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No Ukraine Deal, Quiet-Cracking At Work, & Parents Raising ‘Carnivore Babies’

Plus, what stars have in store for you today!

Good Morning!

It's Saturday, August 16, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at: 

  • Trump-Putin meeting leads to no deal in Ukraine.

  • After quiet-quitting, we have quiet-cracking!

  • Meet the parents raising “carnivore babies”.

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ONE BIG HEADLINE

No Deal For Trump, No Consequences For Putin

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska for a high-stakes summit aimed at securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. See photos. Despite Trump’s optimism, the two leaders emerged without a deal. “We didn’t get there, but we’ve made some headway,” Trump said, adding, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.” Major takeaways from the meeting.

Putin, who described Trump as a “dear neighbor,” claimed the sides reached an “understanding”, urging “Kyiv and European capitals” to “perceive that constructively” and not “torpedo the nascent progress”. Still, he reiterated that “root causes” of the war must be addressed, signaling no shift from Moscow’s long-held demands. Trump praised his “fantastic relationship with President Putin”, while Putin suggested “Next time in Moscow”. Both avoided questions from the press. After the meeting, Trump briefed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders and UK’s Keir Starmer over calls

The meeting, originally expected to run six hours, lasted about two and a half, and a planned working lunch between expanded delegations was cancelled. The summit carried significance as it was the first U.S.-Russia meeting of Trump’s second term and a rare visit by Putin to American soil. It also came after Trump repeatedly pledged to secure a ceasefire quickly.

WHAT EVERYONE READ THIS WEEK

Out of 194 stories we covered this week, you loved these the most:

🌍 This place just got crowned world’s best city for Gen Z and 20-somethings.

🏢 We’ve heard of quiet quitting, now workers struggle as “quiet cracking” spreads.

📉 After 133 years in business, Kodak says it might have to cease operations.

🤖 World’s first artificial tongue tastes like humans’. 

🥛 Does drinking milk strengthen bones, or is bone health influenced more by other factors?

👶 Meet the parents raising “carnivore babies” and raising some serious concerns.

📚 NYC schools change how they teach readingand it’s working!

📺 ‘The Office’ spinoff ‘The Paper’ is here. Are we excited?

Creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders. These are the people who truly benefit from it!

YOUR STARS THIS WEEK

♈ Aries

Your energy runs high, but boundaries matter. Instead of stretching yourself thin, channel focus where it counts. Rely on your circle, rest when needed, and remember choosing wisely is a true show of strength.

♉ Taurus

Patterns repeat because you keep returning to them. This is your chance to release old chains and step forward lighter. Be present for loved ones, act with intention, and embrace growth that uplifts everyone.

♊ Gemini

Every challenge you’ve faced has shaped your resilience. Relationships deepen, and belonging feels more natural now. Let go of urgency—life isn’t a race. Ask for help, pause when needed, and trust the process unfolding.

♋ Cancer

Old doubts might resurface, but faith matters more than fear. Trust your angels and inner compass to remind you that abundance flows when you believe in yourself. Choose trust, let go of unnecessary worry.

♌ Leo

It’s the small moments, not dramatic events, that can trap you. Let go of lingering memories that weigh you down. The universe has wider opportunities waiting once you step beyond familiar loops.

♍ Virgo

Life feels untidy, yet within the mess new beginnings emerge. Transformation comes in unexpected forms, especially in love. Instead of resisting, embrace this in-between phase—it’s where clarity, purpose, and lasting growth will take root.

♎ Libra

You’ve healed and realigned, supported by divine timing along the way. Now it’s about stepping forward with confidence. Release hesitation, nurture your dreams, and allow the winds of change to carry you higher.

♏ Scorpio

Obstacles weren’t external—they were rooted in fear. Now, choices multiply as vision clears. Avoid rushing into commitments. Ride the waves until balance returns, and trust that the best path will reveal itself naturally.

♐ Sagittarius

This chapter brings fresh freedom, Sagittarius. Contracts resolve, unfair burdens fall away, and possibilities expand. Trust your instincts, lean on faith, and explore paths that spark your curiosity. What felt limiting is no longer binding.

♑ Capricorn

Your patience proves powerful, Capricorn. While progress feels slow, every challenge builds resilience. Keep refining your skills and nurturing your goals. Soon, opportunities will match your discipline, turning today’s steady effort into tomorrow’s lasting success.

♒ Aquarius

Big changes call you forward, Aquarius. You’re completing cycles and stepping onto higher paths aligned with purpose. This is a fertile time—birth your dreams, celebrate growth, and view each day as a new beginning.

♓ Pisces

Your creativity is rich but scattered without grounding. Anchor your intentions so ideas take root instead of drifting away. When you commit, inspiration flourishes, and what feels fleeting today transforms into tangible, lasting growth.

Go. See. Do.

“When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.”

— Norman Vincent Peale

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