- Trump rules out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine
President Donald Trump stated today that he will not authorize U.S. forces to deploy to Ukraine, reaffirming his stance after leaving the door open previously. He also deemed Ukraine’s ambitions—joining NATO and reclaiming Crimea—as “impossible.” (AP News)
- AP News
- ABC News
- New York Post
- The Sun
- Trump rules out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine
President Donald Trump stated today that he will not authorize U.S. forces to deploy to Ukraine, reaffirming his stance after leaving the door open previously. He also deemed Ukraine’s ambitions—joining NATO and reclaiming Crimea—as “impossible.” (AP News) - NATO jets scrambled amid Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine
Germany deployed two Typhoon jets to Romania in response to an overnight Russian strike involving 93 drones and two ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted around 62 drones and one missile, though significant infrastructure damage and at least one injury were reported in the Odesa region. (ABC News)
Domestic Politics & Security
- Security clearances revoked from 37 officials
A memo from DNI Tulsi Gabbard, directed by the Trump administration, strips 37 current and former intelligence officials of their security clearances. The officials are accused of politicizing intelligence, though no specific evidence has been publicized. (PBS, AP News)
Hurricane Erin & East Coast Threats
- Hurricane Erin intensifying off the East Coast
Erin remains a Category 2 storm, churning about 495 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras with sustained winds near 100 mph. It’s expected to generate dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. (ABC News) - State of emergency declared in North Carolina amid evacuations
Coastal regions including North Carolina’s Outer Banks are under mandatory evacuations, with beach closures extending from Long Island to New Jersey due to life-threatening surf and flooding risks. Storm surge warnings are in effect from Cape Lookout up to Duck, NC. (Axios)
Social & Education Controversy
- Virginia teens suspended in transgender locker-room case
At Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County, two male students were suspended for ten days after questioning a transgender student’s presence in the boys’ locker room. School officials labeled the incident as sexual harassment, sparking parental and political backlash. The families plan to challenge the decision legally. (New York Post)
International Security & Conflict
- Israel kills Gaza militant from the Oct. 7 kibbutz attack
Israeli forces killed Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar—one of the militants behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Najjar had held Yarden Bibas hostage. Following his release in January 2025, Bibas expressed partial emotional closure following Najjar’s death. (New York Post)
Business & Financial Markets
- Rocket Lab stock dips despite upcoming launch
Shares of Rocket Lab fell 9% to around $40.92 after announcing its 70th Electron rocket mission, “Live, Laugh, Launch,” is set for no earlier than August 23. Analysts attribute the drop to profit-taking despite positive sentiment around the mission and the Neutron rocket program. (Barron’s) - BAE Systems shares fall amid broader optimism in UK markets
BAE Systems Plc saw its stock drop about 3.9%, closing at £17.21—some distance below its 52-week high of £19.99—even while the FTSE 100 gained. (MarketWatch)
Sports Transfers Buzz
- Premier League summer window heats up
Liverpool is reportedly preparing a record-breaking £130 million bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Tottenham have reached an agreement for Eberechi Eze, and Chelsea are pursuing Alejandro Garnacho. (The Sun)
If you’d like more on any one of these—whether it’s the geopolitical developments, weather alerts for your area, or sports gossip—I’d be happy to dive deeper!