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West Virginia Sends Troops to Back Trump’s Crime Crackdown in D.C.
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West Virginia Sends Troops to Back Trump’s Crime Crackdown in D.C.

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The Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce crime and restore order in the nation’s capital received reinforcement over the weekend with the announcement that West Virginia will deploy several hundred National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-W.Va., confirmed Saturday that between 300 and 400 members of the West Virginia National Guard will be sent to the District of Columbia at the administration’s request.

The deployment, according to his office, will include specialized training services and equipment to assist local police, federal law enforcement, and the D.C. National Guard.

“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrisey said in a statement.

“The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”

Although specific units have not been identified, the deployment is intended to provide direct support for ongoing federal operations in Washington.

Those operations, launched by the Trump administration earlier this year, focus on cracking down on violent crime and addressing homelessness in the capital.

Maj. Gen. James Seward, the adjutant general of West Virginia, issued a statement outlining the Guard’s readiness to participate in the initiative.

“Members of the West Virginia National Guard stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region,” Seward said.

“Our unique capabilities and preparedness make the Guard an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.”

The additional support from West Virginia comes at a time when federal agents have already been dispatched to several neighborhoods in Washington.

Their presence has sparked a mixed reaction, with some residents and leaders praising the administration’s actions while others, particularly Democratic officials, have voiced opposition to the scope of the operations.

City leaders in Washington, who operate under federal oversight, are required to cooperate with the administration’s directives under laws governing the District.

At the same time, officials in the heavily Democratic city have expressed concern over the federal presence and the extent of control exerted by the administration.

The White House initiative in Washington follows months of heightened concern over violent crime rates in the city, which has ranked among the nation’s most dangerous in recent years.

The new deployment underscores the administration’s determination to implement a sustained effort in the capital.

According to federal officials, the strategy involves coordination among local police, federal law enforcement agencies, and Guard troops from multiple states to stabilize neighborhoods and address public safety concerns.

The Washington deployment comes as part of a broader emphasis on public safety under President Trump’s leadership, which has included calls for stricter enforcement policies in major cities across the country.

Administration officials have suggested that the model being applied in Washington could serve as a precedent for future operations in cities such as Baltimore, Detroit, and Los Angeles.

With West Virginia’s troops expected to arrive soon, the administration’s crime and safety push in Washington will expand further, combining federal and state resources in what officials describe as a critical step to restoring stability in the capital.

Cuban-Born Entrepreneur Takes on Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race
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Cuban-Born Entrepreneur Takes on Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race

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A Cuban-born businessman has entered the New York City mayoral race, challenging Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and adding another independent candidate to an already crowded field.

Joseph Hernandez, 52, a biotech entrepreneur based in Manhattan, formally joined the contest in late June after collecting enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

Hernandez immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven, fleeing Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Hernandez has made clear that his candidacy is driven in part by opposition to Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s nominee.

“I was raised in a socialist communist society, so I am the antithesis of Zohran Mamdani’s ideology,” Hernandez said.

“In fact, he’s a motivator for me to fight in this race. I despise socialism. I am a believer in the American dream. I’m a believer in capitalism. It’s not perfect, but it’s lifted more people out of poverty than any other ideology.”

Speaking to reporters, Hernandez emphasized that his decision to run was motivated by what he described as a desire to improve conditions in the city. “I’m doing this because I love the city and want to make it better,” he said.

“I don’t have baggage like [many of the other candidates]. I’m a businessman; I’m logical; I know technology; and know how to structure budgets.”

Hernandez, who is registered as a Republican, is the head of Blue Water Venture Partners, a healthcare and technology investment firm headquartered in Manhattan.

His campaign platform has centered on public safety, housing, and modernization initiatives.

He has pledged to add 10,000 police officers to the New York Police Department and to implement measures aimed at improving security across the city.

In addition to policing, Hernandez has called for repurposing unused office space into affordable housing units, arguing that vacant commercial real estate should be transformed into residences to meet demand.

His plan also includes leveraging artificial intelligence to improve municipal services and day-to-day quality of life in New York City.

The race also features two other independent candidates: former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Cuomo entered the race after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, while Adams announced his candidacy following criticism of his administration’s handling of crime and housing issues.

Hernandez reported raising approximately $300,000 since his campaign launched in late June.

