Good Morning!

It's Thursday, July 24, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump knew he was mentioned in the Epstein files, WSJ reports.

• Considered women’s superpower, what’s claw-gripping?

• Non-smokers increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancers.

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SPILL THE NEWS

Trump Knew He Was Mentioned In Epstein Files, WSJ Reports

President Donald Trump was informed in May by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that his name appeared in Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, The Wall Street Journal reported. The White House initially dismissed the report as “fake news,” but later acknowledged Trump’s name appears in some previously compiled documents. Last week, WSJ also reported Trump once sent Epstein a birthday note ending: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has denied its authenticity and sued the Journal and Rupert Murdoch. Does Trump really want to stop talking about Epstein?

Denying release of the files, the DOJ said, “Nothing in the files warranted further investigation or prosecution,” adding that they’ve moved to unseal related grand jury transcripts after Trump’s order. Judge Robin Rosenberg denied one such request on Wednesday. The files reportedly contain names of “many other high-profile figures”. Is White House frustrated with all-consuming Epstein coverage?

Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing but faced backlash after the DOJ declined to continue the Epstein investigation. A subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee approved a subpoena for all DOJ files on Epstein, with three Republicans joining Democrats — signaling internal party tension. Trump and Epstein — in photos.

Related Read: Gabbard releases document targeting Obama administration.

UN Top Court’s Historic Ruling On Climate Change

In a landmark opinion, the International Court of Justice declared that countries must act against climate change, calling it an “urgent and existential threat”. For the first time, the UN’s top judicial body said states failing to protect the climate could be committing “an internationally wrongful act”, emphasizing that environmental protection is “a precondition” for human rights. Judge Iwasawa Yuji stated, “The environment is the foundation for human life, upon which the health and well-being of both present and future generations depend.”

Requested by the UN General Assembly, the opinion followed a two-week hearing where over 100 countries and experts testified. The court said nations must aim to limit warming to 1.5°C and left open the possibility for countries to sue others over historical emissions. 

Though the opinion is advisory, experts say it carries moral and legal weight. “This decision gives moral and legal heft to all of us around the world fighting for the swift transition off fossil fuels,” said Jean Su of the Center for Biological Diversity. Vanuatu envoy Ralph Regenvanu said the ruling confirms “major polluters… cannot continue to act with impunity and treat developing countries as sacrifice zones to further feed corporate greed.” Does this sweeping climate opinion matter?

Bryan Kohberger Gets Four Life Sentences In Idaho College Students Murder

Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms on Wednesday for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in November 2022. The 30-year-old former criminology PhD student, who had pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, also received a 10-year sentence for burglary. "I'm unable to find anything redeemable about Mr Kohberger," said Judge Steven Hippler. "His actions have made him the worst of the worst." The new documents shed light on the brutality of the killings.

The sentencing followed emotional testimony from victims' families, including Kaylee Goncalves' mother, who said, "You've altered my every waking moment," and her sister, who called Kohberger “pathetic” and told him, “You're going to go to hell.” Madison Mogen’s stepfather said, “Karen and I are ordinary people, but we lived extraordinary lives because we had Maddy.” One of Xana Kernodle’s aunts offered an unexpected gesture of forgiveness, saying, “Any time you want to talk, I’m here for you.” Five takeaways.

Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen described being haunted by the night she saw the masked killer in their hallway. “He didn't just take their lives, he took the light they carried into every room,” she said. Judge Hippler closed by stating, “It is time to end Mr Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame.” Why did Kohberger kill the four students?

Related Read: Kohberger wanted to counsel high-profile criminals before he became one.

CLICK-WORTHY

🚗 This U.S. city takes over Los Angeles as America’s worst traffic.

💰 Columbia agrees to $200 million settlement with White House to restore funding.

🛍️ Americans are embracing the return fraud, costing billions to retailers.

🚫 Trump doesn’t want Musk’s xAI to get federal contracts; looks for alternatives.

🚘 Uber is now testing a women-only driver service, but how does it work?

🔥 U.S. burns contraceptives instead of allowing access to poor nations.

💪 ‘Claw-gripping’ — women’s superpower is holding more things than you can imagine!

💻 Meta’s new wristband would allow you to control computers with hand gestures.

📞 Want revenge on your ex? You can now call ICE and deport him. 

📈 There is a secret to getting promoted faster at your new job.

IN GOOD HEALTH

🚭 Many non-smokers now suffer from lung cancers, but why?

✨ Could mewing be THE way to defining your jawline!

😷 COVID’s hidden cost? Pandemic didn’t just change our lives, but aged our brains too.

♀️ PCOS is different for everyone — and doctors often misunderstand it.

IN STYLE, IN BEAUTY

💆‍♀️ A facelift without surgery? Face yoga is having a major moment.

👗 Micro-mini shorts and skirts are back — shorter, bolder, and everywhere this summer.

🧴 The body sunscreens that actually make reapplying a joy.

☀️ Summer called — it wants you in these stylish new sandals.

THE FAME FRAME

🎶 Hans Zimmer joins ‘Euphoria’ Season 3; composer Labrinth returns too. 

💬 Pete Davidson opens up about joy, fears, and growth as new dad.

🎥 Meryl Streep reprises Miranda Priestly on ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ set.

💊 Doctor pleads guilty in Matthew Perry ketamine death case.

🔪 ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 5 premiere date set! 

WEIGH IN

“Some days, surviving is the most radical thing you can do.”

— Danez Smith