Exercise is great for both physical and mental health — but have you tried movement as a creative tool? Author Kelly Corrigan recently shared with NPR how short movement breaks (like taking a three-minute dance party or simply getting up from your desk) can ease writer’s block and burnout. Read her advice.
Must Reads
See the world from the International Space Station’s POV
Want to Attend the 2026 World Cup for Free? FIFA Is Recruiting Thousands of Volunteers
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Soccer fans — or football, if you’re going with the British term: With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, FIFA organizers are issuing a call for roughly 65,000 volunteers to help bring the tournament to life across North America. And the gig comes with the ultimate perk of getting to attend the event for free. For context, tickets for the late stage games at 2022’s World Cup went well beyond $1,000. From June 11 to July 19, matches will take place in 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including major hubs such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, New York, Mexico City, and Toronto — with volunteers supporting key areas like media, hospitality, and fan operations. Beyond being part of the world’s largest soccer event, volunteers will get official FIFA volunteer uniforms, meals during their shifts, and exclusive rewards. Check out the eligibility criteria and submit your application by Sept. 15, 2025. Good luck!
Together With Gundry MD
Don’t Make This Breakfast Mistake
Fruit can be one of the healthiest things you put into your body, but many people are guilty of making this single breakfast mistake that may counteract fruit’s health benefits. Some fruits can help with occasional constipation and reduce bloating, but others can wreak havoc on your digestive system and energy levels. In the viral presentation linked below, world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Steven Gundry showcases the three fruits to be aware of. Eliminating these could help increase energy levels, decrease brain fog, and support digestion.
Parisians and Tourists Flock to the Newly Swimmable Seine River as Temps Soar
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Last month, Paris opened the Seine River for public swimming for the first time since the 1920s. And the timing couldn’t be better, as a heat wave is now sweeping the City of Light, bringing locals and tourists together to cool off in what might be the most postcard-worthy public swimming hole. “Imagine that,” Constanze Martens, a visitor from Mexico, told the Associated Press. “Swimming with [a] view of the Eiffel Tower and in pure natural water, clean, safe, and with all this lovely people too, you have every age here.” The open Seine is the result of a major cleanup effort, which cost around $1.6 billion and was accelerated by the 2024 Paris Olympics. While some remain cautious due to the river’s murky appearance and past pollution issues, officials ensure the three designated public swimming sites are continuously tested and monitored for safety. Since July 5, over 40,000 people have taken a dip in the iconic river, and the sites are scheduled to be open through the end of August. Fingers crossed they’ll return for summer 2026 — Paris same time next year, anyone?
Culture
“The Age of Dungeons & Dragons”: How the Game Is Bringing People Together at Live Events
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Even if you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons, you’ve probably heard of the spell-casting, role-playing game. But what you may not know is that the game doesn’t have to be played at a table with friends — it’s also become a live attraction, packing venues with thousands of fans ready to watch players throw fireballs and battle monsters. Think: a mashup of live improv theater and a classic fantasy adventure play. These events take place in major stadiums (including a sold-out show at New York’s Madison Square Garden), as well as live streamed sessions that can garner millions of views. Players roll dice, make impromptu decisions, and often dress up to bring the spectacle to life while attendees immerse themselves in an imaginary world for a few hours. Suz Pontillo, who attended a Seattle show, told NPR the game is a reminder to adults that, “It’s OK to be silly and have fun and continue to storytell and fantasize and dream and create.” And it’s clearly more than meeting a cultural need, as D&D continues to soar in popularity — inspiring movies, novels, podcasts, and even a parenting book. “It’s bigger than it’s ever been,” said Brennan Lee Mulligan, host of Dimension 20, a show that puts on D&D spectator events.“This is the age of Dungeons & Dragons.”
In Other News
Three dire wolves bred for a de-extinction project all met for the first time — see them play like old pals (read more)
The first treatment for bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease, was approved by the FDA (read more)
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket lifted off in its inaugural national security mission (read more)
Mystery solved? A plague that spreadfrom Europe to Asia mystified researchers for millennia — until now (read more)
Attention, hygiene‑minded friends: Meet the smart door handle that disinfects itself (read more)
Organization We Love
Tuesdays for Trash Founded by two youth activists during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tuesdays for Trash is a grassroots environmental movement that encourages individuals to dedicate some time each week to cleaning up their communities. Five years later, #TuesdaysforTrash spans six continents, with participants in more than 60 countries who have collectively removed 50 tons of trash.
Quilt shop owner Connie Kortz wanted to do something to support families affected by the deadly Texas floods last month, so she turned to fabric, thread, and her community. With the help of volunteer quilters across the country, she’s been making poppy quilts to give to those who could use a little reminder that they are loved. “What is a quilt, but a hug?” she said. Learn how to support the kind effort.
Photo of the Day
Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
That’s out of the park — and into the history books! On Tuesday, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets belted a two-run homer that marked the 253rd of his career, making him the all-time Mets home run leader. He didn’t rest on his laurels either, as just three innings later he hit another to break his own (brand-new) record.
With Case Kenny
It can be easy to get caught up in what could be instead of focusing on what simply is. That’s not to say having ambitious goals for the future isn’t important, but let this be your reminder to soak up the joys of the present moment, too.
Brad’s Deals:The Amazon Prime Perks You Might Not Know About
Free shipping and exclusive shows and movies are reason enough for most of us to join Amazon Prime. But if those popular perks don’t cut it, there are many lesser-known incentives that might finally convince you to sign up. The experts at Brad’s Deals uncovered these hidden Prime perks that many members don’t even know they have access to.
