A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions.

In the video, Mark McCloskey wears a pink polo shirt and pleated khakis, with his wife Patricia is in a striped T-shirt and cropped pants. Both are standing barefoot in their garden in St Louis, Missouri, on Sunday evening as protesters marched down a private street to demonstrate in front of the mayor's house.

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A St. Louis couple defends their home with guns as protesters march through their neighborhood:<a href="https://t.co/LqzvrBSREu">pic.twitter.com/LqzvrBSREu</a>
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Mark McCloskey, 63, a lawyer like his wife, 61, told a local news channel they were "terrified" when the protesters arrived.

"A mob of at least 100 smashed through the historic wrought iron gates of Portland Place (and) rushed towards my home where my family was having dinner outside and put us in fear for our lives," he told KMOV4, the local CBS affiliate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-sets-george-floyd-murder-trial-for-next-year-309526">US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year</a>

"This is all private property. There are no public sidewalks or public streets," McCloskey said.

"I was terrified that we'd be murdered within seconds, our house would be burned down, our pets would be killed. We were all alone facing an angry mob."

"We must protect the right to peacefully protest, and any attempt to chill it through intimidation or threat of deadly force will not be tolerated," she tweeted.

Faced with growing backlash, US congressman and Trump ally Matt Gaetz came to the McCloskeys' defense on Twitter, depicting a dystopian future if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the November election.

"In Joe Biden's America your job is illegal, you are locked in your home, borders don't exist, MS-13 lives next door and the police aren't coming when the mob arrives," he wrote,&nbsp;referring to a gang founded in the US by Central American migrants.

"This is all of us," he added, attaching a photo of the couple to his tweet.

Trump retweeted without comment the video of the white couple pointing a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun at the protesters, the majority of whom were black.

The clip sparked outrage online. The attorney for St Louis, Kimberly Gardner, said she was "alarmed" to see "peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault."

A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions.

A US couple brandishing an assault rifle and a handgun confronted protesters outside their Missouri mansion in a viral video that was retweeted by President Donald Trump, sparking divided reactions. In the video, Mark McCloskey wears a pink polo shirt and pleated khakis, with his wife Patricia is in a striped T-shirt and cropped pants. Both are standing barefoot in their garden in St Louis, Missouri, on Sunday evening as protesters marched down a private street to demonstrate in front of the mayor's house. A St. Louis couple defends their home with guns as protesters march through their neighborhood:pic.twitter.com/LqzvrBSREu — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) June 29, 2020 × Mark McCloskey, 63, a lawyer like his wife, 61, told a local news channel they were "terrified" when the protesters arrived. "A mob of at least 100 smashed through the historic wrought iron gates of Portland Place (and) rushed towards my home where my family was having dinner outside and put us in fear for our lives," he told KMOV4, the local CBS affiliate. Also read: US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year "This is all private property. There are no public sidewalks or public streets," McCloskey said. "I was terrified that we'd be murdered within seconds, our house would be burned down, our pets would be killed. We were all alone facing an angry mob." "We must protect the right to peacefully protest, and any attempt to chill it through intimidation or threat of deadly force will not be tolerated," she tweeted. Faced with growing backlash, US congressman and Trump ally Matt Gaetz came to the McCloskeys' defense on Twitter, depicting a dystopian future if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the November election. "In Joe Biden's America your job is illegal, you are locked in your home, borders don't exist, MS-13 lives next door and the police aren't coming when the mob arrives," he wrote, referring to a gang founded in the US by Central American migrants. "This is all of us," he added, attaching a photo of the couple to his tweet. Trump retweeted without comment the video of the white couple pointing a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun at the protesters, the majority of whom were black. The clip sparked outrage online. The attorney for St Louis, Kimberly Gardner, said she was "alarmed" to see "peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault."

US couple draw guns on protesters passing their mansion

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

"Who are they to try to impose themselves with threats?" said Maduro.

"We will sort it out in 72 hours... she will be given a plane to leave, but we will arrange our things with the European Union." Venezuela's airspace is currently closed to commercial airplanes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-five-iranian-ship-captains-over-venezuela-oil-delivery-308479">US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery</a>

Relations have been tense since 2017 when Venezuela became the first Latin American country to receive sanctions from the EU, including an arms embargo.

Among the officials sanctioned on Monday was opposition legislator Luis Parra, who backed by Maduro is contesting the leadership of the opposition controlled National Assembly with its president Juan Guaido.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-us-warship-presence-a-provocation-308601">Venezuela calls US warship presence 'a provocation'</a>

Guaido used his position as head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority in January 2019 by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent.

