08/20/2025
The Brownstone Brief — Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (ET)
For the People in the Neighborhood
The Top Line
Hot-mic moment rattles Ukraine diplomacy. Before a White House roundtable, a live mic caught President Trump telling France’s Emmanuel Macron that Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal… for me.” European capitals moved quickly to debrief allies and coordinate next steps.
> “I think he wants to make a deal… as crazy as it sounds.” — President Trump, to Macron, on a hot mic
NATO military leaders are meeting today to align support for Kyiv amid talk of a potential Putin-Zelenskyy meeting.
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World
China’s foreign minister in Kabul for trilateral with Pakistan & Afghanistan. Beijing is expanding regional talks on security and infrastructure.
Beijing sets Sept. 3 mega-parade. China announced a large military parade in Beijing to mark 80 years since Japan’s WWII surrender, with first-look advanced weaponry expected.
Germany charges Russian national over suspected plot targeting Israel’s Berlin embassy. Prosecutors say the defendant sought ISIS links and explored bomb-making instructions before his February arrest.
Paris overtourism backlash. Post-Olympics crowds fuel protests in Montmartre as the city tightens short-term rental rules (including stricter 90-night caps in many areas).
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Economy & Markets
Markets eye Jackson Hole as New Zealand cuts rates. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand trimmed its cash rate 25 bps to 3.00%, signaling room for more easing. U.S. traders are focused on this week’s Federal Reserve symposium in Wyoming.
U.S. equity futures slipped after a tech-led selloff, with tariff and policy uncertainty in the mix.
> “Labor Markets in Transition” — 2025 Jackson Hole theme (Aug 21–23)
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Health
Texas declares its measles outbreak over. After 42 days without a new case, the West Texas-centered outbreak (762 cases, two child deaths) has officially ended, state officials say.
Somalia diphtheria surge. More than 1,600 cases and 87 deaths so far in 2025, driven by vaccine shortages and aid cuts, according to health authorities.
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Weather Alert
Hurricane Erin stays offshore — but packs a punch. The Category 2 storm is flinging dangerous surf and rip currents up much of the U.S. East Coast; North Carolina’s Outer Banks face the greatest immediate risk. Check local advisories and beach closures.
> “Life-threatening rip currents” possible from Florida to New England.
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Sports
Yankees crush 9 home runs to rout Rays. New York ties a franchise record in a 13–3 win — becoming the first MLB team with two 9-HR games in one season.
Braves storm back from six down to beat White Sox 11–10. An eighth-inning two-run single capped Atlanta’s comeback.
US Open Fan Week (NYC). The revamped mixed-doubles championship wraps up tonight during Fan Week.
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What We’re Watching
The NATO chiefs’ readout after today’s Ukraine discussions
Jackson Hole signals from Chair Powell and global central bankers (Aug 21–23)
Hurricane Erin coastal flooding & rip-current reports through Thursday
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Paulette On The Mic
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