Democratic lawmakers in a handful of states are seeking to bar insurrectionists from holding office, two years after the violent attacks on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (January 22) said that the lawmakers are trying to send a message that those who engage in an attempted overthrow of the government should not be allowed to run it. Some of these states include New York, Connecticut and Virginia where the proposed legislation would prohibit people convicted of participating in an insurrection from holding public office or a position of public trust. &nbsp;

Nearly, 1,000 people had been charged in the riot with federal crimes, with about half of them pleading guilty to riot-related charges and more than three dozen convicted at trial.

In New York, state senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said those who will try to take the government down through violent means, in no way should be part of it. Sigal was sponsoring a bill that would bar people convicted of engaging in an insurrection or rebellion (against the US government) from holding civil office. He added that he would introduce the bill this year as he saw people who were involved in the Capital riot running for office last year, the report said.&nbsp;

In Virginia, a lawmaker introduced a bill in earlier in January that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony related to an attempted insurrection or riot from serving in positions of public trust,&nbsp;including in policymaking, law enforcement, safety, education or health.&nbsp;

And in Connecticut, senate majority leader Bob Duff introduced a bill that would prohibit people convicted of sedition, rebellion, insurrection or a felony related to one of those acts from running for or holding public office. Speaking to the Associated Press, Duff said he wanted the bill to bar such people from holding state or municipal jobs.

The bill in these three states comes a month after the House's January 6 committee's final report,&nbsp;which asserted that former United States President Donald Trump was criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election and also failed to act &nbsp;to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol. Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the committee, wrote in the report that Trump “lit that fire.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Republican leaders have said the bill to bar insurrectionists from holding office was unnecessary. Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay called the legislation a political statement and said "(the bill is) more political than it is a concern about public policy." Barclay added the existing rules already applied to people in certain positions who were convicted of crimes and these rules should be sufficient, the report added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Democratic lawmakers in a handful of states are seeking to bar insurrectionists from holding office, two years after the violent attacks on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.

Democratic lawmakers in a handful of states are seeking to bar insurrectionists from holding office, two years after the violent attacks on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (January 22) said that the lawmakers are trying to send a message that those who engage in an attempted overthrow of the government should not be allowed to run it. Some of these states include New York, Connecticut and Virginia where the proposed legislation would prohibit people convicted of participating in an insurrection from holding public office or a position of public trust. Nearly, 1,000 people had been charged in the riot with federal crimes, with about half of them pleading guilty to riot-related charges and more than three dozen convicted at trial. In New York, state senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said those who will try to take the government down through violent means, in no way should be part of it. Sigal was sponsoring a bill that would bar people convicted of engaging in an insurrection or rebellion (against the US government) from holding civil office. He added that he would introduce the bill this year as he saw people who were involved in the Capital riot running for office last year, the report said. In Virginia, a lawmaker introduced a bill in earlier in January that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony related to an attempted insurrection or riot from serving in positions of public trust, including in policymaking, law enforcement, safety, education or health. And in Connecticut, senate majority leader Bob Duff introduced a bill that would prohibit people convicted of sedition, rebellion, insurrection or a felony related to one of those acts from running for or holding public office. Speaking to the Associated Press, Duff said he wanted the bill to bar such people from holding state or municipal jobs. The bill in these three states comes a month after the House's January 6 committee's final report, which asserted that former United States President Donald Trump was criminally engaged in a “multi-part conspiracy” to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election and also failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol. Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the committee, wrote in the report that Trump “lit that fire.” Meanwhile, Republican leaders have said the bill to bar insurrectionists from holding office was unnecessary. Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay called the legislation a political statement and said "(the bill is) more political than it is a concern about public policy." Barclay added the existing rules already applied to people in certain positions who were convicted of crimes and these rules should be sufficient, the report added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two years after Capitol riot, US lawmakers seek to bar insurrectionists from holding office: Report

A failed Republican candidate has been arrested in connection with a series of drive-by shootings; targeting the homes of Democratic lawmakers. Authorities say that GOP candidate Solomon Pena who contested from South Valley in New Mexico was angry over his defeat in the elections last November.

United States: Ex-GOP candidate arrested for shootings at lawmakers' homes

US President Joe Biden, who has come to be known for his gaffes, has made another embarrassing misstep.&nbsp;The incident happened while Biden was speaking at an event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day or MLK Day.&nbsp;

In the US, the event honouring the late civil rights leader is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. This year the event fell on January 16th, coinciding with his daughter-in-law Arndrea Waters King’s birthday.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden gets confused on stage, looks for dead lawmaker in crowd

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During his opening remarks at the event, he encouraged everyone to sing the Happy Birthday song for Arndrea, but forgot her name. As per Daily Mail, while singing the verse, the 80-year-old President mumbled Valerie instead of Arndrea.

Reportedly, the gaffe was noticed by those present and it resulted in a burst of laughter as Biden mumbled the incorrect, incoherent name over the microphone. Biden’s reaction to the laughter was a futile “well...”.

Watch the video here:

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Biden's "Covfefe" Moment??? 🤡🤣 
 
I challenge you to get through this video without laughing. Biden is trying to sing happy birthday to Arndrea Waters King. <a href="https://t.co/tuUmlfuMkQ">pic.twitter.com/tuUmlfuMkQ</a>
— Bobby Eberle (@BobbyEberle13) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyEberle13/status/1615156227243184131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also at the event, he called Republican lawmakers who now control the US House of Representatives “fiscally demented”.&nbsp;As per AFP, the President said that the “very first” legislation proposed by them would give the wealthy a further boost while adding to the tax burden of the middle class.&nbsp;

He remarked that while Republicans like to portray themselves as fiscally conservative, “these guys are fiscally demented,” adding “they don’t quite get it.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-us-midterms-biden-makes-another-gaffe-says-there-are-54-states-529576">Ahead of midterms, Biden makes another gaffe, says there are ‘54 states’ in the US</a>

Biden, who is soon expected to announce his re-election campaign for US President, also said he was ready to work with Republicans. However, he made clear his disappointment with the legislative proposals that, in his words, would “help the wealthy people, the big corporations... at the expense of ordinary, middle-class taxpayers.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden, who has come to be known for his gaffes, has made another embarrassing misstep. The incident happened while Biden was speaking at an event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

US President Joe Biden, who has come to be known for his gaffes, has made another embarrassing misstep. The incident happened while Biden was speaking at an event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day or MLK Day. In the US, the event honouring the late civil rights leader is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. This year the event fell on January 16th, coinciding with his daughter-in-law Arndrea Waters King’s birthday. Watch | US President Joe Biden gets confused on stage, looks for dead lawmaker in crowd During his opening remarks at the event, he encouraged everyone to sing the Happy Birthday song for Arndrea, but forgot her name. As per Daily Mail, while singing the verse, the 80-year-old President mumbled Valerie instead of Arndrea. Reportedly, the gaffe was noticed by those present and it resulted in a burst of laughter as Biden mumbled the incorrect, incoherent name over the microphone. Biden’s reaction to the laughter was a futile “well...”. Watch the video here: Biden's "Covfefe" Moment??? 🤡🤣 I challenge you to get through this video without laughing. Biden is trying to sing happy birthday to Arndrea Waters King. pic.twitter.com/tuUmlfuMkQ — Bobby Eberle (@BobbyEberle13) January 17, 2023 × Also read | Classified documents found at Joe Biden's Delaware residence, 'cooperating fully' with review Also at the event, he called Republican lawmakers who now control the US House of Representatives “fiscally demented”. As per AFP, the President said that the “very first” legislation proposed by them would give the wealthy a further boost while adding to the tax burden of the middle class. He remarked that while Republicans like to portray themselves as fiscally conservative, “these guys are fiscally demented,” adding “they don’t quite get it.” Also read | Ahead of midterms, Biden makes another gaffe, says there are ‘54 states’ in the US Biden, who is soon expected to announce his re-election campaign for US President, also said he was ready to work with Republicans. However, he made clear his disappointment with the legislative proposals that, in his words, would “help the wealthy people, the big corporations... at the expense of ordinary, middle-class taxpayers.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden's latest gaffe at MLK day celebrations invites laughter. Watch!

A study published on Wednesday (January 11) in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that nearly one in four hospitalised patients in the United States experience harmful events. The experts in this study have highlighted the scope of improvement when it comes to patient safety in US hospitals.&nbsp;

Dr David Bates, who is the lead author of the study, said, "These numbers are disappointing, but not shocking." He added that the numbers show "we still have lots of work to do".&nbsp;

Dr Bates is the chief of general medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and also the medical director of clinical and quality analysis for Mass General Brigham in Boston.&nbsp;

The study titled—"The Safety of Inpatient Health Care"—attempted to assess the frequency, preventability, and severity of patient harm in a random sample of admissions from 11 Massachusetts hospitals in 2018.&nbsp;

In total, the researchers looked at the data of medical records of 2,809 patients who were hospitalised and data showed that about 24 per cent experienced at least one adverse event.&nbsp;

The study further mentioned that among 978 adverse events, 222 (22.7%) were judged to be preventable. While 316 (32.3%) had a severity level of serious or higher.&nbsp;

The study has mentioned that there were seven deaths and one of which was deemed to be preventable.&nbsp;

Surgical or other procedural events, patient-care events, and health care–associated infections were among the adverse events with drug events being the most common adverse events accounting for 39.0% of all events.&nbsp;

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A study published on Wednesday (January 11) in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that nearly one in four hospitalised patients in the United States experience harmful events.