Guaido is recognised as his country's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the United States and much of the European Union.

Parra, though, declared himself National Assembly president in January while security forces loyal to Maduro prevented Guaido from entering the building for a re-election vote he was widely expected to win.

Initially allies, Parra fell out with Guaido after he was linked to a corruption scandal relating to a food distribution programme run by Maduro's government.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (June 29) gave the head of the European Union mission in Caracas, Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, 72 hours to leave the country after the bloc announced sanctions against 11 Venezuelan officials. "Who are they to try to impose themselves with threats?" said Maduro. "We will sort it out in 72 hours... she will be given a plane to leave, but we will arrange our things with the European Union." Venezuela's airspace is currently closed to commercial airplanes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery Relations have been tense since 2017 when Venezuela became the first Latin American country to receive sanctions from the EU, including an arms embargo. Among the officials sanctioned on Monday was opposition legislator Luis Parra, who backed by Maduro is contesting the leadership of the opposition controlled National Assembly with its president Juan Guaido. Also read: Venezuela calls US warship presence 'a provocation' Guaido used his position as head of Parliament to challenge Maduro's authority in January 2019 by declaring himself acting president after the National Assembly deemed the socialist leader a usurper over his controversial re-election in 2018 in a poll widely branded fraudulent. Guaido is recognised as his country's interim president by more than 50 nations, including the United States and much of the European Union. Parra, though, declared himself National Assembly president in January while security forces loyal to Maduro prevented Guaido from entering the building for a re-election vote he was widely expected to win. Initially allies, Parra fell out with Guaido after he was linked to a corruption scandal relating to a food distribution programme run by Maduro's government.

Venezuela President Maduro gives EU ambassador 72 hours to leave country

June 30 in history: Launch of first emergency call service, addition of leap second to world’s official clocks and more

Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid.

The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to $2,800 suggested last week by US&nbsp;drug pricing research group the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) after British researchers said they found that the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-is-remdesivir-actually-effective-in-treatment-295903">Coronavirus pandemic: Is remdesivir actually effective in treatment?</a>

Remdesivir is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 after the anti-viral treatment helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial. It has been approved for emergency use in some patients in the US.

Remdesivir is expected to be in high demand as one of the only treatments so far shown to alter the course of COVID-19. After the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial, it won emergency use authorization in the United States and full approval in Japan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gileads-remdesivir-prevents-lung-damage-in-covid-19-study-on-monkeys-304645">Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys</a>

The drug is believed to be most effective in treating patients earlier in the course of disease than dexamethasone, which reduced deaths in patients requiring supportive oxygen and those on a ventilator. Still, remdesivir in its currently formulation, is only being used on patients sick enough to require hospitalization as a five-day treatment course.

The company is developing an inhaled version that could be used outside a hospital setting.

For US&nbsp;patients with commercial insurance, Gilead said it will charge $3,120 per course, or $520 per vial. That is a 33 per cent&nbsp;increase over the $390 per vial Gilead said it will charge governments of developed countries and US&nbsp;patients in government healthcare programs.

Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid.

Gilead Sciences Inc has priced its COVID-19 drug candidate remdesivir at $2,340 for a five-day treatment in the United States and some other developed countries, potentially reflecting looming competition from a cheap steroid. The price tag is slightly below the range of $2,520 to $2,800 suggested last week by US drug pricing research group the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) after British researchers said they found that the cheap, widely available steroid dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients. Also read| Coronavirus pandemic: Is remdesivir actually effective in treatment? Remdesivir is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 after the anti-viral treatment helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial. It has been approved for emergency use in some patients in the US. Remdesivir is expected to be in high demand as one of the only treatments so far shown to alter the course of COVID-19. After the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times in a clinical trial, it won emergency use authorization in the United States and full approval in Japan. Also read| Gilead's remdesivir prevents lung damage in COVID-19 study on monkeys The drug is believed to be most effective in treating patients earlier in the course of disease than dexamethasone, which reduced deaths in patients requiring supportive oxygen and those on a ventilator. Still, remdesivir in its currently formulation, is only being used on patients sick enough to require hospitalization as a five-day treatment course. The company is developing an inhaled version that could be used outside a hospital setting. For US patients with commercial insurance, Gilead said it will charge $3,120 per course, or $520 per vial. That is a 33 per cent increase over the $390 per vial Gilead said it will charge governments of developed countries and US patients in government healthcare programs.

Gilead gives price tag to first coronavirus drug Remdesivir at $2,340

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-passes-hong-kong-security-law-report-309529" hreflang="en">China passes Hong Kong security law: Report</a>

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According to reports, China passed the national security law for Hong Kong on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-passes-hong-kong-security-law-report-309529">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

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Chinese&nbsp;researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a&nbsp;pandemic. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-allow-visitors-from-14-countries-citizens-from-us-china-brazil-barred-report-309535">EU to allow visitors from 14 countries; US, China citizens barred: Report</a>

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According to a report, the European Union has named 14 countries whose citizens it feels are "safe" to travel to the continent amid the coronavirus pandemic but the United States, China,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp; and Russia have been excluded from the list. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-allow-visitors-from-14-countries-citizens-from-us-china-brazil-barred-report-309535">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-leaders-netanyahu-and-gantz-at-odds-over-west-bank-annexation-plan-309532" hreflang="en">Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan</a>

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Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied&nbsp;Palestinian territories&nbsp;from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-leaders-netanyahu-and-gantz-at-odds-over-west-bank-annexation-plan-309532">Read more</a>

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China passes Hong Kong security law: Report According to reports, China passed the national security law for Hong Kong on Tuesday. Read more Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China Chinese researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a pandemic.

China passes Hong Kong security law: Report According to reports, China passed the national security law for Hong Kong on Tuesday. Read more Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China Chinese researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a pandemic. Read more EU to allow visitors from 14 countries; US, China citizens barred: Report According to a report, the European Union has named 14 countries whose citizens it feels are "safe" to travel to the continent amid the coronavirus pandemic but the United States, China, Brazil and Russia have been excluded from the list. Read more Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis. Read more

Morning news brief: China passes Hong Kong national security law, 'human pandemic potential' discovered and more

Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied&nbsp;Palestinian territories&nbsp;from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis.

The comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, exposed a growing rift just weeks after their coalition government was sworn into office. It also raised questions about the viability of Netanyahu’s annexation plan.

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Netanyahu has said he wants to begin annexing occupied land as soon as this week in line with President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Trump’s envoy, Avi Berkowitz, is in Jerusalem this week working with Israeli officials on the contours of which land Israel can annex.

But in a meeting with his Blue and White party, Gantz said his top priority is helping the country cope with the health and economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-cabinet-meets-to-finalise-annexation-plans-for-occupied-west-bank-309153">Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank</a>

“Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said.

Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’s concerns Monday, telling Likud members that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said.

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On Sunday, Netanyahu had asked evangelical supporters to lobby in favor of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank as he expects evangelical leaders to put pressure on the White House to give Israel the green light.

Netanyahu has said he intends to extend Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, as envisaged by a blueprint announced by US President Donald Trump in January under which Israel would control of 30 per cent&nbsp;of the West Bank.

International opposition has mounted in the past few weeks, with Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers, and Arab countries allied with Israel all denouncing any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a&nbsp;1967 war.

&nbsp;

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Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis.

Plans by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to begin annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories from as early as Wednesday appeared in disarray as the country’s alternate prime minister, Benny Gantz, suggested annexation would have to wait while the country dealt with its coronavirus crisis. The comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, exposed a growing rift just weeks after their coalition government was sworn into office. It also raised questions about the viability of Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Netanyahu has said he wants to begin annexing occupied land as soon as this week in line with President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Trump’s envoy, Avi Berkowitz, is in Jerusalem this week working with Israeli officials on the contours of which land Israel can annex. But in a meeting with his Blue and White party, Gantz said his top priority is helping the country cope with the health and economic crisis stemming from the coronavirus. Also read: Israel's cabinet meets to finalise annexation plans for occupied West Bank “Anything unrelated to the battle against the coronavirus will wait,” he said. Netanyahu appeared to dismiss Gantz’s concerns Monday, telling Likud members that he was working “discretely” with the Americans. “The issue does not depend on Blue and White,” he said. On Sunday, Netanyahu had asked evangelical supporters to lobby in favor of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank as he expects evangelical leaders to put pressure on the White House to give Israel the green light. Netanyahu has said he intends to extend Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, as envisaged by a blueprint announced by US President Donald Trump in January under which Israel would control of 30 per cent of the West Bank. International opposition has mounted in the past few weeks, with Palestinian leaders, the United Nations, European powers, and Arab countries allied with Israel all denouncing any annexation of land that Israeli forces captured in a 1967 war.

