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‘No Deal’: Trump Calls Putin Summit ‘Productive’ But Leaves Alaska Without Ceasefire Agreement

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (BN24) — Former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for nearly three hours Friday in a high-profile attempt to end the war in Ukraine — but walked away without announcing any agreement or ceasefire.

“There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump told reporters after the closed-door meeting, which took place at a U.S. military base in Alaska. Both leaders delivered brief statements but took no questions before leaving the stage, leaving the substance of their talks unclear.

The summit, hosted by Trump, was billed as a bold first step toward halting a war that has raged for more than three years and claimed about 1.5 million lives. While Trump described the discussion as “productive” and suggested a ceasefire was still possible, he conceded that “we didn’t get there” — though he added, “we have a very good chance of getting there.”

Putin, flanked by his top aides Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Lavrov, told the press the war might not have started if Trump had been in office. Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, listened intently and nodded, but appeared subdued compared to the warm tarmac greeting he gave the Russian leader earlier in the day.

The meeting began with symbolic gestures: a red-carpet arrival, a handshake between the two leaders on the runway, and a flyover featuring a B-2 bomber and four F-35 fighter jets. Inside, they posed in front of a “Pursuing Peace” backdrop before retreating for private talks. Trump had initially said the summit would be one-on-one, but both sides brought additional officials to the table.

Ahead of the talks, Trump had tempered expectations, describing the meeting as part of a “multi-step process” and suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to join future negotiations. Still, he made clear his desire for rapid progress, telling reporters aboard Air Force One: “I want the killing to stop.”

The war, which began with Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has stalled into a grinding conflict. While Russia holds a slight battlefield edge, Western support has kept Ukraine in the fight. Analysts say Trump could use economic and military leverage to influence both sides — from tightening sanctions on countries buying Russian oil to limiting U.S. aid to Kyiv.

Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor said Putin is “clearly in a weaker position” and facing a conflict that has “turned out to be a disaster for him.”

The choice of Alaska carried its own diplomatic weight. The U.S. purchased the territory from Russia in 1867, and while Russian commentators have tried to frame the venue as symbolic of former imperial glory, U.S. officials saw Putin’s visit to a onetime Russian colony as a concession in itself.

The talks took place under intense global scrutiny. Critics, including Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), warned that meeting Putin without securing concrete commitments risks legitimizing him despite accusations of war crimes.

One of the biggest sticking points remains land. Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted Ukraine will not cede territory, while Trump has floated the idea of territorial “swaps” — a proposal Kyiv has so far rejected.

Zelenskyy posted on X before the meeting that it should “open up a real path toward a just peace” and stressed that “necessary steps must be taken by Russia.”

Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Trump hinted at further diplomacy. “We’ll probably see you again very soon,” he told Putin as they concluded the session.

Sean Kingston sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for $1 million luxury goods fraud

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Singer Sean Kingston was sentenced Friday to three and a half years in federal prison for orchestrating a $1 million fraud scheme in which he used his celebrity status to obtain luxury goods without paying for them.

Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Paul Anderson, was convicted in March alongside his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. Turner, who prosecutors said played an active role in the scheme, received a five-year prison sentence last month.

Prosecutors said Kingston engaged in a yearslong pattern of luring sellers of high-end merchandise to his South Florida homes with promises of social media promotion in exchange for discounted prices or deferred payments. Instead, Kingston and Turner sent fake wire transfer receipts and failed to deliver payment for items including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, luxury watches, and a massive 19-foot LED television.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton described Kingston as “addicted to his celebrity lifestyle” despite being unable to afford it, calling him “a thief and a conman, plain and simple.”

Before sentencing, Kingston addressed U.S. District Judge David Leibowitz, apologizing and saying he had learned from his mistakes. His request to self-surrender later due to health concerns was denied, and he was taken into custody immediately.

Defense attorney Zeljka Bozanic argued Kingston had the mentality of a teenager — the age when he first rose to fame — and lacked financial knowledge, relying heavily on his mother and business managers. The attorney said Kingston has already begun repaying victims and intends to make full restitution once released.

Judge Leibowitz acknowledged Kingston’s acceptance of responsibility but dismissed the defense’s portrayal of him as naive. He contrasted Kingston’s approach with Turner’s testimony at trial, which he described as obstructive.

Kingston and Turner were arrested in May 2024 after a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion near Fort Lauderdale. Turner was taken into custody at the property, while Kingston was arrested at Fort Irwin in California, where he had been performing.

Kingston, now 35, was born in Florida and raised in Jamaica. He rose to international fame at age 17 with his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls” and later charted with “Take You There” and “Fire Burning.”

Flash Floods in Northwestern Pakistan Kill at Least 49 Amid Heavy Rains and Landslides

Pakistan (BN24) – Flash floods fueled by torrential rains have killed at least 49 people in northwestern Pakistan and other parts of the country in the past 24 hours, officials said Friday, as rescue teams worked to evacuate 1,300 stranded tourists from a mountainous district battered by landslides.

The latest fatalities add to the more than 360 deaths — mostly women and children — reported across Pakistan since June 26 in rain-related incidents, according to local officials. Northern and northwestern regions have been hit hardest.

In Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghazar district, at least 10 people were swept away by raging floodwaters on Thursday, regional government spokesman Faizullah Faraq said. The mountainous area has been repeatedly hit by floods since July, with landslides blocking sections of the Karakoram Highway — a vital trade and travel link between Pakistan and China.

Another 16 people, including women and children, were killed in Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after a powerful cloudburst triggered flash flooding, rescue official Amjad Khan said. Seventeen others remain missing. In Battagram district, flash floods claimed 10 lives, and 18 more people were unaccounted for, according to government administrator Saleem Khan.

Seven additional deaths were reported Thursday in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in separate rain-related incidents, the state disaster management authority said.

Emergency workers battled hazardous conditions to rescue 1,300 tourists trapped in Mansehra district’s Siran Valley by a combination of floodwaters and landslides, provincial emergency service spokesman Bilal Faizi said.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the mounting toll and urged authorities to accelerate rescue and relief operations. Pakistan’s disaster management agency has issued fresh warnings of glacial lake outburst floods in the north, advising travelers to avoid high-risk areas. Gilgit-Baltistan’s glaciers supply about 75% of Pakistan’s stored water, making the region’s stability critical to the country’s water security.

A new study by World Weather Attribution, an international scientific network, found that rainfall between June 24 and July 23 was 10% to 15% heavier due to global warming. Experts warn that sudden, localized cloudbursts — capable of unleashing deadly floods in minutes — are becoming more frequent in Pakistan.

The country’s vulnerability to extreme weather was underscored in 2022, when record monsoon rains killed more than 1,700 people and caused an estimated $40 billion in damage.

Source: AP

Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos’ Mother and Philanthropist, Dies at 78 After Battle with Lewy Body Dementia

SEATTLE (BN24) — Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and co-founder of the Bezos Family Foundation, has died at the age of 78 after a years-long fight with Lewy body dementia, her family confirmed Thursday.

The foundation announced her death in a statement, describing her as a devoted mother whose life was defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her children and community. Her son, Jeff Bezos, shared a deeply personal tribute on social media, saying his mother died “surrounded by so many of us who loved her — her kids, grandkids, and my dad.”

“I know she felt our love in those final moments,” Bezos wrote. “We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.”

Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, is a progressive brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behavior and sleep. Jackie was diagnosed with the condition in 2020.

Born Jacklyn Gise, she became a mother at 17, raising Jeff while navigating the challenges of early adulthood. “That couldn’t have been easy, but she made it all work,” Jeff Bezos wrote. “She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity, brought my amazing dad onto the team a few years later, and then added my sister and brother to her list of people to love, guard, and nourish. For the rest of her life, that list never stopped growing.”

She is survived by her husband Mike Bezos, her three children — Jeff, Christina and Mark — 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Jeff’s wife, posted her own tribute on social media, writing, “We will miss her SO much. Love you ❤️💔.” She also reposted a message from the Bezos Scholars honoring Jackie’s legacy.

The Bezos Family Foundation remembered Jackie as someone who “created a space where everyone felt safe, heard, and cared for,” whether it was “offering a plate of food, a bit of advice, or simply a listening ear.” They recalled her countless acts of dedication — from making frequent trips to Radio Shack for Jeff’s projects to supervising Christina’s cheerleading practices and transporting Mark’s drums in the family station wagon.