A study published on Wednesday (January 11) in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that nearly one in four hospitalised patients in the United States experience harmful events. The experts in this study have highlighted the scope of improvement when it comes to patient safety in US hospitals. Dr David Bates, who is the lead author of the study, said, "These numbers are disappointing, but not shocking." He added that the numbers show "we still have lots of work to do". Dr Bates is the chief of general medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and also the medical director of clinical and quality analysis for Mass General Brigham in Boston. The study titled—"The Safety of Inpatient Health Care"—attempted to assess the frequency, preventability, and severity of patient harm in a random sample of admissions from 11 Massachusetts hospitals in 2018. In total, the researchers looked at the data of medical records of 2,809 patients who were hospitalised and data showed that about 24 per cent experienced at least one adverse event. The study further mentioned that among 978 adverse events, 222 (22.7%) were judged to be preventable. While 316 (32.3%) had a severity level of serious or higher. The study has mentioned that there were seven deaths and one of which was deemed to be preventable. Surgical or other procedural events, patient-care events, and health care–associated infections were among the adverse events with drug events being the most common adverse events accounting for 39.0% of all events. 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.

Nearly 1 in 4 hospitalised patients in US experience adverse events: 'Disappointing, but not shocking'

The White House on Thursday (January 12) admitted that classified government records were found at United States President Joe Biden's private residence in Wilmington, Delaware.&nbsp;In a statement, the White House counsel’s office said that Biden's aides located documents with classified markings at two locations inside his home.&nbsp;

The statement by the White House mentioned that "a small number" of classified documents are apparently dated to the Obama-Biden administration.&nbsp;

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_93A08C59-442D-B977-824D-A69BAA7165E5@published">"As was done in the case of the Penn-Biden Center, the Department of Justice was immediately notified, and the lawyers arranged for the Department of Justice to take possession of these documents,"&nbsp;the statement reads.&nbsp;

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Statement from White House Counsel's Office on ongoing cooperation with the Archives and Department of Justice: <a href="https://t.co/Dn3F8Oqggd">pic.twitter.com/Dn3F8Oqggd</a>
— Ian Sams (@IanSams46) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanSams46/status/1613555584837484545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Biden has said that he was "cooperating fully" with a Justice Department review regarding the classified documents.&nbsp;

The US president said that lawyers "discovered a small number of documents with classified markings in storage areas and file cabinets in my home and my personal library". He further mentioned that he takes "classified documents and classified material seriously."&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that other documents were found at a Washington think tank where Biden used to have an office. The revelation has embarrassed the White House as authorities probe a far bigger scandal involving ex-president Donald Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents.&nbsp;

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The White House on Thursday (January 12) admitted that classified government records were found at United States President Joe Biden's private residence in Wilmington, Delaware.

The White House on Thursday (January 12) admitted that classified government records were found at United States President Joe Biden's private residence in Wilmington, Delaware. In a statement, the White House counsel’s office said that Biden's aides located documents with classified markings at two locations inside his home. The statement by the White House mentioned that "a small number" of classified documents are apparently dated to the Obama-Biden administration. "As was done in the case of the Penn-Biden Center, the Department of Justice was immediately notified, and the lawyers arranged for the Department of Justice to take possession of these documents," the statement reads. Statement from White House Counsel's Office on ongoing cooperation with the Archives and Department of Justice: pic.twitter.com/Dn3F8Oqggd — Ian Sams (@IanSams46) January 12, 2023 × Meanwhile, Biden has said that he was "cooperating fully" with a Justice Department review regarding the classified documents. The US president said that lawyers "discovered a small number of documents with classified markings in storage areas and file cabinets in my home and my personal library". He further mentioned that he takes "classified documents and classified material seriously." Reports have mentioned that other documents were found at a Washington think tank where Biden used to have an office. The revelation has embarrassed the White House as authorities probe a far bigger scandal involving ex-president Donald Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents. 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.

Classified documents found at Joe Biden's Delaware residence, 'cooperating fully' with review

The United States and Japan held 'Two plus Two' security talks in Washington. During the meeting, the two countries discussed their shared vision of a modernized alliance and tackling the 21st-century challenges in Indo-Pacific and also around the world

U.S. and Japan to 'Set Course' for alliance in 'Two Plus Two' meet

Manpreet Monica Singh, an Indian-origin woman, has created history as she took oath as a Harris county judge, becoming the United States' first female Sikh judge.&nbsp;

An elated Manpreet, wrote in her Facebook post, “Mama we made it! It is a 'true honour' to rep the people of Harris County as a Sikh civil court judge. Thank you to everyone for making this a historic moment, one that someday won't be an uncommon event - because there will be a judiciary that includes countless Sikh people and other minorities. I'm ready to put my 2 decades of experience to good use.”&nbsp;

Born and raised in Houston, Manpreet now stays in Bellaire with her two children and husband. For the last 20 years, she has been an attorney and has worked with various civil rights organisations at the national, state and local levels.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-avani-chaturvedi-becomes-first-iaf-woman-fighter-pilot-to-participate-in-aerial-wargames-abroad-550494">India: Avani Chaturvedi becomes first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad</a>

The swearing-in ceremony of Manpreet Singh was presided over by Texas' first South Asian judge Ravi Sandill. In the early 1970s, Manpreet's father immigrated to the US.

