Podcast Summary
U.S.-Ukraine relations: The U.S. sends new air defense weapons to Ukraine, pausing deliveries to other allies due to Russian threats to Ukrainian energy systems, not affecting arms shipments to Taiwan or Israel.
The United States is sending new air defense weapons to Ukraine, temporarily pausing deliveries to other allies due to increasing concerns over Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy systems. This decision, which has been supported by many allies, will not affect arms shipments to Taiwan or Israel. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a tour of Southeast Asia, striking a softer tone in Vietnam, where Russia remains the main military backer despite the country's tilt towards the US and China. Putin signed new oil and gas export deals to boost Russia's image amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Elsewhere, residents in Surfside Beach, Texas, are dealing with flooding caused by Tropical Storm Alberto, while a heat wave continues to affect parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Finally, President Biden and former President Trump will face off in a highly anticipated week.
Presidential Debate Preparation: Despite political tensions and the sitting president's less preparation time, the stock market remains resilient, with the Dow gaining only modest points.
As the highly anticipated presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump approaches, the dynamics have changed. Biden, now the sitting president, is preparing at Camp David with less time than before, while Trump's campaign boasts of his "elite stamina" from lengthy rallies. Amidst the political tensions, the stock market closed mostly lower, with the Dow gaining only 299 points. Meanwhile, for a break from the news, listeners can tune into NPR's new podcast, Wild Card, where host Rachel Martin explores life's meaning through a mix of games and deep conversations with fascinating guests.