Hello! This is August 28, 2025.

Federal Judge Orders Shutdown of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility

A federal judge has ordered the immigration detention center in Florida’s Everglades, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” to proceed with closure by late October. Judge Kathleen Williams rejected requests from Florida and the federal government to pause her ruling, which stemmed from a lawsuit claiming the project violated environmental review laws. State officials expect detainee numbers to drop to zero within days. Border czar Tom Homan defended the facility as “clean” and well-equipped, while DHS condemned the decision as harmful to immigration enforcement. The Trump administration is expected to appeal, but an appellate court stay would be required to delay the closure.

US Refuses to Join UN Human Rights Review

The U.S. announced it will not participate in the United Nations’ periodic review of its human rights record, rejecting what officials called the UN Human Rights Council’s “failure to condemn egregious violators” like Venezuela, China, and Sudan. The Trump administration had already withdrawn from the council in February and says joining the review would undermine that stance. Rights advocates blasted the move as a blow to U.S. credibility, warning it gives abusive regimes cover to avoid scrutiny. The U.S. had been due to submit its report in November.

Idaho Victims’ Families Seek to Block Release of Crime Scene Photos

Families of two University of Idaho students killed in the 2022 quadruple murder have asked a judge to permanently block release of additional crime scene images, even in redacted form. The request comes after Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to life without parole. Parents argue that more photos would retraumatize loved ones, with one family writing, “seeing a redacted photo is just as traumatizing.” A judge extended a temporary injunction to protect all victims’ families while considering the case. City attorneys say state law limits exceptions, but acknowledge the release could cause distress.

3 Monthly Dividend ETFs Could Yield $10K Income with $883K Investment

24/7 Wall St. highlights three high-yield funds that could generate roughly $10,000 per month in income with an $883,652 investment. The NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) yields 14.29% using covered calls, while the NEOS Real Estate High Income ETF (IYRI) yields 10.82% with REIT exposure and options overlays. The PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI), a leveraged closed-end fund investing in bonds and mortgage securities, offers a 15.64% yield but has dropped 41% since 2020. Analysts say upcoming Fed rate cuts could support recovery and sustain payouts.

Could 2025–27 Bull Market Echo Trump-Era Gains?

Newsmax columnist George Mentz argues that today’s economic backdrop may mirror the powerful 2017–19 “Trump bull market,” when tax cuts, deregulation, and low inflation fueled double-digit equity gains. Then, tech led with a 103% surge, while small- and mid-caps also rose strongly. Looking forward, Mentz points to Trump-brokered peace deals, tariff reductions by 47 nations, cheaper energy, and Fed rate cuts as catalysts for another broad expansion. With global demand rising and undervalued international markets, he predicts a cycle resembling the last period of pro-growth policies and relative peace.

Contaminated Oysters Linked to Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Louisiana, Florida

Health officials confirmed two new deaths tied to Louisiana-harvested oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacterium. The outbreak has now caused six deaths in Louisiana and five in Florida this year. Most cases come from eating raw shellfish, though the bacteria can also enter open wounds in coastal waters. Officials warn vulnerable groups—such as the immunocompromised or those with liver disease—face the greatest risks. Roughly one in five vibriosis infections are fatal, sometimes within days. Doctors urge avoiding raw oysters in warm months and ensuring shellfish come from safe, regulated sources.

Sense of Purpose Shields Against Dementia

A new study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found adults with a strong sense of purpose had a 28% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The effect held across all racial and ethnic groups, even for those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s. Researchers tracked over 13,000 U.S. adults and found those with greater life purpose experienced delayed cognitive decline, averaging 1.4 months later onset over eight years. Experts say purpose can be nurtured through relationships, volunteering, faith, hobbies, and helping others — offering a free, safe way to protect brain health as people age.