<p>Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades.<br />
<br />
Tens of millions of citizens across Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other southern Chinese megacities had prepared for the cyclone, which was rated as a super typhoon. The typhoon fiercely hit the special administrative region, Saola but made a landfall south of Hong Kong after it was downgraded to a severe typhoon.<br />
<br />
China's National Meteorological Centre stated that the typhoon made landfall at around 3:30 am Saturday (2030 GMT Friday) towards the south of Zhuhai city in Guangdong province, which lies in the south of casino hub Macau.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-saola-flights-cancelled-schools-closed-in-hong-kong-631085">Typhoon Saola: Flights cancelled, schools closed in Hong Kong</a></p>

<p>Ahead of the landfall of the typhoon, more than 880,000 people were evacuated from two Chinese provinces hundreds of flights were cancelled and trees were uprooted from the streets of Hong Kong amid heavy downpours.<br />
<br />
The National Weather Office of China predicted Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Pearl River Delta since 1949", referring to a low-lying region that includes Macau, Hong Kong, and much of Guangdong province.<br />
<br />
With the possibility of a direct hit, the warning level was raised to the highest level “T10” by the authorities in Hong Kong on Friday, which has been issued 16 times since World War II before Saola.</p>

<h2><strong>Typhoon weakens</strong></h2>

<p>By 3:40 a.m. local time, after the warning level remained at T10 for seven hours, the level was downgraded to T8 by Hong Kong. However, as dangerous gusts blew at a speed of 139 kilometres (86 miles) per hour, the residents were appealed to remain vigilant.<br />
<br />
"As gales and violent squalls are still occurring in places, precautions should not yet be relaxed," warned the Hong Kong Observatory in a bulletin.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-super-typhoon-saola-approaches-hong-kong-slammed-by-biggest-typhoon-since-2018-631299/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The observatory stated that "the maximum water level may reach a historical record", warning that "there will be serious flooding".<br />
<br />
Throughout the mainland border in Guangdong province, more than 780,000 people were evacuated by the authorities from high-risk areas, while eastern Fujian province saw around 100,000 being moved to safer ground.<br />
<br />
The officials also suspended trains in and out of Guangdong till 6:00 pm Saturday, while the emergency response for preventing its second-highest level was raised by the national flood defence agency.<br />
<br />
"It's going to affect our life," stated Wu Wenlai, 43, whose restaurant was closed in a Shenzhen suburb. "My eldest son was planning to fly to Chengdu today for university and his flight has been cancelled now,” Wenlai said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades.

Typhoon Saola slammed the shore of southern China early Saturday (September 2) after lashing Hong Kong and forcing millions of people to hunker down amid threats of one of the strongest storms to hit the region in decades. Tens of millions of citizens across Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other southern Chinese megacities had prepared for the cyclone, which was rated as a super typhoon. The typhoon fiercely hit the special administrative region, Saola but made a landfall south of Hong Kong after it was downgraded to a severe typhoon. China's National Meteorological Centre stated that the typhoon made landfall at around 3:30 am Saturday (2030 GMT Friday) towards the south of Zhuhai city in Guangdong province, which lies in the south of casino hub Macau. ALSO READ | Typhoon Saola: Flights cancelled, schools closed in Hong Kong Ahead of the landfall of the typhoon, more than 880,000 people were evacuated from two Chinese provinces hundreds of flights were cancelled and trees were uprooted from the streets of Hong Kong amid heavy downpours. The National Weather Office of China predicted Saola "may become the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Pearl River Delta since 1949", referring to a low-lying region that includes Macau, Hong Kong, and much of Guangdong province. With the possibility of a direct hit, the warning level was raised to the highest level “T10” by the authorities in Hong Kong on Friday, which has been issued 16 times since World War II before Saola. Typhoon weakens By 3:40 a.m. local time, after the warning level remained at T10 for seven hours, the level was downgraded to T8 by Hong Kong. However, as dangerous gusts blew at a speed of 139 kilometres (86 miles) per hour, the residents were appealed to remain vigilant. "As gales and violent squalls are still occurring in places, precautions should not yet be relaxed," warned the Hong Kong Observatory in a bulletin. WATCH | Hong Kong: Super typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong slammed by biggest Typhoon since 2018 The observatory stated that "the maximum water level may reach a historical record", warning that "there will be serious flooding". Throughout the mainland border in Guangdong province, more than 780,000 people were evacuated by the authorities from high-risk areas, while eastern Fujian province saw around 100,000 being moved to safer ground. The officials also suspended trains in and out of Guangdong till 6:00 pm Saturday, while the emergency response for preventing its second-highest level was raised by the national flood defence agency. "It's going to affect our life," stated Wu Wenlai, 43, whose restaurant was closed in a Shenzhen suburb. "My eldest son was planning to fly to Chengdu today for university and his flight has been cancelled now,” Wenlai said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Typhoon Saola slams shores of southern China after lashing Hong Kong

<p>A dramatic moment was captured in video footage when a Ukrainian drone smartly managed to dodge three Russian military aircraft that tried to shoot it down.<br />
<br />
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine shared the video in which the drone was seen coming in close contact with one Russian jet and two combat helicopters. What followed was the ultimate chasing sequence between a tiny drone and the heavily fortified aircraft.<br />
<br />
In the video, the drone which is just metres away from the Russian air forces can be seen teasing it before a spray of bullets is unleashed towards it by one of the aircraft.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two Russian attack helicopters and an aircraft chased a Ukrainian drone near Cape Tarkhankut (Crimea) but failed to shoot it down - Defense Intelligence of Ukraine posted a unique video.<br />
<br />
Despite continuous fire, Ukrainian drone left the "battlefield" undamaged and successfully… <a href="https://t.co/ScxCz1SP4j">pic.twitter.com/ScxCz1SP4j</a></p>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1697517617521586286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The bullets pass in close proximity to the drone, trying to blast it above the skies of Russia-annexed Crimea. However, ultimately the Russian pilots are not able to shoot down the small target which successfully dodges their bullets by moving side to side and up and down.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-ukraine-has-made-notable-progress-in-offensive-631351">US claims Ukraine has made 'notable progress' in offensive</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Drone made&nbsp;safe return to base'</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian forces said that the drone made a safe return to the base without suffering a scratch. It remains unknown when exactly the encounter took place, but the footage was released by Ukrainian officials on Friday (September 1).<br />
<br />
Ukrainian defence ministry's spokesperson said that their UAVs – unmanned aerial vehicles – are “increasingly coming out unscathed, not only after encounters with Russian air defence but also in direct collisions with Russian aircraft”.<br />
<br />
“The video shows a Ukrainian UAV flying near Cape Tarkhankut being pursued by two combat helicopters and one aeroplane. Despite the continuous fire, our UAV left the “battlefield” unharmed and successfully returned to the base,” the spokesperson added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine Fumes as Russian Energy Floods EU; Urges West to Close Sanctions 'loophole'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-fumes-as-russian-energy-floods-eu-urges-west-to-close-sanctions-loophole-631013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After coming back from its perilous flight, the UAV operator apparently called the Russians “some kind of crooked…”. In the last few weeks, Ukraine has increased its use of drones with a barrage of attacks taking place on Russia.<br />
<br />
The number of drone strikes targetting Russian territory since an invasion was launched by Vladimir Putin in February last year has reached 500.</p>

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A dramatic moment was captured in video footage when a Ukrainian drone smartly managed to dodge three Russian military aircraft that tried to shoot it down. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine shared the video in which the drone was seen coming in close contact with one Russian jet and two combat helicopters.

