US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to face off for the first time as Election Day quickly approaches. The debate is being hosted by America's ABC network in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

US Elections 2024: Trump & Harris to clash at debate that could reshape 2024 race

As the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump goes on in Pennsylvania, here is what the American voters have to say. Watch to know more.

US Presidential Election 2024: American voters react ahead of Presidential debate

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent&nbsp;trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing.

Sharma,&nbsp;currently on his United States tour, in a&nbsp;post on X said a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash.

When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away, according to the YouTuber’s post on X.

Stunned by this unfamiliar behaviour, he took to X and said, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 
 
Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? 
 
Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). 
 
We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. 
 
I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… <a href="https://t.co/9ggEZHIoft">pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft</a>
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ishansharma7390/status/1825953557364756603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Is tipping mandatory?</h2>

To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US.

Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill.

If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. The reason behind this culture&nbsp;is that the federal minimum wage in the US&nbsp;is estimated to be $7.25 per hour.

However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them sustain themselves.

Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders and their minimum wage is up to $2.3 per hour.

If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. As tips here are seen as a reward for good service.&nbsp;

<h2>Netizens opine</h2>

Given&nbsp;the proper context about the social situation in America, Sharma’s post was understandably&nbsp;scrutinised. His post got 460,000 views.&nbsp;

While many supported the argument, others criticised it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.”

Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing.

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing. Sharma, currently on his United States tour, in a post on X said a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash. When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away, according to the YouTuber’s post on X. Stunned by this unfamiliar behaviour, he took to X and said, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?” Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft — Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024 × Is tipping mandatory? To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill. If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. The reason behind this culture is that the federal minimum wage in the US is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them sustain themselves. Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders and their minimum wage is up to $2.3 per hour. If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. As tips here are seen as a reward for good service. Netizens opine Given the proper context about the social situation in America, Sharma’s post was understandably scrutinised. His post got 460,000 views. While many supported the argument, others criticised it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.” Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?” (With inputs from agencies)

Indian YouTuber criticises American tipping culture. Here's what happened next...

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing.

Sharma currently on his United States tour, said on his x post a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash.

When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away after saying that, according to Sharma’s post on X.

Stunned by this unfamiliar behavior, he posted on his X account, asking, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 
 
Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? 
 
Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). 
 
We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. 
 
I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… <a href="https://t.co/9ggEZHIoft">pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft</a>
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ishansharma7390/status/1825953557364756603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Is tipping mandatory?</h2>

To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 percent of the total bill.

If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. It is important to understand the reason behind this culture, as the federal minimum wage is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them to sustain themselves.

Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders. They have their minimum wage up to 2.3 dollars.

If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. Tips here are seen as a reward for good services.

<h3>netizens opinion</h3>

Having the proper context about the social situation in America makes it understandable why Sharma’s post is scrutinized. His post got 4.6 lakh views.

While many supported the argument, others criticized it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.”

Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing.

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing. Sharma currently on his United States tour, said on his x post a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash. When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away after saying that, according to Sharma’s post on X. Stunned by this unfamiliar behavior, he posted on his X account, asking, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?” Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft — Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024 × Is tipping mandatory? To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. It is important to understand the reason behind this culture, as the federal minimum wage is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them to sustain themselves. Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders. They have their minimum wage up to 2.3 dollars. If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. Tips here are seen as a reward for good services. netizens opinion Having the proper context about the social situation in America makes it understandable why Sharma’s post is scrutinized. His post got 4.6 lakh views. While many supported the argument, others criticized it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.” Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”

An Indian YouTuber criticized for asking for the remaining balance of the bill in the US

America's carrier strike group three has arrived in the West Asian region it is being led by the feared USS Abraham Lincoln which is set to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt operating in the region currently, since July 2024. here's all you need to know about the mighty warship USS Abraham Lincoln.

USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in US Central Command: All you need to know about the carrier

Tropical Storm Debby made landfall as a hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region Monday morning before downgrading to a tropical storm hours later, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

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The future of America's tech sector is in the crosshairs. In a recent discussion, Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson was joined by Perianne Boring, Founder of the Digital Chamber, as they talked about the government policies that could either push or hamper technological advancement. Their conversation laid bare the misconceptions and political agendas driving the country's approach toward emerging technologies.

Nelson opened the discussion with a somewhat provocative question: Is it that policymakers really do not understand the potential of cryptocurrencies, or is there an active effort to choke off America's technological future? He used earlier technological booms as comparable analogs to ask why any administration would want to block progress.

Perianne Boring emphasised the role of education in creating opinions about cryptocurrency. Most of the critics, according to her, are just uninformed; some people are misinformed and influenced by negative media coverage. "There are people who haven't done their homework, who haven't properly educated themselves, and remain sceptical," explained Boring.

She, however, did indicate an increased hardened opposition from the likes of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Boring argued that Warren's stance against cryptocurrency is politically motivated, hell-bent on advancing a central bank digital currency and federalising control over the financial system. "We've spent hours trying to educate her office, but it seems they've decided their policy is to kill the technology," Boring said.

Boring's comments reflect a broader sentiment in the cryptocurrency community: possible regulatory overreach and kill of innovation. Education can mitigate some of the scepticism, but deeply seated political agendas are a bit more of a challenge.

The subject at hand delineates the critical balance between regulation and innovation in the technology sector in America. As policymakers sort through these complex issues, the future of technological advancement is literally hanging in the balance at their beck and call.

The future of America's tech sector is in the crosshairs. In a recent discussion, Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson was joined by Perianne Boring, Founder of the Digital Chamber, as they talked about the government policies that could either push or hamper technological advancement.

The future of America's tech sector is in the crosshairs. In a recent discussion, Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson was joined by Perianne Boring, Founder of the Digital Chamber, as they talked about the government policies that could either push or hamper technological advancement. Their conversation laid bare the misconceptions and political agendas driving the country's approach toward emerging technologies. Nelson opened the discussion with a somewhat provocative question: Is it that policymakers really do not understand the potential of cryptocurrencies, or is there an active effort to choke off America's technological future? He used earlier technological booms as comparable analogs to ask why any administration would want to block progress. Perianne Boring emphasised the role of education in creating opinions about cryptocurrency. Most of the critics, according to her, are just uninformed; some people are misinformed and influenced by negative media coverage. "There are people who haven't done their homework, who haven't properly educated themselves, and remain sceptical," explained Boring. She, however, did indicate an increased hardened opposition from the likes of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Boring argued that Warren's stance against cryptocurrency is politically motivated, hell-bent on advancing a central bank digital currency and federalising control over the financial system. "We've spent hours trying to educate her office, but it seems they've decided their policy is to kill the technology," Boring said. Boring's comments reflect a broader sentiment in the cryptocurrency community: possible regulatory overreach and kill of innovation. Education can mitigate some of the scepticism, but deeply seated political agendas are a bit more of a challenge. The subject at hand delineates the critical balance between regulation and innovation in the technology sector in America. As policymakers sort through these complex issues, the future of technological advancement is literally hanging in the balance at their beck and call.

Navigating policy pitfalls: The tug-of-war shaping America's tech future

Here is a brief list of facts that merit the phrase “American exceptionalism” and help explain why, halfway through the year, researchers have recorded 234 mass shootings – defined as incidents with at least four victims killed or wounded.&nbsp;

*** There are more guns (an estimated 393 million) in private hands than people (337 million) in the United States, more than in any other country.&nbsp;

*** Owning guns is a right enshrined in the constitution.&nbsp;

*** Decades of attempts for tighter controls on the purchase of guns have had little success, thanks largely to an efficient pro-gun lobby, the National Rifle Association.&nbsp;

*** The most popular rifle in the United States is the AR-15, a semi-automatic civilian version of the fully automatic M-16 used by the military.&nbsp;

*** The Supreme Court has tended to rebuff legal cases arguing for restrictions, with one rare exception in June.&nbsp;

In that case, eight of the nine judges upheld a federal law that bans violent domestic abusers who are subject to restraining orders from possessing firearms.&nbsp;

Gun safety advocates celebrated the decision as a victory for millions of women and families who are affected by a growing crisis of domestic violence often involving abusers using, or threatening the use of guns.&nbsp;

But that victory, on June 21, came just a week after the Supreme Court struck down a rule that banned bump stocks, devices that can transform a semi-automatic rifle like the AR-15 into a &nbsp;weapon that can fire at a rate equal to a fully-automatic rifle like the M-16 – up to 800 round per minute.&nbsp;

The rule was introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump in 2018 in response to the worst mass shooting in American history.

On October 1, 2017, a 64-year-old real-estate investor, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from his room on the 32nd floor of a luxury hotel in Las Vegas on attendants of a music festival below.&nbsp;He killed 60 people and injured more than 500 of the 22,000 concertgoers, firing more than 1,000 rounds from AR-15 type rifles fitted with bump stocks.&nbsp;

Even in a country where mass shootings have become part of life, the scale of the massacre shocked the public and spurred the gun-friendly Trump administration to start proceedings for a ban. In an untypical move, the NRA issued a statement that “devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations.”&nbsp;

After prolonged technical debates over the issue, the Trump administration, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), promulgated a regulation reclassifying rifles equipped with bump stocks as machine guns, which have been illegal since 1934.&nbsp;

The ATF ordered owners of bump stocks either to destroy them or surrender them to the ATF or face criminal prosecution. The bureau estimates that around 520,000 bump stocks were in circulation at the time of the ban. It is not known how many, overall, were destroyed or surrendered.&nbsp;

But it is known that an Austin gun shop owner, Michael Cargill, surrendered two bump stocks and then filed suit to challenge the rule on the “machine gun” classification. It made its way up the legal bureaucracy to the Supreme Court, which is now composed of six staunch conservative justices, all appointed by Republican presidents, and three liberals, appointed by Democrats.&nbsp;

The 6-3 ruling striking down the ban on bump stocks came with a highly technical opinion that focused on the phrase “single function of the trigger” and explained that the justices had consulted the Oxford English Dictionary, the American Heritage Dictionary and Webster’s New International Dictionary to agree on a definition of “function.”&nbsp;

Thus, they came to the conclusion that firing a fully-automatic weapon required a single action of the trigger by flexing a finger while a bump-stock “merely reduces the amount of time between separate “functions” of the trigger.” &nbsp;

The conservative justices might have been better informed by watching a variety of videos from gun enthusiasts that show how the force of a gun’s recoil results in firing bullets at the same speed as a fully-automatic weapon.&nbsp;

Writing a sharply-worded dissent for the liberal minority, Justice Sonya Sotomayor accused her conservative colleagues of fixating on obscure technical arguments and ignoring common sense. “When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck,” she said.&nbsp;

The common sense of guns Sotomayor appealed for is in short supply in a country awash with guns.

The Supreme Court’s decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats in Congress and survivors of the Las Vegas shooting. It’s a safe bet that none of them have the slightest interest in the mechanics of the firearm that rained death from a hotel window.&nbsp;

The ruling highlighted two important aspects of American exceptionalism. One is that the United States is the only country where Supreme Court justices have lifetime tenure. Other countries have term limits – 10 or 15 years – or compulsory retirement ages. &nbsp;

The other “only in America” feature is &nbsp;the immense power and lack of accountability of the highest court. As then late justice Antonin Scalia put it: “A system of government that makes the people subordinate to a committee of nine unelected lawyers does not deserve to be called a democracy.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Here is a brief list of facts that merit the phrase “American exceptionalism” and help explain why, halfway through the year, researchers have recorded 234 mass shootings – defined as incidents with at least four victims killed or wounded.

