Good Morning!

It's Thursday, June 18, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Dad jokes might be holding your social group together.

• These five ways could effectively boost your gut health.

• This one trick might save you from binge eating!

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Top headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Trump-Iran Sign Peace Agreement

The United States and Iran have officially signed a historic memorandum of understanding to end their military conflict and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Remotely executed on Wednesday, the interim deal establishes a 60-day window to negotiate a permanent settlement, immediately freeing up Iranian oil exports and unblocking access to frozen assets in exchange for frozen nuclear activities. Here’s what the analysis of the deal. The agreement also mandates a total halt to hostilities on all fronts, explicitly including Lebanon. This provision has sparked heavy friction with Israel, which continues cross-border strikes against Hezbollah.  

At the G7 summit, President Trump fiercely defended the framework against hawkish critics. Brushing aside internal advisers who demanded the total elimination of Iran's ballistic missiles, Trump argued that Tehran must retain some defenses because "other people have some." While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains that previous allied strikes destroyed 85% of Iran's missile production, Trump noted the remaining arsenal is safely underground and poses no global threat. Detailed implementation talks are scheduled to begin Friday in Switzerland.

Wellness

Dad Jokes For The Win

When does a joke become a dad joke? When it becomes apparent. While these pun-heavy, groan-inducing one-liners often trigger eye-rolls, psychologists say they act as powerful social glue. UNC Greensboro professor Paul Silvia analyzed over 32,000 Reddit posts to crack the anatomy of the perfect dad joke. The winning recipe? A solid question-and-answer format driven by puns, literalization ("my calendar's days are numbered"), or pedantic derailments ("what’s blue and smells like red paint? Blue paint").

Experts note that humor isn't just about the physical laugh; it triggers a cognitive perspective shift that reduces stress and builds emotional resilience. Ultimately, sharing a classic, lighthearted dad joke fosters a unique "relational fusion" that deeply strengthens family bonds.

Exercise

Longevity ‘Sweet Spot’ For Weight Lifting

A groundbreaking 30-year study tracking over 147,000 adults has finally revealed the longevity "sweet spot" for lifting weights. According to findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, hitting the gym for just 90 to 119 minutes per week delivers the maximum lifespan reward per minute.  

Clocking this ideal dose of resistance training was linked to a 13 percent drop in premature death from any cause and a 19 percent reduction in fatal heart disease. Strikingly, it slashed the risk of dying from neurological conditions like Alzheimer's by 27 percent. While lifting longer yields no extra benefits, pairing those 90 minutes with regular cardio supercharges the effect, offering the ultimate protection against early mortality.

What's happening

US & WORLD

⚠️ A US military strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Pacific killed one person

💬 Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton blasted Joe Biden's 2024 reelection bid as a "terrible mistake" for his legacy and the country.

🧠 Luigi Mangione’s attorneys will use a psychiatric defense at his fall trial for killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. 

📋 Donald Trump postpones Jay Clayton's intelligence director confirmation hearing to pressure the Senate on bills. 

💵 The Federal Reserve unanimously held its benchmark interest rate steady, signaling potential rate hikes ahead. Dow Jones fell more than 500 points. But, Trump’s joking about suing Warsh.

In the know

DON’T MISS

😅 Gross but true: math shows humans are likely drinking heavily recycled pee every day.

🧠 Next time you feel a sudden craving, try waiting exactly five minutes before reaching for the kitchen cabinet. Dietitians say this brief pause does something fascinating to your brain.

🍽️ The last major US airline offering free economy meals is officially axing the perk.

📦 Officials have sealed “America’s Time Capsule,” containing 200 artifacts, ahead of its July 4 Philadelphia burial. 

💔 Loneliness affects one in six people worldwide, but a new study proves it has almost nothing to do with actually being alone. So, what’s driving it then? You can thank a specific distorted thinking pattern for that.

📋 If you’ve ever caught yourself narrating your day out loud to an empty room, don’t worry, you aren’t losing it. This activity might even help you concentrate better in the long run. 

🏃‍♂️ Cognitive decline might feel inevitable as you age, but neuropsychologists say you have a lot more control than you think. It all comes down to these five non-negotiable daily habits.

🥬 A top gastroenterologist says you should start putting kimchi in your morning oats, and yes, she’s serious. If that’s not your thing, here are the other ways to get fermented foods into your diet.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Clothing-rental services like Nuuly have made it easier for young women to wear new styles without buying them outright. Fans say subscriptions save money, work for changing bodies, and eliminate buyer’s remorse. Critics argue that constantly rotating clothes can make personal style feel disposable and may not be as sustainable as advertised. The trend raises a bigger question: is convenience replacing commitment, even in our closets?

“Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.”

— PT Barnum