A dramatic moment was captured in video footage when a Ukrainian drone smartly managed to dodge three Russian military aircraft that tried to shoot it down. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine shared the video in which the drone was seen coming in close contact with one Russian jet and two combat helicopters. What followed was the ultimate chasing sequence between a tiny drone and the heavily fortified aircraft. In the video, the drone which is just metres away from the Russian air forces can be seen teasing it before a spray of bullets is unleashed towards it by one of the aircraft. Two Russian attack helicopters and an aircraft chased a Ukrainian drone near Cape Tarkhankut (Crimea) but failed to shoot it down - Defense Intelligence of Ukraine posted a unique video. Despite continuous fire, Ukrainian drone left the "battlefield" undamaged and successfully… pic.twitter.com/ScxCz1SP4j — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 1, 2023 × The bullets pass in close proximity to the drone, trying to blast it above the skies of Russia-annexed Crimea. However, ultimately the Russian pilots are not able to shoot down the small target which successfully dodges their bullets by moving side to side and up and down. ALSO READ | US claims Ukraine has made 'notable progress' in offensive 'Drone made safe return to base' Ukrainian forces said that the drone made a safe return to the base without suffering a scratch. It remains unknown when exactly the encounter took place, but the footage was released by Ukrainian officials on Friday (September 1). Ukrainian defence ministry's spokesperson said that their UAVs – unmanned aerial vehicles – are “increasingly coming out unscathed, not only after encounters with Russian air defence but also in direct collisions with Russian aircraft”. “The video shows a Ukrainian UAV flying near Cape Tarkhankut being pursued by two combat helicopters and one aeroplane. Despite the continuous fire, our UAV left the “battlefield” unharmed and successfully returned to the base,” the spokesperson added. WATCH | Ukraine Fumes as Russian Energy Floods EU; Urges West to Close Sanctions 'loophole' After coming back from its perilous flight, the UAV operator apparently called the Russians “some kind of crooked…”. In the last few weeks, Ukraine has increased its use of drones with a barrage of attacks taking place on Russia. The number of drone strikes targetting Russian territory since an invasion was launched by Vladimir Putin in February last year has reached 500. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: Ukrainian drone dramatically dodges attack by three Russian aircraft

<p>Top seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek surged closer towards a US Open showdown with Coco Gauff on Friday while 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic targeted a place in the last 16.</p>

<p>Swiatek briefly put sentiment to one side as she demolished 145th-ranked Slovenian qualifier and best friend Kaja Juvan 6-0, 6-1 in just 49 minutes to storm into the fourth round.</p>

<p>"I didn't like the fact that I was kind of winning with my best friend," said world number one Swiatek.&nbsp;"It was like playing against a sister because I've known her for so long. I don't have many friends but she's my best friend so that was the toughest part for sure," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pole is bidding to become the first woman to successfully defend her US Open crown since Serena Williams won a hat-trick of titles from 2012-2014.</p>

<p>She could meet 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko next ahead of a potential quarter-final clash with in-form home favourite Gauff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sixth seed Gauff plays Belgium's Elise Mertens to kick off the evening session on Arthur Ashe.</p>

<p>Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova&nbsp;qualified for the last 16 courtesy of a 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 win over Taylor Townsend.</p>

<p>She goes on to play China's Wang Xinyu who battled into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time by coming from a set down to oust Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.</p>

<p>The 21-year-old from Shenzhen had never been further than the first round at the US Open before this year.</p>

<p>American 14th seed Tommy Paul advanced with a four-set win over Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, heading into week two of the tournament for the first time as well.</p>

<h2><strong>Djokovic faces fellow Serb&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Djokovic can take another stride towards a record-extending men's 24th Grand Slam crown when he meets Laslo Djere in an-all Serbian match-up in the night session on Arthur Ashe.</p>

<p>"I'm pleased with the way I'm feeling, playing on the court," said Djokovic, who has dropped only 11 games through the first two rounds. "Can always be better, but first two rounds didn't spend too much time on the court and played very solid and hopefully I can keep building," he added.</p>

<p>Djere, the 32nd seed, is trying to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time in a career marked by the trauma of losing both of his parents to cancer by the time he was 23.</p>

<p>"He had a lot of struggles with his family and private issues. You know, had to endure all of that," Djokovic said. "It says a lot about his mental resilience. It's great for Serbian tennis that we have a matchup in the third round. So one Serbian is going to be definitely in the fourth round, which is always great for our tennis," he stated.</p>

<p>American No.1 Taylor Fritz later plays teenage Czech qualifier Jakub Mensik, the world number 206 and youngest man to reach the US Open third round since 1990. Mensik celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday.</p>

<p>Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who received a walkover in the second round, also faces Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea under the lights on Louis Armstrong.</p>

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Top seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek surged closer towards a US Open showdown with Coco Gauff on Friday while 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic targeted a place in the last 16.

Top seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek surged closer towards a US Open showdown with Coco Gauff on Friday while 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic targeted a place in the last 16. Swiatek briefly put sentiment to one side as she demolished 145th-ranked Slovenian qualifier and best friend Kaja Juvan 6-0, 6-1 in just 49 minutes to storm into the fourth round. "I didn't like the fact that I was kind of winning with my best friend," said world number one Swiatek. "It was like playing against a sister because I've known her for so long. I don't have many friends but she's my best friend so that was the toughest part for sure," she said. The Pole is bidding to become the first woman to successfully defend her US Open crown since Serena Williams won a hat-trick of titles from 2012-2014. She could meet 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko next ahead of a potential quarter-final clash with in-form home favourite Gauff. Sixth seed Gauff plays Belgium's Elise Mertens to kick off the evening session on Arthur Ashe. Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova qualified for the last 16 courtesy of a 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 win over Taylor Townsend. She goes on to play China's Wang Xinyu who battled into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time by coming from a set down to oust Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The 21-year-old from Shenzhen had never been further than the first round at the US Open before this year. American 14th seed Tommy Paul advanced with a four-set win over Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, heading into week two of the tournament for the first time as well. Djokovic faces fellow Serb Djokovic can take another stride towards a record-extending men's 24th Grand Slam crown when he meets Laslo Djere in an-all Serbian match-up in the night session on Arthur Ashe. "I'm pleased with the way I'm feeling, playing on the court," said Djokovic, who has dropped only 11 games through the first two rounds. "Can always be better, but first two rounds didn't spend too much time on the court and played very solid and hopefully I can keep building," he added. Djere, the 32nd seed, is trying to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time in a career marked by the trauma of losing both of his parents to cancer by the time he was 23. "He had a lot of struggles with his family and private issues. You know, had to endure all of that," Djokovic said. "It says a lot about his mental resilience. It's great for Serbian tennis that we have a matchup in the third round. So one Serbian is going to be definitely in the fourth round, which is always great for our tennis," he stated. American No.1 Taylor Fritz later plays teenage Czech qualifier Jakub Mensik, the world number 206 and youngest man to reach the US Open third round since 1990. Mensik celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday. Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who received a walkover in the second round, also faces Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea under the lights on Louis Armstrong. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Remorseful Iga Swiatek romps at US Open as Novak Djokovic eyes last 16

