<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-security-vital-for-both-us-and-india-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251331">US President Donald Trump</a> on Sunday evening landed in New York's John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) airport for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Security beefed up outside Trump Tower in New York City for the president's visit ahead of the UNGA.

New York Police Department (NYPD) officers, some on horses, could be seen guarding the barricaded area outside the building.&nbsp;

Onlookers crowded the sidewalks behind the barricades on New York's Fifth Avenue.

Trump is expected to tout US leadership and a collective approach to challenges while at the United Nations this week, said a senior administration official on Friday, as Washington seeks to use the gathering of world leaders to build support to take on Iran and call out China over rights abuses.

Trump will meet at least a dozen leaders during his three days in New York.

India has never invested in the United States like this before: President Trump at 'Howdy, Modi' event

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-never-invested-in-the-united-states-like-this-before-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-251358/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

On Sunday, the US president attended the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-loves-india-tweets-trump-after-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251332">''Howdy, Modi'' event at Houston</a> with Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-key-takeaways-pm-modi-trump-meeting-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251337">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at "Howdy, Modi" event at the NRG stadium with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties.

(With inputs from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday evening landed in New York's John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) airport for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

US President Donald Trump on Sunday evening landed in New York's John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) airport for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Security beefed up outside Trump Tower in New York City for the president's visit ahead of the UNGA. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers, some on horses, could be seen guarding the barricaded area outside the building. Onlookers crowded the sidewalks behind the barricades on New York's Fifth Avenue. Trump is expected to tout US leadership and a collective approach to challenges while at the United Nations this week, said a senior administration official on Friday, as Washington seeks to use the gathering of world leaders to build support to take on Iran and call out China over rights abuses. Trump will meet at least a dozen leaders during his three days in New York. India has never invested in the United States like this before: President Trump at 'Howdy, Modi' event On Sunday, the US president attended the ''Howdy, Modi'' event at Houston with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at "Howdy, Modi" event at the NRG stadium with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties. (With inputs from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump arrives in New York ahead of UNGA

Even the U.S claims that Indian students are 2nd highest international student group. Indian religious communities aid in charity work in the U.S and the Indian diaspora in the U.S is highly educated. So today, let's understand the Modi effect on Indian diaspora across the U.S, Indian diaspora's power, India's soft power in the U.S, & India's foreign policy for its diaspora in the U.S.

Setting The Agenda: Live From New York, 23rd Sept 2019

Multiple bilateral engagements are on the agenda of PM Modi's US visit. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi US visit: Multiple bilateral engagements on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing over 50,000 Indian-Americans at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event, made a veiled attack on Pakistan without naming it. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi takes a jibe at Imran Khan, targets Pakistan

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans.

"We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

"The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world."

Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government.

Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America. Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans. "We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. "The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world." Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government. Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Coordinated sanctions could stop Maduro from destabilizing region: Colombian President Ivan Duque

Watch WION from studios of VOA Live and Exclusive from New York .

Watch: WION from studios of VOA live and exclusive from New York

Tens of thousands strike against climate change in around 150 countries. Millions of people are led by Thunberg to the strikes in New York. NY official to allow 1.1 mn students to skip their schools. Watch this video to know more.

Tens of thousands strike against climate change in around 150 countries

India's permanent representative at the UN Syed Akbaruddin slams Pakistan in New York. He said that ''If Pak stoops low, We will soar higher. Poison pens don't work for too long.''

India's permanent representative at UN Syed Akbaruddin slams Pakistan in New York

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States on late afternoon of September 21 till the forenoon of September 27. Gokhale noted that the two cities that are on the prime minister’s itinerary are Houston in Texas and then in New York.

WION Dispatch: Itinerary of PM Modi's US visit revealed

Know 3 main pillars to PM Modi's US visit

Indian Foreign ministry briefs media, PM Modi to visit US from September 21-27

President Maduro to give a UNGA a miss, He said he will not attend the meeting of UNGA but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Mary Triny, Correspondent on Maduro to skip meeting of UNGA

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday (September 12) he will not travel to New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce U.S. sanctions on the OPEC(Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to skip United Nations General Assembly

Seems like singer Miley Cyrus and Kaitlynn Carter's romance is heating up! Carter was recently spotted wearing a ring with the letter 'M'&nbsp;on a date with Cyrus in New York City. Carter was photographed with the ring on her engagement finger as she and the 26-year-old singer left their hotel in Manhattan, reported a magazine. 
 
