Good Morning!

It's Friday, July 25, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:  

• U.S. fertility rate drops to all-time low.

• Speed-dumping is the new ghosting!

• Trump’s asking Americans to Venmo towards paying off national debt.

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SPILL THE NEWS

Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Worsen; Could ‘Move Towards War’

Violence between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, leaving at least 16 dead and displacing over 40,000 civilians. Thailand scrambled F-16 fighter jets after artillery fire killed 11 civilians, marking the worst conflict between the two nations in over a decade. Clashes erupted in 12 locations along the disputed border, involving heavy weapons. Evacuees in Thai provinces say the violence is the worst they’ve seen in years. A hospital strike and civilian casualties have raised concerns about potential war crimes. The fractured friendship behind the clashes.

Thailand accused Cambodia of attacking civilian areas, and Cambodia countered with claims that Thailand used cluster munitions. Both deny starting the conflict. Why is this really happening? Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned the violence could “move towards war,” while insisting Thailand remains committed to peace. “We had to defend ourselves,” he said. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet called Thailand’s actions “premeditated military aggression”. The conflict stems from long-standing disputes over temple territories dating back a century. How do the two countries’ military compare?

Despite global calls for de-escalation, including from the US, China, and ASEAN chair Malaysia, Thailand rejected third-party mediation. “I don't think we need any mediation from a third country yet,” said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura. The UN Security Council is set to meet on Friday. 

U.S. Fertility Rate Reaches All-Time Low

The U.S. fertility rate dropped to a record low of 1.599 children per woman in 2024, according to new CDC data. A rate of 2.1 is needed to sustain population levels without immigration. While it was once higher than many developed nations, the U.S. rate now mirrors that of Western Europe, according to World Bank data. This decline reflects a long-term trend, driven by people delaying marriage and parenthood, or opting out altogether. 

Despite the dip, total births rose slightly by 1% to 3.63 million last year. Fertility rates declined for women aged 15-34, stayed flat for those 35-39, and rose for women 40-44. Leslie Root, a University of Colorado researcher, sees no cause for panic: “We’re seeing this as part of an ongoing process of fertility delay... we still have a natural increase — more births than deaths.”

The Trump administration has proposed measures to boost birth rates, including an executive order to lower IVF costs and a potential $5,000 “baby bonus”. But experts remain skeptical. “The things that they are doing are really symbolic and not likely to budge things for real Americans,” said Karen Guzzo of UNC.

U.S. Drops To Its Lowest Ever On Most Powerful Passports Index

The U.S. passport has slipped to 10th place on the Henley Passport Index — its lowest ranking ever — tied with Iceland and Lithuania. In 2014, it held the top spot. The index ranks passports by how many destinations their holders can visit without a visa, using data from the International Air Transport Association.

The U.S. decline comes amid stricter visa-vetting policies under President Trump’s second term, including expanded social media screening and a forthcoming $250 “visa integrity fee”. Christian H. Kaelin, creator of the index, said the findings reflect “an increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility.” He added, “The consolidation we’re seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy.”

Singapore ranks first, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow with 190. Several European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, now share third place. India jumped eight spots to 77th, and China continues climbing — now ranked 60th, up from 94th in 2015. Henley & Partners called this “a remarkable shift,” noting China’s new visa-free deals with over a dozen countries just this year.

IN GOOD HEALTH

🥚 Eating eggs daily tied to reduced Alzheimer’s risk.

🔥 Can GLP-1s finally beat the menopause weight-gain curse?

🚶‍♀️ Okay, how many steps do you really need in a day!

💉 For 23 years now, vaccines have slashed deaths by 60%.

💪 Is muscle loss inevitable with age? It doesn’t have to.

IN STYLE, IN BEAUTY

✨ Blackheads, be gone: The best pore strips that work.

👟 Skirts that make your white sneakers look extra chic.

💄 Is pricey lip balm always the best — or is it just hype?

👖 Genie pants are trending — ready to float into fashion’s dream!

THE FAME FRAME

🛍️ Harry Styles is selling sex toys now!

🏈 Travis Kelce’s off-season IG post has adorable moments with Taylor Swift.

💔 Pro wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan dies at 71 after a cardiac arrest.

🏛️ White House slams ‘South Park’ parody showing Trump in bed with Satan.

🖤 ‘Wednesday’ creators promise: Season 2 won’t betray fans’ spirit.

DON’T MISS

⚖️ As DOJ meets Epstein’s girlfriend Maxwell again today, why is the meeting relevant?

🛒 Store brands and dupes are reshaping how Americans shop.

🧊 Trump and Powell exchange frosty words as Fed Chair fact-checks President on camera.

💬 Relationship advice therapists wish every couple would actually remember.

🤝 Israel, U.S. leave Gaza ceasefire talks, as starvation persists and France recognizes Palestine as a state.

👻 Is speed-dumping the new ghosting?

👶 Soft parenting is out, now it’s all about hardline consequences.

🗳️ Three years after Roe overturned, most U.S. adults support legal abortion.

🍓 Why are frozen berries better than fresh ones?

😄 Optimists are all on the same wavelength, while pessimists are all over the place!

WEIGH IN

"Truth without empathy is just cruelty in disguise."

— Brené Brown