He has secured endorsements from several groups, including the Bodega and Small Business Group, which cited his business background and public safety proposals as reasons for their support.

The entry of Hernandez adds another dimension to the mayoral race, which has already drawn national attention given Mamdani’s nomination and the involvement of high-profile figures such as Cuomo and Adams.

Hernandez’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on contrasting his experiences as an immigrant and businessman with Mamdani’s platform, as well as on pitching himself as an outsider with no political entanglements.

The election is scheduled for November, with candidates now intensifying their campaigns and seeking to draw support from a city electorate facing concerns over crime, housing affordability, and economic recovery.

New Evidence Emerges in Adam Schiff’s Mortgage Fraud Case
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New Evidence Emerges in Adam Schiff’s Mortgage Fraud Case

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) is facing intensifying scrutiny after newly released records revealed he secured mortgage rates as low as 3% on both his Maryland and California homes, despite federal prosecutors accusing him of misrepresenting his residency status to obtain financial advantages.

The Department of Justice alleges that Schiff, now the junior senator from California, improperly claimed two separate homes as primary residences for more than a decade.

That practice, prosecutors contend, allowed him to benefit from lower mortgage interest rates and reduced property taxes.

A Maryland grand jury is currently reviewing evidence in the case and weighing potential charges.

According to documents made public this week, Schiff refinanced both properties in 2020 and locked in rates of 3%, even though only one was designated as a primary residence.

That rate matched the national average for primary home mortgages at the time, while second residences typically carried higher rates.

Schiff had listed his 3,420-square-foot house in Potomac, Maryland, as a second home in 2020, 16 years after buying the property in 2003.

Neighbors say Schiff spends most of his time at the Maryland residence, which is now valued at approximately $1.4 million—almost double its original purchase price.

Meanwhile, Schiff designated his smaller 650-square-foot condo in Burbank, California, as his primary residence.

By doing so, he qualified for a homeowner’s tax exemption, reducing his property taxes by about $7,000.

Analysts estimate that the favorable mortgage terms and tax breaks saved Schiff between $30,000 and $50,000 over the 16-year period.

Financial disclosure reports also show Schiff’s personal wealth has grown considerably.

His reported bank assets rose to between $1.18 million and $2.63 million in 2024, up from between $1.02 million and $2.37 million in 2023.

In 2022, the year before he purchased the Maryland home, those assets were listed between $578,000 and $1.35 million.

The records further reveal Schiff did not disclose his mortgages on annual financial reports until 2011, years after he had purchased both properties. He has not offered an explanation for the omission.

Schiff, 65, built his national profile by leading the first House impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

Throughout his career, he has frequently argued that “no one’s above the law.” Trump has openly criticized Schiff, labeling him “crooked” and a “low-life.”

“I have always suspected Shifty Adam Schiff was a scam artist,” Trump posted on Truth Social in July.

Federal prosecutors have accused Schiff of wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements to financial institutions.

Each of the charges carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison.

Schiff has denied any wrongdoing, calling the probe politically motivated.

“Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason,” Schiff wrote on X after the investigation became public in July.

“This is just Donald Trump’s latest attempt at political retaliation against his perceived enemies.”

Republicans, however, have rejected Schiff’s defense.

“Adam Schiff’s baseless smears of corruption against President Trump and Republicans have one simple explanation — he’s projecting,” Republican National Committee Press Secretary Kiersten Pels told The Post.

“Schiff is a proven liar, a con man, and a fraud.”

The Maryland grand jury has not yet issued a decision on whether Schiff will face indictment, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Adam Schiff Struggles Live on CNN When Asked About Trump’s Peace Efforts
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Adam Schiff Struggles Live on CNN When Asked About Trump’s Peace Efforts

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Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) was pressed Friday on CNN over whether President Donald Trump deserves credit for working to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine following Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.

Appearing on CNN’s The Lead, Schiff was asked by host Jake Tapper about the significance of Trump’s summit with Putin and whether his efforts represented progress compared to Joe Biden’s approach.

Tapper noted that Biden’s strategy on Ukraine had failed to stop the war despite providing billions in aid to Kyiv.

Schiff was reluctant to give Trump credit, instead emphasizing his preference for expanded U.S. military support to Ukraine.

