Russia has stated it will only accept collective security guarantees for Ukraine if they are negotiated with its participation and on an equal basis with countries like China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This stance rejects the idea of Western allies developing a plan to protect Ukraine without Moscow’s involvement, as this is viewed as a “road to nowhere”. Lavrov’s comments also reiterated a previous demand for a unanimous clause requiring Russian approval for any security guarantees, hindering progress towards a potential peace deal. Furthermore, Lavrov’s remarks and criticism of European officials indicate the Kremlin’s continued unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.
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During a recent statement, Trump lauded Netanyahu, referring to him as a war hero despite the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for war crimes. Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 individuals, including civilians, displacement, and famine. Despite reports of a shouting match between the two earlier this month, Trump has seemingly reversed course, praising Netanyahu and implicitly taking credit for the ongoing violence. This comes after reports of horrific torture and abuse of incarcerated Palestinians.
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A judge issued a temporary injunction against Texas’s new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This ruling, the third against such a state law, was in response to a lawsuit filed by Dallas-area families and faith leaders who argued the requirement violated the First Amendment. The ruling is expected to escalate the legal battle, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, as similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas have faced legal challenges. The court reasoned that the law would force teachers to answer questions about the Ten Commandments, effectively promoting religion in the classroom.
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Recent polling data indicates that California Governor Gavin Newsom has gained popularity among Democrats after launching social media attacks against Donald Trump. According to a POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey, Newsom leads Vice President Kamala Harris in a potential 2028 presidential primary within California. This surge in support is linked to Newsom’s combative stance against Trump, particularly through his online trolling campaign and introduction of the “Election Rigging Response Act.” While Harris has also shown some positive poll numbers, the contrasting levels of enthusiasm between the two candidates highlight the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party.
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Authorities are investigating an antisemitic display of flags discovered on the east side of Rockwall-Heath High School. The Heath Department of Public Safety removed the offensive materials on Saturday morning. Mayor Jeremiah McClure condemned the hateful act and assured the community that those responsible will face consequences. School administrators and police are treating the incident as criminal, urging anyone with information to come forward.
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After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump altered his stance on a ceasefire, despite previously advocating for one and ignoring calls from Ukraine and Europe. Experts suggest this shift indicates Trump’s increasing sympathy for Russia’s position, potentially undermining the peace process. A ceasefire, which Ukraine and Europe view as crucial to prevent further aggression and establish a basis for negotiations, would allow the front lines to freeze and the starting point for talks to shift. Without a ceasefire, experts worry peace negotiations could be jeopardized, especially given Russia’s unacceptable demands that include control over Ukrainian territories and limitations on Ukraine’s alliances.
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On August 18th, the Admiral Nakhimov battle cruiser was assisted by tugs out of the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia. The warship, which has been undergoing decades of modernization, is set to begin sea trials in the White Sea and Barents Sea over the next few months. Officially confirmed by the state-controlled information agency TASS, the Admiral Nakhimov will be armed with an array of advanced weapons, including the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile. This modernization project has faced numerous delays, with original plans for deployment in 2018 pushed back repeatedly. Ultimately, this warship will replace the Pyotr Velikiy, a vessel of the same class, in the Northern Fleet.
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Trump says Putin may not want to make a deal on Ukraine. That’s the crux of it all, isn’t it? All this time, there was the expectation that Putin was eager to end the war he started by invading Ukraine. The narrative seemed to be that peace was on the horizon, that this situation could be resolved easily. The whole idea of Trump “solving the problem on day one” seemed utterly ludicrous. It’s a reality that no one could have foreseen, yet it’s the reality.
The proposed plan seemed to be to wait and see for “two weeks,” then drag his feet to finally meet with Putin in three months.… Continue reading
A family’s life has been upended after a video of a Black man playing with his granddaughters in the park was shared by Tommy Robinson and weaponized by the far right, leading to racial abuse and false accusations of child endangerment. The family has received threats and been forced to live in fear, experiencing severe emotional distress and being afraid to leave their home. Despite reporting threats to the police, the family reports limited support. Law enforcement has advised against further sharing of the video or incorrect information.
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The Trump Justice Department is reportedly investigating the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for potential manipulation of crime data, as confirmed by sources and a social media post from the former president. This investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. attorney’s office in D.C., follows reports of an MPD commander being placed on leave amidst accusations of downgrading crime offenses. The probe marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the city and the Trump administration, which has previously criticized D.C.’s leadership for allegedly failing to address rising crime rates, despite city officials and public statistics showing a decrease in violent crime.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood