UNITED NATIONS building in New York City (Shutterstock/Diego Grande).

Once a stalwart ally of Ukraine in its resistance to Russian invasion, the United States took a clearly different stance on Monday in the United Nations.

The American ambassador to the U.N. General Assembly voted against a resolution blaming Russia for aggression and urging its troops to be withdrawn immediately. Russia also voted against the resolution, which was widely supported by traditional European allies.

The vote was 93 in favor of the resolution – which is non-binding – with 18 against and 65 nations abstaining, according to the Associated Press.

A separate resolution with some similar language was approved 93-8 with 73 abstentions. Ukraine voted yes, Russia voted two and the U.S. abstained.

Musk’s e-mail getting pushed back

Billionaire Elon Musk’s e-mail directing that most federal employees submit a weekly list of accomplishments or face termination is facing pushback amidst confusion.

ELON MUSK (Shutterstock).

Musk, acting as the unofficial but still powerful “Department of Government Efficiency,” issued the demand last week, but some agencies are directing their employees to not comply.

The FBI was the first to notify its workers, followed by the Department of Health and Human Services, according to The New York Times.
Some personnel directors suggested that workers treat Musk’s demand as “voluntary.”

On Monday night Musk sent a second e-mail, offering a second chance, but “Failure to respond will result in termination, adding “Have you ever witnessed such INCOMPETENCE and CONTEMPT for how YOUR TAXES are being spent?”

ALSO IN THE NEWS: At a meeting Monday in the White House, President Donald Trump termed his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron an “important step” toward peace between Ukraine and Russia. A greater role for Europe in peace-keeping was suggested by Macron … Singer Roberta Flack, known for singing “Killing Me SoftlyWith His Song,” and “The First Time I Ever I Saw Your Face,” has died at the age of 88.ver

Weather: Warmer and then …

The thermometer will continue its climb on Tuesday in the West Orange County area. The daytime high will be 75 with an overnight low of 52 under partly cloudy skies. Wednesday will warm to 78 (53) with similar skies and peak on Thursday at 79 (53) with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Friday will see the beginning of a cooling trend down 68 (52) and partly cloudy skies.