Monolithic Power Systems, a big company that makes computer chips in Kirkland, just bought a special lease at King County International Airport-Boeing Field in Seattle. They paid $18.3 million for it.
This deal includes two big buildings called hangars and puts the company in a good spot just four miles south of Downtown Seattle. The Puget Sound Business Journal said this shows Monolithic is growing and also shows how more tech and industrial companies are using airports for their businesses.
The people who sold it, led by well-known businessmen Dan Baty and his son Stan Baty, gave Monolithic a good deal. It puts them in a really useful place for their work, near the busy Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
An In-Depth Look at the Agreement
The details of the lease aren’t fully shared, but it’s a big step for Monolithic Power Systems. This company makes electronic stuff for different industries like computers, phones, and cars. They’re now joining a special group of private airline companies at Boeing Field.
MPS is yet to share details of the lease (Credits: MPS)
These companies have put a lot of money into the airport. This shows that they think it’s really important for business and moving things around.
Monolithic’s move to 7277 Perimeter Road South not only makes their operations bigger but also matches their plans to grow. They made a lot of money in 2022 – $437.7 million!
What the Big Deal at Boeing Field Means for Seattle’s Factories and Tech
Monolithic Power Systems recently got a lease at Boeing Field. This shows a bigger trend in Seattle’s factories and tech companies. They want spots that help with moving goods and are close to big cities.
This trend is changing how Seattle’s factories look. It’s making Seattle a center for cool companies that want to make their work easier in the busy Northwest.
Monolithic Power System office (Credits: MPS)
Also, the fact that Dan and Stan Baty’s firm is involved shows how Seattle’s businesses, property, and tech worlds are all connected.
Monolithic Power Systems made a smart decision by getting a ground lease at Boeing Field. This shows they have a big plan to grow and expand.
This move gives Monolithic a big advantage in how they work and also tells everyone, including competitors, that they are planning for success in the future.
Picking this spot is important because Seattle is a hub for technology, business, and moving things around. By doing this, Monolithic is showing other companies in the same business what to do.
In the middle of Texas wine country, there’s a special place for sale. It mixes making wine with living luxuriously.
Scimitar Hill Vineyards covers 126 acres in Camp Verde. It’s not just a house; it’s also a big wine-making place. And it’s up for sale for $5.2 million. My San Antonio wrote about it. It shows how people are starting to want both luxury and a certain lifestyle in their homes, especially in beautiful areas where farming is big.
The price of the estate, which works out to more than $41,000 per acre, shows how much people are willing to pay for land that’s more than just land.
Scimitar Hill Vineyards
The charm of Scimitar Hill Vineyards isn’t just about making wine. It’s also about the cool houses and fun stuff to do there.
The big house was built in 2020 (Credits: X)
The big house, built in 2020, is cool. It has a big bedroom upstairs, a nice master bedroom, and even a special room to keep wine at the perfect temperature.
The guest house is also a tasting room. It’s a cozy place where you can try the vineyard’s wines. Outside, there’s lots to do too. There’s a big barn where they make stuff, a winery, a workshop, a barn for horses, and a big lake. The lake isn’t as big right now because of the drought.
This mix of fancy living and farming is not something you see every day. That’s why Scimitar Hill is special in Texas real estate.
Why Texas Hill Country’s Property is So Popular
Scimitar Hill Vineyards is part of a big trend in the Texas Hill Country. People want ranches and estates there because they’re beautiful, useful, and can make a lot of money.
The River Oak Ranch (Credits: Real Deal)
Lots of big properties have been up for sale lately. For example, the River Oak Ranch is 1,560 acres, and there’s a 738-acre ranch in Spicewood. People are interested in buying them, even though they’re expensive.
This increase in buying and selling shows that more and more people like properties that have a mix of fun things to do, places to live, and chances to make money. This is especially true in places with cool nature and history, like the Texas Hill Country.
A Look At How Things Are Changing in Markets and Lifestyles
When Scimitar Hill Vineyards got listed at $5.2 million, it wasn’t just a sale. It showed how markets and what people want in life are changing.
It’s a cozy place where you can try the vineyard’s wines.
More and more people want properties that give them luxury, fun, and a good place to live. That’s why estates like Scimitar Hill are so popular.
This trend shows that people now prefer places where they can do different things like making wine, riding horses, living in luxury, and protecting wildlife.
It also tells us that the Texas Hill Country is getting more attention from investors and people looking for a good place to live. It offers beautiful views, chances for farming, and luxury living.
Hawaii addresses the crisis following a big wildfire that destroyed Lahaina on Maui on August 8, there’s now an even bigger problem with not having enough places to live. Amy Chadwick, a single mom who works as a waiter at a fancy restaurant, is one of many people facing this problem.
Because rents in Maui are so expensive, Chadwick had to move to Florida. Her situation shows a bigger issue: many community members are being forced out because of vacation rentals.
Renting a place in Maui can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 a month. This means that people who work in jobs like serving food and helping tourists, which are important for Maui’s economy, can’t afford to live there anymore. This is a big problem for towns like Lahaina, where these workers make up a big part of the community.
Why We Need Rules for Vacation Rentals Statewide
The Lahaina disaster has led everyone in Hawaii to think about how short-term vacation rentals affect our state.
After the devastating wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii had made up some ‘Vacation Rules’ (Credits: Maui News)
Governor Josh Green is upset about what happened in Lahaina. He thinks too many vacation rentals, owned by people who don’t live here, are making Hawaii’s housing problem worse.
Lawmakers and people who work with housing also agree. They say turning homes into vacation rentals not only means fewer homes for people to live in, but it also changes our communities. It’s getting harder for local people and Native Hawaiians to afford to stay in Hawaii.
Laws and People’s Actions
In Hawaii, lawmakers are thinking about passing laws that would let counties gradually stop short-term rentals. They hope this will help locals find homes.
Renting a place in Maui can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 a month (Credits: Team Real Estate)
This law is part of a bigger plan to solve the housing problem. It wants to make more regular homes available and stop people from turning houses into vacation rentals. But some owners of short-term rentals don’t like the idea. They say it takes away their rights and hurts their money.
