Hello! This is August 23, 2025.

Trump Mobilizes National Guard in 19 States to Enforce Immigration Laws

The Trump administration is deploying up to 1,700 National Guard troops across 19 states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio, to support ICE in processing illegal immigrants. Tasks will include fingerprinting, DNA swabbing, and data collection. While officials stress the move is separate from Trump’s D.C. crime crackdown, the president tied it to his broader pledge to restore law and order, saying Chicago and New York could be next. Critics warn of growing militarization, but Trump insists Americans — especially in high-crime cities — are asking for his intervention.

Trump Launches Tariff Probe Into Imported Furniture

President Donald Trump announced a “major” investigation into foreign-made furniture, vowing tariffs within 50 days to protect U.S. manufacturers. He said the move will help revive the industry in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the plan, citing years of exploitation by overseas competitors. Furniture now joins wind turbines, copper, and other imports targeted under Trump’s national security-based trade agenda, part of his push to bring jobs back to America.

America’s Last WWII Ace Pilot Dies at 103

Donald McPherson, the nation’s final surviving Navy “ace” fighter pilot from World War II, has died at 103 in Nebraska. Flying F6F Hellcats off the USS Essex, he shot down five Japanese planes in the Pacific, earning ace status along with three Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Congressional Gold Medal. After the war, McPherson returned to Adams, Nebraska, where he delivered mail, led Scouts, and helped launch youth sports leagues. A local ballfield now bears his name. Family say he wished most to be remembered as a man of faith.

4 Safe DJIA Dividend Bargains After Record Highs

As the Dow Jones Industrial Average hits all-time highs, analysts highlight four dividend-paying stocks that remain undervalued and Buy-rated by Wall Street. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) continues to benefit from strong trading and investment banking revenues, trading at 14.9x earnings with a 1.8% yield. Merck (MRK), down 15% this year, offers stability in healthcare with a 3.7% yield and partnerships in oncology and HIV treatments. Travelers (TRV), trading at just 12x earnings, provides property and casualty insurance with a 1.6% yield. Verizon (VZ), one of the most attractive for income seekers, trades at under 10x forward earnings and offers a robust 6% yield. Analysts say these blue chips could weather corrections while delivering dependable income.

5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Retirement

Financial planner Bryan Kuderna warns that what you stop doing before retirement is as important as what you start. He advises against funding 401(k)s solely with pretax dollars, since taxes can surprise retirees; instead, build Roth savings for flexibility. Parents should stop financially supporting adult children at the expense of their own retirement security. Entering retirement with credit card debt is another trap, and Kuderna cautions against relying only on term life insurance, which may expire when it’s needed most. Finally, he says to avoid borrowing from 401(k)s, which reduces savings and risks tax penalties.

DNA Test Flags Obesity Risk in Kids

Scientists say a new genetic test can predict which children are likely to become obese adults as early as age 5. The study, published in Nature Medicine, used genetic data from over 5 million people to build a polygenic risk score (PGS) that forecasts obesity risk with twice the accuracy of previous methods. Researchers found kids with high scores respond better to weight loss programs, though they may regain weight faster once interventions stop. The tool, however, is less accurate for people of African ancestry. Experts say early prevention strategies—like diet and exercise—could help offset genetic risks.

FDA Approves Over-the-Counter Glucose Monitor for Weight Management

The FDA has cleared the Signos Glucose Monitoring System, which combines Dexcom’s Stelo biosensor with AI-driven insights to track how food, stress, sleep, and activity affect the body in real time. Marketed as a tool for weight control, Signos offers personalized recommendations to help improve metabolic health and lower disease risk. Subscription plans start at $129 per month, including all necessary sensors. With more than 73% of U.S. adults overweight and diabetes cases projected to reach 1.3 billion globally by 2050, Signos says its mission is to empower individuals to take ownership of their health.