“Look, I’m all for any attempt to bring an end to the bloodshed, but what would have been, I think, a far more successful strategy for the President was to have Ukraine’s back, to be leaning into providing material and military support to Ukraine, to give Ukraine the resources it needed to take out the trains carrying fuel going to the front, which have continued to feed the war,” Schiff said.

The Anchorage summit marked Trump’s latest attempt to broker peace in Eastern Europe.

While no official agreement was announced, Trump has consistently called for a permanent resolution to the conflict and warned Putin that sanctions could follow if negotiations did not begin.

Schiff, however, argued that Trump has weakened Ukraine’s position in the war.

“So I agree, the Biden approach didn’t succeed, and I think because it was too slow to provide enough material support to Ukraine to give Ukraine that military advantage it needed,” Schiff continued.

“But what the President has done since taking office has been to undercut that. We have a bipartisan bill, as you know, strongly bipartisan, to sanction Russia. The President hasn’t allowed that legislation to move forward, and the President’s own threat of imposing sanctions he withdrew on, at least until now. So I don’t think this is the successful negotiating posture Ukraine deserves.”

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has spanned three administrations.

Fighting initially erupted under the Obama administration following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

A full-scale war broke out in 2022 under Biden, who pledged billions in U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

Despite the flow of aid, Ukrainian forces were unable to secure decisive victories, and the war has continued into 2025.

During Biden’s presidency, the U.S. government issued sanctions on Russian banks and debt, barred American investment in separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine, and later reimposed sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

Biden promised additional action if Russia escalated further, stating that the United States and its allies would respond “in a united and decisive way.”

“The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden said in February 2022, shortly before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded at the time with warnings that any attempts to obstruct Moscow would result in “consequences you have never seen in history.”

Since returning to the White House, Trump has framed his approach around direct negotiations and long-term peace agreements rather than open-ended aid packages or temporary ceasefires.

The Anchorage meeting with Putin is expected to be followed by discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday.

Trump has emphasized that his administration’s goal is to end the war permanently, contrasting his strategy with the Biden-Harris administration’s reliance on sanctions and military aid.

The president has argued that only a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv can bring an end to the conflict and restore stability in the region.

Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders
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Bondi Strengthens Crime Crackdown After DC Officials Defy Trump Orders

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Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a new directive Friday evening requiring the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities, escalating the Trump administration’s federal takeover of the city.

The order compels the MPD to work “fully and completely” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, reversing the city’s long-standing sanctuary policies.

It follows Bondi’s earlier anti-sanctuary directive on Thursday, which had already triggered pushback from D.C. officials.

“Today’s order is even STRONGER than yesterday’s order because instead of requiring DC to rescind just one MDP order, [Bondi] has now REQUIRED full cooperation with federal immigration authorities,” Department of Justice spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said in a statement.

“We are NOT backing down. As required by law, DC’s Police Chief ‘shall provide’ services [President Donald Trump] may deem ‘necessary & appropriate.’”

Bondi’s Thursday order placed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrator Terry Cole in charge of the MPD and rescinded multiple directives that had limited cooperation with ICE.

That move was immediately challenged by city leadership.

Democratic D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sent a letter to MPD Chief Pamela Smith urging her to ignore the order.

“It is my opinion that the Bondi order is unlawful, and that you are not legally obligated to follow it,” Schwalb wrote.

“Having been duly appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, you are the lawfully appointed Chief of Police of the District of Columbia. Therefore, members of MPD must continue to follow your orders and not the orders of any official not appointed by the Mayor.”

The updated Friday directive does not place Cole at the head of MPD, but it significantly broadens the mandate by requiring full participation by the city’s police force in immigration enforcement operations.

The Trump administration’s push comes amid a wider federal effort to address violent crime and illegal immigration in the nation’s capital.

In recent days, hundreds of National Guard troops and additional federal law enforcement officers have been deployed to Washington, D.C.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the operations have already produced measurable results.

On Wednesday, MPD and federal agents conducted a joint operation that led to 45 arrests, including 29 illegal aliens.

Despite these developments, D.C. leadership has continued to resist. On Friday, Schwalb filed a lawsuit challenging the federal takeover of MPD, accusing the Trump administration of violating the city’s “home rule” provisions.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has also spoken out against the moves, aligning with Schwalb in opposition to the administration’s directives.

