Good Morning!

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

• Gen Z’s long list of dating icks and rules. 

• Is corporate loyalty dead?

• Beef-tallow might be the next ‘it-girl’ skincare.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump Vows To Defend Qatar In New Executive Order

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar by “all lawful and appropriate measures — including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military” action, though the order’s practical impact remains uncertain. 

The announcement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and a call arranged by Trump in which Netanyahu “expressed his deep regret” over an Israeli strike in Qatar’s capital Doha that killed six, including a security official. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the move “an important step in strengthening the two countries’ close defense partnership”.

The text, posted Wednesday on the White House website but dated Monday, underscores the “close cooperation” and “shared interest” between the US and Qatar, vowing to “guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the state of Qatar against external attack.” It also states, “The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the state of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.” What to know of Israel’s strike on Qatar.

Health

In A First, Scientists Create Embryos From Human Skin Cells

US scientists have, for the first time, created early-stage human embryos using DNA from skin cells fertilized with sperm, a breakthrough that could revolutionize fertility treatments. The technique, developed by Oregon Health and Science University, could help women of advanced maternal age, cancer survivors, or same-sex couples have genetically related children.

The process involves removing the nucleus from a skin cell and inserting it into a donor egg stripped of its genetic material. Researchers then use a method called “mitomeiosis” to discard excess chromosomes, allowing fertilization by sperm. So far, 82 eggs were produced, but fewer than 10% developed to the stage suitable for IVF, and none progressed beyond six days. “We achieved something that was thought to be impossible,” said Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov, who led the study. He cautioned, “We have to perfect it,” noting the process could take a decade before clinical use.

Experts praised the achievement while emphasizing caution. Prof Paula Amato said, “In addition to offering hope for millions of people with infertility…this method would allow for the possibility of same-sex couples to have a child genetically related to both partners.” Roger Sturmey highlighted the need for public discussion: “Breakthroughs such as this impress upon us the need for robust governance, to ensure accountability and build public trust.”

Pop-culture

Gen Z’s Every-Growing Ick List And Dating Rules

Dating in the digital age is increasingly shaped by algorithms, viral content, and social media trends, creating a landscape where “ideal partners” are imagined more than encountered. Many young people maintain ever-growing checklists, scrutinizing habits, personalities, and interests, from small quirks to major lifestyle choices. This environment can make it hard to see potential partners as nuanced humans.

Relational psychoanalyst Cynthia LaForte says, “We’ve pathologized away personality. There’s a big narrative around ‘these are the types of people you date’…it leaves little room for compassion.” Social media creators amplify these expectations, offering guidance on red flags, compatibility, and romantic dynamics, but often reduce dating to checklists, flags, and tropes.

While some criteria help set boundaries, the constant scrutiny — alongside viral “horror stories” of partners’ missteps — can leave even hopeful romantics wary. “Social media makes me scared shitless to date,” one young woman said, acknowledging the tension between accountability and romance. For many, fictional or virtual relationships, like romance games, provide a safer way to explore love. As dating becomes a blend of expectation, algorithm, and reality, the challenge lies in balancing aspiration with compassion, and connection with the humanity of others.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🚫 Why is Elon Musk asking his followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions?

💔 Celebrated animal activist Jane Goodall died at 91. The world will never forget her love for chimpanzees!

💼 Try this networking tip to skip the “cattle-call” to apply for jobs.

🏠 From furniture to kitchen cabinets, the new tariffs might worsen your housing crisis.

📉 You are loyal to your company, but is the Corporate returning the favor? We think not.

💰 White House freezes billions in funds for blue states as shutdown tensions rise.

⚖️ The Supreme Court allows Lisa Cook to remain Fed Governor for now.

🎉 Eric Adams seen partying after dropping out of mayoral race, but who’s he with?

📚 Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools.

🛒 Walmart to remove synthetic dyes and other food additives from shelves.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

💊 Trump hails his Pfizer drug deal stating it could help Americans save big. Critics caution that behind the promises, it’s not that simple and the details could complicate things for patients.

📈 Cancer rates in younger adults are climbing, and researchers are racing to figure out what’s really fueling the surge. But the answers aren’t simple.

⏳ Scientists may have found a surprising anti-aging booster, and it’s not your typical skincare ingredient.

🏥 From home tests to health apps, people are diagnosing themselves amid long waits for doctors’ appointments and a surge in self-care options. But is DIY medicine a cure — or risk?

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👗 From dazzling gowns to total flops, the New York Film Festival’s red carpet served some serious fashion highs and lows.

🍫 Could your pantry’s cocoa powder double as skincare? New buzz suggests this kitchen staple holds unexpected beauty power.

🇪🇺 Trend fatigue? Europe’s style icons are redefining fashion with outfits that reject the usual cycle — and it’s working.

🥩 Could beef tallow actually transform your skincare? Some beauty experts say this old-school remedy is making a comeback.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

✨ Nicole Kidman makes first public appearance after filing for divorce, steps out with her sister.  

🎤 Rapper who campaigned for Trump sentenced to five years in prison for murder.

🤯 Wait, what? Is the One Direction cast reuniting!

⚖️ Sean “Diddy” Combs will be sentenced tomorrow.

💌 Nina Dobrev addresses Zac Efron romance rumors. Are they just friends or more?

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Dating apps make it easy to set dealbreakers, but when does personal preference cross into ageism? The Golden Bachelor’s Mel Owens, 66, sparked debate when he said he wouldn’t date anyone over 60. Experts say age alone is a poor measure of compatibility; energy, values, and emotional intelligence matter far more. While wanting shared life stages is understandable, rigid age limits can reinforce harmful stereotypes and cause people to miss meaningful connections.

“The measure of a life is not in what we get, but in what we give.” 

– Wayne Dyer