Israel leaders Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over West Bank annexation plan

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming.

As the protests over racial injustice continued to reverberate nationwide, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill warned the four, their attorneys and state officials not to play the sensitive case through the news, even as one lawyer pointed out that President Donald Trump had already weighed in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-political-agenda-of-radical-left-mike-pence-309254">Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence</a>

"I would like to see pre-trial publicity not include statements from family from either side, police or elected officials" about guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case, he told a court.

Derek Chauvin, the white officer filmed on May 25 pressing his knee into the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck for nearly eight minutes until he became unresponsive, faces second and third-degree murder charges.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-really-played-out-between-the-police-and-george-floyd-in-his-final-moments-302473">What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments</a>

Three others who were with Chauvin, 44, when they detained Floyd are charged with aiding and abetting a murder.

None of the four formally entered pleas.&nbsp;

Robert Paule, defending Tou Thao, one of the three charged with abetting the killing, said his client would plead not guilty, arguing that he adhered to police guidelines on use of force.

But Paule also expressed concerns over prejudicial comments and actions by state and national officials that could impact the trial.

"In this case, we have comments made, I&nbsp; believe, by President Trump," as well as Minnesota's governor, the mayor of Minneapolis, the Minnesota attorney general and others, Paule said.

He noted that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is leading the prosecution, and US Attorney Erica MacDonald met Floyd's family in Houston, adding that the trip was leaked to the press.

Paule said more publicity could lead to a push for a change of venue.

Chauvin, whose bail has been set at $1 million, appeared via video from the Oak Park Heights prison wearing an orange jumpsuit and a coronavirus mask.

The other defendants -- Thao, Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane -- appeared in person.

The four, who were fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death, each face up to 40 years behind bars.

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming.

A Minneapolis judge on Monday set the trial date for four ex-police officers charged in the murder of African American George Floyd for March 8, 2021, making clear he did not want the sensitive case to become a media circus with the presidential election looming. As the protests over racial injustice continued to reverberate nationwide, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill warned the four, their attorneys and state officials not to play the sensitive case through the news, even as one lawyer pointed out that President Donald Trump had already weighed in. Also read: Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence "I would like to see pre-trial publicity not include statements from family from either side, police or elected officials" about guilt or innocence, or the merits of the case, he told a court. Derek Chauvin, the white officer filmed on May 25 pressing his knee into the handcuffed 46-year-old's neck for nearly eight minutes until he became unresponsive, faces second and third-degree murder charges. Also read: What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments Three others who were with Chauvin, 44, when they detained Floyd are charged with aiding and abetting a murder. None of the four formally entered pleas. Robert Paule, defending Tou Thao, one of the three charged with abetting the killing, said his client would plead not guilty, arguing that he adhered to police guidelines on use of force. But Paule also expressed concerns over prejudicial comments and actions by state and national officials that could impact the trial. "In this case, we have comments made, I believe, by President Trump," as well as Minnesota's governor, the mayor of Minneapolis, the Minnesota attorney general and others, Paule said. He noted that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is leading the prosecution, and US Attorney Erica MacDonald met Floyd's family in Houston, adding that the trip was leaked to the press. Paule said more publicity could lead to a push for a change of venue. Chauvin, whose bail has been set at $1 million, appeared via video from the Oak Park Heights prison wearing an orange jumpsuit and a coronavirus mask. The other defendants -- Thao, Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane -- appeared in person. The four, who were fired from the Minneapolis police force one day after Floyd's death, each face up to 40 years behind bars.

US judge sets George Floyd murder trial for next year

Chinese&nbsp;researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a&nbsp;pandemic.

It emerged recently and is carried by pigs, but can infect humans, they say.

The researchers are concerned that it could mutate further so that it can spread easily from person to person, and trigger a global outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-pandemic-is-far-more-than-a-global-health-emergency-297958">Coronavirus pandemic is far more than a global health emergency</a>

While it is not an immediate problem, they say, it has "all the hallmarks" of being highly adapted to infect humans and needs close monitoring.

Given that it’s a new development, people will likely have little to no immunity.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-cover-up-will-coronavirus-pandemic-lead-to-changed-world-order-289890">China's cover-up: Will coronavirus pandemic lead to changed world order?</a>

The scientists write in the journal&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences&nbsp;that measures to control the virus in pigs, and the close monitoring of swine industry workers, should be swiftly implemented.

