Headlines

August 18, 2025

Axios

EU Leaders Will Accompany Zelensky

Zelensky will meet with President Trump in Washington this week alongside key European leaders—including Macron, von der Leyen, Merz, Rutte, Meloni, Stubb, and Starmer—in a high-stakes effort to secure security guarantees and show a united front for Ukraine.
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GOV.UK

Statement of the "Coalition of the Willing"

President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, joined by President Zelenskyy, co-chaired a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" to reaffirm support for Ukraine, back Trump’s proposed security guarantees, and prepare for joint talks in Washington.
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ABC News

Russia Ceasefire Refusal "Complex"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Vladimir Putin’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire is undermining peace talks as he heads to Washington for high-stakes meetings with President Trump and European leaders
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CBS News

Rubio Says Putin Agreed to Security

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday that Vladimir Putin agreed to let the U.S. and European allies offer Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees, a potential breakthrough in peace talks but one still lacking key details.
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The New York Times

Europe Pushes U.S. to Back NATO

As Trump edges closer to Vladimir Putin, Zelensky is bringing a coalition of European leaders to the White House to ensure Ukraine’s survival and preserve the trans-Atlantic alliance during high-stakes negotiations.
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Fox News

Read: Melania's Letter to Putin

Melania Trump penned a “peace letter” to Vladimir Putin urging him that “it is time” to protect children and future generations, a message President Trump personally delivered before his Alaska summit with the Russian leader.
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Reuters

Spain's Wildfires Escalate

Spain is battling 20 major wildfires fueled by extreme heat, deploying nearly 2,000 troops as blazes force evacuations, cut transport links, and burn over 115,000 hectares amid one of Southern Europe’s worst fire seasons in decades.
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The Guardian

Israel Plans To Displace 1 Million

Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for another humanitarian catastrophe after Israel announced plans to forcibly displace 1 million people from Gaza City ahead of a new offensive, deepening fears of mass suffering.
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Daily Mail

Fat Jabs May Raise Pension Age

The widespread use of weight-loss “fat jabs” drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro could push up the UK state pension age, as previously obese workers are expected to live longer, increasing future pension costs.
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The Guardian

Pete Hegseth's Faith Divides Military

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s promotion of ultra-conservative Christian nationalism at the Pentagon is reportedly dividing the military, drawing criticism from veterans who warn it could harm cohesion, leadership, and national security.
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The New York Times

Maureen Dowd on D.C. Crime

As juvenile car thefts and brazen petty crimes surge in D.C., residents grapple with frustration and insecurity, highlighting a gap between official crime statistics and everyday experiences while political battles over law enforcement escalate.
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11Alive

Judge Reads Wrong Jury Verdict

After three days of testimony and deliberation, a Fulton County jury found Alton Oliver not guilty on all charges in the 2022 killing of Deputy James Thomas, concluding a case framed by the defense as an alleged predator-versus-prey encounter.
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USA Today

The Who's Farewell Tour Setlist

The Who launched their North American Farewell Tour on Aug. 16, performing a 23-song set spanning their six-decade career, with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend joined by longtime collaborators for what fans hope will be the band’s final U.S. run.
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Los Angeles Times

Dan Tana Dead at 90

Dan Tana, the Serbian-born restaurateur whose namesake West Hollywood eatery became a Hollywood institution frequented by celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor and Johnny Carson, has died at 90 in Belgrade, Serbia.
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The Wall Street Journal

Rich Order Costly Family Memoirs

A growing number of wealthy retirees are spending up to $100,000 on privately commissioned memoirs, aiming to preserve their life stories and family legacies rather than chase public acclaim.
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The Washington Post

The Summer Bikinis Got Smaller

This summer, bikini bottoms have trended skimpier, with designers reporting growing demand for cheekier and thong styles that emphasize curves, body autonomy, and a playful pushback against conservative fashion norms.
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Associated Press

How Do Mascots Stay Cool?

To survive the summer heat, mascots like the Phillie Phanatic rely on frequent breaks, hydration, cooling vests, and even a spritz of vodka-and-water solution to stay fresh while entertaining fans in heavy, sweaty costumes.
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New York Post

Brooklyn Hookah Lounge Shooting

Chilling surveillance footage captures patrons scrambling in terror as up to four gunmen open fire inside a Brooklyn hookah lounge, leaving three dead and nine wounded, while police launch an urgent manhunt for the shooters.
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BBC

William and Kate's New Windsor Home

Prince William and Princess Kate are set to move with their children to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, marking a fresh start after a challenging 18 months and planning to make it their long-term family home.
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