At the same time, people in Lahaina and other places are speaking up. They want to protect their communities and make sure there are homes for those who live in Hawaii.
Decisions for Hawaii’s Tomorrow
The situation in Lahaina shows a small version of a big problem Hawaii faces: how to keep tourism money coming in while also keeping Hawaii’s special culture and making sure people can live there in the long run.
People of Hawaii want to live in a safe neighborhood (Credits: Team Real Estate)
The talk about renting homes for short stays and what happens to housing in Hawaii isn’t just about numbers and rules; it’s about what kind of neighborhoods Hawaiians want and what they want to leave for their kids.
As Hawaii deals with these questions, the results will really change how Hawaii looks and feels, and how people live and work there.
In a big decision, New York lawmakers approved a $237 billion state budget. The goal is to deal with several important issues, like building more houses and stopping illegal marijuana stores.
This package covers many other important topics, such as closing state prisons faster, helping more migrants, and keeping some pandemic rules like allowing takeout cocktails. The budget tries to tackle New York’s problems directly, especially focusing on housing and regulating marijuana.
Homes and Weed: A Double Focus
The budget has a big plan to help improve New York’s housing market. It’s offering developers a tax break if they rent some new apartments for less than the usual price. The aim is to encourage building more homes and deal with the shortage of places to live.
But not everyone is happy about this. Cea Weaver, who works to improve housing, thinks it’s unfair. She says it’s more about helping developers than helping people find affordable homes.
The budget has a big plan to help improve New York’s housing market (Credits: iStock)
At the same time, the budget also wants to stop unlicensed weed stores from popping up all over New York City. They’re going to make it easier to enforce the rules, showing how the state is struggling to control its new marijuana market.
Examining Housing Laws
The budget’s housing plans are part of broader laws that also include recent changes to New York’s rent rules and the introduction of new housing programs.
These plans aim to create more affordable housing and make renovations easier for landlords financially. However, whether these measures help with the city’s housing crisis is still being discussed.
Critics say that while the plans might help some people, they don’t fully solve problems for the most at-risk tenants and the financial issues landlords and developers face.
The Marijuana Mystery
The way the budget deals with illegal cannabis shops shows how hard it is to control a new legal market. The state wants to help legal marijuana stores by letting police shut down illegal ones more easily.
The budget also deals with illegal cannabis shops
But this plan makes people wonder how to enforce the law while still letting legal stores grow and stop illegal sales.
The budget’s housing and cannabis plans show how cities are trying to solve big problems by making new laws. In places like Long Beach, they’re changing zoning laws to build more cheap homes.
This shows that special rules can help. These examples show how we need new ideas to make cities better for everyone.
Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is making news for more than just his amazing baseball skills. He’s also getting attention for his new project in luxury real estate.
Despite his busy life in baseball, Ohtani has started building a huge 5,000-square-foot house in a fancy area called Hapuna Estates at Mauna Kea Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island.
This isn’t just any move. Ohtani is going to be the first person to live in this fancy neighborhood. It shows that big sports stars like him are getting into buying really expensive homes, not just for living in, but also as investments.
Ohtani’s Dream Home in Hawaii
The story behind Ohtani’s new place in Hawaii and what’s planned for his retreat are as impressive as his performance on the baseball field. The starting price for a piece of land in Hapuna Estates is $4.9 million.
It’s going to be a special place with 66 luxury homes and duplex condos spread over 34 acres. There will be cool stuff like golf courses, private beaches, and fancy hotels.
Ohtani has started building a huge 5,000-square-foot house in a fancy area called Hapuna Estates at $4.9 Million (Credits: Compass Marketing)
Ohtani’s house will sit near the eighth hole of a golf course. It’s going to be custom-made just for him by the developers, West Point Investment Corp., with help from Kingsbarn Realty Capital and Dominis Holdings.
They’re teaming up to make sure it’s perfect for Ohtani. This partnership is getting attention from places like the Wall Street Journal because it shows how Ohtani’s style and fame are helping to make the community better.
What It Means for Money and Markets
Ohtani’s step into luxury real estate shows a bigger trend where top athletes use their money, fame, and popularity to invest in expensive properties.
Ohtani got a huge $700 million contract with the Dodgers from which he invested to build the house (Credits: @topclosings/ Instagram)
It’s not just about getting fancy places to relax in the offseason. It’s also about smart money decisions and making their brand even bigger. Ohtani’s got a huge $700 million contract with the Dodgers, plus $45 million a year in endorsements. That puts him in a special spot with this trend.
But there’s a recent problem. His interpreter was involved in a bank fraud scandal. It shows how tough it can be for athletes off the field. This adds an interesting twist to Ohtani’s real estate move.
Ohtani’s Luxury Home: More Than Just a Place to Live
Ohtani’s project in Hawaii isn’t just about buying a fancy house; it’s a smart move to make his brand even stronger.
(Credits: @topclosings/Instagram)
By being the first person to live in Hapuna Estates, Ohtani gets a nice house and also makes his brand look fancy and exclusive.
This fits with what lots of famous people do. They buy cool houses to show off their lifestyle.
Also, the fact that famous architects are working on Ohtani’s house and it’s going to have special design features shows how fancy real estate can be linked to making yourself look good and living a high life.
Hudson Square used to be a quiet part of Manhattan that people didn’t pay much attention to. But now, it’s become a busy area where big tech and media companies like Google and Disney have set up shop.
Google recently opened its New York headquarters at St. John’s Terminal in February they bought for $2.1 billion in September 2021. Disney is also almost done building its 22-story headquarters at 7 Hudson Square. These moves show how much the neighborhood has changed and how attractive it has become.
This change has been happening for a while, with more and more tech and media companies looking for places that mix old charm with modern facilities. Hudson Square has become just that kind of place.
A Force for Change
Google and Disney moving into Hudson Square have started something big. They’ve got people interested and investing in the area.
One big sign of this is the plans for One Grand. It’s going to be a 28-story office building built by Taconic Partners and Nuveen Real Estate.
Interior of headquarters of Goggle at St. John’s Terminal
When it’s done, it will add 431,000 square feet of space to the area. Even though the office market in New York City is tough right now, with lots of space available, Hudson Square is still looking good.
