Between a Mineral & a Hard Place: The US Could Strike a Deal With Ukraine

What's Happening

Excavator mining rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil

International

Between a Mineral & a Hard Place: The US Could Strike a Deal With Ukraine

What's going on: The US and Ukraine have been hammering out a deal this week that could let Washington tap into Kyiv’s rare earth minerals — like titanium (used in military weapons and even sunscreen) and lithium (key for batteries). In exchange, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes for US investment in his country's security and post-war rebuilding. The agreement could be signed as soon as today during Zelenskyy's visit to the White House (their first meeting since President Donald Trump took office). However, Zelenskyy has waffled a bit, mining for more details and noting that the plan could fail if it doesn't offer real security protections against Russia. Another sticking point for him: Ensuring Ukraine's minerals aren't framed as "repayment" for past US military aid — something Trump has suggested.

What it means: The deal could be a game-changer for Ukraine, offering leverage to keep US military support on the table (though Trump has said he believes Europe should take the lead on aid). It could also help cool rising tensions between the two countries, especially after a very public squabble last week (in which Trump falsely called Zelenskyy a “dictator” — though he later backtracked, saying: “Umm, did I say that?... I can’t believe I said that”). Meanwhile, Russia pitched a competing offer, suggesting the US could access minerals from the parts of Ukraine it currently controls, according to NBC. If Trump goes with Ukraine on this, some say it could be a devastating blow to Russia, despite its recently warming ties with the US.

Politics

Conservative Activists Have Elon Musk’s Ear — and They’re Using It

What's going on: Since Elon Musk dropped billions to buy X in 2022, the social media site has evolved from a meme haven to a major hub for conservative voices. Now, he’s using his platform to help root out what DOGE considers “waste, fraud, and abuse.” Conservative activists have answered Musk’s Bat-Signal in droves, and he’s listening. One example: After President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing only two genders, the X account Libs of TikTok posted a screenshot showing Department of Veterans Affairs forms still listing gender options beyond male and female. It caught Musk’s attention, and the next day, DOGE shared screenshots of updated forms. These kinds of exchanges between Musk, DOGE, and conservatives have gone viral across social media, fueling debates about X’s role in shaping political discourse.

What it means: The Trump administration and Musk’s hyper-fixation on conservative media and rhetoric have given influencers and activists unprecedented power over government decisions. It’s given some conservative figures the ability to turn pipe dreams into reality — disregarding the typical government protocol or red tape. Take Libs of TikTok. The account recently called out FAFSA for not aligning its forms with federal gender guidelines. The post went viral, triggering a scramble within the Education Department to rush the changes, even though an update was already in the works. One conservative writer summed up the cycle: “We expose corruption on X. DOGE eliminates it in DC. Rinse and repeat.”

Related: There Is a Secret Network of Federal Workers Fighting DOGE’s Orders (The Guardian)

Money

Making a Statement — Without Spending a Cent

What's going on: Many consumers across America aren’t spending a dime today. And no, they aren’t participating in a “no-buy challenge.” Instead, they’re boycotting major retailers, fast-food chains, and gas stations — both online and in-person — to protest what they call corporate greed and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. There’s some leeway for those who can’t forgo spending: shop local. Leading the charge is the People’s Union USA, a nonpartisan grassroots group pushing for economic resistance. The organizer behind the initiative, John Schwarz, says the goal of the 24-hour economic blackout is to send a clear message: "We have the power.”

What it means: Consumer boycotts have made waves before — just ask Starbucks and McDonald’s, which both saw sales dip after activists urged consumers to spend elsewhere over their perceived support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. So, will today’s “buy-cott” hit company profits? Hard to say. But with many Americans feeling the financial squeeze, it's one way to flex their spending power. (Not that CEOs are feeling the same way.) Costs are expected to jump 4.3% this year, up from 3% in January — more than double the Federal Reserve's inflation target. Whether brands feel the sting or not, consumers are making it clear: Their dollars have a voice.

Related: Can Trump's Egg Plan Have an Impact on Prices? (CNN)

Settle This

And the Oscar goes to… Which film do you think will win "Best Picture" on Sunday?

(This poll is no longer available)

Extra Credit

Read

If you thought My Big Fat Greek Wedding was dramatic, wait until you read Anne Tyler’s Three Days in June. At the center of the novel is flinty mother of the bride, Gail Baines. She loses her job the day before the wedding, gets snubbed from a spa outing organized by the groom’s mother, and must host her ex-husband, Max, who shows up unannounced with a foster cat in tow. Things somehow get even worse when their daughter reveals a bombshell about her soon-to-be husband, threatening to derail the entire wedding — and stir up the unresolved history between Gail and Max. True to form, expect “another delightful exploration of sorrow and joy” in the Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s 25th novel.

For more recs...

Check out the Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter, in your inbox every Saturday and Sunday. We'll help you spend your leisure time well.

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.