Your BRIGHT Week in Review
Plus: Red, White and Blue Picks for Summer
Photo of the Week
Supporters of Zohran Mamdani, the “socialist studies project,” celebrate getting another step closer to less freedom in New York!
Trump Torches Fake News on the World Stage
During a NATO summit press conference, President Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticized U.S. media outlets like NBC, CNN and The New York Times for questioning the effectiveness of U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Fox News reported Trump cited a statement from Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission, reading, “‘The devastating U.S. strike on Fordow destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility totally inoperable,’” and added, “‘We assessed that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities had set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons for many years to come.’”
He called the media “fake news” for “maligning” U.S. pilots, stating, “I got a call from Missouri… the pilots and people on the plane were devastated because (the media) were trying to minimize the attack.”
Additionally, Hegseth accused the media of spinning the news to “hurt President Trump or our country.” The strikes were described by Trump as having “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites. Hegseth had the quote of the press conference when he told NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell, “If you want to make an assessment at what happened at Fordo, get a big shovel and go deep, because Iran's nuclear program is obliterated.”
Watch the full press conference here.
The Great Wealth Transfer? Don’t Count On It
The Epoch Times reported that over the next 20 years, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are expected to pass down an unprecedented $124 trillion, with $105 trillion going to heirs, in what Cerulli Associates calls “the Great Wealth Transfer.” Bank of America calls it “the greatest generational transfer of wealth in history.” noting Boomers’ assets are “increasingly under new management.” But experts warn much of that wealth could be lost. Analyst Greg McBride said, “70 percent of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation.” Economist Laurence Kotlikoff added, “We don’t have any real evidence of altruism”—Boomers may simply spend it. Unlike their frugal, Silent or Greatest generation parents, Boomers are prioritizing living their best life, as well as dealing with higher health care costs.
From The Epoch Times:
In addition to leisure spending, Boomers are also facing much higher medical expenses, which could be the major factor consuming their savings.
“If you are like most Americans, health care is expected to be one of your largest expenses in retirement, after housing and transportation costs,” a 2024 investor report by Fidelity stated. “But unlike your parents’ generation, you won’t likely have access to employer- or union-sponsored retiree health benefits.”
Fidelity predicted that the average 65-year-old will likely need $165,000 in after-tax savings to cover health care expenses, up 5 percent from 2023.
“Boomers are living longer, and advanced age brings escalating healthcare costs, assisted living charges, and long-term care expenses,” Earle said. “Many Boomers, in the final years of their lives, may consume much of their accumulated wealth, leaving less or none to pass on.”
I highlighted similar research on retirement in my upcoming book, The Gen X Handbook for Middle Age. Save now, Gen Xers. Latchkey kids will be latchkey retirees. (Not that we expected it any other way.)
Blue-Collar Boom: Support for Trade Schools Grows
Call it the Mike Rowe Effect. A new report by the American Staffing Association finds that more Americans now recommend trade school over college for high school graduates. Higher Ed Dive reported that among more than 2,000 surveyed adults, 33% chose vocational education as the ideal path, compared to 28% for a four-year degree. Support for trade school was strongest among Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, while Gen Z was the only generation to favor college (36%). ASA’s CEO Richard Wahlquist said, “The time has come to radically rethink how we’re preparing America’s future workforce. Americans are clearly concerned that colleges and universities are failing to equip students with the workplace-relevant skills that employers need.”
Despite Gen Z’s preference for college, many are still drawn to trade school careers.
From Higher Ed Dive:
More than 40% of Gen Z adults are working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, according to a Resume Builder report. Workers said they’re choosing these jobs for better long-term options, higher pay and a lower risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence tools.
The labor market could face a “white-collar recession” as job postings decline for desk-based workers, according to an Employ report.
Although many Gen Z workers want to pursue skilled trades careers, they face challenges when trying to access critical training, according to a Dewalt report. Half of the students surveyed said they were placed on training waitlists, but once enrolled, they participated in internships, mentorship programs and real-world work experiences.
Science Says Pumping Iron Beats Cardio
A recent study suggested that beginning workouts with resistance training, rather than cardio, may be the most effective routine for burning fat. BestLife reported researchers tracked 45 obese men over 12 weeks, comparing two groups: one started sessions with strength exercises like squats and bench presses, followed by cardio; the other reversed the order. While both groups saw health improvements—including reduced body fat and increased lean muscle—the resistance-first group lost more overall and visceral fat. They also logged significantly more steps and gained greater muscular endurance and explosive strength.
Though small in scale, the study aligns with earlier findings that strength training boosts metabolism by building muscle, leading to higher calorie burn even at rest. Experts recommend prioritizing resistance workouts for fat loss, ideally in a 70:30 strength-to-cardio ratio. Alternating days or incorporating short cardio warmups can also help balance both benefits.
If you’re looking for a full-body, 15-minute workout to maximize the benefits of strength training bursts of cardio:
Red, White and Blue Picks for Summer!
I can’t help it — I love a theme. Here are some picks for Independence Day.
XX-XY Athletic’s Patriotic Collection will also keep you motivated to workout during hot temps. Use code LISA20 for 20% off!
Lilly Pulitizer Eira Midi Shirtdress at 50% off (btw, their annual sale ends today!)
Hollister Comfy Cloud American Flag Graphic Crew Sweater
Old Navy is always popular for Independence Day shopping for the entire family. I really like this subtle white and blue floral dress and this not so subtle stars swim dress.
For patriotic picnics and homes, Kohl’s has many options on sale. I’d also wear these Americana crystal hoop earrings year round.
Target is also a popular go-to for red, white and blue. No one has to know this Teddy Bear Flag Graphic Sweater is Target and not a $300 Ralph Lauren sweater.
Gap helpfully provides a red, white and denim edit. This Denim Tie-Front Smocked Waist Mini Dress is too cute and on sale. I’m obsessed with this linen-cotton bandana tote because… twinning!