<p>Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and&nbsp;Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Proud Boys,&nbsp;Ethan Nordean,&nbsp;was awarded&nbsp;18 years imprisonment after getting convicted of seditious conspiracy.<br />
<br />
The 46-year-old former US Marine Pezzola fought with officers when the Congress was raided on 6 January 2021. Pezzola was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting the police.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, another member of Proud Boy Ethan Nordean was sentenced over a more serious seditious conspiracy charge. In a selfie video, which was made on the day of the riot, Pezzola is seen smoking what he stated was a "victory cigar" inside the Capitol building.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-proud-boys-militia-sentenced-to-17-years-imprisonment-over-us-capitol-attack-631008">Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack</a></p>

<p>During the sentencing on Friday (September 1), Pezzola said that he regretted his actions. His wife, mother and daughter spoke while addressing the judge, as the mother described him as a "wonderful child" who "never gave me any trouble".<br />
<br />
However, once the prison term was announced and the judge went out of the room, Pezzola shouted, "Trump won!"</p>

<h2><strong>Drinking club to foot-soldiers of Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Seven years ago, Proud Boys started as a "drinking club" but soon turned into the foot soldiers of Donald Trump and became the first people to march inside the Capitol on January 6.<br />
<br />
Among the five arrested, Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a charge which is slammed over people for overthrowing the government or using force "to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States".<br />
<br />
However, the prosecutors argued that the violent actions of Pezzola at the riot warranted a stiff sentence. "Pezzola's actions and testimony leave no doubt that he intended to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion," wrote prosecutors in a sentencing memo. "He committed crimes of terrorism on January 6,” they added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2021-us-capitol-riots-1100-criminally-charged-for-attacks-631111/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Judge Timothy Kelly on Friday said to Pezzola that he had "played a significant role" in the Capitol riot even though he did not have a leadership role in the Proud Boys. "It was a national disgrace, what happened," Judge Kelly stated.<br />
<br />
During the trial, Pezzola had downplayed his actions on January 6, stating that the crowd were "trespassing protesters" and not an "invading force". He further told jurors that his actions during the Capitol attack can be explained by his reverting to military training after seeing the use of non-lethal munitions by the police to try to disperse the crowd.<br />
<br />
"In the military and Marine Corps, you don't ever turn around and run away. You're conditioned not to think about the flight response. You're conditioned to run toward the danger,” Pezzola said.<br />
<br />
While speaking with the Washington Post after he was convicted, Pezzola said that the trial was a "complete sham" and made fringe claims that the federal officials and informants had actually “set up” the riot.</p>

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Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack. A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

Members of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola and Ethan Nordean were awarded long-term imprisonment on Friday (September 1) for their role in US Capitol attack. A member of Proud Boys Dominic Pezzola, who has been accused of leading the US Capitol riot by making his way into the complex using a police shield before filming himself smoking a celebratory cigar, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the Proud Boys, Ethan Nordean, was awarded 18 years imprisonment after getting convicted of seditious conspiracy. The 46-year-old former US Marine Pezzola fought with officers when the Congress was raided on 6 January 2021. Pezzola was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and assaulting the police. Meanwhile, another member of Proud Boy Ethan Nordean was sentenced over a more serious seditious conspiracy charge. In a selfie video, which was made on the day of the riot, Pezzola is seen smoking what he stated was a "victory cigar" inside the Capitol building. ALSO READ | Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack During the sentencing on Friday (September 1), Pezzola said that he regretted his actions. His wife, mother and daughter spoke while addressing the judge, as the mother described him as a "wonderful child" who "never gave me any trouble". However, once the prison term was announced and the judge went out of the room, Pezzola shouted, "Trump won!" Drinking club to foot-soldiers of Trump Seven years ago, Proud Boys started as a "drinking club" but soon turned into the foot soldiers of Donald Trump and became the first people to march inside the Capitol on January 6. Among the five arrested, Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, a charge which is slammed over people for overthrowing the government or using force "to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States". However, the prosecutors argued that the violent actions of Pezzola at the riot warranted a stiff sentence. "Pezzola's actions and testimony leave no doubt that he intended to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion," wrote prosecutors in a sentencing memo. "He committed crimes of terrorism on January 6,” they added. WATCH | 2021 US Capitol Riots: 1100 criminally charged for attacks Judge Timothy Kelly on Friday said to Pezzola that he had "played a significant role" in the Capitol riot even though he did not have a leadership role in the Proud Boys. "It was a national disgrace, what happened," Judge Kelly stated. During the trial, Pezzola had downplayed his actions on January 6, stating that the crowd were "trespassing protesters" and not an "invading force". He further told jurors that his actions during the Capitol attack can be explained by his reverting to military training after seeing the use of non-lethal munitions by the police to try to disperse the crowd. "In the military and Marine Corps, you don't ever turn around and run away. You're conditioned not to think about the flight response. You're conditioned to run toward the danger,” Pezzola said. While speaking with the Washington Post after he was convicted, Pezzola said that the trial was a "complete sham" and made fringe claims that the federal officials and informants had actually “set up” the riot. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Proud Boys members Dominic Pezzola, Ethan Nordean get prison sentence in Capitol attack case

<p>Egyptian-born billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was the owner of the department store Harrods, died at the age of 94 on Friday (September 1), confirmed his family in a statement.</p>

<p>The billionaire businessman breathed his last 26 years after the fatal car crash in Paris took the lives of his eldest son Dodi Fayed and Princess of Wales Diana on 31 August 1997.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/remembering-princess-diana-on-her-26th-death-anniversary-630857">Remembering Princess Diana on her 26th death anniversary</a></p>

<p>"Mrs Mohamed Al-Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday, August 30, 2023," said his family in a statement which was released by the football club Fulham FC, which he once owned.</p>

<p>"He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time,” the statement further read.</p>

<p>"On behalf of everyone at Fulham Football Club, I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Al Fayed upon the news of his passing at age 94," stated Shahid Khan, who succeeded al-Fayed as owner of the London soccer club.</p>

<h2><strong>Al Fayed's life journey from Paris Ritz Hotel to Fulham Football Club</strong></h2>

