The 16-year-old transgender athlete at heart of sports row in California

The article argues that the SEC should update old regulations to give everyday investors—not just the wealthy—a fair shot at investing in private markets. By loosening restrictions, more Americans could grow their wealth through opportunities traditionally reserved for big players.

Editor’s Note: Right now, private market investments (like startups or hedge funds) are mostly off-limits to regular folks due to strict rules. If the SEC eases these barriers, it could democratize investing, letting more people benefit from high-growth opportunities—but critics might worry about risks for less-experienced investors. Either way, it’s a big deal for financial fairness.

Three years into Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin’s true motives remain murky. While he claims to be open to peace talks, his military has ramped up some of the most aggressive aerial assaults on Ukraine in years. Meanwhile, former President Trump—who has historically avoided harsh criticism of Putin—has started speaking out against him more forcefully, even as he floats the idea of negotiating a deal to end the war. Global leaders are left grappling with the same question: What is Putin actually after?

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about battlefield gains or diplomatic posturing. Putin’s actions—and the shifting reactions from figures like Trump—signal a war with no clear endgame, where words and violence often contradict each other. For Ukraine and its allies, understanding Putin’s end goal (or lack thereof) is crucial, because every missile strike and mixed signal makes the path to peace even harder to navigate.

A small plane ran into trouble near Connecticut’s Tweed New Haven Airport, forcing the pilot to declare an emergency before crashing into the Long Island Sound. Thankfully, the U.S. Coast Guard swooped in and rescued both people on board—no fatalities reported.

Editor’s Note: While any plane crash is alarming, this story underscores two key things: the importance of emergency preparedness (the pilot’s quick mayday call likely helped) and the critical role of rescue teams like the Coast Guard. It’s a reminder that even in scary situations, systems in place can—and do—save lives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised a successful drone strike targeting Russian strategic bombers, calling it an "absolutely brilliant result" in a social media post. He credited Ukraine’s Security Service chief for the operation, hinting at a significant tactical win without detailing the full scope of the attack.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another battlefield update—it’s a morale booster for Ukraine and a signal to Russia that Kyiv can hit high-value targets deep behind enemy lines. Drone warfare has become a game-changer in this war, and Zelensky’s public celebration suggests this strike dealt a meaningful blow, even if the full impact isn’t yet clear. For Ukrainians, it’s proof their forces can still deliver punches; for Moscow, it’s another warning that nowhere is truly safe.

Patricia Krenwinkel, one of Charles Manson’s most notorious followers, has been recommended for parole—again. This marks the second time California authorities have deemed her fit for release after decades behind bars for her role in the infamous 1969 Manson Family murders. The final decision now rests with the governor.

Editor’s Note: Krenwinkel’s case is a lightning rod for debates about rehabilitation, justice, and the limits of mercy. She’s spent over 50 years in prison, and while some argue she’s paid her debt, others see parole as an insult to the victims’ families. It’s a tough call that forces us to ask: When, if ever, is enough enough?