<p>Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth.</p>

<p>The channel's resident jester, who was hosting Monday's edition of the chat show “The Five”, &nbsp;made a series of such comments during a discussion on a looting incident.</p>

<p>The discussion was around an incident that took place on Monday (Aug 14) when a 'mob of criminals' attempted a robbery stealing merchandise worth more than $300,000 from the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To those who live in the area and patronize the Topanga Mall it is a loss of feeling safe. The LAPD will exhaust all efforts to bring those responsible into custody and seek criminal prosecution.<br />
<br />
Watch ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/CTLou25c5G">https://t.co/CTLou25c5G</a></p>
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDPIO/status/1690588159397236736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the video shared by the police on their official social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, was played on the show showing the robbery.&nbsp;Gutfeld made a comment on how women are soft on crime and also effectually blamed the entire gender for alleged policies that would aid in preventing such crimes.</p>

<p>“What would happen if all the women took a ladies' week off and they went to Venus … How many of these problems would still exist?” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-attends-ramayana-recitation-by-indian-preacher-morari-bapu-at-cambridge-university-625886">Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University</a></p>

<p>He then said that if women went away, some new problems would surely arise but crimes like “smash and grabs” and “rampant recidivism” would “disappear".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greg Gutfled asks "how many of these problems would still exist" if all women just went away for a week, insisting that violent crime would be solved if women just let men handle it. <a href="https://t.co/p8QF3aWRJe">pic.twitter.com/p8QF3aWRJe</a></p>
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbaragona/status/1691206577586388994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, during the discussion, also admitted that his comments would be offensive, and would not go well with Jeanine Pirro, a tough-on-crime co-host of “The Five”, who used to work as a prosecutor and served as a New York state judge previously.</p>

<p>“I know this is offensive to the judge because she thinks like a dude,” Gutfeld jokingly remarked.</p>

<p>Gutfeld then concluded his rant, stating, “What I’m saying is that we have gotten so soft and it is because we have decided that discipline and punishment is wrong.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fox News spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by CNN on Tuesday.</p>

<p>As per reports, Gutfeld has previously also been under attack and has received backlash on social media for making several such comments during his tenure at Fox News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the White House condemned Fox News over comments made by Gutfeld over the holocaust terming the remarks as a “horrid, dangerous, and extreme lie” that “insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils” committed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth.

Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth. The channel's resident jester, who was hosting Monday's edition of the chat show “The Five”, made a series of such comments during a discussion on a looting incident. The discussion was around an incident that took place on Monday (Aug 14) when a 'mob of criminals' attempted a robbery stealing merchandise worth more than $300,000 from the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center. To those who live in the area and patronize the Topanga Mall it is a loss of feeling safe. The LAPD will exhaust all efforts to bring those responsible into custody and seek criminal prosecution. Watch ⬇️https://t.co/CTLou25c5G — LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) August 13, 2023 × As the video shared by the police on their official social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, was played on the show showing the robbery. Gutfeld made a comment on how women are soft on crime and also effectually blamed the entire gender for alleged policies that would aid in preventing such crimes. “What would happen if all the women took a ladies' week off and they went to Venus … How many of these problems would still exist?” he said. Also read: Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University He then said that if women went away, some new problems would surely arise but crimes like “smash and grabs” and “rampant recidivism” would “disappear". Greg Gutfled asks "how many of these problems would still exist" if all women just went away for a week, insisting that violent crime would be solved if women just let men handle it. pic.twitter.com/p8QF3aWRJe — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) August 14, 2023 × He, during the discussion, also admitted that his comments would be offensive, and would not go well with Jeanine Pirro, a tough-on-crime co-host of “The Five”, who used to work as a prosecutor and served as a New York state judge previously. “I know this is offensive to the judge because she thinks like a dude,” Gutfeld jokingly remarked. Gutfeld then concluded his rant, stating, “What I’m saying is that we have gotten so soft and it is because we have decided that discipline and punishment is wrong.” Fox News spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by CNN on Tuesday. As per reports, Gutfeld has previously also been under attack and has received backlash on social media for making several such comments during his tenure at Fox News. Last month, the White House condemned Fox News over comments made by Gutfeld over the holocaust terming the remarks as a “horrid, dangerous, and extreme lie” that “insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils” committed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks

<p>A woman in the United States was awarded a $1.2 billion settlement after a Texas jury ruled that she was the victim of "revenge porn". The woman from Texas who filed the lawsuit in 2022 claimed that her ex-boyfriend sent personal pictures of her to her family, friends, and coworkers via fake online accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The identity of the woman has not been revealed, she went by her initials D.L. in court documents. She filed the lawsuit in Harris County against her former boyfriend Marques Jamal Jackson. The lawyers had initially requested $100 million in damages from the jurors.</p>

<p>She claimed in the suit that Jackson obtained the images while they were dating and posted them on social media platforms and adult websites "with the intent to embarrass, harass, torment, humiliate, and publicly shame" her. &nbsp;The court document revealed that they started dating in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement carried by US media outlets, Bradford Gilde, the lead trial lawyer, said: "While a judgment, in this case, is unlikely to be recovered, the compensatory verdict gives DL back her good name."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the amount that was initially asked, Gilde said that "we hope the staggering amount of this verdict sends a message of deterrence and prevents others from engaging in this despicable activity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the lawyer, this ruling is a symbolic win for victims of "imaged-based sexual abuse," known as "revenge porn," which is used to inflict "a combination of psychological abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gilde said: "The punitive verdict also is the jury's plea to raise awareness of this tech-fueled national epidemic."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit also claimed that Jackson hacked into his ex-girlfriend's mother's home security system to spy on D.L. after the two split up. It is claimed that following the breakup, Jackson was informed he could no longer use the home security system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cases related to revenge porn are rising in the US. Nearly all 50 states, including Texas, have approved legislation outlawing revenge porn,&nbsp;&nbsp;except Massachusetts and South Carolina.&nbsp;A bill to ban revenge porn was presented by Massachusetts lawmakers last year, but the legislature is currently considering it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A woman in the United States was awarded a $1.2 billion settlement after a Texas jury ruled that she was the victim of "revenge porn". The woman from Texas who filed the lawsuit in 2022 claimed that her ex-boyfriend sent personal pictures of her to her family, friends, and coworkers via fake online accounts.

A woman in the United States was awarded a $1.2 billion settlement after a Texas jury ruled that she was the victim of "revenge porn". The woman from Texas who filed the lawsuit in 2022 claimed that her ex-boyfriend sent personal pictures of her to her family, friends, and coworkers via fake online accounts. The identity of the woman has not been revealed, she went by her initials D.L. in court documents. She filed the lawsuit in Harris County against her former boyfriend Marques Jamal Jackson. The lawyers had initially requested $100 million in damages from the jurors. She claimed in the suit that Jackson obtained the images while they were dating and posted them on social media platforms and adult websites "with the intent to embarrass, harass, torment, humiliate, and publicly shame" her. The court document revealed that they started dating in 2016. In a statement carried by US media outlets, Bradford Gilde, the lead trial lawyer, said: "While a judgment, in this case, is unlikely to be recovered, the compensatory verdict gives DL back her good name." Referring to the amount that was initially asked, Gilde said that "we hope the staggering amount of this verdict sends a message of deterrence and prevents others from engaging in this despicable activity." According to the lawyer, this ruling is a symbolic win for victims of "imaged-based sexual abuse," known as "revenge porn," which is used to inflict "a combination of psychological abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse". Gilde said: "The punitive verdict also is the jury's plea to raise awareness of this tech-fueled national epidemic." The lawsuit also claimed that Jackson hacked into his ex-girlfriend's mother's home security system to spy on D.L. after the two split up. It is claimed that following the breakup, Jackson was informed he could no longer use the home security system. Cases related to revenge porn are rising in the US. Nearly all 50 states, including Texas, have approved legislation outlawing revenge porn, except Massachusetts and South Carolina. A bill to ban revenge porn was presented by Massachusetts lawmakers last year, but the legislature is currently considering it. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Texas woman awarded $1.2 billion in damages in revenge porn case

<p>The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife. Later, to their surprise, the officers found out the deceased was holding only a black marker pen.</p>

<p>“This is a tremendous tragedy,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said during the briefing on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denver Police Cmdr. Matt Clark said in a press conference on Monday (August 14) that the department had received a call from someone who had reported an incident related to domestic violence, involving Cole, 36, his wife and his teenage son, stating that a man “had possibly pushed his wife, who was in a wheelchair, out of the chair and onto the ground.”</p>

<p>Clark then said that the caller informed that she hadn't seen any weapons and also did not know if the woman was wounded, but provided police with a description of the man, who according to her was “possibly under the influence of alcohol.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iWzp-BLiQQE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drunk-american-tourists-found-sleeping-atop-eiffel-tower-after-dodging-security-625962">Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security</a></p>

<h2><strong>What did the footage reveal?</strong></h2>

<p>A woman can be seen sitting on the street next to a wheelchair as per the body camera footage of the incident released by the police. “Don’t, don’t pull your gun out on my husband, please,” she says. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C9KFRF9dE40" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the footage, Cole can be heard saying “Let’s go” to an officer who calls him by his first name. The officer then tries to hit Cole with a stun gun. He moves swiftly around a car that is parked towards the other officer and raises his hands to his chest level, but the thing that he holds in his hand is unclear in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, the female officer, who was standing right behind the man “observed him holding an object in his right hand that she believed to be a knife. The officer described observing the subject moving the object back and forth from his back area to his front holding it in a threatening manner.”</p>

<p>“You can see in the video that when she finally deploys her duty weapon, the person is so close to her that the view of the young child and other person is not even clear to her,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said. “Certainly that was a consideration, but it was just there was not much time to act before she was overrun by that individual.”</p>

<p>As per news agency AP reports, the Denver District Attorney’s Office will be provided with the results of the probe being conducted into this matter which will further determine if the officer will face any criminal charges. After that, the police will conduct an investigation to find out if the policies of the department were abided by.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife.

The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife. Later, to their surprise, the officers found out the deceased was holding only a black marker pen. “This is a tremendous tragedy,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said during the briefing on Monday. Denver Police Cmdr. Matt Clark said in a press conference on Monday (August 14) that the department had received a call from someone who had reported an incident related to domestic violence, involving Cole, 36, his wife and his teenage son, stating that a man “had possibly pushed his wife, who was in a wheelchair, out of the chair and onto the ground.” Clark then said that the caller informed that she hadn't seen any weapons and also did not know if the woman was wounded, but provided police with a description of the man, who according to her was “possibly under the influence of alcohol.” × Also read: Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security What did the footage reveal? A woman can be seen sitting on the street next to a wheelchair as per the body camera footage of the incident released by the police. “Don’t, don’t pull your gun out on my husband, please,” she says. × In the footage, Cole can be heard saying “Let’s go” to an officer who calls him by his first name. The officer then tries to hit Cole with a stun gun. He moves swiftly around a car that is parked towards the other officer and raises his hands to his chest level, but the thing that he holds in his hand is unclear in the video. According to the police, the female officer, who was standing right behind the man “observed him holding an object in his right hand that she believed to be a knife. The officer described observing the subject moving the object back and forth from his back area to his front holding it in a threatening manner.” “You can see in the video that when she finally deploys her duty weapon, the person is so close to her that the view of the young child and other person is not even clear to her,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said. “Certainly that was a consideration, but it was just there was not much time to act before she was overrun by that individual.” As per news agency AP reports, the Denver District Attorney’s Office will be provided with the results of the probe being conducted into this matter which will further determine if the officer will face any criminal charges. After that, the police will conduct an investigation to find out if the policies of the department were abided by. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US cop kills Black man holding marker pen, mistaking it for a knife

<p>The White House on Wednesday released a statement saying that it had come up with a multimillion-dollar cyber contest to stimulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to find out and fix flaws in the security system of the United States government infrastructure.</p>

<p>"Cybersecurity is a race between offence and defence," said Anne Neuberger, the U.S. government's deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology.</p>

<p>"We know malicious actors are already using AI to accelerate identifying vulnerabilities or build malicious software," she added in a statement to Reuters.</p>

<p>In recent times, several organisations in the United States, from healthcare groups to manufacturing firms and government institutions, have been a victim of hacking attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neuberger's comments about artificial intelligence were somewhat similar to those made by Canada's cybersecurity head Samy Khoury last month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maui-wildfires-death-toll-rises-to-53-president-joe-biden-declares-it-major-disaster-624392">Maui wildfires death toll rises to 55, President Joe Biden declares it ‘major disaster’</a></p>

<p>He said that his agency had witnessed AI being deployed for things like creating phishing emails, writing malicious computer code and spreading disinformation.</p>

<p>The White House released a statement saying that the two-year contest includes around $20 million in rewards and will be ushered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the United States government body which is in charge of creating technologies for national security.</p>

<p>The government said that the tech giants at the forefront of the AI revolution which include Alphabet's Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI, will make their systems available for the challenge.</p>

<p>"Our goal with the DARPA AI challenge is to catalyze a larger community of cyber defenders who use the participating AI models to race faster – using generative AI to bolster our cyber defences," Neuberger said.</p>

<p>The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF), a US group of experts attempting to enhance open source software security, will be in charge of guaranteeing the "winning software code is put to use right away," the US government said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The White House on Wednesday released a statement saying that it had come up with a multimillion-dollar cyber contest to stimulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to find out and fix flaws in the security system of the United States government infrastructure.

