Putin says talks to free Evan Gershkovich underway

During his two-hour interview with Tucker Carlson, Vladimir Putin reiterated his beliefs on Russia’s claims to Ukraine. He also indicated the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich might be possible as part of a prisoner exchange. And, record numbers of migrants are showing up at the US southern border, and many are requesting asylum. The system is now overwhelmed, with a backlog of about 3 million asylum applications pending in courts. Also, the premier of Quebec, François Legault, has proposed tuition hikes for students from outside Quebec, in English-speaking regions, who come for an education at venerable English universities like McGill, Concordia and Bishop’s. McGill estimates that the plan will lead to a $94 million shortfall in the school’s budget. Plus, famed Japanese American Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Seiji Ozawa dies at 88.