China on Tuesday promised that it will "firmly defend" its national sovereignty, ahead of the meeting between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California this week.

"China will closely monitor the situation and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a regular briefing.&nbsp;

"China is strongly opposed to the US arranging for Tsai Ing-wen to transit through its territory, and is strongly opposed to the meeting between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the third-ranking US official, and Tsai Ing-wen," said Mao.

"It seriously violates the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-to-host-taiwanese-president-on-wednesday-in-california-578769">US House Speaker McCarthy to host Taiwanese president on Wednesday in California</a>

China had earlier warned that the meeting between Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy will "further damage" relations between Washington and Beijing.

The meeting to be held on Wednesday in California will "greatly hurt the national feelings of 1.4 billion Chinese people" and undermine "the political foundation of China-US relations," said a consulate spokesperson in a statement, adding that it would "further damage China-US relations."

"Speaker McCarthy is ignoring the broad support of the international community for the One-China principle, ignoring the lessons that should have been drawn from previous mistakes," said the consulate.

"There is no doubt that he will make the same mistake again, further damage China-US relations, but it will only strengthen the strong will and determination of the Chinese people" to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, they added.

McCarthy, who is a Republican, had earlier confirmed that he will be holding talks with Tsai in California, defying China's warnings that he was "playing with fire”.

Tsai has planned to stop over in the US while returning from Central America, where she has met Guatemala's leaders and is travelling to Belize before meeting McCarthy.

McCarthy's office on Monday said that the "bipartisan" meeting will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, outside Los Angeles.

WATCH | China-Taiwan tensions continue; Beijing continues its military activities close to Taiwan

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Originally, the Republican had planned to follow the footsteps of his predecessor as a speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who had made a controversial visit to Taiwan in August.

In the wake of the visit, China had conducted its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan, a self-governing democracy which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

Last week, China's embassy to the United States charge d'affaires Xu Xueyuan said that the US risked "serious confrontation" no matter if their government visit Taiwan or vice versa.

"The US keeps saying that transit is not a visit and that there are precedents, but we should not use past mistakes as excuses for repeating them today," she stated.

She appealed to Washington "not to repeat playing with fire on the Taiwan question," alluding to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year, among other things.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Tuesday promised that it will "firmly defend" its national sovereignty, ahead of the meeting between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California this week.

China on Tuesday promised that it will "firmly defend" its national sovereignty, ahead of the meeting between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California this week. "China will closely monitor the situation and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a regular briefing. "China is strongly opposed to the US arranging for Tsai Ing-wen to transit through its territory, and is strongly opposed to the meeting between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the third-ranking US official, and Tsai Ing-wen," said Mao. "It seriously violates the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added. ALSO READ | US House Speaker McCarthy to host Taiwanese president on Wednesday in California China had earlier warned that the meeting between Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy will "further damage" relations between Washington and Beijing. The meeting to be held on Wednesday in California will "greatly hurt the national feelings of 1.4 billion Chinese people" and undermine "the political foundation of China-US relations," said a consulate spokesperson in a statement, adding that it would "further damage China-US relations." "Speaker McCarthy is ignoring the broad support of the international community for the One-China principle, ignoring the lessons that should have been drawn from previous mistakes," said the consulate. "There is no doubt that he will make the same mistake again, further damage China-US relations, but it will only strengthen the strong will and determination of the Chinese people" to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, they added. McCarthy, who is a Republican, had earlier confirmed that he will be holding talks with Tsai in California, defying China's warnings that he was "playing with fire”. Tsai has planned to stop over in the US while returning from Central America, where she has met Guatemala's leaders and is travelling to Belize before meeting McCarthy. McCarthy's office on Monday said that the "bipartisan" meeting will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, outside Los Angeles. WATCH | China-Taiwan tensions continue; Beijing continues its military activities close to Taiwan Originally, the Republican had planned to follow the footsteps of his predecessor as a speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who had made a controversial visit to Taiwan in August. In the wake of the visit, China had conducted its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan, a self-governing democracy which Beijing claims as part of its territory. Last week, China's embassy to the United States charge d'affaires Xu Xueyuan said that the US risked "serious confrontation" no matter if their government visit Taiwan or vice versa. "The US keeps saying that transit is not a visit and that there are precedents, but we should not use past mistakes as excuses for repeating them today," she stated. She appealed to Washington "not to repeat playing with fire on the Taiwan question," alluding to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year, among other things. (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

China vows to 'firmly defend national sovereignty' ahead of Tsai-McCarthy meet

According to reports, United States President Joe Biden has declined the invitation for attending King Charles III’s coronation ceremony. &nbsp;US president Biden is "not expected" to visit the UK for attending the coronation, reported The Telegraph quoting sources who claimed that a delegation will be sent to the ceremony in his place.&nbsp;

The reports suggested that US First Lady Jill Biden will probably attend the ceremony without her husband.&nbsp;

British ambassador to the US and Buckingham Palace Karen Pierce held “cordial and diplomatic” talks with the White House regarding the coronation, claimed the report but Biden's aides informed the Palace that the president had prior commitments.&nbsp;

However, the report claimed that there “may still be some efforts underway to see if Biden can be persuaded to come to the Coronation”, while another stated that his plan was “not locked and loaded”.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wasteful-britons-after-tories-plan-to-spend-98mn-on-free-portraits-of-king-charles-578271">‘Wasteful’, say Britons as Tories plan to spend $9.8 million on free portraits of King Charles III</a>

Joe Biden visited the UK, along with his wife in September, to join world leaders in paying their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.&nbsp;

Celebrities who are likely to attend the coronation ceremony include David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham, who were also present at the funeral of the Queen, musician Gregory Charles, former Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh and Olympic gold medallist swimmer Mark Tewksbury. &nbsp;

The confusion over the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the coronation ceremony still looms. However, the couple had received the invitation. &nbsp;

The president is likely to visit Northern Ireland in April to attend an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and is believed to be preparing to run for the 2024 presidential elections.&nbsp;

Biden's aide, reacting on his absence in the ceremony, said that his relationship with the King was “strong”, and both Washington and London have tried to play down anything suggesting that their “special relationship” is threatened.&nbsp;

WATCH | King Charles on Hamburg harbour tour

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Biden may meet the King during his visit to Northern Ireland on April 11.&nbsp;

However, Conservative MP Bob Seely, reacting to the White House's decision, said, “It seems pretty remiss, and I’m tempted to say more fool him for not coming. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you would have thought he should come because he’s a head of state. If I was the President of the United States, I would come to the Coronation of the King of England – there’s no two ways about it. It just seems to be a foolish decision.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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According to reports, United States President Joe Biden has declined the invitation for attending King Charles III’s coronation ceremony. US president Biden is "not expected" to visit the UK for attending the coronation, reported The Telegraph quoting sources who claimed that a delegation will be sent to the ceremony in his place.

According to reports, United States President Joe Biden has declined the invitation for attending King Charles III’s coronation ceremony. US president Biden is "not expected" to visit the UK for attending the coronation, reported The Telegraph quoting sources who claimed that a delegation will be sent to the ceremony in his place. The reports suggested that US First Lady Jill Biden will probably attend the ceremony without her husband. British ambassador to the US and Buckingham Palace Karen Pierce held “cordial and diplomatic” talks with the White House regarding the coronation, claimed the report but Biden's aides informed the Palace that the president had prior commitments. However, the report claimed that there “may still be some efforts underway to see if Biden can be persuaded to come to the Coronation”, while another stated that his plan was “not locked and loaded”. ALSO READ | ‘Wasteful’, say Britons as Tories plan to spend $9.8 million on free portraits of King Charles III Joe Biden visited the UK, along with his wife in September, to join world leaders in paying their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. Celebrities who are likely to attend the coronation ceremony include David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham, who were also present at the funeral of the Queen, musician Gregory Charles, former Grey’s Anatomy star Sandra Oh and Olympic gold medallist swimmer Mark Tewksbury. The confusion over the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the coronation ceremony still looms. However, the couple had received the invitation. The president is likely to visit Northern Ireland in April to attend an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and is believed to be preparing to run for the 2024 presidential elections. Biden's aide, reacting on his absence in the ceremony, said that his relationship with the King was “strong”, and both Washington and London have tried to play down anything suggesting that their “special relationship” is threatened. WATCH | King Charles on Hamburg harbour tour Biden may meet the King during his visit to Northern Ireland on April 11. However, Conservative MP Bob Seely, reacting to the White House's decision, said, “It seems pretty remiss, and I’m tempted to say more fool him for not coming. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you would have thought he should come because he’s a head of state. If I was the President of the United States, I would come to the Coronation of the King of England – there’s no two ways about it. It just seems to be a foolish decision.” (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

Joe Biden not likely to attend King Charles’ coronation ceremony

At least 32 people lost their lives after southern and mid-western parts of the United States were torn by a number of tornadoes in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction and debris in its path, as per the officials.

At least eight states were struck by a monster storm over the weekend, leading to at least 50 preliminary reports of tornadoes. The affected states include Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Delaware and Alabama.

In the affected area, which has a population of 85 million people, at least 900,000 places had no power supply after the storms tore through the states on Friday evening.

On Sunday, United States President Joe Biden said that an expedited major disaster declaration has been approved to quickly provide federal assistance to Arkansas.&nbsp;

The president further stated that the federal organisations are closely working with as well as impacted states as the damage due to widespread storms remains under assessment.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-dozens-of-devastating-tornadoes-wreck-the-us-midwest-and-south-578379"> IN PICS | Dozens of devastating tornadoes wreck the US Midwest and South</a>

“We … stand ready to respond to any additional requests for federal assistance. There’s nothing we can do to heal the hole left in the hearts of far too many families who lost loved ones this weekend, but we will be there every step of the way as they rebuild and recover," said Biden.&nbsp;

Tennessee, which has been hardest hit by the storm, recorded nine deaths due to the weather, as per the Memphis-based news channel WREG. Trees were twisted, homes were flattened into a heap of wooden boards and walls of still-standing structures were ripped by a tornado.&nbsp;

“The whole house, you can feel it shaking,” stated Janice Pieterick, whose glass windows and house doors blew out when the tornado swept through Lewis county of the state. “We just all hunkered down," she added.&nbsp;

WATCH | America's ravaging tornadoes: 26 killed as tornadoes pound Southern US

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The deaths due to the storm also included at least 17 lives across &nbsp;Mississippi and Alabama in the south, Delaware in the mid-Atlantic, Arkansas, Indiana and Illinois in the midwest. &nbsp;Dozens were also left injured due to the storm.&nbsp;

In Sullivan, Indiana, the storms led to “severe damage” to several houses. Sullivan’s mayor Clint Lamb, on Saturday, wrote on Facebook: “We need all citizens to stay safe and stay put. Multiple houses have experienced severe damage. First responders need clear streets so they can tend to affected areas.”&nbsp;

A state of emergency has been declared by Indiana’s governor Eric Holcomb who has appealed for an “all hands on deck effort” in Sullivan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 32 people lost their lives after southern and mid-western parts of the United States were torn by a number of tornadoes in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction and debris in its path, as per the officials.

At least 32 people lost their lives after southern and mid-western parts of the United States were torn by a number of tornadoes in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction and debris in its path, as per the officials. At least eight states were struck by a monster storm over the weekend, leading to at least 50 preliminary reports of tornadoes. The affected states include Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Delaware and Alabama. In the affected area, which has a population of 85 million people, at least 900,000 places had no power supply after the storms tore through the states on Friday evening. On Sunday, United States President Joe Biden said that an expedited major disaster declaration has been approved to quickly provide federal assistance to Arkansas. The president further stated that the federal organisations are closely working with as well as impacted states as the damage due to widespread storms remains under assessment. ALSO READ | IN PICS | Dozens of devastating tornadoes wreck the US Midwest and South “We … stand ready to respond to any additional requests for federal assistance. There’s nothing we can do to heal the hole left in the hearts of far too many families who lost loved ones this weekend, but we will be there every step of the way as they rebuild and recover," said Biden. Tennessee, which has been hardest hit by the storm, recorded nine deaths due to the weather, as per the Memphis-based news channel WREG. Trees were twisted, homes were flattened into a heap of wooden boards and walls of still-standing structures were ripped by a tornado. “The whole house, you can feel it shaking,” stated Janice Pieterick, whose glass windows and house doors blew out when the tornado swept through Lewis county of the state. “We just all hunkered down," she added. WATCH | America's ravaging tornadoes: 26 killed as tornadoes pound Southern US The deaths due to the storm also included at least 17 lives across Mississippi and Alabama in the south, Delaware in the mid-Atlantic, Arkansas, Indiana and Illinois in the midwest. Dozens were also left injured due to the storm. In Sullivan, Indiana, the storms led to “severe damage” to several houses. Sullivan’s mayor Clint Lamb, on Saturday, wrote on Facebook: “We need all citizens to stay safe and stay put. Multiple houses have experienced severe damage. First responders need clear streets so they can tend to affected areas.” A state of emergency has been declared by Indiana’s governor Eric Holcomb who has appealed for an “all hands on deck effort” in Sullivan. (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

Monster tornadoes and storms create havoc in United States, kill at least 32

Why are people in the United States obsessed with buying & owning guns even at the cost of their children's lives? One year since the Bucha massacre in the Ukraine war & Aboriginal people fight for equality & constitutional recognition in Australia.