<p>Al Fayed was born to a schoolteacher in Alexandria. He had started his own shipping business in his homeland before he took the position of adviser to one of the world’s richest men, the Sultan of Brunei, in 1966.</p>

<p>He came to the United Kingdom in the 1970s and became a part of the board of the mining conglomerate Lonrho in 1975. However, he left the board nine months later. In 1979 Al Fayed, along with his brother Ali, purchased the Paris Ritz Hotel.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Egypt: Criminal court clears billionaire's name in murder case</strong></p>

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<p>Harrods became the next target of the Al Fayeds and in 1985, the brothers were able to clinch the store's takeover in a bid worth £615 million ($774 million) in Knightsbridge. The ownership of the store was retained by him after the Frasers group entered public trading in 2010 when it was sold by him to Qatar Holding. The satirical magazine Punch was also resurrected by the businessman.</p>

<p>The billionaire, in 1997, bought Fulham football club in west London for £6.25 million ($7.87 million) and invited famous singer Michael Jackson to watch a game together at Craven Cottage.</p>

<p>In 1999, Al Fayed gave his nod to club’s manager Kevin Keegan to take the position of team manager of the England national team. The club was sold by Al Fayed to billionaire businessman Shahid Khan in 2013.</p>

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Egyptian-born billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was the owner of the department store Harrods, died at the age of 94 on Friday (September 1), confirmed his family in a statement.

Egyptian-born billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was the owner of the department store Harrods, died at the age of 94 on Friday (September 1), confirmed his family in a statement. The billionaire businessman breathed his last 26 years after the fatal car crash in Paris took the lives of his eldest son Dodi Fayed and Princess of Wales Diana on 31 August 1997. ALSO READ | Remembering Princess Diana on her 26th death anniversary "Mrs Mohamed Al-Fayed, her children and grandchildren wish to confirm that her beloved husband, their father and their grandfather, Mohamed, has passed away peacefully of old age on Wednesday, August 30, 2023," said his family in a statement which was released by the football club Fulham FC, which he once owned. "He enjoyed a long and fulfilled retirement surrounded by his loved ones. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time,” the statement further read. "On behalf of everyone at Fulham Football Club, I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Al Fayed upon the news of his passing at age 94," stated Shahid Khan, who succeeded al-Fayed as owner of the London soccer club. Al Fayed's life journey from Paris Ritz Hotel to Fulham Football Club Al Fayed was born to a schoolteacher in Alexandria. He had started his own shipping business in his homeland before he took the position of adviser to one of the world’s richest men, the Sultan of Brunei, in 1966. He came to the United Kingdom in the 1970s and became a part of the board of the mining conglomerate Lonrho in 1975. However, he left the board nine months later. In 1979 Al Fayed, along with his brother Ali, purchased the Paris Ritz Hotel. WATCH | Egypt: Criminal court clears billionaire's name in murder case Harrods became the next target of the Al Fayeds and in 1985, the brothers were able to clinch the store's takeover in a bid worth £615 million ($774 million) in Knightsbridge. The ownership of the store was retained by him after the Frasers group entered public trading in 2010 when it was sold by him to Qatar Holding. The satirical magazine Punch was also resurrected by the businessman. The billionaire, in 1997, bought Fulham football club in west London for £6.25 million ($7.87 million) and invited famous singer Michael Jackson to watch a game together at Craven Cottage. In 1999, Al Fayed gave his nod to club’s manager Kevin Keegan to take the position of team manager of the England national team. The club was sold by Al Fayed to billionaire businessman Shahid Khan in 2013. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed dies at 94, 26 years after son Dodi and Princess Diana’s fatal car crash

<p>The administration of United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) moved to permanently close loopholes that permit people to sell guns without a license and from now will need officers to complete the background checks on purchasers.<br />
<br />
The detailed rules were released by the Justice Department which followed the passing of the Biden-backed Safer Communities Act by Congress in June 2022, in reaction to various shooting deaths, especially the mass shootings taking place across the country.<br />
<br />
The rule is aimed at filling gaps in the law which has till now permitted gun sellers to escape from obtaining a license by stating that they did not make any money from transactions or stating that their insignificant sales volume and lack of a storefront have exempted them from dealer requirements.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-visit-storm-idalia-hit-florida-as-people-survey-hurricane-damage-631027">Biden to visit storm Idalia-hit Florida, as people survey hurricane damage</a></p>

<p>The new rules will also strengthen the rules on collectors who sell and buy guns, and the failed gun dealers who are selling their inventories. The Justice Department stated that the aim is to force firearms sellers to go through the backgrounds of prospective purchasers in a national database to screen out felons and forbid others from owning guns.</p>

<h2><strong>Government to track registered firearms</strong></h2>

<p>The new rules will also permit the government to track registered firearms from owner to owner.<br />
<br />
"An increasing number of individuals engaged in the business of selling firearms for profit have chosen not to register as federal firearms licensees, as required by law," stated Steven Dettelbach, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.<br />
<br />
"Instead, they have sought to make money through the off-book, illicit sale of firearms," he added, in a statement. The Justice Department stated that the federal rules, aimed at increasing gun safety, are undermined by unlicensed dealing.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US: NARA confirms Biden used Pseudonyms during his tenure as Vice President&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"It's just common sense because we know that background checks are one of the best tools we have to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.<br />
<br />
"This administration respects the rights of responsible gun owners, while also believing Americans have the right to live free from gun violence as well. Those two things can exist,” she added.<br />
<br />
As per the non-governmental organisation Gun Violence Archive, 44,374 people lost their lives in gun violence across the United States last year. This year, gun deaths have slowed slightly, standing at 28,793 for the first eight months, as per the archive.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The administration of United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) moved to permanently close loopholes that permit people to sell guns without a license and from now will need officers to complete the background checks on purchasers.

The administration of United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) moved to permanently close loopholes that permit people to sell guns without a license and from now will need officers to complete the background checks on purchasers. The detailed rules were released by the Justice Department which followed the passing of the Biden-backed Safer Communities Act by Congress in June 2022, in reaction to various shooting deaths, especially the mass shootings taking place across the country. The rule is aimed at filling gaps in the law which has till now permitted gun sellers to escape from obtaining a license by stating that they did not make any money from transactions or stating that their insignificant sales volume and lack of a storefront have exempted them from dealer requirements. ALSO READ | Biden to visit storm Idalia-hit Florida, as people survey hurricane damage The new rules will also strengthen the rules on collectors who sell and buy guns, and the failed gun dealers who are selling their inventories. The Justice Department stated that the aim is to force firearms sellers to go through the backgrounds of prospective purchasers in a national database to screen out felons and forbid others from owning guns. Government to track registered firearms The new rules will also permit the government to track registered firearms from owner to owner. "An increasing number of individuals engaged in the business of selling firearms for profit have chosen not to register as federal firearms licensees, as required by law," stated Steven Dettelbach, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "Instead, they have sought to make money through the off-book, illicit sale of firearms," he added, in a statement. The Justice Department stated that the federal rules, aimed at increasing gun safety, are undermined by unlicensed dealing. WATCH | US: NARA confirms Biden used Pseudonyms during his tenure as Vice President "It's just common sense because we know that background checks are one of the best tools we have to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. "This administration respects the rights of responsible gun owners, while also believing Americans have the right to live free from gun violence as well. Those two things can exist,” she added. As per the non-governmental organisation Gun Violence Archive, 44,374 people lost their lives in gun violence across the United States last year. This year, gun deaths have slowed slightly, standing at 28,793 for the first eight months, as per the archive. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden proposes new rules amid crackdown on unlicensed gun dealers