Professor Kin-Chow Chang and his colleagues at Nottingham University say they are closely monitoring this new strain, which they are calling G4 EA H1N1.

The new strain, of which they found evidence among people who work in Chinese slaughterhouses, can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways.

Kin-Chow told the&nbsp;BBC: “Right we are distracted with coronavirus, and rightly so. But we must not lose sight of potentially dangerous new viruses.”

A bad new strain of influenza is among the top disease threats that experts are watching for, even as the world attempts to bring to an end the current coronavirus pandemic.

The last swine flu pandemic began in Mexico in 2009 but was not as deadly as initially feared. Many older people had some immunity to it because it was similar to older strains.

Robert Webster, an influenza investigator, told&nbsp;Science magazine&nbsp;it’s “a guessing game” if the new virus will evolve to transmit between humans.

“We just do not know a pandemic is going to occur until the d--n thing occurs,” he said. “Will this one do it? God knows.”

Chinese researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a pandemic. It emerged recently and is carried by pigs, but can infect humans, they say.

Chinese researchers have reportedly identified a new strain of the swine flu that has the potential to become a pandemic. It emerged recently and is carried by pigs, but can infect humans, they say. The researchers are concerned that it could mutate further so that it can spread easily from person to person, and trigger a global outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic is far more than a global health emergency While it is not an immediate problem, they say, it has "all the hallmarks" of being highly adapted to infect humans and needs close monitoring. Given that it’s a new development, people will likely have little to no immunity. Also read| China's cover-up: Will coronavirus pandemic lead to changed world order? The scientists write in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that measures to control the virus in pigs, and the close monitoring of swine industry workers, should be swiftly implemented. Professor Kin-Chow Chang and his colleagues at Nottingham University say they are closely monitoring this new strain, which they are calling G4 EA H1N1. The new strain, of which they found evidence among people who work in Chinese slaughterhouses, can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways. Kin-Chow told the BBC: “Right we are distracted with coronavirus, and rightly so. But we must not lose sight of potentially dangerous new viruses.” A bad new strain of influenza is among the top disease threats that experts are watching for, even as the world attempts to bring to an end the current coronavirus pandemic. The last swine flu pandemic began in Mexico in 2009 but was not as deadly as initially feared. Many older people had some immunity to it because it was similar to older strains. Robert Webster, an influenza investigator, told Science magazine it’s “a guessing game” if the new virus will evolve to transmit between humans. “We just do not know a pandemic is going to occur until the d--n thing occurs,” he said. “Will this one do it? God knows.”

Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that&nbsp;he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan.

He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he&nbsp;currently serves in the US&nbsp;Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer.&nbsp;

''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote.&nbsp;

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93340400-d507-4061-8552-c0b29df95a28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2865%29_3.jpg" />

The&nbsp;New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018.&nbsp;

This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members

A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014.

A Republican congressman revealed on Monday that he was told Russia was offering bounties to the Taliban to kill US troops when he served in Afghanistan - meaning scandal could go back to 2014. Republican Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, after he left the briefing, tweeted that the payments went back to his service in Afghanistan. He was deployed in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel in 2014 and 2015, according to his official biography, and he currently serves in the US Navy Reserve as a Supply Corps officer. ''Having served in Afghanistan during the time the alleged bounties were placed, no one is angrier about this than me,'' he wrote. The New York Times, which broke the story on Friday, indicated from their intelligence sources that the bounties went back to 2019 or possibly 2018. This comes as Senate Republicans are calling for a tougher posture against Russia following reports that the country’s military spy unit offered to pay Taliban-linked militants to attack US troops in Afghanistan, putting the GOP lawmakers once again potentially at odds with President Trump over how to combat Moscow’s aggression toward the United States. Meanwhile, Trump and the White House repeatedly denied Monday that the president had been briefed on the efforts against coalition forces in Afghanistan, which are believed to have led to the deaths of several U.S. service members A group of House Democrats will be briefed at the White House at 8 am on Tuesday, according to an aide for Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, the majority leader. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said he would be attending the White House briefing on Tuesday.

Republican congressman knew about Russia's bounty offer to kill US troops in 2014

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.&nbsp;

"After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter.

China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The&nbsp;law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-lawmaking-body-passes-hong-kong-national-security-law-309529" hreflang="en">China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law</a>

The country&nbsp;had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-joshua-wong-nathan-law-quit-democracy-group-demosisto-309544" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook.

Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony.

Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law. "After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter. China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong. Also read: China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law The country had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law." Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto Earlier, Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook. Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony. Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China.