World at War | China to surpass United States with the world's biggest satellite surveillance system

A major storm ripped through the south-central and eastern parts of the United States, destroying a major portion of the impacted towns. As quoted by news agencies, the officials said on Saturday that the death toll has risen to 22, with dozens of others sustaining injuries.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the emergency management agency in Tennessee, which is one of the hardest states, confirmed seven weather-related fatalities to the news agency AFP.

The death toll in Tennessee was in addition to 14 deaths reported in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama in the south, and Indiana and Illinois in the Midwest.&nbsp;

Analysts have predicted thunderstorms, hail and powerful winds through late Sunday as the storm system on Saturday was bearing down on the US east coast.&nbsp;

The state's governor said on Friday that the storm had sent multiple tornadoes sweeping through Arkansas, including in the capital Little Rock. Some experts have said that some tornadoes were of exceptional size and power.&nbsp;

As quoted by NBC News, the weather service field office in Nashville said on Saturday: "We will be surveying damage from likely tornadoes that struck many of our Middle Tennessee counties overnight, including Wayne, Lewis, Marshall, Rutherford, Cannon, and Macon Counties. Due to the widespread damage, it will take us several days to reach all these areas."&nbsp;

Mayor Jennifer Hobbs told CNN the city of Wynne, in northeastern Arkansas, was "cut in half by damage from east to west".&nbsp;

According to a list of storm reports collected by the agency noted that the damage includes downed trees, power lines and "houses with heavy damage" in multiple counties.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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A major storm ripped through the south-central and eastern parts of the United States, destroying a major portion of the impacted towns. As quoted by news agencies, the officials said on Saturday that the death toll has risen to 22, with dozens of others sustaining injuries.

A major storm ripped through the south-central and eastern parts of the United States, destroying a major portion of the impacted towns. As quoted by news agencies, the officials said on Saturday that the death toll has risen to 22, with dozens of others sustaining injuries. A spokesperson for the emergency management agency in Tennessee, which is one of the hardest states, confirmed seven weather-related fatalities to the news agency AFP. The death toll in Tennessee was in addition to 14 deaths reported in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama in the south, and Indiana and Illinois in the Midwest. Analysts have predicted thunderstorms, hail and powerful winds through late Sunday as the storm system on Saturday was bearing down on the US east coast. The state's governor said on Friday that the storm had sent multiple tornadoes sweeping through Arkansas, including in the capital Little Rock. Some experts have said that some tornadoes were of exceptional size and power. As quoted by NBC News, the weather service field office in Nashville said on Saturday: "We will be surveying damage from likely tornadoes that struck many of our Middle Tennessee counties overnight, including Wayne, Lewis, Marshall, Rutherford, Cannon, and Macon Counties. Due to the widespread damage, it will take us several days to reach all these areas." Mayor Jennifer Hobbs told CNN the city of Wynne, in northeastern Arkansas, was "cut in half by damage from east to west". According to a list of storm reports collected by the agency noted that the damage includes downed trees, power lines and "houses with heavy damage" in multiple counties. (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.

Deadly storms and tornadoes continue to ravage US, death toll rises to 22

Media mogul and 92-year-old owner of Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, played a direct role in how the 2020 US election was called for Joe Biden over Donald Trump by Fox News, revealed the new unredacted messages accessed from Dominion Voting Systems' defamation case worth $1.6 billion on Friday.

“It would be great if we call it for Biden as soon as he gets over, say, 35,000 ahead in Pennsylvania,” wrote Murdoch to the network’s chief executive Suzanne Scott on November 6, 2020, three days after the election was held, but a day before Biden was put on top by Pennsylvania.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rupert-murdoch-is-engaged-and-gearing-up-for-a-summer-wedding-574105">Rupert Murdoch to marry Ann Lesley Smith in a summer wedding</a>

“Whenever we do it, it will all be over. Regardless of Arizona,” he added. Many observers were surprised and most of Trump's followers were enraged after Fox News made an election night call to Arizona for Joe Biden.

The attempts made by Trump to have the call rescinded are also documented. Author Michael Wolff said that when Murdoch was reminded of Trump's fury over Arizona, responding with a “signature grunt”, he said, “Fuck him.”

The reports have been denied by Fox News. However, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, in his memoir, wrote that Murdoch on election night told him that “the numbers are ironclad – it’s not even close”.

In the emails sent to Scott, which were revealed on Friday, Murdoch pointed to the commitment of Trump to his life about the electoral fraud and its accommodation by Fox News when he stated that on “second thoughts” the network should “maybe” call the election when Joe Biden was leading by “50,000 in Pennsylvania” but also added that the call was “subject to litigation”.

In the end, 10 minutes after the other news networks, Fox called Pennsylvania for Biden when he was leading Trump by almost 35,000 votes in the state.

WATCH |&nbsp;Media mogul Rupert Murdoch testifies Fox News hosts 'endorsed' Trump's stolen election narrative

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Speaking to the viewers, anchor Martha MacCallum said, “Keep in mind the Trump campaign is in the midst of waging legal challenges in several states. But the path is clear for the new president-elect.”

In the emails sent to Scott, the media mogul also said that Fox News contributor and Wall Street Journal editor Paul Gigot believed such a call “won’t change Trump”.

“But he’s got to get some real evidence. Fact that Rudy is advising really bad!” wrote Murdoch.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Media mogul and 92-year-old owner of Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, played a direct role in how the 2020 US election was called for Joe Biden over Donald Trump by Fox News, revealed the new unredacted messages accessed from Dominion Voting Systems' defamation case worth $1.

Media mogul and 92-year-old owner of Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, played a direct role in how the 2020 US election was called for Joe Biden over Donald Trump by Fox News, revealed the new unredacted messages accessed from Dominion Voting Systems' defamation case worth $1.6 billion on Friday. “It would be great if we call it for Biden as soon as he gets over, say, 35,000 ahead in Pennsylvania,” wrote Murdoch to the network’s chief executive Suzanne Scott on November 6, 2020, three days after the election was held, but a day before Biden was put on top by Pennsylvania. ALSO READ | Rupert Murdoch to marry Ann Lesley Smith in a summer wedding “Whenever we do it, it will all be over. Regardless of Arizona,” he added. Many observers were surprised and most of Trump's followers were enraged after Fox News made an election night call to Arizona for Joe Biden. The attempts made by Trump to have the call rescinded are also documented. Author Michael Wolff said that when Murdoch was reminded of Trump's fury over Arizona, responding with a “signature grunt”, he said, “Fuck him.” The reports have been denied by Fox News. However, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, in his memoir, wrote that Murdoch on election night told him that “the numbers are ironclad – it’s not even close”. In the emails sent to Scott, which were revealed on Friday, Murdoch pointed to the commitment of Trump to his life about the electoral fraud and its accommodation by Fox News when he stated that on “second thoughts” the network should “maybe” call the election when Joe Biden was leading by “50,000 in Pennsylvania” but also added that the call was “subject to litigation”. In the end, 10 minutes after the other news networks, Fox called Pennsylvania for Biden when he was leading Trump by almost 35,000 votes in the state. WATCH | Media mogul Rupert Murdoch testifies Fox News hosts 'endorsed' Trump's stolen election narrative Speaking to the viewers, anchor Martha MacCallum said, “Keep in mind the Trump campaign is in the midst of waging legal challenges in several states. But the path is clear for the new president-elect.” In the emails sent to Scott, the media mogul also said that Fox News contributor and Wall Street Journal editor Paul Gigot believed such a call “won’t change Trump”. “But he’s got to get some real evidence. Fact that Rudy is advising really bad!” wrote Murdoch. (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

Rupert Murdoch played direct role in how Fox News called 2020 US election: Report

Investigators in the United States revealed that they have nabbed a 29-year-old man after collecting DNA from a partially eaten burrito, which has linked him to the 2022 Mother's Day firebombing of an anti-abortion group in Wisconsin.&nbsp;

The man has been charged with one felony count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive. When the attack&nbsp;took place, no one from the group was in the office and no injuries were reported.&nbsp;

The office of the United States attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison noted that the man, identified as Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, was arrested on Tuesday (March 28) at the Logan International Airport in Boston.&nbsp;

Matthew G Olsen, who is the assistant attorney general of the national security division of the Justice Department, said in a statement: "According to the complaint, Mr. Roychowdhury used an incendiary device in violation of federal law in connection with his efforts to terrorise and intimidate a private organisation."

Olsen commended the "commitment and professionalism" of law enforcement personnel who worked exhaustively to ensure that justice is served.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/amazon-warns-customers-about-frequently-returned-products-reports-577322">Amazon warns customers about frequently returned products: Reports</a>&nbsp;

<h2>How the DNA was collected?&nbsp;</h2>

The court documents mentioned the complaint, which divulged details of the case. Last year on Mother's Day, May 8, officials responded to an active fire at an office building located in Madison, Wisconsin early in the morning.&nbsp;

Once they were inside the building, they observed a mason jar under a broken window. The jar was broken, and the lid and screw top was burned black.&nbsp;

The court document revealed that police also saw a purple disposable lighter near the mason jar and on the opposite wall from the window, the police saw another mason jar with the lid on and a blue cloth tucked into the top. They said that the cloth was singed. The jar was about half full of a clear fluid that smelled like an accelerant.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;United Nations seeks court clarity on Climate change obligations&nbsp;

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During the investigation, law enforcement collected DNA from the scene of the attack.&nbsp;

The officials&nbsp;identified Roychowdhury as a possible suspect in March this year and asked the local police officers to observe him. &nbsp;

They recovered the leftover food and related items when Roychowdhury disposed of the food in a public trash can and collected DNA from the food. Court documents state that the "law enforcement retrieved the bag from the trash. The contents of the bag included a quarter portion of a partially-eaten burrito wrapped in waxed paper."&nbsp;

The forensic biologist found the sample from the trash can was matching with the DNA evidence recovered from the attack scene.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Investigators in the United States revealed that they have nabbed a 29-year-old man after collecting DNA from a partially eaten burrito, which has linked him to the 2022 Mother's Day firebombing of an anti-abortion group in Wisconsin.

Investigators in the United States revealed that they have nabbed a 29-year-old man after collecting DNA from a partially eaten burrito, which has linked him to the 2022 Mother's Day firebombing of an anti-abortion group in Wisconsin. The man has been charged with one felony count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive. When the attack took place, no one from the group was in the office and no injuries were reported. The office of the United States attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison noted that the man, identified as Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, was arrested on Tuesday (March 28) at the Logan International Airport in Boston. Matthew G Olsen, who is the assistant attorney general of the national security division of the Justice Department, said in a statement: "According to the complaint, Mr. Roychowdhury used an incendiary device in violation of federal law in connection with his efforts to terrorise and intimidate a private organisation." Olsen commended the "commitment and professionalism" of law enforcement personnel who worked exhaustively to ensure that justice is served. ALSO READ | Amazon warns customers about frequently returned products: Reports How the DNA was collected? The court documents mentioned the complaint, which divulged details of the case. Last year on Mother's Day, May 8, officials responded to an active fire at an office building located in Madison, Wisconsin early in the morning. Once they were inside the building, they observed a mason jar under a broken window. The jar was broken, and the lid and screw top was burned black. The court document revealed that police also saw a purple disposable lighter near the mason jar and on the opposite wall from the window, the police saw another mason jar with the lid on and a blue cloth tucked into the top. They said that the cloth was singed. The jar was about half full of a clear fluid that smelled like an accelerant. WATCH | United Nations seeks court clarity on Climate change obligations × During the investigation, law enforcement collected DNA from the scene of the attack. The officials identified Roychowdhury as a possible suspect in March this year and asked the local police officers to observe him. They recovered the leftover food and related items when Roychowdhury disposed of the food in a public trash can and collected DNA from the food. Court documents state that the "law enforcement retrieved the bag from the trash. The contents of the bag included a quarter portion of a partially-eaten burrito wrapped in waxed paper." The forensic biologist found the sample from the trash can was matching with the DNA evidence recovered from the attack scene. (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.