<p>The coup leaders of Niger barred NGOs, UN agencies and international organisations from working in military "operation zones", said the interior ministry on Thursday (August 31).<br />
<br />
The ministry, without specifying the affected regions, broadcasted the statement on national radio which read, "Due to the current security situation and operational commitment of the Nigerien armed forces, the ministry informs international organisations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger that all activities and or movements in the zones of operations are temporarily suspended.”</p>

<h2><strong>Nigerian president proposes nine-month transition in Niger</strong></h2>

<p>Nigerian President Bola Tinubu proposed that the neighbouring state of Niger can transition back to democracy for a period of nine months, similar to the nine-month period through which his country was in the late 1990s.<br />
<br />
Sanctions were imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup by the troops on July 26. The country was threatened with military intervention by the bloc as a last resort if civilian rule was not restored after talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support</a></p>

<p>In a statement, the bloc on Thursday emphasised that it wanted Bazoum to be back in power right away. "The military authorities in Niger must restore constitutional order immediately by liberating and reinstating... President Mohamed Bazoum," it stated.<br />
<br />
The new military leaders of Niger have dug in stating that they needed a maximum three-year transition period for restoring constitutional order and have asked police to expel France's envoy as tensions continue to increase with a key partner in the anit-jihadist fight of Niger.<br />
<br />
Tinubu stated that civilian rule had returned in Nigeria after a nine-month transition period in 1999 which was instituted by former military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was also leading delegations to meet the Niger junta.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Niger coup marks one month as citizen support balloons</strong></p>

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<p>"The president sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger if Niger's military authorities are sincere," the statement read. For the first time, an ECOWAS official publicly talked about a possible transition period for military rulers of Niger.<br />
<br />
In his statement, Tinubu stated that they would not get any relief from sanctions imposed by ECOWAS until "positive adjustments" were made by the regime. "The soldiers' action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger," it stated.&nbsp;</p>

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The coup leaders of Niger barred NGOs, UN agencies and international organisations from working in military "operation zones", said the interior ministry on Thursday (August 31).

The coup leaders of Niger barred NGOs, UN agencies and international organisations from working in military "operation zones", said the interior ministry on Thursday (August 31). The ministry, without specifying the affected regions, broadcasted the statement on national radio which read, "Due to the current security situation and operational commitment of the Nigerien armed forces, the ministry informs international organisations, national and international NGOs and UN agencies present in Niger that all activities and or movements in the zones of operations are temporarily suspended.” Nigerian president proposes nine-month transition in Niger Nigerian President Bola Tinubu proposed that the neighbouring state of Niger can transition back to democracy for a period of nine months, similar to the nine-month period through which his country was in the late 1990s. Sanctions were imposed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup by the troops on July 26. The country was threatened with military intervention by the bloc as a last resort if civilian rule was not restored after talks. ALSO READ | Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support In a statement, the bloc on Thursday emphasised that it wanted Bazoum to be back in power right away. "The military authorities in Niger must restore constitutional order immediately by liberating and reinstating... President Mohamed Bazoum," it stated. The new military leaders of Niger have dug in stating that they needed a maximum three-year transition period for restoring constitutional order and have asked police to expel France's envoy as tensions continue to increase with a key partner in the anit-jihadist fight of Niger. Tinubu stated that civilian rule had returned in Nigeria after a nine-month transition period in 1999 which was instituted by former military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was also leading delegations to meet the Niger junta. WATCH | Niger coup marks one month as citizen support balloons "The president sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger if Niger's military authorities are sincere," the statement read. For the first time, an ECOWAS official publicly talked about a possible transition period for military rulers of Niger. In his statement, Tinubu stated that they would not get any relief from sanctions imposed by ECOWAS until "positive adjustments" were made by the regime. "The soldiers' action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger," it stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Niger bans NGOs, UN agencies from working in military 'operation zones'

<p>Ruby Franke, a mother living in Utah and the woman who was running the now-defunct family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested on the charges of child abuse on Wednesday (August 30) after officials found a malnourished child with duct tape on their extremities and open wounds.<br />
<br />
Jodi Hildebrandt, the business partner of Franke, was also arrested by the police on the same charges. The two have been collaborating regularly on relationship and parenting advice videos for the life counselling service of Hildebrandt, ConneXions.<br />
<br />
ConneXions has previously been criticised for its teachings on parenting, which include prioritising the "principles of truth" of the organisation over the children. In a press release on Thursday (August 31), the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department said that it received a report regarding a juvenile who was in need of help on Wednesday morning at 10:58 local time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/song-stuck-in-your-head-just-hum-to-search-on-youtube-in-3-seconds-629916">YouTube tests new Android hum-to-search song in 3 seconds feature</a></p>

<p>The juvenile's condition was described as "emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities."</p>

<p>"The condition of the juvenile was so severe that they were seen by Santa Clara-Ivins EMS and transported to a local area hospital," the press release stated.<br />
<br />
“Information was obtained by police that other juveniles in similar condition may be in a nearby home. Officers arrived at the home and searched the residence, locating another juvenile in a similar physical condition of malnourishment. They were also transported by EMS for hospital treatment,” it added.<br />
<br />
The police said that “evidence consistent with the markings found on the juvenile” was located in the home.</p>

<h2><strong>Four minor children sent to the care</strong></h2>

<p>The release stated that when the officers reached the home they found another juvenile in similar condition, who was taken to a nearby hospital for adequate treatment. Meanwhile, four minors were sent into the care of the Department of Child and Family Services after they were discovered in the search of the house.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Know how influencers are making money by letting people watch them sleep</strong></p>

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<p>Hildebrandt and Franke were also arrested in connection with an incident of child abuse, stated the release. As per the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the two are still in custody.<br />
<br />
Franke is famous for propagating a strict parenting style on the channel. The YouTuber had stopped uploading the footage from January 2022. Earlier this year, it was taken down. While speaking about why she left YouTube, she said that she did not upload videos because she was unwilling to 'save her kids'.<br />
<br />
She stated that her children were 'being hurt' by the constant 'advice' that was being sent to them from their immense following. “I don't care what the world's opinion is, this is the truth and this is where I stand,” she added.</p>

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Ruby Franke, a mother living in Utah and the woman who was running the now-defunct family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested on the charges of child abuse on Wednesday (August 30) after officials found a malnourished child with duct tape on their extremities and open wounds.

