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Putin Praises Trump Ahead of Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Alexei Danichev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered rare public praise for the Trump administration on Thursday, calling it “energetic and sincere” just one day before his first in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since 2019. The talks, set for Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, will mark Putin’s first visit to American soil in a decade.

Speaking to senior Kremlin officials, Putin said the current U.S. leadership is making “energetic and sincere efforts” to halt conflict, end crises, and work toward agreements “in the interests of all parties involved.” He described the meeting’s goal as creating “lasting conditions for peace” between the two countries, in Europe, and globally.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed final preparations for the summit are underway, noting the short notice of the meeting created logistical hurdles, including securing visas for the Russian delegation.

President Trump told Fox News Radio on Thursday his priority is to advocate for soldiers “being killed unnecessarily” and to encourage Putin to meet directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He hinted at a possible follow-up trilateral meeting with Zelensky that could happen immediately after the Alaska talks, potentially without either leader leaving the state. “We have a lot of planes,” Trump remarked.

Trump said he will know “in the first couple of minutes” whether the meeting will be productive but believes Putin’s willingness to come to Alaska signals a serious intent to reach a deal. If talks go well, the two leaders may hold a joint press conference. If not, Trump said he would brief the media alone before returning to Washington, D.C.

The president added that a successful first round could lead to European leaders joining negotiations in a second phase, with Alaska remaining a possible venue.

Sam Altman to Launch Merge Labs, Taking Direct Aim at Musk’s Neuralink

Brain to computer communication (Photo by AYDINOZON/Getty Images)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is co-founding Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup positioned to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. According to The Financial Times, the company plans to raise $250 million at an $850 million valuation, with a large portion of its funding expected from OpenAI’s ventures arm.

Altman, who launched OpenAI alongside Musk in 2015 before Musk left its board in 2018, will partner with Alex Blania, the founder of the eyeball-scanning ID project World, another Altman-backed initiative. While Altman will help establish Merge Labs, he will not take on a day-to-day operational role. The company’s name refers to the Silicon Valley concept of “the merge,” predicting a future convergence between humans and machines—a shift Altman has suggested could begin as early as 2025.

Merge Labs joins a growing race to develop commercially viable brain-computer interfaces, a technology expected to see rapid advancement as artificial intelligence evolves. Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, recently secured $650 million in funding at a $9 billion valuation, backed by investors including Sequoia Capital, Thrive Capital, and Vy Capital.

The launch of Merge Labs underscores the ongoing rivalry between Musk and Altman. Musk’s departure from OpenAI sparked years of tension, culminating in a lawsuit where Musk has attempted to challenge OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit model. The feud deepened in 2023 when Musk founded his own AI company, xAI, to compete directly with OpenAI’s models.

Breitbart News has reported on the Musk-OpenAI legal dispute, including a court filing from Musk’s legal team claiming he “does not use a computer.” This claim appears at odds with Musk’s own X posts, where he has shared photos of his laptop and commented on his personal computer setup.

Igor Babuschkin Leaves xAI to Start Venture Firm

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Artificial Intelligence (Naeblys/Getty Images)

Igor Babuschkin, co-founder of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI, announced Wednesday that he is leaving the company to start his own venture capital firm, Babuschkin Ventures. The new firm will focus on AI safety research and funding startups that aim to “advance humanity and unlock the mysteries of our universe.”

Babuschkin shared the news in a post on X, stating his last day at xAI was Wednesday. He reflected on his first meeting with Musk, recalling long discussions about the future of AI and their shared belief in the need for a new kind of AI company. Babuschkin said the idea for his new firm was sparked during a dinner with Max Tegmark, founder of the Future of Life Institute, where they discussed the critical importance of ensuring AI systems are developed safely for future generations.

His exit comes during a turbulent period for xAI. The company’s Grok chatbot has faced repeated controversies, including instances where it echoed Musk’s personal views in responses to political questions and made antisemitic remarks, at one point referring to itself as “Mechahitler.” The chatbot was suspended from Musk’s X platform after posting what were described as “unhinged” responses that violated hateful conduct rules. After being reinstated, Grok attributed its suspension to a “glitch in my unhinged mode.”

Despite these public setbacks, xAI has continued to post strong technical results, with its AI models outperforming those from major competitors like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic on several industry benchmarks.

Babuschkin has not detailed specific investment targets for Babuschkin Ventures but emphasized that the firm will prioritize technologies and companies aligned with safe, ethical AI development.

Baltimore Mayor AR-15 Ban Demand Sparks Backlash

FBI
FBI (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is urging President Donald Trump to ban AR-15 rifles as part of a broader push to address violent crime in U.S. cities. Appearing Tuesday on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, Scott said, “The president could also do some very simple things for us, Jake. Not just for Baltimore, but for the whole country… The president can say, no one will no longer be able to go into a store and buy an AR-15.”

