Hello! This is July 31, 2025.

Trump Revives Presidential Fitness Test for Students in MAHA Push

President Trump signed an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test for U.S. students, a program phased out in 2012 under President Obama. Backed by HHS Secretary RFK Jr., the move is part of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. The new version mirrors the classic version, testing strength, endurance, and flexibility through sit-ups, pull-ups, and timed runs. Trump called it a return to American physical pride, while Kennedy Jr. cited his uncle JFK’s vision for a stronger nation through youth fitness.

Trump Demands Senate Skip Recess, Confirm All Nominees

President Trump announced Thursday that the Senate should remain in session until all pending executive and judicial nominations are confirmed. Over 130 civilian and 50 judicial nominees are currently awaiting action. Trump made the demand via Truth Social, emphasizing the urgency of clearing the executive calendar before any recess.

Arkansas Teacher Charged in Hiking Trail Double Murder

Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old former teacher, has been charged with murdering Clinton and Cristen Brink while they hiked with their daughters in Devil’s Den State Park. Authorities say McGann confessed to the random stabbing and DNA matched evidence from the scene. The couple’s young daughters were unharmed and helped police begin the investigation. McGann, who had previously resigned after complaints at a different school, is in custody and expected in court Friday.

Apple Smashes Earnings Expectations, Stock Rises on AI Optimism

Apple beat Wall Street forecasts in its fiscal Q3 2025 report, posting $94B in revenue and $1.57 EPS vs. expectations of $89.2B and $1.43. iPhone sales crushed expectations at $44.6B, and services revenue hit a record high. CEO Tim Cook emphasized Apple's AI ambitions and noted strong momentum in China. CFO Kevan Parekh confirmed increased CapEx tied to AI investments. Despite tariff costs and a tough 2025 start, Apple shares rose ~3% after hours.

Trump Demands Big Pharma Slash Drug Prices by Fall

President Trump has sent letters to 17 major pharmaceutical CEOs—including leaders at Merck, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca—demanding immediate action to cut prescription drug prices for Americans. The letters, posted on Truth Social, set a September 29 deadline for companies to adopt “most favored nation” pricing for Medicaid, apply that pricing to new drugs, and return excess overseas revenue to U.S. patients. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned the administration would use "every tool" to curb "abusive" pricing.

Rare Tick-Borne Powassan Virus Diagnosed in Maine, Sparks Health Alerts

A Maine resident has been hospitalized after contracting Powassan virus, a rare but deadly tick-borne illness that can cause brain inflammation and permanent neurological damage. The virus, which spreads much faster than Lyme disease—transmitting in as little as 15 minutes—has seen rising cases in the Northeast. No treatment or vaccine exists, with doctors urging tick-bite prevention as the only defense. “10-15% of severe cases are fatal,” warned experts, with survivors often suffering long-term health issues.

New Tool Reveals Americans’ Hearts Are Aging Faster Than Their Bodies

A new "heart age" calculator developed by researchers at Northwestern shows most Americans have hearts biologically older than their actual age — with men averaging a 7-year gap and women about 4 years. The free online tool is based on the American Heart Association’s PREVENT model and aims to help motivate healthier lifestyles. Black and Hispanic individuals showed the largest heart age disparities. “We hope this tool helps people better understand their risk and take action,” said lead researcher Dr. Sadiya Khan.