Ruby Franke, a mother living in Utah and the woman who was running the now-defunct family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested on the charges of child abuse on Wednesday (August 30) after officials found a malnourished child with duct tape on their extremities and open wounds. Jodi Hildebrandt, the business partner of Franke, was also arrested by the police on the same charges. The two have been collaborating regularly on relationship and parenting advice videos for the life counselling service of Hildebrandt, ConneXions. ConneXions has previously been criticised for its teachings on parenting, which include prioritising the "principles of truth" of the organisation over the children. In a press release on Thursday (August 31), the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department said that it received a report regarding a juvenile who was in need of help on Wednesday morning at 10:58 local time. ALSO READ | YouTube tests new Android hum-to-search song in 3 seconds feature The juvenile's condition was described as "emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities." "The condition of the juvenile was so severe that they were seen by Santa Clara-Ivins EMS and transported to a local area hospital," the press release stated. “Information was obtained by police that other juveniles in similar condition may be in a nearby home. Officers arrived at the home and searched the residence, locating another juvenile in a similar physical condition of malnourishment. They were also transported by EMS for hospital treatment,” it added. The police said that “evidence consistent with the markings found on the juvenile” was located in the home. Four minor children sent to the care The release stated that when the officers reached the home they found another juvenile in similar condition, who was taken to a nearby hospital for adequate treatment. Meanwhile, four minors were sent into the care of the Department of Child and Family Services after they were discovered in the search of the house. WATCH | Know how influencers are making money by letting people watch them sleep Hildebrandt and Franke were also arrested in connection with an incident of child abuse, stated the release. As per the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the two are still in custody. Franke is famous for propagating a strict parenting style on the channel. The YouTuber had stopped uploading the footage from January 2022. Earlier this year, it was taken down. While speaking about why she left YouTube, she said that she did not upload videos because she was unwilling to 'save her kids'. She stated that her children were 'being hurt' by the constant 'advice' that was being sent to them from their immense following. “I don't care what the world's opinion is, this is the truth and this is where I stand,” she added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

YouTuber Ruby Franke arrested for child abuse after malnourished kid found

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) announced that he will be visiting Florida on Saturday morning to interact with communities that have been ravaged by storm Idalia.<br />
<br />
Idalia, which has now turned into a tropical storm, inundated Florida's coastal communities before moving ahead on its destructive path to the southeastern US coast.</p>

<h2><strong>Residents survey hurricane damage</strong></h2>

<p>The people in Florida on Thursday (August 31) started to clean up after flooding and rain caused by storm Idalia, which had turned into a hurricane and wreaked havoc before it weakened and headed out to the sea.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-hurricane-idalia-pummels-florida-churns-on-to-georgia-630697">Idalia downgraded to tropical storm after slamming Florida</a></p>

<p>Idalia had travelled through the Sunshine State as a Category 3 storm, felling trees, flooding homes and breaking power lines before it barreled to the neighbouring states of Georgia and South and North Carolina.<br />
<br />
Dozens of water-damaged items were being cleared by Keith Randall from his home decor store in Crystal River town. "It hit us pretty good inside," said the 52-year-old, while speaking to AFP.<br />
<br />
"Anything on the floors got ruined. We are getting rid of all the cardboard that was in here. Lots of stuff was on the walls, but it's all good, it's just a lot of cleanup," he added.<br />
<br />
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that 40 people have been rescued so far. Earlier, thousands of Floridians were asked to evacuate the town. The main task lying ahead is clearing debris and assessing the damage.<br />
<br />
"There has been significant damage, particularly along Florida's Big Bend, but the community is resilient," DeSantis stated. Around 86,000 people in Georgia and 117,000 customers in Florida were without electricity on Thursday afternoon, as per tracking website PowerOutage.us.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hurricane Idalia Passes Over Carolinas | Georgia And Florida Deal With Aftermath</strong></p>

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<p><br />
DeSantis said that they have already restored 420,000 accounts. More than 1,000 emergency personnel were deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the disaster zone.<br />
<br />
"Idalia is the strongest storm... to make landfall in this part of Florida in over 100 years," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
In North Carolina, tropical storm conditions were still being felt till Thursday afternoon, as per the US National Hurricane Center, as Idalia left the US mainland and moved towards the Atlantic.<br />
<br />
As per NHC, Idalia is likely to slow further while approaching Bermuda over the weekend, where residents have been asked to monitor its progress.</p>

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United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) announced that he will be visiting Florida on Saturday morning to interact with communities that have been ravaged by storm Idalia.

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (August 31) announced that he will be visiting Florida on Saturday morning to interact with communities that have been ravaged by storm Idalia. Idalia, which has now turned into a tropical storm, inundated Florida's coastal communities before moving ahead on its destructive path to the southeastern US coast. Residents survey hurricane damage The people in Florida on Thursday (August 31) started to clean up after flooding and rain caused by storm Idalia, which had turned into a hurricane and wreaked havoc before it weakened and headed out to the sea. ALSO READ | Idalia downgraded to tropical storm after slamming Florida Idalia had travelled through the Sunshine State as a Category 3 storm, felling trees, flooding homes and breaking power lines before it barreled to the neighbouring states of Georgia and South and North Carolina. Dozens of water-damaged items were being cleared by Keith Randall from his home decor store in Crystal River town. "It hit us pretty good inside," said the 52-year-old, while speaking to AFP. "Anything on the floors got ruined. We are getting rid of all the cardboard that was in here. Lots of stuff was on the walls, but it's all good, it's just a lot of cleanup," he added. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that 40 people have been rescued so far. Earlier, thousands of Floridians were asked to evacuate the town. The main task lying ahead is clearing debris and assessing the damage. "There has been significant damage, particularly along Florida's Big Bend, but the community is resilient," DeSantis stated. Around 86,000 people in Georgia and 117,000 customers in Florida were without electricity on Thursday afternoon, as per tracking website PowerOutage.us. WATCH | Gravitas: Hurricane Idalia Passes Over Carolinas | Georgia And Florida Deal With Aftermath DeSantis said that they have already restored 420,000 accounts. More than 1,000 emergency personnel were deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the disaster zone. "Idalia is the strongest storm... to make landfall in this part of Florida in over 100 years," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Wednesday. In North Carolina, tropical storm conditions were still being felt till Thursday afternoon, as per the US National Hurricane Center, as Idalia left the US mainland and moved towards the Atlantic. As per NHC, Idalia is likely to slow further while approaching Bermuda over the weekend, where residents have been asked to monitor its progress. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden to visit Idalia-hit Florida as people survey hurricane damage

<p>The visitors to an Egyptian museum are likely to be transported back more than 3,500 years with the scent of balms identified and recreated by researchers which were used in an ancient Egyptian noblewoman's mummification.<br />
<br />
Although mummification appears to include bandages and jars, the process included fragrant items used to embalm the body and organs, so as to preserve them for the afterlife.<br />
<br />
However, because of a lack of texts from ancient Egypt, it was difficult to reveal the exact ingredients used, which forced scientists to use modern analysis to select the substances involved. The researchers are now studying the residues of balms that were used for noblewoman Senetnay's mummification.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-resistance-to-supply-weapons-to-ukraine-poses-challenge-for-biden-administration-report-624789">Egypt's resistance to supply weapons to Ukraine poses challenge for Biden administration: Report</a></p>