Bondi defended the new order in her Friday night announcement and criticized Schwalb’s position.

“Unfortunately, the DC Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC,” Bondi said in a statement.

“It is important to note that this same DC Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders.”

The legal clash over authority in the nation’s capital adds another layer to the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic city leaders.

While Bondi has emphasized the need for federal-local cooperation in combating crime and enforcing immigration laws, D.C. officials argue that the measures undermine local autonomy.

The outcome of Schwalb’s lawsuit and the federal government’s enforcement push will shape the next phase of the Trump administration’s takeover of public safety operations in Washington, D.C.

For now, Bondi’s directive stands, and MPD officers are required to comply with federal immigration authorities as the administration continues its efforts in the city.

Trump-Putin Alaska Push for Peace Summit Opens with Strong Symbolism and Strength and a B-2, Fighter Jet Flyover
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Trump-Putin Alaska Push for Peace Summit Opens with Strong Symbolism and Strength and a B-2, Fighter Jet Flyover

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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin launched their Alaska summit on Friday with a symbolic show of strength and a clear intent to move discussions toward peace.

The two leaders greeted each other warmly with a firm handshake, underscoring Trump’s determination to engage directly with Moscow in pursuit of a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

After stepping off Air Force One, President Trump applauded as Putin approached along a red carpet. Their handshake was extended, with both men smiling, before Putin pointed skyward.

Overhead, B-2 bombers and F-22 fighter jets thundered above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a powerful reminder of America’s unmatched military strength and a signal of Trump’s commitment to peace through strength.

As reporters shouted questions, including “President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?” the Russian leader simply cupped his hand to his ear and declined to respond.

Moments later, Trump and Putin entered the presidential limousine together, with Putin grinning broadly as the motorcade passed the cameras.

Critics immediately raised concerns about the optics of Trump’s friendly relationship with Putin. However, the President has made it clear that his top priority is protecting American interests while also exploring every avenue for peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, who were not included in Friday’s meeting, worry that Trump’s emphasis will be on U.S. security and stability.

Zelenskyy attempted to weigh in from the sidelines, releasing a video statement in which he expressed hope for a “strong position from the U.S.” He added, “Everyone wants an honest end to the war. Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to end the war.”

Yet, Trump has repeatedly said that the United States will not allow itself to be used indefinitely as Europe’s security umbrella without serious commitments from its allies.

The summit, therefore, was as much about demonstrating Trump’s leadership as it was about testing Putin’s willingness to negotiate. The President has long promised that he can achieve what other leaders have failed to do, bringing conflicts to a close through bold dealmaking.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the originally planned one-on-one discussion was changed to a three-on-three format. Joining Trump were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Putin was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.

This adjustment showed that the Trump administration has learned from past summits and is ensuring accountability, transparency, and strength at the negotiating table.

Their discussions began with both delegations seated before a backdrop emblazoned with the words “Alaska” and “Pursuing Peace.”

The symbolism was unmistakable: this was a summit rooted in American soil, underscoring Trump’s ability to host world leaders while firmly keeping U.S. interests at the forefront.

Some critics argue that inviting Putin to Alaska gives him the validation he desires after years of isolation following his invasion of Ukraine. Yet Trump has turned that risk into an opportunity, showing the world that he is not afraid to meet adversaries face to face in pursuit of solutions.

As Trump himself noted earlier in the week, there was “a 25% chance” the summit could fail, but he also left the door open to follow-up talks that could include Zelenskyy if progress is made.

Trump has been realistic about the challenges ahead. He has expressed doubts about achieving an immediate ceasefire, but his ultimate goal is a comprehensive peace deal.

This echoes Putin’s stated position, but Trump has been clear that any agreement must serve America’s interests first and foremost.

In his own words, Trump described the summit as “really a feel-out meeting,” while also warning of “very severe consequences” for Russia if Putin does not move toward ending the war.

He stated that Ukraine would have to make decisions about its future but suggested Zelenskyy should be pragmatic. “I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision. And I think they’ll make a proper decision,” he said.

Importantly, Trump floated the idea of U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine in partnership with European powers, though “not in the form of NATO.” This strikes at the core of Putin’s resistance to Ukraine joining the alliance, while also presenting a potential compromise that could bring lasting peace.

