As states have begun vaccinating Americans with medical conditions that may raise their risk for a severe case of COVID-19, they are setting widely varying rules about which conditions to prioritize.

The morass of guidelines has set off a free-for-all among people with underlying health problems like cancer or Type 2 diabetes to persuade state health and political officials to add particular conditions to an evolving vaccine priority list.

In Royal Oak, Michigan, Megan Bauer, who lives with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that can cause serious lung infections, said she was grateful that other people with heightened risks were getting vaccinated: health care workers, teachers, her 81-year-old grandmother. If Bauer lived in Montana, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or at least 14 other states, she could get the vaccine now, too. But not in Michigan.

“The wait seems never-ending,” Bauer said. “With cystic fibrosis, every day is precious, so losing this time is difficult.”

In the initial months of the COVID vaccine rollout, states sought to balance between prioritizing older people, who are most likely to die from the virus, and people in professions most likely to be exposed to it. Under recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with medical conditions that have been associated with an increased risk for severe virus symptoms, were slated to come next.

At least 37 states, as well as Washington, D.C., are now allowing some residents with certain health problems to receive vaccines, according to a New York Times survey. But the health issues granted higher priority differ from state to state, and even county to county.

Some people with Down syndrome may get vaccines in at least 35 states, for instance, but some of those states are not offering shots to people with other developmental conditions. At least 30 states allow some people with Type 2 diabetes to get vaccines, but only 23 states include people with Type 1 diabetes. At least 19 states are making the vaccine available to some people with cystic fibrosis; at least 14 have included some people with liver disease; and at least 15 have deemed some smokers eligible. At least 30 states have prioritized vaccines for people who are overweight or obese, according to the Times survey, though they vary even there, some setting the bar at a body mass index of 25, others at 30 or 40.

Some states require people to prove they have a medical condition, although at least 16 states and Washington, D.C., do not. And at least 12 states allow people to get a recommendation from a health professional to get a shot, even if their medical condition has not been given priority by the state.

In the absence of large, rigorous studies of the coronavirus’s effect on people with other medical problems, medical ethicists said, there are few clear principles to apply to determine a priority sequence among many conditions. Many states are taking their cues from a list of 12 sorts of conditions that the CDC has deemed to have substantial evidence for elevated COVID risks, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, smoking and Down syndrome. CDC officials have said that they regularly review the scientific literature and will expand the list as warranted.

But some medical ethicists argue that the list itself is misleading, because it suggests that the risks for all diagnoses have been considered and ranked. Is a 50-year-old with Type 1 diabetes at greater risk from COVID than a 25-year-old with sickle cell disease, or a 35-year-old with intellectual disabilities?

The issue has set off a flurry of jockeying by advocacy groups to sway health and political leaders in state capitols to move particular health conditions higher on priority lists.

Because the vaccine rules can be set by governors — who typically consult with hospital officials and their own medical and ethical advisory groups — many appeals have taken a personal bent: “@GovMikeDeWine,” Hanna Detwiler, a bone-marrow transplant patient in Columbus, Ohio, tweeted about her inability to get a vaccine last month, “Do better.”

About three dozen health advocacy groups sent a letter in late January to Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York after growing concerned that the state might not explicitly include people with HIV on its priority list for shots. The groups cited the state health department’s own research on HIV as a risk factor for getting severely ill with COVID-19. New York ultimately became one of at least 14 states, along with Washington, D.C., to announce that HIV was on the vaccine priority list. A spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Health said this week that New York had always intended to include HIV patients on the priority list.

Across the country, the vaccine eligibility requirements are a moving target. Ohio added bone marrow transplant patients like Detwiler to its list last week after initially offering the vaccine only to those who had received a solid organ transplant. Next week, California, where only some counties have previously offered vaccines to people with medical conditions, will allow shots statewide to millions of people with health problems. That reversed the state’s earlier plan to prioritize shots based solely on age, which sparked high-profile opposition from disabilities rights advocates who used a hashtag #HighRiskCA.

Connecticut recently flipped in the opposite direction, ending plans to expand eligibility for shots to people with preexisting health conditions in favor of priorities based on age. And even some patient advocates who have pushed for inclusion are disheartened by what may be a system where the loudest voices, with perhaps the most funding or political clout, prevail.

“That is not how our public policies should be decided, on who is better at advocating,” said Kara Ayers, director of the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities, which has created a vaccine prioritization dashboard with the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center to help people with medical conditions track their status.

State government officials say their decisions on which health conditions to include often come down to some combination of evidence, logistics and political reality.

In Michigan, a recent announcement was bittersweet for Bauer. This week, the state expanded vaccine eligibility to people with cystic fibrosis and other medical conditions, so long as they are older than 50.

In 2019, the median age of death for people with cystic fibrosis in the United States was 32, according to a patient registry kept by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“Most people with CF,’’ said Bauer, who is 24, “may not be in that group.”

As states have begun vaccinating Americans with medical conditions that may raise their risk for a severe case of COVID-19, they are setting widely varying rules about which conditions to prioritize.

As states have begun vaccinating Americans with medical conditions that may raise their risk for a severe case of COVID-19, they are setting widely varying rules about which conditions to prioritize. The morass of guidelines has set off a free-for-all among people with underlying health problems like cancer or Type 2 diabetes to persuade state health and political officials to add particular conditions to an evolving vaccine priority list. In Royal Oak, Michigan, Megan Bauer, who lives with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that can cause serious lung infections, said she was grateful that other people with heightened risks were getting vaccinated: health care workers, teachers, her 81-year-old grandmother. If Bauer lived in Montana, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or at least 14 other states, she could get the vaccine now, too. But not in Michigan. “The wait seems never-ending,” Bauer said. “With cystic fibrosis, every day is precious, so losing this time is difficult.” In the initial months of the COVID vaccine rollout, states sought to balance between prioritizing older people, who are most likely to die from the virus, and people in professions most likely to be exposed to it. Under recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with medical conditions that have been associated with an increased risk for severe virus symptoms, were slated to come next. At least 37 states, as well as Washington, D.C., are now allowing some residents with certain health problems to receive vaccines, according to a New York Times survey. But the health issues granted higher priority differ from state to state, and even county to county. Some people with Down syndrome may get vaccines in at least 35 states, for instance, but some of those states are not offering shots to people with other developmental conditions. At least 30 states allow some people with Type 2 diabetes to get vaccines, but only 23 states include people with Type 1 diabetes. At least 19 states are making the vaccine available to some people with cystic fibrosis; at least 14 have included some people with liver disease; and at least 15 have deemed some smokers eligible. At least 30 states have prioritized vaccines for people who are overweight or obese, according to the Times survey, though they vary even there, some setting the bar at a body mass index of 25, others at 30 or 40. Some states require people to prove they have a medical condition, although at least 16 states and Washington, D.C., do not. And at least 12 states allow people to get a recommendation from a health professional to get a shot, even if their medical condition has not been given priority by the state. In the absence of large, rigorous studies of the coronavirus’s effect on people with other medical problems, medical ethicists said, there are few clear principles to apply to determine a priority sequence among many conditions. Many states are taking their cues from a list of 12 sorts of conditions that the CDC has deemed to have substantial evidence for elevated COVID risks, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, smoking and Down syndrome. CDC officials have said that they regularly review the scientific literature and will expand the list as warranted. But some medical ethicists argue that the list itself is misleading, because it suggests that the risks for all diagnoses have been considered and ranked. Is a 50-year-old with Type 1 diabetes at greater risk from COVID than a 25-year-old with sickle cell disease, or a 35-year-old with intellectual disabilities? The issue has set off a flurry of jockeying by advocacy groups to sway health and political leaders in state capitols to move particular health conditions higher on priority lists. Because the vaccine rules can be set by governors — who typically consult with hospital officials and their own medical and ethical advisory groups — many appeals have taken a personal bent: “@GovMikeDeWine,” Hanna Detwiler, a bone-marrow transplant patient in Columbus, Ohio, tweeted about her inability to get a vaccine last month, “Do better.” About three dozen health advocacy groups sent a letter in late January to Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York after growing concerned that the state might not explicitly include people with HIV on its priority list for shots. The groups cited the state health department’s own research on HIV as a risk factor for getting severely ill with COVID-19. New York ultimately became one of at least 14 states, along with Washington, D.C., to announce that HIV was on the vaccine priority list. A spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Health said this week that New York had always intended to include HIV patients on the priority list. Across the country, the vaccine eligibility requirements are a moving target. Ohio added bone marrow transplant patients like Detwiler to its list last week after initially offering the vaccine only to those who had received a solid organ transplant. Next week, California, where only some counties have previously offered vaccines to people with medical conditions, will allow shots statewide to millions of people with health problems. That reversed the state’s earlier plan to prioritize shots based solely on age, which sparked high-profile opposition from disabilities rights advocates who used a hashtag #HighRiskCA. Connecticut recently flipped in the opposite direction, ending plans to expand eligibility for shots to people with preexisting health conditions in favor of priorities based on age. And even some patient advocates who have pushed for inclusion are disheartened by what may be a system where the loudest voices, with perhaps the most funding or political clout, prevail. “That is not how our public policies should be decided, on who is better at advocating,” said Kara Ayers, director of the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities, which has created a vaccine prioritization dashboard with the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center to help people with medical conditions track their status. State government officials say their decisions on which health conditions to include often come down to some combination of evidence, logistics and political reality. In Michigan, a recent announcement was bittersweet for Bauer. This week, the state expanded vaccine eligibility to people with cystic fibrosis and other medical conditions, so long as they are older than 50. In 2019, the median age of death for people with cystic fibrosis in the United States was 32, according to a patient registry kept by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “Most people with CF,’’ said Bauer, who is 24, “may not be in that group.”

