Hello! This is August 9, 2025.

Feds Ordered To Delete Employee COVID Vaccine Records

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has told all federal agencies to erase records of employees’ COVID-19 vaccination status, mandate noncompliance, and exemption requests. The move, part of the Trump administration’s rollback of pandemic-era policies, prohibits using vaccine history in hiring, promotions, or discipline. Agencies must remove the data within 90 days unless workers opt out and certify compliance by September 8.

Texas GOP Halts Pay For Democrats Who Fled State

Texas House Republicans have suspended direct deposit pay for lawmakers until enough members return to restore a quorum. Several Democrats left the state to block a GOP redistricting plan that could flip up to five congressional seats from Democrat to Republican. Leaders have also sought FBI help to bring absent members back and are considering firing legislators who refuse to attend.

Cuomo Pressures NYC Mayoral Rival Over Rent-Stabilized Home

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling on mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to give up his $2,300-a-month rent-stabilized apartment, saying it should go to a low-income family. Cuomo claims Mamdani, who earns a six-figure salary and owns property abroad, is taking advantage of housing meant for those in need. The two will face off in the general election after Cuomo lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.

Five Dividend Stocks Offer High Yields And Value

Analysts highlight five large-cap companies with strong dividends that are trading at attractive prices: Conagra Brands, Ford, LyondellBasell, Pfizer, and UPS. Each offers yields between 5% and 10% and has underperformed peers this year, presenting potential value for income-focused investors. Experts say these stocks could provide steady passive income along with room for price gains in the second half of 2025.

DOJ, Greystar Settle In Rent Price-Fixing Lawsuit

The Justice Department has reached a proposed settlement with Greystar, the nation’s largest landlord, over allegations of rent price-fixing tied to RealPage’s revenue software. The deal would bar Greystar from using algorithms that incorporate competitors’ sensitive data or from sharing such information directly. While denying wrongdoing, Greystar agreed to the terms, which DOJ officials say aim to protect working-class renters from inflated housing costs.

Viking Diet Gains Modern Popularity With Healthy Twist

The “Viking” or Nordic diet, inspired by Norse eating habits from the 8th to 11th centuries, is seeing renewed interest for its focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Staples include vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and meat, but experts warn its high saturated fat and sodium levels could pose heart risks. Nutritionists suggest adapting the diet by keeping its fiber-rich, natural foods while limiting alcohol, excess salt, and fatty meats.

Trump Considering Marijuana Reclassification

President Trump is weighing a plan to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, according to the Wall Street Journal. At a recent $1 million-a-plate fundraiser, Trump expressed interest in the change, which could expand medical marijuana research. Cannabis industry leader Kim Rivers of Trulieve was among the guests encouraging the move.