An anonymous Jewish student is suing Columbia University. They say the university didn’t keep them safe during protests about Palestine. The student claims that since the protests started, they and other Jewish students have felt unsafe. They say they’ve been harassed and even hurt.
The lawsuit says there’s been a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on campus for over a week. It claims that Jewish students have been targeted with hateful language and even physical violence. The lawsuit mentions signs with slogans like “Death to the Jews” and “Long live Hamas.”
The lawsuit also criticizes the university for switching to online classes. It says this move made it harder for Jewish students to feel connected to their school and classmates.
Columbia University Protests (Credits: TSWJ)
While the lawsuit recognizes the right to protest peacefully, it says some protesters crossed a line. It accuses them of inciting violence against Jewish students.
Columbia University hasn’t commented on the lawsuit. But Jay Edelson, who represents the students in the lawsuit, says Columbia has let Jewish students feel threatened on campus. He says the university should protect all students, no matter their background.
Meanwhile, Columbia’s president, Minouche Shafik, acknowledges that the protests have affected Jewish students. She promises to make the campus safe for everyone.
The lawsuit asks the court to make Columbia enforce its rules to protect students. It also wants the court to order Columbia to let students finish the semester safely.
This lawsuit comes as the university starts to punish students who won’t leave the protest camp.
Changpeng Zhao, the person who started Binance, the biggest cryptocurrency exchange globally, will learn his punishment on Tuesday in a Seattle court. American prosecutors want him to spend three years in prison for letting lots of money laundering happen on his platform.
Zhao admitted he was guilty and gave up his position as Binance CEO in November. His company also agreed to pay $4.3 billion to settle the claims. U.S. officials say Zhao knew about illegal activities like child sex abuse, drug dealing, and terrorism funding but chose to ignore them.
“He decided breaking U.S. laws was the best way to grow his company and make money,” said the Justice Department in a statement.
Zhao’s lawyers argue he shouldn’t go to prison, pointing out that he flew from the United Arab Emirates to the U.S. to admit his guilt, even though there’s no extradition deal between the two countries. They also mention that no one has been jailed for similar crimes before.
Zhao Changpeng, founder and chief executive officer of Binance, attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 16, 2022. (Credit: Benoit Tessier /Reuters)
“I want to own up to my mistakes and move on,” Zhao said during his guilty plea. “I want to return. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today.”
However, prosecutors argue that Zhao’s actions were much worse than others who broke the law. They’re asking for a three-year jail term, which is twice the usual punishment.
Binance allowed over 1.5 million trades of virtual currency worth nearly $900 million, breaking U.S. sanctions, including deals with groups like Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, al-Qaeda, and Iran.
Zhao knew Binance had to follow anti-money laundering rules but told the company to hide customers’ locations in the U.S. to avoid obeying the law, according to prosecutors.
Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. (Credit: FTX)
The cryptocurrency industry has seen many scandals and market crashes. Recently, Nigeria has accused Binance and two executives of money laundering and tax evasion.
Zhao was once a rival to Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, the second-biggest crypto exchange before it collapsed in 2022.
Bankman-Fried was found guilty of fraud in November and got a 25-year prison sentence for stealing at least $10 billion from customers and investors.
Zhao and Bankman-Fried used to be friendly competitors, with Binance even investing in FTX when it started in 2019. But their relationship soured, leading Zhao to sell all his cryptocurrency investments in FTX in early November 2022. FTX filed for bankruptcy a week later.
Billie Eilish, the renowned singer behind “What Was I Made For,” has plans for an extensive 81-date world tour set to kick off later this year.
The tour, named after her upcoming album “Hit Me Hard And Soft,” will traverse North America, Australia, and Europe, starting in September. Notably, Eilish has pledged to make this tour her most sustainable yet, teaming up with an environmental group to organize eco-conscious initiatives.
Billie Eilish gearing up to take her electrifying sound to 81 cities worldwide on her upcoming tour!. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Tickets for the tour will go on sale on May 3rd, with the Canadian leg beginning on September 29th before moving on to the US in October. Eilish will then make her way to Australia in February, followed by Europe in April. Among the 12 UK dates, fans can expect performances in Glasgow, London, and Manchester.
Eilish’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her tour. For her previous tour, “Happier Than Ever,” she partnered with Reverb, a non-profit organization promoting sustainability in the music industry, striving to make the tour “climate positive.”
Billie Eilish’s dedication to sustainability shines as she partners with Reverb to make her ‘Happier Than Ever’ tour not just about music, but about making a positive impact on our planet.(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Spotify)
With “Hit Me Hard And Soft,” scheduled for release on May 17th, Eilish aims to minimize the environmental impact of physical copies. This includes using recycled vinyl for the album and packaging materials, aligning with her long-standing advocacy for environmental causes.
In a departure from convention, Eilish has opted not to release any singles in advance, expressing her desire for fans to experience the album in its entirety. With her innovative approach to sustainability and her dedication to delivering impactful music experiences, Billie Eilish continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
About 50 individuals have lost their lives in Kenya after a dam overflowed its banks following intense rainfall and flooding, as reported by a Red Cross official.
In villages close to Mai Mahiu, approximately 60km (37 miles) from Nairobi, residents were swept away in their sleep by the deluge. Rescue operations are underway to extricate people from the mud, with concerns mounting over the potential rise in casualties.
The disaster raises the total death toll over the March-May wet season in Kenya to more than 120 as heavier than usual rainfall pounds East Africa, compounded by the El Nino weather pattern. (Photo by LUIS TATO / AFP)
The past month has witnessed more than 100 fatalities due to floods wreaking havoc in various parts of Kenya. The catastrophe unfolded when a burst dam upriver in the Mai Mahiu area unleashed a torrent of water, awakening locals to the harrowing sound in the early hours of Monday.
Residents recounted a night of frantic endeavors to rescue those trapped in the raging floodwaters and free them from the clinging mud.
Residents are seen after heavy rains as they try to evacuate the area with their important belongings in Nairobi, Kenya on April 26, 2024. (Photo by Gerald Anderson/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Kenya Red Cross has mobilized search and rescue missions, with emergency response manager Anthony Muchiri describing the situation as the most severe he has encountered in his career. Homes and their foundations were not only swept away, but lives were also tragically lost.
Among the recovered bodies, 17 were children, according to police commander Stephen Kirui.
The villages of Kamuchiri and Kianugu bore the brunt of the disaster. Witnesses described the rapid onslaught of water from the Old Kijabe Dam, washing away numerous residences and vehicles, and leaving devastation unprecedented in the area.
Residents are seen in a flooded street of Mathare neighborhood after heavy rains as they try to evacuate the area with their important belongings in Nairobi, Kenya on April 25, 2024. (Photo by Gerald Anderson/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Residents like Peter Muhoho shared accounts of neighbors being swept away, recounting the tragic loss of lives and possessions amidst the chaos.
The aftermath left many displaced, uncertain of where they would find shelter for the night, while others attempted to salvage what little they could from the mud-soaked ruins of their homes.
At least 45 people died when a dam burst its banks near a town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, police said on April 29, 2024. (Photo by LUIS TATO / AFP)
With forecasts predicting further rainfall, the government has postponed the reopening of schools across Kenya, as more than 130,000 individuals remain displaced, seeking refuge in schools.
Neighboring Tanzania and Burundi have also been pummeled by heavy rains, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
The convergence of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño weather patterns has exacerbated the situation, leading to extreme rainfall in East Africa, reminiscent of historical flooding disasters in the region.
At least five individuals, including a four-month-old infant, lost their lives as dozens of tornadoes tore through the central United States, causing extensive damage and power outages for tens of thousands of residents.
The havoc began on Friday with separate storms, claiming four lives in Oklahoma, where a state of emergency was declared in twelve counties. Additionally, a fifth fatality occurred in Iowa following another storm system striking the Midwest.
A car lies on its side after being knocked over during a tornado that tore through downtown Sulphur, Okla., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ken Miller)
Preliminary investigations by the National Weather Service (NWS) revealed that some of Saturday’s tornadoes had wind gusts exceeding 136 miles (218 kilometers) per hour. The storms, spanning from Texas to Missouri, also brought heavy rainfall of up to seven inches (18 centimeters) in some areas within a few hours.
Among the hardest-hit areas was Sulphur, Oklahoma, where video footage depicted demolished homes and overturned vehicles. Approximately 100 injuries were reported in the aftermath, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Holdenville and Marietta also suffered significant damage from the storms.
A partially torn off roof is seen on a damaged home in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Dozens of reported tornadoes wreaked havoc Friday in the Midwest. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)
At a news conference in Sulphur, Speaker of the Oklahoma state House of Representatives, Charles McCall, expressed resilience, affirming that the affected communities would recover and rebuild.
Governor Kevin Stitt, after visiting Sulphur, described the devastation as the worst he had witnessed during his tenure, noting the destruction of numerous downtown businesses.
This image taken from a video provided by KOCO shows damage caused by a tornado in Sulphur, Okla., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (KOCO via AP)
President Joe Biden offered full federal support to Governor Stitt, as confirmed by the White House. Biden’s outreach followed a separate weather event on Friday that brought over 70 tornadoes to Nebraska and Iowa, particularly impacting the city of Omaha.
Residents like Brent Richardson recounted their harrowing experiences, describing the tornadoes as a deafening force of nature that left utter chaos and destruction in their wake.
Nebraska’s governor issued emergency declarations for three counties on Sunday, ensuring additional funding for rescue and recovery efforts. Despite a lowered tornado threat, meteorologists forecasted continued severe weather, including damaging winds and hail, across northeastern Texas, northern Louisiana, Arkansas, and southern Missouri.
Microsoft‘s commitment to Indonesia’s digital future reached new heights as CEO Satya Nadella announced a groundbreaking $1.7 billion investment over the next four years.
This monumental move marks Microsoft’s largest investment in Indonesia since establishing a presence in the country nearly three decades ago.
The focus of Microsoft’s investment extends beyond mere infrastructure development, delving deep into the realms of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).
With its colossal cloud computing infrastructure, Microsoft stands at the forefront of AI integration, exemplified by incorporating an AI-powered chatbot into its renowned search engine, Bing.
This strategic investment aligns with Microsoft’s mission to leverage AI technology to enhance workplace productivity and transform the way people live and work globally.
Nadella, speaking from Jakarta during his tour of Southeast Asia, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in reshaping Indonesia’s socio-economic terrain.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella meets with Indonesia President Joko Widodo at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Credit: Vico/Indonesian President Palace)
The planned investments span digital infrastructure enhancement, comprehensive skilling initiatives, and robust support for the burgeoning community of tech developers in Indonesia.
Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, emerges as a pivotal market for Microsoft, poised for significant AI-driven growth.
Projections by Kearney suggest that AI adoption could contribute nearly $1 trillion to the region’s GDP by 2030, with Indonesia expected to claim a substantial portion of this economic boost.
Microsoft’s investment pledge encompasses extensive AI training programs benefiting over 840,000 individuals and underscores its commitment to nurturing Indonesia’s tech talent pool.
Indonesia, boasting the third-largest developer community in the Asia-Pacific region, plays a crucial role in Microsoft’s strategic vision. The country’s vibrant tech ecosystem, with over 3.1 million developers actively engaged on platforms like GitHub, positions it as a key player in global software innovation.
President Joko Widodo’s administration has prioritized digital technology and information sectors, aligning with Indonesia’s ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella arrives for a meeting with Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. (Credit: Bay Ismoyo)
This visionary roadmap aims to propel Indonesia into the ranks of the world’s top economies, with a projected GDP reaching up to $9 trillion by its centenary independence anniversary.
During his visit to Indonesia, Nadella engaged in discussions with President Widodo, culminating in proposals for establishing an AI research center and a Microsoft data center in strategic locations across the archipelago.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, disclosed plans for a potential Microsoft data center in Bali or Nusantara, the upcoming capital city on Borneo island.
Nadella’s regional tour, commencing in Indonesia, underscores Microsoft’s enduring commitment to fostering digital innovation and economic growth across Southeast Asia.
The journey continues with stops in Thailand and Malaysia over the coming days, reaffirming Microsoft’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s digital future.
Samsung Electronics announced a remarkable surge in operating profit, propelled by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that have invigorated the computer memory chip markets.
The South Korean tech giant disclosed a tenfold increase in operating profit for the last quarter, reaching 6.6 trillion won ($4.8 billion), a stark contrast to the 640 billion won ($465 million) recorded during the corresponding period last year.
This surge in profit was accompanied by a robust revenue growth of nearly 13%, totaling 71.9 trillion won ($52 billion). The upswing was primarily fueled by elevated prices of memory chips and strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S24 smartphones.
Samsung’s semiconductor division notably rebounded, registering an operating profit of 1.91 trillion won ($1.38 billion), marking its first quarterly profit since the fourth quarter of 2022.
Visitors look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone during the 2024 World IT Show in Seoul on April 18. (Credit: Getty)
This resurgence reflects the ongoing recovery of the chip market from the cyclical downturn exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global trade tensions. Samsung anticipates sustained strength in the memory chip market, driven by the proliferation of generative AI technologies.
These advancements are fostering demand for both traditional chips utilized in servers and cutting-edge chips tailored for AI processing, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Samsung has already commenced mass production of its latest HBM chips, the 8-layer HBM3E, and plans to introduce the 12-layer version in the second quarter.
Looking ahead, Samsung foresees favorable business conditions in the latter half of 2024, with robust demand, particularly for generative AI applications, despite potential macroeconomic fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.
A person walks, at the Samsung stand during the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 27, 2024. (Credit: Albert Gea/Reuters)
In smartphones, Samsung remains focused on enhancing the sales of its flagship Galaxy S24, equipped with an array of AI-driven features.
These include live translation during phone calls in multiple languages and dialects, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to integrating AI into its products to drive growth.
Furthermore, Samsung aims to expand AI capabilities beyond the Galaxy S24 to encompass its entire mobile device portfolio, anticipating that AI technologies will continue to propel growth in the smartphone market amid improving global consumer spending patterns.
Representative Jared Moskowitz from Florida hinted on Sunday that he might run for governor in 2026.
He said on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” that he needs to look at the data and see how the election goes between Biden and Trump before deciding.
Moskowitz used to work as the director of Emergency Management under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a Republican. He talked about how he, as a Democrat, worked for a Republican governor.
Jared Moskowitz (Credits: Sun Sentinel)
He thinks Democrats need someone who can appeal to both independents and Republicans to have a chance at winning.
He told Politico earlier this month that he’s not saying no to the idea of running for governor in 2026. He said it’s still early to decide.
Governor DeSantis can’t run for a third term because of the state’s rules, so there will be a new race for governor in Florida.
President Biden’s team has a hard job ahead: they need to win over moderate Republicans who might feel lost in the upcoming election with Trump running again.
Biden could have a good chance to get some of these voters on his side. That would help him win again and bring more people into his team.
There are a lot of these voters: Nikki Haley, a Republican from South Carolina, got 16% of Republican votes in Pennsylvania’s primary last week. Even though she stopped running for president two months ago.
Senator Tim Kaine said it would take some work but it’s possible to win over these voters. Many of them in his state say they won’t vote for Trump.
Former Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, said Biden hasn’t asked him for his support directly. Christie won’t vote for Trump and thinks Biden should ask him for his vote.
President Biden (Credits: ABC News)
The Biden team hasn’t said why they haven’t reached out to Christie yet. But it shows that Biden has a tough task ahead.
Experts say Biden needs to appeal to these moderate Republicans to win. Trump doesn’t seem to be reaching out to them.
The Biden team has been trying to get Haley voters on their side since she dropped out of the race. They’ve released ads showing how Trump treated her badly and saying he doesn’t want her supporters.
Some experts think Biden has a chance with these voters because they might not like how Trump is handling things. But it’s going to be a tough fight.
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was one of the 10 people who got shot at a nightclub in Sanford, Florida, on Sunday night. The team confirmed this.
Luckily, Dell didn’t have any serious injuries and was out of the hospital on Sunday itself, the Texans mentioned. Thankfully, nobody died in the shooting, as per the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department. They said all the injuries weren’t life-threatening.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested for the shooting and charged with trying to kill someone, according to the sheriff’s department.
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (Credits: Houston Texans)
Police explained that an argument at the Cabana Live club in Sanford turned into gunfire right after midnight on Sunday. The club’s security caught the shooter.
Dell had a great first year with the Texans, and the team said he’s doing okay after the shooting.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 129 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024.
Former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met secretly in Miami to settle their political differences, as reported by The Washington Post.
The meeting, organized by their supporters who wanted to calm down their intense rivalry, ended with DeSantis agreeing to support Trump, according to the Post.
DeSantis has a lot of influential supporters and donors who are cautious about Trump. This support could help Trump a lot in his campaign for the next election against President Biden.
The two hadn’t talked since DeSantis quit the race to become the GOP candidate for president back in January. He didn’t do well in his first national campaign, so he dropped out after the Iowa caucuses. Then, he backed Trump, who won against Nikki Haley in the primary.
Trump and DeSantis
Even though he supported Trump, DeSantis didn’t really help his campaign and even said some bad things about him. One of Trump’s top aides even called DeSantis a “sad little man” a month after he left the race.
This meeting might also show what DeSantis wants to do in the future. He can’t run for governor again because of term limits, so he might want to run for president in 2028, along with Nikki Haley.
People who support Palestine and those who support Israel fought at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Sunday. They were part of protests happening at colleges all over the country.
At UCLA, clashes started between some members of the two groups before a protest by the Israeli American Council. Many people gathered on the campus, showing support for both sides.
Some counterprotesters tried to break through barriers set up by the university to keep the groups apart. Later, pro-Palestine protesters also got through, leading to small fights.
Mary Osako, who speaks for UCLA, said they were sad about the violence. UCLA is known for peaceful protests, and they don’t want violence.
Protests at University of California, Los Angeles
Despite the fights, most of the protests were peaceful. No one got arrested because of the fights.
The protests at UCLA are part of a bigger movement where college students are taking over campus spaces. They want to show they’re not happy with how the Biden administration is handling the conflict between Israel and Hamas. They also want their colleges to stop supporting Israel.
Across the country, hundreds of students have been arrested for protesting. Even though these protests are getting attention, they haven’t changed what the Biden administration thinks.
They mostly see them as anti-Jewish. Some Republican leaders have asked Biden to use the National Guard to stop the protests, but he hasn’t agreed.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned Western countries not to take Russia’s assets, in a statement on Sunday.
Zakharova mentioned a report from the Wall Street Journal saying Germany wanted to keep Russia’s frozen assets untouched. They might use them later to make Russia give back some of the Ukrainian land it took.
Zakharova said Russia wouldn’t give up any land and threatened a “harsh” response if Western countries took its assets.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova (Credits: Middle East Monitor)
“I don’t know who is saying what, but we don’t give away our homeland for anything. Our assets must stay safe, or there will be a strong reaction to Western theft,” Zakharova wrote on Telegram.
Under a new U.S. law, officials can take Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for Ukraine. At the beginning of the war, the U.S. and its friends froze about $300 billion of Russian money abroad. About $5 billion is in the U.S.
This could mean more money for Ukraine, but the U.S. might not take the assets without agreement from other important countries like the Group of Seven and the European Union.
Russian President Vladimir Putin probably didn’t tell anyone to kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a high-ranking U.S. intelligence official told The Wall Street Journal.
Navalny died in a Russian prison in February, and many foreign leaders blamed Putin, thinking it was a political murder. But the official said Putin is still to blame for Navalny’s death, even if he didn’t directly order it or know exactly when or how it would happen.
The official said most U.S. intelligence agencies agree that there’s no clear evidence linking Putin to Navalny’s death.
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny
President Biden criticized Putin strongly after Navalny died, holding him responsible but not saying he ordered the killing, because the details were unclear.
“If reports of his death are true, which I believe they are, Russian authorities will have their own explanation,” Biden said from the White House. “But make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. What happened to Navalny shows how brutal Putin is. No one should be fooled.”
Russian officials insist Navalny died of natural causes and deny any involvement.
Just a few weeks after Navalny died, Putin was re-elected for a fifth term in nationwide elections.
Paramount Global Board Sets Sights on CEO Bob Bakish’s Departure Amid Skydance Merger Talks. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Paramount Global’s board is poised to remove Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish, with the announcement potentially coming as early as Monday morning.
Bakish is expected to be absent from the quarterly earnings call scheduled for Monday. In the absence of a CEO, the board is expected to rely on division heads as it reflects potential merger discussions with Skydance Media.
Controlling Paramount Global shareholder Shari Redstone is inching closer to a deal with Skydance Media. (Credit: Getty Images)
Paramount Global has established a special committee to analyze the proposed merger, with both companies engaged in exclusive talks until May 3, with the possibility of extending negotiations. Reportedly, Bakish has lost the confidence of Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone.
Redstone reportedly sought Bakish’s ouster ahead of crucial carriage negotiations with Charter Communications, which could significantly influence the company’s valuation in the merger discussions with Skydance.
While Paramount Global declined to comment on the matter, reports suggest that Paramount and Skydance are making progress towards a final agreement.
Skydance’s CEO David Ellison (Credit: AP)
Under this arrangement, Bakish would step down from Paramount, and Skydance’s CEO David Ellison would likely assume leadership of the company.
Internally, Bakish has reportedly voiced opposition to the merger, expressing concerns about its potential impact on common shareholders.
According to reports, the proposed merger would result in Skydance and its private equity partners owning nearly half of the combined entity, while common shareholders would retain ownership of the remainder, allowing the company to continue trading publicly.
Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, engaged in high-level discussions with a prominent Chinese government official in Beijing over the weekend.
The timing coincided with the Beijing auto show, where Chinese car manufacturers are proudly displaying their latest electric vehicle innovations.
During the meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his desire for increased collaboration between the United States and China, emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships.
He highlighted Tesla’s presence in China as a shining example of successful economic cooperation, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Elon Musk gets in a Tesla car as he leaves a hotel in Beijing, on May 31, 2023. (Credit: Tingshu Wang/Reuters)
Musk’s visit comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between the U.S. and China, making his presence a welcome sight for Chinese officials seeking to bolster economic ties. Premier Li’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to attracting foreign investment to stimulate its economy.
While it remains unclear whether Musk will attend the auto show, Chinese automakers have been making significant strides in the electric vehicle market, posing competition to Tesla, particularly in terms of pricing.
According to an earlier report by CCTV, Musk was invited by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and engaged in discussions with its president, Ren Hongbin, regarding potential areas of cooperation.
Tesla’s manufacturing hub in Shanghai serves as a cornerstone for its operations in China, catering to both domestic demand and exports to Europe and other regions. Recent price reductions on Tesla models in China mirror similar adjustments made in the U.S.
Elon Musk steps out of a vehicle in Beijing, April 28, 2024. (Credit: Reuters TV)
Meanwhile, the European Union has initiated an investigation into Chinese subsidies for the electric vehicle industry, potentially leading to tariffs on EVs manufactured in China, including those produced by Tesla.
Despite these challenges, China’s green energy subsidies have significantly transformed the automotive world, with electric vehicles accounting for a quarter of new car sales last year, signaling a shift away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
In response to this evolving market, foreign automakers such as Volkswagen and Nissan are racing to develop new electric vehicle models to maintain or regain market share in China, which remains the world’s largest automobile market.
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest hub for international travel, is commencing on a monumental shift of its operations to the city-state’s expansive secondary airfield in the southern desert.
This colossal endeavor, valued at nearly $35 billion, is set to unfold over the next decade, as disclosed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday.
The move signifies a pivotal chapter in the resurgence of Emirates, Dubai’s flagship carrier, following the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel.
Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: DMO)
Plans to transition operations from the current Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central have been long-standing but beset by delays, including those stemming from the economic downturn of 2009.
In an online address, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the significance of this project in securing enduring progress for future generations, envisioning Dubai as a quintessential global hub encompassing aviation, maritime trade, urban development, and innovation.
Renderings accompanying the announcement showcase a futuristic terminal design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The new airport is slated to feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, a significant expansion from the current infrastructure.
The robust performance of Emirates has historically mirrored the health of Dubai’s aviation sector and broader economy.
Despite global challenges, both the airline and the city-state have demonstrated resilience, swiftly rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn and sustaining momentum in tourism and real estate.
Mohammed bin Rashid approves designs, start of work on new AED 128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: Albayannews)
While DXB experienced a surge in passenger traffic in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, its capacity constraints have become increasingly evident.
The relocation to Al Maktoum International Airport, located 45 kilometers away, presents an opportunity for substantial expansion amidst the vast desert terrain.
Beyond aviation, Dubai envisions extensive development in the surrounding areas, with plans to accommodate a million residents and attract leading companies in logistics and air transport.
However, past financial strains, such as the 2009 crisis, serve as a reminder of potential hurdles in realizing these ambitions.
Furthermore, recent challenges, such as unprecedented rainfall disrupting operations, underscore the need for resilience and preparedness as Dubai charts its course towards a future as a global aviation powerhouse.
The European Union has announced that online fast-fashion giant Shein will now fall under its strictest level of digital regulations, joining a list of major platforms subject to increased scrutiny.
Shein, originally founded in China and now based in Singapore, has been categorized as a “very large online platform” under the EU’s Digital Services Act. This legislation aims to enhance safety and accountability on online platforms across the 27-nation bloc.
Acknowledging its classification, Shein has committed to collaborating with authorities to ensure a safe and compliant environment for its online community.
Shein’s global head of public affairs Leonard Lin. (Credit: Linkedin)
Leonard Lin, Shein’s global head of public affairs, emphasized the company’s dedication to transparency and accountability, aligning with the core principles of the DSA.
With a substantial user base of over 45 million in Europe, Shein faces stringent requirements to be met by August.
These measures include safeguarding online users, combating the sale of illegal or counterfeit products, and assessing and mitigating potential systemic risks associated with its services.
Additionally, Shein is mandated to adjust its user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to prioritize consumer safety and well-being.
Businessman holds a sphere with the stars of the European Union. Content text DSA (Digital Services Act) which is intended to update the legal framework for online platforms in the EU. (Credit: Sebastien Bozon/AFP)
The company is also required to submit annual risk assessment reports, particularly focusing on potential harm to vulnerable groups such as children.
Shein’s inclusion adds to the roster of tech giants under heightened supervision, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and Google Search.
While these platforms face the toughest tier of scrutiny, all online services operating in the EU must comply with the DSA’s general requirements. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue.
Columbia University says a student protest leader won’t be allowed back on campus after he made some really bad comments. Khymani James, who was leading protests supporting Palestine, said in a video that came out earlier this year that “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”
He also said people should be glad he’s not out killing Zionists. This happened around the same time he met with school officials because of a social media post about fighting with a Zionist.
James said he was sorry for saying those things, but the White House and others were not happy. They said his comments were dangerous and terrible. The White House said there’s no place for violent talk or hate speech in America.
Student Protests at Columbia
There’s been a lot of tension on college campuses lately because of what’s happening between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Some students have been protesting in support of Palestine, but it’s led to some trouble. The White House also said it’s not okay for anyone to target Jewish students or the Jewish community.
Columbia University is changing things because of all the protests. They’re moving some classes online for the rest of the semester. Some students are even suing the school, saying they’re being treated unfairly because they’re from Palestine.
Former President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the debate on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and said Republicans are leading on the issue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called out Newsom for not recognizing Republican leadership on IVF. He criticized Newsom’s governance of California, describing it as a failure.
IVF has become a topic of concern due to recent legal developments. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling regarding frozen embryos and fertilized eggs affected IVF treatments in the state.
Newsom condemned the Alabama court’s decision in February, labeling it as part of a broader “war on women.” Trump also expressed support for protecting IVF treatments, a sentiment echoed by many Republicans.
Former President Donald Trump
The issue of reproductive rights gained prominence after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump claimed credit for this decision, stating that he had returned the abortion issue to individual states for regulation.
He praised GOP-led states for enacting restrictive abortion laws, emphasizing that states are now setting their own rules. Trump asserted that by returning abortion regulation to the states, the issue has been removed from the national stage, preventing extreme positions such as late-term abortions.
Trump suggested that allowing states to decide on abortion regulations could lead to national unity on this divisive issue. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with individual states, aligning with the desires of the majority.
Trump emphasized that abortion regulation is now the responsibility of the states, a decision that he believes reflects the will of the people and should have been the case from the beginning.
