International

US announces $300 million military aid package for Ukraine

Amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the United States government has announced a significant military aid package totaling $300 million for Ukraine. This aid comes at a crucial time as Ukraine continues to face threats from Russian aggression, particularly in the eastern regions of the country.

The aid package, announced by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, utilizes funds from “unanticipated savings” from Pentagon arms contracts. Sullivan emphasized that the US negotiated these contracts efficiently, resulting in surplus funds that could be allocated to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Included in the aid package are Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and maintenance equipment, all essential for bolstering Ukraine’s defense against potential Russian incursions. The delivery of this military assistance underscores the US commitment to standing by Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Despite the urgent need for additional support, the aid announcement comes after months of unsuccessful negotiations in Congress to approve greater military aid for Ukraine. The White House had previously indicated that legislative approval was necessary for additional funding, but with Congress deadlocked on the issue, the administration opted to utilize available Pentagon savings to provide immediate assistance.

The timing of the aid package is critical, with tensions between Ukraine and Russia reaching new heights. Russia’s recent military buildup near the Ukrainian border has raised concerns of a potential escalation in hostilities, prompting the US and its allies to reaffirm their support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

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While the $300 million aid package represents a significant commitment from the US, it is clear that more support will be needed in the future to address Ukraine’s security needs effectively. Sullivan emphasized the importance of congressional action, urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for Ukraine to ensure its ability to defend itself against external threats.

In the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges, the delivery of military aid to Ukraine serves as a tangible demonstration of US support for its ally in the region. As Ukraine continues to navigate a volatile security environment, the assistance provided by the United States will play a crucial role in bolstering its defense capabilities and deterring further aggression from Russia.

International

Police investigate deaths of Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the deaths of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reinerand his wife as an “apparent homicide,” amid a wave of tributes to the director of classics such as When Harry Met Sally.

According to U.S. media reports on Sunday, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles mansion with what appeared to be stab wounds.

Several political figures shared messages of condolence following the reported deaths of the director of A Few Good Menand his wife.

While the LAPD did not officially confirm the identities of the victims, it stated that homicide detectives were dispatched to the Reiner residence.

“At this time, no additional details are available and the investigation into an apparent homicide is ongoing,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement posted on social media.

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LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters that no arrests have been made and that no individuals are currently being questioned as suspects.

“I’m not going to confirm whether anyone is being questioned at this moment or not. We are going to try to speak with as many family members as we can,” Hamilton said.

CNN reported that a family spokesperson confirmed the deaths of Reiner and his wife.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, former U.S. President Barack Obama, and former Vice President Kamala Harrisissued statements expressing their condolences.

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International

U.S. and Mexico Reach Deal to Address Water Deficit Under 1944 Treaty

The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement to comply with current water obligations affecting U.S. farmers and ranchers and for Mexico to cover its water deficit to Texas under the 1944 Water Treaty, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

The department уточified that the agreement applies to both the current cycle and the water deficit from the previous cycle.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Mexico of failing to comply with the water-sharing treaty between the two countries, which requires the United States to deliver 1.85 billion cubic meters of water from the Colorado River, while Mexico must supply 432 million cubic meters from the Rio Grande.

Mexico is behind on its commitments. According to Washington, the country has accumulated a deficit of more than one billion cubic meters of water over the past five years.

“This violation is severely harming our beautiful crops and our livestock in Texas,” Trump wrote on Monday.

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The Department of Agriculture said on Friday that Mexico had agreed to supply 250 million cubic meters of water starting next week and to work toward closing the shortfall.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, quoted in the statement, said Mexico delivered more water in a single year than it had over the previous four years combined.

Trump has said that if Mexico continues to fall short of its obligations, the United States reserves the right to impose 5% tariffs on imported Mexican products.

Mexico’s Deputy Foreign Minister for North America, Roberto Velasco, said that a severe drought in 2022 and 2023prevented the country from meeting its commitments.

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International

Several people shot in attack on Brown University campus

Several people were shot on Saturday in an attack on the campus of Brown University, in the northeastern United States, local police reported.

“Shelter in place and avoid the area until further notice,” the Providence Police Department urged in a post on X. Brown University is located in Providence, the capital of the state of Rhode Island.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that he had been briefed on the situation and that the FBI was on the scene.

At 5:52 p.m. local time (11:52 p.m. GMT), Brown University said the situation was still “ongoing” and instructed students to remain sheltered until further notice.

After initially stating that the suspect had been taken into custody, Trump later posted a second message clarifying that local police had walked back that information. “The suspect has NOT been apprehended,” the U.S. president said.