Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, June 25, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Trump and 32 allies meet at NATO Summit. 

• Packaging microplastics contaminate food.

• Party goers are joining the sober club — getting the best of both worlds.

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Spill The News

Trump, NATO Countries Arrive In Netherlands For Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump and his NATO counterparts are meeting formally on Wednesday for a high-stakes summit. It could either unite the world’s biggest security alliance around a new defense spending pledge or deepen rifts among the 32 allies. Leaders gathered in the Netherlands on Tuesday ahead of the summit, where NATO is expected to adopt a new target of spending 5% of GDP on defense. Trump has pushed for the increase for months, but not all members are aligned. The U.S. President is expected to tout the spending pledge as a personal win. “NATO was broke, and I said, ‘You’re going to have to pay,’ and we did a whole thing, and now they’re paying a lot,” he said. Why Trump is targeting Spain.

The summit is widely seen as an effort to keep Trump engaged in European security. While traveling to The Hague, Trump again questioned NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause, saying, “There are numerous definitions of Article 5.” But upon arrival Wednesday, he shifted tone: “We’re with them all the way.” NATO chief Mark Rutte sought to reassure allies, stating the U.S. was "totally committed" to the mutual defense clause, despite Trump’s earlier ambiguity. 

Other urgent global issues are also crowding the agenda, particularly a fragile cease-fire between Israel and Iran as well as ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. As he departed Washington, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “Now we’re going to NATO and we’ll get a new set of problems. We’ll solve a new set of problems.” Will Trump meet Zelenskyy?

160 Million Affected As Extreme Heat Hits U.S.

More than 160 million people across the U.S. and Canada are under heat alerts. New York City hit 100°F Tuesday, with Central Park hitting 99°F — its hottest reading since 2012 and breaking a daily record set in 1888. A massive heat dome is scorching over the U.S. and bringing a dangerous side effect: polluted air. Scientists warn that extreme heat and air pollution are increasingly converging, amplifying health risks on a warming planet. Which cities recorded highest temperatures?

“As climate change drives temperatures past record levels, hot and polluted days are becoming more frequent,” experts say. Extreme heat traps pollutants in place, while intensifying wildfires send smoke into the air, reversing decades of air-quality gains in parts of the U.S.

Due to high heat, dozens were hospitalized across North America. In Paterson, New Jersey, over 150 people fell ill during an outdoor school graduation Monday, prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency. In Washington, D.C., six concertgoers were hospitalized during a Stray Kids performance.

Zohran Mamdani Defeats Cuomo; Wins NYC Mayoral Primary

Assembly member Zohran Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had hoped for a political comeback nearly four years after resigning amid sexual misconduct allegations. Cuomo conceded on Tuesday night before ranked-choice results were finalized. “Tonight was not our night,” he told supporters. “Tonight was Assembly man Mamdani’s night... He touched young people and inspired them... I applaud him sincerely for his effort.” Watch.

Mamdani, 33, a self-described Democratic socialist, campaigned on affordability — promising free universal child care, city-run grocery stores, free bus service, and a rent freeze on stabilized units. Major takeaways from the race.

Celebrating on a Queens rooftop early on Wednesday, Mamdani declared, “A life of dignity should not be reserved for a fortunate few. It should be one that city government guarantees for each and every New Yorker.” He also vowed to block ICE deportations and make public transit “fast and free,” as a cheering crowd of mostly young supporters celebrated his win. What this means for Muslim New Yorkers.

Click-Worthy

💸 Nearly 2 million face wage cuts as student loan defaults loom.

🎵 More than 100 people attacked with syringe jabs at French music festival.

🥤 Microplastics from packaging are contaminating your food and drinks.

🚨 ‘Death trap’ Gaza aid leaves over 40 Palestinians dead.

💊 Would taking a supplement really fix your libido?

🇺🇸 Trump swears over Iran-Israel ceasefire violations; strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months, not damaged.

🥂 The new sober club: People are raving early, rising earlier, regretting nothing.

🔥 “Don’t take out your anger on me,” AOC and Trump exchange fire. 

💍 Why Jeff Bezos changed his Venice wedding plans. (It wasn’t the protests.)

🚗 Tesla’s Robotaxis under scrutiny for issues like speeding, swerving into wrong lanes.

Her Hustle

🧑‍💼 Bosses love long notice periods — until you give one. Some could end up responding with guilt trips, rants, and unpaid overtime.

🗣️ Office oversharing is spiraling. Coworkers aren’t your therapists, and HR isn’t your diary. Boundaries are back in style. Read the room.

House to Home

☕ Your coffee table can do more than hold mugs. Think hidden compartments, sleek surfaces, and effortless living room upgrades.

🎨 Design lovers, brace yourself — this year’s biggest trend is furniture with flair and attitude, and yes, even your rug matters.

The Fame Frame

🧑‍⚖️ Diddy praises judge’s “awesome job” in his trial as defense seeks acquittal.

📈 World’s fastest-growing streaming service? It’s not what you think.

✂️ Selena Gomez gets bangs — says, “I’d regret it.”

💑 Are Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom still together?

🔄 Paramount+ renamed its showtime streaming service Paramount+ Premium.

Go. See. Do.

🍽️ Eat | 2025’s best restaurants across the world!

♻️ Use | Fruit and vegetable scraps that are actually healthy.

📺 Watch | Best shows on Netflix right now.

🎧 Listen | Rising pop girls you have to hear.

“Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the first step to power.”

— Glennon Doyle