The White House on Wednesday released a statement saying that it had come up with a multimillion-dollar cyber contest to stimulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to find out and fix flaws in the security system of the United States government infrastructure. "Cybersecurity is a race between offence and defence," said Anne Neuberger, the U.S. government's deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology. "We know malicious actors are already using AI to accelerate identifying vulnerabilities or build malicious software," she added in a statement to Reuters. In recent times, several organisations in the United States, from healthcare groups to manufacturing firms and government institutions, have been a victim of hacking attacks. Neuberger's comments about artificial intelligence were somewhat similar to those made by Canada's cybersecurity head Samy Khoury last month. Also read: Maui wildfires death toll rises to 55, President Joe Biden declares it ‘major disaster’ He said that his agency had witnessed AI being deployed for things like creating phishing emails, writing malicious computer code and spreading disinformation. The White House released a statement saying that the two-year contest includes around $20 million in rewards and will be ushered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the United States government body which is in charge of creating technologies for national security. The government said that the tech giants at the forefront of the AI revolution which include Alphabet's Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI, will make their systems available for the challenge. "Our goal with the DARPA AI challenge is to catalyze a larger community of cyber defenders who use the participating AI models to race faster – using generative AI to bolster our cyber defences," Neuberger said. The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF), a US group of experts attempting to enhance open source software security, will be in charge of guaranteeing the "winning software code is put to use right away," the US government said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House to launch AI-based contest aimed at fixing flaws in security systems

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS.<br />
<br />
"The United States appreciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis," said Blinken in a statement.<br />
<br />
The statement was released after Blinken while speaking to the reporters, extended support for the efforts made by ECOWAS without mentioning the&nbsp;potential military option.<br />
<br />
"ECOWAS, an organisation that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS' leadership and work on this," Blinken said while speaking at a news conference alongside his Mexican counterpart.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ecowas-prepares-for-military-intervention-niger-coup-leaders-threaten-to-kill-ousted-prez-bazoum-624367">As ECOWAS prepares for military intervention, Niger coup leaders threaten to kill ousted prez Bazoum</a></p>

<p>During a summit in Abuja, a standby military force was backed by the West African bloc for Niger after its military toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.<br />
<br />
Blinken said that the ECOWAS and the United States are standing united in their demand for the safety of Bazoum, with whom he stated he has held conversations half a dozen times since the coup.<br />
<br />
"Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government," he stated in the statement, referring to military leaders of Niger.<br />
<br />
Recently, Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said that Bazoum was being held with his wife and son without water or electricity.</p>

<h2><strong>EU, African Union slam&nbsp;Niger president's detention conditions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The European Union&nbsp;on Friday (August 11)&nbsp;slammed&nbsp;the detained&nbsp;Niger&nbsp;President Mohamed Bazoum's worsening conditions&nbsp;and appealed for his immediate release after he was deposed in a coup.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Niger coup: Junta denies meeting US envoy, UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation | WION</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/niger-coup-junta-denies-meeting-us-envoy-un-au-ecowas-delegation-wion-623706/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The EU reiterates it is deeply concerned at the deteriorating conditions in which the president is being detained. Mohamed Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted online.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The African Union also expressed "deep concern" at the poor conditions of&nbsp;detention, and said that his treatment was "unacceptable".</p>

<p>"Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable," said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat in a statement. "Concordant sources attest to a worrying deterioration" of conditions, said Faki.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-26="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS. "The United States appreciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis," said Blinken in a statement. The statement was released after Blinken while speaking to the reporters, extended support for the efforts made by ECOWAS without mentioning the potential military option. "ECOWAS, an organisation that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS' leadership and work on this," Blinken said while speaking at a news conference alongside his Mexican counterpart. ALSO READ | As ECOWAS prepares for military intervention, Niger coup leaders threaten to kill ousted prez Bazoum During a summit in Abuja, a standby military force was backed by the West African bloc for Niger after its military toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Blinken said that the ECOWAS and the United States are standing united in their demand for the safety of Bazoum, with whom he stated he has held conversations half a dozen times since the coup. "Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government," he stated in the statement, referring to military leaders of Niger. Recently, Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said that Bazoum was being held with his wife and son without water or electricity. EU, African Union slam Niger president's detention conditions The European Union on Friday (August 11) slammed the detained Niger President Mohamed Bazoum's worsening conditions and appealed for his immediate release after he was deposed in a coup. WATCH | Niger coup: Junta denies meeting US envoy, UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation | WION "The EU reiterates it is deeply concerned at the deteriorating conditions in which the president is being detained. Mohamed Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted online. The African Union also expressed "deep concern" at the poor conditions of detention, and said that his treatment was "unacceptable". "Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable," said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat in a statement. "Concordant sources attest to a worrying deterioration" of conditions, said Faki. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Blinken supports 'peaceful resolution' after ECOWAS forces decision in Niger

August 10 is marked as national lazy day in the United States. Should the concept be replicated around the world? Is it time to celebrate laziness? Should we normalize not feeling guilty about doing nothing? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas: All about America's 'National Lazy Day'

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid7Opb2Zw5YpFp" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (August 9) signed an executive order that would prohibit American investments in China in sensitive technologies such as computer chips and require government notification in other tech sectors. On Thursday, the Chinese government said it was gravely concerned about the order and that it reserves the right to take measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter to Congress, President Biden said that he was declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat of advancement by countries like China "in sensitive technologies and products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance or cyber-enabled capabilities."</p>

<p>The executive order is expected to be implemented next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Order directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to prohibit or require notification of certain types of outbound investments by United States persons into certain entities located in or subject to the jurisdiction of a country of concern, and certain other entities owned by persons of a country of concern, involved in specific categories of advanced technologies and products," an official statement from the Treasury said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In an Annex to the Order, the President identified the People’s Republic of China, along with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as a country of concern," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who's targeted in the executive order?</strong></h2>

<p>The executive order authorises the US Treasury Secretary to prohibit or restrict American investments in three sectors: semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The Biden administration said the restrictions would apply to "narrow subsets" of the three areas but did not elaborate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Among other things, Treasury seeks input on the sub-sets of national security technologies and products related to semiconductors, quantum information technology, and artificial intelligence systems," another statement from the Treasury read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement said that the US benefits from an open investment climate and the new measure would not change that. "It is narrowly targeted at investments in highly sensitive technologies and products for the purposes of protecting US national security," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The order aims to prevent American capital and expertise from helping China develop technologies that could support its military modernisation and undermine US national security. The measure targets private equity, venture capital, joint ventures and greenfield investments.</p>

<p>"This narrowly targeted action will complement our existing export control and inbound investment screening tools, and protect our national security while maintaining our longstanding commitment to open investment," the statement also said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Regulations to only affect future investments</strong></h2>

<p>The White House said Biden consulted allies on the plan and incorporated feedback from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said, "For too long, American money has helped fuel the Chinese military’s rise. Today the United States is taking a strategic first step to ensure American investment does not go to fund Chinese military advancement."</p>

<p>The US Treasury pointed out that the regulations would only affect future investments and not the existing ones. Officials insisted the prohibitions were intended to address the most acute national security risks and not to separate the two countries' highly independent economies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Republican party said the executive order was rife with loopholes and was not aggressive enough.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Exemptions expected</strong></h2>

<p>The US Treasury said that it anticipates exempting "certain transactions, including potentially those in publicly traded instruments and intracompany transfers from US parents to subsidiaries."</p>

<p>"Treasury welcomes comments and views from a wide range of stakeholders on all aspects of how the Secretary should implement this new program. Treasury will take this input into account as it develops draft regulations, including refining the definitions of key terms, setting forth the notification requirements, and establishing the penalty and enforcement processes for violations, among other things," Wednesday's statement further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How has China reacted to the executive order?</strong></h2>

<p>China's commerce ministry said on Thursday that the executive order affected the normal operation and decision-making of enterprises, and undermines the international economic and trade order. The ministry said it hoped that Washington would respect the laws of the market economy and the principle of fair competition&nbsp;and refrain from "artificially hindering global economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, or set up obstacles for the recovery of the world economy".</p>

<p>The foreign ministry said that Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied" with and "resolutely" opposes Washington's insistence on introducing investment restrictions on China, having also lodged solemn representations with the US.</p>

<p>China urged the US to fulfil Biden's promise of no intention to decouple from China or obstruct China's economic development, the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy told Reuters on Thursday the White House had not heeded "China’s repeated expression of deep concerns" about the plan.</p>

<p>Pointing out that more than 70,000 American companies do business in China, the spokesperson said that the restrictions would hurt both Chinese and American businesses, interfere with normal cooperation and reduce investor confidence in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (August 9) signed an executive order that would prohibit American investments in China in sensitive technologies such as computer chips and require government notification in other tech sectors.

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (August 9) signed an executive order that would prohibit American investments in China in sensitive technologies such as computer chips and require government notification in other tech sectors. On Thursday, the Chinese government said it was gravely concerned about the order and that it reserves the right to take measures. In a letter to Congress, President Biden said that he was declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat of advancement by countries like China "in sensitive technologies and products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance or cyber-enabled capabilities." The executive order is expected to be implemented next year. "The Order directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to prohibit or require notification of certain types of outbound investments by United States persons into certain entities located in or subject to the jurisdiction of a country of concern, and certain other entities owned by persons of a country of concern, involved in specific categories of advanced technologies and products," an official statement from the Treasury said on Wednesday. "In an Annex to the Order, the President identified the People’s Republic of China, along with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as a country of concern," the statement added. Who's targeted in the executive order? The executive order authorises the US Treasury Secretary to prohibit or restrict American investments in three sectors: semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The Biden administration said the restrictions would apply to "narrow subsets" of the three areas but did not elaborate. "Among other things, Treasury seeks input on the sub-sets of national security technologies and products related to semiconductors, quantum information technology, and artificial intelligence systems," another statement from the Treasury read. The statement said that the US benefits from an open investment climate and the new measure would not change that. "It is narrowly targeted at investments in highly sensitive technologies and products for the purposes of protecting US national security," it added. The order aims to prevent American capital and expertise from helping China develop technologies that could support its military modernisation and undermine US national security. The measure targets private equity, venture capital, joint ventures and greenfield investments. "This narrowly targeted action will complement our existing export control and inbound investment screening tools, and protect our national security while maintaining our longstanding commitment to open investment," the statement also said. Regulations to only affect future investments The White House said Biden consulted allies on the plan and incorporated feedback from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said, "For too long, American money has helped fuel the Chinese military’s rise. Today the United States is taking a strategic first step to ensure American investment does not go to fund Chinese military advancement." The US Treasury pointed out that the regulations would only affect future investments and not the existing ones. Officials insisted the prohibitions were intended to address the most acute national security risks and not to separate the two countries' highly independent economies. However, the Republican party said the executive order was rife with loopholes and was not aggressive enough. Exemptions expected The US Treasury said that it anticipates exempting "certain transactions, including potentially those in publicly traded instruments and intracompany transfers from US parents to subsidiaries." "Treasury welcomes comments and views from a wide range of stakeholders on all aspects of how the Secretary should implement this new program. Treasury will take this input into account as it develops draft regulations, including refining the definitions of key terms, setting forth the notification requirements, and establishing the penalty and enforcement processes for violations, among other things," Wednesday's statement further said. How has China reacted to the executive order? China's commerce ministry said on Thursday that the executive order affected the normal operation and decision-making of enterprises, and undermines the international economic and trade order. The ministry said it hoped that Washington would respect the laws of the market economy and the principle of fair competition and refrain from "artificially hindering global economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, or set up obstacles for the recovery of the world economy". The foreign ministry said that Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied" with and "resolutely" opposes Washington's insistence on introducing investment restrictions on China, having also lodged solemn representations with the US. China urged the US to fulfil Biden's promise of no intention to decouple from China or obstruct China's economic development, the ministry added. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy told Reuters on Thursday the White House had not heeded "China’s repeated expression of deep concerns" about the plan. Pointing out that more than 70,000 American companies do business in China, the spokesperson said that the restrictions would hurt both Chinese and American businesses, interfere with normal cooperation and reduce investor confidence in the US. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: US President Biden orders ban on certain US tech investments in China. Who's targeted?

