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New Pope, 28 Sinking U.S. Cities, & Pictures Reveal Biological Age

Plus, is quiet ego the key to happiness?

Good Morning!

It's Friday, May 9, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

  • Pope Leo XIV is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

  • 28 major U.S. cities are sinking. 

  • Pictures might now find your biological age.

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First American Pope is Here

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope, becoming the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. The 69-year-old from Chicago will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He previously oversaw bishop appointments at the Vatican and served as archbishop in Peru. He now leads a global church of 1.4 billion members and his influence will extend far beyond religion, shaping diplomacy and global social issues. All you need to know about Leo

Elected by a record 133 cardinals in just over 24 hours, in line with two-century long tradition, Pope Leo emerged after white smoke and ringing bells signaled his selection. In his first speech, dressed in papal white and red, he called for a united church and global peace. A closer look at Pope Leo’s views on LGTBQ+ people, immigration, and abortion

President Donald Trump praised the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope, calling it “a great honor for our country.” He added, “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” See best reactions.

U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal

The U.S. and Britain have agreed on a broad new trade framework — the first major deal since President Trump launched his global tariff campaign — and that has led to a stock market rise. Announcing the pact from the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was joined via speakerphone by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

As per the deal, the Trump administration will adjust 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and reduce auto tariffs from 25% to 10% for the first 100,000 British vehicles. However, the 10% tariffs imposed last month on goods from most countries will remain in place. In return, the U.K. will ease trade barriers on products like ethanol, beef, and machinery, adding $5 billion in market access, according to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Deal in detail. 

President Trump called Thursday an “exciting day” for the U.S. and U.K. “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come. Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow,” he said in a social media post.

Bill Gates to Close Foundation by 2045

Bill Gates on Thursday announced an accelerated timeline to give away his fortune and shut down the Gates Foundation, one of the world’s leading global health philanthropies. Gates said he made this decision after careful consideration, sharing in a letter that he was inspired by a famous quote from Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay The Gospel of Wealth, which stated, "the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced". 

The billionaire businessman revealed to "CBS Mornings" that he plans to give away 99% of his wealth over the next 20 years through the Gates Foundation. A total of $200 billion will be allocated to causes aimed at saving and improving lives worldwide.

"By deciding to spend all this money in the next 20 years, we can get a lot more done," Gates said in an interview, just days before announcing the initiative. He’s confident the money will save "tens of millions of lives". What to know about the plan?

Click-Worthy

👩‍🍼 Federal layoffs hit women hardest, especially caregivers & expectant mothers.

🤫 Can “quieter ego” lead to more happiness?

🇺🇸 Trump calls Federal Reserve Chair Powell a 'fool' for not cutting rates.

💄 Everyday beauty products might be toxic, especially for Black women.

🇮🇳⚔️🇵🇰 India-Pakistan tensions: Vance says U.S. will not intervene.

💻 Remote workers are “all in”, but are they winning?

🏛️ House Republicans vote to rename Gulf of Mexico 'Gulf of America'.

🗽 From New York to Seattle28 major American cities are sinking.

📸 Snap a pic, find your biological age — science meets selfies!

The Glow Guide

🔵 Blue light therapy clears acne, smooths skin, and lifts moods — like giving your face a tiny spa day powered by science.

😩 Tired of your foundation piling? Nothing that easy skincare and makeup fixes cannot cure. ​

The Fame Frame

🎭 Blake Lively to testify against Justin Baldoni in court.

🎬 How did London become the Hollywood hotspot?

🎥 ‘Fifty Shades’ director James Foley dies at 71.

🤔 Wait, was Harry Styles at the Pope Conclave?

🏆 ACM Awards 2025: Best moments, fashion highlights, and funny mishaps.

The POV Club

“In a culture obsessed with positive thinking, can letting go be a radical act,” writes Nadine Levy.

“MAGA beauty is built to go viral,” writes Jessica Grose.

Go. See. Do.

🖼️ See | Five art fairs coming this spring. 

🍲 Cook | Miso peas pastina to eat your greens the best way.

🎨 Visit | New York’s Rockefeller Center showcasing colorful installations.

🏖️ Vacation | Best family spots to explore across U.S.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."

 — Elie Wiesel

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