Hello! This is August 29, 2025.

Vance: Trump in ‘Excellent Health,’ But Ready if Needed

Vice President JD Vance told USA Today that President Donald Trump, 79, remains in “incredibly good health” with unmatched energy, making late-night and early-morning calls. Vance emphasized he is prepared to lead if tragedy struck but expressed confidence Trump will finish his term strong. The reassurance follows Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in seniors, which White House physician Sean Barbabella described as benign. Viral images of Trump’s bruised hand were attributed to minor irritation from frequent handshakes and aspirin use. Barbabella confirmed Trump “remains in excellent health.”

Lawyers Demand Release of Firefighter Arrested by DHS at Washington Wildfire

Attorneys are pushing for the release of a longtime Oregon resident arrested by Border Patrol while assisting with Washington’s Bear Gulch Fire, which has burned 14 square miles and is just 13% contained. The man, brought to the U.S. at age 4, had applied for a U-Visa after helping federal investigators in 2017 and has awaited approval since 2018. His lawyers say the arrest violates DHS policy, which bars detaining those applying for victim-based immigration benefits or conducting enforcement at emergency sites. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) blasted the Trump administration, accusing it of prioritizing raids over firefighting efforts.

WAPT Anchor Celeste Wilson Dies At 42

Celeste Wilson, a Louisiana native and weekend anchor at Jackson's 16 WAPT, died suddenly of a heart attack at 42. She had recently joined the station after work at other outlets and held degrees from Northwestern State University and Arizona State University. Colleagues praised her professionalism and warmth. The station said it is heartbroken and offered condolences to her family and friends.

Large-Cap Dividend-Paying Banks Explode Higher on Rate-Cut Hopes

Big money-center banks posted strong Q2 results and the sector index hit fresh highs as Wall Street bets on Fed cuts starting in September. 24/7 Wall St flags four high-yield blue chips: Goldman Sachs (2.15% yield; Wells Fargo PT $785), JPMorgan (1.87%; BofA PT $340), PNC (3.30%; BofA PT $196), and Wells Fargo (2.18%; Goldman PT $91). The piece suggests scaling in now and adding on any fall pullback, while noting tariffs/geopolitics as lingering headwinds.

US Jobs Report Will Test Market’s September Rate-Cut Bet

Next Friday’s August payrolls (+78k expected) is the first big data test of September: a soft print would likely cement a 25 bp Fed cut (futures ~89% odds) and could pull forward additional easing, even as a too-weak read stokes growth worries. Despite Nvidia’s mixed quarter, the S&P 500 sits at record highs on AI optimism—but seasonality looms (September has been the worst month over the last 35 years, avg −0.8%). Traders will key on unemployment and wage growth, while the Cook firing dispute adds a side risk around Fed independence.

Vitamin D Pill Linked to Slower Biological Aging in 4-Year Harvard Trial

In a randomized study of ~1,000 adults aged 50+, taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily cut telomere shortening to less than half that of placebo and coincided with fewer autoimmune diseases and lower inflammation, per The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers said 1,000–2,000 IU/day is “very reasonable” for those worried about intake, but most U.S. bodies don’t recommend universal screening or routine supplements; extremely high doses (>10,000 IU/day) risk toxicity, and diet, sunlight, and exercise still matter most.

Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Heart Attack and Stroke Risk, Review Finds

An evidence review presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting suggests adults who receive the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine have fewer cardiovascular events: across nine studies, vaccination was associated with an 18% lower risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiac events in adults 18+ (16% in those 50+). Researchers note most included studies were observational—so causation isn’t proven—and findings are preliminary until peer-reviewed. Shingles outbreaks themselves can raise cardiac risk, and the CDC already recommends vaccination at 50+ (and at 19+ for immunocompromised adults). The review was led by a GSK medical director; GSK makes Shingrix.