How America’s vaccine system makes people with health problems fight for a place in line

US President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly set to review the US deal with the Taliban. As part of this evaluation, the administration will focus on whether the Taliban has reduced attacks in Afghanistan.

Last year, the US struck a deal with the Taliban in Qatar. As part of this, it promised withdrawal of its troops from the country. This kicked off peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government.&nbsp;

Even then, violence across the country has increased as both sides continue to hold talks.

Biden's freshly appointed national security advisor - Jake Sullivan spoke with his counterpart from Afghanistan - Hamdullah Mohib, and relayed to them that they plan to review the deal.

National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said that he "made clear the US' intention to review".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/with-2500-each-us-says-lowest-troops-deployed-in-iraq-afghanistan-in-about-two-decades-356978" hreflang="en">With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades</a>

The US is attempting to understand whether the Taliban is "living up to its commitments to cut ties with terrorist groups, to reduce violence in Afghanistan, and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government and other stakeholders", Horne's statement said.

The statement added how Sullivan "underscored that the US will support the peace process with a robust and regional diplomatic effort, which will aim to help the two sides achieve a durable and just political settlement and permanent ceasefire."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-offered-bounties-to-non-state-actors-in-afghanistan-to-attack-american-soldiers-report-says-353536" hreflang="en">China offered bounties to non-state actors in Afghanistan to attack American soldiers, report says</a>

As part of the peace process, Sullivan said that the US is also extending support to the progress the country recently made in terms of women and minority rights groups.

Afghanistan's national security advisor - Mohib, tweeted that during the call both sides "agreed to work toward a permanent ceasefire and a just and durable peace".

US President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly set to review the US deal with the Taliban. As part of this evaluation, the administration will focus on whether the Taliban has reduced attacks in Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly set to review the US deal with the Taliban. As part of this evaluation, the administration will focus on whether the Taliban has reduced attacks in Afghanistan. Last year, the US struck a deal with the Taliban in Qatar. As part of this, it promised withdrawal of its troops from the country. This kicked off peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government. Even then, violence across the country has increased as both sides continue to hold talks. Biden's freshly appointed national security advisor - Jake Sullivan spoke with his counterpart from Afghanistan - Hamdullah Mohib, and relayed to them that they plan to review the deal. National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said that he "made clear the US' intention to review". Also read: With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades The US is attempting to understand whether the Taliban is "living up to its commitments to cut ties with terrorist groups, to reduce violence in Afghanistan, and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Afghan government and other stakeholders", Horne's statement said. The statement added how Sullivan "underscored that the US will support the peace process with a robust and regional diplomatic effort, which will aim to help the two sides achieve a durable and just political settlement and permanent ceasefire." Also read: China offered bounties to non-state actors in Afghanistan to attack American soldiers, report says As part of the peace process, Sullivan said that the US is also extending support to the progress the country recently made in terms of women and minority rights groups. Afghanistan's national security advisor - Mohib, tweeted that during the call both sides "agreed to work toward a permanent ceasefire and a just and durable peace".

Under Biden, US set to review deal with Taliban

KABUL, Afghanistan — Three U.S. presidents and 19 years later, it is President-elect Joe Biden’s turn to inherit the U.S. war in Afghanistan. The question that is leaving Afghans hanging is just how quickly he will remove troops.

It is a desperately difficult time for Afghanistan. U.S. troops, honoring President Donald Trump’s deal with the Taliban, are still on their way out of the country, despite the stalling of peace talks between the insurgency and the Afghan government, and a wave of intensified Taliban offensives near important cities.

Officials in Kabul are very aware that Americans are tired of the war — a fact made clear by a near absence of the issue in presidential debates, and by Biden’s seeming agreement with Trump’s desire to get out of Afghanistan.

“It is past time to end the forever wars, which have cost the United States untold blood and treasure,” Biden wrote in Foreign Affairs earlier this year. “As I have long argued, we should bring the vast majority of our troops home from the wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East and narrowly define our mission as defeating al-Qaida and the Islamic State (or ISIS)."

Still, in Biden, Afghan officials said they hoped to gain a less capricious and more communicative ally, though they know he is unlikely to stop the troop withdrawal.

“We understand there’s not going to be U-turn on the U.S. side on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan,” said Nargis Nehan, a former minister of mines and petroleum under President Ashraf Ghani. “But under the leadership of the Biden administration, we hope and believe that it’s going to be done with a much more responsible strategy in comparison to the Trump administration.”

Both in Kabul and Washington, officials with knowledge of security briefings said there was fear that Trump might try to accelerate an all-out troop withdrawal in his final days in office — though the amount of American infrastructure still in the country would be physically impossible to remove by January, according to security officials.

A Pentagon shake-up in recent days, while Trump has sought to contest his election loss, has cast more confusion on the issue. Security officials said that Thursday, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Austin S. Miller, was traveling to Washington for consultations.

A spokesperson for the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan, Col. Sonny Leggett, denied that Miller was going to Washington for consultations, saying instead that he was on “preplanned travel.”

American commanders, while careful not to contravene Trump in public, have warned that it was vital to keep the withdrawal contingent on the Taliban’s keeping their pledges.

Afghan officials are also publicly urging Biden to better support the stalled peace talks in Qatar, which some Afghans felt were pushed too hard by the Trump administration without enough protections for them. On Monday, Afghanistan’s second vice president, Sarwar Danesh, called on the incoming Biden administration to conduct a review of the Afghan peace process and to put more pressure on the Taliban to negotiate fairly.

A decade ago, as vice president in the Obama administration, Biden was the in-house skeptic of the war, pushing against the huge troop surge in Afghanistan that began in 2009.

For years, U.S. policymakers and officials likened the task of building new government institutions and modern security forces in Afghanistan in the middle of a war to building an airplane midflight. In 2009, Biden sought a different approach: to focus on international terrorist threats in Afghanistan and little else.

“I don’t think he has his changed his mind much since then: to get out of Afghanistan, let Afghans govern themselves, but keep a light footprint in the form of counterterrorism, primarily to ensure U.S. national security interests,” said Tamim Asey, a former Afghan deputy defense minister under Ghani.

That approach — keeping a small number of troops in Afghanistan as a counterterrorism force to keep al-Qaida and Islamic State group loyalists in check — has been urged by the Pentagon and some U.S. lawmakers.

In the Feb. 29 agreement with the United States that started the troop withdrawal, the Taliban agreed to publicly separate itself from al-Qaida — which was under the Taliban government’s protection when it launched the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — and to deny terrorist groups the use of Afghan territory as a haven. But the troop withdrawal has continued even though last month an al-Qaida leader was killed in a Taliban-controlled district in the country’s east, and there has been no evidence of any decisive severing of ties between the groups.

Afghan officials and analysts say they hope Biden will proceed more cautiously, and not be as likely to leave Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban and meddling neighbor countries.

“A commitment to defeating al-Qaida and the Islamic State is something that is part of Afghanistan’s formula for long-term stability and serves an important role here,” said Orzala Nemat, an independent researcher in Afghanistan. “A symbolic presence of international military forces balances this very weak position that Afghanistan is in the region, surrounded by nuclear powers.”

Biden “knows Afghanistan, he has been here a dozen times as a senator and he has interacted with many Afghan leaders,” said Asey, the former deputy defense minister.

Afghan officials were quick to note that Biden and Ghani have long been friendly toward each other. But Asey said that Biden also had a history of tension with other important Afghan officials — notably with former President Hamid Karzai, whom he told that Pakistan was “50 times more important” to the United States than Afghanistan, and whom he lectured about corruption.

One way that Afghan officials hope Biden can make a difference is by simply taking their concerns seriously. Some Afghan officials said they felt bullied by Trump and U.S. officials to accept terms with the Taliban they did not agree to, particularly on the mass release of Taliban prisoners.

Human rights activists said they were also concerned that the peace process included too few protections for women and ethnic and religious minorities. In that, they are hoping the U.S. Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, can be an important voice as well.

“We hope she will be a strong advocate for Afghan women within the Biden administration,” said Nehan, the former mining minister, of Harris. “We felt abandoned by the Trump administration.”

“Whatever achievement in regards to women’s rights we are talking about does not just belong to Afghan women, it’s a universal achievement that we all have our own part in and a responsibility in protecting them,” she added.

While there are currently around 4,500 U.S. troops still in Afghanistan, Taliban officials have implied that the February deal would collapse if the incoming Biden administration prolongs the presence of U.S. forces in the country, including any counterterrorism forces.

But for now the Taliban leadership will watch and wait, as their fighters keep up their offensives.

The United States has responded by increasing airstrikes in defense of Afghan forces. While permitted under the February deal, anything drastically more under a new administration, such as attacking Taliban behind their front lines, could nullify the agreement.

October was the deadliest month in Afghanistan for civilians since September 2019, according to data compiled by The New York Times. At least 212 civilians were killed.

In a statement, the Taliban called the U.S. election and its outcome an “internal issue of the United States.”

“The Islamic Emirate would like to stress to the new American president-elect and future administration that implementation of the agreement is the most reasonable and effective tool for ending the conflict between both our countries,” the statement said.

But Qari Mohammad Farooq, a Taliban shadow district governor in Jowzjan province, laid it out plainly.

“I heard that Joe Biden won, but none of them are good for us,” Farooq said. “For me it doesn’t matter who won, but it is important that they must leave.”

