Summary
The U.S. government has approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, a move welcomed by Ukrainian officials as they face escalating Russian attacks. The missiles, valued at approximately $2.1 billion, are funded by contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about the urgent need for these interceptors, especially as Russia reportedly stockpiles up to 700 ballistic missiles. However, concerns remain about the production timeline, as the order is for new builds, indicating that immediate delivery is unlikely.
In Russia, the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has ceased operations due to severe pressure from authorities, marking a significant blow to free media in the country. The paper, known for its investigative journalism and criticism of the government, has faced ongoing harassment, including the assassination of several journalists. Co-founder Dmitry Muratov highlighted the systematic efforts to silence dissent, stating that the Kremlin's control over media has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine.
On Wall Street, shares of major technology companies have plummeted, driven by investor anxiety over massive investments in artificial intelligence. The Nasdaq index has experienced its most significant monthly decline in over a year, as concerns grow about the potential return on these investments. This downturn reflects broader apprehensions about the sustainability of the AI boom, which has been a crucial driver of the American economy.
In Scotland, police are investigating the time Prince Andrew spent with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at Balmoral Estate. This inquiry follows allegations of trafficking and misconduct, with the police confirming that their investigations are evidence-led but still in the early stages. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing, but the scrutiny surrounding his associations continues to grow amidst ongoing public interest in Epstein's criminal activities.
Show Notes
The US State Department says it has approved the sale of more than two billion dollars' worth of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The 500 missiles have been paid for by contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway. Ukraine needs the interceptors to defend itself from escalating Russian attacks, but there is a global shortage due to their use by the US in its war against Iran. Also: Russia's most prominent independant paper closes after years of state persecution. Shares in US technology companies fall sharply for a second day on Wall Street as concerns rise over the hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in AI. Police Scotland confirm that they're looking into the time the King's brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spent with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the British Royal Family's Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire. A row in South Korea over pictures from a deadly crush being used in the latest Call of Duty video game. And Ken Russell fans gear up to see a newly restored and uncensored classic by the late acclaimed British film director. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: [email protected] Photo: U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriots, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system launchers are pictured at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland March 24, 2022 Credit: Reuters
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