<p>Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week.<br />
<br />
The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet.<br />
<br />
“It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal.<br />
<br />
He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploying-more-warships-marines-in-west-asia-amid-iranian-aggression-618058">US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression</a></p>

<p>US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.”<br />
<br />
The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane.</p>

<h2><strong>Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy</strong></h2>

<p>The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”.<br />
<br />
“According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-china-planted-moles-in-the-us-navy-622564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal.<br />
<br />
“This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week.

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week. The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet. “It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal. He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left. ALSO READ | US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.” The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane. Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”. “According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy? Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal. “This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US dispatches four navy warships after Russia, China send naval patrols near Alaska

The gun violence epidemic continues unabated in the United States. As per some reports, the United States is averaging two mass shootings a day, so far this year. We have heard members from either end of the political spectrum share their two cents on how to reign in the rampant gunviolence in the United States. In this episode of Untangled, WION's Hem Kaur Saroya talks about gun backbacks.

Gun buybacks: Do they work? | Untangled

<p>United States 2024 presidential hopeful and rightwing Florida governor Ron DeSantis faced wide condemnation after he stated that if he gets elected to the White House, he will “start slitting throats” in the country's federal bureaucracy from the first day he comes in power.<br />
<br />
National Treasury Employees Union president Tony Reardon called the comments of hardline Republicans “repulsive and unworthy of the presidential campaign trail”.<br />
<br />
As reported by The Guardian, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley said, “Governor DeSantis’ threat to ‘start slitting throats’ of federal employees is dangerous, disgusting, disgraceful and disqualifying.”<br />
<br />
Among other commentators, columnist Max Boot said that the words of DeSantis were “deranged” while founder of the Bulwark, a conservative site, Bill Kristol said that the governor was “making a bold play to dominate the maniacal psychopath lane in the Republican primary”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-widens-lead-over-desantis-with-record-54-per-cent-support-even-as-legal-challenges-mount-621349">Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount</a></p>

<p>DeSantis has been clearly in second place in the Republican primary but is lagging behind Donald Trump by more than 30 points in most averages, notwithstanding proliferating legal jeopardy of the former president, which includes 78 criminal charges.<br />
<br />
The comment about slitting throats was made by DeSantis at an event in the second state to vote New Hampshire, as reported by The Guardian.<br />
<br />
“On bureaucracy, you know, we’re going to have all these deep state people, you know, we’re going to start slitting throats on day one and be ready to go,” DeSantis stated. “You’re going to see a huge, huge outcry because Washington wants to protect its own,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>DeSantis uses line ‘slitting throats’ often</strong></h2>

<p>The line “slitting throats” has been used by DeSantis even before. Last week, he had said to rightwing columnist John Solomon that he wished to appoint a defence secretary who can “slit some throats” and be “very firm, very strong”.<br />
<br />
Condemning remarks of DeSantis, Kelley said, “Federal employees – over a third of whom are veterans now wearing their second uniform in service to their country – have dedicated their lives to serving their fellow Americans.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;‘Peaky Blinders’ team condemns Ron DeSantis campaign's ‘homophobic’ post</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/peaky-blinders-team-condemns-ron-desantis-campaigns-homophobic-post-612566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“They support our military, provide healthcare to our nation’s veterans, enforce our laws, safeguard our communities, deliver benefits to America’s most vulnerable citizens, keep our skies safe for air travel, protect human health and our environment, and much more,” he added.<br />
<br />
“These public servants deserve respect and commendation from our nation’s leaders. No federal employee should face death threats from anyone, least of all from someone seeking to lead the US government. Governor DeSantis must retract his irresponsible statement,” he stated.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


United States 2024 presidential hopeful and rightwing Florida governor Ron DeSantis faced wide condemnation after he stated that if he gets elected to the White House, he will “start slitting throats” in the country's federal bureaucracy from the first day he comes in power.

United States 2024 presidential hopeful and rightwing Florida governor Ron DeSantis faced wide condemnation after he stated that if he gets elected to the White House, he will “start slitting throats” in the country's federal bureaucracy from the first day he comes in power. National Treasury Employees Union president Tony Reardon called the comments of hardline Republicans “repulsive and unworthy of the presidential campaign trail”. As reported by The Guardian, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley said, “Governor DeSantis’ threat to ‘start slitting throats’ of federal employees is dangerous, disgusting, disgraceful and disqualifying.” Among other commentators, columnist Max Boot said that the words of DeSantis were “deranged” while founder of the Bulwark, a conservative site, Bill Kristol said that the governor was “making a bold play to dominate the maniacal psychopath lane in the Republican primary”. ALSO READ | Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount DeSantis has been clearly in second place in the Republican primary but is lagging behind Donald Trump by more than 30 points in most averages, notwithstanding proliferating legal jeopardy of the former president, which includes 78 criminal charges. The comment about slitting throats was made by DeSantis at an event in the second state to vote New Hampshire, as reported by The Guardian. “On bureaucracy, you know, we’re going to have all these deep state people, you know, we’re going to start slitting throats on day one and be ready to go,” DeSantis stated. “You’re going to see a huge, huge outcry because Washington wants to protect its own,” he added. DeSantis uses line ‘slitting throats’ often The line “slitting throats” has been used by DeSantis even before. Last week, he had said to rightwing columnist John Solomon that he wished to appoint a defence secretary who can “slit some throats” and be “very firm, very strong”. Condemning remarks of DeSantis, Kelley said, “Federal employees – over a third of whom are veterans now wearing their second uniform in service to their country – have dedicated their lives to serving their fellow Americans.” WATCH | ‘Peaky Blinders’ team condemns Ron DeSantis campaign's ‘homophobic’ post “They support our military, provide healthcare to our nation’s veterans, enforce our laws, safeguard our communities, deliver benefits to America’s most vulnerable citizens, keep our skies safe for air travel, protect human health and our environment, and much more,” he added. “These public servants deserve respect and commendation from our nation’s leaders. No federal employee should face death threats from anyone, least of all from someone seeking to lead the US government. Governor DeSantis must retract his irresponsible statement,” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: DeSantis says will ‘start slitting throats’ in federal bureaucracy if elected, sparks outrage

Two US Navy sailors have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China as per the Department of Justice. They have been arrested on charges of handing over sensitive US national security material to China.

Two sailors from US Navy allegedly gave military intel to China

<p class="MsoNormal">Thousands of people from all over the United States and around the world have kept their hopes high on killing many massive serpents in Florida’s public contest to kill Burmese pythons.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Speaking about participating in the bizarre contest, 22-year-old native of Naples Jake Waleri said that his major plan is to hunt snakes during his summer break from the University of Ohio.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Waleri said that he has knowledge about the Burmese pythons, which is an invasive species that took over the Everglades and wreaked havoc on Florida's natural habitat.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He developed an interest in python hunting after he watched professional hunters on television, and began hunting the snakes himself two years ago. Last year, he participated in the state’s annual python hunting contest called “Florida Python Challenge”, however, he dropped out in between because he was lagging behind in the rankings.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-us-woman-sets-guinness-world-record-for-burp-louder-than-blender-622165">US woman sets Guinness World Record for burp louder than blender</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"This year I want to win it," he said while speaking to BBB.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Florida Python Challenge attracts hundreds of participants every year from Canada, Belgium and Latvia, who have been charmed by the prospect of fame and fortune, which includes around $30,000 (£23,600) in prize money.<o:p></o:p></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Catching snakes with bare hands</strong><o:p></o:p></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Recent Python Challenge winners included a father-and-son duo who were able to rapidly despatch 41 snakes, a deaf science teacher who caught a 16ft snake with his bare hands and a 19-year-old who claimed that he will use his $10,000 prize for purchasing snake-spotting lights for his truck.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Waleri and his cousin, who is known as the Glade Boys, have been planning to hunt snakes every night once the contest starts on August 4. He said that they will keep energy drinks for the 10-day marathon contest, along with "a lot of bug spray - that's important".<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He will also carry chest-high waders in case he requires to enter into the water, a roll of tape for sealing the mouth of the python before the kill as well as a snake stick for moving native venomous snakes from the road so that the cars do not hit them.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"If you're not comfortable with snakes, you're going to feel very, very out of place when you're trying to go grab that head. When you hesitate - then you got your hand right in front of that snake's head and it's gonna bite you,” he said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US officials: Bid to stop Iran from seizing civilian vessels</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-officials-bid-to-stop-iran-from-seizing-civilian-vessels-622261/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">According to local conservationists, the contest is important for curbing the scourge that the Burmese python has wrought on the Everglades of Florida.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Everglades has the largest subtropical wilderness area in the entire country as well as the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Florida’s southern tip has been described by UNESCO as "a river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea", which supports a high variety of flora and fauna.<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Thousands of people from all over the United States and around the world have kept their hopes high on killing many massive serpents in Florida’s public contest to kill Burmese pythons.

Thousands of people from all over the United States and around the world have kept their hopes high on killing many massive serpents in Florida’s public contest to kill Burmese pythons. Speaking about participating in the bizarre contest, 22-year-old native of Naples Jake Waleri said that his major plan is to hunt snakes during his summer break from the University of Ohio. Waleri said that he has knowledge about the Burmese pythons, which is an invasive species that took over the Everglades and wreaked havoc on Florida's natural habitat. He developed an interest in python hunting after he watched professional hunters on television, and began hunting the snakes himself two years ago. Last year, he participated in the state’s annual python hunting contest called “Florida Python Challenge”, however, he dropped out in between because he was lagging behind in the rankings. ALSO READ | US woman sets Guinness World Record for burp louder than blender "This year I want to win it," he said while speaking to BBB. The Florida Python Challenge attracts hundreds of participants every year from Canada, Belgium and Latvia, who have been charmed by the prospect of fame and fortune, which includes around $30,000 (£23,600) in prize money. Catching snakes with bare hands Recent Python Challenge winners included a father-and-son duo who were able to rapidly despatch 41 snakes, a deaf science teacher who caught a 16ft snake with his bare hands and a 19-year-old who claimed that he will use his $10,000 prize for purchasing snake-spotting lights for his truck. Waleri and his cousin, who is known as the Glade Boys, have been planning to hunt snakes every night once the contest starts on August 4. He said that they will keep energy drinks for the 10-day marathon contest, along with "a lot of bug spray - that's important". He will also carry chest-high waders in case he requires to enter into the water, a roll of tape for sealing the mouth of the python before the kill as well as a snake stick for moving native venomous snakes from the road so that the cars do not hit them. "If you're not comfortable with snakes, you're going to feel very, very out of place when you're trying to go grab that head. When you hesitate - then you got your hand right in front of that snake's head and it's gonna bite you,” he said. WATCH | US officials: Bid to stop Iran from seizing civilian vessels According to local conservationists, the contest is important for curbing the scourge that the Burmese python has wrought on the Everglades of Florida. The Everglades has the largest subtropical wilderness area in the entire country as well as the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. Florida’s southern tip has been described by UNESCO as "a river of grass flowing imperceptibly from the hinterland into the sea", which supports a high variety of flora and fauna. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: People hope to kill massive serpents in Florida’s Burmese pythons killing contest

<p>To what extent can you go to surprise the love of your life?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serving major husband goals, a farmer from Kansas, USA, came up with a unique idea to surprise his wife Renee on their 50th wedding anniversary which falls on August 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking note of his wife's love for sunflowers, Lee Wilson decided to plant 80 acres of Mrs Wilson's favourite flower. He cultivated nearly 1.2 million sunflowers in his field, with approximately 15,000 flowers per acre in a heartwarming tribute to his love.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking about his grand gesture and the inception of the adorable idea to mark the momentous occasion, Lee said as he contemplated over thoughtful gifts to get his spouse, Renee, that could truly express his love for her, he recalled, "She always liked sunflowers, so, we planted her 80 acres of sunflowers."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F674372800805180%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lee said that he began planting the flowers with the help of his son in the month of May and the two managed to keep it a secret making sure it turns out to be a beautiful surprise for Renee.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/beyond-the-stars-what-is-nasas-protocols-for-handling-deceased-astronauts-in-space-621687">Beyond the stars: What is NASA's protocol for astronauts who die in space?</a></p>

<p>After first setting her eyes on the beautiful field of flowers, Renee said that she was deeply touched by the gesture and that this was the best anniversary present.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It made me feel very special. It couldn't have been a more perfect anniversary gift than a field of sunflowers," she said, her eyes sparkling with emotion.</p>

<p>As per KAKE-TV reports, the two are high school sweethearts and had their first date at a roller skating party. “We met in high school. She couldn’t date until she was 16, and I called her on her 16th birthday and that’s when we started dating,” Lee said.</p>

<p>The sunflower field has begun to attract visitors, tourists from all corners of Kansas who come to capture picturesque moments amidst the breathtakingly beautiful flowers.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


To what extent can you go to surprise the love of your life? Serving major husband goals, a farmer from Kansas, USA, came up with a unique idea to surprise his wife Renee on their 50th wedding anniversary which falls on August 10.