The Alaska summit carries far-reaching consequences. By meeting Putin just three miles across the Bering Strait from Russia, Trump reminded the world of America’s geographic and strategic advantages.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a key installation from the Cold War, continues to guard U.S. skies against Russian incursions, making it the perfect backdrop for discussions that blend history, strength, and diplomacy.

Foreign governments are closely watching Trump’s approach, not only to see whether he can move Putin toward peace but also to gauge what his unique, transactional style of diplomacy means for future U.S. relations worldwide.

Unlike traditional politicians, Trump is willing to disrupt the old order in order to secure practical results.

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, draining resources and exacting heavy losses, Trump’s leadership has opened a new path forward.

By combining America’s unmatched strength with his willingness to sit across the table from adversaries, President Trump has shown once again that he is willing to do what it takes to defend U.S. interests and pursue peace where others have failed.

WATCH BELOW:

Gavin Newsom Appears to Make Damning Confession About Illegal Aliens and CA Elections
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Gavin Newsom Appears to Make Damning Confession About Illegal Aliens and CA Elections

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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that the state will hold a special election in November asking voters whether to “temporarily” suspend the voter-approved independent redistricting commission and allow state lawmakers to draw new political maps.

Democrats currently hold a supermajority in the California state legislature.

The announcement comes as redistricting battles continue across the country.

The proposed change would give California’s Democratic majority direct authority to shape new districts.

Critics note the timing coincides with new maps in Texas that are expected to favor Republicans in the 2026 elections.

Newsom made the announcement during a public rally.

“We can’t stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district all across the country,” he said.

The governor has previously remained silent when Democrat-led states such as Illinois and Maryland approved heavily gerrymandered maps to secure or expand their congressional representation.

Following his announcement, Newsom gave several interviews to local and national media outlets to promote the special election measure.

During one Fox Los Angeles interview, Newsom addressed the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who had appeared outside his Thursday event.

He described their presence as a warning sign. “A preview of what was to come at polling places and in front of voting booths,” Newsom said, suggesting ICE would be sent there by President Trump to “intimidate people.”

The remarks drew immediate attention, including from United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. Essayli raised concerns over the governor’s comments and posed questions regarding what exactly Newsom meant by linking ICE enforcement to polling places.

Though Newsom did not directly respond to Essayli, he did engage with users on social media.

In response to one user on X who suggested that ICE agents at polling places might be a way to challenge his proposed redistricting measure, Newsom wrote: “Undocumented immigrants don’t vote in statewide elections. That precious right is only for U.S. citizens.”

The statement appeared to contradict the implication made during his earlier Fox Los Angeles interview.

Newsom’s comments about ICE presence near polling locations were interpreted by some as acknowledging concerns about illegal aliens voting in California elections, an issue that has been a point of contention in debates over voter identification laws.

California Democrats, including Newsom, have consistently opposed voter ID requirements, arguing such measures would restrict access to the ballot.

The November special election will ask Californians to decide whether to suspend the state’s independent redistricting commission process and instead allow maps to be drawn by the legislature.

The commission was originally created by voter initiative to reduce political influence in map drawing and ensure fairer representation.

If voters approve the measure, the legislature would have the authority to produce maps that would apply in time for the 2026 election cycle.

With Democrats holding a supermajority, any new maps would likely secure the party’s representation in both Congress and the state legislature.

The special election represents a significant shift in California’s approach to redistricting, potentially setting up legal and political challenges.

Observers note that while Newsom framed the change as necessary to protect democracy, the effect would be to centralize redistricting power in the hands of the legislature, dominated by his own party.

As November approaches, both the redistricting measure and Newsom’s comments about ICE agents at polling locations are expected to remain under scrutiny.

Zelensky to Meet Trump in Washington Following Putin Summit
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Zelensky to Meet Trump in Washington Following Putin Summit

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that he will travel to Washington, D.C., on Monday to meet with President Donald Trump.

The meeting follows President Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where the two leaders discussed ways to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war. I am grateful for the invitation,” Zelensky wrote on X.

The Ukrainian president said his announcement came after what he described as a “long and substantive conversation” with Trump.

Zelensky stated that the conversation began one-on-one and later expanded to include other European leaders, though he did not name which leaders joined the discussion.