KABUL, Afghanistan — Three U.S. presidents and 19 years later, it is President-elect Joe Biden’s turn to inherit the U.S. war in Afghanistan. The question that is leaving Afghans hanging is just how quickly he will remove troops.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Three U.S. presidents and 19 years later, it is President-elect Joe Biden’s turn to inherit the U.S. war in Afghanistan. The question that is leaving Afghans hanging is just how quickly he will remove troops. It is a desperately difficult time for Afghanistan. U.S. troops, honoring President Donald Trump’s deal with the Taliban, are still on their way out of the country, despite the stalling of peace talks between the insurgency and the Afghan government, and a wave of intensified Taliban offensives near important cities. Officials in Kabul are very aware that Americans are tired of the war — a fact made clear by a near absence of the issue in presidential debates, and by Biden’s seeming agreement with Trump’s desire to get out of Afghanistan. “It is past time to end the forever wars, which have cost the United States untold blood and treasure,” Biden wrote in Foreign Affairs earlier this year. “As I have long argued, we should bring the vast majority of our troops home from the wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East and narrowly define our mission as defeating al-Qaida and the Islamic State (or ISIS)." Still, in Biden, Afghan officials said they hoped to gain a less capricious and more communicative ally, though they know he is unlikely to stop the troop withdrawal. “We understand there’s not going to be U-turn on the U.S. side on the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan,” said Nargis Nehan, a former minister of mines and petroleum under President Ashraf Ghani. “But under the leadership of the Biden administration, we hope and believe that it’s going to be done with a much more responsible strategy in comparison to the Trump administration.” Both in Kabul and Washington, officials with knowledge of security briefings said there was fear that Trump might try to accelerate an all-out troop withdrawal in his final days in office — though the amount of American infrastructure still in the country would be physically impossible to remove by January, according to security officials. A Pentagon shake-up in recent days, while Trump has sought to contest his election loss, has cast more confusion on the issue. Security officials said that Thursday, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Austin S. Miller, was traveling to Washington for consultations. A spokesperson for the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan, Col. Sonny Leggett, denied that Miller was going to Washington for consultations, saying instead that he was on “preplanned travel.” American commanders, while careful not to contravene Trump in public, have warned that it was vital to keep the withdrawal contingent on the Taliban’s keeping their pledges. Afghan officials are also publicly urging Biden to better support the stalled peace talks in Qatar, which some Afghans felt were pushed too hard by the Trump administration without enough protections for them. On Monday, Afghanistan’s second vice president, Sarwar Danesh, called on the incoming Biden administration to conduct a review of the Afghan peace process and to put more pressure on the Taliban to negotiate fairly. A decade ago, as vice president in the Obama administration, Biden was the in-house skeptic of the war, pushing against the huge troop surge in Afghanistan that began in 2009. For years, U.S. policymakers and officials likened the task of building new government institutions and modern security forces in Afghanistan in the middle of a war to building an airplane midflight. In 2009, Biden sought a different approach: to focus on international terrorist threats in Afghanistan and little else. “I don’t think he has his changed his mind much since then: to get out of Afghanistan, let Afghans govern themselves, but keep a light footprint in the form of counterterrorism, primarily to ensure U.S. national security interests,” said Tamim Asey, a former Afghan deputy defense minister under Ghani. That approach — keeping a small number of troops in Afghanistan as a counterterrorism force to keep al-Qaida and Islamic State group loyalists in check — has been urged by the Pentagon and some U.S. lawmakers. In the Feb. 29 agreement with the United States that started the troop withdrawal, the Taliban agreed to publicly separate itself from al-Qaida — which was under the Taliban government’s protection when it launched the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — and to deny terrorist groups the use of Afghan territory as a haven. But the troop withdrawal has continued even though last month an al-Qaida leader was killed in a Taliban-controlled district in the country’s east, and there has been no evidence of any decisive severing of ties between the groups. Afghan officials and analysts say they hope Biden will proceed more cautiously, and not be as likely to leave Afghanistan at the mercy of the Taliban and meddling neighbor countries. “A commitment to defeating al-Qaida and the Islamic State is something that is part of Afghanistan’s formula for long-term stability and serves an important role here,” said Orzala Nemat, an independent researcher in Afghanistan. “A symbolic presence of international military forces balances this very weak position that Afghanistan is in the region, surrounded by nuclear powers.” Biden “knows Afghanistan, he has been here a dozen times as a senator and he has interacted with many Afghan leaders,” said Asey, the former deputy defense minister. Afghan officials were quick to note that Biden and Ghani have long been friendly toward each other. But Asey said that Biden also had a history of tension with other important Afghan officials — notably with former President Hamid Karzai, whom he told that Pakistan was “50 times more important” to the United States than Afghanistan, and whom he lectured about corruption. One way that Afghan officials hope Biden can make a difference is by simply taking their concerns seriously. Some Afghan officials said they felt bullied by Trump and U.S. officials to accept terms with the Taliban they did not agree to, particularly on the mass release of Taliban prisoners. Human rights activists said they were also concerned that the peace process included too few protections for women and ethnic and religious minorities. In that, they are hoping the U.S. Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, can be an important voice as well. “We hope she will be a strong advocate for Afghan women within the Biden administration,” said Nehan, the former mining minister, of Harris. “We felt abandoned by the Trump administration.” “Whatever achievement in regards to women’s rights we are talking about does not just belong to Afghan women, it’s a universal achievement that we all have our own part in and a responsibility in protecting them,” she added. While there are currently around 4,500 U.S. troops still in Afghanistan, Taliban officials have implied that the February deal would collapse if the incoming Biden administration prolongs the presence of U.S. forces in the country, including any counterterrorism forces. But for now the Taliban leadership will watch and wait, as their fighters keep up their offensives. The United States has responded by increasing airstrikes in defense of Afghan forces. While permitted under the February deal, anything drastically more under a new administration, such as attacking Taliban behind their front lines, could nullify the agreement. October was the deadliest month in Afghanistan for civilians since September 2019, according to data compiled by The New York Times. At least 212 civilians were killed. In a statement, the Taliban called the U.S. election and its outcome an “internal issue of the United States.” “The Islamic Emirate would like to stress to the new American president-elect and future administration that implementation of the agreement is the most reasonable and effective tool for ending the conflict between both our countries,” the statement said. But Qari Mohammad Farooq, a Taliban shadow district governor in Jowzjan province, laid it out plainly. “I heard that Joe Biden won, but none of them are good for us,” Farooq said. “For me it doesn’t matter who won, but it is important that they must leave.”

US troops are still leaving, but Afghans hope Biden will help

As a strong reaction over President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's </a>false claims related to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US presidential election</a>, many TV channels across the country halted the live coverage of Republican president's first public appearance since the election night.&nbsp;

Trump made several unverified statements in his 17-minute address, highlighting that Democrats were using "illegal votes" to "steal the election from us."

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-protests-over-vote-counting-as-us-awaits-result-341019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statements came at a time when Democratic contender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>closing in on the magical 271-mark to win the election.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-updates-trump-and-biden-spar-as-outcome-remains-in-the-balance-340949">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Trump and Biden spar as outcome remains in the balance</a>

"OK, here we are again in the unusual position of not only interrupting the president of the United States but correcting the president of the United States," said MSNBC presenter Brian Williams, as the network quickly pulled off its live coverage of the speech.

NBC and ABC News also pulled the ended Trump's live coverage, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"What a sad night for the United States of America to hear their president say that, to falsely accuse people of trying to steal the election," said Jake Tapper from CNN.&nbsp;

Tapper said Trump continues to "lie after lie after lie about the election being stolen," with no evidence, "just smears."

Meanwhile, in what is seen as the biggest prize that is awaited, Pennsylvania, Trump's huge lead is declining sharply and Biden is closing in on the margin.&nbsp;

Biden is currently leading in Arizona and Nevada and if he maintains the lead, he would become the next president of the US. 
&nbsp;

As a strong reaction over President Donald Trump's false claims related to the US presidential election, many TV channels across the country halted the live coverage of Republican president's first public appearance since the election night.

As a strong reaction over President Donald Trump's false claims related to the US presidential election, many TV channels across the country halted the live coverage of Republican president's first public appearance since the election night. Trump made several unverified statements in his 17-minute address, highlighting that Democrats were using "illegal votes" to "steal the election from us." Watch | His statements came at a time when Democratic contender Joe Biden closing in on the magical 271-mark to win the election. Also read | US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Trump and Biden spar as outcome remains in the balance "OK, here we are again in the unusual position of not only interrupting the president of the United States but correcting the president of the United States," said MSNBC presenter Brian Williams, as the network quickly pulled off its live coverage of the speech. NBC and ABC News also pulled the ended Trump's live coverage, reports news agency AFP. "What a sad night for the United States of America to hear their president say that, to falsely accuse people of trying to steal the election," said Jake Tapper from CNN. Tapper said Trump continues to "lie after lie after lie about the election being stolen," with no evidence, "just smears." Meanwhile, in what is seen as the biggest prize that is awaited, Pennsylvania, Trump's huge lead is declining sharply and Biden is closing in on the margin. Biden is currently leading in Arizona and Nevada and if he maintains the lead, he would become the next president of the US.

US: TV channels take down Donald Trump's live coverage as he continues to make false claims

According to Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger the state will recount votes in the US elections. | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-updates-biden-leads-in-pennsylvania-moves-closer-to-victory-340949">US Elections LIVE:&nbsp;Biden leads in Pennsylvania; moves closer to victory</a>

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-in-battleground-state-of-georgia-biden-overtakes-trump-by-917-votes-341215/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"With a margin that small, there will be a recount in Georgia," Raffensperger said.

Trump's campaign team said: "The false projection of Joe Biden as the winner is based on results in four states that are far from final." 
&nbsp; 
"This election is not over," his campaign said even as Biden is currently leading in key battleground states of Georgia and Nevada.

"The final tally in Georgia at this point has huge implications for the entire country," Raffensperger said, adding,"the stakes are high and emotions are high on all sides. We will not let those debates distract us from our work. We'll get it right and we'll defend the integrity of our elections."

Biden's current electoral college votes stand at 253, if he wins in Pennsylvania he will pass the threshold of 270 needed to seal victory.

