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European leaders plan to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting follows a previous discussion between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where a peace agreement was proposed instead of a ceasefire in Ukraine. European leaders aim to support Zelensky amid ongoing concerns about potential pressures on Ukraine.
Key Facts
European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and NATO, will attend a meeting with Zelensky and Trump.
The meeting follows a Trump-Putin discussion in Alaska without a ceasefire deal for Ukraine.
Trump plans to focus on a permanent peace agreement rather than a ceasefire.
There is a reported proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region for frozen front lines in other areas.
European leaders are cautious about Trump's approach, given their support for a ceasefire.
Zelensky opposes ceding control of the Donbas region, concerned about future Russian actions.
The meeting will be Zelensky's first at the White House since February's tense exchange with Trump.
There are concerns in Kyiv about the implications of the Trump-Putin meeting.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to let the United States and Europe offer Ukraine a security guarantee similar to NATO's protection. This agreement is part of ongoing talks to end the conflict in Ukraine. Details on how these guarantees will be implemented are not yet clear.
Key Facts
Putin allowed the U.S. and Europe to offer Ukraine security protections like those in NATO.
The agreement was discussed at a summit between Trump and Putin.
Article 5 of NATO means an attack on one member is seen as an attack on all, and similar protection is being considered for Ukraine.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff described the agreement as a significant change from Russia’s past stance.
The idea of offering these guarantees aims to address the conflict in Ukraine.
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, supported the move.
There are details yet to be worked out about how these security guarantees will function.
A ceasefire plan was not reached during the summit.
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People in Bolivia are voting in a presidential and congressional election, with the ruling socialist party expected to lose power after nearly 20 years due to economic problems. The election marks the first time in two decades that polling shows the socialist party might be defeated. The main contenders are Jorge Quiroga and Samuel Doria Medina, who are neck-and-neck in the polls.
Key Facts
Bolivian voters are choosing their next president and Congress members.
The ruling socialist party, MAS, might lose leadership after 20 years.
Voting started on Sunday at 8am and ends at 4pm, with results expected late Sunday night.
The socialist party faces opposition from right-wing candidates leading in polls by about 10%.
Former President Evo Morales is not running and has urged his followers to cast invalid votes.
Samuel Doria Medina and Jorge Quiroga are the leading candidates, according to polls.
Bolivia is facing economic hardship, with inflation at nearly 25% and shortages of dollars and fuel.
Official election results are expected within seven days, with a possible run-off on October 19 if needed.
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After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. President Trump changed his stance on the war between Russia and Ukraine. Instead of pushing for a ceasefire, Trump now supports seeking a permanent peace agreement. This shift puts him at odds with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who favors an immediate ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump met with Russian President Putin in Alaska.
Before the meeting, Trump prioritized a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
After the meeting, Trump changed his position, now favoring a permanent peace agreement over a ceasefire.
This new position aligns Trump more closely with Putin's approach.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy prefers an immediate ceasefire to stop the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy is set to visit the White House with European leaders to seek more Western support for Ukraine.
There has been past tension between Trump and Zelenskyy over the approach to peace talks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that Russia has not agreed to a ceasefire, which complicates the situation.
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Ronnie Rondell Jr, a Hollywood stuntman known for being set on fire for a Pink Floyd album cover, died at age 88 in Missouri. He worked on various films and TV shows from the 1950s to the early 2000s, including well-known movies like Lethal Weapon and The Matrix Reloaded. He received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to stunt work.
Key Facts
Ronnie Rondell Jr passed away on August 12, 2023, in Missouri at the age of 88.
He was set on fire for the cover of Pink Floyd's 1975 album "Wish You Were Here."
His career included work on films like Lethal Weapon, The Karate Kid, and Star Trek: First Contact.
Rondell was involved in TV series such as Charlie's Angels and Baywatch.
He performed a famous stunt by jumping from a burning pole in the 1963 movie Kings of the Sun.
He started his own company, Stunts Unlimited, in 1970 and retired in 2001.
Rondell received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.
He is survived by his wife Mary and his son, Ronald, another industry professional.
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Thousands of people in Israel protested to stop the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. Schools and businesses closed as part of a nationwide strike. The protests happened as the Israeli military increased attacks in Gaza City.
Key Facts
Protesters in Israel called for an end to the Gaza war and for hostages to be freed.
Israeli schools, businesses, and public transport were shut down during a nationwide protest.
Demonstrators are concerned that fighting may endanger around 50 hostages, believed to remain in Gaza.
The protests followed a decision by Israel’s security cabinet to advance on Gaza City.
Protesters in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square" displayed a flag with faces of hostages and blocked major roads.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum organized the protests, declaring a nationwide strike.
Israeli police used water cannons to manage the protesters who blocked traffic.
Some Israeli government officials criticized the protests, while President Isaac Herzog called for international pressure on Hamas.
