Hello! This is August 20, 2025.

Parents Push Camp Safety Reforms After Flood

Families of girls killed in July’s Camp Mystic flood in Texas testified before lawmakers, urging new protections for children at camps. Twenty-seven campers died when floodwaters swept through cabins built in a floodplain, a tragedy parents say was preventable. Their proposals include moving camp buildings out of danger zones, mandating evacuation drills, and requiring emergency alert systems. A Senate bill inspired by their campaign would set stricter rules to prevent another disaster.

Protesters Clash With Trump Officials at D.C. Guard

Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and aide Stephen Miller were heckled by protesters while visiting National Guard troops at Union Station in Washington. Demonstrators shouted “Free D.C.” and demanded the Guard leave the streets, while supporters countered with chants of “USA.” Vance defended the deployment, saying Union Station had been unsafe due to crime and homelessness, and claimed earlier D.C. crime stats downplayed the real situation before the federal takeover.

Chris Matthews Urges Dems to Refocus on Economy

Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews blasted Democrats for chasing culture fights instead of zeroing in on pocketbook issues. He said the party’s defense of open borders and transgender athletes in women’s sports helped sink them in past elections, calling those “80/20 issues” they can’t win. Matthews urged Democrats to run on affordability, interest rates, and inflation if they want a shot in 2026. Co-host Joe Scarborough agreed, saying voters want fairness and economic focus over distractions.

Four Dividend Stocks Yielding Over 8%

Analysts highlight four companies paying rich dividends that could deliver secure passive income for investors. Picks include Ares Capital, CTO Realty Growth, Plains All American Pipeline, and Rithm Capital—each yielding above 8% and rated Buy by Wall Street firms. These stocks cover sectors from real estate to pipelines and finance, offering stability with steady payouts. Experts say they fit well for retirees or income-focused investors, especially as interest rates are expected to ease.

McDonald’s Cuts Prices on Combo Meals

McDonald’s will roll out discounts on eight popular combo meals, cutting prices by 15% and introducing $5 and $8 specials. The move comes after weeks of talks between the company and its franchisees, with McDonald’s offering financial support to help offset the lower prices. The chain hopes the deal will ease pressure on customers facing inflation and boost sales traffic. Franchise operators had pushed for relief as food costs and consumer pushback on higher prices squeezed business.

Bindi Irwin Reveals Painful Battle With Endometriosis

Bindi Irwin shared that doctors removed 51 lesions, a chocolate cyst, and her appendix after 13 years of suffering with endometriosis. A “chocolate cyst,” or ovarian endometrioma, is a severe form of the condition where tissue grows on the ovaries, forming cysts filled with dark fluid. Experts say these growths can cause intense pain, fertility issues, and often return even after treatment. About 10% of women experience endometriosis, with up to 44% developing chocolate cysts. Treatment ranges from monitoring to surgery and hormone therapy, depending on severity and pregnancy plans.

FDA Approves First New Fibromyalgia Drug in 15 Years

The FDA has approved Tonmya, a non-opioid, once-daily sublingual pill, as the first new treatment for fibromyalgia in over a decade. Clinical trials with more than 1,000 patients showed Tonmya significantly reduced pain compared with placebo, with many reporting at least a 30% improvement. Side effects were mostly mild, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and oral discomfort. Developers say the drug offers a long-awaited alternative for patients seeking relief from the chronic pain disorder.