Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, August 20, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• China is building the world's first pregnancy robot.

• After job-hopping, we might be in the era of ‘job-hugging’

• Do food expiration dates even matter?

Love this newsletter? Don’t keep it all to yourself—share it with your friends!

Reading for the first time? Join over 50,000 intellectually curious women.

Help us be better, write at: [email protected]

SPILL THE NEWS

After Trump’s DC Takeover, Crime Stats Under Fire

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department falsified crime data to make violent crime rates appear lower than reality, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and city leaders. The probe, overseen by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office, comes after reports that a police commander was placed on leave for allegedly downgrading crimes to less serious offenses. President Trump, who recently ordered a federal takeover of the city’s police department, wrote in a social media post, “D.C. gave Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety. This is a very bad and dangerous thing to do, and they are under serious investigation for so doing!” What data says.

City officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have denied widespread misconduct, saying the anomalies were limited to one district and did not affect many cases. They point to official statistics showing violent crime has dropped by nearly 30% compared to last year, consistent with broader national declines. Critics argue the investigation underscores how Trump is leveraging law enforcement to justify his unprecedented federal control of the police. Apparently, US Attorney credited Trump after first 100 days for lowering DC crime rate.

The inquiry adds to a deepening standoff over public safety, as federal officials insist crime is surging while local leaders counter that Washington is experiencing its lowest violent crime levels in decades. The outcome could determine whether alleged data manipulation was isolated misconduct or part of a larger political battle.

Former Zillow exec targets $1.3T market

The wealthiest companies tend to target the biggest markets. For example, NVIDIA skyrocketed nearly 200% higher in the last year with the $214B AI market’s tailwind.

That’s why investors are so excited about Pacaso.

Created by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso brings co-ownership to a $1.3 trillion real estate market. And by handing keys to 2,000+ happy homeowners, they’ve made $110M+ in gross profit to date. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

No wonder the same VCs behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay also invested in Pacaso. And for just $2.90/share, you can join them as an early-stage Pacaso investor today.

Invest for $2.90/Share

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

HHS’ Vaccine Guidance Hits Roadblock As Top Institution Disagrees

For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued vaccine guidance that diverges from the federal government. In updated immunization recommendations released Tuesday, the AAP “strongly recommends” COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years, citing their heightened vulnerability to severe illness. Older children should also have access, particularly if they are unvaccinated or live with high-risk individuals.

The move contrasts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current position under Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which does not recommend the vaccine for healthy children. Kennedy defended the administration’s shift, writing that the AAP “is angry that CDC has eliminated corporate influence in decisions over vaccine recommendations and returned CDC to gold-standard science and evidence-based medicine laser-focused on children’s health.” How HHS limited vaccine advisors to CDC.

AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly stressed the organization’s longstanding role: “The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents.” AAP also updated recommendations for 10 other vaccines. On the other hand, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said that AAP “is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks.”

China Builds World’s First Pregnancy Robot

China is moving ahead with the world’s first “pregnancy robot”, a humanoid machine designed to carry a fetus in an artificial womb from conception to delivery. “Some people don't want to get married but still want a 'wife'; some don't want to be pregnant but still want a child. So one function of our 'robot wife' is that it can carry a pregnancy,” Dr. Zhang Qifeng, who is leading the project, explained.

The robot would function using a transparent artificial womb filled with a nutrient-rich fluid that mimics natural amniotic conditions. An umbilical cord-like interface would deliver oxygen and nutrients, while sensors and AI monitor fetal growth in real time, adjusting temperature, pressure, and chemical balance to replicate the conditions of a human uterus. “We want to integrate a gestation chamber into a humanoid robot and build an artificial womb so it can carry a full-term pregnancy 'in the normal way,’” Zhang added, calling the technology already at a “mature stage”.

A prototype is expected within a year, priced at around $14,000. While infertility in China has risen sharply, affecting nearly one in five couples, critics warn of profound health and ethical risks. Still, Zhang insists the project could “allow the fetus to grow inside” a robot, redefining what parenthood could mean in the decades ahead.

DON’T MISS

✈️ Air Canada flight attendants resume work after pay deal, ending strike.

🧹 Are you overwhelmed by chores at home? Use this workplace technique to clear the clutter.

🕊️ As Israel reviews Hamas-approved truce agreement, Gaza offensive intensifies.

🧱 Trump wants to paint the US-Mexico border wall black, so it’s too hot to touch!

💼 Job-hopping is no longer in, we’re in the age of ‘job-hugging’.

📞 Did Trump call Hungary PM over Ukraine’s EU membership?

🍤 If you bought that frozen shrimp at Walmart, it might be radioactive, FDA warns.

🏛️ Trump’s White House is in its influencer era — joins TikTok.

⌚ Swatch apologises after facing backlash for ad showing racist gestures.

🏛️ Texas representative protests overnight in House chamber against police tracking of Democrats.

IN GOOD HEALTH

🌅 Is a morning stroll better than a sunset walk? Apparently, each walk boosts health differently. So, what’s the best time to move!

🥛 Do expiration dates in foods really matter?  Those confusing dates on your milk, eggs, and condiments may not mean what you think — here’s the truth.

🙃 From backhanded compliments to stonewalling, passive-aggressive behavior wears you down. How to take back control.

🏅 As the world takes on a running obsession, studies point towards a link between marathoners and colon cancer. But, why could it be?

HOUSE TO HOME

🌳 Those shrubs and hedges around your house? It’s quietly wrecking your home’s foundation, inviting pests, blocking airflow, and turning your yard into wildfire kindling.

🎨 From sun-washed coral to deep teal, striking house colors that create personality, style, and unforgettable curb appeal.

🍳 If you want a kitchen that’s both practical and striking, consider industrial designs. They combine raw textures with functional, modern touches.

🪞 2025 home décor trends mix Victorian charm, Japandi calm, and layered textures to create inviting, stylish, and personalized spaces.

THE FAME FRAME

💉 Julia Fox wishes she hadn’t gotten surgeries to attract men.

🍷 Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox go on a double date.

🎤 This Justin Bieber impersonator just duped a club into paying him to play!

🎶 Post Malone models camo briefs for SKIMS campaign.

📚 Why is every woman you know obsessed with ‘The Summer In Turned Pretty’?

WEIGH IN

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

— Plato