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Rescuers in northwestern Pakistan continue to find bodies after floods caused by heavy rains, with at least 274 people dead in the Buner district. Officials defended their response, stating that the sudden intensity of the rain made it difficult to warn residents in time, and expressed confidence in handling the situation without outside help.
Key Facts
Over 274 people have died in Pakistan's Buner district due to floods caused by heavy rains.
Authorities say Pakistan received 50% more monsoon rain from June to now compared to the same period last year.
The rains and flooding have also affected neighboring Kashmir, where several people have died.
Rescuers are searching for missing people in areas where houses were destroyed by floods.
Local residents in Buner criticized officials for not providing adequate warnings about the heavy rains.
The National Disaster Management Authority attributed the extreme weather conditions to climate change.
Pakistan stated it does not require foreign assistance to deal with the current flooding situation.
Emergency workers have reopened over half of the damaged roads in Buner to aid in rescue efforts.
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European and NATO leaders plan to meet with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and U.S. President Trump at the White House to discuss Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. They aim to explore U.S. security guarantees similar to NATO's defense mandate for Ukraine. The meeting occurs after a recent U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska failed to halt the conflict.
Key Facts
European leaders, including those from France, Britain, Germany, and Finland, will join Zelenskyy in Washington for talks with Trump.
The goal is to discuss possible U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, which could be similar to NATO's collective defense.
The meeting follows an Alaska summit between Trump and Putin where no ceasefire agreement was reached.
European officials want to ensure Ukraine's interests are protected during U.S. peace deal discussions with Russia.
The European Commission President and other leaders are concerned about past negative encounters between Trump and Zelenskyy.
A ceasefire in Ukraine currently seems unlikely, shifting focus towards security assurances instead.
Security experts note the importance of European leaders maintaining a united message at the meeting.
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Dr. Alieu Kamara is the first neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone, a country with a population of 8 million. He performs complex surgeries that were previously unavailable, offering hope to patients with serious conditions like head injuries and spinal cord problems. Dr. Kamara's efforts are supported by international collaborators to improve neurosurgical care in the region.
Key Facts
Dr. Alieu Kamara is Sierra Leone's only neurosurgeon.
He began his practice in January 2025, taking on the country's neurosurgical needs.
Sierra Leone has 8 million people with no other neurosurgeon available.
Before Dr. Kamara, patients often had to leave the country for treatment.
Dr. Kamara works at Connaught Hospital, where the surgical ward has limited resources.
International doctors from a nonprofit organization and Stanford University joined to assist Dr. Kamara.
Dr. Kamara performed surgery on Morie Abibu, who had a life-threatening mass affecting his spinal cord.
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In north-west Pakistan, more than 200 people are missing due to heavy monsoon flooding and landslides. The flooding has resulted in over 300 deaths in Pakistan and neighboring regions in recent days. Rescue efforts are ongoing as some areas are declared disaster zones.
Key Facts
Over 200 people are missing in Buner district, north-west Pakistan.
The floods and landslides have killed more than 300 people in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Flash floods are common during monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.
Damaged roads are making it difficult for some families to claim bodies of relatives.
Rescue crews have buried eight unidentified bodies without family claims.
10 to 12 villages are reported partially buried in affected areas.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue until August 21 in north-west Pakistan.
At least 650 people have died due to monsoon rains in Pakistan this year.
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A light aircraft made an emergency landing on a golf course in Sydney, Australia. The pilot and passenger had minor injuries, and the investigation into the crash cause is ongoing.
Key Facts
A Piper Cherokee plane made an emergency landing on a golf course in Sydney.
The incident occurred at Mona Vale Golf Club during a training flight.
There were an instructor and a student on the plane.
Both occupants of the plane had minor injuries and were medically treated.
The exact cause of the crash is currently unknown.
The plane was flying low over the golf course before it crashed.
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Police in Lancashire, England suggest shop owners greet customers quickly when they enter a store to help prevent shoplifting. This advice comes amid rising theft rates, with the British Retail Association reporting significant financial losses from shoplifting.
Key Facts
Lancashire Police advise greeting customers within three to five seconds to deter shoplifters.
Shoplifting in England and Wales recently reached its highest levels in about 20 years.
In the year ending March, there were over 530,000 shoplifting incidents reported.
Shoplifting costs retailers and customers approximately £2.2 billion annually.
Retailers report increasing violence and abuse against staff linked to theft incidents.
Police guidance suggests maintaining a safe distance from potential shoplifters and involving managers or security if staff feel unsafe.
Operation Vulture by Lancashire Police includes increased patrols and collaboration with retailers to tackle shoplifting.
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The Sunday Puzzle on NPR's Weekend Edition challenges participants with word puzzles related to clothing and rearranging letters. Contestants identify clothing items using rhymes and solve a rearranging challenge involving hospital terms. A new puzzle involves rearranging words from a children's book title to name a film director and stage role.
Key Facts
The Sunday Puzzle is part of NPR's Weekend Edition.
Participants give clothing names that rhyme with provided words.