“To the countless people she touched throughout a remarkable life, Jacklyn Gise Bezos was a fierce advocate and supporter, filled with heart for others, and never accepting the status quo,” the statement said.

In lieu of flowers, the family has invited people to donate to a nonprofit of their choice or perform a simple act of kindness in her memory.

Source: People.com

Heavy-Duty Truck Crushes Two Students to Death in Bayelsa, Nigeria

YENAGOA, Nigeria (BN24) — Two suspected university students lost their lives on Wednesday in a fatal road accident involving a tipper truck and a commercial tricycle along the Tombia-Ammassoma road in Bayelsa State, renewing public concern over traffic safety on the notoriously dangerous highway.

According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred near a sharp bend along the poorly marked and accident-prone stretch of the road. The tipper truck, reportedly descending a slope at high speed, lost control and rammed into the tricycle carrying multiple passengers. The impact of the collision left the tricycle completely mangled, with two occupants declared dead at the scene and several others critically injured.

Godspower Okolo, a trader who witnessed the crash, described the moment of impact as unavoidable and devastating. “The tricycle had no chance. The tipper came too fast down the hill. It was already too close. The damage was total,” he told Daily Trust. Okolo said nearby residents rushed to the scene to assist the injured and coordinated efforts to transport them to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa. The bodies of the deceased were moved to a nearby morgue.

The accident has reignited calls from local residents for stricter traffic enforcement and better safety infrastructure along the Tombia-Ammassoma road, a key route frequently used by students and commercial vehicles. “If nothing is done, we’ll continue to count losses,” said Mrs. Ebike Ekain, a resident who urged authorities to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

Bayelsa State has witnessed a troubling rise in traffic accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles and commercial tricycles, particularly along the Tombia-Ammassoma corridor. According to residents, at least 15 similar accidents have been recorded on the road in the past 18 months.

Spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Musa Muhammad, confirmed the incident and said investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has not yet issued a formal statement.

Community leaders and safety advocates continue to press for the installation of speed breakers, clearer road markings, increased patrols, and regular inspections of commercial vehicles, especially tippers, which are frequently cited in fatal accidents across the state.

The Tombia-Ammassoma road, which connects Yenagoa to the Niger Delta University campus, remains one of the busiest and deadliest roadways in Bayelsa, with many residents urging state and federal authorities to prioritize safety upgrades before more lives are lost.

Credit: Daily Trust

University Student Commits Suicide Over Exam Failure In Nigeria

ILE-IFE, Nigeria (BN24) — The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, has been thrown into mourning after a Part Two student from the Faculty of Dentistry reportedly took his own life following the release of examination results.

The student, identified as Ajibola, allegedly ended his life at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State, after learning he would have to repeat Part Two for another academic year. According to reports, the result was a devastating blow, as he had already repeated the same class during the previous session.

Sources said Ajibola allegedly injected himself with a fatal substance. His father, a medical doctor, and the rest of his family are said to be struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, which has also shocked friends, lecturers, and colleagues within the university community.

OAU Vice Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire described the death as a painful loss, extending condolences to the student’s parents, family members, the Faculty of Dentistry, the College of Health Sciences, and the broader university community. He called for divine comfort for all affected and urged parents and guardians to help students understand that academic or life setbacks are temporary.

Bamire stressed that moments of failure should be seen as opportunities to refocus and strive for greater success, warning against viewing such challenges as the end of the road.

Credit: TVC NEWS

Police Arrest 27 Parents, 5 Pastors In Rivers State, Nigeria Over Viral Child Abuse Video

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (BN24) — Authorities in Rivers State, Nigeria, have arrested 27 parents and five senior pastors in connection with a widely circulated video allegedly depicting the abuse of children during a so-called spiritual cleansing ritual.

The Rivers State Police Command said the arrests followed a high-level investigation launched after the footage, which showed minors undergoing what has been described as dehumanizing treatment, went viral on social media. The video sparked public outrage and calls for immediate government intervention.

Speaking to reporters at the Eneka Divisional Police Station in Port Harcourt, Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that 32 children linked to the incident were rescued and are now in protective custody. The minors, some visibly traumatized, were reportedly subjected to harsh conditions under the pretense of exorcism and spiritual purification.