How a half-eaten burrito led to arrest of suspect charged with firebombing in US

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Moscow on espionage charges.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (March 31) told Russia to release Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich who was arrested by Moscow on espionage charges. “Let him go,” Biden said to reporters at the White House on Friday morning when asked about his message to Russia on the arrest of Gershkovich. Russia's Federal Security Service has accused Evan Gershkovich of trying to obtain classified information. Gershkovich was detained in Yekaterinburg and will be in detention until May 29 pending trial. This is the first time an American journalist has been detained on accusations of spying since the Cold War. ALSO READ | Who is Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist arrested in Russia for espionage On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal's board of opinion editors published a piece where they called for the expulsion of Russia's ambassador to the US and also all Russian journalists working here. "The timing of the arrest looks like a calculated provocation to embarrass the US and intimidate the foreign press still working in Russia," the piece read. Responding to the newspaper's demand for expelling Russian journalists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the newspaper could say that, but it should not happen. "There's just no reason for this," Peskov added, the news agency AFP reported. The Kremlin spokesperson also said Gershkovich was caught red-handed. US President Biden, meanwhile, said that expelling Russian journalists was not the plan right now. Don't travel to Russia: White House warns Americans Following Evan Gershkovich's arrest, the White House warned Americans not to travel to Russia and also advised those now inside the country to leave for their safety. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. We condemn the detention of Mr Gershkovich in the strongest terms." American officials, meanwhile, said that they were in touch with the journalist's family and the State Department had contacted Russia. (With inputs from Russia) 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.

‘Let him go’: US President Biden tells Russia to release American journalist

Former US president Donald Trump was on Thursday criminally charged in a hush-money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels, after several days of suspense and anticipation. A Manhattan grand jury in a historic vote decided to him over allegations of hush money payments made Daniels in exchange for her silence over a sexual encounter the two had. Trump's indictment is the first time that a serving or former president of the United States will face criminal charges.

As per a New York Times report citing four people in the know, prosecutors will likely ask the businessman to surrender and face arraignment. The felony indictment, filed under seal by the Manhattan district attorney's office, will probably be announced in the coming few days.

Watch |&nbsp;Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter?&nbsp;

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Trump, as per AFP, has slammed the charges as "political persecution and election interference," and has vowed it would backfire on his successor Joe Biden. His son, Eric "Luke" Trump, has assailed it as the "opportunistic targeting of a political opponent."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-generated-images-of-donald-trumps-arrest-go-viral-take-a-look-574490">AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images!</a>

Republican Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker, remarked that the indictment has "irreparably damaged" the nation, while Trump's top Republican rival in the 2024 Presidential race labelled it as "political agenda" and "un-American."

The indictment comes after days of uncertainty as previously reports claimed that it could take weeks. Since March 18th, New York has been on the edge. Trump, on that day, had declared that he expected to be arrested within days.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-arrest-delayed-yet-again-indictment-could-take-weeks-claim-reports-577127">Donald Trump's arrest delayed yet again; reports claim indictment could take weeks</a>

He had then called on his supporters to hold demonstrations and had issued dark threat warnings that the arrest could lead to "potential death &amp; destruction" that "could be catastrophic for our country."

The historic indictment as per reports is expected to upend the upcoming presidential race through which ex-president Trump once again hopes to ascend to US' highest office.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former US president Donald Trump was on Thursday criminally charged in a hush-money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels, after several days of suspense and anticipation.

Former US president Donald Trump was on Thursday criminally charged in a hush-money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels, after several days of suspense and anticipation. A Manhattan grand jury in a historic vote decided to him over allegations of hush money payments made Daniels in exchange for her silence over a sexual encounter the two had. Trump's indictment is the first time that a serving or former president of the United States will face criminal charges. As per a New York Times report citing four people in the know, prosecutors will likely ask the businessman to surrender and face arraignment. The felony indictment, filed under seal by the Manhattan district attorney's office, will probably be announced in the coming few days. Watch | Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? Trump, as per AFP, has slammed the charges as "political persecution and election interference," and has vowed it would backfire on his successor Joe Biden. His son, Eric "Luke" Trump, has assailed it as the "opportunistic targeting of a political opponent." Also read | AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images! Republican Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker, remarked that the indictment has "irreparably damaged" the nation, while Trump's top Republican rival in the 2024 Presidential race labelled it as "political agenda" and "un-American." The indictment comes after days of uncertainty as previously reports claimed that it could take weeks. Since March 18th, New York has been on the edge. Trump, on that day, had declared that he expected to be arrested within days. Also read | Donald Trump's arrest delayed yet again; reports claim indictment could take weeks He had then called on his supporters to hold demonstrations and had issued dark threat warnings that the arrest could lead to "potential death & destruction" that "could be catastrophic for our country." The historic indictment as per reports is expected to upend the upcoming presidential race through which ex-president Trump once again hopes to ascend to US' highest office. (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.

Grand jury indicts Trump in 'historic' vote, making him first ex-US prez to face criminal charges

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Stormy Daniels celebrate Donald Trump's indictment, Jacob Meijer sued for 'incest risk', Jack Ma engineered Alibaba group's split from abroad, United States say, Russia is offering food to North Korea in return for arms, Oceansat-3 sends back spectacular new images of Earth.

Stormy Daniels celebrate Donald Trump's indictment; Man sued for 'incest risk' | Trending on WION

Donald Trump's possible indictment as per media reports has been put on hold. The arrest could take several more weeks as the grand jury takes an almost month-long break from the case. As per an AFP report citing US media, the grand jury will be taking a hiatus for most of April. Reportedly, due to&nbsp;the upcoming holidays like Easter, Passover and Eid al-Fitr, the jury will go on a scheduled break from April 10th.&nbsp;

Reports by Politico and the Washington Post citing anonymous sources close to the matter predict that the "empowered panel of citizens" may not consider the case again before the end of April. Washington Post predicts that the earliest date for the resuming of the grand jury in Trump's case would be April 24th.

Watch |&nbsp;Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter?&nbsp;

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New York for days has been waiting for the former US president Trump's arrest.

In the US, where no former or sitting president has ever been indicted, the Trump case is a big deal.

The "hype is real," and the internet has been flooded with posts and tweets regarding the probable Trump arrest. Someone even took the time to use an AI-based image generator to predict what the Trump arrest would look like.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-generated-images-of-donald-trumps-arrest-go-viral-take-a-look-574490">AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images!</a>

The case and the possible indictment of the businessman are over alleged money he paid to a porn star.&nbsp;

As per claims, Trump paid adult movie actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 just weeks before the 2016 elections, which catapulted him to the highest office in the United States. The hush money was paid in exchange for the porn star's silence over a sexual encounter she claims to have had with Trump.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-days-later-new-york-waits-and-waits-for-trumps-arrest-576424">Nine days later, New York waits... and waits... for Trump's arrest</a>

The former president denies the affair and claims that this case is another "witch hunt" and&nbsp;an attempt by Democrats to interfere in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.&nbsp;In a Truth Social video, Trump said: "Election interference through prosecutors is the new ballot stuffing for the Democrat party. It's bad, it's dangerous, it's third world and this is the way they're going to do it. They are a disgrace to our nation."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Donald Trump's possible indictment as per media reports has been put on hold. The arrest could take several more weeks as the grand jury takes an almost month-long break from the case.

Donald Trump's possible indictment as per media reports has been put on hold. The arrest could take several more weeks as the grand jury takes an almost month-long break from the case. As per an AFP report citing US media, the grand jury will be taking a hiatus for most of April. Reportedly, due to the upcoming holidays like Easter, Passover and Eid al-Fitr, the jury will go on a scheduled break from April 10th. Reports by Politico and the Washington Post citing anonymous sources close to the matter predict that the "empowered panel of citizens" may not consider the case again before the end of April. Washington Post predicts that the earliest date for the resuming of the grand jury in Trump's case would be April 24th. Watch | Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? New York for days has been waiting for the former US president Trump's arrest. In the US, where no former or sitting president has ever been indicted, the Trump case is a big deal. The "hype is real," and the internet has been flooded with posts and tweets regarding the probable Trump arrest. Someone even took the time to use an AI-based image generator to predict what the Trump arrest would look like. Also read | AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images! The case and the possible indictment of the businessman are over alleged money he paid to a porn star. As per claims, Trump paid adult movie actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 just weeks before the 2016 elections, which catapulted him to the highest office in the United States. The hush money was paid in exchange for the porn star's silence over a sexual encounter she claims to have had with Trump. Also read | Nine days later, New York waits... and waits... for Trump's arrest The former president denies the affair and claims that this case is another "witch hunt" and an attempt by Democrats to interfere in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. In a Truth Social video, Trump said: "Election interference through prosecutors is the new ballot stuffing for the Democrat party. It's bad, it's dangerous, it's third world and this is the way they're going to do it. They are a disgrace to our nation." (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.

Donald Trump's arrest delayed yet again; reports claim indictment could take weeks

China on Wednesday (March 29) threatened to retaliate if United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her planned transit of the US next month, by saying any such move would be a provocation.

China on Wednesday (March 29) threatened to retaliate if United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her planned transit of the US next month, by saying any such move would be a provocation. Taiwanese President Tsai is due to depart on Wednesday for a trip to Guatemala and Belize that will see her transit through New York and Los Angeles. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, while it is not officially confirmed, Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker McCarthy in California, at the end of her trip. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said that Tsai's transits to the US were not just her waiting at the airport or hotel, but for her to meet American officials and lawmakers. ALSO READ | In big blow to Taiwan, decades-old ally Honduras establishes diplomatic ties with China Fenglian said that if Tsai has contact with McCarthy, it would be another provocation that seriously violates the one-China principle, harms China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and destroys peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. "We firmly oppose this and will definitely take measures to resolutely fight back," the spokesperson added. The Taiwanese president's transits come at a time when US relations with China are at their worst level since Washington normalised ties with Beijing in 1979 and switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei. And President Tsai's trip also comes after Honduras said that it was switching recognition to China. Only 13 countries, including Guatemala and Belize, officially recognise Taiwan over China. Beijing has repeatedly warned US officials not to meet Tsai, viewing it as support for Taiwan's desire to be seen as a separate country. In August last year, China staged war games around Taiwan when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei. China should not 'overreact' to stopover: Washington A senior US official said early Wednesday that China should not "overreact" to Taiwanese President Tsai's stopover in the US, the news agency AFP reported. "There's absolutely no reason for China to use that as a pretext to overreact or to engage in further coercion directed at Taiwan," the official, who did not wish to be identified, told reporters. ALSO READ | 'We are all Chinese', says former Taiwan president while visiting China The official added that the US would carry out a transit that is fully consistent with that policy and decades' worth of practice. The official also pointed out that Beijing would not pressurise Washington "to alter our longstanding practice" on such visits. (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.

China threatens to retaliate if US House Speaker meets Taiwan president; Washington says this

Audrey Hale, the suspect behind the Tennessee school attack, legally purchased seven firearms before going on the devastating shooting spree. These firearms were purchased legally from five different stores prior to the tragic attack that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, John Drake, chief of Police at the Metro Nashville Police Department revealed on Tuesday.

Hale's family mentioned that the 28-year-old had been&nbsp;receiving treatment for an ‘emotional disorder’ and was unfit to ‘own weapons’,&nbsp;Drake told reporters.

Watch |&nbsp;Police: Shooter who killed six at Nashville school had maps and manifesto

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"Her parents felt she should not own weapons," said Drake, adding that the shooter "had been hiding several weapons within the house."

Police, as per reports, are still attempting to find the motive behind the attack. However, Drake said that the shooter didn't target any&nbsp;particular individual.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trans-man-identified-as-nashville-school-shooting-suspect-detailed-maps-manifesto-found-at-shooters-house-576418">Trans person identified as Nashville school shooting suspect; Maps, 'manifesto' found at shooter's house</a>

The police chief also said that the police had "no reason" to remove the suspect's weapon and&nbsp;that "there's no law for that". He was alluding to the fact that Tennessee does not have a so-called red flag law that allows officials to remove firearms from those they consider to be a potential danger to those around them or themselves.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nashville-shooting-battleground-school-in-spotlight-as-police-release-dramatic-bodycam-video-576729">Nashville shooting: School battleground in spotlight as police release dramatic bodycam video</a>

However, the Nashville police chief added that if it had been made known to them, they would have "tried" to get those weapons.

But he said that they "had absolutely no idea" that Audrey Hale posed any danger, as the suspect was not on the police radar in any way before Monday.

Hale, who identified as transgender, on Monday (28 March) opened fire at a convent school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing six individuals: three nine-year-old children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, along with 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and&nbsp;61-year-old Mike Hill. Hale was killed in the ensuing police crossfire.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Audrey Hale, the suspect behind the Tennessee school attack, legally purchased seven firearms before going on the devastating shooting spree. These firearms were purchased legally from five different stores prior to the tragic attack that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, John Drake, chief of Police at the Metro Nashville Police Department revealed on Tuesday.

Audrey Hale, the suspect behind the Tennessee school attack, legally purchased seven firearms before going on the devastating shooting spree. These firearms were purchased legally from five different stores prior to the tragic attack that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, John Drake, chief of Police at the Metro Nashville Police Department revealed on Tuesday. Hale's family mentioned that the 28-year-old had been receiving treatment for an ‘emotional disorder’ and was unfit to ‘own weapons’, Drake told reporters. Watch | Police: Shooter who killed six at Nashville school had maps and manifesto "Her parents felt she should not own weapons," said Drake, adding that the shooter "had been hiding several weapons within the house." Police, as per reports, are still attempting to find the motive behind the attack. However, Drake said that the shooter didn't target any particular individual. Also read | Trans person identified as Nashville school shooting suspect; Maps, 'manifesto' found at shooter's house The police chief also said that the police had "no reason" to remove the suspect's weapon and that "there's no law for that". He was alluding to the fact that Tennessee does not have a so-called red flag law that allows officials to remove firearms from those they consider to be a potential danger to those around them or themselves. Also read | Nashville shooting: School battleground in spotlight as police release dramatic bodycam video However, the Nashville police chief added that if it had been made known to them, they would have "tried" to get those weapons. But he said that they "had absolutely no idea" that Audrey Hale posed any danger, as the suspect was not on the police radar in any way before Monday. Hale, who identified as transgender, on Monday (28 March) opened fire at a convent school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing six individuals: three nine-year-old children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, along with 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill. Hale was killed in the ensuing police crossfire. (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.

Nashville shooting: Though ‘unfit’ to own weapons, suspect ‘legally’ bought 7 guns prior to attack

United States President Joe Biden made a bizarre joke about eating ice cream before making a statement on the US school shooting incident that took place at an elementary school in Nashville in which three children and three adults were killed.

"My name is Joe Biden. I’m Dr Jill Biden’s husband. I eat Jeni’s ice cream — chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs. You think I’m kidding? I’m not," Joe Biden can be heard saying in the video which was shared widely on social media.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-president-joe-biden-mixes-up-china-with-canada-in-another-gaffe-575666">Watch | US President Joe Biden mixes up China with Canada in another gaffe</a>

The president of the United States then called the shooting “heartbreaking” and “sick” while asking Congress to do more to "stop the gun violence".

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BREAKING: Outrage after President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> said this at the start of his speech while children and adults were massacred in Nashville shooting, "My name is Joe Biden. I’m dr. Jill Biden’s husband. I like ice cream, chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate… <a href="https://t.co/Wa7nFApjMu">pic.twitter.com/Wa7nFApjMu</a>
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“It's just sick. You know, we're still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it's heartbreaking. A family's worst nightmare,” said Joe Biden.

WATCH | Joe Biden on Nashville school shooting: Gun violence is ripping our communities apart

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Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie criticised Biden's “insensitive” joke while speaking to Fox News. Christie said, “To say that he misunderstood the moment would be an understatement. You know, the president is watching, you’d hope before he comes down there, the awful scenes from the shooting and the reactions of family members and friends of people in that school. And to be coming down, joking about the fact that he’s Jill Biden’s husband and looking for chocolate chip ice cream is hardly the way to start it.”

"There’s no way to talk about something like this except to say that for all of us who are parents, what we dread every day is the news about the health and life of our children," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden made a bizarre joke about eating ice cream before making a statement on the US school shooting incident that took place at an elementary school in Nashville in which three children and three adults were killed.

United States President Joe Biden made a bizarre joke about eating ice cream before making a statement on the US school shooting incident that took place at an elementary school in Nashville in which three children and three adults were killed. "My name is Joe Biden. I’m Dr Jill Biden’s husband. I eat Jeni’s ice cream — chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs. You think I’m kidding? I’m not," Joe Biden can be heard saying in the video which was shared widely on social media. ALSO READ | Watch | US President Joe Biden mixes up China with Canada in another gaffe The president of the United States then called the shooting “heartbreaking” and “sick” while asking Congress to do more to "stop the gun violence". BREAKING: Outrage after President @JoeBiden said this at the start of his speech while children and adults were massacred in Nashville shooting, "My name is Joe Biden. I’m dr. Jill Biden’s husband. I like ice cream, chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate… pic.twitter.com/Wa7nFApjMu — Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 27, 2023 × “It's just sick. You know, we're still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it's heartbreaking. A family's worst nightmare,” said Joe Biden. WATCH | Joe Biden on Nashville school shooting: Gun violence is ripping our communities apart Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie criticised Biden's “insensitive” joke while speaking to Fox News. Christie said, “To say that he misunderstood the moment would be an understatement. You know, the president is watching, you’d hope before he comes down there, the awful scenes from the shooting and the reactions of family members and friends of people in that school. And to be coming down, joking about the fact that he’s Jill Biden’s husband and looking for chocolate chip ice cream is hardly the way to start it.” "There’s no way to talk about something like this except to say that for all of us who are parents, what we dread every day is the news about the health and life of our children," he stated. (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

WATCH | Biden opens statement on Nashville school shooting with 'ice cream joke'

Nashville police have identified a trans person as the shooter behind America's latest school shooting attack that killed three children and three adults at a Nashville-based educational institution. As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house. As per local police chief John Drake, the shooter has been identified as a 28-year-old&nbsp;"transgender" resident of Nashville. Talking to the press about the evidence that points towards a targeted attack, Drake said "We have a manifesto, we have some writings we are going over that pertain to this day, the actual incident, we have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place."

Watch |&nbsp;Police: Shooter who killed six at Nashville school had maps and manifesto

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As per Reuters, the map had detailed drawings of the private Christian school's entry points. Investigators are examining the maps, the manifesto, and other writings that police discovered at the 28-year-old shooter's house.

Talking to&nbsp;NBC News, the police chief said that the&nbsp;manifesto&nbsp;"indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-multiple-casualties-in-school-shooting-in-nashville-assailant-dead-576358">US: Female shooter kills 3 children, 3 adults in Nashville school</a>

The police chief identified the suspect as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, a resident of the Nashville area. Hale, as per Drake, identifies "as transgender," however, he said it was&nbsp;unclear whether the suspect identified as a man or a woman. Screenshots of a LinkedIn profile which allegedly belonged to Hale are circulating&nbsp;on social media. They&nbsp;have identified the trans shooter's&nbsp;pronouns as he/him.

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Shooter Identified In Covenant Christian School Shooting, as 28 y/o Audrey Elizabeth Hale of Nashville 
 
Word has it, 'it's' a Trans-Gender, Identifying as he/him~ <a href="https://t.co/7nE6o1SUi7">pic.twitter.com/7nE6o1SUi7</a>
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When asked whether Hale's gender identity may have been a factor behind the devastating attack, police chief Drake, as per AFP, said: "There is some theory to that, we're investigating all the leads."

Hale, as per the police chief, was once a student at the school where the attack took place.&nbsp;

Reuters reports that the Covenant School, which was founded in 2001, is a ministry of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is located in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville, and serves preschool through sixth graders with about 200 students, according to the school's website.

After gaining entry to the building by firing through a door, Hale, who was armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun,&nbsp;shot six victims fatally. They've been identified as three nine-year-old children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, along with 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and&nbsp;61-year-old Mike Hill. Police reportedly reached the scene of the shooting&nbsp;within approximately 15 minutes of receiving the first emergency call around 10:00 am (1500 GMT). There they&nbsp;engaged with the shooter, who returned fire before being shot dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nashville police have identified a trans person as the shooter behind America's latest school shooting attack that killed three children and three adults at a Nashville-based educational institution.

Nashville police have identified a trans person as the shooter behind America's latest school shooting attack that killed three children and three adults at a Nashville-based educational institution. As per reports, the shooter left behind a map and a manifesto relating to the attack. The items were revealed upon a search of the suspect's house. As per local police chief John Drake, the shooter has been identified as a 28-year-old "transgender" resident of Nashville. Talking to the press about the evidence that points towards a targeted attack, Drake said "We have a manifesto, we have some writings we are going over that pertain to this day, the actual incident, we have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place." Watch | Police: Shooter who killed six at Nashville school had maps and manifesto As per Reuters, the map had detailed drawings of the private Christian school's entry points. Investigators are examining the maps, the manifesto, and other writings that police discovered at the 28-year-old shooter's house. Talking to NBC News, the police chief said that the manifesto "indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them." Also read | US: Female shooter kills 3 children, 3 adults in Nashville school The police chief identified the suspect as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, a resident of the Nashville area. Hale, as per Drake, identifies "as transgender," however, he said it was unclear whether the suspect identified as a man or a woman. Screenshots of a LinkedIn profile which allegedly belonged to Hale are circulating on social media. They have identified the trans shooter's pronouns as he/him. BREAKING Shooter Identified In Covenant Christian School Shooting, as 28 y/o Audrey Elizabeth Hale of Nashville Word has it, 'it's' a Trans-Gender, Identifying as he/him~ pic.twitter.com/7nE6o1SUi7 — TruthInBytes (@HipIsEdo) March 27, 2023 × When asked whether Hale's gender identity may have been a factor behind the devastating attack, police chief Drake, as per AFP, said: "There is some theory to that, we're investigating all the leads." Hale, as per the police chief, was once a student at the school where the attack took place. Reuters reports that the Covenant School, which was founded in 2001, is a ministry of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is located in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville, and serves preschool through sixth graders with about 200 students, according to the school's website. After gaining entry to the building by firing through a door, Hale, who was armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, shot six victims fatally. They've been identified as three nine-year-old children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, along with 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill. Police reportedly reached the scene of the shooting within approximately 15 minutes of receiving the first emergency call around 10:00 am (1500 GMT). There they engaged with the shooter, who returned fire before being shot dead. (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.

Trans person identified as Nashville school shooting suspect; Maps, 'manifesto' found at shooter's house

School shooting in the US city of Nashville, Tennessee laid bare how blatantly the gun laws are being flouted in the country. An armed 28-year-old fatally shot three children and three adult staffers at Nashville school. Though the identified shooter, Audrey Hale, was gunned down by police but the burning question lingers on. How long is this to continue? Here's what the data says:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Only three months into 2023 and gun violence in United States already showed its ugly face to the world. In 2023 alone, the statistics suggest about 9,870 people have been killed in US gun shootings as of 27 March, 2023.&nbsp;

If one ponders this is an average death of over 114 individuals per day. But the statistics only indicates how grave the situation is in US. Not only adults but even the children have also fallen victim to the gun violence.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marriage-a-license-to-rape-indias-top-court-to-hear-pleas-on-marital-rape-these-countries-criminalise-it-576588">Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it</a>

The data crunching done by the Gun Violence Archive shows that these are not just gun murders but also includes a record number of gun suicides. The data shows that amoung 9,870 people who have been killed so far, the majority 57.9% died by suicide. This is an average of about 67 deaths by suicide per day in 2023.

