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‘Signalgate’ Case Closed, UK’s Plan B Win, & Hailey Keeps Justin on IG

Informing America about the important, interesting, and useful everyday — The “Need to know” and “Good to Know” in your inbox.

Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, April 1, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

  • White House closes investigation into ‘Signalgate’

  • Morning-after pills are now free across UK pharmacies

  • Hailey Bieber DID NOT unfollow Justin

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Spill the News

Amid Calls For Investigations, White House Says Signal Controversy ‘Closed’

The White House announced that its investigation into how a journalist was added to a Signal group chat, with top officials from President Trump’s administration discussing military strikes, was concluded.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “As the president has made it very clear, Mike Waltz continues to be an important part of his national security team and this case has been closed here at the White House as far as we are concerned. There have been steps made to ensure that something like that can obviously never happen again, and we're moving forward.”

Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly called for an investigation into the Signal scandal, with Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee being the latest to request an independent probe in a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

In the meanwhile, The New Republic reported that national security adviser Mike Waltz has multiple Signal group chats. From peace treaties between Russia and Ukraine to other military activities — Waltz is discussing everything over Signal?

It is worthwhile to note, the Harvard CAPS/Harris poll found that 60% of respondents believe using Signal for the discussion was wrong, including 73% of Democrats, 65% of independents, and 43% of Republicans. Additionally, 54% of voters consider the incident to be a "big deal".

Put in perspective: Does ‘Signalgate’ reveal severe damage for not just the Trump administration but also Yemeni civilians?

Morning-After Pill Made Free In England Pharmacies

The government announced that women across England will be able to get the morning-after pill for free from pharmacies starting October this year. While emergency contraception is already available at no cost from most GPs and sexual health clinics, British ministers note that access in pharmacies is inconsistent — some councils fund free prescriptions, while others charge women up to £30.

UK Health minister Stephen Kinnock has said that equal access “to safe and effective contraception is crucial to women's healthcare and a cornerstone of a fair society”. He added, “Women across England face an unfair postcode lottery when seeking emergency contraception, with access varying dramatically depending on where they live.”

The cost of the pill can range between £10 to £33 in pharmacies across the country. Find out all about morning-after pills here.

Nick Kaye, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents around 6,000 independent pharmacies across the UK, welcomed the announcement. He said, “We’ve long called for national commissioning of emergency contraception, so this is good news for patients and pharmacies alike.”

Fearing Detention, Pro-Palestinian British Cornell Student Leaves U.S.

Momodou Taal, a Cornell University doctoral candidate in Africana studies and dual citizen of the UK and the Gambia, has announced he is leaving the U.S. due to fears of detention and threats to his personal safety. Taal, who participated in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack, was suspended by Cornell twice in the year that followed.

Now, he is one of at least nine international students the Trump administration is attempting to remove from the country as part of its pledge to address activities it deems antisemitic. He was reportedly asked by U.S. immigration officials to surrender, with his student visa being revoked, according to his attorneys.

This comes days after a Turkish student at Tufts University was detained by ICE officials.

On Monday, the Trump administration announced that it would initiate a review of federal contracts with Harvard University, similar to the inquiry conducted at Columbia, which saw $400 million in funding paused.

On the other hand, the largest class of high school students is set to graduate as colleges continue to face severe issues with the Trump administration. What are they likely to face?

A Quick Recap

💉 New FDA Commissioner Marty Makary sworn in quietly, signs off on top vaccine official’s ouster.

🚀 "We weren’t stuck, we planned and trained": NASA Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams say.

❤️ Is your "just a friend" actually more? Signs you're emotionally cheating without even realizing it.

📉 Gen Z's career prospects dwindle as tech layoffs and DOGE cuts create a storm for new graduates.

🗳️ From Milwaukee to Miami — here are the top places to watch in Tuesday’s elections.

💍 More women are marrying less-educated men. Is "hypogamy" the new norm in modern relationships?

🇷🇺 Russia insists it’s still “working with the US” despite growing tensions.

🩸 Missed your period? It isn’t always pregnancy — stress, hormone changes, or these issues could be to blame.

🛁 Luxury bathhouses giving you UTIs? Your spa day might secretly be a health risk — here’s why some are saying “no thanks!”

⚖️ Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew in the Epstein case, reveals she’s facing kidney failure after a bus accident; has days to live.

Her Hustle

She’s Got Game

💼 This 24-year-old strategy analyst spends $648 a month on fitness—here’s how she balances Pilates with her paycheck.

📈 Ready to break up with U.S. stocks? Why diversifying internationally could be your portfolio’s best decision yet!

She’s Got Game

She’s Got Game

🏀 Kyla Oldacre's standout performance in the March Madness tournament has made waves in Texas women's basketball. With a thrilling game that helped elevate her team's hopes, Oldacre's presence has caught the attention of fans everywhere.

Manchester City's performance in the UEFA Women's Champions League is making waves! Their latest game is sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike. Can they continue to dominate and secure their spot in history?

The Glow Guide

Beauty Trends

💎 Can luxury brands cash in on sexual wellness? With high-end vibrators and intimate care lines emerging, the market is expanding but is it a perfect match for posh branding?

✨ Whether you want bouncy curls or sleek volume,these heated brushes promise a salon-worthy finish.

The Style Edit

Fashion Trends

🎉 The Met Gala 2025 theme has people buzzing! With speculation running wild, what daring fashion statement will set the tone? From previous iconic themes to bold guesses, it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable red carpet.

🌸 Boho dresses are back in a big way. From fringes to crochet and flowy fabrics, it is all about comfort, freedom, and a touch of flair. Are you too ready to channel your inner free spirit?

House to Home

Home Decor

🏡 Pierce Ward has teamed up with West Elm for a new collaboration, blending his signature style with the home brand's classic designs. The collection is set to highlight Ward's unique aesthetic with a modern twist on home décor essentials.

🛏️ Want a mattress that feels as fresh as your first cup of coffee? It involves vacuuming, spot treatments, and flipping tricks. It’s like giving your bed a spa day, but with fewer cucumber slices.

The POV Club

“It’s not an easy time to lead a university in the United States, and resolutely upholding the right to free inquiry and expression doesn’t make it easier,” writes Michael I. Kotlikoff.

Read Here

“Trump is upending everything. The world’s leaders must tell the truth about what that means,” writes Jonathan Freedland.

Read Here

This or That?

Gut instincts can be powerful, but they are often shaped by emotions, biases, and past experiences, which can lead to poor decision-making. While intuition may work in familiar or low-risk situations, experts recommend more deliberate thinking in complex scenarios. Over-relying on gut feelings may result in flawed judgments, suggesting that thoughtful, logical analysis is essential for sound decisions.

What do you think?

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"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

— Eleanor Roosevelt

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