According to reports, Biden is leading in &nbsp;Pennsylvania by 5,594 votes.

According to Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger the state will recount votes in the US elections. | US Elections LIVE: Biden leads in Pennsylvania; moves closer to victory Watch: "With a margin that small, there will be a recount in Georgia," Raffensperger said.

According to Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger the state will recount votes in the US elections. | US Elections LIVE: Biden leads in Pennsylvania; moves closer to victory Watch: "With a margin that small, there will be a recount in Georgia," Raffensperger said. Trump's campaign team said: "The false projection of Joe Biden as the winner is based on results in four states that are far from final." "This election is not over," his campaign said even as Biden is currently leading in key battleground states of Georgia and Nevada. "The final tally in Georgia at this point has huge implications for the entire country," Raffensperger said, adding,"the stakes are high and emotions are high on all sides. We will not let those debates distract us from our work. We'll get it right and we'll defend the integrity of our elections." Biden's current electoral college votes stand at 253, if he wins in Pennsylvania he will pass the threshold of 270 needed to seal victory. According to reports, Biden is leading in Pennsylvania by 5,594 votes.

US election results 2020: US state of Georgia to recount vote, says official

As polling in US elections gathers pace, President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-to-close-his-bid-for-reelection-trump-warns-of-potential-violence-in-pennsylvania-a-key-state-340223"> Trump</a> declared that "we should be entitled to know who won on November 3". |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-why-indian-americans-are-important-for-both-parties-340221">Why Indian Americans are important for both parties</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-over-100-million-votes-cast-california-leads-in-polling-340203">Also Read:&nbsp;US Elections 2020 |&nbsp;Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling</a>

"You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3," the US President said during his visit to Republican National Committee offices in Arlington, Virginia.

"This is a dangerous decision for the country."

"We are doing tremendously well in Arizona," Trump declared.

"We have a big night plan. I'm looking at lines of people and all of them very a lot of red. I think we're gonna have a lot of areas," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196">Trump</a> said as voting in the US crossed 100 million.&nbsp;

"We had plenty of money and I didn't call up Wall Street and ask for 2500 million. I was the king of fundraising but I didn't do that," the US President said.

"You can't have these things delayed for many days and maybe weeks,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said.

"You can't do that. The whole world is waiting. This country is waiting. But the whole world is waiting."

"You know, winning is easy," he said, but was quick to add,&nbsp;"losing is never easy - not for me it's not."

"Pennsylvania is important, Florida is important, Texas will have a tremendous victory. We're doing well in Arizona," the US president declared.

As polling in US elections gathers pace, President Trump declared that "we should be entitled to know who won on November 3". | Why Indian Americans are important for both parties Also Read: US Elections 2020 | Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling "You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3," the US President said during his visit to Republican National Committee offices in Arlington, Virginia.

As polling in US elections gathers pace, President Trump declared that "we should be entitled to know who won on November 3". | Why Indian Americans are important for both parties Also Read: US Elections 2020 | Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling "You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3," the US President said during his visit to Republican National Committee offices in Arlington, Virginia. "This is a dangerous decision for the country." "We are doing tremendously well in Arizona," Trump declared. "We have a big night plan. I'm looking at lines of people and all of them very a lot of red. I think we're gonna have a lot of areas," Trump said as voting in the US crossed 100 million. "We had plenty of money and I didn't call up Wall Street and ask for 2500 million. I was the king of fundraising but I didn't do that," the US President said. "You can't have these things delayed for many days and maybe weeks," Trump said. "You can't do that. The whole world is waiting. This country is waiting. But the whole world is waiting." "You know, winning is easy," he said, but was quick to add, "losing is never easy - not for me it's not." "Pennsylvania is important, Florida is important, Texas will have a tremendous victory. We're doing well in Arizona," the US president declared.

US Elections 2020: Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238"> Trump</a> set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039">US Elections Live:&nbsp;It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters</a>

Opinion polls show<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196#georgia-338289"> Democratic </a>presidential hopeful Joe Biden could disrupt Republican electoral power in Georgia which would be a huge setback for Trump since it is a GOP stronghold.

Both Trump and Biden have campaigned in the state in the hope of swinging voters who have been vacillating over their choice.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-trump-biden-eye-florida-as-battleground-states-hold-sway-340285">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump, Biden eye Florida as battleground states hold sway</a>

Biden, however, is determined to upset the Republican applecart campaigning fiercely in the state including in Warm Springs and at a drive-in car rally in Atlanta. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-aid-worker-released-from-egyptian-jail-after-trumps-intervention-asks-people-to-vote-for-biden-340283">Biden</a> had attacked Trump's performance on COVID-19 asserting that it was "capitulation" and stated that the US president "shrugged, he swaggered and he surrendered."

Georgia had last voted for a Democratic in the 1992 elections when Bill Clinton took the state. Biden this time hopes to overturn the Republican advantage in the Red State.

In fact, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/win-or-lose-trump-and-bidens-parties-will-plunge-into-uncertainty-340281">Biden's</a> vice-presidential pick &nbsp;Kamala Harris, 56, campaigned in Atlanta, Georgia, signifying the importance of the state for the Democrats. There has been a record turnout of during the US election with over 3 million voters already exercised their franchise before polling day on November 3.

The crucial state has&nbsp;African-Americans in huge numbers comprising one-third of the population with&nbsp;much at stake for Democrats who hope to swing the state in their favour this time.

The southern state known for slavery and segregation during its history has been a Republican bastion.&nbsp;

The Democrats, however, have been trying to woo the African-Americans, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-we-have-a-choice-in-front-of-us-we-need-to-deal-with-racial-disparity-says-kamala-harris-to-us-voters-340257">Kamala Harris</a> during her campaign said: "Donald Trump has this goal to turn 20 per cent of Black men out in favour of him, Donald Trump -- who pushed, as part of his popularity, the theme that the first Black man to be president of the United States was illegitimately there."

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and Trump set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and Trump set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020. US Elections Live: It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters Opinion polls show Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden could disrupt Republican electoral power in Georgia which would be a huge setback for Trump since it is a GOP stronghold. Both Trump and Biden have campaigned in the state in the hope of swinging voters who have been vacillating over their choice. Also Read: Trump, Biden eye Florida as battleground states hold sway Biden, however, is determined to upset the Republican applecart campaigning fiercely in the state including in Warm Springs and at a drive-in car rally in Atlanta. Biden had attacked Trump's performance on COVID-19 asserting that it was "capitulation" and stated that the US president "shrugged, he swaggered and he surrendered." Georgia had last voted for a Democratic in the 1992 elections when Bill Clinton took the state. Biden this time hopes to overturn the Republican advantage in the Red State. In fact, Biden's vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris, 56, campaigned in Atlanta, Georgia, signifying the importance of the state for the Democrats. There has been a record turnout of during the US election with over 3 million voters already exercised their franchise before polling day on November 3. The crucial state has African-Americans in huge numbers comprising one-third of the population with much at stake for Democrats who hope to swing the state in their favour this time. The southern state known for slavery and segregation during its history has been a Republican bastion. The Democrats, however, have been trying to woo the African-Americans, as Kamala Harris during her campaign said: "Donald Trump has this goal to turn 20 per cent of Black men out in favour of him, Donald Trump -- who pushed, as part of his popularity, the theme that the first Black man to be president of the United States was illegitimately there."

Key states in US elections 2020: Biden hopes to turn 'Red' Georgia into 'Blue' as Trump struggles

Key states in US Election 2020: As voters all across America exercised their franchise, US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238">Trump</a> predicted that he would win "very big" in Florida. |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039"> Follow - US Elections Live Update</a>

Watch US Election Result 2020 LIVE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jill-biden-campaigns-for-her-husband-in-critical-swing-state-of-florida-340273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We think we are winning Texas very big. We think we are winning Florida very big. We think we are winning Arizona very big," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196">Also See:&nbsp;Crucial states that could determine course of the race</a>

Florida is a key battleground state which is critical for Trump's presidency, and a goldmine for Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden.

According to opinion polls in Florida, Biden has a 1.7 point lead over Trump. The US president had won Florida and 29 electoral votes in the last elections as he stole the show from Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Trump has toured Florida and made his pitch amid the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-elections-2020-on-election-day-wall-street-ends-on-a-high-dow-up-over-2-340279"> US elections</a>. The US president had taken Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa in 2016 as he surprised political experts who gave him little chance of victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-heres-what-voting-looks-like-in-uncertain-times-340260">Read |&nbsp;US election 2020: Here's what voting looks like in uncertain times</a>

This time in Florida, over 9 million voters have already cast their ballot ensuring the suspense remains in the US elections as the drama unfolds over the final result.

The US elections in 2000 was famously entangled between George W. Bush and Democrat candidate&nbsp;Al Gore in a controversial vote count as the Democratic candidate had to finally concede defeat after the US Supreme Court intervened.

Although Gore had won more votes than George W Bush, but Florida was awarded to Bush which pushed the Republican Electoral College total to 271 ensuring victory for the GOP.

Key states in US Election 2020: As voters all across America exercised their franchise, US President Donald Trump predicted that he would win "very big" in Florida.