<p>The study has revealed that many of the ingredients used for embalming the body came from outside Egypt and helped them reproduce their perfume. “Senetnay’s mummification balm stands out as one of the most intricate and complex balms from that era,” stated Barbara Huber, the first author of the research from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology.</p>

<h2><strong>Ingredients of balms imported</strong></h2>

<p>Huber and his team analysed six samples of residues of the balms used for mummification which were discovered in two jars that once contained the liver and lungs of Senetnay, as indicated by hieroglyphic inscriptions.<br />
<br />
It was found by the team that the balms included a complex mix of ingredients, which included fats and oils, beeswax, bitumen, resins from trees of the pine family, a substance called coumarin that has a vanilla-like scent, and benzoic acid, that can be discovered in many plant sources which include cloves and cinnamon. They emphasised that many of the ingredients would have been imported to Egypt.<br />
<br />
“For instance, certain resins, like the larch tree resin, likely came from the northern Mediterranean and central Europe. One other substance was narrowed down to either a resin called dammar – exclusive to southeast Asian tropical forests – or Pistacia tree resin. In case it was dammar, this would highlight the extensive trade networks of the Egyptians during the mid-second millennium BCE, bringing in ingredients from afar,” said Huber.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Egypt: Criminal court clears billionaire's name in murder case</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-egypt-criminal-court-clears-billionaires-name-in-murder-case-630679/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>'Scent of the eternity'</strong></h2>

<p>The odour of the balm used on the Egyptian mummy was labelled as “the scent of the eternity”.<br />
<br />
Expert in sensory history at the University of York Dr William Tullett said, “To our noses, the warm, resinous, pine-like odours of larch might be more reminiscent of cleaning products and the sulphurous scent of bitumen might put us in mind of asphalt. But for Egyptians, these smells clearly had a host of other meanings related to spirituality and social status. It’s those revealing comparisons between the here and now of smell that make recreations so interesting.”</p>

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The visitors to an Egyptian museum are likely to be transported back more than 3,500 years with the scent of balms identified and recreated by researchers which were used in an ancient Egyptian noblewoman's mummification.

The visitors to an Egyptian museum are likely to be transported back more than 3,500 years with the scent of balms identified and recreated by researchers which were used in an ancient Egyptian noblewoman's mummification. Although mummification appears to include bandages and jars, the process included fragrant items used to embalm the body and organs, so as to preserve them for the afterlife. However, because of a lack of texts from ancient Egypt, it was difficult to reveal the exact ingredients used, which forced scientists to use modern analysis to select the substances involved. The researchers are now studying the residues of balms that were used for noblewoman Senetnay's mummification. ALSO READ | Egypt's resistance to supply weapons to Ukraine poses challenge for Biden administration: Report The study has revealed that many of the ingredients used for embalming the body came from outside Egypt and helped them reproduce their perfume. “Senetnay’s mummification balm stands out as one of the most intricate and complex balms from that era,” stated Barbara Huber, the first author of the research from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology. Ingredients of balms imported Huber and his team analysed six samples of residues of the balms used for mummification which were discovered in two jars that once contained the liver and lungs of Senetnay, as indicated by hieroglyphic inscriptions. It was found by the team that the balms included a complex mix of ingredients, which included fats and oils, beeswax, bitumen, resins from trees of the pine family, a substance called coumarin that has a vanilla-like scent, and benzoic acid, that can be discovered in many plant sources which include cloves and cinnamon. They emphasised that many of the ingredients would have been imported to Egypt. “For instance, certain resins, like the larch tree resin, likely came from the northern Mediterranean and central Europe. One other substance was narrowed down to either a resin called dammar – exclusive to southeast Asian tropical forests – or Pistacia tree resin. In case it was dammar, this would highlight the extensive trade networks of the Egyptians during the mid-second millennium BCE, bringing in ingredients from afar,” said Huber. WATCH | Gravitas | Egypt: Criminal court clears billionaire's name in murder case 'Scent of the eternity' The odour of the balm used on the Egyptian mummy was labelled as “the scent of the eternity”. Expert in sensory history at the University of York Dr William Tullett said, “To our noses, the warm, resinous, pine-like odours of larch might be more reminiscent of cleaning products and the sulphurous scent of bitumen might put us in mind of asphalt. But for Egyptians, these smells clearly had a host of other meanings related to spirituality and social status. It’s those revealing comparisons between the here and now of smell that make recreations so interesting.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists recreate 3,500-year-old scent of ancient Egyptian mummy's balms

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday (August 31), said that the deadly fire incident that took place in the inner city of Johannesburg was "a wake-up call" for the country.<br />
<br />
In the massive blaze that engulfed a five-storey building, seventy-four people were killed, which included 12 children. The building was occupied by homeless people. More than 50 others were injured in the inferno.<br />
<br />
The city of Johannesburg had earlier confirmed that it owned the building, however, it had claimed that it was taken over by cartels. Officials stated that the cause of the deadly breakout remains unknown.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-52-dead-after-fire-breaks-out-in-building-in-johannesburg-630765">Johannesburg: Fire kills at least 73 in five-storey building occupied by homeless, squatters</a></p>

<p>In a press conference at the site of the mishap, Ramaphosa said that the incident needs to be investigated and lessons have to be learnt so that such tragedies can be prevented in future.<br />
<br />
"It's a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city," the South African leader said. The building was once home to abused children and women, however after its lease expired, it was "hijacked", explained President Ramaphosa to reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>Buildings 'unfit' to live in</strong></h2>

