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Today’s Highlights
In a significant diplomatic move, President Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Alaska. This summit aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, starting at 11 a.m. local time, will initially involve only the two leaders and their translators. A joint press conference is scheduled afterward, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be present. Trump has expressed hope for a subsequent meeting that includes Zelenskyy. Find out more about the summit here.
FILE – President Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit on July 7, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.
Evan Vucci/AP
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Evan Vucci/AP
- 🎧 Uncertain Goals for Trump at the Summit: NPR’s Tamara Keith highlights that President Trump has not been specific about his objectives for the summit. He has alluded to “divvying up” territory, which President Zelenskyy firmly opposes. Trump has expressed frustration with Putin’s conduct in the Ukraine conflict, warning of potential repercussions if the summit fails to yield meaningful progress. Listen to more details here.
- 🎧 Potential Discussion Topics from Moscow: NPR’s Charles Mayne reports that President Putin, before leaving for Alaska, hinted at discussing strategic security and nuclear arms control. With the New Start Treaty nearing expiration, arms control talks could be productive. Putin might propose agreements that, while unrelated to Ukraine, could align with Trump’s desire to enhance his global peacemaker image. Learn more here.
- 🎧 Ukrainian Perspective: According to NPR’s Greg Myre, Ukrainians remain skeptical about the summit’s potential outcomes, doubting any significant changes. Zelenskyy has been actively garnering European support, emphasizing that Ukraine must be included in any agreements. He and European allies have cautioned Trump, via phone, about possible tactics Putin might employ during the summit. Trump has indicated a desire for a follow-up meeting that includes Zelenskyy, giving Ukraine a chance to influence decisions. More insights here.
Trump’s Crime Crackdown Initiative could soon extend beyond the nation’s capital to other cities. On Monday, Trump mentioned Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Oakland, and Los Angeles as potential targets for National Guard deployment. However, the mayors of these cities have countered with data indicating a decline in local crime rates.
Texas Democrats End Quorum Break: Texas House Democrats have agreed to return for the Legislature’s second special session, contingent on California commencing its redistricting process. The Democrats’ absence was a strategic move to block a GOP-led redistricting vote that could introduce five new Republican-leaning districts. California’s legislative session is set to resume soon, with a redistricting measure deadline looming on Aug. 22 (via KUT).
Today’s Listen
The fear of infidelity has become a pervasive concern in American culture, prompting the creation of apps and social media groups dedicated to exposing cheaters. This episode of It’s Been a Minute delves into whether this paranoia is actually harming relationships, with insights from special guests. Explore why the fear of infidelity haunts American dating lives.
Weekend Picks
Check out what NPR is watching, reading, and listening to this weekend:
🍿 Movies: Denzel Washington stars as David King, a music executive, in the crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest. The film revolves around his family’s entanglement in a ransom plot.
đź“ş TV: Alien: Earth serves as a prequel to the Alien series, exploring themes like technology’s impact on humanity, as noted by NPR TV critic Eric Deggans.
đź“š Books: Aisha Muharrar’s debut novel, Loved One, follows Julia’s journey of mourning her best friend Gabe by finding and returning his missing belongings to his mother.
🎵 Music: Audrey Hobert, known for her work on a Nickelodeon sitcom, presents her debut album, Who’s the Clown? NPR’s Isabella Gomez Sarmiento describes it as bubblegum pop with humorous yet heartfelt lyrics.
3 Things to Know Before You Go
- Venus Williams is returning to the U.S. Open as the oldest singles competitor in over 40 years.
- Bojangles plans to establish 55 new locations in New York City and New Jersey over the next decade, with the first opening later this year. Details here (via Gothamist).
- The word “dog” has a mysterious origin, once used as an insult over a millennium ago. Discover how its meaning has evolved through time.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