The 31-year-old was spotted with a gold ring on her engagement finger, which was inscribed with her Miley's first initial. Cyrus previously wore a necklace with the letter in the same font on the red carpet at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards. 
 
A source told a magazine earlier this month that the couple has "really fallen''&nbsp;for each other since they were first seen kissing on a vacation in Italy in August. 
 
"Miley and Kaitlynn are on the same page, which is why they work so well together," the source said, noting that Carter's "free-spirited, nonjudgmental, fun personality" is what the 'Wrecking Ball'&nbsp;singer loves the most about her. The insider continued, "Miley feels she can totally be herself with Kaitlynn and is really comfortable around her." 
 
Cyrus and Carter's romance rumours came a day before the outlet confirmed that 'Hannah Montana'&nbsp;star and her husband and actor Liam Hemsworth had parted ways after almost eight months of marriage. 
 
Hemsworth officially filed for divorce on August 21. Before her relationship with the singer, Carter dated her 'Hills'&nbsp;co-star Brody Jenner for four years. The two tied the knot in Indonesia in June 2018. The two called it quits in August. The news came a week before Cyrus&nbsp;make-out photos with Carter.

Seems like singer Miley Cyrus and Kaitlynn Carter's romance is heating up! Carter was recently spotted wearing a ring with the letter 'M' on a date with Cyrus in New York City.

Seems like singer Miley Cyrus and Kaitlynn Carter's romance is heating up! Carter was recently spotted wearing a ring with the letter 'M' on a date with Cyrus in New York City. Carter was photographed with the ring on her engagement finger as she and the 26-year-old singer left their hotel in Manhattan, reported a magazine. The 31-year-old was spotted with a gold ring on her engagement finger, which was inscribed with her Miley's first initial. Cyrus previously wore a necklace with the letter in the same font on the red carpet at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards. A source told a magazine earlier this month that the couple has "really fallen'' for each other since they were first seen kissing on a vacation in Italy in August. "Miley and Kaitlynn are on the same page, which is why they work so well together," the source said, noting that Carter's "free-spirited, nonjudgmental, fun personality" is what the 'Wrecking Ball' singer loves the most about her. The insider continued, "Miley feels she can totally be herself with Kaitlynn and is really comfortable around her." Cyrus and Carter's romance rumours came a day before the outlet confirmed that 'Hannah Montana' star and her husband and actor Liam Hemsworth had parted ways after almost eight months of marriage. Hemsworth officially filed for divorce on August 21. Before her relationship with the singer, Carter dated her 'Hills' co-star Brody Jenner for four years. The two tied the knot in Indonesia in June 2018. The two called it quits in August. The news came a week before Cyrus make-out photos with Carter.

Kaitlynn Carter wears 'M' ring on date with Miley Cyrus

New York Fashion Week is setting a new trend for September with a shorter more robust schedule. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has dropped the official calendar from six days to five days and nights under the leadership of new chairman, designer Tom Ford.

It's quality verses quantity as New York Fashion Week trims its official schedule

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name.

"It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest.

The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic.&nbsp;

"My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time.

Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April.

The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming.

Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change.

She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes.

The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann.

Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however.

'Insane'

Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe.

Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman.

Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset."

A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies.

She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center.

The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her.

Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet.

"It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling.

Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday.

The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20.

The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity.

It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour).

Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe.

Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday. The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name. "It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest. The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic. "My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time. Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April. The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming. Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change. She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes. The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann. Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however. 'Insane' Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe. Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman. Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset." A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies. She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center. The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her. Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet. "It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling. Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday. The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20. The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity. It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour). Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe. Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

'War on nature must end,' says activist Greta Thunberg in New York

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said she <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-campaigner-greta-prepares-to-sail-to-the-us-to-avoid-flying-242767">expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday</a>, completing her zero-carbon Atlantic crossing on a yacht.

The Malizia II racing yacht -- skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann -- left Plymouth in southern England on August 14 for a two-week voyage in order to enable the Swedish teen to attend a UN summit on zero emissions in September in New York.

The 16-year-old, whose school strikes have inspired children across the world to protest against global warming, refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes.

On Monday, the sailboat was nearing the US coast with strong downwinds.

"Strong winds are pushing us west. We expect to arrive at North Cove Marina in Manhattan, New York sometime Tuesday afternoon or evening," Thunberg wrote on Twitter.

In a video post published late Sunday, she said the boat was travelling at "between 20 and 25 knots" and it was "very rough, and very high waves."

The teen marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20.

She began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to raise the awareness of members of parliament to the urgency of climate change.

She was swiftly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

The 18-metre yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides while there are two hydro-generators which together provide all the electricity needed on board.

Her voyage has however sparked controversy after a spokesman for Herrmann, the yacht's co-skipper, told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe. Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman.

Team Malizia's manager insisted however that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset."

Thunberg has meanwhile said that she doesn't yet know how she will return to Europe when the time comes.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said she expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday, completing her zero-carbon Atlantic crossing on a yacht. The Malizia II racing yacht -- skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann -- left Plymouth in southern England on August 14 for a two-week voyage in order to enable the Swedish teen to attend a UN summit on zero emissions in September in New York.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said she expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday, completing her zero-carbon Atlantic crossing on a yacht. The Malizia II racing yacht -- skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann -- left Plymouth in southern England on August 14 for a two-week voyage in order to enable the Swedish teen to attend a UN summit on zero emissions in September in New York. The 16-year-old, whose school strikes have inspired children across the world to protest against global warming, refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes. On Monday, the sailboat was nearing the US coast with strong downwinds. "Strong winds are pushing us west. We expect to arrive at North Cove Marina in Manhattan, New York sometime Tuesday afternoon or evening," Thunberg wrote on Twitter. In a video post published late Sunday, she said the boat was travelling at "between 20 and 25 knots" and it was "very rough, and very high waves." The teen marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20. She began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to raise the awareness of members of parliament to the urgency of climate change. She was swiftly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. The 18-metre yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides while there are two hydro-generators which together provide all the electricity needed on board. Her voyage has however sparked controversy after a spokesman for Herrmann, the yacht's co-skipper, told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe. Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman. Team Malizia's manager insisted however that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset." Thunberg has meanwhile said that she doesn't yet know how she will return to Europe when the time comes.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's yacht due in New York on Tuesday

A 19-jet aerial parade soared over the Hudson River in New York on Thursday (August 22) in advance of the New York International Air Show.

'People have a love affair with aviation' - UK and US military teams fly over the Hudson River

Fans cheered wildly as Meat Loaf took to the stage in New York on Tuesday night for a surprise performance of the new musical "Bat Out of Hell," featuring songs from the recording artist's trilogy of Grammy Award-winning albums.

Meat Loaf treats fans to surprise performance at new musical

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulator-cites-new-flaw-on-grounded-boeing-737-max-230998"> US Federal Aviation Administration</a> (FAA).

The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm&nbsp;(20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said.

The FAA said it will initiate an investigation into what caused the crash.

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm (20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said.

A small plane carrying three people crashed into a house in New York, said US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane crashed into the house located in the state's Dutchess County on Saturday at 4:29 pm (20:29 GMT), Sputnik reported citing local media reports Details regarding the passengers are still unknown, the FAA said. The FAA said it will initiate an investigation into what caused the crash.

Small plane with 3 on board crashes into a house in New York

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;by&nbsp;hanging&nbsp;was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-irregularities-at-prison-where-epstein-died-us-attorney-general-242548">cause of&nbsp;death&nbsp;for financier Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein</a>, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The sparely worded&nbsp;official&nbsp;announcement detailing the&nbsp;autopsy&nbsp;conclusions rebutted a host of conspiracy theories - including one promoted by President Donald Trump - that had circulated on social media about the&nbsp;death&nbsp;of the well-connected former money manager.