Scott framed the proposed ban as a step toward making Baltimore and other cities safer. His remarks come as Baltimore continues to grapple with high rates of violent crime, much of it involving handguns rather than rifles.

Gun rights advocates quickly pushed back. The National Association for Gun Rights criticized Scott’s proposal, noting that rifles, including AR-15s, account for a small percentage of homicides nationwide. Citing FBI Uniform Crime Report data, critics pointed out that in 2021, more than twice as many people were killed with knives and other cutting tools than with rifles of any kind. They emphasized that AR-15-related deaths would make up only a fraction of that already small rifle category.

Additional FBI statistics from 2020 show more people were killed with fists and feet than with rifles. Gun rights supporters argue these figures undermine the case for banning AR-15s as an effective crime-reduction measure, especially in cities where most gun-related homicides involve handguns.

Scott has not provided details on how a federal AR-15 ban would be implemented or enforced, but he maintains that such action is necessary to curb violence. The debate over AR-15 restrictions remains a flashpoint in the national conversation on gun rights, with strong opposition from Second Amendment advocates and organizations.

Hunter Biden’s Epstein Claim Against Melania Trump Sparks Legal Threat

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First Lady Melania Trump (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

First Lady Melania Trump has threatened to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion over “false, defamatory, disparaging, and inflammatory statements.”

Fox News exclusively obtained a letter sent to Biden from Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, where Brito ordered that the former president’s son “immediately retract the false, defamatory, disparaging and inflammatory statements made about Mrs. Trump” that were made in a video interview and aired earlier this month.

Biden claimed in the interview that “Epstein introduced Melania to Trump.”

“Failure to comply will leave Mrs. Trump with no choice but to pursue any and all legal rights and remedies available to her to recover the overwhelming financial and reputational harm that you have caused her to suffer,” Brito wrote, adding, “These false, disparaging, defamatory, and inflammatory statements are extremely salacious and have been widely disseminated throughout various digital mediums.”

“Indeed, the video has since been re-published by various media outlets, journalists, and political commentators with millions of social media followers that have disseminated the false and defamatory statements therein to tens of millions of people worldwide,” the letter read, asserting that the statements have “caused Mrs. Trump to suffer overwhelming financial and reputational harm.”

Biden has since condemned Trump’s threat, saying during an appearance on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan, “That’s not going to happen.”

After Democratic strategist James Carville made similar claims against Melania Trump, he issued an apology and retracted the statement.

“In last week’s podcast episode, we spoke with Judd Legum,” he said on his “Politics War Room” podcast. “After the episode, we received a letter from Melania Trump’s lawyer. He took issue with our title of one of those YouTube videos from that episode and a couple of comments I made about the first lady. We took a look at what they complained about, and we took down the video and edited out those comments from the episode. I also take back these statements and apologize.”

China Slaps 75.8% Tariff on Canadian Canola in Escalating Trade Fight

china flag
Photo by Arthur Wang, Unsplash

China has imposed a 75.8 percent tariff on Canadian canola products, accusing Ottawa of “dumping” underpriced canola seed into the Chinese market to harm domestic farmers. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the measure Tuesday, with implementation beginning Thursday. Beijing’s move is widely viewed as retaliation for Canada’s 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) last year under then–Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Chinese state media explicitly tied the new canola tariff to Canada’s trade restrictions on Chinese EVs and steel, accusing Ottawa of violating World Trade Organization rules. Beijing frequently claims adherence to WTO principles while exploiting its “developing country” designation despite being the world’s second-largest economy.

The Ministry of Commerce accused Canada of heavily subsidizing its agricultural sector, creating oversupply and harming Chinese farmers. The investigation into alleged dumping is still ongoing and could result in the tariffs being rescinded in December or extended another six months.

Mark Carney, who replaced Trudeau in April after winning a special election, has not addressed the tariff directly. Carney campaigned on preventing U.S. tariffs but has faced growing trade tensions since taking office. In early August, President Donald Trump announced a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods outside the USMCA agreement.

Industry leaders say the Chinese action could devastate Canadian farmers. Chris Davison, president of the Canola Council of Canada, said the tariff “effectively closed” the Chinese market to Canadian canola, calling the situation a “political issue that requires a political solution.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre blasted Carney for failing to protect Canadian industries, saying, “Prime Minister Carney is losing and Canada is paying the price.” The left-leaning Globe and Mail also criticized Carney, suggesting his government prioritizes Liberal strongholds over rural, agriculture-based regions.

Trump Endorses Burt Jones in Georgia Governor Race

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(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race is still nearly a year away, but major endorsements are already shaping the field. President Donald Trump formally endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones this week, signaling his choice in the Republican primary. In a social media post with multiple phrases in all caps, Trump praised Jones for being one of the first in the Georgia Legislature to endorse his presidential campaign and for working “tirelessly” in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He concluded, “Burt Jones for governor has my complete and total endorsement – he will never let you down!”