"It means a lot to me because I represent H-town (a nickname of Houston) the most, so for it to be us, I'm happy for it," she stated during the oath ceremony.

Commenting on the historic moment, Sandill said, “It's a really big moment for the Sikh community. When they see someone of colour, someone a little different, they know that possibility is available to them. Manpreet is not only an ambassador for Sikhs, but she's an ambassador for all women of colour.”

WATCH|&nbsp;This Columbian town inspired Oscar-winning Encanto

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After the swearing-in ceremony, Manpreet said, “I thought it was important for kids, as they go through their education, that they could see that there's a possibility for professions that we never had access to before.”

"It was a proud day for the Sikh Community, but also a proud day for all people of Colour who see the Diversity of the City of Houston in the Diversity of the Court,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Manpreet Monica Singh, an Indian-origin woman, has created history as she took oath as a Harris county judge, becoming the United States' first female Sikh judge.

Manpreet Monica Singh, an Indian-origin woman, has created history as she took oath as a Harris county judge, becoming the United States' first female Sikh judge. An elated Manpreet, wrote in her Facebook post, “Mama we made it! It is a 'true honour' to rep the people of Harris County as a Sikh civil court judge. Thank you to everyone for making this a historic moment, one that someday won't be an uncommon event - because there will be a judiciary that includes countless Sikh people and other minorities. I'm ready to put my 2 decades of experience to good use.” Born and raised in Houston, Manpreet now stays in Bellaire with her two children and husband. For the last 20 years, she has been an attorney and has worked with various civil rights organisations at the national, state and local levels. ALSO READ| India: Avani Chaturvedi becomes first IAF woman fighter pilot to participate in aerial wargames abroad The swearing-in ceremony of Manpreet Singh was presided over by Texas' first South Asian judge Ravi Sandill. In the early 1970s, Manpreet's father immigrated to the US. "It means a lot to me because I represent H-town (a nickname of Houston) the most, so for it to be us, I'm happy for it," she stated during the oath ceremony. Commenting on the historic moment, Sandill said, “It's a really big moment for the Sikh community. When they see someone of colour, someone a little different, they know that possibility is available to them. Manpreet is not only an ambassador for Sikhs, but she's an ambassador for all women of colour.” WATCH| This Columbian town inspired Oscar-winning Encanto After the swearing-in ceremony, Manpreet said, “I thought it was important for kids, as they go through their education, that they could see that there's a possibility for professions that we never had access to before.” "It was a proud day for the Sikh Community, but also a proud day for all people of Colour who see the Diversity of the City of Houston in the Diversity of the Court,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. (With inputs from agencies)

Know about Indian-origin Manpreet Singh! First female Sikh judge in US

The United States Justice Department has revealed potentially classified documents found at President Joe Biden's former office. Biden's special counsel says that around 10 such documents were found at the Penn Biden Center back in November and were immediately handed over to National Archives.

Documents from Biden's Vice-presidency days found at Think Tank

One snowmobiler died while another one is missing after an avalanche on the Corona Pass near the Town of Winter Park in Grand County, Colorado on Saturday (January 7). According to a statement issued by the sheriff's office, initial reports said that two snowmobilers were buried in the avalanche. "Emergency responders with the assistance of citizens in the area were able to recover one of the individuals, who was identified as a 58-year-old male from Northern Colorado," the sheriff's office said on Saturday.&nbsp;

It added that despite emergency resuscitation efforts, the man was pronounced dead on the scene and was transferred to the Grand County Coroner's Office. The second snowmobiler, also a male, remains buried as responders were unable to locate him and were forced to retreat from the area due to weather and safety concerns.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trader-joes-sued-for-not-disclosing-heavy-metals-in-chocolates-550457">US: Trader Joe's sued for not disclosing heavy metals in chocolates</a>

The sheriff's office said in the statement that rescue teams would be returning to the area on Sunday to continue the rescue efforts. However, there is no update on this yet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the sheriff's office, the Grand County Search and Rescue and the coroner's office are in contact with the families of both men and are providing support.