To what extent can you go to surprise the love of your life? Serving major husband goals, a farmer from Kansas, USA, came up with a unique idea to surprise his wife Renee on their 50th wedding anniversary which falls on August 10. Taking note of his wife's love for sunflowers, Lee Wilson decided to plant 80 acres of Mrs Wilson's favourite flower. He cultivated nearly 1.2 million sunflowers in his field, with approximately 15,000 flowers per acre in a heartwarming tribute to his love. While talking about his grand gesture and the inception of the adorable idea to mark the momentous occasion, Lee said as he contemplated over thoughtful gifts to get his spouse, Renee, that could truly express his love for her, he recalled, "She always liked sunflowers, so, we planted her 80 acres of sunflowers." × Lee said that he began planting the flowers with the help of his son in the month of May and the two managed to keep it a secret making sure it turns out to be a beautiful surprise for Renee. Also read: Beyond the stars: What is NASA's protocol for astronauts who die in space? After first setting her eyes on the beautiful field of flowers, Renee said that she was deeply touched by the gesture and that this was the best anniversary present. "It made me feel very special. It couldn't have been a more perfect anniversary gift than a field of sunflowers," she said, her eyes sparkling with emotion. As per KAKE-TV reports, the two are high school sweethearts and had their first date at a roller skating party. “We met in high school. She couldn’t date until she was 16, and I called her on her 16th birthday and that’s when we started dating,” Lee said. The sunflower field has begun to attract visitors, tourists from all corners of Kansas who come to capture picturesque moments amidst the breathtakingly beautiful flowers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | US farmer plants around 1.2 million sunflowers to surprise wife on 50th wedding anniversary

<p>A 30-year-old cold case in the United States has been solved now as the investigating authorities found a DNA match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Facebook post shared on Monday (July 31), the Seaside Fire &amp; Police said that a suspect in the 1991 murder of a 34-year-old woman is dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case is of the brutal death of Vicki Johnson, whose body was found back in January 1991 by investigators in a park on Darwin Street and H Place in Seaside. At that time, police said she was strangled and that her body was charred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson was killed on January 3 in Seaside and her body was found near a playground in the city's Sabado Park neighbourhood. The case was the reason for that particular community to be labelled as unsafe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hit-with-wave-of-metoo-allegations-taiwan-toughens-sexual-harassments-laws-621463">Hit with wave of #MeToo allegations, Taiwan toughens sexual harassment laws</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Authorities said, "Ms Johnson's death shocked the Seaside community due to the details of the brutality. For decades, the case remained cold and left Seaside with a reputation of a violent and unsafe community."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seaside Fire and Police said that Johnson's case was "one of many" reopened by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office when the cold case task force was launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities said that they identified a suspect in connection with the murder after submitting additional evidence to the California Department of Justice for DNA testing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-former-childcare-worker-charged-with-1623-sexual-abuse-offences-against-91-young-girls-621455">Australian man charged with 1,623 sexual abuse offences against 91 young girls. Here's what happened</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This resulted in the identification of the murder suspect, Frank Lewis McClure, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 77. The authorities said that the relationship between them is not known.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official statement mentioned that evidence clearly demonstrates "Johnson put up an incredible physical battle against McClure and fought until the last moments of her life".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"McClure left significant DNA underneath Ms Johnson’s fingernails, which could only be a result of Ms Johnson fighting vigorously for her life. The motive for her murder is still unclear. We do know McClure had a history of violence before his passing," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A 30-year-old cold case in the United States has been solved now as the investigating authorities found a DNA match. In a Facebook post shared on Monday (July 31), the Seaside Fire & Police said that a suspect in the 1991 murder of a 34-year-old woman is dead.

A 30-year-old cold case in the United States has been solved now as the investigating authorities found a DNA match. In a Facebook post shared on Monday (July 31), the Seaside Fire & Police said that a suspect in the 1991 murder of a 34-year-old woman is dead. The case is of the brutal death of Vicki Johnson, whose body was found back in January 1991 by investigators in a park on Darwin Street and H Place in Seaside. At that time, police said she was strangled and that her body was charred. Johnson was killed on January 3 in Seaside and her body was found near a playground in the city's Sabado Park neighbourhood. The case was the reason for that particular community to be labelled as unsafe. Also read: Hit with wave of #MeToo allegations, Taiwan toughens sexual harassment laws Authorities said, "Ms Johnson's death shocked the Seaside community due to the details of the brutality. For decades, the case remained cold and left Seaside with a reputation of a violent and unsafe community." Seaside Fire and Police said that Johnson's case was "one of many" reopened by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office when the cold case task force was launched. The authorities said that they identified a suspect in connection with the murder after submitting additional evidence to the California Department of Justice for DNA testing. Also read: Australian man charged with 1,623 sexual abuse offences against 91 young girls. Here's what happened This resulted in the identification of the murder suspect, Frank Lewis McClure, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 77. The authorities said that the relationship between them is not known. The official statement mentioned that evidence clearly demonstrates "Johnson put up an incredible physical battle against McClure and fought until the last moments of her life". "McClure left significant DNA underneath Ms Johnson’s fingernails, which could only be a result of Ms Johnson fighting vigorously for her life. The motive for her murder is still unclear. We do know McClure had a history of violence before his passing," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

She died in 1991. DNA under fingernails helped identify killer after over 30 years

<p>A shooting that erupted in the parking lot of a Michigan shopping centre, injured&nbsp;at least five people,&nbsp;two of them critically, said the authorities.</p>

<p>The incident took place at around 1 am outside the Logan Square Shopping Center in Lansing, the ABC News reported citing Lansing Police Department.</p>

<p>The police said that the officers found a large crowd when they arrived at the spot with multiple victims who had sustained gunshot wounds.</p>

<p>As per the police officers, the victims were aged between 16 to 26 years out of which two were in serious condition.</p>

<p>The police are yet to ascertain the cause behind the shooting and the matter is under investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per local media reports, it wasn't immediately clear as to why a large crowd&nbsp;was gathered at the shopping centre when the incident took place.</p>

<p>The officials said that due to the size of the crowd, Lansing police requested backup from several neighbouring law enforcement agencies.</p>

<p>As per the police officials, several firearms were recovered at the scene and several people have been detained for interrogation, but no arrests have yet been announced.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-in-pakistan-claims-the-lives-of-at-least-43-620814">Deadly bomb blast in Pakistan kills at least 43</a></p>

<h2><strong>Shooting at a party in Muncie, Indiana kills 1</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a&nbsp;shooting that erupted at a large gathering in Muncie, Indiana, overnight, killed one person and wounded multiple others, as per the city of Muncie.</p>

<p>According to ABC News reports, Delaware County dispatchers got a call at 1:14 am on Sunday morning about multiple gunshot victims at a large party in the area of S. Hackley Street and E. Willard Street in Muncie.</p>

<p>Multiple agencies responded, "due to the number of victims and nature of the incident," the city said.</p>

<p>The city said that a 30-year-old man lost his life in the incident. It further said that multiple victims were being treated at a local hospital, adding that more critical gunshot victims were airlifted to other medical facilities.</p>

<p>The city said that the probe is still ongoing.</p>

<p>"We are heartbroken to learn of this terrible incident, and our deepest condolences go to the families of the young man who was killed and everyone who was injured," ABC News quoted the city as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A shooting that erupted in the parking lot of a Michigan shopping centre, injured at least five people, two of them critically, said the authorities. The incident took place at around 1 am outside the Logan Square Shopping Center in Lansing, the ABC News reported citing Lansing Police Department.

A shooting that erupted in the parking lot of a Michigan shopping centre, injured at least five people, two of them critically, said the authorities. The incident took place at around 1 am outside the Logan Square Shopping Center in Lansing, the ABC News reported citing Lansing Police Department. The police said that the officers found a large crowd when they arrived at the spot with multiple victims who had sustained gunshot wounds. As per the police officers, the victims were aged between 16 to 26 years out of which two were in serious condition. The police are yet to ascertain the cause behind the shooting and the matter is under investigation. As per local media reports, it wasn't immediately clear as to why a large crowd was gathered at the shopping centre when the incident took place. The officials said that due to the size of the crowd, Lansing police requested backup from several neighbouring law enforcement agencies. As per the police officials, several firearms were recovered at the scene and several people have been detained for interrogation, but no arrests have yet been announced. Also read: Deadly bomb blast in Pakistan kills at least 43 Shooting at a party in Muncie, Indiana kills 1 Meanwhile, a shooting that erupted at a large gathering in Muncie, Indiana, overnight, killed one person and wounded multiple others, as per the city of Muncie. According to ABC News reports, Delaware County dispatchers got a call at 1:14 am on Sunday morning about multiple gunshot victims at a large party in the area of S. Hackley Street and E. Willard Street in Muncie. Multiple agencies responded, "due to the number of victims and nature of the incident," the city said. The city said that a 30-year-old man lost his life in the incident. It further said that multiple victims were being treated at a local hospital, adding that more critical gunshot victims were airlifted to other medical facilities. The city said that the probe is still ongoing. "We are heartbroken to learn of this terrible incident, and our deepest condolences go to the families of the young man who was killed and everyone who was injured," ABC News quoted the city as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Shooting in Michigan shopping centre injures 5; Indiana also rocked by gun violence

The US Pentagon is investigating a critical compromise of communications across 17 US Air Force facilities.

US: Engineer obtains radio keys to air education and training command

<p>United States President Joe Biden, in a historic move, signed an order on Friday reshaping the way the United States military probes the cases of sexual assault by shifting the power from the unit commanders to independent prosecutors.</p>

<p>The order transfers key decision-making authorities from commanders to specialised, independent military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, and other serious offences by amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).</p>

<p>This executive order published by the White House, will put an and to the pressure from the advocates of the victims in order to guarantee better accountability within the ranks, despite the aversion to change from the military top brass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The order officially implements the changes passed by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022's National Defense Authorization Act (FY22 NDAA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The administration dubs it as “the most significant transformation of the military justice system since the UCMJ was established in 1950.”</p>

<p>"These reforms are a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military. They fulfill President Biden’s promise to fundamentally shift how the military justice system responds to sexual assault and related crimes, which is something President Biden has prioritized since Day One of this administration. Ending gender-based violence wherever it occurs has been a top priority for the President throughout his career, as a Senator, and as Vice President," the White House said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As Commander in Chief, he’s made clear that our one truly sacred obligation as a nation is to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families both while they are deployed and when they return home. The reforms implemented through today’s Executive Order do just that, promoting dignity and respect for those who serve by better protecting our servicemembers and making the military safer and more just," it further added.</p>

<p>The White House said that the order takes significant action to reform the military justice system by amending the Manual for Courts-Martial and its accompanying rules for Courts-Martial that include establishing the rules that will govern the new Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC), the independent military prosecutors who will now decide, in the place of commanders, whether to prosecute covered offences such as sexual assault and domestic violence, child abuse, and murder.</p>

<p>As per the latest Pentagon data, there were nearly 8,942 cases of sexual assault involving military personnel that were reported in the year 2022, slightly up on the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden, in a historic move, signed an order on Friday reshaping the way the United States military probes the cases of sexual assault by shifting the power from the unit commanders to independent prosecutors.