“This call lasted for more than an hour and a half, including about an hour of our bilateral conversation with President Trump,” Zelensky wrote.

According to Zelensky, Trump shared the main points of his discussion with Putin and expressed support for a trilateral meeting involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.

Zelensky said he welcomed Trump’s proposal, which he described as an effort aimed at moving closer toward ending the war.

Although no ceasefire agreement was reached during Friday’s meeting, both Trump and Putin publicly described the summit as productive.

In an interview following the discussions, Trump characterized the atmosphere of the talks positively.

“I can tell you, the meeting was a very warm meeting,” Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

“You know, he’s a strong guy, he’s tough as hell on all of that, but the meeting was a very warm meeting between two very important countries, and it’s very good when they get along. I think we’re pretty close to a deal. Now look, Ukraine has to agree to it.”

Putin also indicated that progress had been made, describing the meeting as a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect.”

Both leaders emphasized that while significant steps remain, discussions had moved forward in a meaningful way.

The summit in Alaska marked the first face-to-face meeting between a U.S. president and Putin since June 2021.

That meeting, held under Joe Biden’s administration, took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and came only months before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump and Putin had not met in person for several years before Friday’s summit, but they have held multiple phone calls in recent months to discuss potential avenues for ending the war.

Friday’s meeting was viewed by both sides as an opportunity to build on those earlier conversations.

Zelensky’s scheduled visit to Washington comes at a pivotal moment as negotiations intensify over how to bring an end to the conflict.

While no agreement has yet been finalized, leaders from all sides have indicated that the conversations are moving in a direction they view as promising.

With Zelensky’s arrival in Washington on Monday, the focus will shift to potential three-way talks involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.

Both Trump and Zelensky have stated publicly that such discussions could play a key role in determining the next steps toward achieving a resolution.

The planned meeting between Trump and Zelensky underscores the central role the United States continues to play in the negotiations.

Officials from all three nations have acknowledged the challenges ahead but also emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue as efforts continue to find a way to end the war.

Guatemalan National Walks Free After Sending 12 Kids to the Hospital with THC Gummies
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Guatemalan National Walks Free After Sending 12 Kids to the Hospital with THC Gummies

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A Guatemalan foreign national accused of distributing THC-laced gummies that led to the hospitalization of 12 Long Island middle school students in March has been released without bail under New York law.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced that 22-year-old Wilmer Castillo Garcia has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child following the incident at William Floyd Middle School.

On the day of the hospitalizations, students reportedly consumed gummies infused with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Investigators traced the source of the gummies to an Instagram account that they linked to Castillo Garcia.

In addition to the child endangerment charge, prosecutors allege that Castillo Garcia sold both cocaine and marijuana to an undercover officer in two separate transactions.

As a result, he faces two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, along with other felony and misdemeanor charges.

Castillo Garcia has entered a plea of not guilty.

Despite the seriousness of the case, Castillo Garcia was released on his own recognizance due to New York’s current bail laws.

These laws restrict when bail may be imposed, and his charges, while including four felonies and two misdemeanors, do not qualify as bail-eligible.

District Attorney Tierney criticized the law, pointing to the potential risk of allowing a foreign national facing multiple drug-related charges to be released without bail.

“This is yet another example of how New York’s bail laws are broken,” Tierney said.

“We cannot even ask for reasonable security on a foreign national who allegedly provided THC gummies that sickened middle-schoolers to ensure he faces justice.”

Castillo Garcia’s defense attorney, Matthew Tuohy, argued that his client is not a flight risk and emphasized that the charges do not involve violence.

“He hired an attorney, he was present in court at his own volition, and he showed he’s not a risk of flight,” Tuohy said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“These are drug cases, not violent cases, so they’re not bail-eligible. At the same time, I don’t think there was an intent to harm anybody, on anybody’s part. It’s an unfortunate situation, and we’re going to do the best we can to resolve it in the best possible way.”

Tuohy also highlighted Castillo Garcia’s personal background, noting that he had endured a difficult upbringing and has only recently received support from family members.

“My client has had a very, very tough upbringing. He’s basically been on his own. He has family here now that is helping him, and I’m trying to get him on the right path to resolve this the best way we can,” Tuohy added.

The case has raised renewed debate in Suffolk County over New York’s bail reform laws, particularly in cases involving noncitizens and drug distribution affecting minors.