Saturday's also said the 58-year-old man's identity and cause and manner of death will be released at an appropriate time.&nbsp;

Reacting to the incident, Grand County sheriff Brett Schroetlin said, “Unfortunately, this is the second fatal avalanche that we have experienced this season in Grand County. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims." Schroetlin urged that those recreating in the backcountry should regularly monitor conditions and follow the advice of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. (CAIC).&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAICcmountains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAICcmountains</a> CON(3of5) The most dangerous areas, where you can trigger a large avalanche, are where the snowpack is more shallow in the Sawatch and around the Aspen resorts and Crested Butte. Avoid traveling on or under steep slopes in areas of concern. <a href="https://t.co/E7yJWqyZwj">https://t.co/E7yJWqyZwj</a>
— CAIC:Statewide Info (@COAvalancheInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/COAvalancheInfo/status/1611874193280229376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per the avalanche centre's data, there have been three deaths in Colorado avalanches since December 26 last year and two of these have been from Grand County, NBC News reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/avalanche-in-western-austria-all-10-missing-skiers-rescued-four-injured-546602">Avalanche in Austria: All 10 missing skiers rescued, four injured</a>

In a series of tweets, the CAIC on Saturday cautioned people regarding avalanches. "The most dangerous areas, where you can trigger a large avalanche, are where the snowpack is more shallow in the Sawatch and around the Aspen resorts and Crested Butte. Avoid travelling on or under steep slopes in areas of concern," the CAIC tweeted.&nbsp;

"You can trigger avalanches on many slopes. Shallow areas are the most likely place to trigger large avalanches. Small slides in recent snow can trigger larger slides. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer riding," the centre added.&nbsp;

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One snowmobiler died while another one is missing after an avalanche on the Corona Pass near the Town of Winter Park in Grand County, Colorado on Saturday (January 7).

One snowmobiler died while another one is missing after an avalanche on the Corona Pass near the Town of Winter Park in Grand County, Colorado on Saturday (January 7). According to a statement issued by the sheriff's office, initial reports said that two snowmobilers were buried in the avalanche. "Emergency responders with the assistance of citizens in the area were able to recover one of the individuals, who was identified as a 58-year-old male from Northern Colorado," the sheriff's office said on Saturday. It added that despite emergency resuscitation efforts, the man was pronounced dead on the scene and was transferred to the Grand County Coroner's Office. The second snowmobiler, also a male, remains buried as responders were unable to locate him and were forced to retreat from the area due to weather and safety concerns. ALSO READ | US: Trader Joe's sued for not disclosing heavy metals in chocolates The sheriff's office said in the statement that rescue teams would be returning to the area on Sunday to continue the rescue efforts. However, there is no update on this yet. Meanwhile, the sheriff's office, the Grand County Search and Rescue and the coroner's office are in contact with the families of both men and are providing support. Saturday's also said the 58-year-old man's identity and cause and manner of death will be released at an appropriate time. Reacting to the incident, Grand County sheriff Brett Schroetlin said, “Unfortunately, this is the second fatal avalanche that we have experienced this season in Grand County. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims." Schroetlin urged that those recreating in the backcountry should regularly monitor conditions and follow the advice of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. (CAIC). #CAICcmountains CON(3of5) The most dangerous areas, where you can trigger a large avalanche, are where the snowpack is more shallow in the Sawatch and around the Aspen resorts and Crested Butte. Avoid traveling on or under steep slopes in areas of concern. https://t.co/E7yJWqyZwj — CAIC:Statewide Info (@COAvalancheInfo) January 7, 2023 × As per the avalanche centre's data, there have been three deaths in Colorado avalanches since December 26 last year and two of these have been from Grand County, NBC News reported on Sunday. ALSO READ | Avalanche in Austria: All 10 missing skiers rescued, four injured In a series of tweets, the CAIC on Saturday cautioned people regarding avalanches. "The most dangerous areas, where you can trigger a large avalanche, are where the snowpack is more shallow in the Sawatch and around the Aspen resorts and Crested Butte. Avoid travelling on or under steep slopes in areas of concern," the CAIC tweeted. "You can trigger avalanches on many slopes. Shallow areas are the most likely place to trigger large avalanches. Small slides in recent snow can trigger larger slides. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer riding," the centre added. 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: One snowmobiler dead, another missing after avalanche in Colorado

Across the US, many anti-homeless laws are being passed due to a reduction in funds for social services which has become an issue of concern among advocates of homeless people.&nbsp;In the state of Missouri, a new law came into effect on January 1 which states that sleeping on state property is an act of criminal offence. For the homeless, sleeping under highways or in public parks can result in fines of up to $750 or imprisonment of 15 days.

The law was criticised by the advocates of homeless people who claimed that it targets the homeless populations of Missouri unfairly. Missouri’s governor Mike Parson signed the law last June.&nbsp;

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“We are absolutely hearing that law enforcement is using this new law that’s coming as reason to displace people already,” said non-profit Empower Missouri's advocacy director Sarah Owsley to St Louis Public Radio, days before the officials brought the law into effect.&nbsp;

The Republican-backed measure, which included the appointment of mental health director Valerie Huhn by Parson, was opposed by many people, stated the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“When people experiencing homelessness have criminal justice histories, it is difficult to find housing,” Huhn had written to the governor’s budget office in a May 2022 letter, referring to the criminal consequences of the law.&nbsp;

After the law came into effect, the authorities decreased funds for homeless services in Missouri and made changes to other funding streams.