Here is a brief list of facts that merit the phrase “American exceptionalism” and help explain why, halfway through the year, researchers have recorded 234 mass shootings – defined as incidents with at least four victims killed or wounded. *** There are more guns (an estimated 393 million) in private hands than people (337 million) in the United States, more than in any other country. *** Owning guns is a right enshrined in the constitution. *** Decades of attempts for tighter controls on the purchase of guns have had little success, thanks largely to an efficient pro-gun lobby, the National Rifle Association. *** The most popular rifle in the United States is the AR-15, a semi-automatic civilian version of the fully automatic M-16 used by the military. *** The Supreme Court has tended to rebuff legal cases arguing for restrictions, with one rare exception in June. In that case, eight of the nine judges upheld a federal law that bans violent domestic abusers who are subject to restraining orders from possessing firearms. Gun safety advocates celebrated the decision as a victory for millions of women and families who are affected by a growing crisis of domestic violence often involving abusers using, or threatening the use of guns. But that victory, on June 21, came just a week after the Supreme Court struck down a rule that banned bump stocks, devices that can transform a semi-automatic rifle like the AR-15 into a weapon that can fire at a rate equal to a fully-automatic rifle like the M-16 – up to 800 round per minute. The rule was introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump in 2018 in response to the worst mass shooting in American history. On October 1, 2017, a 64-year-old real-estate investor, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from his room on the 32nd floor of a luxury hotel in Las Vegas on attendants of a music festival below. He killed 60 people and injured more than 500 of the 22,000 concertgoers, firing more than 1,000 rounds from AR-15 type rifles fitted with bump stocks. Even in a country where mass shootings have become part of life, the scale of the massacre shocked the public and spurred the gun-friendly Trump administration to start proceedings for a ban. In an untypical move, the NRA issued a statement that “devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations.” After prolonged technical debates over the issue, the Trump administration, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), promulgated a regulation reclassifying rifles equipped with bump stocks as machine guns, which have been illegal since 1934. The ATF ordered owners of bump stocks either to destroy them or surrender them to the ATF or face criminal prosecution. The bureau estimates that around 520,000 bump stocks were in circulation at the time of the ban. It is not known how many, overall, were destroyed or surrendered. But it is known that an Austin gun shop owner, Michael Cargill, surrendered two bump stocks and then filed suit to challenge the rule on the “machine gun” classification. It made its way up the legal bureaucracy to the Supreme Court, which is now composed of six staunch conservative justices, all appointed by Republican presidents, and three liberals, appointed by Democrats. The 6-3 ruling striking down the ban on bump stocks came with a highly technical opinion that focused on the phrase “single function of the trigger” and explained that the justices had consulted the Oxford English Dictionary, the American Heritage Dictionary and Webster’s New International Dictionary to agree on a definition of “function.” Thus, they came to the conclusion that firing a fully-automatic weapon required a single action of the trigger by flexing a finger while a bump-stock “merely reduces the amount of time between separate “functions” of the trigger.” The conservative justices might have been better informed by watching a variety of videos from gun enthusiasts that show how the force of a gun’s recoil results in firing bullets at the same speed as a fully-automatic weapon. Writing a sharply-worded dissent for the liberal minority, Justice Sonya Sotomayor accused her conservative colleagues of fixating on obscure technical arguments and ignoring common sense. “When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck,” she said. The common sense of guns Sotomayor appealed for is in short supply in a country awash with guns. The Supreme Court’s decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats in Congress and survivors of the Las Vegas shooting. It’s a safe bet that none of them have the slightest interest in the mechanics of the firearm that rained death from a hotel window. The ruling highlighted two important aspects of American exceptionalism. One is that the United States is the only country where Supreme Court justices have lifetime tenure. Other countries have term limits – 10 or 15 years – or compulsory retirement ages. The other “only in America” feature is the immense power and lack of accountability of the highest court. As then late justice Antonin Scalia put it: “A system of government that makes the people subordinate to a committee of nine unelected lawyers does not deserve to be called a democracy.”

