05.14.2025

In partnership with

Russia-Ukraine Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be in Turkey this week for peace talks with Russia. The talks, scheduled for tomorrow in Istanbul, will be the first direct negotiations between the two countries since shortly after the war broke out in early 2022. See a recap of those early talks, also in Istanbul, here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the negotiations Sunday, in response to European pressure for a 30-day ceasefire. Putin has punted on whether he will attend this week’s negotiations; a delegation could reportedly be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Putin's offer was meant to forestall fresh sanctions on Russia’s oil and financial sectors from the UK, Germany, Poland, and France. The countries now intend to levy the sanctions if talks fail to deliver a ceasefire. 

The negotiations come as Russia holds part of four southeastern regions in Ukraine. See the latest war updates here (w/maps).

Menendez Resentencing

Erik and Lyle Menendez were resentenced yesterday to 50 years to life in prison, more than three decades after the brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The decision makes the brothers eligible for parole, with separate hearings scheduled for next month. 

The proceedings followed several delays, including a recent request from prosecutors for more time to review a state parole board risk assessment. That report found the brothers pose a “moderate” risk if released, citing some prison violations, many of them years old. Prosecutors opposed resentencing, arguing the brothers haven’t fully accepted responsibility. The defense pointed to evidence of rehabilitation and support from multiple family members.

While the reduced sentence makes the brothers eligible for parole, any release still requires approval from the state parole board. If the board recommends release, the decision would then go to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who can approve or reject it.

Tax and Immigration Bill

Details of House Republicans' tax and immigration bill began to emerge yesterday, lifting the hood on a sweeping package meant to enshrine several priorities of the Trump administration. The mega-bill—involving 11 separate committees—would provide an estimated $5T in tax cuts while targeting around $1.5T in savings.

The bulk of cost savings ($625B) is estimated to come from changes to Medicaid, which provides healthcare assistance to more than 70 million people (largely low-income households). Separately, the bill raises limits on the state and local tax, or SALT, deduction—but not as much as requested by a number of House Republicans, a key sticking point. Other key components include funding to extend a US-Mexico border wall, a $500 increase in the child tax credit, as much as a 21% tax on university endowments, a $4T debt ceiling increase, and more.

The package faces full floor votes in both the House and Senate—and must overcome opposition from a number of GOP members.

In partnership with Timeline

Scientists Discover A Root Cause of Aging

In partnership with Timeline

A New Way to Support Healthy Aging

You’ve heard the mitochondria are the "powerhouses of your cells." Did you know they also act as master regulators of health as we age, helping to maintain muscle function and keep us energized? But over time, our mitochondria's efficiency wanes, contributing to aging and the risk of chronic disease.

Meet Mitopure®, a powerful healthy-aging solution shown in clinical studies to significantly increase energy and muscle strength, starting in as little as two months. Importantly, the improvements were achieved with no change in the participants’ exercise routine. 1440 readers can get 30% off today.

Please support our sponsors!