“We’re going to see less money into the homeless services community over this length of time. And so that’s very concerning, we’re already an extremely underfunded resource,” Owsley said.&nbsp;

WATCH|&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: United States has approved world's first vaccine for honeybees

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The local municipalities and cities in the US have also sanctioned measures which affect homeless individuals, through forced hospitalisation or criminal consequences.

Authorities have faced backlash after officials made attempts to remove homeless encampments or put a limit to where homeless people can set up their camps.

The Los Angeles city council in August voted for banning homeless encampments within 500 feet of daycares and schools, an extension of the anti-camping law of the city which has empowered police to remove encampments.&nbsp;

People Assisting the Homeless spokesperson Tyler Renner said, “Enforcement of anti-camping ordinances ... only displaces people and makes it harder for trained outreach staff to establish trust again."&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Across the US, many anti-homeless laws are being passed due to a reduction in funds for social services which has become an issue of concern among advocates of homeless people.

Across the US, many anti-homeless laws are being passed due to a reduction in funds for social services which has become an issue of concern among advocates of homeless people. In the state of Missouri, a new law came into effect on January 1 which states that sleeping on state property is an act of criminal offence. For the homeless, sleeping under highways or in public parks can result in fines of up to $750 or imprisonment of 15 days. The law was criticised by the advocates of homeless people who claimed that it targets the homeless populations of Missouri unfairly. Missouri’s governor Mike Parson signed the law last June. ALSO READ| US proposes up to 332 per cent hike for H1-B, other visa fees “We are absolutely hearing that law enforcement is using this new law that’s coming as reason to displace people already,” said non-profit Empower Missouri's advocacy director Sarah Owsley to St Louis Public Radio, days before the officials brought the law into effect. The Republican-backed measure, which included the appointment of mental health director Valerie Huhn by Parson, was opposed by many people, stated the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “When people experiencing homelessness have criminal justice histories, it is difficult to find housing,” Huhn had written to the governor’s budget office in a May 2022 letter, referring to the criminal consequences of the law. After the law came into effect, the authorities decreased funds for homeless services in Missouri and made changes to other funding streams. “We’re going to see less money into the homeless services community over this length of time. And so that’s very concerning, we’re already an extremely underfunded resource,” Owsley said. WATCH| WION Climate Tracker: United States has approved world's first vaccine for honeybees The local municipalities and cities in the US have also sanctioned measures which affect homeless individuals, through forced hospitalisation or criminal consequences. Authorities have faced backlash after officials made attempts to remove homeless encampments or put a limit to where homeless people can set up their camps. The Los Angeles city council in August voted for banning homeless encampments within 500 feet of daycares and schools, an extension of the anti-camping law of the city which has empowered police to remove encampments. People Assisting the Homeless spokesperson Tyler Renner said, “Enforcement of anti-camping ordinances ... only displaces people and makes it harder for trained outreach staff to establish trust again." (With inputs from agencies)

US states pass numerous anti-homeless laws, activists raise concerns

Former United States President Donald Trump has urged far-right Republicans to support Kevin McCarthy in the election to become the US House speaker. McCarthy failed to win the poll despite the Republicans controlling the House – something that has not happened in more than 100 years.

The Republicans won control of the US House in the midterm elections but McCarthy’s candidacy as the speaker was challenged by certain parts of the party. &nbsp;"It's now time for all of our great Republican House Members to vote for Kevin, close the deal and take victory," Trump posted on social media. "Republicans, do not turn a great triumph into a giant and embarrassing defeat."

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With a 222-212 majority in the US House, the Republican Party had the number needed to elect McCarthy as the speaker. However, he was unable to secure the 218 votes needed for the win.

During the first two rounds of voting, 19 members from the Republican Party voted against him and the number went up to 20 in the third round. Most of the rebels were previous supporters of Trump.

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McCarthy has been blamed in the past for being loyal to Trump and he has already asked for investigations of Biden's family as well as the government. However, during the voting, he received less votes than Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries but both failed to hit the majority mark.

The last time that the election for House speaker went to the second round was back in 1923.

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Former United States President Donald Trump has urged far-right Republicans to support Kevin McCarthy in the election to become the US House speaker. McCarthy failed to win the poll despite the Republicans controlling the House – something that has not happened in more than 100 years.

Former United States President Donald Trump has urged far-right Republicans to support Kevin McCarthy in the election to become the US House speaker. McCarthy failed to win the poll despite the Republicans controlling the House – something that has not happened in more than 100 years. The Republicans won control of the US House in the midterm elections but McCarthy’s candidacy as the speaker was challenged by certain parts of the party. "It's now time for all of our great Republican House Members to vote for Kevin, close the deal and take victory," Trump posted on social media. "Republicans, do not turn a great triumph into a giant and embarrassing defeat." Also read | Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC With a 222-212 majority in the US House, the Republican Party had the number needed to elect McCarthy as the speaker. However, he was unable to secure the 218 votes needed for the win. During the first two rounds of voting, 19 members from the Republican Party voted against him and the number went up to 20 in the third round. Most of the rebels were previous supporters of Trump. Also read | Rishi Sunak plans to make maths mandatory for all students till the age of 18 McCarthy has been blamed in the past for being loyal to Trump and he has already asked for investigations of Biden's family as well as the government. However, during the voting, he received less votes than Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries but both failed to hit the majority mark. The last time that the election for House speaker went to the second round was back in 1923.

