Hello! This is August 17, 2025.

WH Schedule For 'Big Day' With Trump, Zelenskyy, Euro Leaders

President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a large group of European leaders at the White House on Monday. The schedule begins at noon with arrivals, followed by Trump’s 1 p.m. greeting and Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy. At 2:15 p.m., Trump will greet European leaders, then join them for a group photo at 2:30 and a multilateral meeting at 3 p.m. in the East Room. Parts of the event will be open to the press, though the 2:15 greeting is closed. Trump called it a “big day” and said hosting so many leaders is a “great honor for America.”

Mamdani Appeals To Non-Democrats With General Election Push

Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani launched his New York City general election campaign Sunday in Brooklyn, appealing to Republicans and independents after defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June primary. Mamdani emphasized affordability and pledged that local government could meet voters’ “material needs.” He credited grassroots canvassing for his primary win and said the movement is “just getting started.” Critics, including Cuomo, have attacked him over housing, wealth, and past controversial statements. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa are also running in November as independents and Republican, respectively.

32 People Rescued After Six Flags Ride Malfunctions In Maryland

Emergency crews evacuated 32 riders at Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, on Saturday after a ride malfunction left them stranded for over an hour. Fire officials initially reported one hospital transport, but later clarified it was unrelated. A Six Flags spokesperson said no guests were injured and staff managed the evacuation without outside help. The ride remains closed for inspection, with officials noting sensors can trigger stops similar to a “check engine” light. Six Flags America is scheduled to permanently close on November 2 as part of the company’s restructuring plan.

4 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks Under $15 Highlighted For Big Upside

24/7 Wall St. identified four small-cap dividend stocks trading under $15 that could deliver strong returns despite higher volatility. Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) offers a 12.6% dividend yield and trades at 7.6 times estimated 2026 earnings. Mach Natural Resources (MNR) focuses on oil and gas assets in the Anadarko Basin with a 16.5% yield, though shares dropped after missing earnings estimates. Runway Growth Finance (RWAY), a business development company investing in senior secured loans to late-stage companies, yields 13.4%. Trinity Capital (TRIN), another BDC specializing in venture-backed growth firms, pays a 12.9% dividend and is rated Buy by UBS with a $17.50 target. Analysts suggest these stocks can generate sizable passive income when paired with conservative holdings.

Coastal Communities Restoring Marshes, Dunes, Reefs To Protect Against Rising Seas

From Louisiana to California, coastal communities are accelerating efforts to restore marshes, dunes, reefs, and other natural buffers to counter sea-level rise and stronger storms. Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of coastline, prompting projects like rebuilding the Chandeleur Islands and restoring the Maurepas Swamp with Mississippi River sediment. Similar restoration is underway in Alabama, California, Hawaii, and Alaska, with oyster reefs, breakwaters, and marshlands being rebuilt to absorb storm surge. Scientists say these projects won’t stop all land loss but could significantly buy time and preserve vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Francis Ford Coppola Undergoes Cardiac Procedure In Italy

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, 86, underwent a scheduled cardiac procedure in Rome to update a decades-old treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Coppola assured fans he was “resting nicely” and thanked Dr. Andrea Natale, who pioneered the procedure. AFib is an irregular heart rhythm that raises risks of stroke and heart failure, though it isn’t always life-threatening. Cardiologists say ablation procedures, which block faulty electrical signals, are the most common treatment and carry a high success rate. Coppola’s representatives emphasized that his condition is stable and “all is well.”

Dr. Crandall: Vitamin D Deficiency More Widespread Than Expected

Cardiologist Dr. Chauncey Crandall warns that even people in sunny states like Florida are often deficient in vitamin D due to limited sun exposure, sunscreen use, or indoor lifestyles. Research published in The BMJ found vitamin D supplements reduced heart attack risk by 19% and coronary revascularization by 11% in older adults over five years. Crandall emphasized vitamin D’s role in bone health, immunity, and mental health, linking higher doses to lower rates of depression. He recommends 1,000–2,000 IU daily, stressing supplements should complement a healthy diet and active lifestyle, not replace them.