When FBI Special Agent Richard Trask took the witness stand in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, last week to detail a plot to kidnap the governors of Michigan and Virginia, the prosecutor first asked him what the men involved had in common.

They were all from “multiple militias from different states,” replied Trask, who is a domestic terrorism expert for the Detroit field office.

Nils Kessler, the prosecutor, paused on the word “militia,” noting that it meant different things to different people. “These are groups that call themselves militias?” he asked. “But they are not under any government authority or anything like that?”

“That’s correct,” Trask responded.

For decades, federal authorities and academics have described private paramilitary organizations — armed groups who train together on military tactics and techniques — as “militias” or as part of the “militia movement.” But the term has taken on new meaning as makeshift vigilante groups have popped up with increasing frequency in the months leading up to a contentious election.

Once limited to the far-right fringe, the term militia now encompasses a far wider spectrum, representing everything from armed-to-the-teeth neighborhood watch organizations to an all-Black paramilitary group that marches to protest police violence.

The rising visibility of such groups has put a spotlight on the word “militia” itself, with many critics demanding it be replaced. They contend that the term has fundamentally lost its meaning as more groups use it to camouflage threats of violence.

Historically, militias have referred to an auxiliary force raised from the civilian population to bolster the Army. The issue in the United States, experts said, is that private paramilitary groups have long cloaked their activities in the vocabulary of the American Revolution and the Constitution, creating an aura of legality that does not exist.

“The use of the word militia anytime you are talking about anything other than a state militia like the National Guard, it is just wrong,” said Mary McCord, a former Justice Department official now running an institute that specializes in constitutional law at Georgetown University Law Center. “Using that term without putting ‘unlawful’ in front of it suggests that there is some legitimacy or even constitutional authority for their existence, which there isn’t.”

One such group in Michigan, called the Wolverine Watchmen, was at the center of the suspected plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and commit other planned violence. Federal and state authorities announced the arrest this month of 14 men linked to the group.

That drew even more attention to the term, escalating demands to label such groups “terrorists.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote on Twitter, “Genuine question for the media/law enforcement: why are you calling these armed neo-Nazi groups breaking the law ‘militias’ instead of ‘gangs’ or ‘domestic terrorist groups?’”

Last spring, various anti-government groups condemned the coronavirus lockdown measures as a form of “tyranny” and organized some of the first protests against them. More groups turned out in force during demonstrations against police brutality. Scuffles between protesters and members of armed groups have led to deaths in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Portland, Oregon; and Denver.

There are currently about 181 active anti-government paramilitary groups in the United States, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks them. Some claim thousands of members, but more often their numbers are far smaller, experts said.

American schoolchildren are often taught that Revolutionary War militiamen were heroes. “Patriots formed militia groups to defend the colonies against the British,” reads a brief passage in a fifth grade textbook used in Hillsboro, Oregon, “Some militiamen called themselves minutemen because they could be ready at a moment’s notice.”

In addition, the Second Amendment says, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Many groups cite that language to justify their use of the term. But experts note that “well-regulated,” implies state control and not freelance efforts by all comers.

The name “militia” suggests the idea of citizen soldiers and patriotism, plus it lends such groups “the color of the law,” said Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow with the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.

Underneath that veneer lies a fundamental contradiction, experts noted, with members of the current movement advocating an armed resistance against the very state that the original militias were formed to protect.

It is difficult to pinpoint which group first resurrected the name “militia.” Some historians consider the Ku Klux Klan a militia, and over the past century various militant groups drew on the Revolution for their names.

In the 1970s, far-right activists, alarmed by civil rights legislation as well as new environmental laws, pushed to reassert local control. The Posse Comitatus movement, rooted in white Christian fundamentalism, developed the concept of citizen posses.

Its manual stated that any official who disobeyed the Constitution should “be removed by the Posse to a populated intersection of the streets in the township and at high noon be hung there by the neck, the body remaining until sundown as an example to those who would subvert the law,” according to Daniel Levitas, author of “The Terrorist Next Door,” a history of extremist groups.

“Unorganized militia,” a 19th century legal term, was considered obsolete after the Militia Act of 1903, when federal law began incorporating all legal militias into the National Guard, controlled by state governors. Although the wording differs, all 50 states ban private paramilitary groups that further “civil disorder.”

Fast forward to the early 1990s, when the term gained new life after the violent sieges by federal law enforcement agents against the cabin of Randy Weaver in Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in 1992, and the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993.

Those on the far-right, already dedicated to the idea of a “leaderless resistance,” concluded that they needed to organize into paramilitary groups to protect themselves from government “tyranny.” Pamphlets appeared with titles like “The Field Manual of the Free Militia” that explained how to establish one.

Using the word “militia” and other historical vocabulary was a deliberate attempt to attract a broader membership by veiling the often racist, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant and homophobic origins of such groups, experts said.

“Right-wing extremist organizations try to cloak themselves in heroic garb,” said David Neiwert, author of “Alt-America,” who has tracked such groups for decades. “That is the basis of a lot of the appeal; this is your chance to be a hero.”

Paramilitary organizations mushroomed in the 1990s, with some 370 formed by the middle of the decade. Then came the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, sprouting from the same ideology if not directly connected to a militia, that left 168 people dead. Scores of paramilitary organizations collapsed as their appeal dimmed.

But political fights over the Second Amendment kept the movement alive; plus, conspiracy theories about a looming foreign invasion never faded entirely. In recent years, the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 marked the first high-profile appearance of such armed groups at protests.

Experts who continue to use the word “militia” said it helped to define a distinct category among adherents of various fringe ideologies or criminal organizations including white supremacists, prison gangs, the tax protest movement, anti-vaxxers, skinheads, survivalists and others.

“Terrorist” was the most popular substitute that circulated on social media, but the legal definition of terrorism refers to organized attacks meant to intimidate or coerce in an attempt to influence government policy. Many experts consider that too broad. The majority of militia members “will never be involved with a terrorist act,” said Pitcavage.

The term gangs is also considered a poor fit since law enforcement agencies tend to use that to describe violent criminal enterprises. Some experts said they felt like they were under siege by “language police” over a word they have used for decades.

In Michigan, federal authorities said the plotters discussed putting the governor on trial as a “tyrant” before Election Day. The case has become an election issue as President Donald Trump has cast doubts on the plot and continued to vilify Whitmer.

The possibility that armed groups might try to intimidate voters at the polls prompted the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law to publish a legal guide to confront such groups for all 50 states.

“It has all been whitewashed and made safe for broader public consumption by wrapping it in the flag,” said Neiwert. “They call themselves patriots, although you have never met a more seditious bunch.” 
&nbsp;

When FBI Special Agent Richard Trask took the witness stand in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, last week to detail a plot to kidnap the governors of Michigan and Virginia, the prosecutor first asked him what the men involved had in common.

