Good Morning!

It's Monday, June 23, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• The U.S. struck three major Iranian nuclear facilities. 

• How powerful could the new-age weight loss drugs be?

• Pakistan to pick Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.

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U.S. Strikes Iran, Entering Middle-East War

The U.S. military launched major airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump announced late Saturday, calling it “Operation Midnight Hammer”, marking a sharp escalation that directly entangles the U.S. in the regional conflict. Trump said the “very successful attack” targeted three sites, including the underground Fordow enrichment facility. “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,” he posted on social media. “All planes are safely on the way home.” A timeline of the attack. 

Speaking from the White House with VP JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, (watch) Trump warned Iran against retaliation, saying, “There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last days.” He added that future targets would be “easier to hit”. How did Congress react to the attack? After the attack, the security was ramped up across U.S. cities, ranging from NYC to LA. How have the countries around the world and their leaders react.

Responding to the U.S. airstrikes, Iran warned of serious repercussions while showing initial restraint. “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who also leads Iran’s nuclear negotiations. “Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people,” he posted on X, calling the strikes “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.” He urged the international community to take notice, saying, “Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed. How Trump decided to hit Iran.

Amidst the escalating tensions, Iran is likely to move towards shutting the Strait of Hormuz, which is a significant global oil choke point. As oil prices jumped after American airstrikes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to prevent Iran from closing the critical shipping route. The three unknowns that remain after the strikes. 

Record-Setting Heat Wave To Blanket Most Of America

A dangerous heat wave is sweeping across the U.S. as summer begins, with a heat dome forming over the central states and expanding into the Midwest and Northeast through next week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat advisories and warnings for much of the central U.S., with parts of the East on heat watch. Temperatures are expected to soar past 90°F across much of the country east of the Rockies, topping 100°F in Denver and approaching triple digits in cities like Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and D.C. Some areas in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains could set record-high minimum temperatures, with more heat records possible in the East next week. How to stay cool and safe in a heat wave?

In New York City, the NWS has issued an extreme heat warning from noon Sunday through 8 p.m. Tuesday, citing dangerous conditions, especially for the elderly and those without air-conditioning. “Heat like this can kill,” NYC Emergency Management warned. “It is the deadliest weather hazard we face.”

Tesla Launches Robotaxi Service

Tesla launched a limited version of its self-driving taxi service, Robotaxi, on Sunday in Austin, Texas — a key test of Elon Musk’s vision to make autonomous ride-hailing mainstream and massively profitable. The pilot is restricted to select users on specific streets, with safety monitors in the front seat and no service during bad weather, according to Tesla’s invitation.

“As an Early Access rider, you will be among the first to use our new Robotaxi app and experience an autonomous ride within our geofenced area in Austin,” read an invite posted by Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt. Everything to know about Robotaxis. Tesla fans with large social media followings shared videos on Sunday after being invited to test the company’s new Robotaxi service. What were the first reactions? 

Tesla’s trillion-dollar valuation hinges on Musk’s promise that AI will soon let its EVs drive themselves on most roads. The Austin rollout marks the first real test of whether that promise holds up. This comes as Tesla faces slumping global sales. In April, the company promised to start producing a more affordable model by late June to boost demand — but with the month nearly over, no prototype has been revealed and preorders haven’t begun.

Click-Worthy

🕵️‍♂️ ‘Felt like kidnapping’: Columbia grad and pro-Palestine activist Mahmood Khalil after spending over 3 months in ICE detention. 

🏅 Pakistan to nominate President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

📱 Over 16 billion Facebook, Meta, and Google accounts passwords leaked online.

💊 How powerful could the next weight-loss drugs be?

🧑‍⚖️ Gen Z voters are sharply divided, with younger teens leaning Republican.

📚 Trump administration wants California to make this key change to its sex ed program.

⚖️ The UK approves assisted dying law for terminally ill.

💍 With Bezos’ 2nd marriage around the corner, going-all-out comes under limelight.

😴 Chronic fatigue linked to blood, not inactivity.

🌍 Wait, your Android phone can detect Earthquakes?!

Her Hustle

🍼 Side hustles aren’t just trendy — they’re survival. From DJs to nannies, Millennials and Gen Z are grinding like it’s already a recession.

💰 Women are getting richer, investing smarter, and rewriting the rules of wealth — with calm, caution, and big-picture goals in mind.

The Glow Guide

👻 Still haunted by ghost-face sunscreen? The quest for cast-free mineral SPF is real — but science says it's nearly impossible.

💇‍♀️ Cloud curls are everywhere! This soft, airy hairstyle offers effortless volume and dreamy texture — your hair’s new selfie staple.

The Fame Frame

💼 Jennifer Aniston admits work‑obsession: “I’m not good at balance.”

🏆 Sabrina, SZA, and Adriana Grande win big at Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

💘 Another day, another Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce date night!

🎤 Miley Cyrus joins Beyoncé for a live performance on Cowboy Carter Tour.

🎖️ All BTS members done with mandatory military service.

Go. See. Do.

🌍 Explore | Five of the best European countries for summer!

🍽️ Book | Previously impossible reservations that are easy now.

🍑 Make | Savory recipes to make the most of summer fruit.

📚 Read | The hottest summer books.

"You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm."

— Penny Reid