Good Morning!

Good Morning! It's Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Justice Department accused of withholding Epstein files. 

• Why is social media obsessed with “trimester zero”?

• Overnight oats might not be all that healthy.

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump Delivers State of the Union Address

President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress, focusing on consumer prices, inflation and what he called a “roaring economy.” How the president did on biggest issues of 2026. The address was his longest ever. He said he inherited “a nation in crisis,” claimed his administration lowered inflation, mortgage and energy costs, and cited job growth, tax cuts and new programs like Trump Accounts. Fact-checking the speech.

He criticized Democrats on affordability, defended immigration enforcement, and confronted lawmakers over border security. Watch: Democrats shouting between Trump’s address. On Iran, he said negotiations continue and insisted he would not allow the country to obtain a nuclear weapon. He also called the Supreme Court’s recent tariff ruling “unfortunate”. What Melania Trump wore.

US News

Justice Department Withheld Dozens of Pages From Epstein Files, NPR Reports

An NPR investigation found the Justice Department withheld dozens of pages from the Epstein files, including FBI interviews and notes involving allegations that President Donald Trump sexually abused a minor. Some documents were also removed from the public database containing references to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. 

Rep. Robert Garcia said unredacted logs show missing interviews with a woman who accused Trump, prompting Democrats to open a parallel inquiry. The DOJ said unpublished files are privileged, duplicates, or part of an ongoing investigation, while the White House called the allegations false and politically motivated.

What Will Your Retirement Look Like?

Planning for retirement raises many questions. Have you considered how much it will cost, and how you’ll generate the income you’ll need to pay for it? For many, these questions can feel overwhelming, but answering them is a crucial step forward for a comfortable future.

Start by understanding your goals, estimating your expenses and identifying potential income streams. The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income can help you navigate these essential questions. If you have $1,000,000 or more saved for retirement, download your free guide today to learn how to build a clear and effective retirement income plan. Discover ways to align your portfolio with your long-term goals, so you can reach the future you deserve.

Get The Guide

Tech

The AI Mirage That Captured The World

Economists are rethinking how much artificial intelligence contributed to US economic growth in 2025. Despite early claims that AI spending drove up to 92 percent of growth, analysts at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase now estimate the impact may have been close to zero once foreign-made chips and equipment are excluded from GDP calculations. 

President Donald Trump argues AI is fueling a US economic renaissance, while critics such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warn the economy is overly dependent on it. The debate underscores the difficulty of measuring AI’s real economic effect as companies continue massive infrastructure spending.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🏦 The Donald Trump administration is considering forcing banks to collect customer citizenship data, Wall Street Journal reports.

🥜 The debate on cashews and almonds has been going on forever, but we might have a clear winner.

💉 Novo Nordisk plans to cut US obesity and diabetes drug prices by up to 50% in 2027.

✈️ This airline is planning to slash flight prices to emerge from their SECOND bankruptcy. 

🧸 American girl dolls got a makeover. Is this the GLP-1 craze showing?

👓 Now, an app could warn you if smart glasses are nearby.  Talk about seeing clearly.

🤖 More than half of US teens now turn to AI tools for homework help, research finds.

🚗 Waymo is expanding to four more cities in Texas and Florida.

🤰 Whatever even is “trimester zero”. Instagram and TikTok are convinced that caring for your future child can begin anytime.

🏛️ Louvre Museum directorresigns amid crown-jewel theft fallout and deepening security scrutiny.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🪥 Is your toothbrush leaving a little something — you know, microplastics — behind? Perhaps, but before you swear off dental hygiene, experts say the real risk isn’t what you’d expect. 

🥣 The “rushed in the morning” crowd has found a friend in overnight oats. They’re generally healthy, but some common additives might be doing you harm. Guess it’s goodbye for …. 

🪑 Social media is in a meltdown over “office chair butts”. So, should you quit your job? Not really (if that’s some reassurance) — a few strategic moves can help you fix things. 

❤️ Heart health isn't one-size-fits-all! A new study warns that women’s heart attack risks are being underestimated because of male-centric cardiovascular standards.

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

🛋️ From slouchy vintage shapes to daring prints, 2026 sofas lean cozy, character-filled, and ready for real-life lounging.

🍽️ Forget open concept — dining rooms are trending again with bold palettes, earthy materials, and cozy, conversation-first energy.

📚 Craving home inspiration? These interior design books deliver stunning rooms, creative ideas, and endless visual joy for every style lover.

🧽 Your cleaning routine might be overdoing it. Experts say your everyday messes barely need bleach — and safer cleaning swaps actually work better.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎂 Sophie Turner celebrates 30th birthday with unforgettable sheer “naked” dress moment.

🕊️ Martin Short’s daughter Katherine dies in Los Angeles from a self-inflicted gunshot.

❤️ Is ‘Stranger Things’ star David Harbour still looking for love on Raya?

🏡 ‘The Heated Rivalry’ cottage is now available on Airbnb.

🎭 Aimee Lou Woodset to star in new Jane Eyre series adaptation.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Wellnessmaxxing is everywhere online, turning self-care into a multitasking marathon. What started as simple habit-building has morphed into a gear-heavy routine packed with timers, trackers, red-light helmets, and endless “optimize your life” checklists. The trend promises efficiency but often adds more pressure, more products, and more to-dos. As burnout rises, many are wondering whether stacking tasks is helping us feel better— or just making wellness another job to perform.

“The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day.” 

— Eleanor Roosevelt