Good Morning!

It's Tuesday, September 2, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at: 

• Afghanistan earthquake kills 1400, injures over 3000.

• America might be having a “sex recession”.

• What are the hardest- and least-working US states?

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

World

Afghanistan Earthquake Kills Over 1400

The death toll from Sunday’s powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen above 1,400, with more than 3,000 injured, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Entire villages in Kunar Province were flattened, leaving thousands trapped under rubble as rescuers struggle against blocked roads and mountainous terrain. “It is a race against time,” said Indrika Ratwatte, the U.N.’s resident coordinator in Afghanistan. “We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises… the resilience of the communities has been saturated.” In photos.

The Taliban government has appealed for international aid, though assistance has been limited due to strained donor budgets and opposition to its restrictive policies. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” and vowed the organization would “spare no effort to assist those in need”. 

Hospitals in Jalalabad said they were overwhelmed. Kate Carey of the U.N. humanitarian office warned that funding cuts have already shuttered over 400 health facilities, leaving “insufficient supplies and personnel” at a critical time. Survivors described digging loved ones out with bare hands. “So many people died in my village. Some are still buried. Whole families have died,” said Mir Zaman, who lost his children.  All you need to know.

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Politics

Crime Festers In Republican State As Their National Guard Troops Patrol DC

Republican governors have deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to support federal efforts to curb crime, even as cities in their own states report higher violent crime rates than the nation’s capital, according to FBI statistics. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee sent troops to Washington while Memphis and Nashville both record violent crime rates above those in the capital. Governors Greg Abbott of Texas, Mike DeWine of Ohio, and Mike Kehoe of Missouri have also sent forces, though major cities in their states — including Houston, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Kansas City — face similar or higher crime levels.

More than 2,000 National Guard troops from six states are currently stationed in Washington, at a cost of about $1 million per day, covered by the federal government. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser credited the deployment with reducing carjackings and increasing accountability.

Some local leaders have also raised questions about the allocation of resources. In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson opposed the use of federal troops, while Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said cooperation could be possible with clear communication. White House officials have not indicated whether federal forces may be sent to Republican-led states, though President Trump has suggested the option remains open.

Lifestyle

America Is Going Through ‘The Sex Recession’

Americans are having less sex than ever, according to a new Institute for Family Studies report analyzing General Social Survey data. Just 37% of adults aged 18–64 reported weekly sex in 2024, down sharply from 55% in 1990. The decline is especially steep for young adults. In fact, 24% of those between 18–29 said they hadn’t had sex in the past year, double the share in 2010.

The study, called “The Sex Recession”, cites multiple factors: fewer marriages and live-in partnerships, an overreliance on screens, economic pressures, and lingering post-pandemic disconnection. “We’re experiencing a long-term atrophy of the skills it takes to maintain relationships,” said sex therapist Shadeen Francis. Others point to stress, exhaustion, and political anxieties, from reproductive rights to financial strain.

Therapists warn that neglecting intimacy can affect health, happiness, and meaning in life. Their advice: meet people offline, go to bed at the same time as your partner, and put down your phone. “Sex is like going to the gym,” said psychologist Laurie Mintz. “You always feel better afterwards.”

In the know

DON’T MISS

🚗 From car rides to hand-holding — Putin, Xi, and Modi send a message to Trump.

⏰ America is obsessed with finding the “perfect” morning routine but instead of happiness, it often delivers anxiety and pressure.

🚑 Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani injured in car accident; Trump promises him Presidential Medal of Freedom award.

📊 Which are the hardest-working and least-working states of the US?

🛑 Did Trump just revoke Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection!

💼 As Nestlé fires CEO for “romantic relationship” with employee, a look at CEOs getting viral for wrong reasons.

🌞 Misinformation about sunscreens has led to people ‘tanmaxxing’.

✊ Thousands participate in ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ protests on Labor Day. What are they?

⚖️ Judge blocks Trump administration’s plan to deport unaccompanied Guatemalan children.

🍽️ A list of the jobs covered by Trump's "no tax on tips". Do you qualify?

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🦵 One in four adults has knee pain. From squats to calf raises, this quick workout fortifies muscles around your knees, protecting against strain and chronic pain.

💊 New research shows this drug beats aspirin at stopping heart attacks and strokes safely.

🥩 Adding this protein-rich staple to your meals might not only satisfy hunger but also safeguard your long-term heart health.

🤰 Antidepressants in pregnancy spark divided opinions — some see lifesaving care, others see danger — leaving mothers to weigh uncertain outcomes.

📱 TikTok’s latest craze promises muscle growth and fast recovery but could peptide stacking be as miraculous as it looks? What experts say.

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👠 From Dior to Bottega, Venice red carpet previews 2025’s biggest designer debuts before official fashion week reveals.

💇 Want the hottest hair this fall? Think “perfectly messy”, textured bobs paired with warm, coppery color, creating beautifully undone yet refined fall hair.

👗 Capsule wardrobes prove less really is more. Discover how fewer pieces can transform your style.

💅 Chic yet approachable, this year’s nail trends lean into rich shades and creative prints that feel both nostalgic and modern.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

💍 Taylor Swift engagement ring designer thanked her fans in the cutest possible way!

📺 Best movies, TV shows coming to HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon and Netflix in September.

👶 Millie Bobby Brown posts first glimpse of adopted baby on IG.

🎭 Jacob Elordi seen in heated argument with Venice Film Festival official.

🌟 Dwayne Johnson speaks up on tackling his most dramatic role yet.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Preliminary Census data shows 1.2 million immigrants have disappeared from the U.S. workforce this year under Trump’s stepped-up immigration enforcement. Immigrants make up nearly 20% of all U.S. workers, including 45% of farm laborers, 30% of construction workers, and 43% of home health aides. Economists warn this sudden loss could disrupt food supplies, health care, and job growth. Trump insists enforcement targets “dangerous criminals,” but most ICE arrests involve people without convictions. Supporters say stricter rules restore control, whereas critics warn essential industries may collapse.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

— Rumi