Keeping Up With America

U.S. Won’t Send Troops to Ukraine: Trump said American ground forces won’t be deployed and called NATO membership and retaking Crimea “impossible.”

DC Patrols Expand Beyond the Mall: A federal surge of agents and Guard troops is reshaping everyday life in neighborhoods like Columbia Heights.

Nebraska to Open New ICE Detention Center: Gov. Jim Pillen says a McCook facility will be converted to hold detainees awaiting deportation.

37 Security Clearances Revoked: The administration said clearances for 37 current/former national-security officials are being pulled.

Colorado Park Ranger Stabbed: Staunton State Park locked down as authorities search for a suspect; the ranger survived.

Bay Area Retail Theft Ring Busted: Multiple arrests and $380K in stolen goods recovered tied to T.J. Maxx thefts.

Around the World

Hamas Signals Ceasefire Terms; Israel Weighs Reply: A 60-day Gaza truce with partial hostage release is under review in Jerusalem.

U.S.–China Tariff Talks ‘Very Good,’ Treasury Says: Washington and Beijing eye next steps during a 90-day pause in tariff actions.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​CHIPS Act Twist: U.S. exploring equity stakes in chipmakers receiving grants; Intel deal talks intensify.

SoftBank Lifeline for Intel: $2B investment offers breathing room amid turnaround efforts.

Google to Pay $30M in YouTube Kids Privacy Case: Proposed settlement covers children under 13 from 2013–2020.

Tether Hires Ex-White House Crypto Adviser: Stablecoin giant taps Bo Hines for U.S. strategy.

Offshore Oil & Gas Roadmap Through 2040: Admin schedules 30+ lease auctions in Gulf and Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Rate-Cut Odds Stay Elevated - What That Means Right Now: Traders still price a high chance of a quarter-point cut on Sept. 17, with Fed-funds futures implying roughly ~80–90% odds depending on the snapshot you check. An economists’ poll also leans to a 25 bp move, while last week’s hotter PPI helped cool talk of a 50 bp cut. The next catalysts: July Fed minutes due today and Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks (Aug 21–23), which could sharpen guidance on pace and size.

Market Wrap - Tech Drags, Dow Steadies: S&P −0.6% (third straight dip) and Nasdaq −1.5% as AI names slid; the Dow was roughly flat after flirting with an intraday high, helped by a steady read-through from Home Depot, while Intel popped on SoftBank’s $2B stake headlines. Breadth stayed soft and volatility ticked up into Jackson Hole as traders trimmed risk.

I Bonds at 3.98% Through Oct. 31: Worth a Spot in Your “Safe” Bucket?: Series I savings bonds are paying a 3.98% composite rate (1.10% fixed + inflation) for purchases made May–Oct 2025. They’re state/local tax-free, but come with rules: money is locked for 12 months, and if you cash out before 5 years you forfeit the last 3 months’ interest. Annual purchase cap is $10,000 per person (electronic only), and as of Jan. 1, 2025 you can no longer use a tax refund to buy paper I Bonds, everything’s via TreasuryDirect now.

Bottom line: good for inflation-hedged, medium-term savings you won’t need for a year; not ideal for emergency cash you might need sooner. 

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Yankees Belt Nine Homers in 13–3 Rout: New York becomes the first MLB team with multiple 9-HR games in a season, blasting the Rays in St. Pete. 

Ohtani Launches No. 44 as Dodgers Thump Rockies 11–4: L.A. rolls at Coors; Ohtani’s 413-ft laser sets the tone early. 

A’ja Wilson Drops 32 & 12: Aces edge the Dream 74–72 for their 8th straight win in Vegas. 

Scheffler Seals BMW Comeback: Scottie erases a four-shot deficit and chips in late to clinch his 5th PGA Tour win of 2025. 

Kelly Clarkson Returns to ‘The Voice’ After Brief Absence: Resumes Season 29 taping after mourning ex-husband; production continues as scheduled. 

Aubrey Plaza Opens Up About Grief: On Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang,” Plaza discusses navigating life after husband Jeff Baena’s death in January. 

Austin Butler Says He Went Temporarily Blind: Actor recounts a frightening episode while promoting Caught Stealing in London. 

Tributes for Terence Stamp (1938–2025): The Superman II and The Limey star is remembered in obits and appreciations after his Aug. 17 passing.

‘Superman’ Closing In on $600M Worldwide: New tally puts the film around $594.5M as it eyes the milestone.

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Trim Your Wedding Budget (Without Killing the Vibe): A planner says most guests don’t notice pricey favors or premium bubbles, swap Champagne for Prosecco, pick a signature cocktail, and redirect cash to what people actually remember.

Cheese Recall Alert (Check Your Fridge Today): Multiple Camembert/Brie products, including items sold at Wegmans, were recalled for possible Listeria; compare lot numbers and toss or return for a refund. 

Fly Faster: TSA eGates Roll Out at ATL, DCA, SEA: New biometric eGates speed ID checks for CLEAR+ members while TSA keeps full control, handy if you’re traveling this month. 

Park Cash Smartly: HYSAs Still Paying Up to ~4.46%: Top high-yield savings accounts as of Aug. 19 offer ~4.3–4.46%—use for emergency funds and short-term goals while rate cuts loom.