Furthermore, as per reports, 338 of these people were teens and 60 were children.&nbsp;

Gun-related deaths tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are divided in many types including those that were unintentional, those that involved law enforcement and those whose circumstances could not be determined.&nbsp;

The findings into the US gun deaths also reveal that 322 people were killed in officer-involved shootings whereas there have been 344 "unintentional" shootings.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-to-go-ahead-with-the-proposal-banning-tiktok-use-nationwide-576555">US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide</a>

A closer look into the data suggests that a total of 129 mass shootings have taken place in 2023 so far. This is by the definition of mass shooting by by the Archive which says that it involves as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed.&nbsp;

These mass shootings have led to 193 deaths and 493 injuries so far this year.

Many public places have come under fire by gun violence. Even as every life is important, shooting incidents at schools lately have evoked great emotions in the country. Mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on 24 May last year drew everyone's attention on US as it resulted in the killing of 19 students along with two teachers.&nbsp;

The gunman Salvador Ramos who used AR-15-style rifle for the shooting was killed by the police. But the Uvalde tragedy left scars that cut deep as the family of the children mourn the deaths of their kin. After the tragedy, thousands carried out rallies calling for stricter gun legislation in the country.&nbsp;

Watch | Silicon Valley Bank collapse: Textbook case of mismanagement

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The recent Nashville school shooting which left six people, including three children killed at a school in Tennessee joins the list of hundreds of other shootings in the country.&nbsp;

The available data further shows that there have been at least 13 K-12 school shootings so far this year.&nbsp;

The majority of these deaths have taken place in Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, California, Florida, Georgia and Louisian, as per the data on record.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden signed a gun control bill last year, a landmark move in three decades as US continued to reel under the menace of gun violence. The bill became a law and received the bipartisan support in the US congress however the shootings have not subsided.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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School shooting in the US city of Nashville, Tennessee laid bare how blatantly the gun laws are being flouted in the country. An armed 28-year-old fatally shot three children and three adult staffers at Nashville school.

School shooting in the US city of Nashville, Tennessee laid bare how blatantly the gun laws are being flouted in the country. An armed 28-year-old fatally shot three children and three adult staffers at Nashville school. Though the identified shooter, Audrey Hale, was gunned down by police but the burning question lingers on. How long is this to continue? Here's what the data says: Only three months into 2023 and gun violence in United States already showed its ugly face to the world. In 2023 alone, the statistics suggest about 9,870 people have been killed in US gun shootings as of 27 March, 2023. If one ponders this is an average death of over 114 individuals per day. But the statistics only indicates how grave the situation is in US. Not only adults but even the children have also fallen victim to the gun violence. Also Read | Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it The data crunching done by the Gun Violence Archive shows that these are not just gun murders but also includes a record number of gun suicides. The data shows that amoung 9,870 people who have been killed so far, the majority 57.9% died by suicide. This is an average of about 67 deaths by suicide per day in 2023. Furthermore, as per reports, 338 of these people were teens and 60 were children. Gun-related deaths tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are divided in many types including those that were unintentional, those that involved law enforcement and those whose circumstances could not be determined. The findings into the US gun deaths also reveal that 322 people were killed in officer-involved shootings whereas there have been 344 "unintentional" shootings. Also Read | US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide A closer look into the data suggests that a total of 129 mass shootings have taken place in 2023 so far. This is by the definition of mass shooting by by the Archive which says that it involves as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed. These mass shootings have led to 193 deaths and 493 injuries so far this year. Many public places have come under fire by gun violence. Even as every life is important, shooting incidents at schools lately have evoked great emotions in the country. Mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on 24 May last year drew everyone's attention on US as it resulted in the killing of 19 students along with two teachers. The gunman Salvador Ramos who used AR-15-style rifle for the shooting was killed by the police. But the Uvalde tragedy left scars that cut deep as the family of the children mourn the deaths of their kin. After the tragedy, thousands carried out rallies calling for stricter gun legislation in the country. Watch | Silicon Valley Bank collapse: Textbook case of mismanagement × The recent Nashville school shooting which left six people, including three children killed at a school in Tennessee joins the list of hundreds of other shootings in the country. The available data further shows that there have been at least 13 K-12 school shootings so far this year. The majority of these deaths have taken place in Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, California, Florida, Georgia and Louisian, as per the data on record. US President Joe Biden signed a gun control bill last year, a landmark move in three decades as US continued to reel under the menace of gun violence. The bill became a law and received the bipartisan support in the US congress however the shootings have not subsided. 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.

Three months into 2023 and 9,800 killed in gun violence in US

Nine days have passed since Republican politician Donald Trump rallied his followers over his impending indictment. The former US president faces possible arrest over a hush-money payment he made to porn star Stormy Daniels. However, as AFP puts it, nine days later, "the world still awaits what would be one of the most famous police mugshots in history." On March 18, Trump grabbed headlines with his announcement that he was three days away from being brought before a New York judge. However, it seems like Trump was merely echoing false information or playing a guessing game.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter?&nbsp;

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A week later, he announced that the case had been dropped altogether; the announcement was met with due incredulity, says AFP.

Legal analysts have predicted that the billionaire would soon be "facing the music" and the grand jury.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-generated-images-of-donald-trumps-arrest-go-viral-take-a-look-574490">AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images!</a>

As per AFP, the grand jury reconvened on Monday in Manhattan and heard from the National Enquirer's former publisher, a key figure in the hush money payment scam.

Trump faces arrest in a probe surrounding the $130,000 he reportedly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels just weeks before the 2016 elections that launched him to America's highest office. The hush money was allegedly paid in lieu of the adult film star's silence about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-former-aides-ordered-to-testify-in-capitol-riots-probe-575452">US: Court orders Donald Trump’s former aides to testify before jury in Capitol riots case</a>

Michael Cohen, former president Trump's ex-lawyer in 2019, told Congress that he had made the $130,000 payment and was later reimbursed. Prosecutors claim that the checks were not registered properly, which equates to a misdemeanour charge. However, if it is proven that the payment was part of a cover-up to aid Trump's ascent to the presidential office and could land him in jail for several years. Criminal charges, however, would be uncharted territory as to date no sitting or former president has been indicted in the United States. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nine days have passed since Republican politician Donald Trump rallied his followers over his impending indictment. The former US president faces possible arrest over a hush-money payment he made to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Nine days have passed since Republican politician Donald Trump rallied his followers over his impending indictment. The former US president faces possible arrest over a hush-money payment he made to porn star Stormy Daniels. However, as AFP puts it, nine days later, "the world still awaits what would be one of the most famous police mugshots in history." On March 18, Trump grabbed headlines with his announcement that he was three days away from being brought before a New York judge. However, it seems like Trump was merely echoing false information or playing a guessing game. Watch | Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? A week later, he announced that the case had been dropped altogether; the announcement was met with due incredulity, says AFP. Legal analysts have predicted that the billionaire would soon be "facing the music" and the grand jury. Also read | AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images! As per AFP, the grand jury reconvened on Monday in Manhattan and heard from the National Enquirer's former publisher, a key figure in the hush money payment scam. Trump faces arrest in a probe surrounding the $130,000 he reportedly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels just weeks before the 2016 elections that launched him to America's highest office. The hush money was allegedly paid in lieu of the adult film star's silence about a sexual encounter she claims she had with Trump a decade earlier. Also read | US: Court orders Donald Trump’s former aides to testify before jury in Capitol riots case Michael Cohen, former president Trump's ex-lawyer in 2019, told Congress that he had made the $130,000 payment and was later reimbursed. Prosecutors claim that the checks were not registered properly, which equates to a misdemeanour charge. However, if it is proven that the payment was part of a cover-up to aid Trump's ascent to the presidential office and could land him in jail for several years. Criminal charges, however, would be uncharted territory as to date no sitting or former president has been indicted in the United States. (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.

Nine days later, New York waits... and waits... for Trump's arrest

A federal judge on Monday temporarily stopped bankrupt Voyager Digital from completing a proposed $1.3 billion sale to crypto exchange Binance.US, allowing the US government more time to pursue appeals that challenge the legality of the deal.

The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the Office of the US Trustee, the Department of Justice's (DOJ) bankruptcy watchdog, filed appeals in early March over a bankruptcy court's approval of the sale.

They argued that the protections could rubber stamp crypto tokens that might be unregistered securities, as well as transactions that could be illegal under US securities laws.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/australian-lending-firm-latitude-financial-says-data-of-14-million-customers-stolen-in-cyberattack-576192">Australian lending firm Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack</a>

US District Judge Jennifer Rearden in Manhattan ruled Monday that the sale should be put on hold, overruling Voyager's argument that a delay could cause Binance.US to back out of the deal entirely.

Binance.US and Voyager did not immediately respond to requests for comment late on Monday.

Voyager, which filed for bankruptcy in July, said in court filings last week that the DOJ appeals should not be allowed to keep the company and its customers "in limbo" during a legal process of uncertain duration.

Binance.US has agreed to pay $20 million in cash to Voyager, and take on crypto assets deposited by Voyager customers. Those assets, valued at $1.3 billion in February, account for the bulk of the deal's valuation, according to Voyager.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-national-bank-chair-steps-down-post-credit-suisse-collapse-576137">Saudi National Bank chair steps down post Credit Suisse collapse</a>

The international Binance crypto exchange was sued on Monday in a separate legal action by the US&nbsp;Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which filed a lawsuit alleging that Binance.com operated an "illegal" exchange and a "sham" compliance program.

Binance.US maintains publicly that it is entirely independent of Binance.com, operating as the "US partner" to the world's biggest crypto exchange.

The CFTC disputed that in its lawsuit, alleging that Binance personnel "dictated Binance.US's corporate strategy, launch and early operations" and that it has an ongoing relationship with BAM Trading, a company controlled by Binance CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao.

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A federal judge on Monday temporarily stopped bankrupt Voyager Digital from completing a proposed $1.3 billion sale to crypto exchange Binance.US, allowing the US government more time to pursue appeals that challenge the legality of the deal.

A federal judge on Monday temporarily stopped bankrupt Voyager Digital from completing a proposed $1.3 billion sale to crypto exchange Binance.US, allowing the US government more time to pursue appeals that challenge the legality of the deal. The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and the Office of the US Trustee, the Department of Justice's (DOJ) bankruptcy watchdog, filed appeals in early March over a bankruptcy court's approval of the sale. They argued that the protections could rubber stamp crypto tokens that might be unregistered securities, as well as transactions that could be illegal under US securities laws. Also read | Australian lending firm Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack US District Judge Jennifer Rearden in Manhattan ruled Monday that the sale should be put on hold, overruling Voyager's argument that a delay could cause Binance.US to back out of the deal entirely. Binance.US and Voyager did not immediately respond to requests for comment late on Monday. Voyager, which filed for bankruptcy in July, said in court filings last week that the DOJ appeals should not be allowed to keep the company and its customers "in limbo" during a legal process of uncertain duration. Binance.US has agreed to pay $20 million in cash to Voyager, and take on crypto assets deposited by Voyager customers. Those assets, valued at $1.3 billion in February, account for the bulk of the deal's valuation, according to Voyager. Also read | Saudi National Bank chair steps down post Credit Suisse collapse The international Binance crypto exchange was sued on Monday in a separate legal action by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which filed a lawsuit alleging that Binance.com operated an "illegal" exchange and a "sham" compliance program. Binance.US maintains publicly that it is entirely independent of Binance.com, operating as the "US partner" to the world's biggest crypto exchange. The CFTC disputed that in its lawsuit, alleging that Binance personnel "dictated Binance.US's corporate strategy, launch and early operations" and that it has an ongoing relationship with BAM Trading, a company controlled by Binance CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao. 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.

Judge halts Voyager Digital's $1.3 billion sale to Binance.US

At least three children and three adults&nbsp;were killed on Monday (March 27) in yet another shooting incident in the United States. The shooting took place at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The suspect, a transgender person, was shot dead by police.

The Nashville Fire Department said that officials were rushed to the site. "We are responding to an active aggressor at 33 Burton Hills Blvd Covenant School. We can confirm we have multiple patients," it tweeted.

Nashville police said on Twitter that "an active shooter event has taken place" and the "shooter was engaged by MNPD (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department) and is dead".&nbsp;

The Covenant School, founded in 2001, is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville with about 200 students.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson John Howser was quoted as saying, "Three pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, all having suffered gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead after arrival."&nbsp;

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Bystander video captured the moments when students in Nashville were escorted by police following a shooting at Covenant School.<a href="https://t.co/nLWGnacUGo">https://t.co/nLWGnacUGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/KKljlyZyBj">pic.twitter.com/KKljlyZyBj</a>
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An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. <a href="https://t.co/vO8p9cj3vx">pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx</a>
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNPDNashville/status/1640383339893800964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Police earlier said that a&nbsp;heavily-armed young female killed three children and three staff at the school.&nbsp;Don Aaron of the Nashville police said, "This shooter is a female. She appears to be in her teens although her identification has not been confirmed at this juncture."&nbsp;

"We know that she was armed with at least two assault type rifles and a handgun,"&nbsp;Aaron added.&nbsp;

White House called&nbsp;the school shooting incident "heartbreaking" and also urged the Republicans to back President Joe Biden's push for a ban on assault weapons commonly used in US mass shootings.&nbsp;

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden had been briefed on the "heartbreaking news of another shooting of innocents" and she asked what Republicans were waiting for to "step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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At least three children and three adults were killed on Monday (March 27) in yet another shooting incident in the United States. The shooting took place at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee.

At least three children and three adults were killed on Monday (March 27) in yet another shooting incident in the United States. The shooting took place at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The suspect, a transgender person, was shot dead by police. The Nashville Fire Department said that officials were rushed to the site. "We are responding to an active aggressor at 33 Burton Hills Blvd Covenant School. We can confirm we have multiple patients," it tweeted. Nashville police said on Twitter that "an active shooter event has taken place" and the "shooter was engaged by MNPD (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department) and is dead". The Covenant School, founded in 2001, is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville with about 200 students. Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson John Howser was quoted as saying, "Three pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, all having suffered gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead after arrival." Bystander video captured the moments when students in Nashville were escorted by police following a shooting at Covenant School.https://t.co/nLWGnacUGo pic.twitter.com/KKljlyZyBj — The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2023 × An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023 × Police earlier said that a heavily-armed young female killed three children and three staff at the school. Don Aaron of the Nashville police said, "This shooter is a female. She appears to be in her teens although her identification has not been confirmed at this juncture." "We know that she was armed with at least two assault type rifles and a handgun," Aaron added. White House called the school shooting incident "heartbreaking" and also urged the Republicans to back President Joe Biden's push for a ban on assault weapons commonly used in US mass shootings. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden had been briefed on the "heartbreaking news of another shooting of innocents" and she asked what Republicans were waiting for to "step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban." (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: Trans person guns down 3 children, 3 adults in Nashville school

The United States opens its second Summit for Democracy on Tuesday where it will be seeking a united front against authoritarianism in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and China launching the diplomatic offensive.

US President Joe Biden had taken the office with a pledge to champion democracy and made a good start in the first year with the inaugural summit which was aimed at reaffirming the leadership of the country after the democratic norms were eroded by his predecessor Donald Trump with the attack on the Capitol.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mississippi-governor-warns-about-more-storms-after-devastating-tornado-576041">Mississippi braces for more storms after being routed by devastating tornado</a>

This year, considering the concerns about too much US navel-gazing in the first edition, Biden has brought in co-hosts on each continent - the presidents of South Korea, Zambia and Costa Rica and the prime minister of The Netherlands.

In total, 121 leaders have been invited by Biden for the three-day summit, which will mostly be held virtually.

The summit is taking place as threats to democracy evolve "from what was seen as an important issue, albeit sort of a slow-moving threat, to one that is now both important and extremely urgent," stated Marti Flacks, director of human rights initiative at Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

WATCH | Will Russia-US respect 'new start treaty'?

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The session will bring together representatives of civil society for discussions on various challenges to democracy which include surveillance technology, which has been seen as a growing threat by the United States as China continues to make rapid advances in technology.

"In the absence of pending congressional action in that space, it is important that the administration is engaging bilaterally with other countries and also with companies on voluntary actions that can be taken in the interim," Flacks added.

The summit will start on Tuesday with a virtual conversation on the issue of peace which will feature Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States opens its second Summit for Democracy on Tuesday where it will be seeking a united front against authoritarianism in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and China launching the diplomatic offensive.

The United States opens its second Summit for Democracy on Tuesday where it will be seeking a united front against authoritarianism in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and China launching the diplomatic offensive. US President Joe Biden had taken the office with a pledge to champion democracy and made a good start in the first year with the inaugural summit which was aimed at reaffirming the leadership of the country after the democratic norms were eroded by his predecessor Donald Trump with the attack on the Capitol. ALSO READ | Mississippi braces for more storms after being routed by devastating tornado This year, considering the concerns about too much US navel-gazing in the first edition, Biden has brought in co-hosts on each continent - the presidents of South Korea, Zambia and Costa Rica and the prime minister of The Netherlands. In total, 121 leaders have been invited by Biden for the three-day summit, which will mostly be held virtually. The summit is taking place as threats to democracy evolve "from what was seen as an important issue, albeit sort of a slow-moving threat, to one that is now both important and extremely urgent," stated Marti Flacks, director of human rights initiative at Centre for Strategic and International Studies. WATCH | Will Russia-US respect 'new start treaty'? The session will bring together representatives of civil society for discussions on various challenges to democracy which include surveillance technology, which has been seen as a growing threat by the United States as China continues to make rapid advances in technology. "In the absence of pending congressional action in that space, it is important that the administration is engaging bilaterally with other countries and also with companies on voluntary actions that can be taken in the interim," Flacks added. The summit will start on Tuesday with a virtual conversation on the issue of peace which will feature Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (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

US looks for united front in second Summit for Democracy

A Wyoming district court judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an abortion ban that took effect a few days earlier. As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens decided to halt the ban amid a challenge in her court.&nbsp;

The ban went into effect Sunday and prohibits abortion in most circumstances. It was applied to most circumstances but there were a few exceptions for incest, sexual assault, cases of "lethal fetal anomaly" or any risk to the pregnant person.&nbsp;

A Wyoming Constitution amendment states that adults have the right to make their own health care decisions, Republicans enacted a ban that states abortion is not health care.&nbsp;

The act says, citing the Wyoming constitution: "Abortion as defined in this act is not health care. Instead of being health care, abortion is the intentional termination of the life of an unborn baby."&nbsp;

However, Owens said it's up to the courts, not lawmakers, to decide whether that's the case. As quoted by the agency, Owens said in an oral decision, "The state can not legislate away a constitutional right. It’s not clear whether abortion is health care. The court has to then decide that."&nbsp;

Wyoming on Sunday become the first state to ban abortion pills. The governor signed a bill that made prescribing or selling them illegal and any violation is punishable.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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A Wyoming district court judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an abortion ban that took effect a few days earlier. As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens decided to halt the ban amid a challenge in her court.

A Wyoming district court judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an abortion ban that took effect a few days earlier. As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens decided to halt the ban amid a challenge in her court. The ban went into effect Sunday and prohibits abortion in most circumstances. It was applied to most circumstances but there were a few exceptions for incest, sexual assault, cases of "lethal fetal anomaly" or any risk to the pregnant person. A Wyoming Constitution amendment states that adults have the right to make their own health care decisions, Republicans enacted a ban that states abortion is not health care. The act says, citing the Wyoming constitution: "Abortion as defined in this act is not health care. Instead of being health care, abortion is the intentional termination of the life of an unborn baby." However, Owens said it's up to the courts, not lawmakers, to decide whether that's the case. As quoted by the agency, Owens said in an oral decision, "The state can not legislate away a constitutional right. It’s not clear whether abortion is health care. The court has to then decide that." Wyoming on Sunday become the first state to ban abortion pills. The governor signed a bill that made prescribing or selling them illegal and any violation is punishable. (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.

Wyoming district court judge halts abortion ban days after it came into effect

In southern California, United States, the ongoing "winter weather drama" took a wilder turn as a tornado on Wednesday tore through the city, ripping roofs off of buildings and smashing cars around. The tornado, as per AFP, raked the city of Montebello near Los Angeles. Residents were left scrambling for safety as the storm destroyed cars, broke windows and created a "mess." Aerial pictures taken after the tornado showed several roofs with holes in them, pipes and other installations twisted and broken, and vehicles appear to have been dragged out of their parking spaces.

Speaking to broadcaster KTLA, one local business owner described his experience of suddenly coming face to face with the storm and said he was driving when he "saw this tornado in front of me and had to reverse out."

Watch |&nbsp;U.S: Recent storm inundated California | WION Climate Tracker

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"The tornado took off the roof of the building. All the windows of the cars are shattered. Cars were destroyed, it was just a mess."

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tornado in Montebello - California - damaged few buildings and some cars were damaged <a href="https://t.co/h2Vq3frHyc">pic.twitter.com/h2Vq3frHyc</a>
— Sanj (@sanjmovies) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjmovies/status/1638634964177567745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"I saw cars just swivelling through the streets and it was just the craziest thing I've ever seen," they added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-roads-farmland-houses-and-cars-underwater-in-california-574605">In pics | Roads, farmland, houses and cars underwater in California</a>

The National Weather Service (NWS) said it was investigating the "weak tornado," and another one that hit Carpinteria, near Santa Barbara. The two storms, as per the weather agency, had winds of up to 85 miles an hour.

As per NWS, the southern Californian storm "damaged around 25 mobile home units and there was minor tree damage to the cemetery adjacent to the mobile home park."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-braces-for-more-flooding-as-another-atmospheric-river-approaches-571738">California braces for more flooding as another atmospheric river approaches</a>

Nevertheless, "this is a pretty significant tornado by (California) standards since it hit a populated area, clearly caused damage, and may have caused injuries," writes meteorologist Daniel Swain on Twitter.

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This is a pretty significant tornado by CA standards since it hit a populated area, clearly caused damage, and may have caused injuries. (It's very hard to assess tornado strength from footage like this, but at the very least it appears stronger than a marginal/EF-0 event). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Minrv5t54Q">https://t.co/Minrv5t54Q</a>
— Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) <a href="https://twitter.com/Weather_West/status/1638623656229371904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The tornadoes come after an intense storm that ripped through California, downing power lines and leaving thousands without electricity as the region was bombarded with heavy rain and snow.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In southern California, United States, the ongoing "winter weather drama" took a wilder turn as a tornado on Wednesday tore through the city, ripping roofs off of buildings and smashing cars around.

In southern California, United States, the ongoing "winter weather drama" took a wilder turn as a tornado on Wednesday tore through the city, ripping roofs off of buildings and smashing cars around. The tornado, as per AFP, raked the city of Montebello near Los Angeles. Residents were left scrambling for safety as the storm destroyed cars, broke windows and created a "mess." Aerial pictures taken after the tornado showed several roofs with holes in them, pipes and other installations twisted and broken, and vehicles appear to have been dragged out of their parking spaces. Speaking to broadcaster KTLA, one local business owner described his experience of suddenly coming face to face with the storm and said he was driving when he "saw this tornado in front of me and had to reverse out." Watch | U.S: Recent storm inundated California | WION Climate Tracker "The tornado took off the roof of the building. All the windows of the cars are shattered. Cars were destroyed, it was just a mess." tornado in Montebello - California - damaged few buildings and some cars were damaged pic.twitter.com/h2Vq3frHyc — Sanj (@sanjmovies) March 22, 2023 × "I saw cars just swivelling through the streets and it was just the craziest thing I've ever seen," they added. Also read | In pics | Roads, farmland, houses and cars underwater in California The National Weather Service (NWS) said it was investigating the "weak tornado," and another one that hit Carpinteria, near Santa Barbara. The two storms, as per the weather agency, had winds of up to 85 miles an hour. As per NWS, the southern Californian storm "damaged around 25 mobile home units and there was minor tree damage to the cemetery adjacent to the mobile home park." Also read | California braces for more flooding as another atmospheric river approaches Nevertheless, "this is a pretty significant tornado by (California) standards since it hit a populated area, clearly caused damage, and may have caused injuries," writes meteorologist Daniel Swain on Twitter. This is a pretty significant tornado by CA standards since it hit a populated area, clearly caused damage, and may have caused injuries. (It's very hard to assess tornado strength from footage like this, but at the very least it appears stronger than a marginal/EF-0 event). #CAwx https://t.co/Minrv5t54Q — Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) March 22, 2023 × The tornadoes come after an intense storm that ripped through California, downing power lines and leaving thousands without electricity as the region was bombarded with heavy rain and snow. (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.

Small tornado in California leaves cars and buildings damaged

The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday.