When FBI Special Agent Richard Trask took the witness stand in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, last week to detail a plot to kidnap the governors of Michigan and Virginia, the prosecutor first asked him what the men involved had in common. They were all from “multiple militias from different states,” replied Trask, who is a domestic terrorism expert for the Detroit field office. Nils Kessler, the prosecutor, paused on the word “militia,” noting that it meant different things to different people. “These are groups that call themselves militias?” he asked. “But they are not under any government authority or anything like that?” “That’s correct,” Trask responded. For decades, federal authorities and academics have described private paramilitary organizations — armed groups who train together on military tactics and techniques — as “militias” or as part of the “militia movement.” But the term has taken on new meaning as makeshift vigilante groups have popped up with increasing frequency in the months leading up to a contentious election. Once limited to the far-right fringe, the term militia now encompasses a far wider spectrum, representing everything from armed-to-the-teeth neighborhood watch organizations to an all-Black paramilitary group that marches to protest police violence. The rising visibility of such groups has put a spotlight on the word “militia” itself, with many critics demanding it be replaced. They contend that the term has fundamentally lost its meaning as more groups use it to camouflage threats of violence. Historically, militias have referred to an auxiliary force raised from the civilian population to bolster the Army. The issue in the United States, experts said, is that private paramilitary groups have long cloaked their activities in the vocabulary of the American Revolution and the Constitution, creating an aura of legality that does not exist. “The use of the word militia anytime you are talking about anything other than a state militia like the National Guard, it is just wrong,” said Mary McCord, a former Justice Department official now running an institute that specializes in constitutional law at Georgetown University Law Center. “Using that term without putting ‘unlawful’ in front of it suggests that there is some legitimacy or even constitutional authority for their existence, which there isn’t.” One such group in Michigan, called the Wolverine Watchmen, was at the center of the suspected plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and commit other planned violence. Federal and state authorities announced the arrest this month of 14 men linked to the group. That drew even more attention to the term, escalating demands to label such groups “terrorists.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote on Twitter, “Genuine question for the media/law enforcement: why are you calling these armed neo-Nazi groups breaking the law ‘militias’ instead of ‘gangs’ or ‘domestic terrorist groups?’” Last spring, various anti-government groups condemned the coronavirus lockdown measures as a form of “tyranny” and organized some of the first protests against them. More groups turned out in force during demonstrations against police brutality. Scuffles between protesters and members of armed groups have led to deaths in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Portland, Oregon; and Denver. There are currently about 181 active anti-government paramilitary groups in the United States, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks them. Some claim thousands of members, but more often their numbers are far smaller, experts said. American schoolchildren are often taught that Revolutionary War militiamen were heroes. “Patriots formed militia groups to defend the colonies against the British,” reads a brief passage in a fifth grade textbook used in Hillsboro, Oregon, “Some militiamen called themselves minutemen because they could be ready at a moment’s notice.” In addition, the Second Amendment says, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Many groups cite that language to justify their use of the term. But experts note that “well-regulated,” implies state control and not freelance efforts by all comers. The name “militia” suggests the idea of citizen soldiers and patriotism, plus it lends such groups “the color of the law,” said Mark Pitcavage, a senior research fellow with the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism. Underneath that veneer lies a fundamental contradiction, experts noted, with members of the current movement advocating an armed resistance against the very state that the original militias were formed to protect. It is difficult to pinpoint which group first resurrected the name “militia.” Some historians consider the Ku Klux Klan a militia, and over the past century various militant groups drew on the Revolution for their names. In the 1970s, far-right activists, alarmed by civil rights legislation as well as new environmental laws, pushed to reassert local control. The Posse Comitatus movement, rooted in white Christian fundamentalism, developed the concept of citizen posses. Its manual stated that any official who disobeyed the Constitution should “be removed by the Posse to a populated intersection of the streets in the township and at high noon be hung there by the neck, the body remaining until sundown as an example to those who would subvert the law,” according to Daniel Levitas, author of “The Terrorist Next Door,” a history of extremist groups. “Unorganized militia,” a 19th century legal term, was considered obsolete after the Militia Act of 1903, when federal law began incorporating all legal militias into the National Guard, controlled by state governors. Although the wording differs, all 50 states ban private paramilitary groups that further “civil disorder.” Fast forward to the early 1990s, when the term gained new life after the violent sieges by federal law enforcement agents against the cabin of Randy Weaver in Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in 1992, and the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. Those on the far-right, already dedicated to the idea of a “leaderless resistance,” concluded that they needed to organize into paramilitary groups to protect themselves from government “tyranny.” Pamphlets appeared with titles like “The Field Manual of the Free Militia” that explained how to establish one. Using the word “militia” and other historical vocabulary was a deliberate attempt to attract a broader membership by veiling the often racist, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant and homophobic origins of such groups, experts said. “Right-wing extremist organizations try to cloak themselves in heroic garb,” said David Neiwert, author of “Alt-America,” who has tracked such groups for decades. “That is the basis of a lot of the appeal; this is your chance to be a hero.” Paramilitary organizations mushroomed in the 1990s, with some 370 formed by the middle of the decade. Then came the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, sprouting from the same ideology if not directly connected to a militia, that left 168 people dead. Scores of paramilitary organizations collapsed as their appeal dimmed. But political fights over the Second Amendment kept the movement alive; plus, conspiracy theories about a looming foreign invasion never faded entirely. In recent years, the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 marked the first high-profile appearance of such armed groups at protests. Experts who continue to use the word “militia” said it helped to define a distinct category among adherents of various fringe ideologies or criminal organizations including white supremacists, prison gangs, the tax protest movement, anti-vaxxers, skinheads, survivalists and others. “Terrorist” was the most popular substitute that circulated on social media, but the legal definition of terrorism refers to organized attacks meant to intimidate or coerce in an attempt to influence government policy. Many experts consider that too broad. The majority of militia members “will never be involved with a terrorist act,” said Pitcavage. The term gangs is also considered a poor fit since law enforcement agencies tend to use that to describe violent criminal enterprises. Some experts said they felt like they were under siege by “language police” over a word they have used for decades. In Michigan, federal authorities said the plotters discussed putting the governor on trial as a “tyrant” before Election Day. The case has become an election issue as President Donald Trump has cast doubts on the plot and continued to vilify Whitmer. The possibility that armed groups might try to intimidate voters at the polls prompted the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law to publish a legal guide to confront such groups for all 50 states. “It has all been whitewashed and made safe for broader public consumption by wrapping it in the flag,” said Neiwert. “They call themselves patriots, although you have never met a more seditious bunch.”

What is a militia? And why is the word so controversial these days?

The Plastic Bag Store looks like a typical New York City grocery store in the heart of Times Square, but a closer look at the boxes of sushi rolls and cereal have labels like "plastic bagacado roll," "Yucky Shards," and "Caps N' Such." Beginning Monday (Oct. 19), all plastic carryout bags are banned throughout the entire state of New York, where according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, more than 23 billion plastic bags are used each year.

The Plastic Bag Store opens to coincide with NY's plastic bag ban

A plastic bag store stocked with original hand-sculpted items that you would find in any grocery store, all made from discarded, single-use plastics.

A plastic bag store on Times Square; Reminder of our plastic footprint

As the coronavirus restrictions have started to ease across the world live music is also slowly coming back to the streets of New York City.

The post-pandemic life: People return to streets as live concert resumes

A statue of Medusa, a well-known figure from Greek mythology, has been installed in New York City as a commemoration and honour to the #MeToo movement.

Artist busts the myth around Medusa: Statue honours #MeToo movement

The British auction house Christie's sold the skeleton of Stan, one of the largest known Tyrannosaurus rexes, for $31.8 million usd late Tuesday (October 6).

Stan' the T. Rex sells for $31.8 million at Christies auction house

A rise in unemployment claims has stalled New York City’s economic recovery in past weeks. Small businesses, particularly restaurants, saw more activity. But persistently high levels of unemployment continue to threaten the economic recovery. Susan M. Tehrani reports from the heart of New York City.

US Election 2020: Ground reports from New York City

The world begins to adapt to a new normal and New York City restaurants have re-opened their dining facility. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: New York City restaurants re-open

Nearly 100,000 voters in New York have received defective absentee ballots. Has Donald Trump received fresh ammo to raise more doubts over the election process in the US? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: US Election: Nearly 100,000 voters in New York get defective ballots

One grief centre in New York is helping children to cope with the loss & trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through art therapy, Watch the report to know more.

WION Dispatch: COVID-19: Art therapy for grieving children

Hundreds of protesters marched in New York's Midtown Manhattan on Monday (Sept. 28) toward the governor's office, calling for indoor dining to be raised to at least 50% capacity.

'We're not going to make it to November' - New York restaurants call for funding, increased indoor dining capacity

With gyms closed and a lot of sports clubs unable to reopen because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kayaking has become a loved sport for New Yorkers.

WION Dispatch: Kayaking becomes popular with New Yorkers | World New

Amid the continuing pandemic, New York City's one and only social distancing block party continues to win over hearts. Watch the report to know more.

Social-distance block party continues in New York amid pandemic

With the revamp to the iconic 15-digit digital clock installed in Metronome, New York, we will now get to know the window left to negate the effects of global warming before it becomes irreversible as claimed by its creators.&nbsp;

Gan Golan who is behind this makeover along with Andrew Boyd says it is their "way to shout that number from the rooftops", as quoted by The New York Times. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-14-injured-in-mass-shooting-in-new-yorks-rochester-328596">Two dead, 14 injured in mass shooting in New York's Rochester</a>

The report added that on Saturday at 3:20 pm, there were messages on display, one of which read "The Earth has a deadline" as the clock showed the numbers 7:103:15:40:07.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/new-york-fashion-week-2020-trends-masks-social-distancing-and-voting-328552">New York Fashion Week 2020 trends? Masks, social distancing and voting</a>

Golan and Boyd, who call their work "Climate Clock", said their project will be displayed till September 27, the end of climate week.&nbsp;

They want to permanently install this on the 14th Street building, One Union Square South or somewhere else.&nbsp;

Earlier, the duo had made a similar clock which can be held by someone on their hands for teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg before her appearance last year at the United Nations climate summit.&nbsp;

The work was also influenced by the Doomsday Clock, maintained online by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and by the National Debt Clock close to Bryant Park in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Golan and Boyd decided that their creation would have the most impact if it were shown in a very visible public space and presented as a work of art.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With the revamp to the iconic 15-digit digital clock installed in Metronome, New York, we will now get to know the window left to negate the effects of global warming before it becomes irreversible as claimed by its creators.

With the revamp to the iconic 15-digit digital clock installed in Metronome, New York, we will now get to know the window left to negate the effects of global warming before it becomes irreversible as claimed by its creators. Gan Golan who is behind this makeover along with Andrew Boyd says it is their "way to shout that number from the rooftops", as quoted by The New York Times. Also read | Two dead, 14 injured in mass shooting in New York's Rochester The report added that on Saturday at 3:20 pm, there were messages on display, one of which read "The Earth has a deadline" as the clock showed the numbers 7:103:15:40:07. Also read | New York Fashion Week 2020 trends? Masks, social distancing and voting Golan and Boyd, who call their work "Climate Clock", said their project will be displayed till September 27, the end of climate week. They want to permanently install this on the 14th Street building, One Union Square South or somewhere else. Earlier, the duo had made a similar clock which can be held by someone on their hands for teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg before her appearance last year at the United Nations climate summit. The work was also influenced by the Doomsday Clock, maintained online by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and by the National Debt Clock close to Bryant Park in Manhattan. Golan and Boyd decided that their creation would have the most impact if it were shown in a very visible public space and presented as a work of art.

New York: Clock turns back to tell the time remaining

A mass shooting broke out in New York's Rochester, multiple fatalities reported and several people have been hospitalised. Emergency services have been pressed into action.

Mass shooting breaks out in New York's Rochester

President Donald Trump`s son Eric is willing to be questioned in connection with a probe by New York`s attorney general into whether his father and the Trump Organization overstated the value of assets to obtain loans and tax benefits - if it can wait until after the Nov. 3 election.

In a Thursday court filing, Eric Trump`s lawyers said his "extreme travel schedule and related unavailability" and "the importance of avoiding any appearance of politicizing the investigatory process" justified the delay.

They also said they had proposed four dates for Eric Trump to be questioned in the civil probe, beginning on Nov. 19.

"Eric Trump has been, and continues to be, willing to appear pursuant to a subpoena," the lawyers said.

A spokesman for Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement: “While we cannot comment on the particular steps we’re taking on specific litigation, we won’t allow any entity or individual to dictate how our investigation will proceed or allow anyone to evade a lawful subpoena."

James on Aug. 24 accused the Trump Organization, where Eric Trump is an executive vice president, of resisting subpoenas for her probe into "potential fraud or illegality," while there had been no determination any laws had been broken.

The attorney general said her probe began after Donald Trump`s former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen told Congress the president`s financial statements had inflated some asset values to save money on loans and insurance, and deflated other asset values to reduce real estate taxes.

Four properties were being probed: the Seven Springs Estate in Westchester County, New York; 40 Wall Street in Manhattan; the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, and the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles.

The Trump Organization has said the probe into Donald Trump, a Republican, by James, a Democrat, was "all about politics."

In Thursday`s filing, its lawyers also said it should not be required to turn over "thousands of pages of privileged communications" from its lawyers that James also subpoenaed. 
A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23 in a New York state court in Manhattan.

President Donald Trump`s son Eric is willing to be questioned in connection with a probe by New York`s attorney general into whether his father and the Trump Organization overstated the value of assets to obtain loans and tax benefits - if it can wait until after the Nov.

President Donald Trump`s son Eric is willing to be questioned in connection with a probe by New York`s attorney general into whether his father and the Trump Organization overstated the value of assets to obtain loans and tax benefits - if it can wait until after the Nov. 3 election. In a Thursday court filing, Eric Trump`s lawyers said his "extreme travel schedule and related unavailability" and "the importance of avoiding any appearance of politicizing the investigatory process" justified the delay. They also said they had proposed four dates for Eric Trump to be questioned in the civil probe, beginning on Nov. 19. "Eric Trump has been, and continues to be, willing to appear pursuant to a subpoena," the lawyers said. A spokesman for Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement: “While we cannot comment on the particular steps we’re taking on specific litigation, we won’t allow any entity or individual to dictate how our investigation will proceed or allow anyone to evade a lawful subpoena." James on Aug. 24 accused the Trump Organization, where Eric Trump is an executive vice president, of resisting subpoenas for her probe into "potential fraud or illegality," while there had been no determination any laws had been broken. The attorney general said her probe began after Donald Trump`s former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen told Congress the president`s financial statements had inflated some asset values to save money on loans and insurance, and deflated other asset values to reduce real estate taxes. Four properties were being probed: the Seven Springs Estate in Westchester County, New York; 40 Wall Street in Manhattan; the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, and the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles. The Trump Organization has said the probe into Donald Trump, a Republican, by James, a Democrat, was "all about politics." In Thursday`s filing, its lawyers also said it should not be required to turn over "thousands of pages of privileged communications" from its lawyers that James also subpoenaed. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23 in a New York state court in Manhattan.

Trump's son agrees to sit for questioning in New York probe, after the election

The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to linger across New York City. Watch report.

US Coronavirus Pandemic: Economic impact of COVID-19 in New York City

A man was arrested on charges of a murder that happened 35 years ago in Rochester, New York, and DNA testing had a major role to play in it.

A 14-year old was raped and killed while delivering a birthday card in her neighborhood on Thanksgiving Day 1984 and her body was found by a pedestrian near a school dumpster that night with signs of trauma.

Timothy Williams, 56, was arrested at his home in Melbourne, Florida, on Wednesday and arraigned as a fugitive, according to Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Julie Hahn.

The DNA was extracted from semen collected during an autopsy, and was uploaded to the FBI's DNA database in 1999.

In 2017, New York law was changed to allow law enforcement to search for familial matches to DNA collected in criminal investigations, and the department requested to have a familial DNA search conducted to see if there was a match with the extracted DNA or anyone that might be related.

In July 2020, familial search results from the New York state crime lab generated new leads.

Williams had no defense attorney in Florida, where he waived extradition in Florida. He now awaits extradition to New York.

The victim's mother thanked the police department for the lengths it went to solve the case.

A man was arrested on charges of a murder that happened 35 years ago in Rochester, New York, and DNA testing had a major role to play in it. A 14-year old was raped and killed while delivering a birthday card in her neighborhood on Thanksgiving Day 1984 and her body was found by a pedestrian near a school dumpster that night with signs of trauma.

A man was arrested on charges of a murder that happened 35 years ago in Rochester, New York, and DNA testing had a major role to play in it. A 14-year old was raped and killed while delivering a birthday card in her neighborhood on Thanksgiving Day 1984 and her body was found by a pedestrian near a school dumpster that night with signs of trauma. Timothy Williams, 56, was arrested at his home in Melbourne, Florida, on Wednesday and arraigned as a fugitive, according to Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Julie Hahn. The DNA was extracted from semen collected during an autopsy, and was uploaded to the FBI's DNA database in 1999. In 2017, New York law was changed to allow law enforcement to search for familial matches to DNA collected in criminal investigations, and the department requested to have a familial DNA search conducted to see if there was a match with the extracted DNA or anyone that might be related. In July 2020, familial search results from the New York state crime lab generated new leads. Williams had no defense attorney in Florida, where he waived extradition in Florida. He now awaits extradition to New York. The victim's mother thanked the police department for the lengths it went to solve the case.

DNA leads to arrest in murder of a New York teenager 35 years ago

Protesters clash with Police in Rochester, New York. Killing of Medical worker sparks fresh protest in Kentucky. Anti-racism protest escalate in Portland marks 100th night of Black Lives Matter protests.

Black Lives Matter protesters clash with Police during demonstrations

Anti-racism protest escalate in US Portland marks 100th night of Black Lives Matter protests. Protesters clash with Police in Rochester, New York. Killing of Medical worker sparks fresh protest in Kentucky.

Portland marks 100th night of anti-racism protests, fresh protest erupt in Kentucky

As the first day of school approaches, New York's poorest -- often uninsured families -- face a risky choice: send kids to school where they could contract coronavirus, or keep them home for online classes, potentially compromising their academic progress and preventing parents from working.

New York, the largest school district in the United States with 1.1 million students, is the only major city nationwide to offer in-person classes.

Face-to-face learning will be available one to three times a week starting September 21, a risky bet considered key to rebooting the embattled city's economy.

Maria -- a Mexican domestic worker who lives in Queens, who asked for her last name not be used as she is undocumented -- decided to send her children aged seven and 14 to class, despite much uncertainty over protocol.

"Are schools equipped to safely welcome children? What days will they go? They talk about classes outdoors -- what happens when it rains?" asked the 35-year-old mother during a weekly free food distribution in the borough's Corona neighborhood.

The education gap&nbsp;

The city's poorest families, generally black or of immigrant origin, cannot afford to hire tutors to support their online learning, as many children of wealthier families are doing.

And, like Maria, most parents of modest means must leave the home to work -- if they did not lose their jobs to the pandemic, that is.

Often these families deal with poor internet access, and sometimes parents cannot help their children with academic work because they lack the necessary technology, do not speak English or have not finished school themselves.

Maria's eldest child took on the responsibility of helping the younger sibling when schools shut down in March and held online classes until June.

Without that help, Maria says, it would have been impossible to get through.

In the US -- the country worst hit by the pandemic in absolute terms, with more than 183,000 deaths and more than six million documented infections -- the issue of reopening schools was politicized ahead of the November elections.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, emphatically insisted schools reopen, regardless of infection rates.

Many states governed by Republicans, including Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Indiana, took that direction in August -- but virus outbreaks meant many schools had to impose quarantines or shut back down.

Many cities, such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami, opted instead for the virtual model.

New York is the only major city to offer a hybrid option, as long as the infection rate stays below three per cent. Currently it is hovering at 0.9 per cent, far lower than the national average.

But after a dispute with a prominent teachers' union -- which called for more safety measures and threatened a strike -- in-person classes were delayed from September 10 to September 21.

'I'd rather they lose a year'&nbsp;

Many low-income New York parents -- who were disproportionately hard-hit by coronavirus, suffer more from chronic diseases and often lack health insurance -- do not want to send their children to school.

More than 365,000 public school students, or 37 per cent, opted to take classes solely online, according to the city's government.

"I know that at home they won't learn the same, but I'd rather they lose a year and stay healthy," said Marisa Machado, a 40-year-old cook who is currently unemployed, raising her three school-age children as a single mother.

Both the mayor and education experts have urged children from low-income families to attend school in person, to avoid falling behind their wealthier peers.

"One year of educational loss translates directly into less income," said Naomi Bardach, a professor of pediatrics and policy at the University of California, San Francisco.

"It's well documented that it gives you a clear financial hit and a clear health outcome hit."

