News Roundup: Here's What You Missed
Above Image: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) underway in the Pacific Ocean on May 31, 2015. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Coffer. Photo released by the United States Navy.
By Jullian Aiden Bravo
@Mr_Reporter_
1. U.S. Relations With Russia "May be at an All-Time Low":
President Trump on Wednesday declared at a White House news conference that U.S. relations with Russia "may be at an all-time low." After meeting with the Russian president in Moscow, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offered a similar assessment. Trump, who appeared to praise Putin throughout much of the 2016 election, seemed poised for a historic rapprochement with Russia. However, because of rising tension in Syria and the ongoing U.S. investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election, any such expectations have declined.
- Source: The Associated Press (AP)
2. Trump Vows to Not Enter Syria:
Trump’s statement to not enter Syria comes amid complaints that his policy for the African country is confusing and that his aides are saying different things. “We’re not going into Syria,” Trump told a New York Post writer an exclusive interview. “Our policy is the same — it hasn’t changed. We’re not going into Syria.” Trump condemned the gas attack carried out by the Syrian government, calling al-Assad a “butcher” and “barbarian” for using lethal gas against his own people. The president also described last week’s missile strike as a success, saying it was, “An act of humanity.”
- Source: New York Post
3. Japanese Warships to Join U.S. Fleet Near North Korea:
In a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea from future nuclear and missile tests, Japan is preparing to send several warships to accompany the U.S. fleet currently on route to the Korean peninsula. The move comes after Chinese president called for calm in a phone call with President Trump. Japan’s maritime self-defense forces would linkup with the USS Carl Vinson and its battle group. In a Tweet, Trump said, “North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.”
- Source: The Guardian
4. Canada to Reveal Plans For Legalization of Marijuana:
The Canadian government will publish draft legislation on the legalization of marijuana later this week. With these new laws, Canadian citizens would be able to carry up to 30 grams of the drug. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he favors the law being set to allow legal use of marijuana at the age of 18 but there will likely be debate. Conservative politicians, along with the Canadian Medical Association, have proposed to set the age limit to 21, citing evidence that cannabis can damage brain development up to the age of 25.
- Source: Independent
5. Charlie Murphy Dead at 57:
Comedian Charlie Murphy died at the age of 57 on April 12 after a battle with leukemia. Murphy was the older brother of comedian and actor Eddie Murphy. Murphy rose to stardom for his work as a co-star and writer on Dave Chapelle’s popular show “Chapelle's Show.” He also toured with comedians George Lopez and D.L. Hughley. Before his death, Murphy tweeted, “One to Sleep On: Release the past to rest as deeply as possible.” In response to Murphy’s passing, Chris Rock tweeted, “We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time. Charlie Murphy RIP.”
- Source: CNN