The meeting in Turkey featured President Trump at his most mercurial, veering from scorn to praise for European countries, including some whose patience with mollifying him has worn thin.

Our July 4 bash was troubled, and America may go the way of the Ghaznavid Empire. But here are reasons to be more positive.

Also, tech I.P.O.s are causing a housing frenzy in the Bay Area. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday.