The U.S. House of Representatives has approved over $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, providing critical support to the country amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The aid package includes funding for weapons, ammunition, and other resources to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Russia has warned that it may confiscate Western assets in response to a US House bill that would allow the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine. The bill, known as the REPO Act, passed the House on Monday and would give the Biden administration authority to confiscate billions of dollars’ worth of Russian assets held in US banks and transfer them to Ukraine for reconstruction. Russia has argued that the bill is a provocation and that it could damage the European economy, as over 75% of Russia’s frozen assets are held in the EU.
The Cannes Film Festival has expanded its competition lineup with two international titles: Michel Hazanavicius’ animated feature ‘The Most Precious of Cargoes’ and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig.’
‘The Most Precious of Cargoes’ is an auteur-driven film adapted from Jean-Claude Grumberg’s novel. Set during World War II, it follows the intertwined fates of a Jewish family deported to Auschwitz and a woodcutter couple who discover an abandoned twin baby.
Mohammad Rasoulof’s ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ remains shrouded in secrecy, with its plot details under wraps. Rasoulof has faced government censorship in Iran and was prevented from attending last year’s Cannes jury due to travel restrictions.
These additions join a stellar lineup of iconic filmmakers competing at Cannes, including Francis Ford Coppola, George Miller, and George Lucas.
Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has strongly criticized Manchester United forward Antony for cupping his ears at Coventry City players following United’s FA Cup semi-final victory. Agbonlahor called Antony a “shameless flop” and questioned whether he would even start for Coventry.
In a posthumously published memoir titled ‘By The Time You Read This,’ Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst opened up about her battle with mental illness, including imposter syndrome and high-functioning depression. The memoir, co-written by her mother, sheds light on the struggles she faced despite her outward success. Kryst’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the challenges faced by those who suffer in silence.
Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. passed away at 87 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. His death certificate revealed the contributing factors, as reported by People magazine. Gossett’s cousin spoke of his legacy as a man who fought racism with dignity and humor, cherishing human connection over material possessions.
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the legality of local laws against camping on public property in the case of a southwest Oregon city’s vagrancy policy. The court will hear arguments on whether enforcing these ordinances against homeless people violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments. In New York, the trial of Donald Trump for allegedly covering up a hush money payment to a porn star is underway, highlighting the challenges of insulating jurors from social media influence. Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Wisconsin to announce new rules aimed at improving access to long-term care and enhancing the quality of caregiving jobs. President Joe Biden is celebrating Earth Day by unveiling $7 billion in grants for residential solar projects that will benefit low-income households. TikTok has expressed concerns about a House of Representatives bill that would ban the app in the U.S. if its Chinese owner does not sell its stake within a year. Other news includes Columbia University canceling in-person classes due to pro-Palestinian protests, the insurer for Trump’s $175 million bond facing scrutiny, and the selection of 12 jurors for Trump’s hush money trial.
Netflix is once again a major presence at the Annecy Film Festival, showcasing highly anticipated upcoming titles and hosting exclusive panels with renowned filmmakers. The streaming giant will unveil sneak peeks at films like “Wallace & Gromit,” “Spellbound,” and “Ultraman: Rising,” while presenting behind-the-scenes insights into acclaimed series such as “Arcane” and “Big Mouth.”
According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending surged by 6.8% in 2023, the largest year-on-year increase since 2009. This rise was primarily attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and heightened tensions in various regions worldwide. The United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the top five military spenders, accounting for over 60% of global expenditure.
According to a recent study, the most likely cause of the next pandemic is a type of flu virus. This is supported by the findings of a survey conducted among infectious disease experts worldwide, with 57% of them ranking influenza as the primary threat. Experts also identified Disease X, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Ebola viruses as other potential pandemic triggers.