People are hopeful about Hudson Square’s future. That’s because it’s changing from a place with lots of factories into a spot where tech and media companies want to be. It’s a mix of old buildings and new technology, and people like that mix.
The Wider Effects of Changing Offices to Homes
The story of Hudson Square’s comeback is part of a bigger picture happening across New York City. This is shown by the state’s new plan to change offices into homes.
The goal of this plan is to fix the city’s lack of housing and improve its office market. SL Green Realty Corp. supports this plan.
The company wants to turn its nearly empty office building at 750 Third Avenue into apartments. This is encouraged by Governor Kathy Hochul’s tax incentive plan. It shows how changing offices into homes could change how New York City looks.
This plan could turn 20 to 40 million square feet of office space into homes for people to rent. It’s a big change in how the city plans to develop and provide housing.
A New Time for New York’s Real Estate
Hudson Square is changing into a place where tech and media businesses gather, and more offices are being turned into homes. This shows that New York’s real estate market is entering a new phase.
These changes show that businesses and people in the city are adapting to new needs. They’re finding ways to mix preserving old buildings with adding new ideas.
Big companies like Google and Disney are moving into places like Hudson Square. They’re not just changing how these neighborhoods look, but also making them more varied and exciting.
GoFundMe, the renowned crowdfunding platform, has recently expanded its services to Mexico, marking its entry into the Latin American market. CEO Tim Cadogan stated that Mexico’s position as one of the world’s top 15 economies and its close ties with the United States make it a natural fit for GoFundMe’s expansion.
The decision to include Mexico came after observing high search volumes and user interest in launching campaigns within the country.
Mexico, a nation prone to natural disasters and with significant healthcare expenses, presents a ripe opportunity for GoFundMe’s offerings.
Rescuers work in the rubble after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on September 19, 2017, in Mexico City, Mexico.(Credit: Getty Images)
Despite the country’s resilience in facing challenges like Hurricane Otis, where the community raised substantial funds for recovery, Mexicans themselves were unable to initiate campaigns due to geographic restrictions.
With approximately half of Mexico’s population living in poverty, unexpected expenses often lead to appeals for financial assistance, particularly for medical emergencies or traumatic events like kidnapping.
Previously, U.S. users had facilitated campaigns on behalf of their Mexican relatives, but the platform’s expansion now facilitates direct fundraising efforts within Mexico.
Jeremy Snyder, a bioethicist specializing in medical crowdfunding, views this expansion as a sign of crowdfunding’s growing normalization and accessibility.
While similar platforms like Donadora exist in Mexico, GoFundMe’s global reach and established reputation set it apart. Despite facing competition, GoFundMe’s advantageous pricing, security measures, and refund policies make it a preferred choice for many fundraisers.
Devastation due to hurricane Otis.(Credit: Getty)
To ensure compliance and security, fundraisers in Mexico must meet specific criteria, including age requirements, a Mexican postal address, a local bank account, and a federal taxpayer registry number.
GoFundMe’s partnership with financial technology startup Stripe facilitates secure online payments for donors and recipients.
The expansion into Mexico serves as a pilot for potential further expansion into other Latin American markets.
Cadogan expressed GoFundMe’s eagerness to serve more regions but emphasized the importance of understanding each market’s dynamics before expansion. As the platform gains traction in Mexico, it will inform future decisions regarding expansion into other Latin American countries.
Renowned fashion designer Nancy Gonzalez, whose luxurious accessories adorned celebrities like Britney Spears and the cast of “Sex and the City,” faced a significant legal setback on Monday as she was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
This sentence came after Gonzalez pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court for her involvement in smuggling crocodile handbags from Colombia, her native country.
Gonzalez’s arrest in 2022 and subsequent extradition to the United States revealed a complex conspiracy spanning several years.
Ms. Gonzalez in the hands of the police at the El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá. (Credit: Columbian Migration Office/AP)
She orchestrated the smuggling operation, utilizing couriers to transport her handbags via commercial flights to exclusive showrooms and fashion events in New York, all in violation of U.S. wildlife laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald likened Gonzalez’s actions to those of drug traffickers, emphasizing the pursuit of financial gain as the driving force behind her illicit activities.
However, Gonzalez’s defense portrayed her as a determined single mother who transformed from crafting belts on a home sewing machine in Cali to a fashion icon who rivaled renowned brands like Dior, Prada, and Gucci.
Despite arguments for leniency based on her journey and contributions, Gonzalez’s actions had severe consequences. Her fashion company in Colombia, employing mostly women, declared bankruptcy following her arrest.
Celebrity handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez hides under an umbrella as she walks with her lawyer Andrea Lopez outside the federal courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Miami. (Credit: Josh Goodman / AP Photo)
While her defense highlighted that only a small percentage of her merchandise lacked proper authorization, prosecutors emphasized the disparity between Gonzalez’s lavish lifestyle and the hardships faced by the couriers she recruited.
Judge Robert Scola considered Gonzalez’s nearly 14 months of confinement in a Colombian prison awaiting extradition when sentencing her to 18 months in prison.
Although the trade in the skins used by Gonzalez was not prohibited, they originated from protected wildlife, requiring adherence to international treaties governing their trade.
Despite her celebrity clientele and accolades, Gonzalez’s legacy is tainted by her involvement in illegal activities.
Prosecutors highlighted the regrettable nature of previous endorsements from top retailers, suggesting they would now distance themselves to protect their brands. Gonzalez’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pursuing success through unlawful means.
Thousands of Indigenous individuals have convened in the heart of Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, to voice their discontent against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s perceived failure to honor his commitments regarding the creation of reserves and the removal of illegal miners and land encroachers from Indigenous territories.
The 20th Free Land Camp, an annual weeklong gathering of Indigenous communities, has taken on a tone of holding Lula’s administration accountable for its actions.
Despite the recent establishment of two new reserves, falling short of the promised six, Indigenous groups remain unsatisfied.
An indigenous woman takes part in a protest along with people from various ethnic groups in a protest against the proposal of the federal government to legalize mining in indigenous lands, in front of Planalto Palace in Brasilia on April 19, 2021. (Credit: Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images)
Lula attributed the delay in naming additional reserves to the requests of state governors and the necessity of finding alternative areas for approximately 800 non-Indigenous individuals who would be displaced upon the demarcation of new territories.
