Hello! This is August 26, 2025.

Man Arrested After Burning U.S. Flag Near White House Following Trump’s EO

A man was arrested Monday evening at Lafayette Park near the White House after setting fire to an American flag, just hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating prosecution for flag desecration. U.S. Park Police confirmed the arrest for violating federal fire regulations but withheld the suspect’s identity pending formal charges. A video later surfaced allegedly showing the man, a self-identified Army veteran, declaring the act a First Amendment protest against what he called an “illegal fascist president.” Trump’s order directs the attorney general to pursue flag-desecration cases and revoke or deny visas for foreign nationals involved in such acts.

Morning Consult Poll: Newsom Rises Among 2028 Democrats

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has surged in Democratic primary polling for the 2028 presidential race, according to a new Morning Consult survey. Newsom now holds 19% support among Democrats and left-leaning independents — an 8-point jump since June. Former Vice President Kamala Harris remains the frontrunner at 29%, though her support has dropped 7 points since March. “Someone else” garnered 22%, while Pete Buttigieg registered 9% and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 6%. Other contenders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (4%), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (3%), Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (3%), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (2%), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (2%), and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (1%), trailed behind. Newsom’s rise was driven by strong gains among Gen X voters (+19 points), men, and white voters (+15 each). The poll surveyed 1,000 Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents from Aug. 22-24.

Judge Dismisses Wyoming Sorority Case on Transgender Member

A federal judge has again dismissed a lawsuit brought by former University of Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority members who challenged the admission of a transgender student. U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson ruled the sorority may define “women” as it chooses, citing bylaws that rely on gender rather than biological sex. Johnson dismissed the case with prejudice, preventing the same claims from being refiled in his court, though the plaintiffs may appeal. The lawsuit targeted Artemis Langford’s 2022 admission, alleging inappropriate behavior, but the judge said the court cannot override a private organization’s membership decisions absent fraud or bylaw violations. This marks the second time Johnson has thrown out the case, reinforcing his stance that “we are required to leave Kappa alone.”

Jefferies Sees ‘Golden Age of Utilities’: 5 High-Yielding Top Picks

Jefferies analysts say utilities are entering a “Golden Age” as AI-driven data center expansion fuels unprecedented electricity demand, making the sector more attractive to investors. With lower interest rates expected and steady dividends, utilities are positioned as both safe havens and growth plays. Jefferies highlighted five high-yielding stocks as top picks: Evergy (NASDAQ: EVRG), NiSource (NYSE: NI), Pinnacle West Capital (NYSE: PNW), PPL Corp. (NYSE: PPL), and Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL). Analysts see these regulated utilities benefitting from reliable cash flows, expanding load forecasts, and rising demand from Big Tech’s massive $417 billion 2025 capex spend. Each carries upside potential alongside dividend yields between 2.5% and nearly 4%.

Brokerages Bullish on S&P 500 Index Even as Tariff Headwinds Persist

Major brokerages are growing optimistic about the S&P 500’s outlook, citing resilient U.S. economic growth and strong corporate earnings despite tariff-related challenges. UBS Global Wealth Management and Jefferies both raised their year-end S&P 500 targets, pointing to recovering equities since April’s lows after Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. Optimism has also been fueled by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s signal of possible rate cuts at Jackson Hole. Analysts now expect U.S. GDP growth between 1% and 2% in 2025, though the gap between bullish Wall Street forecasts and companies’ cautious warnings on tariff impacts could determine the market’s trajectory.

Cannabis gummy poisonings surge among vulnerable group, experts warn

Reports of cannabis poisoning among children have skyrocketed, rising from 930 cases in 2009 to more than 22,000 in 2024, with over 75% involving minors, according to America’s Poison Centers. Experts say gummies, often resembling candy, pose a unique danger because children may consume entire packages, ingesting multiple adult doses. Doctors warn severe symptoms can include seizures, slowed heart rate, cardiac arrest, or even coma, though most cases are treatable with prompt medical care. Pediatricians emphasize that prevention requires treating THC gummies like prescription medications—stored in childproof containers and kept out of sight. Industry analysts note most youth use is declining in states with legalization, suggesting many poisonings may stem from unlicensed products.

Hydrate to Beat Stress

A new study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that even mild dehydration can worsen stress by raising cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Researchers split participants into high- and low-fluid groups and observed significantly higher cortisol spikes in those drinking less than 1.5 liters of water daily when exposed to stress tests. Chronic high cortisol is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and kidney issues. Notably, dehydrated participants often didn’t feel thirsty, but darker urine revealed fluid deficits. Experts stress that while hydration alone won’t eliminate stress, it’s a key part of broader management alongside sleep, diet, exercise, and mindfulness.