Hello! This is August 21, 2025.

California Loses Federal Sex Ed Grants Over Gender Identity Lessons

The Trump administration cut off California’s federal funding for sex education programs after the state refused to remove references to gender identity from its curriculum. The Department of Health and Human Services terminated California’s Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grants, citing lessons that distinguish gender identity from biological sex. State officials defended their materials as accurate and inclusive, while HHS argued such content is “not supported by science.” California has 30 days to appeal. President Trump vowed schools that defy federal transgender policies “will not be funded.”

Judge Blocks Expansion of Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

A federal judge issued an injunction halting expansion of Florida’s controversial immigration detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The ruling came after environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argued the project threatened wetlands, wildlife, and decades of restoration efforts. Detainees have reported squalid conditions inside the tent facility, which was quickly built to house up to 3,000 people. President Trump praised the center as a model for future lockups, but the court found it a joint state-federal project subject to environmental law. Florida may still pursue a second detention site elsewhere.

Trump Joins Police, National Guard in D.C. Streets

President Donald Trump walked alongside law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., praising the federal takeover’s impact on crime. He touted a week without homicides and promised to “make the capital perfect,” pledging park restorations and city beautification alongside security crackdowns. Trump compared the planned upgrades to his golf courses, vowing a complete facelift within a year. The move comes as local officials sue to block the takeover, calling it an abuse of authority under the Home Rule Act.

Top Dividend Stocks Offering 8% Yields Identified

A new analysis highlights four high-yield stocks paying 8% or more in dividends, appealing to investors seeking reliable passive income. The picks include: Ares Capital (BDC specializing in middle-market financing, yield 8.6%), CTO Realty Growth (REIT with 96% occupancy and 48 years of dividends, yield 9.3%), Plains All American Pipeline (oil and gas transport, yield 8.3%), and Rithm Capital (global asset manager with strong credit profile, yield 8.2%). Analysts rate all four as buys, noting potential upside as the Fed considers interest rate cuts.

Trump: MSNBC Is a Failure by Any Name

President Donald Trump ridiculed MSNBC’s rebrand to MS NOW, calling it a desperate attempt to “get away from the stench of fake news” and distance itself from poor ratings. The network will drop the NBC brand and Peacock logo later this year, relaunching as MS NOW under Comcast’s spinoff plan. Progressive staffers criticized the move as a “demotion,” while conservatives mocked it with nicknames like “Most Surely No One Watching.” MSNBC has struggled with viewership, averaging just 593,000 daily viewers in early 2025, and analysts warn the rebrand could further weaken its standing despite promises its editorial mission will stay intact.

Study Warns AI May Weaken Doctors’ Cancer Detection Skills

A new European study found that doctors exposed to AI tools for colonoscopies became less effective at spotting tumors on their own, with detection rates dropping from 28.4% to 22.4% after AI use. Researchers said continuous reliance on AI may alter endoscopist behavior, creating risks when the technology isn’t available. Experts stressed that even a small percentage change can impact survival rates for thousands of patients. Physicians urged for a balanced approach where AI strengthens doctors rather than replacing their judgment and pattern recognition.

5 Habits That Can Make You Happier

A new survey from Northern Illinois University suggests happiness can be cultivated through deliberate choices rather than outside circumstances. Experts highlight five key habits: embracing your true age, being someone’s best friend, increasing social interactions, starting new activities to stimulate the brain, and creating traditions that provide a sense of belonging. Research shows these practices boost psychological well-being, strengthen relationships, and improve overall life satisfaction. Happiness, they conclude, grows from daily effort and meaningful connections.