Good Morning!

It's Thursday, May 14, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump-Xi meet in Beijing for “biggest summit ever”.

• Eating biblically beats eating healthy and MAHA is in for it.

• This sleeping hack could really be good for you.

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Top Headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

World

Trump and Xi Kick Off "Biggest Summit Ever" in Beijing

President Donald Trump received a grand military welcome at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, marking the first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. (See photos) Flanked by a "powerhouse" delegation including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, Trump characterized the high-stakes meeting as "maybe the biggest summit ever," emphasizing his personal friendship with President Xi Jinping. What’s at stake for markets?

The two leaders held "constructive" talks on the Iran war, trade, and Taiwan. While Xi warned of the "Thucydides Trap" — the historical tendency for rising and established powers to stumble into war — Trump focused on reciprocity, stating, “We’re going to have a fantastic future together.” Live updates here.

A significant breakthrough emerged as both sides agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open. Notably, Elon Musk joined the trip despite being under a US judge’s order to remain available for an ongoing trial against OpenAI. The summit continues through Friday, with Trump inviting Xi to visit the US this September. How was Marco Rubio in China despite a ban on him?

Lifestyle

We Don’t Talk Anymore … to our Neighbors

Welcome to the age of "entertainment bunkers," where Americans are trading the "invisible glue" of neighborhood ties for algorithm-driven silos. A new AEI report reveals a neighborly freefall: only 25% of young Americans socialize with those next door, down from 51% in 2012.

Why the ghosting? Between remote work and the pandemic, Gen Z has traded "stir crazy" for "screen steady", with many now turning to AI for companionship. In Britain, 33% of young people feel chronically lonely, leading some to chat with ChatGPT eight times a day. While a robot won't get grumpy at 3 am, it also won't water your plants or challenge your worldviews. As we retreat indoors, we aren't just losing friends; we're losing the practice of being human together.

Education

US in a ‘Learning Recession’

America is facing a "learning recession," and it started way before the pandemic. New data shows student scores in reading and math began a "downward spiral" back in 2013, wiping out decades of record-breaking progress. 

What’s to blame? Experts point to two culprits: the rollout of "bunkers" (aka social media) and the rollback of school accountability. Since 2011, states eased off the pressure to perform, and by 2017, news mentions of school penalties dropped by 97%. Meanwhile, 46% of teens are now online "almost constantly". Also, AI isn’t helping. While it’s easy to blame COVID-19, "the causes are bigger," involving a collapse in school authority and constant digital distraction. The silver lining? Places like DC and Atlanta are already "winding back up" with big wins in literacy.

In the know

DON’T MISS

💰 JD Vance threatens all states' Medicaid funding over fraud prosecution failures and he just made $1.3 billion from California.

🥗 Eating healthy? MAHA’s found a new diet to adhere to and well, it’s holy.

📈 Your wallet is feeling the burn as the "Iran Tax" sends gas and grocery prices soaring.

⚖️ Utah author Kouri Richins receives 25 years to life for fatally poisoning her husband. Meanwhile, Alex Murdaugh’s conviction overturned after court clerk allegedly swayed the jury toward a guilty verdict.

👑 Kate Middleton is heading to Italy for her first big overseas trip since her cancer treatment.

🌍 Wait, did Netanyahu really secretly visit the UAE at the height of the Iran war? The Emiratis are denying it through and through.

🥗 Your "after-dinner" moves matter. These easy evening routines are a total game-changer for your gut.

🐊 Florida is closing the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center following intense legal scrutiny.

✨ E.L.F. Beauty’s co-founder is pivoting towards … God. 

👻 Instagram launches a new app. It’s lowkey giving Snapchat.

💡 Lights out! Science says this little sleeping hack is the ultimate for your health.

🚨 Dozens of snack brands are recalling products after California Dairies' powdered milk tested positive for Salmonella.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

✨The ‘Fountain of Youth’ is found in the front row of a theatre. New study shows regular artsy outings can slow your biological aging just as much as a trip to the gym.

🧠 Think your yawn is a sign of boredom? It may also be your brain’s way of taking out the trash.

⚠️ Stop! You’re unintentionally pouring gasoline on your morning cortisol spike. These seven common wake-up habits are basically keeping you anxious all day long.

🦵 Ever wondered why your legs start shaking like jelly after a tough workout? Take it as a signal from your body that it’s time to wrap things up for the day. 

🧼 Save your money — you can’t actually buy a “brain detox”. Neurologists say your brain has its own built-in clearance system, but it only works if you follow this one specific rule. BRB while we catch the Zzzs!

Fashion & Beauty

BEYOND THE MIRROR

👁️ Ditch the clump and embrace the "just stepped out of the shower" look. Wet lashes are the summer’s hottest vibe.

🧥 Master the art of the "in-between" season with these chic summer jacket looks that’ll keep your style game strong.

🧴 Still breaking out like a teenager? Dermatologists test every treatment so you can finally kick adult acne to the curb.

🪆 The latest must-have accessory is… literally you. Inside the "Mini-me" doll craze taking over your favorite celebrity's social feed.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

❤️ Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun are PDA-ing in Australia.

👀 Lisa Kudrow just dropped a major update on this cult-classic’s sequel. Are we ready?

🎤 Shakira, Madonna, and BTS will headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show this summer.

💘 Travis Kelce just spilled on the most "surprising" highlight from his London getaway with Taylor Swift.

📺 The first cast members for ‘The White Lotus’ season 4 are finally here.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

A new online trend is turning vape users into unofficial “vape sommeliers”, with blogs and retailers recommending vape flavors to pair with coffee, desserts, and even full meals. Supporters frame it as an extension of food-and-drink culture, while critics say it glamorizes vaping and makes nicotine products feel unnecessarily aesthetic. The trend is also raising questions about whether flavored vapes are becoming more lifestyle-driven than smoking-cessation-focused.

“If you want to be proud of yourself, then do things in which you can take pride.”

— Karen Horney