Key states in US Election 2020: As voters all across America exercised their franchise, US President Donald Trump predicted that he would win "very big" in Florida. | Follow - US Elections Live Update Watch US Election Result 2020 LIVE: "We think we are winning Texas very big. We think we are winning Florida very big. We think we are winning Arizona very big," Trump said. Also See: Crucial states that could determine course of the race Florida is a key battleground state which is critical for Trump's presidency, and a goldmine for Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden. According to opinion polls in Florida, Biden has a 1.7 point lead over Trump. The US president had won Florida and 29 electoral votes in the last elections as he stole the show from Hillary Clinton in 2016. Trump has toured Florida and made his pitch amid the US elections. The US president had taken Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa in 2016 as he surprised political experts who gave him little chance of victory. Read | US election 2020: Here's what voting looks like in uncertain times This time in Florida, over 9 million voters have already cast their ballot ensuring the suspense remains in the US elections as the drama unfolds over the final result. The US elections in 2000 was famously entangled between George W. Bush and Democrat candidate Al Gore in a controversial vote count as the Democratic candidate had to finally concede defeat after the US Supreme Court intervened. Although Gore had won more votes than George W Bush, but Florida was awarded to Bush which pushed the Republican Electoral College total to 271 ensuring victory for the GOP.

US Elections 2020: Trump, Biden eye Florida as battleground states hold sway

As voters turned up in huge numbers during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-heres-how-american-leaders-are-urging-people-to-go-out-and-vote-340269">US elections</a> 2020, the markets gave the election wave a thumbs-up with the Dow ending up 2.1 per cent in Election Day session. |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039">LIVE update: It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters</a>

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/jill-biden-campaigns-for-her-husband-in-critical-swing-state-of-florida-340273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Dow finished nearly 550 points up at 27,477.40 as the markets leaned towards Biden who has been leading the opinion polls for the past month.

The S&amp;P 500 went up 1.8 per cent to end at 3,369.11, while the Nasdaq Composite Index closed at 11,160.57.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238">Also Read:&nbsp;Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump</a>

The markets across the world were on a high even as the dollar took a hit amid the US polls. As the markets closed, over 100 million US voters had already exercised their franchise.&nbsp;

The Dow kept its momentum as it opened up 1.3 per cent at 27,275.22. The S&amp;P 500 went up 1.0 per cent to 3,344.23, while Nasdaq Composite Index to 11,027.65. The surge in numbers come as Biden led Trump in final opinion polls even as US voters exercised their franchise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-heres-how-american-leaders-are-urging-people-to-go-out-and-vote-340269">Also Read:&nbsp;Here's how American leaders are urging people to go out and vote</a>

At close, the S&amp;P 500 was up 1.8 per cent ending at 3,369.11, while the Nasdaq gained finished at 11,160.57.

On Friday, the markets had bled amid reports of surging coronavirus cases as Europe and America touched grim COVID-19 milestones.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the United States has over 9 million coronavirus cases.

As voters turned up in huge numbers during US elections 2020, the markets gave the election wave a thumbs-up with the Dow ending up 2.1 per cent in Election Day session.

As voters turned up in huge numbers during US elections 2020, the markets gave the election wave a thumbs-up with the Dow ending up 2.1 per cent in Election Day session. | LIVE update: It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters Watch: The Dow finished nearly 550 points up at 27,477.40 as the markets leaned towards Biden who has been leading the opinion polls for the past month. The S&P 500 went up 1.8 per cent to end at 3,369.11, while the Nasdaq Composite Index closed at 11,160.57. Also Read: Country entitled to know who won on November 3, says Trump The markets across the world were on a high even as the dollar took a hit amid the US polls. As the markets closed, over 100 million US voters had already exercised their franchise. The Dow kept its momentum as it opened up 1.3 per cent at 27,275.22. The S&P 500 went up 1.0 per cent to 3,344.23, while Nasdaq Composite Index to 11,027.65. The surge in numbers come as Biden led Trump in final opinion polls even as US voters exercised their franchise. Also Read: Here's how American leaders are urging people to go out and vote At close, the S&P 500 was up 1.8 per cent ending at 3,369.11, while the Nasdaq gained finished at 11,160.57. On Friday, the markets had bled amid reports of surging coronavirus cases as Europe and America touched grim COVID-19 milestones. According to Johns Hopkins University, the United States has over 9 million coronavirus cases.

US elections 2020: On election day, Wall Street ends on a high; Dow up over 2%

As voters line up to vote during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-over-100-million-votes-cast-california-leads-in-polling-340203">US elections</a>, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's vice president pick Kamala Harris said "it is going to be a tight race, let's elect Joe Biden". |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039">&nbsp;US election 2020 LIVE: We will have a tremendous victory, says Trump as US votes</a>

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-when-will-us-election-results-be-out-340233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have a choice in front of us and power in our hands. We need to deal with racial disparity," Kamala Harris said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196">US elections 2020: Crucial states that could determine course of the race</a>

"Lets talk about the opportunity we have. We are in the middle of the pandemic. We have in our hands an option to elect Joe Biden who understands the dignity of life and love," the Democratic vice-presidential hopeful declared.

Meanwhile, Jill Biden campaigning for her husband Joe Biden said that "Florida is a very important state. We're hoping to win it."

Pitching for her husband, Jill Biden told voters that "character's on the ballot and Joe and Donald Trump could not be more opposite."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-why-indian-americans-are-important-for-both-parties-340221">Also Read: Why Indian Americans are important for both parties</a>

"If you're tired of it all then you must vote for my husband Joe Biden," she said.

"I think it's over, what a hundred million people have voted? So I think people want to make their voices heard, they want to make their votes count. And I think it's terrific."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump speaking in Virginia pitched for a "winner" to be declared on November 3.

"You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3, this is a dangerous decision for the country," Trump said.

As voters line up to vote during US elections, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's vice president pick Kamala Harris said "it is going to be a tight race, let's elect Joe Biden".

As voters line up to vote during US elections, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's vice president pick Kamala Harris said "it is going to be a tight race, let's elect Joe Biden". | US election 2020 LIVE: We will have a tremendous victory, says Trump as US votes Watch: "We have a choice in front of us and power in our hands. We need to deal with racial disparity," Kamala Harris said. US elections 2020: Crucial states that could determine course of the race "Lets talk about the opportunity we have. We are in the middle of the pandemic. We have in our hands an option to elect Joe Biden who understands the dignity of life and love," the Democratic vice-presidential hopeful declared. Meanwhile, Jill Biden campaigning for her husband Joe Biden said that "Florida is a very important state. We're hoping to win it." Pitching for her husband, Jill Biden told voters that "character's on the ballot and Joe and Donald Trump could not be more opposite." Also Read: Why Indian Americans are important for both parties "If you're tired of it all then you must vote for my husband Joe Biden," she said. "I think it's over, what a hundred million people have voted? So I think people want to make their voices heard, they want to make their votes count. And I think it's terrific." Meanwhile, President Donald Trump speaking in Virginia pitched for a "winner" to be declared on November 3. "You have to have a date, and the date happens to be November 3, this is a dangerous decision for the country," Trump said.

US Elections 2020: We have a choice in front of us, we need to deal with racial disparity, says Kamala Harris to US voters

Over 100 million votes have&nbsp;been cast as Americans come out to vote on Election Day on November 3 during US elections 2020.&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039">Live:&nbsp;No indications foreign actor can compromise polls, says official</a>

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-who-is-leading-on-opinion-poll-charts-before-historic-day-340186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196">US Elections</a> Project, 100,298,838&nbsp;votes have been cast with 35,733,103&nbsp;in-person votes and 64,565,735 mail-in&nbsp;ballots.

Voters in California have voted in large number with over 12 million votes cast with over 9 million voters having cast their ballot&nbsp;in Texas.

In Florida, over 8.9 voters have cast their ballot.

In North Carolina, over 4.5 million votes&nbsp;have been cast. In Ohio, over 3 million voters have cast their ballot.

Over 100 million votes have been cast as Americans come out to vote on Election Day on November 3 during US elections 2020. | Live: No indications foreign actor can compromise polls, says official Watch: According to US Elections Project, 100,298,838 votes have been cast with 35,733,103 in-person votes and 64,565,735 mail-in ballots.

Over 100 million votes have been cast as Americans come out to vote on Election Day on November 3 during US elections 2020. | Live: No indications foreign actor can compromise polls, says official Watch: According to US Elections Project, 100,298,838 votes have been cast with 35,733,103 in-person votes and 64,565,735 mail-in ballots. Voters in California have voted in large number with over 12 million votes cast with over 9 million voters having cast their ballot in Texas. In Florida, over 8.9 voters have cast their ballot. In North Carolina, over 4.5 million votes have been cast. In Ohio, over 3 million voters have cast their ballot.

US Elections 2020: Over 100 million votes cast; California leads in polling

Speaking exclusively to WION, Former CIA Director Leon Panetta said that India was an ally in going after Osama Bin Laden. He also shared his views over the upcoming Presidential election in United States of America.

WION Exclusive: Former CIA Director Leon Panetta, the man who got Osama Bin Laden

With the latest spike, over 7 million people have tested positive for novel coronavirus across the United States on Thursday, a figure which is 20 per cent of the total number of cases across the world.&nbsp;

This grim milestone, according to a Reuters tally, comes days after the US topped over 200,000 Covid-19 fatalities, which is way higher than any other country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/large-genetic-study-finds-novel-coronavirus-strain-more-contagious-329875">Large genetic study finds novel coronavirus strain more contagious</a>

In recent days, over 700 people are dying in the country of Covid-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-was-created-in-the-wuhan-laboratory-professor-giuseppe-tritto-330053">COVID-19 was created in the Wuhan laboratory: Professor Giuseppe Tritto</a>

The deadly virus has now shifted its base to the Midwest states of the country except Ohio as they have confirmed more infections in the last four weeks as compared with the earlier four weeks.&nbsp;

South Dakota had the highest percentage increase of 166 per cent with 8,129 new cases, while North Dakota’s new infections doubled to 8,752 when compared to the same time in August.

A Reuters analysis found that half of the 50 states in the US have reported a spike in positive cases this month.&nbsp;

The new rise in the US came last week after seeing a decline for eight successive weeks, surge experts attribute to reopening schools and universities along with various parties that were held to mark the Labour Day.