Nad said his government still had to approve the deal under which it would pay $340 million over three to four years for a package worth more than $1 billion.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front line near Bakhmut as Russia targets cities

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The remainder would be covered under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, Nad said in a post on Facebook.

The deal includes parts, training and more than 500 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, he said.

"This offer is hugely advantageous and will significantly increase Slovakia's defence potential," Nad said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-reconstruction-and-recovery-will-take-several-years-and-411-billion-world-bank-574812">Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery will take several years, cost $411 billion: World Bank</a>

Slovakia, a NATO member on the military alliance's eastern flank, currently has no combat helicopters.

It retired its fleet of MiG jets last summer and has relied on central European neighbours the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary for air defence support.

Last week it became the second of Ukraine's allies, after Poland, to provide fighter jets, which Kyiv believes are crucial to repel Russia's year-long invasion.

Slovakia will also supply part of its KUB air defence system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hasnt-crossed-line-to-provide-russia-lethal-aid-says-top-us-diplomat-blinken-574827">China hasn't 'crossed line' to provide Russia 'lethal aid,' says top US diplomat Blinken</a>

Alongside the offer of US equipment, Slovakia will receive 250 million euros ($269 million) in European Union compensation, Nad said.

Nad said the helicopter offer was partly due to its support for neighbour Ukraine and also indirect compensation for the delayed delivery of F-16 fighter jets which the country ordered in 2018 that are now due to arrive in 2024.

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The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday.

The United States has offered to sell Slovakia 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount after Bratislava sent its retired MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on Wednesday. Nad said his government still had to approve the deal under which it would pay $340 million over three to four years for a package worth more than $1 billion. Watch | Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front line near Bakhmut as Russia targets cities The remainder would be covered under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, Nad said in a post on Facebook. The deal includes parts, training and more than 500 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, he said. "This offer is hugely advantageous and will significantly increase Slovakia's defence potential," Nad said. Also read | Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery will take several years, cost $411 billion: World Bank Slovakia, a NATO member on the military alliance's eastern flank, currently has no combat helicopters. It retired its fleet of MiG jets last summer and has relied on central European neighbours the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary for air defence support. Last week it became the second of Ukraine's allies, after Poland, to provide fighter jets, which Kyiv believes are crucial to repel Russia's year-long invasion. Slovakia will also supply part of its KUB air defence system. Also read | China hasn't 'crossed line' to provide Russia 'lethal aid,' says top US diplomat Blinken Alongside the offer of US equipment, Slovakia will receive 250 million euros ($269 million) in European Union compensation, Nad said. Nad said the helicopter offer was partly due to its support for neighbour Ukraine and also indirect compensation for the delayed delivery of F-16 fighter jets which the country ordered in 2018 that are now due to arrive in 2024. 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.

Slovakia gets US helicopter offer after sending jets to Ukraine

The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex

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Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if."

Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation&nbsp;is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-to-criminalise-identification-as-lgbtq-introduces-strict-punishments-for-violations-574498">Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence</a>

"The bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre.

The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laws-criminalising-lgbt-people-are-sin-pope-francis-559004">Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis</a>

In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).&nbsp;

Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world.

The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda. Watch | Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if." Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni. Also read | Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence "The bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre. The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. Also read | Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison. (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 expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions'

US wants its war powers back, advances bill to repeal Iraq war authorisation act. Twenty years after the US and its allies invaded Iraq, the United States Congress now wants its war powers back. The US lawmakers have signalled support for a bipartisan bill in the Senate that would repeal the President's powers to authorize wars.

U.S. wants its war powers back, advances bill to repeal Iraq war authorisation act | WION

As the world awaits with bated breath, former US President Donald Trump's arrest and indictment, purported pictures of the 'historic' detention are already going viral. Confused? Well, the pictures are an AI-generated satirical take on what Trump's arrest would look like, and the results are equal parts mind-blowing and as per Twitter users "hilarious". The artificial intelligence-generated images have been well received by social media users and are spreading like wildfire, with netizens applauding them as an example of "AI being used for good".

Watch |&nbsp;Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? New York braces for drama

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The AI-generated images&nbsp;show Trump in various predicaments. In one, the former president can be seen running from the police, in another, he is portrayed engaged in a skirmish with them. Yet another depicts him being carried away by the forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guilty-vs-just-another-witch-hunt-things-heat-up-as-us-braces-for-possible-trump-arrest-574469">'Guilty' vs 'just another witch hunt', things heat up as US braces for possible Trump arrest</a>

Here's what artificial intelligence "thinks" the arrest could look like:

<img alt="Trump arrest 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c20f7ef4-9e6c-4289-8be3-b44ce12c99ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2859%29.png" />

<img alt="Trump arrest 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6240d952-d593-4e35-8832-9a3540ec0d75" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2857%29.png" />

<img alt="Trump arrest 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c42d4a0-c27f-4594-8a4b-969dde106739" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2860%29.png" />

<img alt="Trump arrest 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a65afe7-4c9d-41e9-8c5c-7de28695063e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2858%29.png" /> 
<img alt="Trump arrest 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e22a6022-b30c-4740-9bfd-064a8e76737f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20%2861%29.png" />

Businessman, former President Donald Trump in a first-of-its-kind incident, faces impending arrest over alleged hush money he paid to a porn star. If he is arrested, this would be the first time a criminal case is launched against a current or former US president. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-be-arrested-today-new-york-braces-for-high-octane-drama-574087">Donald Trump to be arrested today? New York braces for high-octane drama</a>

The controversial politician as per claims paid porn star Stormy Daniels alias Stephanie Clifford $130,000 for her silence on an affair the two supposedly had. Daniels was allegedly paid the money to keep mum during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.&nbsp;

While Trump has repeatedly denied the affair, a grand jury could this week potentially bring charges against him. If arrested, he would have to travel to New York for fingerprinting and other processing as part of the indictment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the world awaits with bated breath, former US President Donald Trump's arrest and indictment, purported pictures of the 'historic' detention are already going viral.

As the world awaits with bated breath, former US President Donald Trump's arrest and indictment, purported pictures of the 'historic' detention are already going viral. Confused? Well, the pictures are an AI-generated satirical take on what Trump's arrest would look like, and the results are equal parts mind-blowing and as per Twitter users "hilarious". The artificial intelligence-generated images have been well received by social media users and are spreading like wildfire, with netizens applauding them as an example of "AI being used for good". Watch | Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? New York braces for drama The AI-generated images show Trump in various predicaments. In one, the former president can be seen running from the police, in another, he is portrayed engaged in a skirmish with them. Yet another depicts him being carried away by the forces. Also read | 'Guilty' vs 'just another witch hunt', things heat up as US braces for possible Trump arrest Here's what artificial intelligence "thinks" the arrest could look like: Businessman, former President Donald Trump in a first-of-its-kind incident, faces impending arrest over alleged hush money he paid to a porn star. If he is arrested, this would be the first time a criminal case is launched against a current or former US president. Also read | Donald Trump to be arrested today? New York braces for high-octane drama The controversial politician as per claims paid porn star Stormy Daniels alias Stephanie Clifford $130,000 for her silence on an affair the two supposedly had. Daniels was allegedly paid the money to keep mum during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. While Trump has repeatedly denied the affair, a grand jury could this week potentially bring charges against him. If arrested, he would have to travel to New York for fingerprinting and other processing as part of the indictment. (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.

AI predicts what Donald Trump's arrest would look like. Take a look at the viral images!

As the United States braces for possible indictment and arrest of former president Donald Trump, his supporters on Tuesday rallied near his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Another small gathering was seen outside of a Manhattan courthouse, where anti-Trump protestors were seen hoisting banners like "Trump is guilty", and "indict".&nbsp;

In Florida, waving flags and praying for their beloved leader, Trump supporters as per Reuters claimed that the charges against the businessman are "just another witch hunt".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? New York braces for drama

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Trump is under investigation for allegedly paying $130,000 as hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. As per reports, the politician paid Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, and another woman with the money to stay silent about affairs they claim to have had with Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-be-arrested-today-new-york-braces-for-high-octane-drama-574087">Donald Trump to be arrested today? New York braces for high-octane drama</a>

The former president Trump, however, denies&nbsp;that the affairs happened.

Echoing Donald Trump's own frequent criticism for the various investigations against him, one of his supporters 18-year-old Colton McCormick said: "I think it's just another witch hunt that's not going to result in anything good for the Democrats in the end."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-claims-hell-be-arrested-calls-for-protests-573373">US: Donald Trump claims he'll be 'arrested' on Tuesday, exhorts followers to stage protests</a>

A grand jury could bring charges against the politician as soon as this week, reports Reuters. If former president Trump is indicted, this would be the first-ever criminal case against any of the US presidents. If arrested, he would have to travel from his Florida home to New York for fingerprinting and other processing.&nbsp;

It could also hurt Trump's comeback attempt as the US President. As per a Reuters poll, around 44 per cent of Republicans believe that if indicted, Donald Trump should drop out of the 2024 US presidential race.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the United States braces for possible indictment and arrest of former president Donald Trump, his supporters on Tuesday rallied near his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

As the United States braces for possible indictment and arrest of former president Donald Trump, his supporters on Tuesday rallied near his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Another small gathering was seen outside of a Manhattan courthouse, where anti-Trump protestors were seen hoisting banners like "Trump is guilty", and "indict". In Florida, waving flags and praying for their beloved leader, Trump supporters as per Reuters claimed that the charges against the businessman are "just another witch hunt". Watch | Did Trump pay adult-film star to not discuss the encounter? New York braces for drama Trump is under investigation for allegedly paying $130,000 as hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. As per reports, the politician paid Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, and another woman with the money to stay silent about affairs they claim to have had with Trump. Also read | Donald Trump to be arrested today? New York braces for high-octane drama The former president Trump, however, denies that the affairs happened. Echoing Donald Trump's own frequent criticism for the various investigations against him, one of his supporters 18-year-old Colton McCormick said: "I think it's just another witch hunt that's not going to result in anything good for the Democrats in the end." Also read | US: Donald Trump claims he'll be 'arrested' on Tuesday, exhorts followers to stage protests A grand jury could bring charges against the politician as soon as this week, reports Reuters. If former president Trump is indicted, this would be the first-ever criminal case against any of the US presidents. If arrested, he would have to travel from his Florida home to New York for fingerprinting and other processing. It could also hurt Trump's comeback attempt as the US President. As per a Reuters poll, around 44 per cent of Republicans believe that if indicted, Donald Trump should drop out of the 2024 US presidential race. (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.

'Guilty' vs 'just another witch hunt', things heat up as US braces for possible Trump arrest

An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

“I’m gratified &amp; relieved to see the release of US&nbsp;hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The US&nbsp;thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss &amp; love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” tweeted Sullivan.&nbsp;

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I’m gratified &amp; relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss &amp; love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1637815029272571906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Transport facility&nbsp;and the required support are now being given to Jeffery Woodke.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-citizens-killed-two-return-alive-in-mexico-kidnapping-case-569776">Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case</a>

“We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” said a senior administration official while speaking to reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him," he added.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had visited Niger earlier this month.

“We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is for us to secure the release of Americans like Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” said the official, adding that more details about the citizen's release will be shared by Niger.

The government of Niger was thanked by the official for its efforts in freeing the US citizen and the official confirmed that no ransom was paid by the US officials to the terrorists.

WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

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“There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organisations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organisation here,” said the official.

“Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released along with Woodke. Dubois was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021.&nbsp;

In a press conference, Dubois said, "It's huge for me to be here today. I wasn't expecting it at all. I feel tired but I'm well."

