Good Morning!

It's Friday, May 8, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Health content creators are not doctors but are influencing you.

• Ditch this cleaning staple, it could be making you sick.

• The US is revoking passports, at least for these Americans.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

‘Love Tap’? US-Iran Exchange Fire Amid Fragile Ceasefire

US and Iranian forces exchanged fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. US Central Command reported that three Navy destroyers were targeted by Iranian missiles, drones, and small boats during a transit. CENTCOM conducted "self-defense strikes" against Iranian launch sites and command nodes, reporting no US damage.

What Happened: Iran’s military claimed the US violated the ceasefire first by targeting an Iranian oil tanker. President Trump described the exchange as a "love tap" and stated ceasefire negotiations remain ongoing, including a proposal for Iran to surrender "nuclear dust." Following the hostilities, S&P Global Market Intelligence reported a total halt in marine traffic through the strait for the second consecutive day. Oil prices rose 3% in early Friday trading.

Health

Who’s Giving You That Health Advice?

A Pew Research Center study of 6,500 influencers with 100,000+ followers found that 41% describe themselves as healthcare professionals, a broad category including doctors and massage therapists. Meanwhile, 31% identify as coaches and 28% as entrepreneurs. Nearly one in five influencers list no credentials in their bios.

The Impact: The data shows 50% of US adults under age 50 obtain health information from social media and podcasts. While 65% of users trust some information from influencers, only 10% trust most or all of it. Despite this, roughly 20% of consumers reported that influencer advice was "extremely or very different" from their doctors' recommendations. Common topics include fitness, weight loss, mental health, and supplements.

Climate

Should We Worry About Microplastics In Air?

Microplastics have moved beyond our oceans and into the very air we breathe. A new study in Nature Climate Change reveals that these microscopic particles are now absorbing heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. While their impact is currently a fraction of that from greenhouse gases, researchers are concerned that colored and black plastic particles are acting like "soot," trapping heat around the globe.

The Impact: The health implications remain a mystery, but lab studies show high concentrations can trigger inflammation and endocrine disruption. Since these particles shed from everyday items like car tires and synthetic clothing, total elimination is impossible. Experts suggest using HEPA filters and reducing household plastics to lower personal exposure while we "tease out" the long-term biological costs.

In the know

DON’T MISS

⚖️ Tennessee GOP just redrew Memphis, breaking up the only majority-Black district in the state.

🏛️ As his list of renovation projects grows, President Trump now plans to paint this historic landmark, costing taxpayers a whopping $7.5 million. 

🚢 Global authorities scramble to find passengers of 12 nationalities who disembarked the hantavirus cruise, MV Hondius.

🛂 The State Department is revoking passports for thousands of American parents owing unpaid child support.

🏆 We thought Spirit was the most budget-friendly, this airline just took the crown for best economy satisfaction in 2026.

📱 Did Instagram really release this contested update for posts?

🚫 Is your cleaning routine toxic? Oncologists urge ditching this one popular staple immediately to protect your health.

📉 Federal judges just ruled Trump’s 10% import tariffs illegal, marking another major trade war setback.

🥇 Move over, Whole Foods, you won’t believe which grocery chain just took the top spot as the most trusted across the US. 

📩 "I’m getting fired": Sam Altman’s frantic, leaked texts reveal the chaos behind his 2023 OpenAI ouster.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

☕ Your morning brew, caffeinated or decaf, does more than wake you up. A new research shows how coffee fuels the gut-brain connection to keep you calm.

🛒 Is your olive oil a fake? Sommeliers share the ultimate grocery store checklist to find the freshest, high-phenol bottles every single time.

🚢 Should you be freaking out about hantavirus? With a 40% fatality rate and a cruise ship in quarantine, here is the real risk.

⚠️ Is vaping actually "safer" than cigarettes? New studies reveal "frank concern" over hidden carcinogens and a massive spike in dual-use lung cancer risk.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

🧘‍♀️ From capri leggings to matching sets, Glamour just found the best Pilates outfits to keep you moving smoothly and looking cute.

✂️ That awkward "growing out my bob" phase? It’s officially a trend. Inspired by '70s rockstars and feathered layers, this shaggy, effortless look is the perfect excuse to skip your next trim.

👡 Forget the "ugly" sandal trends, we’re taking notes from Paris on the five timeless styles — minimalist mules to elevated thongs, these make your summer wardrobe look très chic.

🖤 It’s not just clothes, it’s a statement. Diving into the avant-garde world of the brand making Zendaya and Gaga look like they’re from another planet.Is it fashion or a fever dream? (Hint: It’s both.)

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

✨ Michelle Obama channels Miranda Priestly in a sharp power suit.

🤍 Pregnant Natalie Portman shares a rare glimpse into her quiet life in Paris.

😷 Kris Jenner reveals she got "so sick" after trying the weight-loss drug Ozempic.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

It turns out "going under" might not be the total blackout we once imagined. New research reveals that even under general anesthesia, our neurons are still clocking into work — sorting nouns from verbs and even predicting the end of a sentence like a subconscious AI. While patients don’t "wake up" with memories of the surgical playlist, their brains are quietly analyzing the room. It’s a surreal discovery that challenges our entire definition of consciousness as an all-or-nothing switch.

"The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced."

— Frank Herbert