But in communities hardest hit by the virus, fear still reigns.

Miguel Hernandez, an unemployed New Yorker from Mexico who is married to a Polish prison guard, does not want to send his three kids to school.

"The children are afraid too. We have to survive," he said. 
&nbsp;

As the first day of school approaches, New York's poorest -- often uninsured families -- face a risky choice: send kids to school where they could contract coronavirus, or keep them home for online classes, potentially compromising their academic progress and preventing parents from working.

As the first day of school approaches, New York's poorest -- often uninsured families -- face a risky choice: send kids to school where they could contract coronavirus, or keep them home for online classes, potentially compromising their academic progress and preventing parents from working. New York, the largest school district in the United States with 1.1 million students, is the only major city nationwide to offer in-person classes. Face-to-face learning will be available one to three times a week starting September 21, a risky bet considered key to rebooting the embattled city's economy. Maria -- a Mexican domestic worker who lives in Queens, who asked for her last name not be used as she is undocumented -- decided to send her children aged seven and 14 to class, despite much uncertainty over protocol. "Are schools equipped to safely welcome children? What days will they go? They talk about classes outdoors -- what happens when it rains?" asked the 35-year-old mother during a weekly free food distribution in the borough's Corona neighborhood. The education gap The city's poorest families, generally black or of immigrant origin, cannot afford to hire tutors to support their online learning, as many children of wealthier families are doing. And, like Maria, most parents of modest means must leave the home to work -- if they did not lose their jobs to the pandemic, that is. Often these families deal with poor internet access, and sometimes parents cannot help their children with academic work because they lack the necessary technology, do not speak English or have not finished school themselves. Maria's eldest child took on the responsibility of helping the younger sibling when schools shut down in March and held online classes until June. Without that help, Maria says, it would have been impossible to get through. In the US -- the country worst hit by the pandemic in absolute terms, with more than 183,000 deaths and more than six million documented infections -- the issue of reopening schools was politicized ahead of the November elections. President Donald Trump, a Republican, emphatically insisted schools reopen, regardless of infection rates. Many states governed by Republicans, including Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and Indiana, took that direction in August -- but virus outbreaks meant many schools had to impose quarantines or shut back down. Many cities, such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami, opted instead for the virtual model. New York is the only major city to offer a hybrid option, as long as the infection rate stays below three per cent. Currently it is hovering at 0.9 per cent, far lower than the national average. But after a dispute with a prominent teachers' union -- which called for more safety measures and threatened a strike -- in-person classes were delayed from September 10 to September 21. 'I'd rather they lose a year' Many low-income New York parents -- who were disproportionately hard-hit by coronavirus, suffer more from chronic diseases and often lack health insurance -- do not want to send their children to school. More than 365,000 public school students, or 37 per cent, opted to take classes solely online, according to the city's government. "I know that at home they won't learn the same, but I'd rather they lose a year and stay healthy," said Marisa Machado, a 40-year-old cook who is currently unemployed, raising her three school-age children as a single mother. Both the mayor and education experts have urged children from low-income families to attend school in person, to avoid falling behind their wealthier peers. "One year of educational loss translates directly into less income," said Naomi Bardach, a professor of pediatrics and policy at the University of California, San Francisco. "It's well documented that it gives you a clear financial hit and a clear health outcome hit." But in communities hardest hit by the virus, fear still reigns. Miguel Hernandez, an unemployed New Yorker from Mexico who is married to a Polish prison guard, does not want to send his three kids to school. "The children are afraid too. We have to survive," he said.

In-person learning creates dilemma for New York's poorest families

Seven Rochester, New York police officers were suspended on Thursday over the asphyxiation death of a Black man who they arrested in March in a brutal incident only revealed in videotape footage made public this week.

Seven New York police officers suspended over Black man's death

Protests were planned for New York Thursday over the death of a black man who police hooded and forced face down on the road, according to video footage that prompted a probe from the state's attorney general.

Demonstrators will gather in New York City's Times Square to demand justice for Daniel Prude, whose family said he died on March 30 after being removed from life support, seven days after the police encounter in the city of Rochester.

The 41-year-old's family along with activists made his death public on Wednesday, after receiving body cam footage through an open records request.

The revelation -- the latest in a spate of police killings of black people in the United States -- triggered fresh outrage three months after mass demonstrations gripped the United States over the police killing of George Floyd.

Prude's family have called for legal action against the officers involved, who are still on the force. Letitia James, New York state's top prosecutor, said an investigation was underway.

Prude's brother told journalists he had called police on March 23 as Daniel suffered a mental health episode.

"I placed a phone call for my brother to get help, not to get lynched," Joe Prude said outside Rochester's City Hall Wednesday.

"How many brothers&nbsp;have to die for society to understand this has to stop?"

When officers arrived Prude was unarmed and naked in the road, according to the video.

Police ordered an initially compliant Prude to get on the ground, but after being handcuffed he became increasingly agitated.

Officers then put a "spit hood" on him and forced his head to the ground. Moments later he lost consciousness.

An emergency medical technician tried to resuscitate him before he was taken to hospital. He died a week later when life support was switched off.

According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, an autopsy called the death a homicide caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint."

The report also noted a low level of the drug PCP in Prude's blood, listing it as a complication.

"He&nbsp;was treated inhumanely and without dignity," community organizer Ashley Gantt said.

"These officers killed someone and are still patrolling in our community."

On Wednesday some 100 protestors gathered in Rochester, a city home to approximately 200,000 people in western New York state to protest Prude's death.

At a separate news conference Rochester police chief La'Ron Singletary acknowledged anger over Prude's death but emphasized that the delay in releasing the video was "not a cover-up."

Officers generally use spit hoods as defense against blood-borne pathogens if someone apprehended spits or bites.

But they've become the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, raising concerns over their safety.

Since the police killing in May of George Floyd in Minneapolis, demonstrations linked to the Black Lives Matter movement have rocked the nation, with many calling for significant police reforms including defunding or abolishment.

Opponents of the movement have also protested, frequently leading to violent clashes and pushing law and order high up the agenda for November's presidential election.

News of Prude's death comes in the wake of social unrest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black father shot seven times in the back by a white officer in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha.&nbsp;

Protests also sparked in Los Angeles this week after police shot and killed Dijon Kizzee, a black man who was riding a bicycle, apparently in violation of vehicle codes.

Kizzee ran away and when deputies caught up to him, he punched one of them and dropped a bundle of clothing, which police say contained a handgun.

And in the capital city Washington police fatally shot an 18-year-old black man after responding to reports of a man with a gun. In a statement the force there said during a foot pursuit Deon Kay brandished a firearm before an officer shot him.

Body camera footage in that incident is under review and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

Protests were planned for New York Thursday over the death of a black man who police hooded and forced face down on the road, according to video footage that prompted a probe from the state's attorney general.

Protests were planned for New York Thursday over the death of a black man who police hooded and forced face down on the road, according to video footage that prompted a probe from the state's attorney general. Demonstrators will gather in New York City's Times Square to demand justice for Daniel Prude, whose family said he died on March 30 after being removed from life support, seven days after the police encounter in the city of Rochester. The 41-year-old's family along with activists made his death public on Wednesday, after receiving body cam footage through an open records request. The revelation -- the latest in a spate of police killings of black people in the United States -- triggered fresh outrage three months after mass demonstrations gripped the United States over the police killing of George Floyd. Prude's family have called for legal action against the officers involved, who are still on the force. Letitia James, New York state's top prosecutor, said an investigation was underway. Prude's brother told journalists he had called police on March 23 as Daniel suffered a mental health episode. "I placed a phone call for my brother to get help, not to get lynched," Joe Prude said outside Rochester's City Hall Wednesday. "How many brothers have to die for society to understand this has to stop?" When officers arrived Prude was unarmed and naked in the road, according to the video. Police ordered an initially compliant Prude to get on the ground, but after being handcuffed he became increasingly agitated. Officers then put a "spit hood" on him and forced his head to the ground. Moments later he lost consciousness. An emergency medical technician tried to resuscitate him before he was taken to hospital. He died a week later when life support was switched off. According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, an autopsy called the death a homicide caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint." The report also noted a low level of the drug PCP in Prude's blood, listing it as a complication. "He was treated inhumanely and without dignity," community organizer Ashley Gantt said. "These officers killed someone and are still patrolling in our community." On Wednesday some 100 protestors gathered in Rochester, a city home to approximately 200,000 people in western New York state to protest Prude's death. At a separate news conference Rochester police chief La'Ron Singletary acknowledged anger over Prude's death but emphasized that the delay in releasing the video was "not a cover-up." Officers generally use spit hoods as defense against blood-borne pathogens if someone apprehended spits or bites. But they've become the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, raising concerns over their safety. Since the police killing in May of George Floyd in Minneapolis, demonstrations linked to the Black Lives Matter movement have rocked the nation, with many calling for significant police reforms including defunding or abolishment. Opponents of the movement have also protested, frequently leading to violent clashes and pushing law and order high up the agenda for November's presidential election. News of Prude's death comes in the wake of social unrest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black father shot seven times in the back by a white officer in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha. Protests also sparked in Los Angeles this week after police shot and killed Dijon Kizzee, a black man who was riding a bicycle, apparently in violation of vehicle codes. Kizzee ran away and when deputies caught up to him, he punched one of them and dropped a bundle of clothing, which police say contained a handgun. And in the capital city Washington police fatally shot an 18-year-old black man after responding to reports of a man with a gun. In a statement the force there said during a foot pursuit Deon Kay brandished a firearm before an officer shot him. Body camera footage in that incident is under review and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

New York probes suffocation death of black man hooded by police

The US President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut&nbsp;federal funds for the "lawless" cities, including&nbsp;&nbsp;Seattle, Portland, New York and Washington.

Donald Trump has signed a memo on Wednesday for the same, which was released by the White House.&nbsp;“My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones," Trump said.

As per the memory,&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr has been asked to list out the&nbsp;“anarchist jurisdictions” that “permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake reasonable measures.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-off-twitter-joe-biden-asks-trump-to-do-his-real-job-325008">Also read|&nbsp;'Get off Twitter': Joe Biden asks Trump to do his real job</a>

The five-page long memory had mentioned&nbsp;Bill de Blasio twice by name. Blasio, later, took to Twitter to respond to the memory saying, "While @realDonaldTrump spent this year hiding from COVID-19, New York City led the fight back. Now we’re trying to recover and he’s making unconstitutional, political threats against us. Mr. President, we’ll see you in court. We’ve beaten you there before and we’ll do it again."

Further, the White House Budget Director Russell Vought has been asked to issue guidance within 30 days “to the heads of agencies on restricting eligibility of or otherwise disfavoring, to the maximum extent permitted by law, anarchist jurisdictions in the receipt of Federal grants.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My Administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, burn buildings, and ruin lives and businesses. We’re putting them on notice today. <a href="https://twitter.com/RussVought45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RussVought45</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1301315810485579776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, as expected, the decision was not welcomed by few of the Governors who feel that Trump's cut-back comes at a point when the states need more funding due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

New York&nbsp;Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "President Trump has actively sought to punish NYC since day one. He let COVID ambush New York.&nbsp;He refuses to provide funds that states and cities MUST receive to recover. He is not a king. He cannot "defund" NYC.&nbsp;It's an illegal stunt."

Trump, too, responded through Twitter by attacking Cuomo and alleging him of poor handling of the virus in new York. "Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York has the worst record on death and China Virus. 11,000 people alone died in Nursing Homes because of his incompetence!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York has the worst record on death and China Virus. 11,000 people alone died in Nursing Homes because of his incompetence!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1301499699069882368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"If you didn’t have the law and he could do this by his own discretion, if he was a king, then it would kill New York City. Which is what he’s been trying to do since he was elected. And it’s personal, because New York City knows him for the joke that he is," Cuomo said during a conference call Wednesday evening.

"This is a man who is disrespected by his own family. His own sister, former federal judge, is disgraced by him. What does that say about a person who spends his time trying to destroy a place where he came from ... So actively and continually has this hateful animus towards the place that was his home?"

The US President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut federal funds for the "lawless" cities, including Seattle, Portland, New York and Washington. Donald Trump has signed a memo on Wednesday for the same, which was released by the White House.

The US President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut federal funds for the "lawless" cities, including Seattle, Portland, New York and Washington. Donald Trump has signed a memo on Wednesday for the same, which was released by the White House. “My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones," Trump said. As per the memory, Attorney General William Barr has been asked to list out the “anarchist jurisdictions” that “permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake reasonable measures.” Also read| 'Get off Twitter': Joe Biden asks Trump to do his real job The five-page long memory had mentioned Bill de Blasio twice by name. Blasio, later, took to Twitter to respond to the memory saying, "While @realDonaldTrump spent this year hiding from COVID-19, New York City led the fight back. Now we’re trying to recover and he’s making unconstitutional, political threats against us. Mr. President, we’ll see you in court. We’ve beaten you there before and we’ll do it again." Further, the White House Budget Director Russell Vought has been asked to issue guidance within 30 days “to the heads of agencies on restricting eligibility of or otherwise disfavoring, to the maximum extent permitted by law, anarchist jurisdictions in the receipt of Federal grants.” My Administration will do everything in its power to prevent weak mayors and lawless cities from taking Federal dollars while they let anarchists harm people, burn buildings, and ruin lives and businesses. We’re putting them on notice today. @RussVought45 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020 × However, as expected, the decision was not welcomed by few of the Governors who feel that Trump's cut-back comes at a point when the states need more funding due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "President Trump has actively sought to punish NYC since day one. He let COVID ambush New York. He refuses to provide funds that states and cities MUST receive to recover. He is not a king. He cannot "defund" NYC. It's an illegal stunt." Trump, too, responded through Twitter by attacking Cuomo and alleging him of poor handling of the virus in new York. "Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York has the worst record on death and China Virus. 11,000 people alone died in Nursing Homes because of his incompetence!" Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York has the worst record on death and China Virus. 11,000 people alone died in Nursing Homes because of his incompetence! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020 × "If you didn’t have the law and he could do this by his own discretion, if he was a king, then it would kill New York City. Which is what he’s been trying to do since he was elected. And it’s personal, because New York City knows him for the joke that he is," Cuomo said during a conference call Wednesday evening. "This is a man who is disrespected by his own family. His own sister, former federal judge, is disgraced by him. What does that say about a person who spends his time trying to destroy a place where he came from ... So actively and continually has this hateful animus towards the place that was his home?"

