Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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Early Sunday morning in Brooklyn, eleven people were shot inside the Taste of the City Lounge, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to eight others. Reports indicate that multiple gunmen opened fire after a dispute, firing at least 36 shots. Authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects, and the investigation is ongoing, as police examine surveillance footage and search for potential connections to a recovered firearm.
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Despite President Trump’s attempts to portray the recent summit with Vladimir Putin as a success, sources within his inner circle suggest a different reality, as one insider bluntly texted, “F–ked.” According to Trump biographer Michael Wolff, the summit resulted in significant losses for Trump, with no tangible gains achieved. The welcome given to Putin, including a red carpet and military flyover, stood in stark contrast to Trump’s subsequent “defeated” demeanor and silence during a press conference where no questions were answered. This outcome is particularly concerning, as Trump did not secure the ceasefire he initially sought, and instead, shifted his goals.
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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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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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John Q. Hosedrinker