Last week's challenge task involved rearranging "helipad" into "help" and "aid."
The winner of last week's challenge was Alison Triebwasser from Massachusetts.
The new challenge involves rearranging letters from a book title to identify a film director and a noted stage role.
The show's audience can submit their answers for a chance to participate.
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Israeli military forces attacked a power plant near Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, claiming it was used by Houthi fighters. The attack damaged the plant and sparked a fire, but it was later controlled. The incident is part of ongoing tensions between Israel and the Houthis, who have been exchanging attacks since 2023.
Key Facts
Israeli navy attacked a power plant near Sanaa, Yemen.
The attack damaged generators and caused a fire, which was controlled.
The Israeli military claims the site was used by Houthi fighters.
Houthis have launched rockets and drones towards Israel since 2023.
Israel has responded by bombing parts of Yemen, including important ports and the airport.
The United States and the United Kingdom have also conducted bombings in Yemen.
A truce was announced in May between the Houthis and the United States, stopping attacks on US-linked vessels.
The regional conflict is related to Israel's actions in Gaza.
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Israelis gathered to protest, urging their government to stop the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, a video was released showing a well-known Palestinian prisoner, leading to criticism of an Israeli politician's behavior towards the prisoner.
Key Facts
Protests took place in Israel calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
The protests involved many Israelis who urged their government for peace.
A video featuring a prominent Palestinian prisoner was released.
Palestinian leaders criticized a far-right Israeli politician for his actions toward the prisoner.
The protests and criticism reflect tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Iranian officials say that Tehran, the capital of Iran, might run out of water in a few weeks due to a severe drought. The high heat and problems in managing water resources have caused water levels in dams, rivers, and lakes to drop significantly.
Key Facts
Iranian officials warn about a severe water shortage in Tehran.
Tehran could face a water crisis in a few weeks.
A devastating drought is affecting the entire country of Iran.
High temperatures are contributing to the water shortage.
Government mismanagement has worsened the water situation.
Water levels in dams, rivers, and lakes are at record lows.
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Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane as it moves near the Caribbean islands. The storm has caused power outages in Puerto Rico and heavy rain is expected in the area. A tropical storm warning is in place for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Key Facts
Hurricane Erin is now a Category 3 storm.
A warning for tropical storm conditions is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The storm's maximum winds are currently at 125 mph (205 kph).
Erin was about 155 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest.
Puerto Rico experienced power outages affecting over 159,000 customers.
Areas like the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico may see 3 to 8 inches of rain.
The Southeast Bahamas have a tropical storm watch.
Scientists associate rapid hurricane intensification with climate change due to warmer waters.
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Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 4 storm and is creating hazardous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast. It has already impacted areas like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, causing power outages and flight cancellations. Although not expected to make landfall, Erin remains a major hurricane affecting several regions.
Key Facts
Hurricane Erin is a Category 4 storm with winds of 130 mph (215 kph).
It has affected parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Erin caused power outages for around 147,000 customers in Puerto Rico.
Airports in affected areas have canceled more than 20 flights due to the storm.
The storm is predicted to bring dangerous surf conditions to the U.S. East Coast.
Dare County, North Carolina, has declared an emergency and ordered an evacuation of Hatteras Island.
Erin was the first Atlantic hurricane of the year and reached Category 5 status briefly with 160 mph (260 kph) winds.
The National Weather Service warns of potential impacts to coastal areas even without a direct landfall.
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European and NATO leaders are planning to join Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. This meeting follows a previous summit where Zelenskyy was not invited to talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The presence of European leaders is meant to support Zelenskyy and ensure Ukraine has a say in any discussions about peace with Russia.
Key Facts
European and NATO leaders will join Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy for a meeting with Trump at the White House.
The meeting aims to prevent a repeat of a previous tense encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy in February.
European leaders want to support Zelenskyy and ensure Ukraine is involved in talks about peace with Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will attend.
France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also part of the European group.
The move follows a Trump-Putin summit in Alaska that did not include Zelenskyy.
European leaders want to make sure Europe has a voice in attempts to broker peace involving Ukraine and Russia.
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Protesters clashed with police in Belgrade and other Serbian cities over several nights, opposing the government led by President Aleksandar Vucic. The protests initially began after a tragic accident, leading to demands for government accountability and early elections. Despite the unrest, President Vucic has not agreed to call early elections and claims the protests are a foreign effort against him.
Key Facts
Protesters and police clashed in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, and other cities like Valjevo and Novi Sad.
The protests started after a deadly accident at a railway station in November, which killed 16 people.
Demonstrations escalated into calls for early elections due to concerns about corruption.
The protests were peaceful at first but turned violent when pro-government groups attacked demonstrators.
Videos online suggest police used force against unarmed protesters, although police denied these claims.
The protests led to the resignation of the prime minister and the government's collapse, but President Vucic remains in office.
President Vucic claims the protests are part of a foreign effort to remove him from power.
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