Epstein's lawyers said they were "not satisfied" with the medical examiner's conclusions and planned to carry out their investigation, seeking prison videos taken around the time of his&nbsp;death.

Epstein, 66, was found unresponsive on Saturday in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), triggering investigations into the circumstances of his&nbsp;death.&nbsp;

He was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14.

Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson said her determination of the cause of&nbsp;death&nbsp;came after a "careful review of all investigative information, including complete&nbsp;autopsy findings."

"Cause:&nbsp;Hanging. Manner:&nbsp;Suicide," the statement said, without providing supporting details for Sampson's findings.

Details of the findings had been leaking into the news media over the past few days.

Two law enforcement sources told Reuters on Thursday that&nbsp;Epstein's neck had been broken in several places, confirming a Washington Post report that to some had raised questions about possible foul play.

Epstein, a registered sex offender who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida state charges of unlawfully paying a teenage girl for sex.

Epstein&nbsp;had been on&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;watch at the jail but was taken off before his&nbsp;death, a source who was not authorized to speak on the matter said previously.&nbsp;

At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed, the source added.

"It is indisputable that the authorities violated their protocols,"&nbsp;Epstein's lawyers Martin Weinberg, Reid Weingarten, and Michael Miller said in a statement, describing conditions in the area he was held as, "harsh, even medieval."

US Attorney General William Barr has criticized "serious irregularities" at the facility.

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that suicide by hanging was the cause of death for financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

New York City's chief medical examiner determined on Friday that suicide by hanging was the cause of death for financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose body was found six days ago in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The sparely worded official announcement detailing the autopsy conclusions rebutted a host of conspiracy theories - including one promoted by President Donald Trump - that had circulated on social media about the death of the well-connected former money manager. Epstein's lawyers said they were "not satisfied" with the medical examiner's conclusions and planned to carry out their investigation, seeking prison videos taken around the time of his death. Epstein, 66, was found unresponsive on Saturday in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), triggering investigations into the circumstances of his death. He was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of underage girls as young as 14. Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson said her determination of the cause of death came after a "careful review of all investigative information, including complete autopsy findings." "Cause: Hanging. Manner: Suicide," the statement said, without providing supporting details for Sampson's findings. Details of the findings had been leaking into the news media over the past few days. Two law enforcement sources told Reuters on Thursday that Epstein's neck had been broken in several places, confirming a Washington Post report that to some had raised questions about possible foul play. Epstein, a registered sex offender who once counted Trump and former President Bill Clinton as friends, pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida state charges of unlawfully paying a teenage girl for sex. Epstein had been on suicide watch at the jail but was taken off before his death, a source who was not authorized to speak on the matter said previously. At the MCC, two jail guards are required to make separate checks on all prisoners every 30 minutes, but that procedure was not followed, the source added. "It is indisputable that the authorities violated their protocols," Epstein's lawyers Martin Weinberg, Reid Weingarten, and Michael Miller said in a statement, describing conditions in the area he was held as, "harsh, even medieval." US Attorney General William Barr has criticized "serious irregularities" at the facility.

The official autopsy concludes Epstein death was suicide by hanging

A MoveOn.org petition to rename part of the street right outside of Trump Tower in New York to "President Barack H. Obama Avenue" has amassed over 300,000 signatures.

More than 300,000 sign petition to rename Trump Tower street after Obama

Mysteries of the deep: How some sharks glow green in the dark

People in New York mistaken motorcycle's backfiring for gunshots, creates panic. Watch video to know more.

People in New York mistaken motorcycle's backfiring for gunshots, creates panic

Japan has approved the shipment of a high-tech material to South Korea for the first time since imposing export curbs last month, but doubled down on political pressure and warned it could broaden restrictions on deliveries to its Asian neighbour.

