Hello! This is August 27, 2025.

Trump Orders Flags To Be Flown At Half-Staff To Honor Victims Of Minnesota Shooting

President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff through August 31 following a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church and school. The attack left two children, ages 8 and 10, dead during morning Mass, with 14 other children and three elderly parishioners wounded. The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, killed himself after the assault. Authorities confirmed Westman had posted anti-Trump and anti-religion messages online but said no clear motive has been established. Trump’s proclamation directed all federal buildings, military posts, and naval vessels to lower flags in memory of the victims.

Minneapolis Church Shooter's Mother Once Worked at Targeted Site

Authorities confirmed the mother of 23-year-old Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 17 others in a Minneapolis church shooting, had previously worked at Annunciation Catholic Church, the site of the attack. Westman, armed with multiple weapons, fired 50–100 rounds into stained-glass windows before killing himself. Investigators believe his mother’s past employment may explain his connection to the location. Principal Matt DeBoer said the tragedy shattered the school’s message of hope for the year, while Archbishop Bernard Hebda urged families to hold on to faith and take action to support victims.

DC Man Accused Of Hurling Sandwich At Federal Officer Escapes Indictment

A federal grand jury declined to indict Sean Charles Dunn, a former DOJ employee, for felony assault after he allegedly threw a Subway sandwich at a CBP officer in Washington, D.C. Dunn, 37, was caught on video shouting obscenities and striking an officer with the sandwich during Trump’s anti-crime crackdown in the capital. Prosecutors had sought a felony charge, but the grand jury refused, though lesser charges may still be pursued. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro vowed continued tough enforcement, saying, “Stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else.” Dunn was arrested, fired from his job, and remains under review for possible additional charges.

NVIDIA Stock Falls After Strong Q2 Earnings

NVIDIA posted $46.7 billion in revenue for the quarter, up 56% from last year, with earnings of $1.05 per share. Its data center sales grew but missed Wall Street’s high expectations. The company forecasted $54 billion in revenue next quarter, not counting sales to China restricted by U.S. policy. Despite a new $60 billion stock buyback, shares dropped about 3% after hours.

Labor Day Gas Prices Expected to Be Lowest Since 2020

GasBuddy predicts the average U.S. gas price will drop to $3.15 per gallon this Labor Day weekend, the cheapest in five years. Prices are down 14 cents from last year and well below 2023’s $3.77. Analysts cite higher incomes, lower pump costs, and the seasonal switch to winter fuel as drivers of relief, though risks remain from hurricanes, trade uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine. Nearly half of U.S. states saw recent price spikes due to refinery issues, but costs are expected to ease further into fall.

FDA Restricts COVID Vaccine Boosters to High-Risk Americans

The FDA has authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax only for older adults and people with serious health conditions, shifting away from universal recommendations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the move, saying it fulfills his pledge to end mandates, require placebo trials, and rescind emergency authorizations. The CDC had previously recommended shots for all Americans over six months, but now guidance stresses doctor-patient decision-making. The American Academy of Pediatrics still supports broad pediatric use, highlighting ongoing debate.

MRI Scans Show Talk Therapy Reshapes Depressed Brains

A German study published in Translational Psychology found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) produces measurable brain changes in severely depressed patients. MRI scans showed growth in the amygdala and hippocampus—areas tied to emotional regulation—mirroring effects seen with medication. After 20 therapy sessions, 19 of 30 participants reported major symptom relief alongside structural brain improvements. Researchers say this establishes the first reliable biomarker for psychotherapy’s impact, confirming talk therapy as an equally valid alternative to drugs in treating depression.