United States President Joe Biden, in a historic move, signed an order on Friday reshaping the way the United States military probes the cases of sexual assault by shifting the power from the unit commanders to independent prosecutors. The order transfers key decision-making authorities from commanders to specialised, independent military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, and other serious offences by amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This executive order published by the White House, will put an and to the pressure from the advocates of the victims in order to guarantee better accountability within the ranks, despite the aversion to change from the military top brass. The order officially implements the changes passed by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022's National Defense Authorization Act (FY22 NDAA). The administration dubs it as “the most significant transformation of the military justice system since the UCMJ was established in 1950.” "These reforms are a turning point for survivors of gender-based violence in the military. They fulfill President Biden’s promise to fundamentally shift how the military justice system responds to sexual assault and related crimes, which is something President Biden has prioritized since Day One of this administration. Ending gender-based violence wherever it occurs has been a top priority for the President throughout his career, as a Senator, and as Vice President," the White House said. "As Commander in Chief, he’s made clear that our one truly sacred obligation as a nation is to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families both while they are deployed and when they return home. The reforms implemented through today’s Executive Order do just that, promoting dignity and respect for those who serve by better protecting our servicemembers and making the military safer and more just," it further added. The White House said that the order takes significant action to reform the military justice system by amending the Manual for Courts-Martial and its accompanying rules for Courts-Martial that include establishing the rules that will govern the new Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC), the independent military prosecutors who will now decide, in the place of commanders, whether to prosecute covered offences such as sexual assault and domestic violence, child abuse, and murder. As per the latest Pentagon data, there were nearly 8,942 cases of sexual assault involving military personnel that were reported in the year 2022, slightly up on the previous year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Joe Biden signs order transforming way military handles sexual assault cases

<p>After the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in the year 2021, the United States completed one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 evacuations. The Afghans who were rescued to safety were promised a home in the US, but as per a new report, the country has taken days and months to process their applications, and the people have waited so long that they are now being sent back to the realm of the cruel rule that they fled.</p>

<p>As per a CNN report, dozens of Afghans, who were informed that they were eligible to apply for the resettlement process as they had worked with the United States, have been forcibly sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where they had escaped awaiting the completion of the process that they were assured by the US.</p>

<p>A man, who was waiting for his US visa, spoke of his predicament as to how he was deported and released at the Afghan border by Pakistani police this summer.</p>

<p>“They did not hand us over to the (Taliban) Afghan border forces,” CNN quoted him as saying. “They just released us on the border and told us to go back to Afghanistan. It was me, my four kids and my wife deported together.” He is now living in hiding in the Afghan capital, Kabul.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-admits-receiving-664k-from-company-backed-by-chinese-communist-party-620344">Hunter Biden admits receiving $664K from company backed by Chinese Communist Party</a></p>

<p>Another anonymous Afghan, who also spoke from hiding, said, “So this is very, very dangerous, and it is very tough… How many people have been killed, had been tortured, have been disappeared?” The man, who is a former employee of a US contractor, said that the Taliban “will punish me, they will put me in jail. Maybe they will kill me? I’m sure they will.” He further added: “Still, we believe that the USA will help us. We believe we didn’t lose our hope still.”</p>

<p>After the Taliban's takeover on August 15, 2021, many Afghans were airlifted out of the country in a US-led operation. Thousands also fled across the border to the neighbouring country Pakistan, with often incomplete paperwork, after the United States issued guidelines that they should wait in a third country for their visa applications to be processed.</p>

<p>As per the State Department figures, approximately 90,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States since then. However, many are on the backlog list of Afghan Priority 2 (P-2) or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) applications that are waiting to be processed.</p>

<h2><strong>Afghans in Pakistan facing most acute situation</strong></h2>

<p>As per the human rights group, the ones in Pakistan are in the most critical situation as hundreds of Afghans have been deported from there in a crackdown against migrants after the recent political instability.</p>

<p>So far this year, at least 530 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan, CNN reported citing Haseeb Aafaq, a spokesman for volunteer group the Afghanistan Immigrants Refugees Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aafaq said that the Pakistani authorities made no exceptions for pending US visa cases. “There is no differentiation. The authorities here do not even think about where you are from. If you are Afghan, you must be deported if your visa is not valid, whether you are SIV or P-2 or sponsorship cases,” CNN quoted him as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


After the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in the year 2021, the United States completed one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 evacuations.

After the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in the year 2021, the United States completed one of the biggest airlifts in history, with more than 120,000 evacuations. The Afghans who were rescued to safety were promised a home in the US, but as per a new report, the country has taken days and months to process their applications, and the people have waited so long that they are now being sent back to the realm of the cruel rule that they fled. As per a CNN report, dozens of Afghans, who were informed that they were eligible to apply for the resettlement process as they had worked with the United States, have been forcibly sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where they had escaped awaiting the completion of the process that they were assured by the US. A man, who was waiting for his US visa, spoke of his predicament as to how he was deported and released at the Afghan border by Pakistani police this summer. “They did not hand us over to the (Taliban) Afghan border forces,” CNN quoted him as saying. “They just released us on the border and told us to go back to Afghanistan. It was me, my four kids and my wife deported together.” He is now living in hiding in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Also read: Hunter Biden admits receiving $664K from company backed by Chinese Communist Party Another anonymous Afghan, who also spoke from hiding, said, “So this is very, very dangerous, and it is very tough… How many people have been killed, had been tortured, have been disappeared?” The man, who is a former employee of a US contractor, said that the Taliban “will punish me, they will put me in jail. Maybe they will kill me? I’m sure they will.” He further added: “Still, we believe that the USA will help us. We believe we didn’t lose our hope still.” After the Taliban's takeover on August 15, 2021, many Afghans were airlifted out of the country in a US-led operation. Thousands also fled across the border to the neighbouring country Pakistan, with often incomplete paperwork, after the United States issued guidelines that they should wait in a third country for their visa applications to be processed. As per the State Department figures, approximately 90,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States since then. However, many are on the backlog list of Afghan Priority 2 (P-2) or Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) applications that are waiting to be processed. Afghans in Pakistan facing most acute situation As per the human rights group, the ones in Pakistan are in the most critical situation as hundreds of Afghans have been deported from there in a crackdown against migrants after the recent political instability. So far this year, at least 530 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan, CNN reported citing Haseeb Aafaq, a spokesman for volunteer group the Afghanistan Immigrants Refugees Council. Aafaq said that the Pakistani authorities made no exceptions for pending US visa cases. “There is no differentiation. The authorities here do not even think about where you are from. If you are Afghan, you must be deported if your visa is not valid, whether you are SIV or P-2 or sponsorship cases,” CNN quoted him as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghans awaiting resettlement in US forcibly deported back to Afghanistan from Pakistan: Report

<p>United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended steadfast support to Niger's ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum Washington, and gave a warning to those detaining him that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk, said the State Department on Friday (July 28).<br />
<br />
Binken, who was completing a multi-nation Pacific tour, called Bazoum for the second time in a few days to offer America's "unflagging support" after the leader was detained in a military coup, said department spokesman Matt Miller in a statement.<br />
<br />
In another call to former Nigerien leader Mahamadou Issoufou, concern was expressed by Blinken over the ongoing detention of Bazoum and that "negotiations to ensure constitutional order in Niger were at an impasse."</p>

<p>He said to Issoufou that he "regretted that those detaining Bazoum were threatening years of successful co-operation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" to Niamey, and asked Issoufou to continue working on behalf of Bazoum, Miller said.</p>

<p>Washington had already stated that it may cease security and other co-operation with Niger, where as of now 1,000 US troops are stationed.</p>

<p>Blinken also held talks with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna regarding the situation in Niger, emphasising the "urgency of efforts to restore constitutional order" in the militant-hit West African nation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-state-tv-names-new-leader-as-general-abdourahamane-tchiani-620275">Niger general Abdourahamane Tiani declares himself president on state TV</a></p>

<h2><strong>Macron to chair defence meeting on Niger coup</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a defence meeting on the Niger coup, said the presidency, after a powerful general announced himself the new leader.<br />
<br />
There are some 1,500 troops of former colonial master France in the West African nation, which is among its last allies in the Sahel region after the French forces had withdrawn their troop earlier this year from neighbouring country Mali.<br />
<br />
The putschists have been condemned by Macron "in the strongest possible terms" for deposing Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday (July 26).</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;What triggered soldiers in Niger to declare a 'COUP'?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-triggered-soldiers-in-niger-to-declare-a-coup-620386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron stated, while also calling for the release of Bazoum and "the restoration of constitutional order".<br />
<br />
After Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has become the third nation in the Sahel which has been undermined by militant attacks related to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended steadfast support to Niger's ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum Washington, and gave a warning to those detaining him that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk, said the State Department on Friday (July 28).

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended steadfast support to Niger's ousted leader Mohamed Bazoum Washington, and gave a warning to those detaining him that "hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" was at risk, said the State Department on Friday (July 28). Binken, who was completing a multi-nation Pacific tour, called Bazoum for the second time in a few days to offer America's "unflagging support" after the leader was detained in a military coup, said department spokesman Matt Miller in a statement. In another call to former Nigerien leader Mahamadou Issoufou, concern was expressed by Blinken over the ongoing detention of Bazoum and that "negotiations to ensure constitutional order in Niger were at an impasse." He said to Issoufou that he "regretted that those detaining Bazoum were threatening years of successful co-operation and hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance" to Niamey, and asked Issoufou to continue working on behalf of Bazoum, Miller said. Washington had already stated that it may cease security and other co-operation with Niger, where as of now 1,000 US troops are stationed. Blinken also held talks with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna regarding the situation in Niger, emphasising the "urgency of efforts to restore constitutional order" in the militant-hit West African nation. ALSO READ | Niger general Abdourahamane Tiani declares himself president on state TV Macron to chair defence meeting on Niger coup On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a defence meeting on the Niger coup, said the presidency, after a powerful general announced himself the new leader. There are some 1,500 troops of former colonial master France in the West African nation, which is among its last allies in the Sahel region after the French forces had withdrawn their troop earlier this year from neighbouring country Mali. The putschists have been condemned by Macron "in the strongest possible terms" for deposing Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday (July 26). WATCH | What triggered soldiers in Niger to declare a 'COUP'? "This coup is completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous, for Nigeriens, for Niger and for the whole region," Macron stated, while also calling for the release of Bazoum and "the restoration of constitutional order". After Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has become the third nation in the Sahel which has been undermined by militant attacks related to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

United States extends its 'unflagging' support to Niger's ousted leader post-coup

<p>The police officer living in Circleville, Ohio, who was recorded releasing a K-9 dog on an unarmed Black man, was fired, as per a statement issued by the department.</p>

<p>“Circleville Police Officer Ryan Speakman’s actions during the review of his canine apprehension of suspect Jadarrius Rose on July 4 show that Officer Speakman did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers,” said the police department in a statement. “Officer Speakman has been terminated from the department, effective immediately," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On July 24, 23-year-old Rose was attacked and bitten by the police dog after a long vehicle pursuit that started as officers tried to stop a commercial semi-truck, which police claimed did not stop for an inspection, according to the highway patrol case report and video footage shared by the agency.</p>

<p>On Monday, Mayor Don McIlroy identified the Circleville officer who released the dog to attack the man as Speakman and informed CNN that the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-black-lives-do-not-matter-police-in-us-attack-unarmed-black-man-with-k-9-dog-despite-his-surrender-618784">Black lives do not matter? Police in US attack unarmed man with K-9 dog despite his surrender</a></p>

<p>The investigation of the police department into the incident consisted of a significant note by a review board that determined the agency’s “policy for the use of canines was followed in the apprehension and arrest” of Rose, according to a statement from the agency.</p>

<p>“It’s important to understand that the Review Board is charged only with determining whether an employee’s actions in the use of force incident were within department policies and procedures. The Review Board does not have the authority to recommend discipline," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Canines sent to training facility for evaluation</strong></h2>

<p>Pennsylvania-based facility Shallow Creek Kennels, which provided training to the K-9 involved in the incident, said that their protocols and training were followed, further emphasising that all the canines were sent by the Circleville police to the training facility for annual training and evaluation.</p>

<p>The protocols “are standard for service dogs” at Shallow Creek Kennels, which are used by the US military, Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and also the police departments across Canada and the US, as per the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US: Black man mauled by police canine in Ohio</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-black-man-mauled-by-police-canine-in-ohio-619004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In a statement, the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association on Wednesday said that a grievance was filed by it on behalf of Speakman, claiming that he was fired without just cause.</p>

<p>The department was asked by the union to rescind the termination; reimburse the officer for “all lost wages, seniority and benefits lost” which resulted from firing; erase the employee record of his termination history; “and/or any further relief necessary to make the grievance whole.”</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The police officer living in Circleville, Ohio, who was recorded releasing a K-9 dog on an unarmed Black man, was fired, as per a statement issued by the department.