Japan has approved the shipment of a high-tech material to South Korea for the first time since imposing export curbs last month, but doubled down on political pressure and warned it could broaden restrictions on deliveries to its Asian neighbour. The approval and subsequent warning illustrate how Tokyo is ready to up the ante in the diplomatic row and yet unwilling to fully cut off exports to South Korea. The dispute, rooted in their wartime past and exacerbated by the recent tightening of curbs on shipments of three high-tech components, has stoked nationalism and raised trade concerns. Relations between the two US allies worsened late last year as part of a decades-old dispute over compensation for forced labourers during Japan's occupation. South Korea has invoked its difficult history with Japan, which colonised the Korean peninsula during World War Two. "Usually, we don't announce each time we give export permission. However, the South Korean government has referred to our moves as an embargo on exports, which is unfair criticism," Japanese Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko told a briefing. It is the first time since the export curbs were introduced last month that Japan has allowed shipment of one of the three high-tech materials, he said. He was quick to add Tokyo would expand the curbs beyond the three specialised chemicals - fluorinated polyimides, photoresists and hydrogen fluoride - if there were any cases of "improper" use. Some of the chemicals, which are used to make smartphone displays and chips, can also be used in weapons. Japanese officials have cited unspecified security reasons for their export curbs. But they have pointed to an erosion of trust after South Korean court rulings last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate wartime forced labourers. Tokyo says the matter was settled by a 1965 treaty normalising bilateral ties. South Korea's president, Moon Jae-in, said on Thursday that tighter curbs would undermine Japan's international credibility and accused Tokyo of using its industrial advantage as a weapon against another country. "Even if there are any gains, it will be short-lived. In the end, it is a game without winners, where everyone, including Japan itself, becomes a victim," Moon said. White list The high-tech material that has been just cleared by Japan for export is EUV photoresists, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said. The chemical is crucial for Samsung's advanced contract chipmaking production. Samsung declined to comment. But it remains unclear if this approval from Tokyo signals a breakthrough in trade relations. "They approved only one out of a number of items," a South Korean senior trade ministry official pointed out. A presidential official said: "It doesn't mean that uncertainties have been completely removed for the other items." Japan has removed South Korea from the "white list" of countries with fast-track trade status, meaning some exporters may have to go through a lengthy permit application process to ship restricted items to South Korea. That covers a broad range of items, including those applicable to weapons production and machine tools. South Korea, which was scheduled to take a call on a plan to drop Japan from its "white list" on Thursday, has, however, put off the decision until further discussions. But the country has said it plans to tighten regulations on imported coal ashes, mostly from Japan, used to produce cement, and has proposed tax benefits for local firms in case they need to buy foreign chemical makers as Seoul tries to cut reliance on Japan. The curbs have also prompted concern among corporate Japan. "This situation benefits neither Japan nor South Korea," Masashi Oka, senior executive vice president at Nikon, told a recent briefing. "We strongly hope that both countries can return to normal economic activity as soon as possible." Given the curbs in place, Japan's approval to export the three materials could take up to 90 days, slowing shipments. Vital link The export curbs highlight how Japan controls a vital link in the global supply chain. It remains a major player in specialised chip components, even though it was overtaken as a chipmaker years ago by South Korea. At a New York event for a new flagship phone launch, the head of Samsung's mobile division told reporters he could not rule out a potential impact on the supply chain for smartphone production if the curbs dragged on for more than four months. Shares of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo rose 3.9% and Stella Chemifa surged 10.1% after the latest export approval. Tokyo Ohka Kogyo makes photoresists and Stella Chemifa produces hydrogen fluoride, both materials affected by the export curbs. South Korean chipmakers are hitting a dead-end in their quest to find alternatives for key Japanese materials that have been slapped with restrictions, raising the prospect of major disruption to their operations in coming months.

Japan greenlights first South Korea export since July curbs, but with a warning

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&amp;B singer R&nbsp;Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor.

The new charges come days after the disgraced superstar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-pleads-not-guilty-denied-bail-on-us-charges-of-sex-crimes-236551">pleaded not guilty in New York to federal charges</a> including racketeering, which allege he systematically recruited girls for sex while touring.

He faces separate federal charges linked to child pornography in his hometown Chicago.