Jones faces Attorney General Chris Carr, his most recognized Republican primary opponent. Carr’s campaign responded to The Center Square, stating, “Chris Carr is the only conservative Republican who can win the primary and the general election. The attorney general will continue to work with President Trump now and as governor on the issues that matter to hardworking Georgians.”

Political analysts say Trump’s backing could boost Jones, though it is not a guaranteed path to victory. Dr. Zachary F. Peskowitz of Emory University noted that while endorsements can help distinguish candidates in a primary, recent Georgia elections have shown it is possible to win without Trump’s support, citing Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

In addition to Jones and Carr, seven other Republicans have filed to run, though most are lesser-known figures. Independent candidate Scotty Ellison has also entered the race.

On the Democratic side, former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and state Rep. Derrick Jackson headline a long list of candidates. Esteves and Bottoms have already secured endorsements from local leaders and organizations, positioning themselves as early frontrunners in their primary.

The Georgia primary date has not been set. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Illinois Judge Blocks Texas Push to Arrest Democrats

Image via Canva

An Illinois judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Illinois State Sen. Jil Walker Tracy that sought to arrest 33 Texas House Democrats who fled the state to block legislative action. The case, filed in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Adams County, aimed to domesticate Texas quorum warrants so Illinois law enforcement could detain the lawmakers and return them to Texas.

Judge Scott Larson ruled Wednesday that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction, stating there was no legal basis to hear the case. He wrote that Illinois courts cannot decide whether “foreign legislators” willfully absconded from their duties, nor can they direct Illinois police to execute civil quorum warrants on nonresidents temporarily in the state. The decision meant the court did not consider personal jurisdiction, venue, or the merits of the petition.

Paxton’s lawsuit argued that the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution required Illinois to honor Texas’ quorum warrants as if they were its own civil orders. The filing requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the Democrats, compel their return to Texas, and enforce the warrants to avoid “immediate and irreparable harm” to the state’s legislative process.

The Democrats left Texas to prevent a vote on new congressional maps and other legislation during a special session. More than 50 members broke quorum, stopping House business. Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to call special sessions until lawmakers return and pass the proposed measures.

The Illinois court’s rejection leaves Texas with the option to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court and, if unsuccessful, potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court. As of now, neither Paxton nor Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has issued public comment on the ruling.

Pittsylvania County Deputies Injured in Violent Standoff

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Police (Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

Three Pittsylvania County, Virginia, deputies were injured Wednesday night while serving warrants in the town of Gretna after a suspect allegedly opened fire on them. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said the deputies were not directly struck by bullets but were wounded by shrapnel during the exchange. All three sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.

Authorities identified the suspect as James Andru Lehnerd. According to officials, deputies approached a residence to serve warrants when Lehnerd reportedly began firing. The confrontation led to an hourslong standoff involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Initial news reports suggested the deputies had been shot, but law enforcement clarified that shrapnel from gunfire caused their injuries.

The New York Times reported that the standoff took place in southern Virginia and involved sustained gunfire from the suspect. After hours of negotiation and tactical operations, Lehnerd was taken into custody without further harm to officers or nearby residents.

Lehnerd has been charged with Felony Attempted Aggravated Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer. Authorities have not released details about the nature of the warrants or the firearm used in the incident. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges possible as evidence is reviewed.

Law enforcement officials have expressed relief that the deputies’ injuries were not more severe and credited the quick actions of officers on the scene for preventing further harm. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that serving warrants is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous aspects of police work, underscoring the risks officers face daily.

The incident has drawn attention across Virginia, with local residents voicing support for the deputies and gratitude for their service. Lehnerd remains in custody pending court proceedings.

Defying Newsom, California County Protects Girls’ Sports

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Athletes (Steven Lelham/Unsplash)

The school board of Kern County, California, has moved to defy state policy and prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports.

“Now, there be it resolved the Kern County Board of Education affirms it is for Title IX and calls on athletic governing bodies to uphold its protections by ensuring fairness in girls’ sports,” Trustee Lori Cisneros said, as per KBAK.

In July, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California over violations of Title IX of the Civil Rights Act through its inclusion of transgender individuals in girls’ sports and locker rooms.

According to the filing, the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) have held to “discriminatory policies and practices” that “ignore undeniable biological differences between boys and girls” and instead favor “an amorphous ‘gender identity.’” As a result of the policies, girls are “displaced from podiums, denied awards, and miss out on critical visibility for college scholarships and recognition.”

President Donald Trump threatened to impose “large-scale fines” against the state of California following the victory of a biological male in multiple girls’ track and field events in June. “A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “As Governor Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!”

Trump’s threat stemmed from a February executive order, which declared that “it is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy.”

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