(With inputs from agencies)

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An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday. “I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of US hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The US thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” tweeted Sullivan. I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom. — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) March 20, 2023 × Transport facility and the required support are now being given to Jeffery Woodke. ALSO READ | Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case “We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” said a senior administration official while speaking to reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him," he added. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had visited Niger earlier this month. “We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is for us to secure the release of Americans like Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” said the official, adding that more details about the citizen's release will be shared by Niger. The government of Niger was thanked by the official for its efforts in freeing the US citizen and the official confirmed that no ransom was paid by the US officials to the terrorists. WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town “There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organisations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organisation here,” said the official. “Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” he added. Meanwhile, French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released along with Woodke. Dubois was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021. In a press conference, Dubois said, "It's huge for me to be here today. I wasn't expecting it at all. I feel tired but I'm well." (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

US citizen freed from West Africa after six years, says President Biden’s national security adviser

The US Supreme Court is set to witness a trademark battle over a poop-themed dog toy which is set to be shaped like the whiskey bottle of Jack Daniel's. The case will redefine how constitutional free speech rights are applied by the judiciary to trademark law. &nbsp;

The case will be argued on Wednesday. The nine justices are likely to clarify the line between a parody, which is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution, and a trademark-infringing ripoff in this legal dogfight. The court is likely to give a ruling by June end.&nbsp;

Jack Daniel's Properties Inc is appealing against the decision of a lower court that the VIP Products LLC's "Bad Spaniels" chew toy is an "expressive work" which has received protection by the Constitution's First Amendment.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-hear-crucial-case-on-law-linked-to-future-of-internet-564345">US Supreme Court wary of removing legal immunity for the tech companies</a>

Concern has been expressed by some companies that the court's ruling against Jack Daniel's claim would badly affect their control over their reputations and brands. Meanwhile, others believe that if the court delivers a ruling in favour of the whiskey maker, it would stifle free-speech rights.

"This is an interesting case because it's a court that does care about the First Amendment but also cares about business. And this is a case where those interests intersect in a way that's kind of hard to sort out," stated Elizabeth Brannen, who works as a partner at the law firm Stris &amp; Maher and has appeared in intellectual property cases before the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

The toy looks like Lynchburg, the famous whiskey bottles of Tennessee-based Jack Daniel with humorous dog-themed alterations and has just changed "Old No. 7" with "the Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet" and altered the alcohol descriptions with "43 per cent Poo By Vol." and "100 per cent Smelly".&nbsp;

"Jack Daniel's loves dogs and appreciates a good joke as much as anyone. But Jack Daniel's likes its customers even more, and doesn't want them confused or associating its fine whiskey with dog poop," the company stated to the justices in a brief.&nbsp;

VIP Products stated that if the ruling is delivered in favour of Jack Daniel, it would make it easier to stifle free speech for trademark owners.

WATCH | US Top Court rules to keep Title 42 in place; White House urges 'comprehensive' immigration reforms

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"Every First Amendment case has a spillover effect into other areas," said VIP's attorney Ben Cooper of the firm Dickinson Wright. "So this can't be seen as being compartmentalised into the world of trademarks," he added.

"Whenever one person's speech is limited, it gets everyone else nervous," Cooper stated.&nbsp;

VIP said that its toy comments on "iconic alcohol brands' self-serious bombardment of consumers with advertising and dog owners' joyful humanisation of their pets".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Supreme Court is set to witness a trademark battle over a poop-themed dog toy which is set to be shaped like the whiskey bottle of Jack Daniel's. The case will redefine how constitutional free speech rights are applied by the judiciary to trademark law.

The US Supreme Court is set to witness a trademark battle over a poop-themed dog toy which is set to be shaped like the whiskey bottle of Jack Daniel's. The case will redefine how constitutional free speech rights are applied by the judiciary to trademark law. The case will be argued on Wednesday. The nine justices are likely to clarify the line between a parody, which is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution, and a trademark-infringing ripoff in this legal dogfight. The court is likely to give a ruling by June end. Jack Daniel's Properties Inc is appealing against the decision of a lower court that the VIP Products LLC's "Bad Spaniels" chew toy is an "expressive work" which has received protection by the Constitution's First Amendment. ALSO READ | US Supreme Court wary of removing legal immunity for the tech companies Concern has been expressed by some companies that the court's ruling against Jack Daniel's claim would badly affect their control over their reputations and brands. Meanwhile, others believe that if the court delivers a ruling in favour of the whiskey maker, it would stifle free-speech rights. "This is an interesting case because it's a court that does care about the First Amendment but also cares about business. And this is a case where those interests intersect in a way that's kind of hard to sort out," stated Elizabeth Brannen, who works as a partner at the law firm Stris & Maher and has appeared in intellectual property cases before the Supreme Court. The toy looks like Lynchburg, the famous whiskey bottles of Tennessee-based Jack Daniel with humorous dog-themed alterations and has just changed "Old No. 7" with "the Old No. 2, on your Tennessee Carpet" and altered the alcohol descriptions with "43 per cent Poo By Vol." and "100 per cent Smelly". "Jack Daniel's loves dogs and appreciates a good joke as much as anyone. But Jack Daniel's likes its customers even more, and doesn't want them confused or associating its fine whiskey with dog poop," the company stated to the justices in a brief. VIP Products stated that if the ruling is delivered in favour of Jack Daniel, it would make it easier to stifle free speech for trademark owners. WATCH | US Top Court rules to keep Title 42 in place; White House urges 'comprehensive' immigration reforms "Every First Amendment case has a spillover effect into other areas," said VIP's attorney Ben Cooper of the firm Dickinson Wright. "So this can't be seen as being compartmentalised into the world of trademarks," he added. "Whenever one person's speech is limited, it gets everyone else nervous," Cooper stated. VIP said that its toy comments on "iconic alcohol brands' self-serious bombardment of consumers with advertising and dog owners' joyful humanisation of their pets". (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

US Supreme Court to hear free speech case over poop-themed dog toy in Jack Daniel's case

In&nbsp;the United States Idaho state, death row inmates could soon be executed by a firing squad. As per AFP, the state legislature on Monday passed a bill allowing execution by firing squad in the absence of lethal injections. The conservative state's Senate passed the bill by 24 votes in favour and 11 against. The bill must now be signed into law by the governor.

Once the law is signed, Idaho will become the fifth US state to approve execution by firing squad.&nbsp;

The other four states, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, are Utah, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-china-argue-at-unsc-washington-accuses-moscow-beijing-of-encouraging-nkorea-missile-launches-574065">US, Russia, China argue at UNSC; Washington accuses Moscow, Beijing of 'encouraging' N.Korea missile launches</a>

The non-profit organisation American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has denounced the passage of the law as "appalling" and has labelled the rule "archaic."&nbsp;

"A firing squad is particularly gruesome...such executions leave lasting scars on all those involved," said the organisation's Idaho arm in a statement.&nbsp;

Citing experts, ACLU said that those executed by firing squad "likely experience extreme levels of pain and torture".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepares-for-the-unprecedented-possible-arrest-of-a-former-president-trump-574020">US prepares for the unthinkable but possible arrest of a former president</a>

Death by firing squad will only be allowed if lethal injection is not possible.

Recently, US states where the death penalty is allowed have been facing difficulty acquiring chemicals needed for lethal injection. This is reportedly due to opposition from pharmaceutical companies, which are hesitant to have their names associated with executions.&nbsp;

In the United States, since 1976, two men and a woman have been executed in this way; the last one was in 2010. These three people have all been executed in the western US state of Utah.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the United States Idaho state, death row inmates could soon be executed by a firing squad. As per AFP, the state legislature on Monday passed a bill allowing execution by firing squad in the absence of lethal injections.

In the United States Idaho state, death row inmates could soon be executed by a firing squad. As per AFP, the state legislature on Monday passed a bill allowing execution by firing squad in the absence of lethal injections. The conservative state's Senate passed the bill by 24 votes in favour and 11 against. The bill must now be signed into law by the governor. Once the law is signed, Idaho will become the fifth US state to approve execution by firing squad. The other four states, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, are Utah, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Also read | US, Russia, China argue at UNSC; Washington accuses Moscow, Beijing of 'encouraging' N.Korea missile launches The non-profit organisation American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has denounced the passage of the law as "appalling" and has labelled the rule "archaic." "A firing squad is particularly gruesome...such executions leave lasting scars on all those involved," said the organisation's Idaho arm in a statement. Citing experts, ACLU said that those executed by firing squad "likely experience extreme levels of pain and torture". Also read | US prepares for the unthinkable but possible arrest of a former president Death by firing squad will only be allowed if lethal injection is not possible. Recently, US states where the death penalty is allowed have been facing difficulty acquiring chemicals needed for lethal injection. This is reportedly due to opposition from pharmaceutical companies, which are hesitant to have their names associated with executions. In the United States, since 1976, two men and a woman have been executed in this way; the last one was in 2010. These three people have all been executed in the western US state of Utah. (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 state of Idaho moves one step closer to 'apalling' law allowing execution by firing squad

Self-proclaimed godman and fugitive Kailasa Nithyananda's ‘United States of Kailasa’ has inked&nbsp;a "cultural partnership" with over 30 American cities, a media report has said, days after the city of Newark in the US state of New Jersey said it revoked a "sister-city" agreement with the fictional country.

On January 12, Newark and the fictitious ‘United States of Kailasa’ signed a sister-city agreement. The signing ceremony took held in Newark City Hall, as per an NDTV report.

Nityananda claims to have established a nation called the ‘United States of Kailasa’ in 2019 in his mind-bending spiritual homilies that are coated with a sheen of pseudo-science.

According to its website, there are over 30 American communities that have inked a cultural alliance with the fictitious nation of Kailasa —&nbsp;places from Richmond, Virginia to Dayton, Ohio, to Buena Park, Florida practically all over the map, according to a Fox news report on Thursday.

The report said, "We are finding out the supreme fake pontiff&nbsp;has a long list of cities he has duped."

The statement claimed that it had contacted a few American cities to get their opinions on the signing of an agreement with the fictitious country.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-paradigm-in-india-bangladesh-friendship-pm-modi-sheikh-hasina-to-inaugurate-joint-energy-pipeline-573193">New paradigm in India-Bangladesh ties: PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate cross-border energy pipeline</a>

"And so far most of the cities have confirmed these proclamations are in fact true," the report said, adding, "Our proclamations with Kailasa are not an endorsement. They are a response to a request and we do not verify the information that is requested." 
 
Fox News blamed the cities for not "googling" for information about the fake nation.&nbsp;

"If someone wants a proclamation, someone gets a proclamation. They'll just say you're an exotic Hindu Island and they'll name a street after you," the Fox News anchor said.

The report also stated that those controlling the federal government were&nbsp;also duped by the fictitious country, in addition to mayors and local councils.

Moreover, USK representatives even participated in two UN public meetings held in Geneva last month. On February 22, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) hosted a general discussion on "Equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems," and on February 24, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights hosted a general discussion on the General Comment on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Sustainable Development (CESCR). 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Self-proclaimed godman and fugitive Kailasa Nithyananda's ‘United States of Kailasa’ has inked a "cultural partnership" with over 30 American cities, a media report has said, days after the city of Newark in the US state of New Jersey said it revoked a "sister-city" agreement with the fictional country.

Self-proclaimed godman and fugitive Kailasa Nithyananda's ‘United States of Kailasa’ has inked a "cultural partnership" with over 30 American cities, a media report has said, days after the city of Newark in the US state of New Jersey said it revoked a "sister-city" agreement with the fictional country. On January 12, Newark and the fictitious ‘United States of Kailasa’ signed a sister-city agreement. The signing ceremony took held in Newark City Hall, as per an NDTV report. Nityananda claims to have established a nation called the ‘United States of Kailasa’ in 2019 in his mind-bending spiritual homilies that are coated with a sheen of pseudo-science. According to its website, there are over 30 American communities that have inked a cultural alliance with the fictitious nation of Kailasa — places from Richmond, Virginia to Dayton, Ohio, to Buena Park, Florida practically all over the map, according to a Fox news report on Thursday. The report said, "We are finding out the supreme fake pontiff has a long list of cities he has duped." The statement claimed that it had contacted a few American cities to get their opinions on the signing of an agreement with the fictitious country. ALSO READ | New paradigm in India-Bangladesh ties: PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate cross-border energy pipeline "And so far most of the cities have confirmed these proclamations are in fact true," the report said, adding, "Our proclamations with Kailasa are not an endorsement. They are a response to a request and we do not verify the information that is requested." Fox News blamed the cities for not "googling" for information about the fake nation. "If someone wants a proclamation, someone gets a proclamation. They'll just say you're an exotic Hindu Island and they'll name a street after you," the Fox News anchor said. The report also stated that those controlling the federal government were also duped by the fictitious country, in addition to mayors and local councils. Moreover, USK representatives even participated in two UN public meetings held in Geneva last month. On February 22, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) hosted a general discussion on "Equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems," and on February 24, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights hosted a general discussion on the General Comment on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and Sustainable Development (CESCR). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘United States of Kailasa’: Fugitive godman’s fictional country cons 30 US cities, inks ‘sister city’ pacts

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