Following President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to Washington, D.C., the city’s mayor condemned the intervention as unpatriotic and an overreach of federal power. The deployment, framed by the administration as a response to rising crime, has faced significant backlash, particularly due to its unprecedented nature and potential infringement on home rule. Despite a reported decrease in violent crime, the federal government’s actions include placing the city’s police department under federal control, though a recent deal partially reversed this. Subsequently, several Republican-led states announced they would deploy National Guard troops to the city, further increasing the federal presence.
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Europe is sending heavy hitters to Washington alongside Ukraine’s president to bolster Kyiv, and it’s generating a lot of discussion. The situation is clearly complex and charged with emotion, given the ongoing war and the shifting geopolitical landscape. Some view the presence of European leaders as a positive step, a show of solidarity and a necessary counterweight to potential moves by certain American figures. The idea is that these “heavy hitters” bring expertise, influence, and a commitment to Ukraine’s defense that can help offset the influence of those who might have different priorities.
However, there’s also a significant undercurrent of skepticism and even cynicism about the entire endeavor.… Continue reading
During an emergency conference in Bogota, Colombia, UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, argued against characterizing Hamas solely as fighters. Albanese suggested Hamas should be understood as a “political force.” Her assertion was made at a conference focused on measures against Israel, hosted by Colombia and South Africa.
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MSNBC host Antonia Hylton speculated that some of President Trump’s aides, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, appeared “frightened” after witnessing the closed-door meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the Alaska summit, the anticipated peace deal between Russia and Ukraine failed to materialize, with the summit being largely considered a failure. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul stated that the administration was not even attempting to spin the meeting’s outcome, suggesting it was a larger disaster than acknowledged. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.
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According to sources, Russia’s proposed peace plan, discussed by Putin and Trump in Alaska, involves Ukraine ceding significant territory in the east while Russia would relinquish small areas in the north. The deal also includes Kyiv withdrawing from Donetsk and Luhansk, and a freeze on the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Furthermore, the proposal demands formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the lifting of some sanctions against Russia, and a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO. Finally, Russia seeks official status for the Russian language and the free operation of the Russian Orthodox Church within Ukraine.
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In Washington, D.C., teenagers express feelings of unsafety stemming from the federal police takeover. Young residents, like a college freshman, reported feeling nervous and intimidated by the increased presence of federal officers. Despite the city’s prior increase in crime rates, including youth crime, teens shared that the federal government’s actions, described by officials as a hostile takeover, made them more concerned. Youth voices and youth advocates explained that the federal response is punishing the entire youth population for the actions of a small group, and that the focus should be on the underlying issues contributing to the problem.
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Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have made gains in eastern Donetsk Oblast, pushing back Russian troops and reclaiming several villages between August 4th and 16th. The Ukrainian General Staff has reported significant Russian losses in the area, including casualties and equipment destruction. However, Russian forces have also captured two villages and intensified attacks near other settlements, indicating a continued and evolving conflict. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces have successfully conducted counterattacks in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk areas, where fighting has become particularly intense.
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The Trump administration has taken several actions that appear to favor Russia, including berating the Ukrainian President, halting military shipments, and easing sanctions. These actions have been widely celebrated in Russia and have led to a perception that Trump has “no cards” to play. While Trump has expressed a desire to end the war, the lack of economic, military, or political tools being used suggests that his wishes can be safely ignored. Ultimately, the U.S. is dismantling its foreign-policy tools, and its ability to act effectively on the global stage is diminishing, leaving the country in a weakened position.
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National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of the president’s crime initiative may now be armed, though they are not authorized to make arrests. The decision to arm the Guard represents a shift from previous guidance, with the initial plan being for them not to carry weapons. The National Guard’s mission is to protect federal assets, support law enforcement, and deter crime. Over the weekend, several states announced they would also be deploying National Guard members to D.C. at the administration’s request.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has authorized the deployment of 150 Ohio National Guard members to Washington D.C. to support the D.C. National Guard. This action follows a request from the Secretary of the Army, and the Ohio National Guard members will conduct presence patrols and augment security. The deployment is part of a broader trend as other Republican-led states also send troops to the nation’s capital, driven by President Trump’s efforts to increase federal control over policing in D.C.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood