W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering America and Entertainment News
Image Source: High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings Inc.
Coco Jones released her latest song “You” on March 28, 2025 for her upcoming debut album, “Why Not More?” which would be released on April 25, 2025 via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings Inc.
“You” considered as a romantic song where Jones sing about the heartwarming feeling to what is feels to fall in love. The Grammy-Award winner worked with producers such as London On Da Track, Boobie, Phil The Keys, Hero, Banger Slanger, and 2K to create this track.
On May 6, Jones would headline her Why Not More? Tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a feature of opening acts, TA Thomas and Lady London. The North American leg would be concluded on June 26 in Nashville, Tennessee.
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia-Ukraine war
Image Source: Vladimir Smirnov
North Korea has sent another 3,000 troops to Russia early in 2025, further cementing its military partnership with Moscow. The reinforcements were confirmed by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, which said Pyongyang has now deployed a total of 11,000 soldiers to help Russia in its protracted war with Ukraine. The move underscores North Korea's unflinching support for Russia when world leaders are making efforts to end the three years war.
Other than manpower, Pyongyang has also been giving Moscow extensive military equipment support. The short range ballistic missiles, self propelled howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers have all been delivered. According to the South Korean military, this provision will increase according to the need in the battle field. Other sources report that North Korean casualties from the fight amount to over 4,000. It seems Pyongyang has not yet had any lessons regarding its risk factor.
At the same time, diplomatic relations between Russia and North Korea are also intensifying. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed that they are expecting a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia. This followed Kim's meeting with Russia's top security official Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, where the two reaffirmed defense commitments. The two nations have strengthened their military ties since signing a landmark defense pact last year, promising to assist one another in the event of an attack.
As North Korea aligns itself more closely with Russia, Western leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss continued support for Ukraine and long term regional stability. The meeting follows deadlocked White House attempts to broker a ceasefire. Although Russia and Ukraine recently assented to a ceasefire in attacks in the Black Sea, Moscow has made any additional de-escalation dependent on the lifting of economic sanctions, highlighting the diplomatic impasse.
The United States has expressed concern about the strategic ramifications of Russia-North Korea collaboration. Washington is concerned that Russia may be handing over sophisticated space and satellite technologies to Pyongyang in return for military assistance. If verified, the exchanges would boost North Korea's defense capabilities, further muddying global security dynamics.
There are accounts that North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia's Kursk region suffered heavy losses, and there was a partial withdrawal from the battlefield in January. Some North Korean soldiers have become so desperate, according to Ukrainian officials, that they have blown grenades to avoid capture. The brutality of their participation indicates the intensity of the fighting and Pyongyang's deep ideological stake in the Kremlin.
Aside from military assistance, economic and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and North Korea has also grown. Russia has provided Pyongyang with coal, food, and medicine, while North Korea has provided treatment for injured Russian soldiers. Russian orphans who lost their parents in the war have also been invited to North Korea under cultural exchange initiatives.
As the war continues, Ukraine and Russia maintain their offensives. In the latest escalation, Russian drone strikes on Kharkiv injured at least nine civilians and damaged infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that no nation should suffer such devastation. With diplomatic efforts failing to gain traction, the deepening North Korea-Russia partnership could prolong the war further and reshape global power dynamics.
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia
Image Source: iNaturalist
Introduction
Agonis flexuosa, or peppermint tree, is a southwest Western Australian species of flowering plant. Weeping habit and fragrant leaves are notable characteristics of the tree, which holds important ecological and cultural significance. Extensively utilized by the native Noongar people for both practical and medicinal purposes, the tree provides much needed habitat for fauna.
Botanical Description
This low maintenance, evergreen tree grows to a height of 10 meters on average, but in extreme coastal conditions, it may survive as a shrub blown by the wind. The leaves of the tree are lance shaped and narrow, and a peppermint like aroma is released when crushed. The white flowers that bloom from July to December appear in small, delicate clusters, enhancing the beauty of the tree. The tree has small, woody fruit capsules, which enhance its unique appearance.
Taxonomy and Classification
Agonis flexuosa was first described by botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow in 1809 and secondarily reclassified to the genus Agonis by Robert Sweet. The specific epithet Agonis refers to the Greek word for "gathering," likely for the clustered flowers. The species then further divides into two varieties: the taller variety with more prominent veins, Agonis flexuosa var. flexuosa, and the dwarf variety with thinner, twisted leaves, Agonis flexuosa var. latifolia.
Habitat and Distribution
The species is tolerant of a broad range of environments, from the coastal heathlands to jarrah forest. The tree thrives in sandy soils and well drained soils equally, and thus is widespread throughout the Swan Coastal Plain, the Geraldton Sandplains, and the Esperance Plains bioregions of Western Australia. The ability of the tree to resist seaside winds and drought has made it a necessity to urban and natural environments.
Cultural and Horticultural Uses
Noongar people used the traditional medicinal qualities of Agonis flexuosa, using its leaves as an antiseptic. Straight saplings were formed into spear shafts and digging sticks. The tree is now cultivated in modern horticulture for its good appearance and shade providing characteristics, and there are a few ornamental cultivars, such as Agonis 'Belbra Gold' and Agonis 'Fairy Foliage', for garden landscaping.