An open letter from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, directed at the government’s legislative, judicial, and executive branches, vehemently emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Indigenous rights and denounces any attempt to undermine them.
According to the Socio-Environmental Institute, there are currently 251 territories awaiting recognition by the federal government.
Indigenous people dance during the 20th annual Free Land Indigenous Camp in Brasília, Brazil, Monday, April 22, 2024. The 7-day event aims to show the unity of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples in their fight for the demarcation of their lands and their rights. (Credit: AP Photo/Luis Nova)
Alessandra Korap, a prominent Indigenous leader of the Munduruku tribe, expressed deep disappointment with the government’s actions, particularly its limited progress in demarcating lands.
Despite Lula’s electoral promise to prioritize Indigenous land rights, opposition from the influential agribusiness sector, backed by numerous congressional seats and several state governors, presents a significant obstacle.
Approximately 8,000 protesters have converged in Brasilia, enduring lengthy bus journeys to participate in the camp’s activities, which include traditional ceremonies, the sale of handicrafts, debates, and political demonstrations.
The Indigenous community’s collective voice resonates in their call for justice and the protection of their ancestral lands.
Two Japanese military helicopters crashed, possibly colliding, leaving one person dead and seven missing, officials confirmed.
According to a spokesperson for Japan’s self-defense force, the incident occurred late on Saturday, with one person recovered and later confirmed deceased.
Defence Minister holds press conference
Minoru Kihara, the defense minister, stated that rescuers had identified what is believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea, indicating a collision between the two helicopters.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara holds a press conference in Tokyo on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
“At this point, the cause is unknown, but firstly, we do our best to save lives,” Kihara said.
The minister explained that the helicopters were engaged in drills aimed at countering submarines during nighttime operations.
Hours later, Kihara updated reporters, confirming that the crew member who was rescued had succumbed to their injuries.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship searching for two MSDF helicopters in waters east of Torishima Island in the Izu Island chain in the Pacific. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
The ministry has recovered flight recorders and is currently analyzing the cause of the incident, including the possibility of a collision between the two helicopters.
The helicopters crashed during a night-time training exercise near the Izu islands in the Pacific, as reported by NHK.
Communication with one of the helicopters was lost at 10:38 PM near Torishima island, with an emergency signal received just one minute later, according to NHK.
Adm. Ryo Sakai, chief of staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, holds a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on April 23, 2024, after two MSDF helicopters crashed during a drill in the Pacific on April 20. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
Approximately 25 minutes later, the military realized that communication with the other helicopter was also lost in the same area.
The Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters primarily operate from naval destroyers.
The navy has stated that since there were no other aircraft or vessels in the nearby waters, the involvement of another country in the incident is unlikely.
Japan’s defense spending is on the rise, and it’s deepening cooperation with the US and other Asian countries in response to increased assertiveness from China in the region and the unpredictability of North Korea.
In April 2023, a Japanese army helicopter carrying 10 individuals crashed off Miyako island in southern Okinawa, resulting in no survivors.
The Malaysian Navy has reported that two navy helicopters collided mid-air during a parade rehearsal, resulting in the tragic loss of all 10 crew members on board. The incident took place at the Lumut naval base in the western state of Perak at 9:32 am on Tuesday (0132 GMT), as detailed in a statement released by the navy.
According to the statement, “All victims were confirmed dead at the scene and sent to the Lumut Naval Base military hospital for identification.”
Helicopter Collision Caught on Camera
A video circulating on local media captured the moment several helicopters were flying in formation when one of the aircraft’s rotors clipped another before both crashed to the ground.
Helicopter crash in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Local police confirmed the authenticity of the footage, and Malaysia’s navy announced its intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragic accident.
Helicopters involved in the incident included a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec lightweight carrying three crew members and an AW139 maritime operation helicopter with seven people on board, the navy confirmed.
The AW139, produced by AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of the Italian defense contractor Leonardo, and the Fennec, manufactured by European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus, were the models involved.
Two military helicopters collide mid-air during a rehearsal in Malaysia. (Photo by Elif Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Local media reported the AW139 crashed at a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool.
Photographs depicted the heavily damaged Fennec amidst wreckage on the naval base stadium track, with rescue personnel and scattered debris visible.
(Photo by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated the two aircraft were engaged in a rehearsal for a parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, scheduled for Saturday.
Efforts were initiated to confirm the identities of the crew members killed, all of whom were reported to be under the age of 40, Mohamed Khaled informed reporters.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended condolences to the families of the victims, remarking, “The nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy.” He further indicated that an immediate investigation would be conducted by the Ministry of Defense, particularly TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to determine the cause of the crash.
Incidents involving helicopters are not uncommon in the Southeast Asian nation, with a recent incident involving a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter crashing in the Strait of Malacca last month, resulting in no fatalities. Additionally, in 2016, a deputy minister was among those who perished after a Eurocopter AS350 crashed in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
Eleven previously unreleased songs by Johnny Cash recorded as demos in 1993 but never fully realized, are set to finally debut on a new album titled Songwriter, scheduled for release on June 28.
Alongside the announcement, a single titled Well Alright was disclosed today: a sassy, swaggering track about desire amidst laundry, featuring a classic Cash opening couplet: “I met her at the laundromat, she was washing extra hot / I said don’t you need a little help with that big load you got?”
Johnny Cash Demos Reimagined with Star-Studded Collaboration
The demos have been transformed into completed versions, with guest appearances by country singer Vince Gill and rock band the Black Keys.
Johnny Cash, with Takamine acoustic guitar, recording in the home studio. (Photo by Beth Gwinn/Redferns)
These songs were brought to life by a skilled team of musicians who previously collaborated with Cash, including guitarist Marty Stuart, drummer Pete Abbott, and – before his passing in 2023 – upright bassist Dave Roe. Cash’s original vocal performances from the demo recordings have been seamlessly integrated into the new arrangements.
Cash’s son John Carter Cash collaborated on the project as co-producer, alongside David “Fergie” Ferguson, the studio engineer who worked with Rick Rubin to record Cash’s memorable suite of songs towards the end of his life, American Recordings.
“Nobody plays Cash better than Marty Stuart, and Dave Roe of course played with Dad for many years,” John Carter Cash expressed. “They knew his energies, his movements, and they let him be the guide. It was just playing with Johnny once again, and that’s what it was. That was the energy of the creation.”
Johnny Cash’s Unfinished Album Journey
The demos were of songs Cash had written over several years before 1993, while he was between recording contracts.
Before he could develop them into a complete album, he met Rubin and went into the American Recordings project, which featured Cash’s compositions alongside modern song standards by Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, and unexpected cover versions of artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Danzig, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash as “The Million Dollar Quartet”. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Cash passed away in 2003 from complications due to diabetes, following the release of the fourth American Recordings album the previous year.
Opening track ‘Hello Out There’
The opening track of the new album, Hello Out There, sees Cash expressing concerns about the state of the world, singing: “Hello out there, this is planet Earth calling calling calling calling calling / Hello out there, our net worth is falling falling falling falling falling”.
He also went through his personal struggles on Drive On – which originated during chronic pain following a broken jaw in the early 1990s – and Like a Soldier, which reflects on his battle with drug addiction. “It’s something that he wrote after his first stint in a recovery center – he felt like he was like a soldier getting over a war,” John Carter Cash explained.
American country singer Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003) appears at the Grand Gala du Disque in Amsterdam. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)
I Love You Tonite was penned as a love song for his wife June Carter Cash, while Poor Valley Girl – featuring vocals from Gill – is a tribute to June and her fellow country musician and mother Maybelle Carter.
Cash pays homage to James Taylor on She Sang Sweet Baby James, his home state of Arkansas on Have You Been to Little Rock?, and revisits a Cash song from 1962, Sing It Pretty, Sue. Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys contributes a guitar solo on the song Spotlight.
Promotional materials for the album promise tracks covering themes of “love, family, sorrow, beauty, spiritual salvation, survival, redemption, and of course, some of the lighthearted humor Johnny was known for”.
Around 150 protesters were arrested at pro-Palestinian demonstrations held at Yale and New York University on Monday night, amidst escalating tensions on prominent US campuses.
At Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, authorities detained at least 47 protesters on Monday evening, as confirmed by the university in a statement. Those students who were arrested will undergo disciplinary proceedings.
Protest at Yale, NYU
The protests at Yale drew several hundred participants, including individuals engaged in hunger strikes, advocating for the university to divest from military weapons manufacturers and other companies associated with Israel. Despite repeated requests from Yale officials for the demonstrators to disperse, warnings were issued regarding potential law enforcement intervention and disciplinary measures for non-compliance.
Protesters at Yale demand divestment from companies tied to Israel amidst warnings of potential law enforcement action. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, in downtown Manhattan, confrontations erupted between police and protesters at New York University. Reports surfaced of officers employing pepper spray as demonstrators attempted to obstruct a police bus transporting detained students, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals.
Police Disperse Campus Protesters
Law enforcement officers moved in on an encampment near the university after nightfall, where hundreds of protesters had defied warnings from the university administration about potential repercussions for remaining on the premises.
Videos circulated on social media depicted police dismantling tents in the protesters’ encampment amidst a tense and occasionally chaotic atmosphere. Some officers were seen removing tents, while others engaged in physical altercations with demonstrators.
Officers remove tents as tensions rise at the university encampment. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
According to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department, arrests were made following Columbia University’s request for enforcement of trespassing violations. However, the exact number of arrests and citations won’t be known until later.
The police intervention followed a significant walkout by faculty at Columbia University on Monday, standing in solidarity with students who had been arrested the previous week during a camp protest. These students were advocating for the university to divest from companies associated with Israel.
Campus Activism Spreads Nationwide
Bassam Khawaja, a lecturer at Columbia Law School and a supervising attorney at the university’s human rights clinic, expressed dismay over the president’s swift action involving the police. He described the protest as non-violent, emphasizing that it resembled typical campus activities.
Following the events at Columbia, students across the country initiated their own demonstrations in support. Many of these protests demanded their universities to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza and to divest from companies linked to Israel.
Student protests gain momentum, echoing demands for Gaza ceasefire and divestment. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Students at Brown, Princeton, and Northwestern staged protests on Friday and throughout the weekend.
Student-led protest encampments have sprouted up at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Emerson College in the Boston area, reflecting a broader wave of activism across campuses.
Campus Unrest Sparks National Debate
Similar demonstrations have occurred at Boston University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Robert Kraft, a significant benefactor of Columbia University and owner of the New England Patriots NFL team, has declared his intention to withhold support “until corrective action is taken” on campus.
NYPD officers arrest pro-Palestinian protests began at Columbia University and spread to other schools in New York. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
At Columbia University in New York, where diverse opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict abound, some Jewish students have aligned with pro-Palestinian protests, while others have opted to abstain, citing feelings of insecurity.
Facing mounting pressure, Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik summoned New York police last week to dismantle a tent encampment on the main lawn, where students had been advocating for the university to divest from companies with Israeli ties.
Criticism has been directed at Shafik both for her perceived leniency towards the protests and for the forceful intervention involving law enforcement. Calls for her resignation have emerged from certain members of Congress, spanning across party lines.
The European Union started a process against ByteDance’s TikTok and warned to stop its new TikTok Lite rewards program, where users can earn points for liking content or inviting friends.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said TikTok has 24 hours to report about the risks of TikTok Lite or face fines. They also asked TikTok to provide more information by May 3.
The commission is worried that TikTok Lite’s “Task and Reward Program” was started “without properly looking at the risks, especially the risk of getting addicted to the app.”
There are concerns about children being at risk because TikTok might not have good age verification systems.
EU demands TikTok assess the risks of its new feature or face fines.
TikTok didn’t comment when CNBC reached out to them on Monday.
This is the second time the EU has taken action against TikTok. In February, they started investigating if TikTok had broken rules about protecting minors, being transparent about ads, and managing risks from addictive design and harmful content.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said, “Under the Digital Services Act, online platforms have to check and handle any risks their users might face. So, the Commission has started a case to make TikTok show how they are protecting their users from risks on their platform.”
“What is TikTok Lite?”
TikTok Lite is a new version of TikTok that was released in France and Spain recently. It’s designed for users who are 18 years and older.
TikTok Lite launched in France and Spain, aimed at users 18 and older.
The app has a rewards program where users can earn points by doing certain things, like watching videos or following creators. These points can then be swapped for rewards, such as gift cards or Amazon vouchers.
According to the EU’s Digital Services Act, companies with over 45 million active users in the EU have to follow strict rules to fight illegal and harmful content on their platforms.
EU warns TikTok Lite’s rewards could be as harmful and addictive as cigarettes.
Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief, said that while watching short and fast-paced videos might seem fun, it can also expose children to risks like addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and having a short attention span.
He also mentioned that since the EU’s first case against TikTok is still ongoing, the company has launched TikTok Lite, which rewards users for spending more time on the app. Breton is concerned that TikTok Lite might be just as harmful and addictive as “light” cigarettes.
Breton warned that if TikTok doesn’t prove its safety, the EU could suspend TikTok Lite, which they believe might lead to addiction, using measures under the Digital Services Act.
Rishi Sunak expressed deep concern over the treatment of a Jewish man by police during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London, according to a source from Downing Street.
The Metropolitan Police apologized twice on Friday following an incident where an officer referred to Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) leader Gideon Falter as “openly Jewish.”
Mr. Falter was threatened with arrest
On April 13, Mr. Falter, wearing a kippah skullcap, was threatened with arrest and informed by police that his presence was causing a “breach of peace.” He has since called for the resignation of the Met’s commissioner.
Gideon Falter (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist has reached out to Mr. Falter to offer a private meeting to “apologize to him personally and discuss what more the Met can do to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe.”
Downing Street stated that the prime minister had viewed the original footage and was “appalled, like everyone else, by the officer’s description of Mr. Falter as ‘openly Jewish.'”
The source noted that while it was appropriate for the Met to apologize, they criticized the force for “completely mishandling” the situation, first issuing an apology that was later retracted before issuing a second statement.
“[The prime minister] expects the Met commissioner to explain how this occurred and what steps will be taken to ensure officers do more to ensure the safety of Jewish communities in London – and for Sadiq Khan to fulfill his duty in holding the Met accountable.”
Footage shows Mr. Falter informing police he was just crossing the road
New footage from Sky News has also surfaced, showing Mr. Falter informing the police officer that he was attempting to cross the road.
The South London for Palestine protest marches towards the US Embassy on April 20, 2024 in London, England. (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
In the video, the officer accuses Mr. Falter of deliberately walking “right into the middle” of the march and describes his actions as “disingenuous,” suggesting he was attempting to “antagonize” others.
The officer tells the campaign leader, “My view is you are looking to try and antagonize things,” to which Mr. Falter responds, “I’m not, I’m trying to walk along the pavement.”
Speaking to BBC News, Mr. Falter described the experience as “frightening” and stated it made him feel “like I was being treated like a criminal for being Jewish.”
The CAA chief executive criticized Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, accusing him of “curtailing the rights of law-abiding Londoners including the Jewish community to appease lawless mobs.”
Pro Palestine protest London. (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
“I think it’s time for Sir Mark Rowley to go,” he added. “We need a new commissioner who understands that the role of policing is… to enforce the law and if the law says that Londoners can go wherever they want freely, as long as they’re law-abiding, then that’s what they have to enforce.”
Metropolitan Police assures the safety of Jewish Londoners
In an updated statement on Sunday evening, the Met expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish Londoners. The force announced that it had invited senior representatives from London’s Jewish communities, officials from the mayor’s office of policing and crime, and members of the House of Lords to an “operational planning exercise.”
Metropolitan Police assures the safety of Jewish Londoners. (Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
“This would ordinarily be undertaken in private, but in recognition of the need to engage better and provide reassurance we are inviting community leaders to join us,” it said. “This is complex, but we will continue to seek the support and insight of all voices who can help us deliver the service London deserves.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews is scheduled to meet with the Met commissioner this week following what it described as “a series of high-profile errors”.
A spokesperson said the Met had made “entirely avoidable mistakes”, which have had “a devastating effect on the previously high level of trust held by the UK’s Jewish community in the police”.
Home Secretary James Cleverly has written to Sir Mark and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking for an explanation.
Mr. Khan has arranged an urgent meeting with the commissioner on Monday to “discuss community relations”, but it is understood he has full confidence in the commissioner.
On Saturday, a spokesman for the mayor said the Met’s handling of the incident was “concerning” and that the force “must have the confidence of the communities they serve”.
The Met commissioner is also expected to meet with Policing Minister Chris Philp.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho labels the incident as a “serious misstep”
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “What we can’t be saying to particular groups in society is that their very presence is a provocation.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho (Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Asked if Sir Mark Rowley should resign, she said she “personally wouldn’t go that far because I haven’t had the conversations with him”, before adding it “is really important that we stand by the Jewish community, and other communities as well”.
Labour’s shadow justice secretary told Sky News she did not think the commissioner should resign.
Shabana Mahmood said she could “understand the strength of feeling” and described the footage as “very concerning”, but believed the commissioner’s resignation was not “the way forward”.
Scotland Yard has previously apologized twice for the officer’s phrase.
Pro-Israel supporters hold placards and wave Israelian flags as they gather opposite to a pro-Palestinian rally. (Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
An initial apology from the Met on Friday was withdrawn after it was criticized as victim-blaming and the Met issued a second statement saying “being Jewish is not a provocation” and apologized again.
It said: “Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city.”
In the original video clip shot at the march, the police officer said: “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march.
“I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”
The Met has faced criticism for its handling of a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations since last October when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel.
Hundreds of gunmen infiltrated communities near the Gaza Strip, and about 1,200 people were killed, with more than 250 taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
More than 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes carried out by the Israeli military in response, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has said.
A tragic incident occurred during a motor race in Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuring at least 18 others, according to reports from local media outlets.
The accident took place at the Fox Hill Supercross event in the town of Diyatalawa on Sunday. Among the casualties were four race officials and spectators, including an eight-year-old girl, as confirmed by the Sri Lankan army.
A tragic motor race incident in Sri Lanka claims seven lives, including four race officials and spectators. (Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
The Fox Hill Supercross event is organized by the Sri Lankan military, which operates an academy in Diyatalawa, and this year marked its 28th edition. With a massive turnout, more than 100,000 spectators were present to witness the thrilling races.
Eyewitness videos captured the chaotic aftermath of the incident, showing individuals rushing towards the scene to assist. Following the accident, the event was promptly suspended.
An accident at the Fox Hill Supercross event in Diyatalawa claims seven lives, including an eight-year-old girl. (Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
Tragically, two of the victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the local military hospital. Several of the injured individuals remain in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Currently, authorities have initiated a police investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the accident. As the community mourns the loss of lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with motorsport events.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently revealed a comprehensive plan aimed at kickstarting the nation’s economy.
Under this initiative, approximately 50 million Thai citizens will receive digital cash handouts of 10,000 baht ($275) each, to be spent at local businesses within their districts.
The ambitious 500-billion-baht ($13.7-billion) plan, primarily funded through allocations from the 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets, is scheduled to be implemented in the final quarter of the year.
Srettha anticipates that this stimulus, coupled with increased consumer spending, will contribute significantly to GDP growth, projecting an increase of 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points.
Manas Takfaeng has found rice farming difficult in recent years. (Credit: CNA/Jack Board)
This move comes amidst modest GDP growth estimated at 1.5% by the World Bank in December.
Part of the funding will also be sourced from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, specifically designated for supporting approximately 17 million farmers.
Notably, the digital cash can only be used within recipients’ respective districts and excludes certain items such as oil, services, and online purchases.
Describing the initiative as a “life-changing policy,” Srettha expressed regret over the delay in its implementation, citing the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and legality.
Despite being a prominent campaign pledge by Srettha’s Pheu Thai party in the previous general election, the plan has faced criticism from economists who argue its efficacy compared to alternative measures for sustainable economic growth.
Originally proposed as a universal digital wallet scheme for all Thai citizens aged 16 and above, the current plan is limited to lower-income individuals with specific income and savings criteria.
Central Bank of Thailand (Credit: George Johnson0
Initial proposals to finance the plan through borrowing drew concerns over escalating public debt levels.
Meanwhile, the central bank, resisting pressure to stimulate the economy through interest rate cuts, opted to maintain its policy unchanged during a recent meeting. However, analysts anticipate a potential rate cut later in the year due to consecutive months of declining inflation.
Gareth Leather of Capital Economics emphasized the need for additional support for the economy, particularly given Thailand’s high levels of household debt.
Higher interest rates could further deter spending and investment, highlighting the delicate balance between economic stimulus and fiscal prudence.
China’s economic performance exceeded expectations in the first quarter of this year, propelled by supportive policies and increased demand, although challenges in the housing market persisted.
The second-largest global economy expanded by 5.3% annually from January to March, surpassing analysts’ projections of approximately 4.8%, as indicated by data released on Tuesday. Quarter-on-quarter growth stood at 1.6%.
Despite grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, China regained momentum in late 2023, aided by government interventions aimed at stabilizing the housing sector and stimulating investment.
However, this positive data contrasts with recent reports of a 7.5% decline in exports and weakening imports in March compared to the previous year.
Workers wait for transport outside a construction site in Beijing, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. China’s Finance Ministry has denounced a report by Fitch Ratings that kept its sovereign debt rated at A+ but downgraded its outlook to negative, saying in a statement that China’s deficit is at a moderate and reasonable level and risks are under control. (Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Moreover, inflation has cooled, underscoring deflationary pressures stemming from subdued demand amid housing market concerns. Investment in property development fell by 9.5% year-on-year in the first quarter, a slight deterioration from the 9% decline in the preceding quarter.
Sheng Laiyun, deputy commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics, acknowledged the less optimistic outlook for real estate investment and sales, citing ongoing adjustments within the sector.
Although growth exceeded expectations, Sheng highlighted its uneven nature. Infrastructure investment, including in roads and bridges, rose by 6.5% year-on-year, slightly outpacing the 6% increase in the previous quarter.
Sheng Laiyun, spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics of China, leaves the venue while being surrounded by reporters after announcing the nation’s gross domestic product data in Beijing. ( Credit: Kyodo)
Fixed investment in factories and equipment grew by 4.5% compared to the same period last year, up from 4.2% in the preceding quarter.
China’s leadership has been steering the economy towards a more balanced growth model, emphasizing greater reliance on consumer demand over investment spending, akin to other major economies.
While retail sales increased by 4.7% in the first quarter, March witnessed a slowdown, with growth at 3.1% year-on-year. Sheng noted disparities in the economic recovery, particularly between small and medium-sized enterprises and larger corporations.
Industrial output expanded by 6.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, albeit with a slower growth rate of 4.5% in March.
According to China economist Louise Loo of Oxford Economics, the robust growth in January-March was driven by strong performance in manufacturing, increased household spending during the Lunar New Year festivities, and supportive policies stimulating investments.
People visit a residential sales office in Shandong Province, China, on Dec. 15, 2022. (Credit: Getty)
However, March indicators suggest a post-holiday slowdown, compounded by uncertainties in external demand, especially evident in export performance.
Loo cautioned that factors such as inventory adjustments, normalized household spending post-holidays, and a cautious approach to government spending could impact growth in the current quarter.
To bolster the economy, policymakers have introduced various fiscal and monetary measures.
China has set an ambitious GDP growth target of approximately 5% for 2024. While such growth typically boosts regional stock markets, Asian shares experienced a sharp decline on Tuesday, following Wall Street’s retreat.
The Shanghai Composite index fell by 1.47%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong by 2.1%, and the benchmark for Shenzhen’s smaller market by 3.8%.
Despite being positive for neighboring economies reliant on Chinese demand, strong growth figures may signal a restraint on further stimulus measures by the government.
Ukraine’s president has hailed the recent vote by the US House of Representatives to pass a long-awaited $61 billion military aid package, emphasizing that it signifies continued Western support in Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in an interview with US television, emphasized that Saturday’s vote serves as reassurance that Ukraine will not face a fate akin to “a second Afghanistan,” where the pro-western government collapsed amid a US-led withdrawal in the summer of 2021.