Why America cannot stop mass shootings and gun violence

Let’s explore a surprising new online behaviour captivating Americans. This next report delves into the phenomenon of "Dreamscrolling," where people spend hours browsing for items they might never buy. Take a look…

Dreamscrolling: The modern-day window shopping phenomenon

Hypergamy - where individuals are attracted to partners of higher socioeconomic status. According to a new study, many US residents had a positive view of this practice and admitted they were interested in finding a partner with a higher socioeconomic status to support and enhance their lives. Watch in for more details!

Decoding hypergamy: The dating trend that is sweeping 40% of Americans

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will debate for ninety minutes using movable microphones. This sets the stage for their first face-to-face meeting before November's election. The Biden and Trump teams agreed on the parameters for the June 27 debate, which will feature two hosts and no studio audience.

US Presidential polls: All eyes on Biden-Trump debate | Will undecided voters play crucial role?

In the first trip to India by a senior American official after the Modi government came to power for the third term, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is in New Delhi on Monday for the second meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). His visit marks the second meeting of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies. He has also met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. Watch in for more details!

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets Indian counterpart Ajit Doval

Republicans in the US Senate on Thursday (June 13) blocked a bill that aimed to recognise a legal right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill, as per AFP, was part of a Democratic drive to highlight the threats faced by reproductive freedoms as the November elections approach.

The proposed legislation sought to establish a federal right to IVF and allow providers to offer the procedure, along with expanded insurance coverage, to reduce costs.&nbsp;

<h2>The blocked bill</h2>

The bill required the support of 60 senators to proceed to debate, but only secured backing from 48, with just two Republicans joining Democrats.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-notorious-dog-has-been-biting-secret-service-members-threatening-their-security-report-731653">Biden's pet German Shepherd kept attacking security personnel right in front of him: Report</a>

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasised the personal significance of IVF, noting its role in the birth of his grandson.

"All this bill does is establish a nationwide right to IVF and eliminate barriers for millions of Americans who seek IVF to have kids," he said.

"It's personal to me. I have a beautiful one-year-old grandson because of the miracle of IVF."

Republicans criticised the bill as excessive and accused Democrats of using it to "show vote" and create alarm about IVF access.&nbsp;

Texas Senator Ted Cruz asserted that no senators were attempting to ban IVF. "Let's be clear: No one is trying to ban IVF. Not one senator," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cold-case-investigation-leads-to-arrest-in-1982-northamptonshire-baby-murder-731677">Cold case investigation leads to arrest in 1982 Northamptonshire baby murder</a>

<h2>America and IVF</h2>

In America, 82 per cent of Americans find IVF morally acceptable — as reflected by a recent Gallup poll.

However, the destruction of frozen human embryos remains a contentious issue.

IVF became a focal point after the Alabama Supreme Court's February ruling that classified frozen embryos as children, making their destruction a potential liability.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Republicans in the US Senate on Thursday (June 13) blocked a bill that aimed to recognise a legal right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill, as per AFP, was part of a Democratic drive to highlight the threats faced by reproductive freedoms as the November elections approach.

Republicans in the US Senate on Thursday (June 13) blocked a bill that aimed to recognise a legal right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill, as per AFP, was part of a Democratic drive to highlight the threats faced by reproductive freedoms as the November elections approach. The proposed legislation sought to establish a federal right to IVF and allow providers to offer the procedure, along with expanded insurance coverage, to reduce costs. The blocked bill The bill required the support of 60 senators to proceed to debate, but only secured backing from 48, with just two Republicans joining Democrats. Also read | Biden's pet German Shepherd kept attacking security personnel right in front of him: Report Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasised the personal significance of IVF, noting its role in the birth of his grandson. "All this bill does is establish a nationwide right to IVF and eliminate barriers for millions of Americans who seek IVF to have kids," he said. "It's personal to me. I have a beautiful one-year-old grandson because of the miracle of IVF." Republicans criticised the bill as excessive and accused Democrats of using it to "show vote" and create alarm about IVF access. Texas Senator Ted Cruz asserted that no senators were attempting to ban IVF. "Let's be clear: No one is trying to ban IVF. Not one senator," he said. Also read | Cold case investigation leads to arrest in 1982 Northamptonshire baby murder America and IVF In America, 82 per cent of Americans find IVF morally acceptable — as reflected by a recent Gallup poll. However, the destruction of frozen human embryos remains a contentious issue. IVF became a focal point after the Alabama Supreme Court's February ruling that classified frozen embryos as children, making their destruction a potential liability. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans block Democrat bill for IVF rights ahead of November elections

