Thursday

08-21-2025 Vol 2059

Putin Meets Trump in Alaska: A Significant US-Russia Summit

In a notable diplomatic engagement, President Vladimir Putin has made his first visit to U.S. soil since 2015, convening with President Donald Trump at a military base located just outside Anchorage, Alaska. This meeting marks an important moment for Putin as he seeks to enhance Russia’s stature among global powers.

The choice of Alaska as the summit location holds additional significance, as the state was under Russian control until its sale to the United States in 1867. The discussions are slated to begin around 12 pm Pacific Time (3 p.m. Eastern Time) and will consist of face-to-face dialogues between the two leaders, each accompanied by their translators, culminating in a joint press conference.

While there is anticipation surrounding the agenda for this meeting, details about the length of their private discussions remain unclear. To shed light on the implications of this summit, we have invited Anatoly Kurmanaev, a journalist for The New York Times who reports on Russia and its ongoing evolution following the invasion of Ukraine, along with Brian Taylor, a political science professor at Syracuse University specializing in Russian politics.

In Huntington Beach, California, the installation of high-tech surveillance cameras in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of Oak View has sparked controversy. The city discreetly initiated contracts in April to deploy ten surveillance cameras aimed at the main entrances and public areas within this densely populated community, which encompasses approximately half a square mile.

These AI-enhanced cameras are equipped with 360-degree capabilities, night vision, and a magnification ability that allows images to be enlarged up to 32 times without compromising quality. Such advancements have reignited longstanding tensions within the Oak View community.

While certain residents view the surveillance enhancements positively, believing they could help deter crime and aid in apprehending criminal activity, others are skeptical of the city’s intentions. This skepticism is heightened given the local government’s recent commitments to support federal efforts aimed at identifying and deporting numerous undocumented immigrants. Jill Replogle, an Orange County correspondent for LAist, joined AirTalk to explore these developments in more detail.

Despite attempts to engage with Huntington Beach’s police department and the mayor for further insights on this controversy, we did not receive a response. In contrast, on a culinary front, Appu’s Turmeric Cafe in Long Beach has been promoting a unique blend of Indian and Mexican cuisine, stirring interest among local food enthusiasts.

Years ago, Chef Vinod Venkataraman, affectionately known as Chef VR, shared his inspiring journey on AirTalk. Originally, his restaurant began in a medical office space, but it has since expanded to include another location. Having immigrated to the U.S., Chef VR has worn many hats—as a musician, professor, and now a chef who creatively intertwines the flavors of India and Mexico.

On Food Friday, Chef VR returns to the show to delve deeper into his culinary journey and the restaurant’s offerings, showcasing how fusion cuisines continue to thrive in Southern California.

Lastly, this weekend’s FilmWeek segment features reviews of multiple new movie releases. Among the films up for discussion are ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ ‘Nobody 2,’ and ‘Americana,’ all of which are being widely released.

Additionally, streaming highlights include ‘Fixed’ on Netflix and ‘Anxiety Club’ on Jolt.film, alongside theatrical offerings such as ‘The Musicians’ at the Laemmle Royal and ‘Boys Go to Jupiter’ at Laemmle Glendale. During the review segment, film critics Tim Cogshell, Peter Rainer, and Charles Solomon join host Larry Mantle to share their insights on these anticipated releases.

image source from:laist

Benjamin Clarke