Trump urges Republicans to back McCarthy in race to become US House speaker

Traffic chaos and the closure of highways followed after heavy rain and snowfall in most of California state on Saturday (December 31) as people ushered in 2023 with an "atmospheric river storm".&nbsp;

News agency Reuters reported that an eyewitness shared a video, which showed vehicles partially submerged after heavy flooding in San Francisco on Saturday (December 31).&nbsp;

As per the report, authorities issued a flood warning, which was in place in nearby Alameda County until 3:30am (11:30GMT) on Sunday (January 1).&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, almost two feet (0.6 meters) of snow could accumulate into early Sunday in the high Sierra Nevada.&nbsp;

The weather conditions posed challenges for citizens as the National Weather Service in Sacramento issued a warning about hazardous driving conditions. They also shared photos on Twitter showing traffic on snow-covered mountain passes.&nbsp;

Due to flooding, a section of US 101, which is one of the state's main traffic arteries, remained closed south of San Francisco, said the California Highway Patrol. Videos on Twitter showed mud-coloured water streaming along San Francisco streets.&nbsp;

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Flash flooding continues in central/southern Sacramento County. 
 
Numerous roads are underwater in, around &amp; downstream of Wilton along the Cosumnes River, including CA-99 between Elk Grove &amp; Galt. 
 
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE OVER FLOODED ROADWAYS - TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/p7ksZ1PZ1T">pic.twitter.com/p7ksZ1PZ1T</a>
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1609600748429672448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Rain and wind is finally tapering off across the Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto region early this morning. However, area creeks and streams are still above flood stage, but are cresting or beginning to recede. Flood dangers are hard to see at night! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/q8dno3gOlF">pic.twitter.com/q8dno3gOlF</a>
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1609486022412496897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Here's the observed 24 hour precipitation ending at midnight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/PVdny3SVIK">pic.twitter.com/PVdny3SVIK</a>
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1609462321881182208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Potent atmospheric river aiming a firehose of extreme precipitation at California. 
 
Epic satellite imagery. <a href="https://t.co/ckHYPtZ8D1">pic.twitter.com/ckHYPtZ8D1</a>
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_Stormwatch/status/1609266303696801793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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California faced a prolonged period of drought and the rain was welcomed as the state had its driest three years ever. But heavy rain and snowfall caused troubles for the residents.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service said in Reno, Nevada, that a winter storm warning was in effect into Sunday for the upper elevations of the Sierra from south of Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe.&nbsp;

Traffic chaos and the closure of highways followed after heavy rain and snowfall in most of California state on Saturday (December 31) as people ushered in 2023 with an "atmospheric river storm".

Traffic chaos and the closure of highways followed after heavy rain and snowfall in most of California state on Saturday (December 31) as people ushered in 2023 with an "atmospheric river storm". News agency Reuters reported that an eyewitness shared a video, which showed vehicles partially submerged after heavy flooding in San Francisco on Saturday (December 31). As per the report, authorities issued a flood warning, which was in place in nearby Alameda County until 3:30am (11:30GMT) on Sunday (January 1). As reported by the news agency The Associated Press, almost two feet (0.6 meters) of snow could accumulate into early Sunday in the high Sierra Nevada. The weather conditions posed challenges for citizens as the National Weather Service in Sacramento issued a warning about hazardous driving conditions. They also shared photos on Twitter showing traffic on snow-covered mountain passes. Due to flooding, a section of US 101, which is one of the state's main traffic arteries, remained closed south of San Francisco, said the California Highway Patrol. Videos on Twitter showed mud-coloured water streaming along San Francisco streets. Flash flooding continues in central/southern Sacramento County. Numerous roads are underwater in, around & downstream of Wilton along the Cosumnes River, including CA-99 between Elk Grove & Galt. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE OVER FLOODED ROADWAYS - TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!#CAwx pic.twitter.com/p7ksZ1PZ1T — NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 1, 2023 × Rain and wind is finally tapering off across the Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto region early this morning. However, area creeks and streams are still above flood stage, but are cresting or beginning to recede. Flood dangers are hard to see at night! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/q8dno3gOlF — NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 1, 2023 × Here's the observed 24 hour precipitation ending at midnight. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PVdny3SVIK — NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 1, 2023 × Potent atmospheric river aiming a firehose of extreme precipitation at California. Epic satellite imagery. pic.twitter.com/ckHYPtZ8D1 — Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) December 31, 2022 × California faced a prolonged period of drought and the rain was welcomed as the state had its driest three years ever. But heavy rain and snowfall caused troubles for the residents. The National Weather Service said in Reno, Nevada, that a winter storm warning was in effect into Sunday for the upper elevations of the Sierra from south of Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe.