Donald Trump threatens to cut federal funding for 'lawless' cities

Baloch activists protested in New York, Toronto & London to mark the 'International day of victims of forced disappearances', demanding justice for the family of Hayat Baloch, youth killed by Pakistan frontier corps in front of his father.

Baloch activists protest across world to mark the international day of the disappeared

Some New York City parents say this is the strangest back-to-school season they've ever seen.

New York city is scheduled to start schools from September 10

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said.

The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed.

Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-johns-ex-wife-attempted-suicide-during-honeymoon-after-he-told-her-marriage-wasnt-working-323149">Also read:&nbsp;Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working'</a>

The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania."

At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono.

Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters."

At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it.

A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame.

“I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing.

Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday. A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said. The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed. Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Also read: Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working' The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania." At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono. Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters." At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it. A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame. “I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing. Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

New York rejects 11th parole bid of John Lennon's killer

A new musical about Britain's Princess Diana will be filmed without an audience and air on Netflix Inc in early 2021 before it debuts on Broadway, producers announced on Wednesday (August 12).

Princess Diana musical to debut on Netflix before hitting Broadway 

The state of New York has sued the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its leader Wayne LaPierre for financial fraud and misconduct, seeking to dissolve the powerful US conservative lobby.&nbsp;

It is said that LaPierre and three other top NRA officials used the dues and donations of members for years as their "personal piggy bank," spending tens of millions of dollars on themselves and cronies in violation of laws governing non-profit organisations.

The four "basically looted its assets," leaving the once wealthy group that pumped millions into Republican political campaigns close to being insolvent, State Attorney General Letitia James said on Thursday.

In reponse, the NRA accused James of filing the suit "to score political points" with a national election three months away.

The NRA has represented the views of millions of gun owners and enthusiasts across the United States for decades.

LaPierre, who has run the NRA for nearly three decades from his position as executive vice president, became one of Washington's top power brokers.

He claimed a major role in Trump's 2016 election, and Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr are members and regularly participate in NRA events.

Asked about the lawsuit, Trump said at the White House that it was "a terrible thing."

The lawsuit came as the NRA, though its non-profit side is financially weakened, was expected to pump huge sums into the looming presidential and congressional elections in November through its separate Washington lobbying arm, NRA-ILA.

The state of New York has sued the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its leader Wayne LaPierre for financial fraud and misconduct, seeking to dissolve the powerful US conservative lobby.

The state of New York has sued the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its leader Wayne LaPierre for financial fraud and misconduct, seeking to dissolve the powerful US conservative lobby. It is said that LaPierre and three other top NRA officials used the dues and donations of members for years as their "personal piggy bank," spending tens of millions of dollars on themselves and cronies in violation of laws governing non-profit organisations. The four "basically looted its assets," leaving the once wealthy group that pumped millions into Republican political campaigns close to being insolvent, State Attorney General Letitia James said on Thursday. In reponse, the NRA accused James of filing the suit "to score political points" with a national election three months away. The NRA has represented the views of millions of gun owners and enthusiasts across the United States for decades. LaPierre, who has run the NRA for nearly three decades from his position as executive vice president, became one of Washington's top power brokers. He claimed a major role in Trump's 2016 election, and Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr are members and regularly participate in NRA events. Asked about the lawsuit, Trump said at the White House that it was "a terrible thing." The lawsuit came as the NRA, though its non-profit side is financially weakened, was expected to pump huge sums into the looming presidential and congressional elections in November through its separate Washington lobbying arm, NRA-ILA.

New York seeks to dissolve NRA over financial mismanagement

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;state's attorney general sued to dissolve the National Rifle Association on Thursday, alleging senior leaders of the non-profit group diverted millions of dollars for personal use and to buy the silence and loyalty of former employees.

The lawsuit filed in a Manhattan court by Attorney General Letitia James alleges NRA leaders paid for family trips to the Bahamas, private jets and expensive meals that contributed to a $64 million reduction in the NRA's balance sheet in three years, turning a surplus into a deficit.

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New&nbsp;York&nbsp;State Attorney General, Letitia James, speaks during a&nbsp;news conference, to announce a suit to dissolve the National Rifle Association, In&nbsp;New&nbsp;York/ REUTERS

The NRA responded by suing James in federal court, saying she had violated the NRA's right to free speech and seeking to block her investigation.

James alleged in a statement that NRA leaders "used millions upon millions from NRA reserves for personal use," failing to comply with the NRA's own internal policies in addition to state and federal law.

She told reporters the NRA "has operated as a breeding ground for greed, abuse and brazen illegality," adding that "no one is above the law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-arms-sales-to-taiwan-violates-one-china-principle-china-318830">US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China</a>

The lawsuit names the NRA and four leaders including Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice-president who has been atop the leadership for nearly three decades.

The confrontation pits James, a Democrat, against the largest and most powerful gun organization in the United States, one closely aligned with President Donald Trump's Republican Party.

The actions are certain to further polarize a country where the NRA is revered by conservatives as a champion of the US&nbsp;Constitution and its Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms while at the same time it is vilified by liberals as an enabler of rampant gun violence.

Trump sought to make it an issue for his re-election on November&nbsp;3 against Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-rival-biden-opposes-god-and-guns-he-responds-318772" hreflang="en">Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds</a>

"Just like Radical Left&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;is trying to destroy the NRA, if Biden becomes President your great second amendment&nbsp;doesn't have a chance," Trump said on Twitter. "Your guns will be taken away, immediately and without notice. No police, no guns!"

Biden has not called for confiscating guns. He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks.

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FILE PHOTO: Remington firearms sit on a rack at the National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meeting, in Indianapolis, Indiana, US/REUTERS

'Power&nbsp;grab'

The NRA branded the lawsuit a "baseless, premeditated attack" and a "power grab" tied to the campaign.

"We not only will not shrink from this fight – we will confront it and prevail," NRA President Carolyn Meadows said in a statement.

Apparently expecting James' suit, the NRA fought back with the suit of its own in the Northern District of&nbsp;New&nbsp;York, saying James had been targeting the NRA politically ever since she ran for attorney general in 2018, vowing to take on the NRA which she called a "criminal enterprise."

The NRA is subject to&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;law because it is registered there as a non-profit. Its physical headquarters are in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.

James' suit coincided with another one filed against the NRA and its foundation by the attorney general for Washington, D.C., in the district's Superior Court, alleging the misuse of charitable funds and wasteful spending.

