{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-august-16-18-2025-qbEceQbr","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Today's News, August 16-18, 2025","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/2e14135b-e3b3-4fb9-b3ea-36674e72572d/wwop-todays-20news-20cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/70ac2482-aff5-4dd1-a118-73b51a5b2bbe\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Today&apos;s News, August 16-18, 2025\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"Trump’s summit with Putin ended amicably but without a Ukraine ceasefire, though he signaled a push toward ending the war as Zelensky and European leaders arrived in D.C. Corruption scandals hit Democratic leaders, while Pam Bondi secured major court wins allowing Trump to cut foreign aid and shrink the federal workforce. Trump is also preparing executive orders against mail-in ballots, while cultural clashes highlight disillusionment with universities, urban decline, and AI-driven social dysfunction. Internationally, Russia, China, and Mexico adjust strategies amid economic and security pressures, while Guyana rises as an energy hub. Entertainment saw the rise of AI film tools, MSNBC’s rebrand, and actor Terence Stamp’s passing. Medical news included revived vaccine safety reviews, rising pilot disabilities post-vax, and declining drinking rates. Finally, America’s smallest town has just one resident."}