The police officer living in Circleville, Ohio, who was recorded releasing a K-9 dog on an unarmed Black man, was fired, as per a statement issued by the department. “Circleville Police Officer Ryan Speakman’s actions during the review of his canine apprehension of suspect Jadarrius Rose on July 4 show that Officer Speakman did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers,” said the police department in a statement. “Officer Speakman has been terminated from the department, effective immediately," he added. On July 24, 23-year-old Rose was attacked and bitten by the police dog after a long vehicle pursuit that started as officers tried to stop a commercial semi-truck, which police claimed did not stop for an inspection, according to the highway patrol case report and video footage shared by the agency. On Monday, Mayor Don McIlroy identified the Circleville officer who released the dog to attack the man as Speakman and informed CNN that the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. ALSO READ | Black lives do not matter? Police in US attack unarmed man with K-9 dog despite his surrender The investigation of the police department into the incident consisted of a significant note by a review board that determined the agency’s “policy for the use of canines was followed in the apprehension and arrest” of Rose, according to a statement from the agency. “It’s important to understand that the Review Board is charged only with determining whether an employee’s actions in the use of force incident were within department policies and procedures. The Review Board does not have the authority to recommend discipline," the statement added. Canines sent to training facility for evaluation Pennsylvania-based facility Shallow Creek Kennels, which provided training to the K-9 involved in the incident, said that their protocols and training were followed, further emphasising that all the canines were sent by the Circleville police to the training facility for annual training and evaluation. The protocols “are standard for service dogs” at Shallow Creek Kennels, which are used by the US military, Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and also the police departments across Canada and the US, as per the statement. WATCH | US: Black man mauled by police canine in Ohio In a statement, the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association on Wednesday said that a grievance was filed by it on behalf of Speakman, claiming that he was fired without just cause. The department was asked by the union to rescind the termination; reimburse the officer for “all lost wages, seniority and benefits lost” which resulted from firing; erase the employee record of his termination history; “and/or any further relief necessary to make the grievance whole.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Police official fired for releasing K-9 dog on unarmed Black man, informs department

<p>US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said that a&nbsp;US Coastguard ship will be deployed to Papua New Guinea as Washington aims to increase its military footprint in the region amid growing competition for influence with China.</p>

<p>"A US Coastguard cutter will be here in August," said Austin, as he became the first Pentagon boss to visit Papua New Guinea.</p>

<p>The move capitalises on the defence pact which was recently signed between the two countries which offers greater military access to strategically important regions of the South Pacific to the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-initiates-sharing-evidence-of-russian-war-crimes-with-hague-court-619753">US initiates sharing evidence of Russian war crimes with Hague court</a></p>

<p>Washington is willing to show how increased US security cooperation can benefit the regional partners and reduce local fears about Papua New Guinea getting dragged into a battle between US and China for influence in the region.</p>

<p>Papua New Guinea, which lies between Taiwan and US ally Australia, is the most populous and largest state in Melanesia, an area which was important in deciding the final result of World War II in the Pacific.</p>

<h2><strong>Papua New Guinea to benefit from coastguard deployment: Austin</strong></h2>

<p>Austin emphasised that Papua New Guinea will benefit from the coastguard deployment as it will stop the looting of its thinly protected maritime resources, and will also put a halt on activities like illegal fishing and trafficking.</p>

<p>As per a landmark US-Papua New Guinea security pact which was signed earlier this year, the United States will be able to operate and develop the facilities across the country.</p>

<p>With the agreement of Papua New Guinea, troops and vessels will be stationed by the US military at six key ports and airports, including&nbsp;facilities in the capital Port Moresby and Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island.</p>

<p>Washington will have "unimpeded access" to the sites to "pre-position equipment, supplies and materiel" and have "exclusive use" of some zones where development and "construction activities" will be carried out, as per the text.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin India visit: US-India defence cooperation in focus</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-india-visit-us-india-defence-cooperation-in-focus-600767/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the past, Lombrum has been used as a garrison for Japanese, Australian, British, German, and US troops. It was one of the largest bases of the United States in the Pacific during World War II, with 200 ships at anchor, which include six battleships and 20 aircraft carriers which were used to recapture the Philippines from Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Independence of nation won't be eroded, says Austin</strong></h2>

<p>However, Austin tried to address the concerns that the fiercely guarded independence of the South Pacific nation would not be eroded by the pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just want to be clear that we're not seeking permanent basing in PNG. This is an opportunity to expand upon a long-standing relationship," Austin said to his hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape said that the pact would help modernise the infrastructure of Papua New Guinea and strengthen its security.</p>

<p>"They have never tampered with our sovereignty and our autonomy and our independence. It is not them coming in. We invited them in... to build up our defence to protect our own borders, including stopping the theft of fish from our seas. We're doing this for the betterment of our country," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said that a US Coastguard ship will be deployed to Papua New Guinea as Washington aims to increase its military footprint in the region amid growing competition for influence with China.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said that a US Coastguard ship will be deployed to Papua New Guinea as Washington aims to increase its military footprint in the region amid growing competition for influence with China. "A US Coastguard cutter will be here in August," said Austin, as he became the first Pentagon boss to visit Papua New Guinea. The move capitalises on the defence pact which was recently signed between the two countries which offers greater military access to strategically important regions of the South Pacific to the United States. ALSO READ | US initiates sharing evidence of Russian war crimes with Hague court Washington is willing to show how increased US security cooperation can benefit the regional partners and reduce local fears about Papua New Guinea getting dragged into a battle between US and China for influence in the region. Papua New Guinea, which lies between Taiwan and US ally Australia, is the most populous and largest state in Melanesia, an area which was important in deciding the final result of World War II in the Pacific. Papua New Guinea to benefit from coastguard deployment: Austin Austin emphasised that Papua New Guinea will benefit from the coastguard deployment as it will stop the looting of its thinly protected maritime resources, and will also put a halt on activities like illegal fishing and trafficking. As per a landmark US-Papua New Guinea security pact which was signed earlier this year, the United States will be able to operate and develop the facilities across the country. With the agreement of Papua New Guinea, troops and vessels will be stationed by the US military at six key ports and airports, including facilities in the capital Port Moresby and Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island. Washington will have "unimpeded access" to the sites to "pre-position equipment, supplies and materiel" and have "exclusive use" of some zones where development and "construction activities" will be carried out, as per the text. WATCH | US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin India visit: US-India defence cooperation in focus In the past, Lombrum has been used as a garrison for Japanese, Australian, British, German, and US troops. It was one of the largest bases of the United States in the Pacific during World War II, with 200 ships at anchor, which include six battleships and 20 aircraft carriers which were used to recapture the Philippines from Japan. Independence of nation won't be eroded, says Austin However, Austin tried to address the concerns that the fiercely guarded independence of the South Pacific nation would not be eroded by the pact. "I just want to be clear that we're not seeking permanent basing in PNG. This is an opportunity to expand upon a long-standing relationship," Austin said to his hosts. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape said that the pact would help modernise the infrastructure of Papua New Guinea and strengthen its security. "They have never tampered with our sovereignty and our autonomy and our independence. It is not them coming in. We invited them in... to build up our defence to protect our own borders, including stopping the theft of fish from our seas. We're doing this for the betterment of our country," he said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US announces deployment of Coastguard ship to Papua New Guinea

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidxDWwuhjJRPJg" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A heartwarming video of a father smashing the car windshield to rescue a crying baby from a hot car in Texas, United States, has been going viral on social media. The incident happened amid the harsh heat wave sweeping across the southwestern states.</p>

<p>The footage shows a crowd gathered around a car at a gas station parking lot in Harlingen, Texas. People desperately tried to save the baby accidentally left inside the vehicle in the scorching heat. A bystander witnessed the tense situation and filmed it.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Father of the year; Dad smashes his windshield to rescue his baby after locking his keys inside the car<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBNaijaAllStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBNaijaAllStars</a> Davido Eniola Badmus Lekki<a href="https://t.co/LZpdEfWxYv">pic.twitter.com/LZpdEfWxYv</a></p>
— WHATSAPPBLOG9JA (@whatsappblog9ja) <a href="https://twitter.com/whatsappblog9ja/status/1683490881582649350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2023</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>

<p>The baby's father, who accidentally locked the keys inside the car, smashed the windshield with a hammer and lifted the baby out to safety. Although the exact duration of the baby being inside the vehicle remains unknown, experts say a car's interior temperature can increase by 20 degrees within 10&nbsp;minutes, posing life-threatening risks.</p>

<p>The first responders arrived promptly and examined the baby's condition. The child was safe and unharmed. The parents did not face any legal situation as the focus was on ensuring the baby's well-being.</p>

<h2><strong>Heatwave in US southwest to expand eastward</strong></h2>

<p>As the heat wave grips the southwestern United States, the temperatures have surpassed records in several major cities over the weekend. According to BCC News, the heatwave will expand to the central and eastern regions of the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/smartphones-should-be-banned-from-classrooms-says-un-619541">Smartphones should be banned from classrooms, says UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>According to meteorologists, July might become the Earth's hottest month since records are being maintained. An analysis in Washington Post said Phoenix, Arizona, is on the path to become&nbsp;the first major US city to average over 38 degree Celsius for an entire month. Furthermore, 18 heat-related deaths have been reported in Maricopa County since April, with 69 more deaths under probe.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Extreme heat becomes number one weather-related killer in US</strong></h2>

<p>The National Park Service reported at least four deaths among visitors. Moreover, two female hikers died in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada on Sunday due to temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius. However, cops have not released the official identities or the cause of death.</p>

<p>Heat dome, a large area of high pressure, is causing the heat wave in the southwestern United States, according to BBC Weather. The heatwave will last another two weeks, said the National Weather Service's Climate Predictor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A heartwarming video of a father smashing the car windshield to rescue a crying baby from a hot car in Texas, United States, has been going viral on social media.

A heartwarming video of a father smashing the car windshield to rescue a crying baby from a hot car in Texas, United States, has been going viral on social media. The incident happened amid the harsh heat wave sweeping across the southwestern states. The footage shows a crowd gathered around a car at a gas station parking lot in Harlingen, Texas. People desperately tried to save the baby accidentally left inside the vehicle in the scorching heat. A bystander witnessed the tense situation and filmed it. Father of the year; Dad smashes his windshield to rescue his baby after locking his keys inside the car#BBNaijaAllStars Davido Eniola Badmus Lekkipic.twitter.com/LZpdEfWxYv — WHATSAPPBLOG9JA (@whatsappblog9ja) July 24, 2023 × The baby's father, who accidentally locked the keys inside the car, smashed the windshield with a hammer and lifted the baby out to safety. Although the exact duration of the baby being inside the vehicle remains unknown, experts say a car's interior temperature can increase by 20 degrees within 10 minutes, posing life-threatening risks. The first responders arrived promptly and examined the baby's condition. The child was safe and unharmed. The parents did not face any legal situation as the focus was on ensuring the baby's well-being. Heatwave in US southwest to expand eastward As the heat wave grips the southwestern United States, the temperatures have surpassed records in several major cities over the weekend. According to BCC News, the heatwave will expand to the central and eastern regions of the US. ALSO READ | Smartphones should be banned from classrooms, says UN report According to meteorologists, July might become the Earth's hottest month since records are being maintained. An analysis in Washington Post said Phoenix, Arizona, is on the path to become the first major US city to average over 38 degree Celsius for an entire month. Furthermore, 18 heat-related deaths have been reported in Maricopa County since April, with 69 more deaths under probe. Extreme heat becomes number one weather-related killer in US The National Park Service reported at least four deaths among visitors. Moreover, two female hikers died in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada on Sunday due to temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius. However, cops have not released the official identities or the cause of death. Heat dome, a large area of high pressure, is causing the heat wave in the southwestern United States, according to BBC Weather. The heatwave will last another two weeks, said the National Weather Service's Climate Predictor. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | Father breaks windshield to save baby from hot car in Texas

Former United States president Barack Obama's Chef has died he was paddleboarding near the former president's home on Martha's Vineyard over the weekend.

Obama's family chef dies while paddleboarding in Massachusetts

The 2024 presidential race is heating up in the United States and it's not only the conventional red versus blue rivalry that's getting intense. The intra-party race for the Republican nomination is also getting interesting.

