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Trump Hosts Zelenskyy at White House, Pushes Bold Peace Plan With Russia

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President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House alongside European leaders in an effort to secure progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. The summit focused on long-term security guarantees, direct negotiations, and Trump’s proposed trilateral meeting with Russia.

During the talks, Trump made clear that while the United States would support Ukraine with NATO-style security guarantees, he opposed granting Kyiv full NATO membership. He argued that membership would escalate tensions with Moscow and complicate peace efforts. Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had signaled willingness to accept Western-led security guarantees for Ukraine, opening a potential new pathway for diplomacy.

The president also called for a future three-way meeting between himself, Zelenskyy, and Putin to pursue a final settlement. Trump downplayed the need for a formal ceasefire before negotiations, in contrast to European leaders who pushed for immediate restraint on the battlefield before moving forward. The difference underscored a key divide between Washington’s direct-action approach and Europe’s cautious, step-by-step strategy.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. leadership and welcomed Trump’s commitment to keeping Ukraine secure without deepening entanglement in NATO. European leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, stressed the importance of unity but remained hesitant about bypassing a ceasefire.

The White House meeting signals Trump’s determination to lead global diplomacy and to broker a peace that avoids prolonged stalemate. His approach emphasizes results-driven negotiation rather than process-heavy agreements, reflecting his broader foreign policy style. The talks marked one of the most significant steps yet in reshaping the future of the conflict.

Trump Clashes With German Chancellor Over Ukraine Ceasefire at White House Talks

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President Trump sparred with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during White House meetings on Ukraine, disagreeing over whether a ceasefire must precede further peace negotiations. The exchange highlighted sharp divisions between the administration’s approach and European allies on how to end the war.

Chancellor Merz argued that a ceasefire was essential before any substantive progress could be made. He warned that without halting the fighting, peace talks would become far more complicated and unstable. European leaders have consistently pressed for a ceasefire as a baseline measure to secure Ukraine’s position before final settlement talks.

Trump countered by rejecting the need for a formal ceasefire. He pointed to his history of negotiating peace without preliminary conditions, citing examples of conflict resolution abroad. The president proposed direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting such a meeting could lead to a lasting agreement without an official ceasefire in place.

The standoff underscores a widening policy gap between Washington and European capitals. While European officials stress caution and incremental steps, Trump continues to emphasize decisive action, direct negotiation, and bypassing bureaucratic obstacles. His approach aims to force rapid progress toward a settlement rather than prolonging stalemate through procedural demands.

The White House talks come amid renewed efforts to de-escalate the conflict and position the United States as a central broker in global diplomacy. Trump’s willingness to challenge allies reflects his broader foreign policy posture—one that prioritizes results over consensus and seeks to reshape the framework of international negotiations.

The debate between Trump and Merz marks a defining moment in the latest round of Ukraine diplomacy. Whether progress moves through ceasefire agreements or immediate negotiations will determine the path of future talks and the shape of any final resolution.

Trump’s Approval Rating Surges After Ukraine Peace Efforts

Russia Ukraine Conflict Concept - Russian and Ukrainian Flags overlaying close up Tank track wheels symbolising military hardware, call to action and readiness to fight. Credit: Craig Hastings/Getty Images

President Trump’s approval rating has climbed sharply in a new poll following his high-profile push for peace in the Ukraine conflict. The InsiderAdvantage survey, conducted August 15–17, shows his approval at 54 percent, with 44 percent disapproving. The increase follows Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where he emphasized diplomacy and de-escalation.

The poll reflects strong support across most age groups. Adults aged 18–39 and 40–64 each registered 57 percent approval, while support among voters 65 and older stood at 40 percent. Trump also gained ground with Black and Hispanic voters, demographics where Republicans have traditionally struggled.

These numbers suggest Trump’s approach to foreign policy, particularly his emphasis on direct negotiations, is resonating with Americans weary of prolonged international conflicts. His efforts position him as a leader focused on restoring stability and reducing global tensions, reinforcing his image as a dealmaker on the world stage.

The poll also highlights a generational shift, with younger voters showing unexpectedly strong approval. This trend could have lasting implications for future elections, signaling that Trump’s message of strength and diplomacy appeals to voters beyond his traditional base.

Support among minority communities further reflects the growing appeal of Trump’s leadership style. By prioritizing security and peace abroad while also focusing on domestic stability, Trump is expanding his coalition at a time when Democrats face internal division and declining trust among voters.

The latest numbers mark one of Trump’s strongest approval ratings since returning to office and could bolster his political momentum heading into future negotiations and policy battles. His Ukraine peacemaking efforts appear to have not only international significance but also major domestic political consequences.

Conan O’Brien Predicts End of Late-Night TV After Colbert Cancellation

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Comedian Conan O’Brien warned that traditional late-night television is nearing its end, following the announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will be canceled in 2026. O’Brien made the remarks during his Television Academy Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reflecting on how the industry has changed since late-night programs became a staple of American culture in the 1950s.

O’Brien stated, “Late-night television, as we have known it since around 1950, is going to disappear.” His comments came as the industry faces shrinking ratings, declining cultural influence, and a shift toward streaming platforms and digital media. Networks are pulling back on long-running talk shows once seen as central to American entertainment.

Despite predicting the end of the late-night era, O’Brien praised Stephen Colbert, calling him “too talented and too essential to go away.” He suggested that Colbert, along with other prominent hosts, will transition to new formats where they can continue producing content outside the confines of network television.

The decline of late-night programming reflects broader shifts in audience behavior. Younger viewers are abandoning network television in favor of online platforms, podcasts, and streaming services that offer on-demand, politically tailored content. For decades, late-night shows dominated pop culture conversations, but their increasingly partisan tone and declining relevance have hastened their downfall.

O’Brien, who hosted multiple late-night shows over three decades, emphasized that while the format is collapsing, individual voices will endure. He argued that the talent, creativity, and personality behind late-night hosts remain valuable, even if the medium itself cannot survive the changes in technology and audience preference.

The cancellation of Colbert’s show marks another milestone in the unraveling of network dominance. As O’Brien predicted, the era of traditional late-night programming appears to be coming to a close, replaced by a fragmented media landscape where influence is earned through digital platforms rather than television schedules.

Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Jewish Students for Their Faith

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Department of Justice seal (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

A 20-year-old Ohio man has pleaded guilty in federal court to violently attacking two Jewish students near The Ohio State University simply because of their religious identity. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the plea as a hate crime under federal law.

Timur Mamatov, of Tipp City, Ohio, admitted to approaching a group of five students outside a Columbus bar on November 10, 2023. He asked one student if he was Jewish after spotting a Chai necklace. When the student confirmed, Mamatov punched him in the face, fracturing his jaw. Another student who attempted to intervene sustained a fractured nose during the altercation.

Mamatov acknowledged in court that he assaulted the students because they were Jewish. The plea falls under the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been announced.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker stated, “No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs.” FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada called the crime “an attack on the fundamental values of this nation” and warned that hate crimes send a message of fear that impacts entire communities.

The Department of Justice emphasized its continued commitment to prosecuting acts of religiously motivated violence. The FBI conducted the investigation with support from local law enforcement.

Mamatov’s plea serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by religious hatred and the necessity of swift legal consequences for those who commit violent acts rooted in bias.

Victor Davis Hanson: Democratic Party Has Collapsed Under Its Own Weight

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Historian Victor Davis Hanson declared on Fox News that the Democratic Party effectively collapsed, citing internal failures, radical ideology, and a rejection by the American electorate. His remarks reflect the current political shift driven by strong conservative leadership and policy reversals under President Trump.

In his analysis, Hanson credits President Trump with restoring national control through decisive border security actions. Over 100,000 criminal illegal aliens have been deported under the current administration, and an estimated 1 million additional illegal immigrants have self-deported. The southern border has been effectively shut down, a stark reversal from the open-border stance promoted during the previous administration.

Hanson also pointed to Trump’s cultural victories. The administration has dismantled DEI mandates across federal agencies and institutions. Policies banning biological males from participating in women’s sports have gained broad support, protecting fairness and aligning with traditional moral values. These cultural reforms have resonated with voters tired of progressive overreach.

The Democratic Party, according to Hanson, has failed to adapt. It remains tied to a political identity based on grievance, division, and identity politics. As the administration enforces order and defends long-standing societal norms, Democrats have found themselves unable to unify, recalibrate, or offer a compelling alternative vision.

Hanson’s assessment paints a picture of a political movement in collapse—disconnected from faith-based communities, working families, and the nation’s foundational principles. The collapse is not merely electoral, but ideological. The party’s embrace of fringe agendas has isolated it from mainstream America.

President Trump’s actions—on immigration, cultural integrity, and education—have redefined the national conversation. As Hanson states, these changes have exposed the fragility of the Democratic platform and solidified conservative momentum.

Trump Proven Right: Colleges Push Radical Bias in Classrooms

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President Donald Trump (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A new academic study confirms President Trump’s long-standing claims about widespread leftist bias in American higher education. The report reveals that college syllabi overwhelmingly promote left-leaning narratives while excluding dissenting viewpoints, especially on controversial issues.

The study, released by Scholars for Peace in the Middle East and Stephanie Muravchik, analyzed over 27 million syllabi using data from the Open Syllabus Project. Researchers found that top-assigned texts on subjects like race, criminal justice, and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict consistently reflected one-sided, progressive ideologies. In many cases, entire course frameworks failed to present opposing arguments.

One example cited is Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, which pushes the view that the U.S. criminal justice system is inherently racist. The book was assigned in thousands of courses across the country—more than Hamlet and almost as often as John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government. Alexander’s viewpoint, however, is not counterbalanced by authors like Yale law professor James Forman Jr., whose Locking Up Our Own critiques the same system but challenges the popular “systemic racism” explanation.

The report concludes that American college instruction is “politically one-sided to an extreme” and warns that the loss of public trust in higher education will persist unless balance is restored. Professors were called out for failing to include diverse academic perspectives, contributing to an ideological monoculture.

The study provides hard data supporting President Trump’s warnings about indoctrination in higher education. As campuses continue to embrace political litmus tests—through curriculum design, DEI mandates, and hiring practices—calls for reform will only intensify.

SUNY Oswego Forces DEI Pledges on Job Seekers Across Campus

New York (Thomas Habr/Unsplash)

SUNY Oswego has made Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements mandatory for applicants across multiple job postings. Critics argue the move enforces ideological conformity and sidelines merit in hiring practices.

The State University of New York at Oswego now requires DEI statements for at least nine positions, including roles unrelated to social advocacy. Positions affected include a lecturer in physics, an assistant professor of computer science, a construction project coordinator, an X-ray research associate, a reporter for the campus news network, and several administrative and director-level positions. Each job listing demands a written statement on how the applicant’s values align with DEI principles.

Applicants must submit this DEI statement alongside traditional materials such as a résumé, cover letter, and professional references. The school’s website directs candidates to its “Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan” as a guide for constructing their statement. The policy is enforced by SUNY Oswego’s Affirmative Action Officer and Human Resources department.

This policy formalizes an ideological filter in the hiring process, prompting concern that personal beliefs and political views are being prioritized over professional qualifications. The inclusion of DEI statements in science and technical job applications has drawn specific criticism for introducing politics into areas traditionally driven by objective expertise.

SUNY Oswego is part of the broader SUNY system, which has been under scrutiny for promoting mandatory DEI policies. While the university claims these measures enhance diversity and campus climate, opponents warn such mandates restrict viewpoint diversity and may discriminate against those with religious or conservative perspectives.

These developments follow a national trend where universities expand DEI frameworks despite legislative efforts in several states to curtail or ban them. Institutions that continue to embed DEI requirements into hiring processes risk legal challenges and reputational damage for prioritizing ideology over competence.

Florida Woman Bomb Threat to University of Central Florida Ends in Felony Arrest

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Flag of Florida (Karl Callwood/Unsplash)

A 29-year-old Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat to the University of Central Florida during a drunken phone call. She admitted to being intoxicated and claimed the threat was meant as a joke, but now faces felony charges.

Kristin Galli, 29, called the University of Central Florida’s Student Care Services on May 22, 2025, and stated, “I’m gonna f—ing blow you guys up” before hanging up. University staff attempted to call the number back and later identified Galli through voicemail and university records. At the same time, she sent over 200 incoherent messages and selfies to a University of Central Florida professor from the same phone number.

Authorities contacted Galli the following day. She admitted to making the call while drunk, stating that she was angry and thought the threat would be funny. According to law enforcement, she showed no understanding of the severity of her actions. Her behavior caused concern for both faculty and law enforcement, prompting immediate investigation.

Galli was charged with falsely reporting a bomb threat on state property and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. She was booked into Orange County Jail and later released on bond. Her next court date is set for August 21, 2025.

Law enforcement emphasized that even perceived jokes or drunken rants are taken seriously when involving threats to public institutions. No explosives were found, but authorities confirmed the university treated the threat as credible until proven otherwise.

Photos of Galli at the time of her arrest showed her with smeared makeup and green-streaked hair. Several reports compared her appearance to that of a comic book villain, reflecting a broader concern over mental health and substance abuse issues contributing to erratic behavior.

Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any similar threats immediately. Universities nationwide have increased sensitivity to any security threats, especially in the wake of rising campus violence and public safety concerns.

Most Dangerous College Towns: 2025 List Parents Must See

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A new study highlights the most dangerous college towns in America for 2025, raising concerns for parents as students head back to class. Compiled by Wasatch Defense Lawyers, the list uses FBI and local police data from 2023–2025 to rank crime levels in 26 U.S. college towns. While each city faces unique challenges, campus security expert and former U.S. Secret Service agent Bobby McDonald stressed the need for vigilance. “Safety needs to become muscle memory, like buckling a seat belt,” he told Fox News Digital.

The rankings put Gainesville, Florida—home of the University of Florida—at the top with 179 crimes per 10,000 residents. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Tempe, Arizona, followed closely, fueled by nightlife-related thefts and property crime. New Haven, Connecticut, where Yale University is located, placed fourth with higher violent crime in surrounding neighborhoods. Ithaca, New York, rounded out the top five with burglary and theft driving its crime rate.

McDonald urged students to use common sense, especially when out with friends. “Nothing good happens at that point with respect to that individual that you’re leaving behind,” he warned, stressing the importance of never abandoning someone at a bar. He also advised basic safety practices like locking cars, securing valuables, and traveling in pairs.

Even as universities invest in security, McDonald emphasized ongoing cooperation with law enforcement. “It’s very incumbent upon those police agencies to have a dialogue that’s always going on with students that they are approachable,” he said. His call was clear: “We want students to make good decisions. And we also want them to have common sense.”