On today's podcast:
1) President Trump said he would hold a second meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin “within two weeks or so” aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump and Putin agreed to meet in Budapest during a two-hour phone call on Thursday. Later, Trump expressed optimism that the summit could result in a ceasefire breakthrough even though an August meeting in Alaska failed to yield one. The conversation took place a day before Trump’s White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, who has pressed the US president to sell his country long-range Tomahawk missiles that can strike deeper into Russian territory.
2) Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo sparred over experience and integrity in a heated New York City mayoral debate, while Republican Curtis Sliwa took aim at both rivals. Cuomo attacked Mamdani’s policies as radical, while Mamdani hit back over the former governor’s pandemic handling and harassment allegations. With the presence of President Trump looming large, candidates also clashed over public safety, antisemitism, and political credibility.
3) Three weeks into the federal government shutdown, President Trump has avoided direct involvement in talks to end the stalemate, despite Democratic calls for him to lead negotiations. Republican leaders continue to resist linking health care subsidies to any funding deal, while the administration pushes forward with unilateral budget cuts and federal layoffs.

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