Hello! This is August 18, 2025.

White House Highlights Record-Breaking Earnings And Stock Market Gains

The White House announced that U.S. businesses are reporting unprecedented earnings growth, crediting President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” for driving optimism. S&P 500 earnings per share jumped 11% over last year, with 84% of companies beating Wall Street forecasts — the highest in nearly four years. Investor confidence surged as 58% of companies raised guidance, pushing the S&P 500 up nearly 10% in 2025. References to “recession” in earnings calls dropped 84%, signaling fading economic fears. Analysts say Trump’s tax reforms are spurring investment and fueling record corporate performance.

Trump Targets Mail In Ballots And Machines

Trump says he will sign an order to ban mail in ballots and voting machines in federal races before the 2026 midterms. Law scholars note states run elections, so this would trigger big court fights. Backers argue paper ballots and hand counts can rebuild trust after years of errors and confusion. Opponents say the plan is costly, slow, and would cut access in places that rely on mail voting.

GOP Pushes Medicaid Changes Amid Coverage Fears

A new budget estimate says 10 million people could lose Medicaid under the Republican One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Democrats call it cruel and unfair, while Republicans argue most of those losing coverage either don’t qualify or can get other government health plans. The plan adds work requirements for some adults but exempts seniors, children, and the medically frail. Spending on Medicaid is still expected to rise 30% in the next decade.

Palo Alto Networks Tops Wall Street Forecasts

Cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks beat expectations with Q4 revenue of $2.5 billion and adjusted earnings of 95 cents a share. Bookings hit their best growth in two and a half years, and next year’s revenue outlook came in higher than analysts expected. CEO Nikesh Arora said AI is reshaping cybersecurity, making integrated platforms more vital than ever. Shares jumped as much as 7% in after-hours trading on the strong results.

MSNBC Rebrands as MS NOW After Split

MSNBC is dropping its old name and will now be called MS NOW as Comcast spins off NBCUniversal’s cable networks into a new company called Versant. Leaders say the change lets them build an independent news brand while keeping their editorial focus the same. CNBC will keep its initials but adopt a fresh logo after the split. The rebrand is set to wrap up by year’s end, marking the biggest identity change for MSNBC since its 1996 launch.

Valley Fever Cases Surge in California

California has already logged more than 6,700 cases of Valley fever this year, putting it on pace to surpass last year’s record of nearly 12,600. The disease comes from a fungus in dry soil, and cases often spike after droughts followed by rain. Older adults, people with weak immune systems, and certain ethnic groups are most at risk for severe illness, which can spread beyond the lungs. Health officials warn the fungus is here to stay and urge high-risk residents to avoid dusty areas.

Blue Light Not Always Ruining Your Sleep

For years we’ve heard that the glow from phones and laptops kills your rest, but new studies say it’s not that simple. Brightness, timing, and individual sensitivity matter more than the light itself. Some folks can stare at screens with no issue, while others see sleep delayed if devices are too close and bright at night. Experts say if screens bother your sleep, dim them, keep them at a distance, and wind down before bed—but if they don’t, there’s little cause for worry.