 
&nbsp;

With the latest spike, over 7 million people have tested positive for novel coronavirus across the United States on Thursday, a figure which is 20 per cent of the total number of cases across the world.

With the latest spike, over 7 million people have tested positive for novel coronavirus across the United States on Thursday, a figure which is 20 per cent of the total number of cases across the world. This grim milestone, according to a Reuters tally, comes days after the US topped over 200,000 Covid-19 fatalities, which is way higher than any other country. Also read | Large genetic study finds novel coronavirus strain more contagious In recent days, over 700 people are dying in the country of Covid-19. Also read | COVID-19 was created in the Wuhan laboratory: Professor Giuseppe Tritto The deadly virus has now shifted its base to the Midwest states of the country except Ohio as they have confirmed more infections in the last four weeks as compared with the earlier four weeks. South Dakota had the highest percentage increase of 166 per cent with 8,129 new cases, while North Dakota’s new infections doubled to 8,752 when compared to the same time in August. A Reuters analysis found that half of the 50 states in the US have reported a spike in positive cases this month. The new rise in the US came last week after seeing a decline for eight successive weeks, surge experts attribute to reopening schools and universities along with various parties that were held to mark the Labour Day.

Coronavirus: Cases top 7 million as Midwest states battle uptick

Ahead of the US Election 2020, the President of United States of America Donald Trump is all set to announce nominee for the vacant seat of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, after the sad demise of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

US President all set to announce nominee for vacant seat of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

As the US braces for a showdown over the vacant Supreme Court seat, watch WION's special broadcast on #USElections with Susan Tehrani.

US Election 2020: A Tribute to Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg |

US Election 2020: Joe Biden slams Trump's plan to push for Supreme Court nominee

The United States set a one-day record with over 1 million coronavirus diagnostic tests being performed, but the country needs 6 million to 10 million a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts.

The country performed 1,061,411 tests on Saturday, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-prepares-to-count-over-13-billion-people-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-329094">China prepares to count over 1.3 billion people amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

The record comes after testing has fallen for several weeks. The United States tested on average 650,000 people a day in the week ended Sept. 13, down from a peak in late July of over 800,000 people a day.

Since the start of the pandemic, testing shortages have hampered efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

At one point during the summer, Houston residents lined up in cars and waited hours for tests, even sleeping in their vehicles overnight. Miami saw similar lines.

Once tested, people may have to wait up to two weeks to learn if they have the virus, which has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and infected more than 6.7 million. Such delays defeat the purpose of trying to prevent further infections.

In March, President Donald Trump said "anyone who wants a test, gets a test." That goal has yet to be achieved.

At the heart of the crisis is a reliance by labs on automated testing equipment that locks them into using proprietary chemical kits and other tools made by a handful of manufacturers.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to several saliva tests, which require no swabs and use readily available reagents.

The United States has also authorized pooled testing, a method that tests samples from several people at once and can expand testing capacity.

However, pooled testing is only more efficient in areas with limited outbreaks. In mid-September, 27 of 50 states had positive test rates above 5%, according to a Reuters analysis, including South Dakota at 17%.

The World Health Organization considers positivity rates above 5% concerning. 
&nbsp;

The United States set a one-day record with over 1 million coronavirus diagnostic tests being performed, but the country needs 6 million to 10 million a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts.

The United States set a one-day record with over 1 million coronavirus diagnostic tests being performed, but the country needs 6 million to 10 million a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts. The country performed 1,061,411 tests on Saturday, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak. Also read | China prepares to count over 1.3 billion people amid coronavirus pandemic The record comes after testing has fallen for several weeks. The United States tested on average 650,000 people a day in the week ended Sept. 13, down from a peak in late July of over 800,000 people a day. Since the start of the pandemic, testing shortages have hampered efforts to curb the spread of the virus. At one point during the summer, Houston residents lined up in cars and waited hours for tests, even sleeping in their vehicles overnight. Miami saw similar lines. Once tested, people may have to wait up to two weeks to learn if they have the virus, which has killed nearly 200,000 Americans and infected more than 6.7 million. Such delays defeat the purpose of trying to prevent further infections. In March, President Donald Trump said "anyone who wants a test, gets a test." That goal has yet to be achieved. At the heart of the crisis is a reliance by labs on automated testing equipment that locks them into using proprietary chemical kits and other tools made by a handful of manufacturers. The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to several saliva tests, which require no swabs and use readily available reagents. The United States has also authorized pooled testing, a method that tests samples from several people at once and can expand testing capacity. However, pooled testing is only more efficient in areas with limited outbreaks. In mid-September, 27 of 50 states had positive test rates above 5%, according to a Reuters analysis, including South Dakota at 17%. The World Health Organization considers positivity rates above 5% concerning.

US sets new record of testing one million people in 24 hours

US: Heated fight over US' highest court's next justice ahead of election

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.&nbsp;

Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-six-die-in-wildfires-as-orange-skies-blacken-us-california-326449">At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US</a>

Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too.&nbsp;

Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land.&nbsp;

In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction.&nbsp;

Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders.

At least nine people were killed and hundreds of thousands evacuated as wildfires continue to impact US West Coast states on Thursday. In the state of Oregon, nearly 500,000 people, which is about an eighth of the state's population, were given evacuation orders. Police said that in the last 48 hours, nine people have lost their lives in the fires, which include four casualties from California and Oregon and a one-year-old in Washington. Also read | At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US Other than Oregon, thousands were evacuated from Washington and California too. Currently, the crisis is most severe in Oregon, where around 3,000 firefighters are working to douse about three dozen flames, which the state governor claims have burnt 900,000 acres of land. In the western US, about 100 major wildfires continue to cause destruction. Wildfires destroyed over 3.1 million acres land in California this year, which is an overall record as six of state's largest-ever fires occured in 2020.

US: Death toll of West Coast wildfires rises to 9; 500,000 ordered to evacuate in Oregon

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.&nbsp;

Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="409" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qWuTOyi1i_M" width="727"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/orange-skies-in-fire-ravaged-california-bay-reminds-people-of-dystopian-science-fiction-film-326427">Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film</a>

California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group.&nbsp;

Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco.&nbsp;

As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region.&nbsp;

"This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed".&nbsp;

The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state.&nbsp;

As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames.

At least six people died in the western United States as states such as Washington and Oregon apart from California are scrambling to control the rapidly spreading flames. Three people died of a massive wildfire triggered by lightning in northern California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, authorities said on Wednesday. Watch | × Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the victims were found in two separate locations, as told by news agency Reuters. In pics | Orange skies in fire-ravaged California bay reminds people of Dystopian science fiction film California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Draper said that one person who was apparently trying to escape the blazes was found dead in a car, reported Bay Area News Group. Earlier, in a news conference, fire officials said hundreds, if not thousands of homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged by fires northeast of San Francisco. As firefighters are struggling to reach many areas burning, officials have warned of potential mass deaths under orange skies that have engulfed the region. "This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history," Oregon Governor Kate Brown said, adding that as many as five towns were "substantially destroyed". The fatalities confirmed on Wednesday include a one-year-old kid who died as his parents tried to escape blazes 130 miles east of Seattle, in Washington state. As many as two more deaths were reported in the Santiam Canyon region, 60 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

At least six die in wildfires as orange skies blacken US

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports.

US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hong-kong-bars-air-india-flights-after-passengers-test-positive-for-covid-19-321637">Hong Kong bars Air India flights after passengers test positive for COVID-19</a>

The Department and other US government agencies have continued to work with the government of India towards satisfactory resolution of this matter. In that connection, recent positive developments have led the department to tentatively determine that the public interest now calls for removal of the permit condition we had imposed in order 2019-7-9, said the order issued by Joel Szabat, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs.

"We therefore have tentatively decided to amend Air India's permit to remove that condition,"&nbsp;the Department of Transportation said.

Stakeholders and public have 21 days to respond to this proposal, before it can be finalised and enforced.

The order comes a day after the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had a conversation with the Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

"India and the US have partnered in Aviation sector during these difficult times,"&nbsp;the ambassador tweeted.

The order also relieves Air India of any further reporting requirement regarding its ground handling arrangements.&nbsp;

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports. US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports.

The United States has announced that it plans to restore Air India's ability to self-conduct its ground handling operations at American airports. US Department of Transportation has reversed its previous order of July 2019 that had suspended the right of Air India to self-handle at US airports. Also read | Hong Kong bars Air India flights after passengers test positive for COVID-19 The Department and other US government agencies have continued to work with the government of India towards satisfactory resolution of this matter. In that connection, recent positive developments have led the department to tentatively determine that the public interest now calls for removal of the permit condition we had imposed in order 2019-7-9, said the order issued by Joel Szabat, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs. "We therefore have tentatively decided to amend Air India's permit to remove that condition," the Department of Transportation said. Stakeholders and public have 21 days to respond to this proposal, before it can be finalised and enforced. The order comes a day after the Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had a conversation with the Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. "India and the US have partnered in Aviation sector during these difficult times," the ambassador tweeted. The order also relieves Air India of any further reporting requirement regarding its ground handling arrangements.

US to allow Air India conduct ground handling at airports: Official

The United States of America has arrested 2 Chinese researchers. Both researchers have been charged with data theft of trade secrets. Arrests have been made in Virginia & California.

2 Chinese researchers charged with data theft of trade secrets in US

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system.

"Usually at the end of evening, they say 'Donald Trump is has won the election, Donald Trump is your new president'," Trump said at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey in the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-joe-biden-set-for-democratic-convention-donald-trump-aims-to-steal-thunder-321041">As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder</a>

"You know what? You're not going to know this, possibly, if you really did it right, for months and for years because these ballots are going to be lost, they're going to be gone."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

Trump's comments came after he refused to increase the funding of US Postal Service (USPS) for an expected surge in votes this year and his continual attempts to doubt the mail-in voting.&nbsp;

Trump on Sunday also said that the mail-in voting would be "catastrophic".&nbsp;

"It's going to make our country a laughing stock all over the world," Trump said.&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement on Saturday, accused Trump of "openly" attempting to "destroy the post office and sabotage its ability to deliver absentee ballots in time to be counted".