Zelenskiy urged the US Senate to swiftly ratify the aid package, cautioning that Ukraine is fortifying its defenses amid concerns of a potential significant Russian offensive before the fresh supplies reach the frontline.
Zelenskiy reassures Ukraine won’t be “a second Afghanistan” amid Saturday’s crucial vote. (Credit: Alexey Furman/Getty Images)
“We really need to get this to the final point. We need to get it approved by the Senate … so that we get some tangible assistance for the soldiers on the frontline as soon as possible, not in another six months,” he stressed.
US pledges $300 million military aid to Ukraine this year
The Senate is anticipated to emerge from recess on Tuesday to conduct its initial vote on the package, similar to one it had previously approved in February. President Joe Biden has pledged to promptly sign it into law following Congress’s endorsement.
The anticipated approval would bring to a close months of deliberation during which House Republicans aligned with Donald Trump had resisted debating Ukraine aid, which was bundled with funds for Israel and Taiwan, in the lower chamber.
U.S. President Joe Biden (R) with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (Credit: Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
The commitment of the US to provide military aid to Ukraine this year is limited to $300 million, as the previously allocated budget by Congress has been exhausted.
This comes at a time when there has been a deterioration in the frontline situation, leading to the loss of Avdiivka in the eastern Donbas. The shortage of artillery and other munitions has been identified as a contributing factor to these setbacks.
However, opposition from Republicans has waned following Iran’s recent drone and missile attack on Israel, which employed tactics similar to those used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine. This event has underscored, particularly among some right-wing politicians, the necessity of providing further support to both Israel and Ukraine.
US officials have indicated that certain weapons are readily available in European warehouses, poised for swift deployment to Ukraine once President Biden finalizes the specifics of the initial supply, pending all the funding approval.
Zelenskiy seeks US Patriots and Atacms
President Zelenskiy has highlighted his immediate priorities, which include acquiring air-defense systems such as the US-made Patriots and long-range missiles like the Atacms. The House has urged the Pentagon to promptly provide these systems, with the Atacms capable of traveling up to 186 miles (300km).
Ukraine-Russia Conflict (Credit: Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
In an interview with NBC News, President Zelenskiy emphasized the critical need for long-range weapons and air defense systems to minimize casualties on the frontline.
He stated, “We need long-range weapons to not lose people on the frontline because we have – we have casualties because we cannot reach that far. Our weapons are not that long-range. We need [that] and air defense. Those are our priorities right now.”
Currently, Ukraine is believed to possess only two Patriot anti-missile systems, with one dedicated to defending Kyiv and the other positioned closer to the frontline, leaving significant parts of the country vulnerable.
Russia’s attacks on power stations cause electricity shortages in Kharkiv and Kyiv
Recent attacks by Russia targeting power stations have resulted in electricity shortages in various regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city with a population of 1.3 million. Just over a week ago, a power station south of Kyiv was destroyed in a similar assault.
On Sunday, Moscow accused the US of endangering Ukrainian lives by pushing the country into a prolonged conflict that would ultimately result in defeat for both nations. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, asserted that the US sought to prolong the conflict, leading to significant losses for Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. (Credit: Olga MALTSEVA / AFP)
She also alleged that the US was directly engaging in attacks on Russian territory. “Washington’s deeper and deeper immersion in the hybrid war against Russia will turn into a loud and humiliating fiasco for the United States such as Vietnam and Afghanistan,” she added.
Azov brigade chief appreciates Zelenskiy
Bohdan Krotevych, the chief of staff to Ukraine’s Azov brigade, expressed his pleasant surprise at the outcome of the House vote and commended President Zelenskiy’s efforts in lobbying the US and other countries for military support.
However, Krotevych cautioned about potential retaliatory actions from Moscow in the ongoing conflict. “This doesn’t mean that Russia will not start countermeasures as a reaction,” he warned.
One expert, Ben Hodges, a former commanding general of the US Army in Europe, suggested that the immediate significance of the vote was more political than military. Hodges stated, “The strategic effect will be felt immediately in the Kremlin, where they now realize their plan to wait for us to quit has failed.”
Russian attack on Ukraine (Credit: ARIS MESSINIS / AFP)
Russia may have hoped to pressure Ukraine into seeking peace, especially with no US aid forthcoming before November’s presidential election. However, with the approved aid, Ukraine should be able to “stabilize the front, buy time to grow and rebuild their army and build up their defense industrial capacity,” Hodges elaborated.
In Kyiv, Ukrainians expressed their joy at the outcome on a rainy spring day. Pavlo, a 44-year-old IT specialist, voiced his gratitude, stating, “The politicians have made the right choice and this shows that the US takes the lead role in the world scene; I hope that the aid is already somewhere waiting at the border, ready to be on its way.”
Serhii Ivanovich, a retired army colonel and chess enthusiast, emphasized Ukraine’s peaceful nature, forced into a conflict with its larger neighbor. “We have been waiting for this for a very long time. We don’t have enough, we need help. We have the courage, we have the strength but we don’t have the equipment,” he remarked.
The White House said it’s not okay for people to target Jewish students with violence or threats during protests at colleges in the U.S. This includes what happened recently at Columbia University in New York.
A spokesperson from the White House said, “Everyone can protest peacefully, but it’s not okay to threaten or harm Jewish students or the Jewish community. This is wrong and dangerous, and it shouldn’t happen on college campuses or anywhere else in America.”
They also said that echoing the words of terrorist groups, especially after recent violence against Jewish people, is awful. They strongly condemned these actions.
The statement came after news that a rabbi at Columbia University told 300 Jewish students to leave campus before Passover started. But the campus Hillel group disagreed and said students shouldn’t have to leave. They want the university and the city to do more to keep students safe.
Protests at Columbia University (Credits: The Times of Israel)
Protests have been going on at Columbia University since last week when pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus. The university president asked the police to help remove the tents, and over 100 protesters were arrested.
Among those arrested was Isra Hirsi, who is the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar. Hirsi goes to Barnard College, which is connected to Columbia.
Many colleges in the U.S. have seen more protests since Hamas’s attacks last October, which killed many people. Israel responded with attacks on Gaza, where many Palestinians live.
