Keeping Up With America

Airbnb Co-Founder Joe Gebbia Tapped to Fix Federal Websites
The White House named Gebbia Chief Design Officer to overhaul thousands of clunky .gov sites by 2026. 

Chicago Officials Push Back on Possible National Guard Deployment
City leaders say they weren’t consulted after Trump said Chicago could be “next” in the federal crime crackdown. 

Deportation Case Draws Scrutiny After Man Nearly Sent to Uganda
Lawyers say Kilmar Abrego Garcia faced removal to a country where he has no ties; the case spotlights due-process concerns. 

Scientists Say Politics Is Squeezing U.S. Research
Researchers describe heightened political pressure on federal science since January. 

FBI Searches John Bolton’s Home in Classified-Docs Probe (Video)
Agents removed boxes during an Aug. 23 search tied to records handling, ABC reports. 

Around the World

Gaza: 33 Killed as Fighting Intensifies; Famine Fears Grow: Aid groups warn of catastrophic hunger as strikes intensify around Gaza City.

Zelenskyy Urges the Global South to Press Russia: Kyiv seeks broader diplomatic leverage as front-line battles grind on. 

Some European Postal Services Halt U.S. Parcels Amid Tariff Shift : Confusion over duty-free rules pauses cross-border packages. 

China Stocks Surge Despite Economic Strains, Stoking Bubble Warnings: A rally in equities contrasts with weak data and property woes. 

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​Intel’s ‘Equity’ Deal: Much of the Money Was Already Granted: TechCrunch says the splashy new federal stake leans on prior subsidies. 

OpenAI Warns Startups About SPV ‘Kickbacks’: Memo cautions founders against certain special-purpose vehicles. 

Apple Sues Ex-Employee Over Apple Watch Trade Secrets: Lawsuit alleges sensitive info was passed to a rival.

Meta Licenses Midjourney’s AI Image/Video Tech: Deal aims to bolster future generative products.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Dietitian’s One-Step Anti-Inflammation Habit: “Add color to every meal.” Aim for 2+ colors per plate (berries, tomatoes, leafy greens, peppers), use the ½-plate veg / ¼ protein / ¼ starch template, cook with olive oil, and layer spices (turmeric+black pepper, ginger). Easy swaps: chips → carrots + hummus, soda → sparkling water + citrus, white toast → whole-grain.

How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Financial Pro Breaks It Down: Three common targets (replace 80–90% of income, save 12× salary, or hit $1M) each have pros/cons. Run your own math using a 4% withdrawal stress test, then adjust for taxes (Roth vs. traditional), Social Security timing, and variable spending in early retirement. 

Flu Season Starts Soon: Shot or FluMist?: Clinicians recommend vaccinating in Sept–Nov; the needle-free FluMist nasal spray is an option for eligible patients (ask your provider). Consider pairing with other routine vaccines if due.

Blue Bell Recalls Moo-llennium Crunch for Undeclared Allergens: Check lids/labels if you bought recently; undeclared tree nuts raise serious allergy risk. Don’t eat recalled lots—return or discard and contact the company for guidance. 

Mortgage Rates Today: Bankrate’s tracker shows the 30-year fixed ~6.63% today (Sat, Aug 23). If you’re ≤30–45 days from closing, consider locking and ask about a float-down. Compare same-day APRs, confirm lock length/extension fees, and calculate a points break-even before you buy the rate down. 

AAA Gas Prices: National Average Today: $3.149/gal as of Aug 23. Road-tripping? Top off before peak weekend demand, use apps to route cheaper stations, and check tire pressure—every 1 psi under-inflated can trim fuel economy. 

Over 50? This Move Beats Running for Belly Fat: Prioritize compound strength: a goblet squat-to-press (plus farmer’s carries) 3×/week, 3–4 sets × 8–10 reps. Go slow on the descent, press tall, and progress weekly (heavier bell or extra reps). Pair with incline walks, 7–8 hrs sleep, and protein ~1.0–1.2 g/kg/day to protect muscle while trimming fat.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Aces 91, Mystics 81: Vegas wins its 10th straight behind A’ja Wilson’s 36 & 13 after erasing a 15-point hole.

Red Sox 12, Yankees 1: Boston routs New York in the Bronx; Garrett Crochet fans 11 as the Sox make it eight straight over the Yanks.

US Open Fan Week Sets Attendance Record: USTA says 239,307 fans came through the gates over six days—best Fan Week ever.

‘Emily in Paris’ Crew Member Dies on Set in Venice: Assistant director Diego Borella, 47, collapsed during Season 5 filming; production briefly paused.

Norman Reedus’ Son, Mingus, Arrested in NYC: NYPD says he was charged with assault and obstruction of breathing after an incident in Manhattan.

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Quick Mood Lift, No Workout Required
Clinicians suggest five easy endorphin boosters (yes, a little dark chocolate makes the list).

Coffee Creamer Reality Check
Skip the sneaky sugar bombs; two swaps can cut 100+ calories from your morning cup.

Sneaky Sugar Bombs Hiding in “Healthy” Foods
New Consumer Reports rundown (Aug 23, 2025): ketchup (~4g per tbsp), flavored yogurt, and some granolas/bars can pack more added sugar than you’d think.

Quick fixes: pick unsweetened or “no added sugar” versions, top plain Greek yogurt with fruit, and scan the Added Sugars line on labels to compare brands.