Trump and Putin Are Picking Up Where They Left Off

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International

Trump and Putin Are Picking Up Where They Left Off

What's going on: President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a nearly 90-minute phone call yesterday — that was long enough to reverse three years of US policy toward Ukraine. The big takeaway? They agreed to “start negotiations immediately” to end the Russo-Ukrainian War, a major Trump campaign promise. Both leaders also agreed to visit each other’s countries and “work together, very closely.” This marks the first time the White House and Kremlin have been in such direct contact in years (aka since Trump was first in office). The call came as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said it would be “unrealistic” for Ukraine to return to its pre-2014 borders, when Russia annexed the Crimea Peninsula.

What it means: Between the phone call and Hegseth’s remarks, experts say it’s clear that Ukraine will likely have to give up land to end the war. As for Ukraine’s hopes of joining NATO, Trump said he doesn’t think it’s a ‘practical’ option. He also noted that the U.S. could pull its troops from the region. All of these would be major wins for Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv is prepared to swap seized territory with Russia, but won’t accept a deal involving surrendering land. Meanwhile, the Kremlin isn’t exactly in a bartering mood — a spokesman flatly rejected the idea, saying, “Russia has never and will never discuss the topic of exchanging its territory.” Trump and Putin’s swift move toward negotiations has left European leaders stunned and scrambling, prompting statements insisting that neither they nor Ukraine can be shut out of talks.

Related: Tulsi Gabbard Is the New Director of National Intelligence (USA Today)

Health

Those Plastic Takeout Containers Might Come With a Free Side of Heart Problems

What's going on: Nothing like a little science to spoil your appetite. A new study suggests that eating from plastic takeout containers could worsen heart problems. Researchers analyzed the eating habits of more than 3,000 people in China and discovered a link between frequent plastic exposure and increased risk of congestive heart failure. The long-term condition affects over 6 million Americans and is the leading cause of hospitalization for those 65 and older. To dig deeper, scientists exposed rats to chemicals extracted from plastic containers over several months. The results showed their gut bacteria went haywire, triggering inflammation and ultimately damaging their circulatory systems.

What it means: These findings add to the mounting evidence that rising exposure to plastic — especially microplastics — is linked to various health issues. Plastics contain around 20,000 chemicals, many of which, including BPA and PFAs, are known to pose serious health risks, from cancer to reproductive harm. These chemicals often sneak into our food through packaging, cookware, and even storage containers. Public health experts say one easy fix is to avoid microwaving or storing hot food in plastic. Also, maybe rethink cooking with plastic (looking at you, black spatula). Opting for glass, wood, or stainless steel can help reduce exposure. Bon appétit.

Related: This State Is Leading the Fight Against “Forever Chemicals” in Cookware (WSJ Gift Link)

Money

Surveillance Pricing? In this Economy?

What's going on: Inflation hit a seven-month high of 3% in January, and while Americans are finding ways to stretch their budgets, there’s another sneaky money trap to watch out for: surveillance pricing. That’s when companies track your location, browsing history, and shopping habits to decide how much to charge you. A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study suggests retailers are increasingly using this tactic. Then-FTC chair Lina Khan pushed for an investigation into surveillance pricing, but just days after she opened the inquiry, her successor — Andrew N. Ferguson, a President Donald Trump appointee — shut down the public comment period.

What it means: With no clear rules in place, surveillance pricing could go unchecked, making it easier for companies to charge different customers different prices — without them knowing. At a time when grocery and gas prices are already steep, personalized price hikes could make things even worse. If anyone in tech is reading this and can build a tool to spot surveillance pricing, please do (and share with the class). In the meantime, experts suggest regularly clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and steering clear of store apps for online purchases.

Related: Some of Your Favorite Brands Aren’t American. Here’s What Tariffs Could Mean (Glamour)

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Did we ask for a fourth Bridget Jones movie? No. Are we mad about it? Also, no. Based on Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy hits Peacock today — and in the latest installment, Jones (Renée Zellweger, obviously) is now in her 50s, trying to start again as a widow with two young children. Expect Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Colin Firth to also reprise their beloved roles (albeit, for Firth, in the form of a ghost), and for two new love interests to be added to the mix — the young, charming Roxster (Leo Woodall) and her son's very attractive teacher, Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) — in what some are calling “the best sequel yet.”

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.