US Presidential elections 2024: Polls show tie between Ramaswamy & DeSaints

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidS6BXwEngaJbU" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>United Nations (UN) Command's deputy commander Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison said on Monday (July 24) that the command started conversations with North Korea over detained American soldier Private Travis King, who ran into the North last week across the Koreas’ heavily armed border. Lt Ge Harrison said the process started through communications lines set up at the Joint Security Area between the Koreas under the armistice agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harrison said the well-being of King remained the command's primary concern. The deputy commander added that he remained optimistic but pointed out that there was no way to know how the conversation with North Korea would proceed.</p>

<p>Harrison's remarks came two days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington had spoken to Pyongyang regarding the detention of King.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King, who was serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea on July 18 while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border.</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea ignoring US requests about King</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, American officials said that North Korea was ignoring their requests for information about him. And according to a report by the news agency Associated Press, analysts said that North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximise leverage and add urgency to Washington's efforts to secure his release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some said that Pyongyang may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the US cutting back its military activities with South Korea. There are also concerns that King might be used as a propaganda tool. The North Korean state media has remained silent about King.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The American soldier has already served detention in South Korea on charges of assault and damaging public property. He was due to fly back to his home base in Texas last week to face disciplinary action.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United Nations (UN) Command's deputy commander Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison said on Monday (July 24) that the command started conversations with North Korea over detained American soldier Private Travis King, who ran into the North last week across the Koreas’ heavily armed border.

United Nations (UN) Command's deputy commander Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison said on Monday (July 24) that the command started conversations with North Korea over detained American soldier Private Travis King, who ran into the North last week across the Koreas’ heavily armed border. Lt Ge Harrison said the process started through communications lines set up at the Joint Security Area between the Koreas under the armistice agreement. Harrison said the well-being of King remained the command's primary concern. The deputy commander added that he remained optimistic but pointed out that there was no way to know how the conversation with North Korea would proceed. Harrison's remarks came two days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington had spoken to Pyongyang regarding the detention of King. King, who was serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea on July 18 while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the inter-Korean border. North Korea ignoring US requests about King Previously, American officials said that North Korea was ignoring their requests for information about him. And according to a report by the news agency Associated Press, analysts said that North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to maximise leverage and add urgency to Washington's efforts to secure his release. Some said that Pyongyang may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the US cutting back its military activities with South Korea. There are also concerns that King might be used as a propaganda tool. The North Korean state media has remained silent about King. The American soldier has already served detention in South Korea on charges of assault and damaging public property. He was due to fly back to his home base in Texas last week to face disciplinary action. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN communicating with North Korea over detained American soldier Travis King

Australia and the United States began two weeks of war games involving more than 30,000 troops and participants from 11 other countries on Friday.

Largest ever Australia-U.S. joint military exercise gets underway

<p>United States Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has “no reason to doubt” the claim of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding moving the tactical nuclear weapons' first batch to Belarus, stated senior DIA officials on Friday (July 21).<br />
<br />
Last month, Putin had stated that St Petersburg International Economic Forum said that “the first [Russian] nuclear warheads were delivered to the territory of Belarus,” further adding that they have been moved for “deterrence.”<br />
<br />
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Moscow has around 4,477 deployed and reserved nuclear warheads, which include 1,900 tactical nuclear weapons. It remains unclear how much nuclear arsenal Putin intends to move, reported CNN.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-poland-will-act-to-agression-against-belarus-618183">Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’</a></p>

<p>According to the report, a few DIA officials told some media persons that analysts have “no reason to doubt” the claims of Putin, and no reason to doubt “that they have had some success” in moving the weapons.</p>

<h2><strong>US to face challenges in tracking weapons</strong></h2>

<p>The officials accepted that the US intelligence community is likely to face difficulty in tracking the weapons, even through satellite imagery.<br />
<br />
Speaking to CNN earlier this month, US and Western officials said that it looks like Belarus has not yet completed the upgradation of necessary storage facilities for housing tactical nuclear weapons. They added that the recent satellite imagery shows no signs of the kind of preparations and security which would be required at a Russian nuclear facility.<br />
<br />
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, on being asked if he had seen signs of weapons being moved by Russia, told CNN that the UK had “seen signs of this progressing” and noted that Putin “doesn’t always lie”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Russia vows to protect Belarus | South Africa: Will arrest Putin</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-russia-vows-to-protect-belarus-south-africa-will-arrest-putin-618323/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In a briefing on July 11, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “I will say that we continue to actively monitor reports of the Russia-Belarus arrangement to ensure that Russia maintains control of its weapons in the event of any deployment to Belarus and upholds its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We will be paying close attention to any deviation by Russia.”<br />
<br />
Last month, Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko said in the face of aggression, “no hesitation” will be shown by him in using the Russian tactical nuclear weapons which have been stationed on Belarusian soil.<br />
<br />
However, senior DIA officials stated that they don't think Lukashenko will have any control over the arsenal. The officials added that the entire control of the arsenal would most likely be with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


United States Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has “no reason to doubt” the claim of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding moving the tactical nuclear weapons' first batch to Belarus, stated senior DIA officials on Friday (July 21).

United States Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has “no reason to doubt” the claim of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding moving the tactical nuclear weapons' first batch to Belarus, stated senior DIA officials on Friday (July 21). Last month, Putin had stated that St Petersburg International Economic Forum said that “the first [Russian] nuclear warheads were delivered to the territory of Belarus,” further adding that they have been moved for “deterrence.” According to the Federation of American Scientists, Moscow has around 4,477 deployed and reserved nuclear warheads, which include 1,900 tactical nuclear weapons. It remains unclear how much nuclear arsenal Putin intends to move, reported CNN. ALSO READ | Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’ According to the report, a few DIA officials told some media persons that analysts have “no reason to doubt” the claims of Putin, and no reason to doubt “that they have had some success” in moving the weapons. US to face challenges in tracking weapons The officials accepted that the US intelligence community is likely to face difficulty in tracking the weapons, even through satellite imagery. Speaking to CNN earlier this month, US and Western officials said that it looks like Belarus has not yet completed the upgradation of necessary storage facilities for housing tactical nuclear weapons. They added that the recent satellite imagery shows no signs of the kind of preparations and security which would be required at a Russian nuclear facility. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, on being asked if he had seen signs of weapons being moved by Russia, told CNN that the UK had “seen signs of this progressing” and noted that Putin “doesn’t always lie”. WATCH | Gravitas Global Headlines: Russia vows to protect Belarus | South Africa: Will arrest Putin In a briefing on July 11, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “I will say that we continue to actively monitor reports of the Russia-Belarus arrangement to ensure that Russia maintains control of its weapons in the event of any deployment to Belarus and upholds its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We will be paying close attention to any deviation by Russia.” Last month, Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko said in the face of aggression, “no hesitation” will be shown by him in using the Russian tactical nuclear weapons which have been stationed on Belarusian soil. However, senior DIA officials stated that they don't think Lukashenko will have any control over the arsenal. The officials added that the entire control of the arsenal would most likely be with Russia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US says it has 'no reason to doubt' Putin's claims over nuclear belligerence

<p>A Pfizer pharmaceutical plant was ripped apart by a violent tornado on Wednesday (July 19) &nbsp;60 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina. The manufacturing plant suffered huge damage after it was hit by the tornado which touched down near Rocky Mount. According to a report published by The Associated Press, Pfizer confirmed that no one suffered serious injuries.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pfizer tweeted that the employees followed the protocol and evacuated the plant, because of which everyone was safe and accounted for.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-severe-warning-issued-as-tornado-closes-near-chicagos-airport-disrupting-many-flights-614944">Tornado forms near Chicago’s O'Hare airport, disrupting many flights</a></p>

<p>"We are assessing the situation to determine the impact on production. Our thoughts are with our colleagues, our patients, and the community as we rebuild from this weather incident," Pfizer stated in a second tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 BREAKING NEWS: A Pfizer Warehouse Full of Covid Vaccines Was Just DESTROYED BY A TORNADO in North Carolina ⚠️ <a href="https://t.co/BiyLw65OaV">pic.twitter.com/BiyLw65OaV</a></p>
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWallace888/status/1681790037690667009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</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>

<p>As mentioned on the Pfizer website, the company's Rocky Mount plant is one of "the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world" and the factory produces around 25 per cent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables which are used in the hospitals of the US.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We can confirm that the Pfizer Rocky Mount facility was damaged by the tornado. Pfizer colleagues at the site followed our established safety protocol and were able to evacuate. They are safe and accounted for.</p>
— Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer/status/1681794269999255553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</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>

<p>"At this facility, a wide range of products are produced, including anaesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes, and large volume presentations, such as IV bags and semi-rigid bottles," it stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tornado identified as an EF3 </strong></h2>

<p>Annually, more than 400 million units are manufactured at Pfizer's North Carolina plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;At least 3 dead after storms hit US Midwest and South</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-3-dead-after-storms-hit-us-midwest-and-south-609178/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the videos of the plant shared on social media, debris was seen scattered and parts of the roof appeared ripped off in the storm. The National Weather Service, in a tweet on Thursday (July 20) stated that the tornado was identified as an EF3 and had peak winds of 150 mph.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🌪️The tornado survey results are in!<br />
<br />
The Dortches-Battleboro NC Tornado was on the ground for 16.5 miles and produced peak winds of 150 mph.<br />
<br />
This is the first EF-3 tornado ever observed in central North Carolina in the month of July! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/mr49ZTgIjE">pic.twitter.com/mr49ZTgIjE</a></p>
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSRaleigh/status/1681885529355452417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</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>

<p>The tornado travelled for 16 miles on the ground and injured 16 people, proving life-threatening for two of them. As per the National Weather Service's tweet, no fatalities were reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the first EF3 tornado which was recorded in central North Carolina in July.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A Pfizer pharmaceutical plant was ripped apart by a violent tornado on Wednesday (July 19) 60 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina. The manufacturing plant suffered huge damage after it was hit by the tornado which touched down near Rocky Mount.

A Pfizer pharmaceutical plant was ripped apart by a violent tornado on Wednesday (July 19) 60 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina. The manufacturing plant suffered huge damage after it was hit by the tornado which touched down near Rocky Mount. According to a report published by The Associated Press, Pfizer confirmed that no one suffered serious injuries. On Wednesday, Pfizer tweeted that the employees followed the protocol and evacuated the plant, because of which everyone was safe and accounted for. ALSO READ | Tornado forms near Chicago’s O'Hare airport, disrupting many flights "We are assessing the situation to determine the impact on production. Our thoughts are with our colleagues, our patients, and the community as we rebuild from this weather incident," Pfizer stated in a second tweet. 🚨 BREAKING NEWS: A Pfizer Warehouse Full of Covid Vaccines Was Just DESTROYED BY A TORNADO in North Carolina ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/BiyLw65OaV — Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) July 19, 2023 × As mentioned on the Pfizer website, the company's Rocky Mount plant is one of "the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world" and the factory produces around 25 per cent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables which are used in the hospitals of the US. We can confirm that the Pfizer Rocky Mount facility was damaged by the tornado. Pfizer colleagues at the site followed our established safety protocol and were able to evacuate. They are safe and accounted for. — Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) July 19, 2023 × "At this facility, a wide range of products are produced, including anaesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes, and large volume presentations, such as IV bags and semi-rigid bottles," it stated. Tornado identified as an EF3 Annually, more than 400 million units are manufactured at Pfizer's North Carolina plant. WATCH | At least 3 dead after storms hit US Midwest and South In the videos of the plant shared on social media, debris was seen scattered and parts of the roof appeared ripped off in the storm. The National Weather Service, in a tweet on Thursday (July 20) stated that the tornado was identified as an EF3 and had peak winds of 150 mph. 🌪️The tornado survey results are in! The Dortches-Battleboro NC Tornado was on the ground for 16.5 miles and produced peak winds of 150 mph. This is the first EF-3 tornado ever observed in central North Carolina in the month of July! #NCwx pic.twitter.com/mr49ZTgIjE — NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) July 20, 2023 × The tornado travelled for 16 miles on the ground and injured 16 people, proving life-threatening for two of them. As per the National Weather Service's tweet, no fatalities were reported. This was the first EF3 tornado which was recorded in central North Carolina in July. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Violent tornado in US rips through Pfizer manufacturing plant

<p>The email account of United States Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns was recently breached by China-based hackers as part of a targeted intelligence-gathering campaign carried out recently, three US government officials told CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Kritenbrink's email account was also accessed by the hackers as part of the campaign. Kritenbrink had accompanied Secretary of State Antony Blinken on his trip to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hacking report, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, further adds to the reports of United States' officials falling to alleged Chinese hackers which was revealed for the first time last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US officials' accounts hacked earlier&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's email account was earlier infiltrated by hackers, as reported previously by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/semiconductor-wars-china-warns-of-retaliation-if-us-imposes-further-restrictions-617844">Semiconductor wars: China warns of retaliation if US imposes further restrictions</a></p>

<p>China has been consistently labelled by US officials as the most advanced of US adversaries in cyberspace, which has been an issue of bilateral tension between the two countries in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the hacking of Raimondo's email account was disclosed last week, the administration had accepted the breach. US officials have stated that those were among the three most senior targets, however, thousands of email accounts of government officials were at the risk of getting hacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While commenting on the report of the account breach, a state department spokesperson stated, “For security reasons, we will not be sharing additional information on the nature and scope of this cybersecurity incident at this time.”</p>

<p>“The department continuously monitors and responds to the activity of concern on our networks. Our investigation is ongoing, and we cannot provide further details at this time," he added. It was unclear how much sensitive information belonging to the US government had been compromised.</p>

<h2><strong>Officials analyse seriousness of the hacking attack</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Wall Street Journal, the email of Secretary of State Antony Blinken was not breached, and neither were those which belonged to his inner circle of advisers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Kritenbrink had accompanied Blinken on his China trip last month, and Burns also took part in meetings held with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other senior Chinese officials. There is a possibility that the hackers may have got details of US preparations for those internal discussions and meetings that took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US Climate Envoy John Kerry holds talks in China</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-climate-envoy-john-kerry-holds-talks-in-china-617057/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>State Department and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) senior cyber officials raced to understand how serious the breach was.</p>

<p>“We don’t know exactly what’s going on, but we know there’s a problem,” said a US official while speaking to CNN about how the alarm was sounded by the State Department to other agencies.</p>

<p>Senior CISA official Eric Goldstein, speaking to CNN, said that he fielded calls regarding the hack when he was on a weekend getaway out of Washington with his children.</p>

<p>“The critical work that [the State Department does] conduct on behalf of the American people” made it important to assess how serious the hack was, said Goldstein.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


The email account of United States Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns was recently breached by China-based hackers as part of a targeted intelligence-gathering campaign carried out recently, three US government officials told CNN.