Chinese companies are rebranding themselves as American to evade US sanctions. Can they get away with it?

Gravitas: Chinese firms rebrand themselves as American to evade sanctions

Tornado-spawning thunderstorms that swept the southern plains and the Ozark mountains over the memorial day holiday weekend killed at least 21 people across four US States.

US Storms: Severe storms bring new risks to central Texas

Devastating tornadoes and severe storms swept through the central United States over the weekend and resulted in at least 23 fatalities across Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Watch in for more details!

US: Over 200 homes flattened after powerful storms hit US, rescue efforts underway

American travellers are taking to the skies in record numbers. The American automobile association predicts a near 20-year high for air travel, with a 9% jump compared to 2019. This shift in travel behaviour is driven by a desire for speed and efficiency.

Travel boom boosts jet fuel demand

An American mann accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said "So I raped you" has been arrested in France after a three-year search.

The accused was arrested in April and will remain in custody until the completion of extradition proceedings, French authorities said.&nbsp;

A prosecutor in Metz, over 300 km east of Paris, confirmed on Tuesday (May 14) said that the accused Ian Thomas Cleary, 31, hailing from Saratoga, California, remains in French custody.&nbsp;

<h2>End of three-year-long international search</h2>

Cleary was the subject of&nbsp;an international search since authorities in the US state of Pennsylvania issued a 2021 warrant, weeks after the US media reported on the purported reluctance of local prosecutors to pursue sex crimes committed in the university campuses.&nbsp;

Cleary was detained on the street in Metz on April 24 as part of a police check.&nbsp;

Cleary claimed he "arrived in France two or three years ago" from Albania and had only recently come to Metz, but did not have housing there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-jailed-for-106-years-for-raping-impregnating-mentally-challenged-teen-716399">Kerala man jailed for 106 years for raping, impregnating mentally challenged teen</a>

According to Cleary's online posts, he had previously spent time in France.

He has familial ties to California and Maryland. His father is a tech executive in Silicon Valley, while his mother has lived in Baltimore.

<h2>What is Ian Thomas Cleary accused of?</h2>

According to an arrest warrant issued in the United States, Cleary is accused of sneaking into the dorm of an 18-year-old Gettysburg College student at a party and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help.&nbsp;

At the time of the sex crime, he was a 20-year-old Gettysburg student. After the alleged crime, he did not return to campus.

Also watch |&nbsp;11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather

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The accuser reportedly had a rape exam done the same day she was assaulted in 2013. She spent years urging officials to file charges. She went to authorities again in 2021 after discovering the Facebook messages that seemed to come from Cleary’s account.

"So I raped you," the sender had written in a string of messages.

"I’ll never do it to anyone ever again."

"I need to hear your voice."

"I'll pray for you."

Police verified that the Facebook account used to send the messages belonged to Ian Cleary, and a consequent search for him ensued, leading to his eventual detention.

(With inputs from agencies)

An American mann accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said "So I raped you" has been arrested in France after a three-year search.