Along with the felony count of prostitution with a minor, Kelly also faces one count of soliciting a minor for sexual purposes, the attorney's office for Hennepin County, which includes the state's most populous city of Minneapolis, announced.

County Attorney Mike Freeman told journalists the charges are related to an incident dating to July 11, 2001, when a victim under 18 years old was attempting to obtain an autograph from Kelly, known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly."

The 52-year-old artist gave her the autograph along with a phone number, and after she called, she was invited to his hotel, Freeman said.

When the girl arrived, "she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance for him," he said. "After accepting the $200, she got naked and they proceeded to dance."

Freeman, who dubbed the incident "simply not acceptable," said sexual contact occurred but not intercourse.

She was then granted VIP access to one of his concerts, which was meant to be for adults 18 and over.

It is unclear when or whether the musician, whose given name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will appear in Minnesota to face the new charges.

Following his recent arraignment in New York, it was expected Kelly would return to Chicago, where he must attend a status hearing on September 4 in a case involving child pornography.

He was denied bond in both Chicago and New York.

Prior to his arrest in July over the federal indictments, Kelly had been out on bond in connection with state felony charges of aggravated sexual assault in Chicago's Cook County criminal court.

Kelly has a decades-long history of abuse allegations, especially of underage girls, but for years maintained a solid fan base, performed and won awards.

He began facing renewed scrutiny earlier this year upon the release of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which nabbed an Emmy nomination for outstanding informational series or special.

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&B singer R Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor.

The sprawling sex abuse scandal involving R&B singer R Kelly expanded on Monday to the state of Minnesota, where charges against him include engaging in prostitution with a minor. The new charges come days after the disgraced superstar pleaded not guilty in New York to federal charges including racketeering, which allege he systematically recruited girls for sex while touring. He faces separate federal charges linked to child pornography in his hometown Chicago. Along with the felony count of prostitution with a minor, Kelly also faces one count of soliciting a minor for sexual purposes, the attorney's office for Hennepin County, which includes the state's most populous city of Minneapolis, announced. County Attorney Mike Freeman told journalists the charges are related to an incident dating to July 11, 2001, when a victim under 18 years old was attempting to obtain an autograph from Kelly, known for hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly." The 52-year-old artist gave her the autograph along with a phone number, and after she called, she was invited to his hotel, Freeman said. When the girl arrived, "she was offered $200 to take off her clothes and dance for him," he said. "After accepting the $200, she got naked and they proceeded to dance." Freeman, who dubbed the incident "simply not acceptable," said sexual contact occurred but not intercourse. She was then granted VIP access to one of his concerts, which was meant to be for adults 18 and over. It is unclear when or whether the musician, whose given name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, will appear in Minnesota to face the new charges. Following his recent arraignment in New York, it was expected Kelly would return to Chicago, where he must attend a status hearing on September 4 in a case involving child pornography. He was denied bond in both Chicago and New York. Prior to his arrest in July over the federal indictments, Kelly had been out on bond in connection with state felony charges of aggravated sexual assault in Chicago's Cook County criminal court. Kelly has a decades-long history of abuse allegations, especially of underage girls, but for years maintained a solid fan base, performed and won awards. He began facing renewed scrutiny earlier this year upon the release of the docu-series "Surviving R. Kelly," which nabbed an Emmy nomination for outstanding informational series or special.

After pleading not guilty in New York, R Kelly faces new sex abuse charges in Minnesota

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">The Taliban</a> governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency.

Here is some background:

Religious students

The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation.

They are named from Talib, the Arabic word for a student.

In the early 1990s, with Afghanistan in the chaos and corruption of civil war, the Taliban grouped in the southern province of Kandahar under the leadership of one eyed warrior cleric Mullah Omar.

Omar, who led them until his death in 2013, was from the area, a stronghold of the powerful Pashtun ethnic group from which come most Taliban fighters.

Haibatullah Akhundzada is now the insurgents' top leader, while Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar heads the political wing.

Dramatic rise to power

Promising to restore order and justice, the Taliban rose dramatically.

They drew substantial support from Pakistan and initially had the tacit approval of the United States.

In October 1994 they seized the southern capital of Kandahar, almost without a fight.