The email account of United States Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns was recently breached by China-based hackers as part of a targeted intelligence-gathering campaign carried out recently, three US government officials told CNN. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Daniel Kritenbrink's email account was also accessed by the hackers as part of the campaign. Kritenbrink had accompanied Secretary of State Antony Blinken on his trip to China. The hacking report, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, further adds to the reports of United States' officials falling to alleged Chinese hackers which was revealed for the first time last week. US officials' accounts hacked earlier US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's email account was earlier infiltrated by hackers, as reported previously by CNN. ALSO READ | Semiconductor wars: China warns of retaliation if US imposes further restrictions China has been consistently labelled by US officials as the most advanced of US adversaries in cyberspace, which has been an issue of bilateral tension between the two countries in recent years. When the hacking of Raimondo's email account was disclosed last week, the administration had accepted the breach. US officials have stated that those were among the three most senior targets, however, thousands of email accounts of government officials were at the risk of getting hacked. While commenting on the report of the account breach, a state department spokesperson stated, “For security reasons, we will not be sharing additional information on the nature and scope of this cybersecurity incident at this time.” “The department continuously monitors and responds to the activity of concern on our networks. Our investigation is ongoing, and we cannot provide further details at this time," he added. It was unclear how much sensitive information belonging to the US government had been compromised. Officials analyse seriousness of the hacking attack According to the Wall Street Journal, the email of Secretary of State Antony Blinken was not breached, and neither were those which belonged to his inner circle of advisers. However, Kritenbrink had accompanied Blinken on his China trip last month, and Burns also took part in meetings held with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other senior Chinese officials. There is a possibility that the hackers may have got details of US preparations for those internal discussions and meetings that took place. WATCH | US Climate Envoy John Kerry holds talks in China State Department and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) senior cyber officials raced to understand how serious the breach was. “We don’t know exactly what’s going on, but we know there’s a problem,” said a US official while speaking to CNN about how the alarm was sounded by the State Department to other agencies. Senior CISA official Eric Goldstein, speaking to CNN, said that he fielded calls regarding the hack when he was on a weekend getaway out of Washington with his children. “The critical work that [the State Department does] conduct on behalf of the American people” made it important to assess how serious the hack was, said Goldstein. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China hacks into email of US envoy in Beijing Nicholas Burns

<p>United States President Joe Biden reportedly has been using "lower stairs" to board Air Force One and avoid falling on the staircase, according to a report published in Politico which emphasised the "intentional shift" in the efforts being made to make the travel of the president easier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the Politico, two advisers of Biden have "privately acknowledged an intentional shift to steer the 80-year-old president to the lower stairs more often to make his travel easier and limit the possibility for missteps". The media outlet further emphasised that President Biden was sporting sneakers and not shoes recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-greene-marjorie-criticised-for-showing-explicit-photos-of-hunter-biden-at-congressional-hearing-617882">Republican Greene Marjorie criticised for showing explicit photos of Hunter Biden at congressional hearing</a></p>

<p>"The sneakers are another concession to comfort necessitated by age," reported Politico. "One person close to the president said Biden used to always resist wearing anything other than dress shoes, believing that any other footwear look was unpresidential. But he has eased up on that stance in recent months," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked by Bloomberg’s Justin Sink about the changes reported by the media and if the president was facing "mobility problems", Jean-Pierre responded, "I don’t have any decision process to walk through. I’m sure there’s a protocol that’s used for the — for Air Force One. I just don’t have one."</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns over Biden's fitness</strong></h2>

<p>Multiple times, President Biden has tripped while walking up the stairs of Air Force One. The media outlet said that the president's aides have been doing everything they can to "limit situations where any signs of physical frailty might be on heightened display."</p>

<p>According to Politico, shorter stairs are generally used by presidents during bad weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Whistleblowers in Hunter Biden case testify before Congress</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whistleblowers-in-hunter-biden-case-testify-before-congress-617718/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Concerns have been expressed by democrats, voters and President Biden's aides over the age of the president and his ability to continue a second term, as he campaigns for 2024 re-election. His age has been touted by President Biden as an advantage. While speaking to MSNBC in an interview in May, he said that he knows "more than the vast majority of people."</p>

<p>"Because I have acquired a hell of a lot of wisdom. I know more than the vast majority of people. I’m more experienced than anybody who has ever run for the office and I think I've proven myself to be honourable as well as also effective," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
</section>
</main>


United States President Joe Biden reportedly has been using "lower stairs" to board Air Force One and avoid falling on the staircase, according to a report published in Politico which emphasised the "intentional shift" in the efforts being made to make the travel of the president easier.

United States President Joe Biden reportedly has been using "lower stairs" to board Air Force One and avoid falling on the staircase, according to a report published in Politico which emphasised the "intentional shift" in the efforts being made to make the travel of the president easier. As reported by the Politico, two advisers of Biden have "privately acknowledged an intentional shift to steer the 80-year-old president to the lower stairs more often to make his travel easier and limit the possibility for missteps". The media outlet further emphasised that President Biden was sporting sneakers and not shoes recently. ALSO READ | Republican Greene Marjorie criticised for showing explicit photos of Hunter Biden at congressional hearing "The sneakers are another concession to comfort necessitated by age," reported Politico. "One person close to the president said Biden used to always resist wearing anything other than dress shoes, believing that any other footwear look was unpresidential. But he has eased up on that stance in recent months," the report added. When White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked by Bloomberg’s Justin Sink about the changes reported by the media and if the president was facing "mobility problems", Jean-Pierre responded, "I don’t have any decision process to walk through. I’m sure there’s a protocol that’s used for the — for Air Force One. I just don’t have one." Concerns over Biden's fitness Multiple times, President Biden has tripped while walking up the stairs of Air Force One. The media outlet said that the president's aides have been doing everything they can to "limit situations where any signs of physical frailty might be on heightened display." According to Politico, shorter stairs are generally used by presidents during bad weather. WATCH | Whistleblowers in Hunter Biden case testify before Congress Concerns have been expressed by democrats, voters and President Biden's aides over the age of the president and his ability to continue a second term, as he campaigns for 2024 re-election. His age has been touted by President Biden as an advantage. While speaking to MSNBC in an interview in May, he said that he knows "more than the vast majority of people." "Because I have acquired a hell of a lot of wisdom. I know more than the vast majority of people. I’m more experienced than anybody who has ever run for the office and I think I've proven myself to be honourable as well as also effective," Biden said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden orders 'lower stairs' on Air Force One, opts for loafers to avoid tripping

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidBkOmN9ib1woq" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Carvajal, who was extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, pleaded not guilty on Thursday (July 20). Carvajal, 63, arrived in the US on Wednesday after being extradited from Spain. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, he entered the plea in a hearing before US Magistrate Judge Stewart Aaron in Manhattan federal court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carvajal was ordered detained, and his next court date was set for July 25. American authorities suspect him of providing support to drug trafficking by the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia. And prosecutors in New York alleged that he used his office to coordinate the smuggling of approximately 5,600 kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006 that was destined for the US.</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations against Carvajal palpably incredible: Lawyer</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Carvajal's lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma said that the allegations against his client were palpably incredible. "Unlike in most federal drug cases, the government has not claimed to have evidence from searches. They have not suggested that they have text messages, emails, wiretap conversations, body wires, phone recordings made by informants, recordings of prison calls, cell site data, surveillance video or physical evidence linking General Carvajal to any of these crimes," Margulis-Ohnuma said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Margulis-Ohnuma added that he would apply for Carvajal to be released on bail at a later date and pointed out that the former Venezuelan intelligence chief was categorically innocent of the charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"General Carvajal looks forward to fighting these outrageous charges in court before an unbiased American jury," Margulis-Ohnuma further told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The arrests</strong></h2>

<p>Carvajal had served as the intelligence chief under former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Nicknamed 'El Pollo', he was stripped of his rank by President Nicolas Maduro's government after coming out in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the acting president in February 2019.</p>

<p>The 63-year-old had taken part in the failed 1992 coup that lifted Chavez to political prominence and is considered one of the most powerful figures of the leader's 1999-2013 rule.</p>

<p>Carvajal was first arrested in 2014 in Aruba, a semi-autonomous Dutch Caribbean island where Venezuela had been trying to accredit him as consul. However, he was released and returned to his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being removed as the intelligence chief, he left Venezuela and was arrested in Spain in April 2019 but a court ordered his release arguing the US extradition request was politically motivated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the decision was later reversed and Carvajal then went on the run. He was arrested again in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Carvajal, who was extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, pleaded not guilty on Thursday (July 20).

Venezuela's former intelligence chief General Hugo Carvajal, who was extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, pleaded not guilty on Thursday (July 20). Carvajal, 63, arrived in the US on Wednesday after being extradited from Spain. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, he entered the plea in a hearing before US Magistrate Judge Stewart Aaron in Manhattan federal court. Carvajal was ordered detained, and his next court date was set for July 25. American authorities suspect him of providing support to drug trafficking by the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia. And prosecutors in New York alleged that he used his office to coordinate the smuggling of approximately 5,600 kilogrammes (kg) of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006 that was destined for the US. Allegations against Carvajal palpably incredible: Lawyer Speaking to reporters, Carvajal's lawyer Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma said that the allegations against his client were palpably incredible. "Unlike in most federal drug cases, the government has not claimed to have evidence from searches. They have not suggested that they have text messages, emails, wiretap conversations, body wires, phone recordings made by informants, recordings of prison calls, cell site data, surveillance video or physical evidence linking General Carvajal to any of these crimes," Margulis-Ohnuma said. Margulis-Ohnuma added that he would apply for Carvajal to be released on bail at a later date and pointed out that the former Venezuelan intelligence chief was categorically innocent of the charges. "General Carvajal looks forward to fighting these outrageous charges in court before an unbiased American jury," Margulis-Ohnuma further told reporters. The arrests Carvajal had served as the intelligence chief under former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Nicknamed 'El Pollo', he was stripped of his rank by President Nicolas Maduro's government after coming out in support of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the acting president in February 2019. The 63-year-old had taken part in the failed 1992 coup that lifted Chavez to political prominence and is considered one of the most powerful figures of the leader's 1999-2013 rule. Carvajal was first arrested in 2014 in Aruba, a semi-autonomous Dutch Caribbean island where Venezuela had been trying to accredit him as consul. However, he was released and returned to his country. After being removed as the intelligence chief, he left Venezuela and was arrested in Spain in April 2019 but a court ordered his release arguing the US extradition request was politically motivated. However, the decision was later reversed and Carvajal then went on the run. He was arrested again in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Venezuelan intel chief pleads not guilty to US drug charges

united-states

United States, News on United States, stories on United States, articles on United States, United States stories at Wion, United States news, United States latest news

united states