Imagine a world where people visited their local economist for a check-up, like they would a dentist. A recent Free exchange column considers this scenario. Could a trip to the economist make your life better? Much of the advice, our columnist argues, will depend on how old you are and what has already gone wrong in your life. Just like going to the dentist, then.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin did not lead to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Mr Trump rolled out the red carpet but Mr Putin offered little in return. As our article explains, it is a sign of the times that such failure may be a relief for Ukrainian and European leaders.