of carefully curated neutrality, the industry appears to be testing its voice again. The question now is whether this moment is symbolic — or the start of a louder shift.

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In the know

DON’T MISS

📰 Jeff Bezos cuts a significant number of Washington Post’s staff, including most of the sports desk, war zone journalists, and middle-east team.

🍞 Most of the breads you eat are not healthy. Here’s how to find the cleanest ones!

👟 Nike faces federal probe into alleged unfair treatment of white workers.

🧦 We might have finally settled if socks on the bed are okay or not.

🎥 CNN’s Kaitlan Collins responds to Trump’s never “seen a smile on your face” remark.

⚖️ In a first, Texas man sues California physician for allegedly mailing abortion pills.

🧠 What is the word for not forgetting a word?

🚓 Trump administration to pull 700 immigration officers from Minneapolis, but many still remain.

🚫 Ryan Routh, who attempted to assassinate Trump in 2024 September, sentenced to life in prison. 

📂 Epstein files reveal who was set to inherit his trust — there’s a Harvard link too.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🦉 Night owls show higher heart trouble in new research, sparking debate over whether late lifestyles quietly strain the body.

🎭 ‘Bridgerton’ lates season tackles the orgasm gap, pushing pop culture to finally discuss desire, pleasure, and what actually leads to satisfaction.

🗳️ Americans report some of the world’s highest anxiety over democracy and affordability, with sharp age gaps defining political worries and economic stress.

🧠 That irresistible urge to skip your workout isn’t laziness.Psychology reveals why we flake—and simple hacks to stay motivated.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👖 Sweatpant jeans are a controversial pick …. but thank us later when the times call for an ultra comfy pair of bottoms that actually look like real denim while feeling like your favorite pajamas.

🚿 Freaking out over how much hair you shed in the shower? Experts say you might be stressing about the wrong thing.

👠 Spring shoes are swinging between minimalism and drama this time. Whether you’re into the sleek new glove pump or the (unanticipated) return of the retro clog, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one pair. 

🎨 A quick art class for your face: swapping your basic black liner for a contrasting hue is the easiest way to make your gaze pop. There’s something for every eye colour!

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

📺 Fox News thinks ‘Melania’ documentary should be nominated for Oscars and Jimmy Kimmel is not having it!

📜 The Warner Bros. sale is becoming dramatic by the minute. There’s an open letter now.

🎶 Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ music video is set to come out this week.

👀 Dedicated ‘Bridgerton’ viewers spotted a glaring error in newly released Season 4.

🎤 Britney Spears calls out her family; says she’s “lucky to be alive”.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Flu cases are climbing again across the US, with emergency departments seeing more visits among children over five, CDC data shows. While this uptick isn’t as severe as December’s surge, doctors warn of a second late-winter rise as influenza B gains speed. A new influenza A variant has already caused unusually severe illness in kids, including high fevers and dehydration. Experts say vaccines still offer strong protection against serious outcomes, and common precautions like handwashing, ventilation and staying home when sick remain essential as cases spread into spring.

“Walk toward the life that scares you. That’s where you grow.” 

— Martha Beck