It's been four years since a US president met Putin - and Trump will have a lot of ice to break

A new tax bill proposing cuts to the food stamp program (SNAP) could hit independent grocery stores—especially in rural areas—hard, since many depend on sales from low-income shoppers using food assistance benefits.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about government budgets—it’s about small businesses and communities. Rural grocery stores often operate on thin margins, and if fewer people can afford to shop there due to reduced food stamp benefits, some stores might struggle to stay open. That could leave entire towns with fewer options for fresh food, creating a ripple effect on local economies.

California Democratic leaders have thrown their support behind Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting strategy, which aims to adjust congressional boundaries before the 2026 midterms. This move comes as a direct counter to Texas adding five more GOP-friendly districts, signaling a partisan tug-of-war over electoral maps.

Editor’s Note: Redistricting battles are heating up as both parties jockey for political advantage. California's response to Texas' GOP gains shows how high-stakes these map changes can be—shaping elections and representation for years to come. It’s a reminder that behind the scenes, the fight for control of Congress is often won or lost in the drawing of lines.

Moshe Lavi, the brother-in-law of Omri Miran, shares his emotional struggle to secure the release of his loved one, who was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack on their kibbutz. In an interview with NPR, Lavi recounts the ongoing efforts and personal toll of having a family member held hostage.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the human cost of the Israel-Hamas conflict, putting a face to the hostages still being held. It underscores the anguish of families left in limbo and the broader implications of prolonged captivity in geopolitical conflicts. For readers, it’s a reminder of the personal tragedies behind headlines.

This week in politics, Israel is drawing international criticism for its proposed plan to take over parts of Gaza, while former U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen not to intervene or comment on the situation. The story highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the lack of involvement from a key global figure.

Editor’s Note: The situation underscores the fragile state of Middle East geopolitics and raises questions about the role of influential leaders in addressing crises. With Israel's plan sparking backlash and Trump staying silent, it signals potential challenges for diplomacy and stability in the region.

Researchers are exploring how planting wildflowers might help reduce wildfires in the western U.S. Phil Allen, a professor at Brigham Young University, discusses his findings with NPR, suggesting that certain wildflowers could act as natural firebreaks by outcompeting more flammable plants and retaining moisture in the soil.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires are a growing threat in the western U.S., and finding natural, sustainable ways to prevent them is crucial. If wildflowers can help slow or stop fires, it could be a game-changer for both ecosystems and communities at risk—offering a low-cost, eco-friendly solution to a worsening problem.