An American mann accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said "So I raped you" has been arrested in France after a three-year search. The accused was arrested in April and will remain in custody until the completion of extradition proceedings, French authorities said. A prosecutor in Metz, over 300 km east of Paris, confirmed on Tuesday (May 14) said that the accused Ian Thomas Cleary, 31, hailing from Saratoga, California, remains in French custody. End of three-year-long international search Cleary was the subject of an international search since authorities in the US state of Pennsylvania issued a 2021 warrant, weeks after the US media reported on the purported reluctance of local prosecutors to pursue sex crimes committed in the university campuses. Cleary was detained on the street in Metz on April 24 as part of a police check. Cleary claimed he "arrived in France two or three years ago" from Albania and had only recently come to Metz, but did not have housing there. Also read | Kerala man jailed for 106 years for raping, impregnating mentally challenged teen According to Cleary's online posts, he had previously spent time in France. He has familial ties to California and Maryland. His father is a tech executive in Silicon Valley, while his mother has lived in Baltimore. What is Ian Thomas Cleary accused of? According to an arrest warrant issued in the United States, Cleary is accused of sneaking into the dorm of an 18-year-old Gettysburg College student at a party and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help. At the time of the sex crime, he was a 20-year-old Gettysburg student. After the alleged crime, he did not return to campus. Also watch | 11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather × The accuser reportedly had a rape exam done the same day she was assaulted in 2013. She spent years urging officials to file charges. She went to authorities again in 2021 after discovering the Facebook messages that seemed to come from Cleary’s account. "So I raped you," the sender had written in a string of messages. "I’ll never do it to anyone ever again." "I need to hear your voice." "I'll pray for you." Police verified that the Facebook account used to send the messages belonged to Ian Cleary, and a consequent search for him ensued, leading to his eventual detention. (With inputs from agencies)

American man who sent 'so I raped you' message after assaulting woman arrested in France

It seems like a Deja vu moment for the American voters, for the very first time, Joe Biden has said that he is ready to debate Donald Trump or as he puts it 'make my day pal!'.

US: Joe Biden says ready to debate with Donald Trump, 'make my dal pal!'

US President Joe Biden poked fun at Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, while seeking to portray his Republican rival as a threat to democracy six months before their rematch. Watch in for more details!

Biden vs Trump: 49% to vote for Trump in 2024 elections: poll

A recent survey in the United States paints a concerning picture. The P-Fin index, a key barometer of personal finance knowledge, indicates that financial literacy in the US has stagnated for eight consecutive years, hovering around just 50%. This means half of American adults lack a strong grasp of core financial concepts.

Financial literacy: A growing concern in the US & EU

The US Sells itself as a global hero that upholds democracy and liberty. But beneath the facade lurks a dark truth. For years, the US Has profited from foreign misery. Wars abroad, fueled by billions in military aid, line the pockets of a privileged few. Conflicts in Europe and Asia are just the latest cases. This next report sheds light on how the American war machine turns human suffering into profit. Watch in for more details!

American businesses benefit from Ukraine war

A key foreign policy move in Washington, US President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of tense negotiations in the US Congress. Watch in for more details!

US approves over $60 billion aid to Ukraine

The most significant case in decades on homelessness has reached the Supreme Court as record numbers of people in America are without a permanent place to live. Watch in for more details!

US Supreme Court to hear case on criminalising homelessness

Despite facing pressure over the war in West Asia. The American President's approval ratings reportedly have improved in recent months. A new poll is now indicated that BIden has been able to shrink Donald Trump's lead as more voters voted for him in 2020.

US: Trump leads Biden by slim 1% margin in latest poll

The American family is changing. While birth rates continue to decline, pet ownership is on the rise. Data shows a significant shift, with the number of dogs and cats in the US now exceeding the number of children under 18 by more than double. This trend, fueled in part by the covid-19 pandemic, is impacting several industries, including one you might not expect - cat litter.

Oil-dri triples stock value as pet ownership soars 5.8%

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States.&nbsp;

Speaking at a multi-million fundraiser at a mansion owned by billionaire financier John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump also bashed his Democratic rival, US President Joe Biden. As per The New York Times, Trump said that he will not use the 'Resolute Desk' and implied that Biden has defecated on it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-launches-fresh-tirade-against-illegal-migrants-calls-them-animals-and-not-humans-707246">Trump launches fresh tirade against illegal migrants, calls them ‘animals’ and ‘not humans’</a>

<h2>'Nice countries'</h2>

Citing an attendee at the fundraiser, the NYT reports that Trump went on an extensive rant about migrants entering the United States.

