It's Tuesday, July 15, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at: 

• Pentagon to start using Musk’s Grok after $200 million deal.

• Nicotine poisonings surge in children. 

• Should everyone be taking Creatine?

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SPILL THE NEWS

More Weapons For Ukraine, Threats For Putin

President Donald Trump warned Russia of severe penalties if it fails to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire within 50 days. “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs… tariffs at about 100%,” he said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He referred to them as “secondary tariffs,” though Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that “sanctions and tariffs are both tools in his toolbox”. Trump also expressed frustration with Putin: “I thought we would have had a deal two months ago… He’s fooled a lot of people… Clinton, Bush, Obama, Biden—he didn’t fool me.”

A White House official later clarified that both tariffs and sanctions could be used, with the measures likely targeting countries like India and China for buying Russian oil. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said the move would “dramatically impact the Russian economy”. The plan mirrors a bipartisan bill proposing 500% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. Will Trump’s promises stick?

Trump also announced that the U.S. will supply Ukraine with a new weapons package, including Patriot air defense systems, though NATO allies — not the U.S. — will fund the deliveries. “We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it,” Trump said. “They’re going to be paying for it.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed he spoke with Trump, saying, “We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace.” 

Supreme Court Allows Education Department Layoffs

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education, lifting a lower court order that had blocked mass firings and transfers of key functions to other agencies. Over 1,300 employees are being terminated as part of an effort to drastically shrink the department’s role. “We’re going to be returning education, very simply, back to the states where it belongs,” Trump said. Created by Congress in 1979, the department oversees college loans, civil rights in schools, and funding for disadvantaged students. Critics warn its gutting will delay aid, weaken oversight, and hurt vulnerable populations.

A federal judge had ruled the cuts would “likely cripple the department,” but the Supreme Court’s unsigned order reversed that decision. Justice Sotomayor dissented, calling the move an unconstitutional overreach that would cause “untold harm” and leave students to “suffer from discrimination, sexual assault and other civil rights violations.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the cuts as a push for “efficiency and accountability.”

In a related news, Trump withheld $6.8 billion in federal education funds, triggering a lawsuit from 24 states. The withheld money supports after-school programs, teacher training, and services for English learners and migrant children. “This isn’t streamlining. It’s sabotage,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Abortion-Related Travel Could Face Another Hurdle Under New Bill

A new federal law backed by President Trump could strip Medicaid funding from clinics affiliated with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. Though temporarily blocked in court, the law would ban reimbursements to nonprofits earning over $800,000 annually if they’re part of networks that perform abortions. The impact could shutter clinics, especially in states where abortion remains legal and Medicaid programs are strong. “This just feels like this could be another huge shock to the system,” said economist Caitlin Myers.

About one-third of Planned Parenthood’s revenue comes from Medicaid, which funds services like STI testing and contraception—not abortion. Many clinics have already stopped accepting Medicaid or are treating patients without billing. “It’s just going to make it harder for people to get the care they need,” said Robin Chappelle Golston of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts. New York’s affiliate could lose $35 million, risking most of its 23 clinics.

As closures loom, patients may face longer travel, later procedures, or no care at all. “We need our state legislatures to step in,” said Jack Teter of Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountain. Already, travel for abortions has soared—1 in 4 Colorado patients came from out of state. Providers in Illinois expect increased demand, higher costs, and deeper strain on the system.

CLICK-WORTHY

🤖 After Grok’s Nazi meltdown, Pentagon strikes $200 million deal to start using Musk’s chatbot.

🌌 Scientists capture biggest ever merger of two huge blackholes.

💶 EU targets cars, liquor, and Boeing in €72 billion retaliatory tariff list against U.S.

₿ For the first time ever, Bitcoin tops $120,000!

🔥 Nine residents killed, dozens  injured in Massachusetts assisted‑living fire. 

🧑‍💼 Can you really get your manager to tell you if layoff is coming?

🖊️ In interview with the Times, Biden clarifies Trump’s attacks on using autopen.

🌧️ Heavy rainfall, emergency flood warnings issues in New York, New Jersey.

🏘️ For second straight year, homelessness in LA drops to 72,000.

⚖️ Now if you call someone Karen at work, you could get sued!

IN GOOD HEALTH

☠️ Arizona resident dies from pneumonic plague, first local case since 2007.

🚭 Nicotine poisonings in kids surge 760%, study finds.

🥜 This daily snack helps women maintain strong, healthy bones.

✈️ Turns out, airplanes are loud enough to harm your hearing, but try this.

IN STYLE, IN BEAUTY

☀️ Sunburned? Soothe the sting with some derm-approved skin fixes.

👢 Shiny boots, breezy linen, bold dots — July’s fashion launches deliver flair!

✨ Slide into summer with body oils that seriously glow.

🧥 Fall 2025 officewear trends: power suits, plaid, oversized blazers dominate.

THE FAME FRAME

🥃 Now-single Sydney Sweeney buys shots, leads bar sing‑along in NYC.

🕵️‍♀️ Blake Lively wins right to private deposition over Justin Baldoni.

❓ Is Will Smith really changing his name?

🤝 Prince Harry-King Charles’ top aides meet privately, offering a flicker of hope.

🗽 Sofia Vergarahonored with massive 24-foot statue in Colombia.

WEIGH IN

"You were not born to shrink yourself for someone else's comfort."

– Alex Elle