International Relations & Geopolitics - A meeting between President Trump and President Putin is aimed at ending the over three-year-old war with Ukraine [1] - President Trump warned of severe consequences, including sanctions and tariffs, if Russia does not agree to end the war [3][4] - Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine [6][28] - European leaders emphasize principles for Ukraine, including no deals about Ukraine without Ukraine, a ceasefire first, and no Russian veto on Ukraine joining NATO or the EU [18][19] US Domestic Affairs & Politics - President Trump wants to extend the federal police presence in DC beyond 30 days, potentially through a national emergency declaration or congressional approval [36][37][38] - The Trump administration argues that violent crime statistics in DC are rigged, while local officials claim a 26% drop in violent crime since last year [41] - The Trump administration is exerting more control over the Kennedy Center, with the president naming himself chairman of the board [44] Weather & Natural Disasters - Tropical Storm Aaron is expected to become a major hurricane with winds of 150 miles per hour, but current forecasts suggest it will miss the US East Coast [46][60][61] - Southeastern Tennessee experienced 7 inches of rain in less than three hours, leading to deadly flooding and swiftwater rescues [47] - The South Chickamaga Creek in Chattanooga is about 6 feet higher than normal, raising concerns about river flooding [49] Crime & Law Enforcement - An armored truck robbery near Philadelphia resulted in the theft of over $700,000 [64] - Police are investigating whether the armored truck robberies are connected, including one in June where $2 million was stolen [65] Immigration & Education - Teachers in Los Angeles are concerned about possible ICE raids and deportations affecting their students [67][68] - The Trump administration ended a policy preventing ICE agents from making arrests in schools [69]

Political Analysis - China's foreign-policy apparatus is facing succession questions [1] - A top figure, viewed as the next foreign minister, was reportedly questioned [1]

China’s foreign-policy apparatus is again facing questions about succession after the reported questioning of a top figure who had been widely viewed as the nation’s next foreign minister https://t.co/gn3YoEaA3l ...

Let's bring in NBC News senior national politics reporter Jonathan Allen, NBC News chief international correspondent Kier Simmons and former under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs Rick Stangle. John, set the stage for us. What is the plan for Friday's summit.Uh yeah, I mean we're looking at uh right now for uh Trump and uh and Putin to get together for a US and uh Russia to get together and talk about this plan for uh bringing a piece about. But there's an opportunity potentially u ...

The foreign-policy expert makes the argument for keeping the Chinese out and the Russians down https://t.co/gRkdgjX0I7 ...

Donald Trump has been inconsistent on Israel as on much else in his foreign policy. In many ways, America First means what the president says it does https://t.co/CiCQGp4DNh ...

US-India Trade Relations - The US is considering imposing tariffs on Indian imports, potentially reaching a 50% rate, as a tool for foreign policy objectives [2] - Pharmaceuticals and electronics may be affected in the future, making negotiations challenging [3] - India is seen as a tough negotiator, maintaining high levels of protection on many markets with persistent high tariffs [9] - The Trump administration aims to force India to make systemic changes that have been problematic for a long time [10] - India might strike a deal that maintains high protection levels while giving the US something it can live with, similar to deals with other countries [11] India's Strategic Positioning - India prioritizes the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, even at a potential cost [1] - India's purchase of Russian crude oil is a deeply structural issue for its economy [2] - India has a long history of nonalignment and is positioning itself for life outside the US sphere [7] - India is reaching out to countries like Brazil and China, which could threaten long-term US objectives [6] - President Trump opposes BRICS countries, including India, from countering US power or establishing a BRICS currency [8] Geopolitical Context - Traditional US allies are struggling to compromise with the White House [4] - The US administration has treated traditional allies more like adversaries [5] - During the Biden years, there was a lot of courting of India to act as a bulwark against China [5] - Narendra Modi will meet with Lula da Silva, with a first visit to China in seven years [6]

RT William (@WmKelleyRoddye)When Mike Benz uses the term "The Blob," he is referring to the entrenched foreign policy establishment in Washington, D.C., and its allied institutions in the U.S., UK, and NATO. This term was reportedly coined by President Obama's National Security Adviser, Ben Rhodes.According to Benz, "The Blob" is a group of institutions and individuals that he believes are responsible for creating a "censorship industrial complex." He argues that this establishment, which includes governmen ...

Indian officials have struggled to engage in diplomatic talks with President Donald Trump’s administration because key foreign policy roles in Washington remain unfilled, sources say https://t.co/z1EMhHcZ1w ...

Many Danes say they are heartbroken by how the U.S. has turned from best friend to foe over Greenland 🔗 https://t.co/ovLAi6wnYU https://t.co/3i0VAX2CPd ...