Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, December 24, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump’s name appears multiple times in recently released Epstein documents.

• Therapists recommend not to say these 10 things during holidays.

• Cussing might be strength-boosting!

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump Named Multiple Times In New Epstein Papers

The US Department of Justice released thousands of additional documents tied to its Jeffrey Epstein investigations, many heavily redacted. Who are the co-conspirators listed? The files include an FBI case file referencing an unverified rape allegation involving President Donald Trump and emails stating Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. The Wall Street figures listed as Epstein’s executors in the will.

Prosecutors said flight records were shared for “situational awareness.” The DOJ stated some claims are “untrue and sensationalist” but released the material under legal transparency requirements. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has not commented on Tuesday’s release. See the multiple Trump mentions.

Related Read: Did Prince Andrew really ask Maxwell for “inappropriate friends”?

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Health

Are Generic Drugs Not Being Tested?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rarely conducts routine quality testing of generic drugs and instead relies on manufacturers to self-test and report problems, ProPublica reported. Independent labs, universities, doctors, and the Department of Defense have raised concerns about contaminants and effectiveness failures, which the FDA largely dismissed. 

ProPublica tested 11 samples of widely used generics and found irregularities in two that experts said could affect effectiveness. FDA records show limited testing of these drugs despite widespread use and complaints. The FDA said it follows a risk-based testing approach.

Economy

America’s Hidden Economic Crisis Is Surfacing

Many Americans are entering 2026 facing heightened financial uncertainty driven by rising healthcare costs, policy volatility, and uneven economic signals. Millions are expected to see sharp health insurance premium increases next year, with higher out-of-pocket medical expenses even for insured households. 

Economists say households face greater exposure to financial shocks than businesses, as costs for healthcare, housing, childcare, and education continue rising. Surveys from the University of Michigan and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York show growing pessimism about personal finances and record-high expectations for future medical costs, despite strong recent GDP growth.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🏛️ Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois.

📱 Do your parents have a screen problem? It’s the classic case of phone-based retirement.

🚨 Explosion at Pennsylvania nursing home kills at least two, injures at least 20 others.

🗣️ Therapists are begging you to not say these 10 phrases during this holiday season.

📈 US economy grew 4.3% annualized as consumer spending and exports surged.

💪 Need a quick boost in your physical strength? Well, it might be time to let out some curse words. 

🧠 Extroverts have reigned over offices forever. Now, introverts are making them their own.

✈️ Mexican Navy plane crashes in Texas during medical mission, five dead.

🔐 Looking to protect yourself this holiday season? Start with some digital wellness.

🎯 US strike kills alleged narco-terrorist on Pacific drug boat route.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

🍻 Can you really sweat out a hangover? Your liver is the only organ that flushes those toxins — although there's still a reason not to put the gym bag down so soon! 

👃 Try putting your nose to the test! While the "sniff test" is a laundry-day lifesaver, knowing when to wash or skip is the real secret to keeping your fibers fresh.

🍫 Perhaps indulging your sweet tooth is not all too disastrous — a powerful compound in dark chocolate was just linked to a lower biological age. Call it a wellness win? 

🏥 While medical costs are hitting record highs, there’s still a way to investigate your charges and negotiate with providers to get your bills forgiven. Many have done it — successfully!

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

✨ What are the professional organizers doing to declutter piles of stuff you don't know where to put? Nothing too complicated — or expensive — to start doing right this second.

🪵 Wood panelling has left its 70s basement staple reputation — as long as you’re following the rules top designers swear by for a modern upgrade. 

🎨 Beige never leaves the design conversation for all good reasons! But save yourself from a “beige-on-beige” trap by using this versatile neutral as a canvas for bold colors. Moody olive and chartreuse are easier to pull off than you’d imagine. 

🗑️ Some things are just harder to toss in the trash. But don’t let a few stubborn items stand between you and a clutter-free life. Here’s how to finally let go.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

⚖️ Actor Russell Brand faces new charges of rape and sexual assault. 

💍 Bradley Cooper is reportedly ready to pop THE question to partner Gigi Hadid. 

✨ Zendaya joins Tom Holland and his family for an immersive date night.

🎬 Marvel releases the trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Yes, Steve Rogers is present! 

💌 Travis Kelce penned a heartfelt love letter for Taylor Swift before her tour’s final shows  — it was a perfect "end of an era" surprise for the superstar.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

A new study published in Science suggests that people who reach the very top of their fields often weren’t childhood prodigies. Instead of specializing early, many future elites explored multiple disciplines, progressed more slowly, and peaked later. Researchers analyzed data from over 34,000 high achievers across sports, music, science, and chess, finding that early brilliance doesn’t reliably predict adult greatness. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about specialization, talent, and how success really develops over time.

“There is dignity in continuing, even when joy is delayed.” — 

bell hooks