Tierney and other local officials have pointed to the case as evidence that current bail laws limit prosecutors’ ability to ensure accountability and public safety.

Castillo Garcia is scheduled to return to court on September 2.

If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face a maximum sentence of up to nine years in prison.

100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Flies Again in P-51 Mustang
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100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Flies Again in P-51 Mustang

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At 100 years old, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Joe Peterburs recently returned to the skies in a way few could imagine.

The World War II fighter pilot, who once flew missions over Germany in the iconic P-51 Mustang, took flight once again during the Rumble Over the Redwoods Air Show.

This time, however, he shared the experience with a very special wingman: his granddaughter, Sabrina.

From the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, Peterburs climbed into a vintage North American P-51H Mustang, while Sabrina took her seat in a P-51D Mustang flying just feet away.

The formation flight along the Pacific Coast became a deeply emotional family moment.

“Her wingtip was about two feet away from mine,” Peterburs recalled during a Zoom interview.

“We were flying in close formation and we were waving to each other. She was smiling and was really happy. She almost filled that rear cockpit up with tears, she was so emotional.”

For Sabrina, the moment was equally unforgettable. “Nothing could have prepared me for what it felt like to fly side by side with him in Mustangs,” she said.

100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Flies Again in P-51 Mustang [WATCH]

“We flew so close it felt as if our wings could have touched. I looked over and saw him waving, blowing me kisses. My heart melted and tears welled up in my eyes.”

The flight was more than just a family experience. It symbolized Peterburs’ extraordinary career and his lifelong connection to aviation.

He first flew a P-51D, affectionately named “Josephine” after his girlfriend and future wife, on December 2, 1944, as part of the 55th Fighter Squadron of the 20th Fighter Group. His mission that day was to escort Boeing B-17 bombers to targets in Germany.

“In my 49 missions, I never saw a bomber waiver or be deterred from his mission,” he said. “These men were and are the bravest of the brave and I only hoped that I could have come close to such courage.”

On April 10, 1945, less than a month before the war in Europe ended, his Mustang was hit by antiaircraft fire during a strafing run. He bailed out and was captured by the Germans.

After escaping a POW camp, he encountered advancing Soviet troops, who treated him and other airmen to an unforgettable night of toasts with vodka and wine. “I had never consumed that much alcohol in my life, nor have I since,” he laughed.

That same day, he also achieved one of the most unique moments of his career. After spotting a German Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, he engaged it with his six .50 caliber machine guns.

Sixty years later, historians identified Peterburs as the pilot who had downed Walter Schuck, one of Germany’s top aces. Remarkably, the two later met in 2005 and became close friends.

“He was a real gentleman,” Peterburs said. “When we did air shows together, he introduced me as ‘the man who saved his life’ because he never flew combat again after I shot him down.”

Peterburs’ career extended far beyond that final mission in Europe.

After World War II, he transitioned into the newly formed U.S. Air Force and flew 76 combat missions in Korea. He later switched to jets, piloting the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, and served in Vietnam as a staff operations officer overseeing command and control.

His leadership roles eventually included commanding tactical air control units in Europe.

By the time he retired in 1979 as a full colonel, Peterburs had earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and POW Medal. His service spanned three wars and left an enduring legacy of courage and resilience.

100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Flies Again in P-51 Mustang [WATCH]

At the Rumble Over the Redwoods air show this August, Peterburs climbed into a P-51 once more. Even at 100 years old, he handled the aircraft with the confidence of his youth. “I also did a victory roll,” he said with a smile, noting that he even pulled 4Gs during aerobatic maneuvers.

The flight also stirred bittersweet memories. He thought of his brothers, both killed in World War II, and of fellow airmen who never came home.

“I like to get the word out to the younger generation about what we went through,” he said. “I hope they understand how many sacrifices young men and women made for their country, so this generation could be free and prosperous and have a decent life.”

For Peterburs, seeing his granddaughter’s Mustang flying alongside his own was the ultimate full-circle moment. After decades of service, survival, and sacrifice, the chance to share the skies with his family was something he never imagined. “It was so heartwarming to look over and see her there,” he said.

The image of a grandfather and granddaughter soaring side by side in two legendary warbirds stands as a powerful reminder of history, family, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.

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