• Rise & Recap
  • Posts
  • Epstein Files (Somewhat) Drop | World’s Missing A Miracle Nutrient | Cuffing Season Trends

Epstein Files (Somewhat) Drop | World’s Missing A Miracle Nutrient | Cuffing Season Trends

Plus, this word of the year isn’t cheerful at all!

Good Morning!

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

  • DOJ releases an initial set of the Epstein files.

  • A miracle nutrient 75% of the world isn’t getting.

  • See the “cuffing trends” this season.

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.

Paywalled articles ruin a seamless experience. We hear you, going forward, here’s a link that you can use to access all the locked articles to bypass the paywall. It is safe and we hope to deliver nothing but the best experience for our readers.

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

Top news

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

US News

Epstein Files Drop (Somewhat)

The US Justice Department on Friday released an initial batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including photos, videos and investigative records, following a law requiring full disclosure by a congressional deadline. How the victims reacted. The department said it could not release all materials by the deadline, prompting criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. Many of the thousands of pages released were heavily redacted. See photos.

The documents include images and references to public figures such as former US President Bill Clinton, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger. But, what’s missing? Officials said inclusion in the files does not indicate wrongdoing. Clinton’s spokesperson said the photos were decades old and denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Major takeaways. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said several hundred thousand additional pages remain under review and will be released later to protect victims’ identities and ongoing investigations.

Out of 160 stories we covered through Monday, this is

WHAT EVERYONE READ THIS WEEK

🤔 Did Chipotle just launch an Ozempic bowl?

📖 The Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year doesn’t seem very uplifting.

🌍 Heart health, brain development, and a global deficiency — 75% of the world isn’t getting enough of this miracle nutrient. Are you one of them? 

📸 Democrats release more photos from Epstein Estate.

🧴 Everyone was scandalized by this skincare ingredient at first — then it became a cultural obsession. Are we on board?

👀 There might be an uncanny snooper in your bedroom. Is it really your vibrator?

♻️ Hold up! Reusing plastic takeout containers for leftovers isn’t the safest idea.

🏛️ Did the White House Chief of Staff really say that Trump has an “alcoholic personality”? Well, she spilled many secrets here.

💔 Mentions of beef industry, scheduled on calendars — NYT just compiled a list of the best breakup lines.

Is there a link between your bedtime and heart health? Researchers have found a sweet spot, but most of us are missing it.

Astrology

THE ZODIAC CLUB

♈ Aries (March 20 – April 18)

Big dreams don't require giant leaps. Small, consistent actions build lasting foundations. What is one minor task you can complete right now to move closer toward your primary long-term objective?

♉ Taurus (April 19 – May 19)

Why not try something new today? Stepping slightly outside your usual routine can lead to such wonderful growth. Taking that first little leap is a great way to start your adventure!

♊ Gemini (May 20 – June 19)

Being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others. Setting gentle boundaries helps keep your heart happy and your energy bright. You deserve to feel safe!

♋ Cancer (June 20 – July 21)

Take a moment to think about the people who light up your life! Reaching out with a sweet note or a small "thank you" is such a lovely way to connect.

♌ Leo (July 22 – Aug. 21)

If you’re feeling a spark of energy, go for it! Checking off those little to-do items now will feel so good and leave you with a nice, clear mind later.

♍ Virgo (Aug. 22 – Sept. 21)

Inspiration is a fleeting gift. If you don't embrace your bright ideas today, they might find a home elsewhere. Catch that spark while it's fresh and see where it leads!

♎ Libra (Sept. 22 – Oct. 21)

It is a wonderful time to reconnect with those who make you feel at home. Reach out to your favorite people today; a simple hello goes a long way in staying close.

♏ Scorpio (Oct. 22 – Nov. 20)

Honesty is often the best gift you can give. If a tough conversation is needed, speaking sincerely and directly usually helps. Being open and kind makes even the hardest news easier.

♐ Sagittarius (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20)

Holiday spending is easier to manage when you have a clear plan. Take a quick peek at your budget today; knowing exactly where you stand helps you enjoy the season stress-free!

♑ Capricorn (Dec. 21 – Jan. 18)

Your special day is almost here! Take a moment today to dream big and plan out the fun goals you want to hit this month. You’ve got this!

♒ Aquarius (Jan. 19 – Feb. 17)

Sometimes, giving things a little breathing room is the best way to help. By stepping back and letting go, you might find that situations have a gentle way of settling themselves.

♓ Pisces (Feb. 18 – March 19)

Building strong relationships is such a blessing, and often a simple, friendly chat matters more than a formal request. Don't hesitate to lean on your community if you need a hand!

What’s hot

GO. SEE. DO.

“I carry my past, but I do not let it carry me.” 

— Michelle Obama

Thank you for your time! Rise & Recap works towards delivering a daily newsletter to keep America informed — covering everything from coast to coast and beyond — all in one well-curated newsletter!

How do you feel about this edition of Rise & Recap?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.