Briefing reporters, James denied the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;suit was motivated by the NRA's support for Trump. Her written statement said the NRA's power had gone unchecked for decades, "which is why, today, we seek to dissolve the NRA."

Gun control groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, both funded by billionaire and former&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, praised the suit.

"We have been warning regulators and the public about this corruption for years," Everytown said on Twitter.

Moms Demand Action sarcastically offered that "our thoughts and prayers are with Wayne LaPierre and his cronies at the NRA," mocking the common refrain used following mass shootings.

New York state's attorney general sued to dissolve the National Rifle Association on Thursday, alleging senior leaders of the non-profit group diverted millions of dollars for personal use and to buy the silence and loyalty of former employees.

New York state's attorney general sued to dissolve the National Rifle Association on Thursday, alleging senior leaders of the non-profit group diverted millions of dollars for personal use and to buy the silence and loyalty of former employees. The lawsuit filed in a Manhattan court by Attorney General Letitia James alleges NRA leaders paid for family trips to the Bahamas, private jets and expensive meals that contributed to a $64 million reduction in the NRA's balance sheet in three years, turning a surplus into a deficit. New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, speaks during a news conference, to announce a suit to dissolve the National Rifle Association, In New York/ REUTERS The NRA responded by suing James in federal court, saying she had violated the NRA's right to free speech and seeking to block her investigation. James alleged in a statement that NRA leaders "used millions upon millions from NRA reserves for personal use," failing to comply with the NRA's own internal policies in addition to state and federal law. She told reporters the NRA "has operated as a breeding ground for greed, abuse and brazen illegality," adding that "no one is above the law." Also read: US arms sales to Taiwan violates 'One China' principle: China The lawsuit names the NRA and four leaders including Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice-president who has been atop the leadership for nearly three decades. The confrontation pits James, a Democrat, against the largest and most powerful gun organization in the United States, one closely aligned with President Donald Trump's Republican Party. The actions are certain to further polarize a country where the NRA is revered by conservatives as a champion of the US Constitution and its Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms while at the same time it is vilified by liberals as an enabler of rampant gun violence. Trump sought to make it an issue for his re-election on November 3 against Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Also read: Trump says rival Biden opposes 'God and guns'; he responds "Just like Radical Left New York is trying to destroy the NRA, if Biden becomes President your great second amendment doesn't have a chance," Trump said on Twitter. "Your guns will be taken away, immediately and without notice. No police, no guns!" Biden has not called for confiscating guns. He has said he would seek to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, let people who own assault weapons sell them back voluntarily, and expand background checks. FILE PHOTO: Remington firearms sit on a rack at the National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meeting, in Indianapolis, Indiana, US/REUTERS 'Power grab' The NRA branded the lawsuit a "baseless, premeditated attack" and a "power grab" tied to the campaign. "We not only will not shrink from this fight – we will confront it and prevail," NRA President Carolyn Meadows said in a statement. Apparently expecting James' suit, the NRA fought back with the suit of its own in the Northern District of New York, saying James had been targeting the NRA politically ever since she ran for attorney general in 2018, vowing to take on the NRA which she called a "criminal enterprise." The NRA is subject to New York law because it is registered there as a non-profit. Its physical headquarters are in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. James' suit coincided with another one filed against the NRA and its foundation by the attorney general for Washington, D.C., in the district's Superior Court, alleging the misuse of charitable funds and wasteful spending. Briefing reporters, James denied the New York suit was motivated by the NRA's support for Trump. Her written statement said the NRA's power had gone unchecked for decades, "which is why, today, we seek to dissolve the NRA." Gun control groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, both funded by billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, praised the suit. "We have been warning regulators and the public about this corruption for years," Everytown said on Twitter. Moms Demand Action sarcastically offered that "our thoughts and prayers are with Wayne LaPierre and his cronies at the NRA," mocking the common refrain used following mass shootings.

New York attorney general sues to dissolve US gun lobby group NRA

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital&nbsp;for 128 days.

Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus.

He was put on ventilator for as life support for 51 days after his condition showed no signs for improvement. During this period, he&nbsp;he endured seizures and infections. When his health further deteriorated his wife had to stop doctors from pulling the plug.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marks-second-day-with-over-70000-new-coronavirus-cases-1000-deaths-315849" hreflang="en">US marks second day with over 70,000 new coronavirus cases, 1,000 deaths</a>

Kelly said he was the ''sickest patient&nbsp;at Mount Sinai Morningside'' and while he was in a coma, he had pneumonia in both lungs."

"I was agitated so they gave me fentanyl to calm me down. I got addicted to the fentanyl so they had to wean me down on methadone, and I had a massive brain bleed, which they say covered my entire brain."&nbsp;"They threw everything at me, I got addicted to fentanyl, they had to wean me off. I'm a recovering drug addict, I don't even remember it," he said in statement given to CNN

"I was in a very dark place, but something pulled me out. And if that's a miracle, that's a miracle," he added.

His brother gave him the nickname "Miracle Larry", a moniker that has come to define his fight.

The 64-year-old's only hope of surviving the deadly virus was a promise he made to his wife&nbsp;Dawn and&nbsp;daughter.

When Kelly was in&nbsp;drug-induced coma he had told them&nbsp;“I promise I’ll never stop fighting.”

After getting released from hospital, the first thing Kelly did was to hug them both who were waiting outside his ward to take him home.

The United States has recorded&nbsp;4.1 million cases of the virus which have resulted in 145,324 fatalities.

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital for 128 days. Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus.

A man in New York called ‘Miracle Larry’ has finally come home after fighting for his life at a Manhattan hospital for 128 days. Larry Kelly was hospitalized March 17 after contracting coronavirus when New York was an an epicentre of the novel virus. He was put on ventilator for as life support for 51 days after his condition showed no signs for improvement. During this period, he he endured seizures and infections. When his health further deteriorated his wife had to stop doctors from pulling the plug. Also read: US marks second day with over 70,000 new coronavirus cases, 1,000 deaths Kelly said he was the ''sickest patient at Mount Sinai Morningside'' and while he was in a coma, he had pneumonia in both lungs." "I was agitated so they gave me fentanyl to calm me down. I got addicted to the fentanyl so they had to wean me down on methadone, and I had a massive brain bleed, which they say covered my entire brain." "They threw everything at me, I got addicted to fentanyl, they had to wean me off. I'm a recovering drug addict, I don't even remember it," he said in statement given to CNN "I was in a very dark place, but something pulled me out. And if that's a miracle, that's a miracle," he added. His brother gave him the nickname "Miracle Larry", a moniker that has come to define his fight. The 64-year-old's only hope of surviving the deadly virus was a promise he made to his wife Dawn and daughter. When Kelly was in drug-induced coma he had told them “I promise I’ll never stop fighting.” After getting released from hospital, the first thing Kelly did was to hug them both who were waiting outside his ward to take him home. The United States has recorded 4.1 million cases of the virus which have resulted in 145,324 fatalities.

COVID-19 survivor ‘Miracle Larry’ leaves NYC hospital after 128 days in hospital

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