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

• Iran would not surrender, warns of ‘irreparable consequences’. 

• This simple fitness test reveals how long you’ll live. 

• UK sees rise in fillers, botox in public washrooms.

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Spill The News

Amid Trump’s Demand of Iran’s Surrender, Tehran Denies

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a sharp warning to the United States in a televised speech, declaring that the Islamic Republic “will not surrender” and cautioning that any military action by the U.S. would bring “irreparable consequences”. His remarks came in response to former President Donald Trump’s recent demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” marking Khamenei’s first direct response to the escalating tensions. “The Iranian nation stands firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace,” Khamenei said. “The Iranian nation will not surrender to anyone in the face of imposition.” He added, “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language… any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly cause irreparable harm to them.” The war brings forth a changed middle east.

Khamenei’s comments follow a high-level meeting convened by Trump on Tuesday to discuss U.S. policy in response to the deepening conflict between Israel and Iran. Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump wrote, adding that although Iran possessed “good sky trackers and other defensive equipment… it doesn't compare to American made.” In a follow-up post, he warned Khamenei directly: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there.” Minutes later, he posted a single phrase in all caps: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”. How Trump’s stance changed. 

The war rhetoric between the U.S. and Iran marks a dramatic escalation, raising concerns of potential direct conflict and drawing global attention to the volatile region. Israel-Iran war explained. 

Kraft Heinz To Stop Using All Chemical Dyes Till 2027

Kraft Heinz is phasing out synthetic food dyes from its products by the end of 2027, becoming the first major food company to formally commit to such a move. The change will affect about 10% of its sales portfolio, including popular brands like Kool-Aid, Jell-O, and Crystal Light, which currently use dyes such as Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1.

The announcement follows an April statement by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said he had reached “an understanding” with food manufacturers to eliminate artificial dyes by 2026. Kennedy, advancing his Make America Healthy Again agenda, has long blamed synthetic dyes for contributing to chronic disease. “The agency hoped to encourage food companies to remove the dyes voluntarily,” avoiding drawn-out regulatory or legal battles.

While Kraft removed artificial colors from its Mac & Cheese in 2016, experts warn that matching vibrant hues with natural alternatives could be costly and technically challenging. The company says no new products will use synthetic dyes going forward.

Brain-Dead Woman On Life Support Delivers Premature Baby

A baby was delivered via emergency C-section early Friday from a Georgia woman who had been declared brain dead and on life support since February, her mother confirmed.

Adriana Smith, 31, was about six months pregnant when her baby, named Chance, was born weighing 1 pound 13 ounces. “He’s expected to be okay,” Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, told WXIA-TV. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him.” Chance remains in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Newkirk said Smith experienced severe headaches over four months ago and sought care at Northside Hospital, where she was given medication and sent home. The next day, she collapsed, and doctors at Emory University Hospital found blood clots in her brain. Smith, then eight weeks pregnant, was declared brain dead.

According to the family, doctors said they could not remove Smith from life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban once fetal cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks. Newkirk said on Wednesday her daughter would be taken off life support on Tuesday. Emory University Hospital has not commented.

Click-Worthy

📉 For first time ever, streaming dominates US TV viewership.

🏃‍♂️ If you can do this simple fitness test, we might know how long you’ll live!

🏠 Her parents said she was home-schooled, she said she spent years in a dog crate

🚔 ICE detains New York mayoral candidate while escorting migrants.

💉 Fillers, botox in public toilets in the UK spark urgent safety warnings.

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and nonbinary Americans win class-action status in passport case.

⚖️ Weight-loss jabs might not work as well as trials.

🌋 Watch | Indonesia volcano eruption spews ash 6 miles in the sky.

📊 64 percent of Americans are opposed to Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’.

🎧 How did people decide it’s okay to wear airpods — everywhere, all the time!

Her Hustle

🙅‍♀️ Saying no at work is tough — but essential. Here's how to decline tasks without guilt, awkwardness, or burning bridges.

🌙 After-hours hustle is the new normal. Quiet nights now come with glowing screens, blinking inboxes, and unpaid overtime vibes.

House to Home

🏠 Cinematic interiors, bold color clashes, dramatic textures — designers go all out to prove maximalism is officially back in home decor and thriving.

🛏️ Cozy curves, vintage vibes, and warm tones are taking over bedrooms. Think reclaimed wood, soft linens, and timeless comfort.

The Fame Frame

👶 Megan Fox and MGK finally reveal what they really named their baby girl.

🔥 Glen Powell to star in Ron Howard’s sizzling firefighter drama.

💖 Taylor Swift cutely talks about boyfriend at children’s hospital visit. 

🚨 R. Kelly rushed to hospital after prison overdose — lawyers allege foul play.

👨‍👦 Chris Martin spotted with son after Dakota Johnson breakup rumours.

Go. See. Do.

🧘‍♀️ How To | Be more patient, as per therapists.

📺 Watch | The best TV shows of this year so far.

🍷 Drink | These red drinks to celebrate Juneteenth.

🍽️ Explore | Where to eat during summer time travel!

“I will not adjust myself to the world. I am adjusting the world to myself.”

— Ana Kasparian