<p>Many buildings in the area, including the one which caught fire, were deemed unfit to live in. However, these old blocks, which were abandoned by the city authorities or their owners, are full of families who generally pay rent to the criminal gangs that are running them.<br />
<br />
Some of those people who have been using the buildings were undocumented migrants, most of them belonging to other African countries. The buildings, which&nbsp;lack legal electricity connections, running water and toilets, are said to be "hijacked".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;More than 50 killed in fire in South Africa's Johannesburg</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-than-50-killed-in-fire-in-south-africas-johannesburg-630830/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>South Africa has been dealing with a chronic housing shortage where an estimated 15,000 people have been estimated to be homeless in Johannesburg. "We need to get on top of this and find effective ways of dealing with problems of accommodation, housing, and services in the inner city," Ramaphosa stated.<br />
<br />
He also appreciated the emergency services for arriving at the scene 10 minutes after they received a report of the fire. Johannesburg city manager Floyd Brink stated that 200 families have been affected by the fire and "all efforts" were made to provide them accommodation.<br />
<br />
Spokesperson for the emergency services Robert Mulaudzi, speaking to the BBC, said that the building was gutted by fire, however, firefighters were able to bring out some of the occupants.<br />
<br />
He added that because the building was not looked after properly, debris and makeshift structures made it difficult to search and rescue people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday (August 31), said that the deadly fire incident that took place in the inner city of Johannesburg was "a wake-up call" for the country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday (August 31), said that the deadly fire incident that took place in the inner city of Johannesburg was "a wake-up call" for the country. In the massive blaze that engulfed a five-storey building, seventy-four people were killed, which included 12 children. The building was occupied by homeless people. More than 50 others were injured in the inferno. The city of Johannesburg had earlier confirmed that it owned the building, however, it had claimed that it was taken over by cartels. Officials stated that the cause of the deadly breakout remains unknown. ALSO READ | Johannesburg: Fire kills at least 73 in five-storey building occupied by homeless, squatters In a press conference at the site of the mishap, Ramaphosa said that the incident needs to be investigated and lessons have to be learnt so that such tragedies can be prevented in future. "It's a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city," the South African leader said. The building was once home to abused children and women, however after its lease expired, it was "hijacked", explained President Ramaphosa to reporters. Buildings 'unfit' to live in Many buildings in the area, including the one which caught fire, were deemed unfit to live in. However, these old blocks, which were abandoned by the city authorities or their owners, are full of families who generally pay rent to the criminal gangs that are running them. Some of those people who have been using the buildings were undocumented migrants, most of them belonging to other African countries. The buildings, which lack legal electricity connections, running water and toilets, are said to be "hijacked". WATCH | More than 50 killed in fire in South Africa's Johannesburg South Africa has been dealing with a chronic housing shortage where an estimated 15,000 people have been estimated to be homeless in Johannesburg. "We need to get on top of this and find effective ways of dealing with problems of accommodation, housing, and services in the inner city," Ramaphosa stated. He also appreciated the emergency services for arriving at the scene 10 minutes after they received a report of the fire. Johannesburg city manager Floyd Brink stated that 200 families have been affected by the fire and "all efforts" were made to provide them accommodation. Spokesperson for the emergency services Robert Mulaudzi, speaking to the BBC, said that the building was gutted by fire, however, firefighters were able to bring out some of the occupants. He added that because the building was not looked after properly, debris and makeshift structures made it difficult to search and rescue people. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Ramaphosa says deadly Johannesburg fire a 'wake-up call'

<p>The general, who has overthrown the 55-year Bongo dynasty of Gabon, will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday (September 4), said the army as the opposition appealed for recognition of its candidate as the winner of weekend elections.<br />
<br />
The military reassured donors that they would "respect all commitments" at home and abroad and "phase in" transitional institutions, said Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesperson for the new regime, on state television.<br />
<br />
General Brice Oligui Nguema's swearing-in ceremony will take place at the constitutional court, the spokesman stated, giving the first indication of how operations will be carried out by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) following Wednesday's putsch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-after-niger-this-is-why-coup-in-gabon-is-receiving-public-support-630612">Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support</a></p>

<h2><strong>African Union suspends membership of Gabon</strong></h2>

<p>African Union suspended the membership of Gabon on Thursday (August 31), one day after President Ali Bongo was ousted by military officers.<br />
<br />
The African Union's Peace and Security Council&nbsp;had earlier strongly condemned the coup and stated that they have decided to "immediately suspend" Gabon until the constitutional order is restored in the country.<br />
<br />
Taking to X, the African Union said that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon, which ousted President Ali Bongo on 30 August 2023”. It “decides to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order in the country,” read the post.<br />
<br />
With this step, Gabon, which is already not a part of the influential bloc of West African nations ECOWAS, has also lost the economic cushion of the African Union.<br />
<br />
Head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, had earlier appealed to the Gabonese army and security forces “to guarantee the physical integrity” of Bongo, who was placed under house arrest.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gabon officers declare military coup</strong></p>

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<p>Opposition Alternance 2023 alliance of Gabon has remained silent since the coup.&nbsp;However, on Thursday (August 31), it appealed to the military leaders to recognise its victory in the election. The alliance "invited the defence and security forces to the discussion so as to work out... the best solution," after the vote.<br />
<br />
Alternance, which is led by university professor Albert Ondo Ossa, had earlier accused President Ali Bongo Ondimba of "fraud" and asked him to hand over power "without bloodshed".<br />
<br />
Ondo Ossa on Thursday stated that the Bongo clan has been in control and that there has not been a coup in the country but a "palace revolution". "Oligui Nguema is Ali Bongo's cousin," he said while speaking to France's TV5 Monde.<br />
<br />
"The Bongos found that Ali Bongo had to be put aside to be able to properly pursue the Bongo system. Oligui Nguema is an underling. Behind him, it's the Bongo clan keeping hold of power," he stated, appealing for international help to restore order.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The general, who has overthrown the 55-year Bongo dynasty of Gabon, will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday (September 4), said the army as the opposition appealed for recognition of its candidate as the winner of weekend elections.

The general, who has overthrown the 55-year Bongo dynasty of Gabon, will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday (September 4), said the army as the opposition appealed for recognition of its candidate as the winner of weekend elections. The military reassured donors that they would "respect all commitments" at home and abroad and "phase in" transitional institutions, said Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, spokesperson for the new regime, on state television. General Brice Oligui Nguema's swearing-in ceremony will take place at the constitutional court, the spokesman stated, giving the first indication of how operations will be carried out by the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) following Wednesday's putsch. ALSO READ | Explained | After Niger, this is why coup in Gabon is receiving public support African Union suspends membership of Gabon African Union suspended the membership of Gabon on Thursday (August 31), one day after President Ali Bongo was ousted by military officers. The African Union's Peace and Security Council had earlier strongly condemned the coup and stated that they have decided to "immediately suspend" Gabon until the constitutional order is restored in the country. Taking to X, the African Union said that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon, which ousted President Ali Bongo on 30 August 2023”. It “decides to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order in the country,” read the post. With this step, Gabon, which is already not a part of the influential bloc of West African nations ECOWAS, has also lost the economic cushion of the African Union. Head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, had earlier appealed to the Gabonese army and security forces “to guarantee the physical integrity” of Bongo, who was placed under house arrest. WATCH | Gabon officers declare military coup Opposition Alternance 2023 alliance of Gabon has remained silent since the coup. However, on Thursday (August 31), it appealed to the military leaders to recognise its victory in the election. The alliance "invited the defence and security forces to the discussion so as to work out... the best solution," after the vote. Alternance, which is led by university professor Albert Ondo Ossa, had earlier accused President Ali Bongo Ondimba of "fraud" and asked him to hand over power "without bloodshed". Ondo Ossa on Thursday stated that the Bongo clan has been in control and that there has not been a coup in the country but a "palace revolution". "Oligui Nguema is Ali Bongo's cousin," he said while speaking to France's TV5 Monde. "The Bongos found that Ali Bongo had to be put aside to be able to properly pursue the Bongo system. Oligui Nguema is an underling. Behind him, it's the Bongo clan keeping hold of power," he stated, appealing for international help to restore order. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership

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