Equipped with tanks, heavy weapons and the cash to buy the support of local commanders, they steadily moved north, before capturing the capital on September 27, 1996.

President Burhanuddin Rabbani had already fled.

Taliban dragged former communist president Mohammed Najibullah from the United Nations office where he had been sheltering and hanged him on a public street.&nbsp;

A regime of terror

The Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice".

Music, television, and pastimes such as kite flying were banned. Girls schools were closed; women were prevented from working and forced to wear an all-covering burkha in public.

Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves, public executions and stoning to death women accused of adultery.&nbsp;

By 1998 they had control of 80 per cent of the country but were only recognized as the legal government by Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

In March 2001 they blew up 1,500-year-old giant statues of the Buddha in the central Bamiyan valley, considered anti-Islamic.

Mullah Omar was based mostly in Kandahar where he lived in a house reportedly built for him by the chief of the Al-Qaeda jihadist group, Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden.

The Taliban allowed Afghanistan to become a sanctuary for Al-Qaeda, which set up training camps.

Taliban toppled

The September 11, 2001 attacks that killed 3,000 people in New York and Washington were immediately blamed on Al-Qaeda.

Accusing the Taliban of refusing to hand over Bin Laden, the United States and its allies launched airstrikes on Afghanistan in October.

By early December the Taliban government had fallen, its leaders fleeing to their strongholds in the south and east or back across the border into Pakistan's tribal zone.

Bloody insurgency

At first, written off as a spent force, the Taliban rebuilt and re-emerged to lead an insurgency against the new Western-backed government.

Making heavy use of improvised bombings and suicide attacks, they labeled as "crusaders" the tens of thousands of foreign troops deployed into the country as part of a US dominated NATO force.

But the NATO combat mission in December 2014 ended and the bulk of Western forces withdrew.

In July 2015 Pakistan hosted the first direct talks between Afghan and Taliban leaders, with support from China and the US, but they collapsed after Mullah Omar's death was revealed.

The rival Islamic State jihadist group emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, launching its own series of devastating attacks, mainly in Kabul.

A UN tally found that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for Afghans, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children.

Direct talks between the US and the Taliban started last year, with the effort led since September by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a previous ambassador to Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

The Taliban governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency. Here is some background: Religious students The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation.

The Taliban governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, imposing strict Islamic sharia law before being ousted and launching an insurgency. Here is some background: Religious students The Taliban originated among young Afghans who studied in Sunni Muslim schools called madrassas in Pakistan after fleeing Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation. They are named from Talib, the Arabic word for a student. In the early 1990s, with Afghanistan in the chaos and corruption of civil war, the Taliban grouped in the southern province of Kandahar under the leadership of one eyed warrior cleric Mullah Omar. Omar, who led them until his death in 2013, was from the area, a stronghold of the powerful Pashtun ethnic group from which come most Taliban fighters. Haibatullah Akhundzada is now the insurgents' top leader, while Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar heads the political wing. Dramatic rise to power Promising to restore order and justice, the Taliban rose dramatically. They drew substantial support from Pakistan and initially had the tacit approval of the United States. In October 1994 they seized the southern capital of Kandahar, almost without a fight. Equipped with tanks, heavy weapons and the cash to buy the support of local commanders, they steadily moved north, before capturing the capital on September 27, 1996. President Burhanuddin Rabbani had already fled. Taliban dragged former communist president Mohammed Najibullah from the United Nations office where he had been sheltering and hanged him on a public street. A regime of terror The Taliban government imposed the strictest interpretations of sharia, establishing religious police for the suppression of "vice". Music, television, and pastimes such as kite flying were banned. Girls schools were closed; women were prevented from working and forced to wear an all-covering burkha in public. Taliban courts handed out extreme punishments including chopping off the hands of thieves, public executions and stoning to death women accused of adultery. By 1998 they had control of 80 per cent of the country but were only recognized as the legal government by Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. In March 2001 they blew up 1,500-year-old giant statues of the Buddha in the central Bamiyan valley, considered anti-Islamic. Mullah Omar was based mostly in Kandahar where he lived in a house reportedly built for him by the chief of the Al-Qaeda jihadist group, Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden. The Taliban allowed Afghanistan to become a sanctuary for Al-Qaeda, which set up training camps. Taliban toppled The September 11, 2001 attacks that killed 3,000 people in New York and Washington were immediately blamed on Al-Qaeda. Accusing the Taliban of refusing to hand over Bin Laden, the United States and its allies launched airstrikes on Afghanistan in October. By early December the Taliban government had fallen, its leaders fleeing to their strongholds in the south and east or back across the border into Pakistan's tribal zone. Bloody insurgency At first, written off as a spent force, the Taliban rebuilt and re-emerged to lead an insurgency against the new Western-backed government. Making heavy use of improvised bombings and suicide attacks, they labeled as "crusaders" the tens of thousands of foreign troops deployed into the country as part of a US dominated NATO force. But the NATO combat mission in December 2014 ended and the bulk of Western forces withdrew. In July 2015 Pakistan hosted the first direct talks between Afghan and Taliban leaders, with support from China and the US, but they collapsed after Mullah Omar's death was revealed. The rival Islamic State jihadist group emerged in Afghanistan in 2015, launching its own series of devastating attacks, mainly in Kabul. A UN tally found that 2018 was the deadliest year on record for Afghans, with at least 3,804 civilian deaths caused by the war -- including 927 children. Direct talks between the US and the Taliban started last year, with the effort led since September by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a previous ambassador to Afghanistan.

