Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet today at the White House. The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife have been ruled “suspicious.” And what to know about today's “economic blackout” protest.
Here’s what to know today.
Trump and Zelenskyy to meet amid peace talk efforts and possible minerals deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Donald Trump today at the White House for the first time since the U.S. began direct negotiations with Russia to secure an agreement that would end the yearslong war in Ukraine.
Trump has signaled that the two counties have made an agreement, which would be signed today, granting the U.S. significant ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. The deal would be a form of repayment for the nearly $66 billion in military assistance the U.S. has provided Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, creating an “economic partnership” between the two nations.
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Ukraine has some of the world’s largest reserves of titanium and iron ore, but many of the minerals are in areas now controlled by Russian troops. Russia has proposed a similar deal that would give the U.S. ownership of rare earth minerals in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory, an idea that both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signaled interest in.
In September, Zelenskyy presented Trump with a “Victory Plan” to help end the war. The two leaders last met in December in Paris. But this month, U.S. officials initiated peace talks with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia, and a war of words between Trump and Zelenskyy ensued. This week, however, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone about today's meeting.
More politics news:
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there is “value” in Trump’s pursuit of a Ukrainian mineral rights deal.
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to rescind a memo directing the mass firings of federal workers.
- The Trump administration can go ahead with plans to fire dozens of officers from the CIA and other intelligence agencies who had temporary jobs working on diversity programs, a federal judge ruled.
- A judge ordered at least one DOGE employee to testify and provide documents in a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
- Transgender service members will be removed from the military, the Pentagon said.
- As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. downplays the measles outbreak in Texas and DOGE’s cuts to efforts to combat some viruses, the consequences could be “politically perilous.”
- Extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts will cost an estimated $4.6 trillion over a decade. But Senate Republicans want to use a different calculation that would make the estimate $0. Here’s how.
Deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife are ruled ‘suspicious’
New Mexico authorities are investigating the “suspicious” deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, after they were found dead in their home, along with their dog. Preliminary findings from the medical examiners found no signs of external trauma, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said. The cause of death has yet to be determined. Sheriff Adan Mendoza said that there are no obvious signs of foul play but that investigators are not ruling anything out.
A man who identified himself as the subdivision’s caretaker called 911 on Wednesday to report finding their bodies, call audio showed. Arakawa’s body was found on the floor of a bathroom. Hackman was found dead in a mudroom near a kitchen. Both bodies showed “obvious signs of death,” and Arakawa’s body showed signs of “body decomposition,” according to a search warrant. Here’s what else we know.
Hackman’s gruff but soulful turns in classics such as “The French Connection,” “The Conversation” and “Unforgiven” made him one of the most respected performers in Hollywood. Read more about the Oscar-winning actor’s life and legacy.
Arakawa was Hackman’s steadfast companion for decades. She was also an accomplished pianist and co-owned a business in Santa Fe, where they lived. Read more about her life.
The push for one-day ‘economic blackout’
A call for people to refrain from buying anything for one day has gained steam in the past few weeks. And today’s the day for action — or rather, inaction. The day of protest, first shared about a month ago by Chicago-area meditation and mindfulness educator John Schwarz, calls on shoppers to halt nonessential purchases online and in stores. If people must spend, they should buy from small and local businesses. “For too long, corporations have treated the American people like an endless source of profit,” Schwarz said in a video posted this week, explaining the reason for the protest.
The call for a “blackout” comes as the prices of essentials continue to rise, the housing market remains frozen and credit card debt has reached a record high. Some political organizations have encouraged consumers to avoid companies that have rolled back their DEI programs. Here’s what else to know about the no-buy day.
Read All About It
- Tonight is the best chance for skywatchers to see the “planet parade,” in which all seven planets apart from Earth can be seen at once.
- A string of recent plane crashes and near-collisions have made travelers nervous, but an NBC News analysis of federal data shows that incidents and deaths on flights have not been rising compared to previous years.
- Hamas is willing to cede political power and governance of the Gaza Strip but would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is achieved, a senior political official from the group said.
- The anticipated release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case devolved into anger and disappointment, with conservative figures alleging FBI agents were hiding files.
- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will not return this season after suffering a stroke in November.
Staff Pick: Federal workers on the toll of losing their jobs
“Cruel.” “Devastated.” “Without reason.” Thousands of federal employees have been let go as part of a swift and decisive downsizing by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. But who are the people who have lost their jobs? They’re not just a number.
NBC News has received dozens of stories from workers and compiled them into a digestible and engaging piece to give insight into the expertise being lost across so many sectors. They’re everyday people who work to support veterans, take care of our national parks and even combat the spread of bird flu.
These stories will, unfortunately, continue. I hope to keep sharing them and the impact their losses will have on us at home and abroad. — Chelsea Stahl, art director
NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified
Almost all of the NBC Select editorial team tested this point-and-shoot digital camera from Camp Snap. At just $65, it won’t take breathtaking photos, but the vintage aesthetic, limited controls and ease of use stood out. Plus, the Select team spoke to experts about how to take care of more than 23 fabric types, including cashmere, denim, fleece, leather and more.
Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.
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