Blaming Biden for illegal immigrants, Trump said: "These are people coming in from prisons and jails. They're coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster."

Seemingly making a reference to a controversial statement where he described Haiti and some nations in Africa as "shithole countries",&nbsp;he said, "And when I said, you know, Why can't we allow people to come in from nice countries, I'm trying to be nice."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-great-again-migrants-or-cannibals-trump-compares-migrants-to-hannibal-lecter-696750">Trump rants against migrants, compares them to Hannibal Lecter and mocks their languages</a>

"Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?"

"And you know, they took that as a very terrible comment, but I felt it was fine," he added.

<h2>Trump's weird claim about&nbsp;the Resolute Desk</h2>

Trump also slammed Biden and said that he might not use the Resolute Desk if he wins.

Talking about the desk that many of the US presidents have used as their Oval Office desk, Trump said it was beautiful, "Ronald Reagan used it, others used it."

Sounding disgusted, he continued, "And he's (Biden) using it. I might not use it the next time. It's been soiled. And I mean that literally, which is sad."

Trump, as per a Republican National Committee claim, reportedly raised more than $50 million at the event. However, this figure is yet to be verified.

In a video shared by RNC, Trump can be heard saying, "People wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again!"

(With inputs from agencies)

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, once again on Saturday (Apr 6) reiterated his rhetoric against immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and lamented that people from "nice" countries "like Switzerland" were not immigrating to the United States. Speaking at a multi-million fundraiser at a mansion owned by billionaire financier John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump also bashed his Democratic rival, US President Joe Biden. As per The New York Times, Trump said that he will not use the 'Resolute Desk' and implied that Biden has defecated on it. Also read | Trump launches fresh tirade against illegal migrants, calls them ‘animals’ and ‘not humans’ 'Nice countries' Citing an attendee at the fundraiser, the NYT reports that Trump went on an extensive rant about migrants entering the United States. Blaming Biden for illegal immigrants, Trump said: "These are people coming in from prisons and jails. They're coming in from just unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster." Seemingly making a reference to a controversial statement where he described Haiti and some nations in Africa as "shithole countries", he said, "And when I said, you know, Why can't we allow people to come in from nice countries, I'm trying to be nice." Also read | Trump rants against migrants, compares them to Hannibal Lecter and mocks their languages "Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?" "And you know, they took that as a very terrible comment, but I felt it was fine," he added. Trump's weird claim about the Resolute Desk Trump also slammed Biden and said that he might not use the Resolute Desk if he wins. Talking about the desk that many of the US presidents have used as their Oval Office desk, Trump said it was beautiful, "Ronald Reagan used it, others used it." Sounding disgusted, he continued, "And he's (Biden) using it. I might not use it the next time. It's been soiled. And I mean that literally, which is sad." Trump, as per a Republican National Committee claim, reportedly raised more than $50 million at the event. However, this figure is yet to be verified. In a video shared by RNC, Trump can be heard saying, "People wanted to contribute to a cause of making America great again!" (With inputs from agencies)

Trump wants immigrants only from 'nice' countries like 'Denmark, Switzerland'

A recent study revealed that middle-aged Americans experience more loneliness than their European counterparts. Watch to know more.

Loneliness killing middle-aged Americans: Report

Loneliness killing middle-aged Americans: Study

Dengue is surging across the Americas early this year from Puerto Rico to Brazil, with 3.5 million cases of the tropical disease reported so far, health officials said Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Dengue sweeps through the Americas early this year

An analysis has revealed that from 2018 to 2022, top U.S. companies paid their executives more than the amount they paid in taxes. Why are these firms overpaying their executives and managers?

Revealed: This is how much top American executives are earning

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