Good Morning!

It's Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and in today’s edition of Rise & Recap, we look at:

• Ultraprocessed food is hurting your muscle health.

• This is the perfect time to have that morning coffee for better results.

• Skip “fibermaxxing”, run towards “fibertraining”!

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Top Headlines

SPILL THE NEWS

US News

Millions In Federal Aid Never Released

More than $200 million in federal funding intended for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking remains undistributed from fiscal year 2025, according to an analysis by The 19th. Congress allocated $713 million to the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, but only $472 million has been disbursed, with $36 million used for administrative costs. At least $204 million remains unallocated as of April 9. 

The funding supports programs for older survivors, campus dating violence prevention and culturally specific services. A Department of Justice spokesperson confirmed the figures but did not provide a timeline for distribution. An executive order issued in 2025 added additional approval requirements, contributing to delays in the grantmaking process.

Health

Ultraprocessed Food Hurts Muscle Health

A study published in Radiology found that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods is associated with increased fat accumulation in muscles. Researchers from University of California San Francisco analyzed data from 615 adults in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, using MRI scans to measure muscle fat. Participants who consumed more ultraprocessed foods showed greater intermuscular fat, regardless of body mass index, calorie intake or physical activity levels. 

Ultraprocessed foods include items such as sugary drinks, salty snacks and fast food. Increased muscle fat is linked to structural changes that can affect joint function and contribute to conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Researchers noted that further studies are needed to determine causation between diet and muscle fat accumulation.

Internet

Has The Internet Broken Our BS Detectors

The internet isn’t getting worse at lying, people are getting worse at catching it. Lego-style propaganda videos alleging war crimes are now produced in under 24 hours. Last month, even the White House posted two cryptic “launching soon” videos, only to delete them after online investigators began dissecting them.

At the same time, automated traffic now drives about 51% of internet traffic, pushing unverified posts faster than human fact-checking can keep up. Open-source investigators say they are often reacting after content has already gone viral, amplified by high-volume “super sharers”. On the other hand, verification tools are also shrinking. Planet Labs has halted satellite imagery access in parts of the Middle East following a US government request, limiting independent analysis. Meanwhile, newer AI models can generate near-photorealistic images, sometimes altering just a single detail inside an otherwise real photograph.

In the know

DON’T MISS

🔥 Trump attacks his favorite European PM after she calls out his attacks on Pope Leo.

🤔 Do we all need a two-minute morality check-in every day?

🌍 Rubio hosts Israel and Lebanon to hold their first direct talks since 1993.

⚖️ “I believe he drugged my drink,” another woman accuses Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexually assaulting her.

🏦 Trump’s Federal Reserve pick could be the richest in modern times.

🏥 Is this our worst nightmare? Florida surgeon removes a patient’s liver instead of their spleen.

💊 Two new drugs show potential to double survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients. Whereas, poll finds rising vaccine skepticism among Americans.

🤖 AI earbuds with camera telling users what they see? Ugh.

🌍 IMF warns escalating Iran conflict could trigger global recession, as diplomats scramble to arrange US-Iran talks.

Health & Wellness

FOR YOUR WELLBEING

☕ Love your morning coffee? Science says when you drink it could be the real reason you feel happier daily. So wait, when's the perfect time to have my espresso!

🥗 If your protein routine feels repetitive, small tweaks in sources could make it way more effective and less boring. Here’s over 10 best sources of protein that go beyond eggs.

🏫 England plans to ban deep-fried foods and restrict high-sugar items in schools under a sweeping overhaul of school meals.

⚠️ Fibermaxxing this, fibermaxxing that but can your stomach even take it?Before you get hooked on any diet, focus on “fibertraining”.

Decor & More

HOUSE TO HOME

✨ The bedroom staple you overlooked might secretly fix your bathroom’s lighting and storage problems, with surprising charm.

🎨 If your house still plays it safe, 2026 wants you braver. Curb appeal is getting less polite this year — think sunshine doors, moodier wood, and colors that spark joy.

👗 Custom closets feel like a splurge, until your space finally makes sense, and suddenly you’re in your Carrie Bradshaw era.

🌿 If your outdoors still feels like an afterthought, these sofas quietly turn patios into the most fought-over spot at home.

Hollywood

THE FAME FRAME

🎬 Sydney Sweeney seems to have moved on from American Eagle controversy in new ad.

🎤 Kanye West postpones Marseille concert as France explores banning his performance.

📱 Madonna just pulled this cryptic social media move. 

🎥 Bradley Cooper to write, direct, and star in Margot Robbie’s ‘Ocean’s’ prequel.

Interactive

WEIGH IN

Always In Crisis-Mode? You’re “Catastrophizing”

That spiral when your boss pings you or someone’s late home? Experts call it catastrophizing, a mental habit of jumping straight to worst-case scenarios. It’s common and rooted in survival instincts, but in today’s uncertainty-heavy world, it can quietly hijack your mood, decisions, and confidence. While occasional spirals are normal, constant worst-case thinking can become self-defeating, even limiting opportunities. The good news: small mindset shifts and tools can help break the loop.

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.”

— Khalil Gibran