"All patriots, Democrats, Independents or Republicans should reject the president's assault on the postal system in this election season," Pelosi said.&nbsp;

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system.

As the presidential election in the United States nears, President Donald Trump continues to sharpen his attacks on the mail-in voting, saying it would take "months" or "years" or "possibly" never to know the exact count from this system. "Usually at the end of evening, they say 'Donald Trump is has won the election, Donald Trump is your new president'," Trump said at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey in the US. Also read | As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder "You know what? You're not going to know this, possibly, if you really did it right, for months and for years because these ballots are going to be lost, they're going to be gone." Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks Trump's comments came after he refused to increase the funding of US Postal Service (USPS) for an expected surge in votes this year and his continual attempts to doubt the mail-in voting. Trump on Sunday also said that the mail-in voting would be "catastrophic". "It's going to make our country a laughing stock all over the world," Trump said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement on Saturday, accused Trump of "openly" attempting to "destroy the post office and sabotage its ability to deliver absentee ballots in time to be counted". "All patriots, Democrats, Independents or Republicans should reject the president's assault on the postal system in this election season," Pelosi said.

Not going to know this for 'months', 'years': Trump continues to cast doubt on mail-in voting

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.&nbsp;

However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-going-to-engage-in-lies-kamala-harris-on-trumps-birther-remarks-321035">'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks</a>

So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tiktok-controversy-trump-gets-verified-account-on-triller-320922">Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller</a>

And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home.&nbsp;

The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure".

Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event.&nbsp;

Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.&nbsp;

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election.

The stage is all set for Democrats as the much-talked-about convention will begin on Monday, where Joe Biden will formally become the candidate to challenge Donald Trump for November 3 election. However, the US president has ensured that Biden and his vice-presidential select Kamala Harris will not the only ones to get attention this week. Also read | 'They're going to engage in lies': Kamala Harris on Trump's birther remarks So, before the end of the Democratic convention, Trump will kick off his campaign with speeches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona. Also read | Amid TikTok controversy, Trump gets verified account on Triller And on Thursday, when Biden will be officially named as the Democratic presidential candidate, Trump will deliver a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the blue-collar town where Biden grew up and which he still describes as his spiritual home. The theme of Trump's campaign tour this week is "highlighting Joe Biden's record of failure". Trump's campaign has also put millions of dollars for a digital aid campaign that will begin on the same day when the Democratic convention kicks off. Meanwhile, Democrats have brought in musical giants, that include John Legend, Common, Billie Eilish and the Chicks who will perform in this high-profile four-day event. Also, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, former president Bill Clinton will also be a part of this convention.

As Biden set for Democratic convention, Trump aims to steal thunder

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Trump has continued to push for schools reopening in the US and also threatened to divert federal spending for failure to do so.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-97000-kids-contracted-coronavirus-in-the-last-two-weeks-of-july-in-us-319413">At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US</a>

Kushner, who is also a White House adviser has brushed aside any concerns of children contracting the deadly virus, saying "because children have a six times higher chance to die from the flu than from the coronavirus, so based on the data I've seen I don’t believe that’s a risk," in an interview to CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Our school’s not opening back up five days a week, I wish they would but we absolutely will be sending our kids back."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-once-again-speaks-in-favour-of-reopening-schools-317915">Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools</a>

On Wednesday, Trump has released eight recommendations for schools to resume working, which includes providing 125 million reusable masks to school districts across the country.

There have not been enough studies on how coronavirus reacts to children, however, some schools in the US reported a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases after reopening.&nbsp;

A few days ago, a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that 97,000 children in the US tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks of July.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections.

In an attempt to back his father-in-law and US President Donald Trump's argument, Jared Kushner has said he would "absolutely" send his children to schools once they reopen despite the risks of a rise in coronavirus infections. Trump has continued to push for schools reopening in the US and also threatened to divert federal spending for failure to do so. Also read | At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US Kushner, who is also a White House adviser has brushed aside any concerns of children contracting the deadly virus, saying "because children have a six times higher chance to die from the flu than from the coronavirus, so based on the data I've seen I don’t believe that’s a risk," in an interview to CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday. "Our school’s not opening back up five days a week, I wish they would but we absolutely will be sending our kids back." Also read | Donald Trump once again speaks in favour of reopening schools On Wednesday, Trump has released eight recommendations for schools to resume working, which includes providing 125 million reusable masks to school districts across the country. There have not been enough studies on how coronavirus reacts to children, however, some schools in the US reported a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases after reopening. A few days ago, a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that 97,000 children in the US tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks of July.

Would 'absolutely' send my children when schools reopen: Jared Kushner

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said.

Biden on Tuesday picked Harris for the post of vice president, making her the first Black woman in the US to get a major-party presidential ticket.

Also read |&nbsp;Biden says all US governors should mandate masks to slow pandemic

The death of African-American George Floyd has caused huge social unrest, not just in the US, but across the world and there was a growing pressure on Biden to choose a Black woman as his vice president for the November elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harris-could-help-biden-with-women-young-voters-maybe-some-republicans-too-reuters-survey-320107">Harris could help Biden with women, young voters, maybe some Republicans too: Reuters survey</a>

The 55-year-old senator's parents are immigrants, her father is from Jamaica, while her mother was born in India.&nbsp;

Harris was the only second Black female senator when she was elected in 2016 and her recent vice-presidential selection will help the party lure African-American voters.&nbsp;

In the last presidential elections, there was a 20 per cent drop in the Black votes, which has contributed to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's stunning loss to President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Harris was earlier part of the Democratic race for the presidency, where he slammed Biden a lot over busing issue.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said.

The campaign of Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has raised $48 million in the 48 hours since Senator Kamala Harris was announced as the vice-presidential candidate, a spokesperson for the campaign said. Biden on Tuesday picked Harris for the post of vice president, making her the first Black woman in the US to get a major-party presidential ticket. Also read | Biden says all US governors should mandate masks to slow pandemic The death of African-American George Floyd has caused huge social unrest, not just in the US, but across the world and there was a growing pressure on Biden to choose a Black woman as his vice president for the November elections. Also read | Harris could help Biden with women, young voters, maybe some Republicans too: Reuters survey The 55-year-old senator's parents are immigrants, her father is from Jamaica, while her mother was born in India. Harris was the only second Black female senator when she was elected in 2016 and her recent vice-presidential selection will help the party lure African-American voters. In the last presidential elections, there was a 20 per cent drop in the Black votes, which has contributed to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's stunning loss to President Donald Trump. Harris was earlier part of the Democratic race for the presidency, where he slammed Biden a lot over busing issue. (With Reuters inputs)

Joe Biden's campaign raises $48 million since Kamala Harris's announcement as VP candidate

A US journalist has finally asked President Donald Trump a question he wanted an answer of for five years.

In a White House briefing held on Thursday, &nbsp;SV Dáte asked Trump: "after three and a half years (of Trump’s presidency), do you regret at all, all the lying you've done to the American people?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/book-trouble-trumps-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-accuses-trump-of-colluding-with-russia-to-win-elections-320361">Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses Trump of colluding with Russia to win elections</a>

Apparently, the question startled the US president and he responded, "all the what?".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wechat-signal-users-in-us-increase-after-trump-threatens-ban-320356#:~:text=More%20users%20in%20the%20United,shared%20with%20Reuters%20on%20Thursday.&amp;text=Signal%20did%20not%20immediately%20respond%20to%20request%20for%20comment.">WeChat, Signal users in US increase after Trump threatens ban</a>

However, Dáte, a White House correspondent, once again, daringly repeated his point: "All the lying, all the dishonesties".&nbsp;

"That who has done," Trump said.

"You have done," the reported replied, after which Trump cut him off and pointed his finger towards the next journalist to ask him any question during the briefing.&nbsp;

Later, Dáte took to Twitter, where he expressed delight for able to ask the question to Trump.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
For five years I've been wanting to ask him that.
— S.V. Dáte (@svdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/svdate/status/1294037622390697984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"For five years I've been wanting to ask him that," he wrote on Twitter.

Dáte later said that he tried to ask him the same question in March, but was sidelined, in an interview to The Guardian.

"Maybe he didn’t recognise me this time," he said.&nbsp;

"You know, he has this group of folks that he normally asks questions of."

He further said Trump's false claims are "singular piece of his presidency that will be remembered in 10 years".

Dáte was not surprised with Trump's reaction, however, when asked whether he would again intend to ask the same question, he said, "Yes, absolutely". 
&nbsp;

A US journalist has finally asked President Donald Trump a question he wanted an answer of for five years. In a White House briefing held on Thursday, SV Dáte asked Trump: "after three and a half years (of Trump’s presidency), do you regret at all, all the lying you've done to the American people?

A US journalist has finally asked President Donald Trump a question he wanted an answer of for five years. In a White House briefing held on Thursday, SV Dáte asked Trump: "after three and a half years (of Trump’s presidency), do you regret at all, all the lying you've done to the American people?" Also read | Book trouble: Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, accuses Trump of colluding with Russia to win elections Apparently, the question startled the US president and he responded, "all the what?". Also read | WeChat, Signal users in US increase after Trump threatens ban However, Dáte, a White House correspondent, once again, daringly repeated his point: "All the lying, all the dishonesties". "That who has done," Trump said. "You have done," the reported replied, after which Trump cut him off and pointed his finger towards the next journalist to ask him any question during the briefing. Later, Dáte took to Twitter, where he expressed delight for able to ask the question to Trump. For five years I've been wanting to ask him that. — S.V. Dáte (@svdate) August 13, 2020 × "For five years I've been wanting to ask him that," he wrote on Twitter. Dáte later said that he tried to ask him the same question in March, but was sidelined, in an interview to The Guardian. "Maybe he didn’t recognise me this time," he said. "You know, he has this group of folks that he normally asks questions of." He further said Trump's false claims are "singular piece of his presidency that will be remembered in 10 years". Dáte was not surprised with Trump's reaction, however, when asked whether he would again intend to ask the same question, he said, "Yes, absolutely".