Morrison and government officials said the country would spend an additional $928 million on cybersecurity, around a 10 percent hike, taking the budget for the next decade to Aus$15 billion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

The largest chunk of the new money will help create 500 jobs within the Australian Signals Directorate, the government's communications intelligence agency.

Morrison&nbsp;revealed earlier this month that a "state-based actor" was targeting a host of government entities, public services and businesses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

As with state-backed cyberattacks on Australia's parliament, political parties and universities last year, China was seen as the likely culprit.

Morrison said Tuesday that malicious cyber activity against Australia was increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication.

Australian is a part of the FiveEyes intelligence network, along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States&nbsp;but its cybersecurity funding pales compared to cyberpowers such as the US, China or Russia.&nbsp;

But Morrison said the funding was designed to "help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe".

Beijing has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests, but has publicly denied orchestrating the cyberattacks.

Most recently, Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence-gathering and geopolitical leverage.&nbsp;

China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China.

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China. Morrison and government officials said the country would spend an additional $928 million on cybersecurity, around a 10 percent hike, taking the budget for the next decade to Aus$15 billion. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report The largest chunk of the new money will help create 500 jobs within the Australian Signals Directorate, the government's communications intelligence agency. Morrison revealed earlier this month that a "state-based actor" was targeting a host of government entities, public services and businesses. Also read: Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety As with state-backed cyberattacks on Australia's parliament, political parties and universities last year, China was seen as the likely culprit. Morrison said Tuesday that malicious cyber activity against Australia was increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication. Australian is a part of the FiveEyes intelligence network, along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States but its cybersecurity funding pales compared to cyberpowers such as the US, China or Russia. But Morrison said the funding was designed to "help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe". Beijing has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests, but has publicly denied orchestrating the cyberattacks. Most recently, Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence-gathering and geopolitical leverage. China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.

Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks

A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head.

Tricia Hurt,&nbsp;her husband Brian, and their son Brady&nbsp;were fishing when they spotted the animal swimming in the lake and decided to lend a helping hand.

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"We knew that if we didn't do something, we are pretty sure it would not have made it to shore," Tricia Hurt told CNN. "It was really huffing and puffing, my husband said."

The Hurt family noticed something floating in the water when they were&nbsp;headed back to the boat landing&nbsp;after a day of fishing on Marsh-Miller Lake on Saturday,

26-year-old Brady&nbsp;Hurt&nbsp;thought it might be a rock, until he saw it move. While his&nbsp;father, Brian Hurt, , said it was probably a dog. It was&nbsp;his mother, Tricia Hurt who&nbsp;realized it was something more unusual.

"I said, 'That ain't no dog. I think that's a bear,'" Tricia Hurt told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We got closer and I said, 'Yeah, that's a bear that got hungry and got its head stuck in a bucket.'"

The young black bear was swimming across the lake&nbsp;struggling to breathe with a plastic cheese ball container around its head.&nbsp;

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had been contacted several times but had been unable to locate it thanks to the rural, wooded landscape, Hurt said.

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Since Hurt posted the video to her Facebook on Sunday, it has&nbsp;amassed almost 800,000 views.
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A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head.

A Wisconsin family was boating on Marshmiller Lake in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, over the weekend and stumbled across a small bear that was struggling to swim with what appeared to be a cheese ball jar stuck on its head. Tricia Hurt, her husband Brian, and their son Brady were fishing when they spotted the animal swimming in the lake and decided to lend a helping hand. "We knew that if we didn't do something, we are pretty sure it would not have made it to shore," Tricia Hurt told CNN. "It was really huffing and puffing, my husband said." The Hurt family noticed something floating in the water when they were headed back to the boat landing after a day of fishing on Marsh-Miller Lake on Saturday, 26-year-old Brady Hurt thought it might be a rock, until he saw it move. While his father, Brian Hurt, , said it was probably a dog. It was his mother, Tricia Hurt who realized it was something more unusual. "I said, 'That ain't no dog. I think that's a bear,'" Tricia Hurt told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We got closer and I said, 'Yeah, that's a bear that got hungry and got its head stuck in a bucket.'" The young black bear was swimming across the lake struggling to breathe with a plastic cheese ball container around its head. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources had been contacted several times but had been unable to locate it thanks to the rural, wooded landscape, Hurt said. Since Hurt posted the video to her Facebook on Sunday, it has amassed almost 800,000 views.

Family rescues bear cub found swimming with jar stuck on its head

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