Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, April 23, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Elon Musk taking a DOGE break. 

• Half of America breathes unhealthy air. 

• Wearable stickers can read all your emotions.

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Spill The News

Elon Musk Taking a Step Back From DOGE

Elon Musk announced Tuesday that he will significantly scale back his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Tesla CEO Musk has emerged as a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, but his aggressive cost-cutting efforts through the DOGE have triggered backlash against Tesla.

The company reported Tuesday that total revenue from car sales dropped 20 percent, while net income plunged a staggering 71% in the first quarter of 2025. Hence, on an earnings call with investors, he said, “Starting next month I will be allocating more of my time to Tesla.” However, he added that he will “continue to spend a day or two on government matters” as long as Trump wants.

Tesla acknowledged that “political sentiment” could be hurting its bottom line, and warned that looming tariffs may worsen the situation. "Uncertainty in the automotive and energy markets continues to increase as rapidly evolving trade policy adversely impacts the global supply chain and cost structure of Tesla and our peers," the company said.

Poll: How do Americans really feel about Musk and DOGE?

U.S. Birth Rates Remain at Record Lows

Births in the United States rose by only 1% in 2024, remaining close to record-low levels that have raised concerns among demographers and become a key focus of the Trump administration’s cultural agenda, according to data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over 3.6 million babies were born in the United States last year, marking a slight increase from the record-low in 2023. However, the fertility rate remains around 1.6 births per woman, far below the 2.1 births required to sustain the population solely through births.

The 1% increase in births was mainly driven by women in their early 40s, who had 2% more children in 2024 compared to 2023. Slight increases were also seen among women in their 30s and late 20s.

In related news, clinics nationwide that offer contraception and reproductive health services to low-income patients are running out of funds because of tens of millions of dollars in frozen grants.

Over 200 Academic Leaders Condemn Trump’s ‘Overreach’

A day after Harvard sued the Trump administration over its decision to freeze billions in federal funds to the university, more than 220 higher education leaders from across the country signed a joint statement on Tuesday condemning the administration’s attempts to control universities. The government’s “political interference” and “overreach” are “now endangering higher education in America,” they wrote.

The signees included over 150 college presidents condemning the Trump administration's recent efforts to impose policy control.

In the meantime, while Harvard is being considered a lone hero, several donors want to strike a deal. The Trump administration is trying to get a hold of the situation too. On Tuesday, Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon said that she spoke with the Harvard and Columbia University presidents about “abiding by the law”.

A Quick Recap

😷 Nearly half of America breathes unhealthy air.

⚡ Think twice before showering in a thunderstorm — your pipes might zap you.

📉 IMF says Trump’s tariffs likely to throttle global economy.

​😶‍🌫️ This wearable sticker reads your emotions, even the ones you hide.

🏛️ Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans sweeping reorganization of State Department.

🤖 OpenAI interested in buying Google’s Chrome.

🧪 Texas measles cases cross 600.

🕯️ Trump says terror attack on India’s Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists, ‘deeply disturbing’.

🌊 Microplastics escaping water treatment plants.

🕒 ICE given deadline to reinstate legal status of 133 students.

Her Hustle

🧘‍♂️ From 5 a.m. workouts to guilty pleasure scrolling, CEOs reveal the quirky ways they stay sane. Spoiler — not all involve green juice or silent retreats.

🧵 ​Viral TikToks from Chinese factories are shaking up luxury fashion, challenging brand narratives and pricing. Is your favorite designer label part of the illusion?

House to Home

🛋️ Leather sofas are making a chic comeback — no longer just for bachelor pads. Designers are giving them a fresh, fashion-forward spin you’ll want in your living room ASAP.

🧑‍🍳 Scandinavian kitchens are embracing bold colors, sleek designs, and cozy vibes, proving that minimalism can be both stylish and inviting.

The Fame Frame

🍿 Khloé Kardashian brings protein to popcorn.

😢 Noah Schnapp was devastated by the ‘Stranger Things’ finale; says, fans will be too.

🎬 Oscars: Films made with AI qualify; voters required to watch all nominated movies.

💬 Hailey Bieber opens up about her ovarian cysts.

⚖️ Jay-Z rape accuser seeks dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against her.

Go. See. Do.

🎤 Concert | Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour hits LA.

🍽️ Eat | Buzzy NYC restaurants coming this spring!

🏛️ Explore | Walk through the ancient trails of Andros island in Greece.

📚 Read | From romance to memoir — 20 books from April.

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

— J.K. Rowling