3 Things to Know Today

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Photo: Science Photo Library RF

1 US-Russian Prisoner Swap Frees Americans

With a little help from the chancellor of Germany, the United States and Russia completed the largest prisoner swap between the two countries since the Soviet era yesterday. A total of two dozen people were set free in the deal, including American prisoners Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich from the “Wall Street Journal.” President Joe Biden hailed the deal as a victory of diplomacy, but others were concerned by the imbalance of the deal. The Russians released by the US and its allies were charged or convicted of serious crimes, while those released by Russia were journalists, dissidents, and political prisoners. During a White House press briefing after the deal was announced yesterday, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was asked about the concerns around the imbalance and said that returning Americans to their families was judged to be more important than the risks. “Today is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world,” Biden said. “NBC News” reported that, as soon as he was released, Gerskovich wrote to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to ask for an interview.

2 Donald Trump Loses Appeal Of Gag Order In Hush Money Case

A New York appeals court denied the appeal by former President Donald Trump of the limited gag order put into place as part of his criminal “hush money” trial. The five-judge panel ruled that the “fair administration of justice” included sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 18th. In response to the ruling, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement that said in part that the gag order “is blatantly un-American as it continues to gag President Trump, the leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election.” In a filing yesterday, Trump continued his effort to have Judge Juan Merchan recused from the “hush money” case, a move that’s seen as a longshot.

3 Harris Campaign's Vetting Team Has Met With Six Potential Candidates

Time is running out for Vice President Kamala Harris to select her running mate for the presidential election. News came out yesterday from sources that six potential running mate contenders had met with the campaign in recent days; Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Shapiro has reportedly canceled fundraisers that were scheduled in the Hamptons this weekend. Harris is expected to make her decision by Tuesday.


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