The rise and rise of Afghanistan's Taliban movement

The New York congresswoman who sponsored a bill to permanently fund healthcare costs for people sickened by toxic fumes on the site of the 9/11 attacks says she feels "great relief" after President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on Monday.

Maloney: 'relief' as Trump signs 9/11 victims bill

Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready.

The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career.

He returned to doubles action at Queen's Club this year, winning the title with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, and also played men's doubles with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert and mixed with Serena Williams at Wimbledon.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had previously said it was extremely unlikely he would be ready to play singles at the US Open but now believes a return on the Cincinnati hardcourts in two weeks' time is possible.

"I'm closer than I thought," Murray said at the Citi Open in Washington where he is playing doubles with brother Jamie.

"Best case scenario probably would be Cincinnati," he said.

"And then if I wasn't able to play in Cincinnati, there's a good chance I would probably wait until after New York, because I wouldn't want my first tournament, either, to be playing best-of-five sets."

Murray said he is practising singles in Washington and is also lined up to play doubles at the Rogers Cup next week in Toronto with Lopez.

"In terms of moving and feeling and waking up the next day, I'm feeling good," Murray said. "I'm quite close but there's stuff that would need to get better.

"I could (play singles), but to get where I would want to be I'd have to get back in the gym and get my cardio better."

Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready. The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career.

Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready. The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career. He returned to doubles action at Queen's Club this year, winning the title with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, and also played men's doubles with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert and mixed with Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had previously said it was extremely unlikely he would be ready to play singles at the US Open but now believes a return on the Cincinnati hardcourts in two weeks' time is possible. "I'm closer than I thought," Murray said at the Citi Open in Washington where he is playing doubles with brother Jamie. "Best case scenario probably would be Cincinnati," he said. "And then if I wasn't able to play in Cincinnati, there's a good chance I would probably wait until after New York, because I wouldn't want my first tournament, either, to be playing best-of-five sets." Murray said he is practising singles in Washington and is also lined up to play doubles at the Rogers Cup next week in Toronto with Lopez. "In terms of moving and feeling and waking up the next day, I'm feeling good," Murray said. "I'm quite close but there's stuff that would need to get better. "I could (play singles), but to get where I would want to be I'd have to get back in the gym and get my cardio better."

Andy Murray closer than he thought to singles return

Fortnite World Cup success: How women, teenagers are changing the billion dollar worldwide gaming industry

16-year-old Kyle Giersdorf, who’s known by his video gaming handle “Bugha,” won the $3 million grand prize at the Fortnite World Cup held Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Fortnite World Cup: 16-year-old wins ultimate battle royale, gets $3 million prize money

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