“The command remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of minors and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable,” Iringe-Koko said, emphasizing the police’s zero-tolerance stance on child rights violations.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested, but the pastors are believed to be affiliated with local Pentecostal churches that allegedly endorse extreme deliverance practices. The parents, according to investigators, willingly subjected their children to the so-called cleansing rituals, citing spiritual beliefs.

The case has reignited debate around the abuse of children in the name of religion and the role of faith-based organizations in perpetuating harmful practices. Human rights groups have praised the police for acting swiftly but are urging the government to impose stricter oversight on religious institutions involved in unregulated spiritual activities.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests may follow as they work to dismantle what appears to be a coordinated network of child abuse masked as religious deliverance.

Credit: TVC NEWS

Chelsea to Donate Portion of Club World Cup Bonuses to Late Diogo Jota’s Family in Heartfelt Gesture

LONDON (BN24) — In a deeply moving show of solidarity and respect, Chelsea Football Club players have decided to donate a portion of their Club World Cup bonuses to the family of former Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who tragically died last month at the age of 28. The touching gesture follows Chelsea’s victory in the global tournament, for which the 24-man squad was awarded a collective bonus of £11.4 million.

Each member of Enzo Maresca’s squad is set to earn approximately £475,000 for their role in the Club World Cup triumph. However, in a remarkable act of compassion, the players have unanimously chosen to contribute part of their earnings to support Jota’s widow following the fatal car crash that claimed his life, as well as the lives of his brother André Silva and his three children.

The exact amount or percentage to be donated has not been disclosed, but the decision underscores the wider football community’s sense of unity in the face of personal tragedy. The bonuses, already subject to tax and social security deductions, will now also carry the added purpose of aiding a grieving family.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 and became a fan favorite at Anfield, made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals for the Reds. His untimely death has prompted tributes from across the footballing world, none more poignant than from his former club.

Liverpool FC has announced plans to permanently honor the Portuguese international. A bronze sculpture of Jota will be erected outside Anfield, immortalizing his contribution and memory. Additionally, the club will hold a minute’s silence ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday. Players will wear a “Forever 20” emblem throughout the 2025/26 season, and Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt has been retired at all levels of the club.

Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards emphasized the emotional gravity behind the tributes, stating that the club’s decision to memorialize Jota was made with the full involvement of his widow, Rute, and their extended family.

“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” Edwards said. “It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honor has been bestowed upon an individual.”

“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honor, distinction, and affection – the number 20,” Edwards added. “As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”

Chelsea’s compassionate response to Jota’s death has resonated across the sport, serving as a poignant reminder of the human connection that transcends club rivalries. Their donation not only honors the memory of a beloved player but also provides tangible support to a grieving family, further highlighting the depth of camaraderie within football’s global community.

Church And Charity Treasurer Jailed For £285,000 Fraud In Buckinghamshire

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, England (BN24) — A former church and charity treasurer who embezzled £285,000 over nearly five years has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Terence Capstick, 75, exploited his volunteer financial roles at Winslow Parish Church and the Rogers Free Educational Trust to siphon large sums of money for personal use between January 2019 and October 2023.

Authorities confirmed Capstick stole £163,600 from the church’s account and a further £122,052 from the charitable trust. His fraudulent activity went undetected for several years before Thames Valley Police arrested him on March 19. He was formally charged on April 23 and later pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.

Last week, Aylesbury Crown Court handed down the four-year custodial sentence. The conviction follows what investigators described as a thorough and evidence-driven operation by the Central Fraud Unit.

“This is the correct result in this case,” said Detective Constable Ross Acland. “Capstick systematically abused the position of trust he was placed in through greed and solely for personal gain. Over more than four years, he has taken community funds earmarked for good causes and used them to fund his lifestyle.”

Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn echoed the sentiment, highlighting the broader community damage: “This was a dishonest and selfish act which has had a significant financial and emotional effect on the community. I hope this lengthy custodial sentence illustrates the seriousness of fraud cases, which are often seen as a ‘victimless crime’ when this is clearly not the case.”

The Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Canon Dave Bull, responded to the sentencing with a message of gratitude and hope. “We are very grateful for the work of Thames Valley Police and the Courts service for bringing this regrettable case to justice. Fraud is a crime which has far-reaching consequences, not least the financial viability of a parish,” he said.

He also expressed support for the parish and those affected, noting prayers for the congregation and the team now responsible for overseeing church finances. “We also pray for rehabilitation and healing for the former treasurer who was sentenced on August 6.”

Thames Valley Police emphasized their continued efforts to target financial crimes and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting community resources from abuse.

Trump Vows Putin ‘won’t mess around with me’ Ahead of Historic Alaska Summit to End Ukraine War

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump declared Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not going to mess around with me” and expressed confidence that the Russian leader “wants a deal” hours before their historic Alaska summit aimed at ending the Ukraine war.

The meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, marking the first meeting between Trump and Putin since Trump was re-elected in 2024 and first since their last meeting in 2019 in Osaka.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump pushed back against suggestions that Putin held a “strong hand” ahead of their showdown, noting pointedly: “Well, he came to our country.” The president told reporters he believes Putin “would like to see a deal” and warned that without his leadership, Russia would have taken all of Ukraine.

“If I weren’t president, he would take over all of Ukraine. It’s a war that should have never happened,” Trump said. “If I weren’t president, in my opinion, he would much rather take over all of Ukraine – but I am president and he’s not going to mess around with me.”

Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was unlikely to be included in talks he described as a “feel-out meeting” to better understand Russia’s demands for ending its war in Ukraine. However, the president floated Alaska as the potential host for a second round of peace talks “very quickly” after Friday’s face-to-face meeting, this time bringing Zelensky and possibly “some European leaders” into the room.

“We have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow, I think it’s going to be a good meeting,” Trump said Thursday. “But the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we’re having. We’re going to have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelensky, myself, and maybe we’ll bring some of the European leaders along. Maybe not.”

The president expressed cautious optimism about the diplomatic prospects: “I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We’ll see if they can get along. And if they can it will be great.”

Trump acknowledged the high stakes of the encounter, warning there was a “25 percent chance” his meeting with Putin could end in failure. Yet the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska is happening at a site where East meets West in a place familiar to both countries as a Cold War front line of missile defense, radar outposts and intelligence gathering.

The president likened the diplomatic encounter to “playing chess,” saying Friday’s initial talks will set up a second meeting between Putin and Zelensky if negotiations proceed favorably. Trump emphasized that no deal would be finalized without Ukraine’s president present.

“The second meeting is going to be very, very important, because that’s going to be a meeting where they make a deal,” Trump told Fox News Radio. “And I don’t want to use the word ‘divvy’ things up. But you know, to a certain extent, it’s not a bad term, okay?”

While Trump expressed hope for progress, he tempered expectations about immediate results. “I don’t know that we’re going to get an immediate ceasefire but I think it’s going to come,” he said. “I’m more interested in an immediate peace deal – getting peace fast.”

The announcement comes as Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire passed without any new action. Earlier, the discussion of a summit came amid the countdown to President Trump’s Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine or face new sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy exports.

European leaders have been warning the U.S. president against making a deal without Ukraine, with leaders of six European nations and the EU calling for more pressure on Russia before the Trump-Putin summit. European leaders held a high-stakes meeting Wednesday with President Trump, Vice President Vance, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO’s chief ahead of Friday’s U.S.-Russia summit.

Putin earlier attempted diplomatic outreach by praising Trump’s “sincere efforts” to reach peace. The Russian leader suggested Moscow and Washington could pursue nuclear arms discussions following their meeting, even as Russia continues military preparations.

The summit location holds symbolic significance – Alaska, sold by Russia to the United States 158 years ago for $7.2 million, will now be where Putin attempts to negotiate territorial concessions from Ukraine. Trump previewed terms of a potential peace deal that could include “some swapping of territories.”

The meeting represents the most significant diplomatic effort to end the Ukraine conflict since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Intelligence estimates suggest Russia has lost approximately 250,000 troops while Ukraine has suffered around 100,000 casualties during the prolonged conflict.

Both leaders face intense international scrutiny as they attempt to navigate competing demands from allies and domestic constituencies while addressing one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the decade.