Main Street deserves access to private markets

Putin's latest demands to Ukraine make one thing painfully clear—he's not interested in meeting halfway. Despite Ukraine's bold drone strikes on Russian air bases, the Kremlin's response was a flat refusal, doubling down on its hardline stance. This isn't just posturing; it confirms what Western leaders have long feared: Russia isn’t looking for a negotiated peace, at least not on terms Ukraine or its allies could accept.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another headline in a long war—it's a reality check. Putin's uncompromising position signals that diplomacy is at a dead end for now, and Ukraine (along with its Western backers) will have to brace for a prolonged, grinding conflict. For anyone hoping for a near-term off-ramp, this is a cold splash of water. The war’s trajectory just got even murkier.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back against criticism surrounding the Hope Florida Foundation, calling the backlash politically driven "lawfare"—a term often used to describe legal harassment for political gain. He compares it to what he sees as similar attacks on former President Trump and other conservative nominees, framing the controversy as part of a broader pattern of opposition tactics.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about one nonprofit—it's another skirmish in the ongoing political wars. DeSantis is using the moment to rally his base by painting critics as part of a coordinated effort to undermine conservatives. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s a sign of how deeply legal and ethical disputes are now weaponized in partisan battles.

A suspect in a violent flamethrower attack in Boulder, Colorado, reportedly told police he targeted a "Zionist group" after planning the assault for a year, according to the FBI. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is stripping federal protections from millions of acres of Alaska wilderness, opening the land to drilling and mining—a move that prioritizes energy development over conservation.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights two concerning trends: the rise of ideologically motivated violence in the U.S. and the ongoing rollback of environmental protections. The Boulder attack underscores the real-world dangers of extremist rhetoric, while the Alaska decision signals a continued shift toward resource extraction over conservation, with long-term ecological consequences. Both developments reflect deeper societal and political tensions worth paying attention to.

A scary moment at Newark Airport turned into a relief when Port Authority officers rescued a toddler who got swept onto a baggage conveyor belt. The incident happened just as the airport was gearing up to reopen a runway early to tackle flight delays—adding an unexpected drama to their prep.

Editor’s Note: Airports are chaotic even on good days, but this story highlights how fast things can go wrong—and how crucial well-trained responders are. It’s also a reminder that behind the headlines about flight delays and infrastructure upgrades, there are real people (even tiny ones) navigating these spaces, sometimes dangerously. The officers’ quick action likely prevented a tragedy, making this a rare feel-good moment in the often-frustrating world of air travel.

The French Open quarter-finals are heating up on day 10 at Roland Garros, with top players like Svitolina, Swiatek, and Sabalenka battling it out. Sabalenka just dropped a game to Zheng, who pulled off a slick drop volley to gain an early edge. Meanwhile, British hope Jack Draper suffered a surprising loss to Alexander Bublik—adding some unexpected drama to the tournament.

Editor’s Note: For tennis fans, this is crunch time at the French Open. The stakes are high as the field narrows down, and every match could make or break a player's shot at the title. Sabalenka’s stumble against Zheng shows how unpredictable these clashes can be, while Draper’s exit reminds us that even rising stars can have off days. If you love edge-of-your-seat competition, this is the stuff to watch.