What's Happening

Politics

Weapons for Ukraine, Warnings for Russia

What's going on: President Donald Trump turned up the heat on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, announcing a weapons deal for Ukraine and what sounds like a ceasefire ultimatum. Under the plan, NATO allies will buy American weapons and then pass them on to Ukraine. Axios reports the first batch totals around $10 billion in missiles (including those capable of striking deep into Russia), air defense systems, and artillery shells. Trump also issued this threat to the Kremlin: Agree to a ceasefire in 50 days or face 100% “secondary tariffs.” Those levies would hit countries like China and India that still buy Russian oil, potentially sending shockwaves through global markets.

What it means: Until recently, Trump has resisted sending offensive weapons to Ukraine. The president believed his personal relationship with Putin could help bring an end to the conflict. Now, he admits (and vents to the first lady) that Putin’s “talk doesn’t mean anything.” After more than three years of fighting and no ceasefire in sight, Trump’s ramping up the pressure. While some are skeptical about the deal, US, European, and Ukrainian officials hope this new strategy — more firepower, tougher consequences — might finally shift the momentum of the war and force Putin back to the table. The question now: Will he blink?

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Technology

Zucked Dry? AI Data Centers Are Draining Water Supplies

What's going on: For years, Beverly and Jeff Morris have grappled with escalating — and costly — water problems at their home in Newton County, GA. Their toilet stopped working, and eventually, their well ran dry. The culprit? The couple told The New York Times they believe the construction of Meta’s $750 million data center — located just 1,000 feet from their home — caused a buildup of sediment in the groundwater, affecting their well. Meta says that’s “unlikely,” but the situation has drawn attention to AI data centers. These facilities can consume up to 500,000 gallons of water a day to cool the servers that handle queries like “Why is the sky blue?” or “Can you make this message sound more professional?” Rising demand has already put Newton County on track toward a water deficit by 2030 — and rationing could arrive even sooner.

What it means: Since 2022, the US has seen more than 160 new AI data centers, according to a Bloomberg News analysis. Tech giants are building more and more, with states like Arizona and Texas seeing a boom. Some of these companies are exploring alternatives to water for their facilities (see: Microsoft). But in the meantime, local wells are being damaged, municipal water bills are skyrocketing, and towns (often in rural and low-income areas) face shortages of a crucial resource, according to The New York Times. As AI gets more powerful, experts warn these data centers will soon require millions of gallons of water a day. Talk about thirst. 

Related: AI Companies Are Trying To Win Over Their Biggest Critics: Teachers (CNN)

Retail

Bonjour to a Better Shopping Experience? 

What's going on: Who can forget Carrie Bradshaw gliding through Bergdorf’s, arms clutching designer shoe boxes? Or Cher and Dionne, shopping their Clueless hearts out? There was a time when department store shopping felt like magic — but these days, that dream’s mostly gone. US department store sales are down 70% since their 1999 peak (foot traffic’s still down 30% since the pandemic). Could the answer be…the French way? Stores like Printemps have survived by turning shopping into an experience. They opened a New York outpost in March with three restaurants, a champagne bar, and spa chairs for mini-facials and head massages — all designed to keep shoppers lingering far beyond the fitting room.

What it means: More than 1,000 US department stores have closed since 2016 — and with chains like Macy’s downsizing, that number’s still growing. Meanwhile, the ones in Europe are thriving, with revenues up 10% since 2019, likely thanks to a “make a day of it” approach. Printemps’s NYC store is less than half the size of a typical US department store, but it’s drawing crowds, designer shoppers, and tourists — all lured by what its CEO calls an “apartment store” vibe. Espresso cafes and facials might not save American retail — but shopping under non-fluorescent lighting with a glass of champagne might be the best pitch yet.

Related: Kate Middleton’s Longer Skirts, Tailored Jackets Are Telling Us Something (NYT Gift Link)