'Do you regret lying?' Journalist's question unsettles Donald Trump

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year.&nbsp;

In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-trumps-china-trade-deal-is-failing-badly-318457">Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly</a>

The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-to-discuss-trade-deal-and-other-grievances-on-august-15-amid-spat-318255">United States, China to discuss trade deal and other grievances on August 15 amid spat</a>

"The outcome of the trade talk will signal if both sides are willing to continue to keep the deal, which will signal whether the relationship will deteriorate further," said Iris Pang, chief economist for greater China at ING, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The world's two largest economies have so far not confirmed the talks, but the deal calls for a meeting after every six months, which would begin from Saturday.&nbsp;

In June, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said China would continue its commitments made in the deal and the US would be looking for a second deal, but in the same month, a Chinese State Council counsellor said the pandemic has had an "impact" on the agreement and that ties between the countries are "very unsatisfactory." 
&nbsp;

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year. In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries.

Amid the heightened tensions, the United States and China on Sunday will discuss the "phase one" of the trade deal signed earlier this year. In January, Beijing and Washington halted a months-long trade war with a partial truce, but the arrival of coronavirus crisis and a number of issues that followed the pandemic, including China's new security law worsened the relations between both the countries. Also read | Biden says Trump's China trade deal is 'failing' badly The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections. Also read | United States, China to discuss trade deal and other grievances on August 15 amid spat "The outcome of the trade talk will signal if both sides are willing to continue to keep the deal, which will signal whether the relationship will deteriorate further," said Iris Pang, chief economist for greater China at ING, reported news agency AFP. The world's two largest economies have so far not confirmed the talks, but the deal calls for a meeting after every six months, which would begin from Saturday. In June, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said China would continue its commitments made in the deal and the US would be looking for a second deal, but in the same month, a Chinese State Council counsellor said the pandemic has had an "impact" on the agreement and that ties between the countries are "very unsatisfactory."

Amid troubled ties, US, China to resume talks on trade deal

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position.&nbsp;

The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-makes-exception-to-visa-ban-h-1b-holders-can-enter-us-on-this-condition-320068">America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition</a>

In the latest advisory, the state department has also allowed children and spouse of primary visa holders to travel with them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-will-h1-b-visa-suspension-impact-indian-companies-307963">How will H1-B visa suspension impact Indian companies?</a>

This is the first relaxations given by the US administration following June 22 proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, which suspended the entry into the country under H-1B and L-1 visa categories. &nbsp;

The decision was taken as the coronavirus pandemic saw unemployment levels triggered by the coronavirus pandemic rising at record levels in the US.&nbsp;

With the new changes, people employed in in critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare and information technology, whose roles are important for their respective organisations to flourish are also allowed to get the visas.

The state department has issued five guidelines and the applicant must meet at least two of them to get a visa.&nbsp;

Healthcare personnel, people involved in COVID-19 research work, travelling to fulfil contractual obligations or because of a request by any US government agency will also be allowed entry into the US.

 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position. The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification".

The Trump administration has relaxed certain provisions for H-1B visas, allowing people to come back for the same job in a similar position. The US Department of State, in its advisory, permitted "travel by applicants seeking to resume ongoing employment in the United States in the same position with the same employer and visa classification". Also read | America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition In the latest advisory, the state department has also allowed children and spouse of primary visa holders to travel with them. Also read | How will H1-B visa suspension impact Indian companies? This is the first relaxations given by the US administration following June 22 proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, which suspended the entry into the country under H-1B and L-1 visa categories. The decision was taken as the coronavirus pandemic saw unemployment levels triggered by the coronavirus pandemic rising at record levels in the US. With the new changes, people employed in in critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare and information technology, whose roles are important for their respective organisations to flourish are also allowed to get the visas. The state department has issued five guidelines and the applicant must meet at least two of them to get a visa. Healthcare personnel, people involved in COVID-19 research work, travelling to fulfil contractual obligations or because of a request by any US government agency will also be allowed entry into the US.

Trump administration relaxes rules to get H-1B visas

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus.

US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-election-challenger-demands-lukashenko-hand-over-power-319443">Belarus election challenger demands Lukashenko 'hand over power'</a>

"We urge the Belarussian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and refrain from use of force."&nbsp;

In Pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-cannons-tear-gas-stun-grenades-protesters-clash-with-belarus-police-after-election-results-319520">Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results</a>

The comments from the US came after thousands on Sunday protested in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, refusing to accept the election result which gave victory to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko with over 80 per cent votes.

The protesters clashed with cops too, which led to detention of some 3,000 people and cops using violence to disperse the demonstrations.

There were calls for protests on Monday too in Minsk and hundreds participated too, but several areas which were part of demonstrations yesterday in the capital city were sealed off.&nbsp;

The police used stun grenades, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators across the country.&nbsp;

However, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was the biggest threat to Lukashenko, said she would not be joining protests, despite calling elections rigged and declaring herself as the winner.&nbsp;

"The authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power to us," said Tikhanovskaya in a press conference held on Monday.&nbsp;

European countries doubted the election results, with Britain saying the polls were "seriously flawed" and asked officials to "refrain from further acts of violence".

Germany also said that the elections raised "strong doubts", while France urged for restraint.&nbsp;

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping congratulated Lukashenko, who is in power for decades.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus. US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections.

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus. US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections. Also read | Belarus election challenger demands Lukashenko 'hand over power' "We urge the Belarussian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and refrain from use of force." In Pics | Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results The comments from the US came after thousands on Sunday protested in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, refusing to accept the election result which gave victory to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko with over 80 per cent votes. The protesters clashed with cops too, which led to detention of some 3,000 people and cops using violence to disperse the demonstrations. There were calls for protests on Monday too in Minsk and hundreds participated too, but several areas which were part of demonstrations yesterday in the capital city were sealed off. The police used stun grenades, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators across the country. However, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was the biggest threat to Lukashenko, said she would not be joining protests, despite calling elections rigged and declaring herself as the winner. "The authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power to us," said Tikhanovskaya in a press conference held on Monday. European countries doubted the election results, with Britain saying the polls were "seriously flawed" and asked officials to "refrain from further acts of violence". Germany also said that the elections raised "strong doubts", while France urged for restraint. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping congratulated Lukashenko, who is in power for decades.

US joins chorus with European nations, raises concerns over Belarus elections

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia.

A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department. The report was concluded by the State Department's&nbsp;Acting Inspector General&nbsp;Diana Shaw.

The report investigated Pompeo's actions of declaring a "national emergency" to justify a $8 billion in military sales to the Gulf Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, despite congressional objections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-key-afghan-gathering-to-free-taliban-prisoners-318770">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners</a>

The Inspector General, who has followed several others in this position, has declared that there was no wrong-doing in Pompeo's decision — a decision the Trump administration wanted to hear.

Earlier in May,&nbsp;then-Inspector General Steve Linick was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump while he was investigating Pompeo.

Linick was&nbsp;was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who resigned from his post last week after recusing himself from the arms sales investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-to-discuss-us-iran-arms-embargo-push-next-week-318982">Also read:&nbsp;UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week</a>

The investigation then fell on&nbsp;&nbsp;Diana Shaw, who was Stephen's Akard's Deputy, and is now serving as the Acting Inspector General.

Linick and Akard are not the only ones who have had to leave their post mid-term. The frequent change in the position of Inspector general has raised concerns for the Democrats, and even some of the Republican colleagues of the President.

Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said he is worried that the report was discussed internally before being released publically.

"The people briefing the press were the subjects of the IG’s probe, not the report’s authors. This obvious pre-spin of the findings reeks of an attempt to distract and mislead," Engel said.

While Pompeo has been declared non-guilty, the focus now is on the investigation of Linick's abrupt termination from his role as an IG.

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia. A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department.

The US State Department has issued a report saying the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did not break any rules by conducting an arms sales with Saudi Arabia. A final report was issued on Monday by the US State Department. The report was concluded by the State Department's Acting Inspector General Diana Shaw. The report investigated Pompeo's actions of declaring a "national emergency" to justify a $8 billion in military sales to the Gulf Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, despite congressional objections. Also read: Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners The Inspector General, who has followed several others in this position, has declared that there was no wrong-doing in Pompeo's decision — a decision the Trump administration wanted to hear. Earlier in May, then-Inspector General Steve Linick was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump while he was investigating Pompeo. Linick was was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who resigned from his post last week after recusing himself from the arms sales investigation. Also read: UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week The investigation then fell on Diana Shaw, who was Stephen's Akard's Deputy, and is now serving as the Acting Inspector General. Linick and Akard are not the only ones who have had to leave their post mid-term. The frequent change in the position of Inspector general has raised concerns for the Democrats, and even some of the Republican colleagues of the President. Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said he is worried that the report was discussed internally before being released publically. "The people briefing the press were the subjects of the IG’s probe, not the report’s authors. This obvious pre-spin of the findings reeks of an attempt to distract and mislead," Engel said. While Pompeo has been declared non-guilty, the focus now is on the investigation of Linick's abrupt termination from his role as an IG.

Pompeo did not break law by selling arms to Saudi, concludes US IG