Good Morning!

It's Monday, August 4, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:  

• Is Trump backing off on IVF promise?

• An eating disorder is taking over children’s lives.

• Gen Z’s ‘buy now, pay later’ spree.

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SPILL THE NEWS

Why Are Texas Democrats Fleeing To Illinois?

In a dramatic escalation of the national redistricting fight, more than 50 Texas House Democrats have fled to Illinois to deny the state legislature a quorum, temporarily blocking Republicans from passing a congressional map that could flip five seats in their favor. The redistricting, pushed by President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, is seen by Democrats as an aggressive power grab that threatens the 2026 election landscape. How would this impact the midterm elections?

The walkout follows weeks of internal Democratic debate, with many reluctant to risk legal and political fallout. "Breaking quorum is an extreme step. It should be a last resort," said State Rep. James Talarico. But others argued the stakes are too high. “We’re leaving Texas to fight for Texans,” said Rep. Gene Wu. “We’re walking out on a rigged system.” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has pledged to protect the lawmakers, saying, “We know they’re doing the right thing.” Meanwhile, Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have threatened arrests and extradition, with Abbott warning the lawmakers “may have committed felonies”. How will redistricting affect Democrats? 

The showdown could trigger a national redistricting arms race, as Democrats in New York and Illinois consider their own map revisions. As Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer warned, “Republicans are stealing our democracy right before our very eyes.” How are Republicans defending the redistricting?

Trump To Bring Back Presidential Fitness Test In Schools

President Trump has signed an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Aiming to “restore urgency in improving the health of all Americans”, the revived test aims to tackle rising childhood obesity and declining physical activity. This comes amid growing concerns over screen time. What is the test all about?

With childhood obesity affecting 1 in 5 US kids, educators say the timing is urgent. Originally introduced in 1966 and last used in 2012, the test featured activities like a one-mile run, shuttle run, sit-ups, push-ups or pull-ups, and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Will US students run a mile?

Critics, including fitness experts, are urging a shift from rigid, competitive benchmarks toward promoting long-term physical well-being. “We need to ensure our children have the skills, knowledge and behaviors for a lifetime of physical activity,” said Jacqueline Goodway, a kinesiology professor at Michigan State. Others like Dr. Laura Richardson suggests updates, “I’m hoping the testing evolves… to incentivize students individually.” Why the test revives painful memories for some.

Despite Trump’s Pledge, White House Doesn’t Plan To Mandate IVF Care

Despite pledging on the campaign trail to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) widely accessible, the Donald Trump administration has no current plans to require insurers to cover the treatment, according to The Washington Post. In August 2024, President Trump promised, “The government is going to pay for it, or... we’ll mandate your insurance company to pay for it.” But more than six months into his second term, neither federal subsidies nor mandates have materialized.

A senior official said expanding IVF remains a “huge priority”, but legal constraints prevent the administration from unilaterally making IVF an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. Critics argue the shift away from insurance mandates contradicts Trump’s promises. “It appears for now that they’re not going to go there,” one source said. Outside adviser Kaylen Silverberg warned a focus on holistic alternatives “would fall very short” of the original pledge.

Some conservatives worry mandating IVF coverage could raise premiums and face legal hurdles. “Anytime you layer on something as an essential health benefit, it increases premiums,” said Avid Roy. Meanwhile, liberal critics highlight cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, with Bobby Kogan saying, “You can’t seriously claim you’re pursuing pro-natalist policy when you’re kicking moms off Medicaid.”

IN GOOD HEALTH

🧪 You could be inhaling 100 times more microplastics than scientists previously thought — and the tiniest particles are quietly reaching deep into your lungs, potentially harming immunity and long-term health.

💪 While protein gets all the hype, fiber is quietly essential — boosting gut health, fullness, immunity, and cancer prevention. Yet, 90% of women aren’t hitting their daily fiber goals.

💊 Vitamin D supports healthy glucose and insulin levels, boosting metabolic health and mood. But with 40% of U.S. adults deficient, supplementation may be key to optimal wellness.

🍽️ A growing number of kids are developing ARFID — a rare eating disorder that makes food terrifying. For some, even drinking water becomes a battle.

IN STYLE, IN BEAUTY

👢 Fall 2025’s standout boots are straight out of the ’70s: think go-go white, suede slouch, and bold square toes with a modern twist.

💧 Even the best serums can backfire if layered incorrectly. To fade dark spots, treat acne first, apply SPF, and avoid heat and irritation. 

🧥 Butter yellow isn’t out, but this colour is quietly taking over fall wardrobes. Earthy, elegant, and endlessly wearable — it’s already runway-approved.

💡 Is red light therapy worth the hype or just a TikTok glow gimmick? Experts weigh in on whether your LED mask is more than just aesthetic.

THE FAME FRAME

🕵️‍♀️ After American Eagle ad, Sydney Sweeney’s voter registration surfaces.

👻 Matt Rife becomes legal guardian of the “haunted” Annabelle doll collection.

✂️ Hailey Bieber, Sophie Turner’s hairstylist arrested for allegedly exploiting a minor.

🎤 Justin Timberlake was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

😷 Anthony Hopkins channels ‘Hannibal Lecter’ in Kim K’s SKIMS face wrap!

DON’T MISS

👤 Epstein associate Maxwell quietly moved from Florida to Texas' minimum‑security prison.

😬 What is ‘fawning’ — Gen Z’s new fight-or-flight response?

📉 Trump fires labor statistics head after slow jobs report; Fed Governor steps down.

🧴 Plastic “crisis” causing $1.5 trillion in global diseases and deaths.

⚓ Trump deploys U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia amid tensions. 

🦀 Rare purple crab species discovered in Thailand, and it is unmissable!

💰 Trump imposes sweeping tariffs, but open to negotiations. | Full list

💸 Gen Z’s ‘buy now, pay later’ spree hits breaking point with botox and concerts in the mix!

💊 Trump administration explores Medicare, Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs.

🚫 Palestinian leaders hit with U.S. sanctions, visa denials.

WEIGH IN

“Every next level of your life will demand a different you.”

— Leonardo DiCaprio