United States: Heavy rains cause flooding in San Francisco, traffic issues

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.&nbsp;"The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP.

"We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added.

Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned.

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With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert.

Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged.

"At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement.

"We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

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The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution.

The United States and the European Union have requested both Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions in the border region. Both the US and EU have reached out to the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti in order to find a political solution. "The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo," the EU and the US said in a joint statement according to AFP. "We call on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally deescalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," they added. Kosovo has been experiencing massive tensions since November after several ethnic Serb workers walked away from their jobs as a mark of protest. They were protesting the decision to ban Serbs in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued vehicle number plates – a decision that was later overturned. Also read | China funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed while official Covid data stays low With the Serbs sealing off traffic on two border crossings, the authorities decided to completely close down the border. There were also a number of shooting incidents that targeted international peacekeepers as well as the police in Kosovo. Even the Serbian army has been put on high alert. Both EU and US have urged the Kosovar authorities to not arrest any more ethnic Serbs in an attempt to control the ongoing crisis. The already arrested ones have already been charged. "At the same time, rule of law must be respected, and any form of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," they further stated in the official statement. "We also expect Kosovo and Serbia to return to fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation, regional stability, and cooperation for the benefit of their citizens," they said.

US, EU urge immediate deescalation at Serbia-Kosovo border amid ongoing crisis

The massive winter storm raging in the United States continues to disrupt travel plans for many as thousands of flights remained canceled on Tuesday as well. There has been mayhem at the airport with massive flight cancellations.

Southwest Airlines faces storm of criticism, around 12,000 flight cancellations due to storm

The US budget 2023 or spending bill passed by the US Congress last week made a provision of $11 million for the Tibetan government in exile and Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. The budget made available "not less than $8,000,000" for programmes to promote and preserve Tibetan culture, language for Tibetan communities in India and Nepal and "not less than $3,000,000" for programmes to strengthen the capacity of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The support for the CTA or Tibetan govt in exile will be administered by the United States Agency for international development (USAID). It has also been suggested in the bill that was passed that USAID should consider supporting a project to provide housing for Tibetan refugee families in India. India has been hosting large Tibetan communities, many of whom left Tibet after it came under Chinese rule in the 1950s. Spiritual Guru, the Dalai Lama, has been staying in India in exile since 1959, when he left the region also known as the rooftop of the world.

The development is part of Washington's continuing policy to support the Tibetan issues. The US has been keen on a final negotiated agreement on Tibet between the Dalai Lama and the government in Beijing and to open a consulate in Lhasa, something unlikely to happen given Beijing's current policy.

Last year, US Secretary of State Blinken during his Delhi visit met Dalai Lama's representative Ngodup Dongchung while this year U.S. Special Coordinator on Tibet Uzra Zeya called on the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, the hill station that hosts the Tibetan govt in exile.

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The US budget 2023 or spending bill passed by the US Congress last week made a provision of $11 million for the Tibetan government in exile and Tibetan communities in India and Nepal.

The US budget 2023 or spending bill passed by the US Congress last week made a provision of $11 million for the Tibetan government in exile and Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. The budget made available "not less than $8,000,000" for programmes to promote and preserve Tibetan culture, language for Tibetan communities in India and Nepal and "not less than $3,000,000" for programmes to strengthen the capacity of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The support for the CTA or Tibetan govt in exile will be administered by the United States Agency for international development (USAID). It has also been suggested in the bill that was passed that USAID should consider supporting a project to provide housing for Tibetan refugee families in India. India has been hosting large Tibetan communities, many of whom left Tibet after it came under Chinese rule in the 1950s. Spiritual Guru, the Dalai Lama, has been staying in India in exile since 1959, when he left the region also known as the rooftop of the world. The development is part of Washington's continuing policy to support the Tibetan issues. The US has been keen on a final negotiated agreement on Tibet between the Dalai Lama and the government in Beijing and to open a consulate in Lhasa, something unlikely to happen given Beijing's current policy. Last year, US Secretary of State Blinken during his Delhi visit met Dalai Lama's representative Ngodup Dongchung while this year U.S. Special Coordinator on Tibet Uzra Zeya called on the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, the hill station that hosts the Tibetan govt in exile.

US budget keeps $11 million funding for Tibetan govt in exile, communities in India, Nepal

More than one million people faced power outages in the United States on Friday as the cyclonic winter storm battered the country, cancelling flights, blocking highways and making travel misery for home goers ahead of the holiday season.

Howling winds, heavy snow and frigid air which can turn boiling water into ice instantly have hit most of the nation, including southern states, which are normally temperate.

Weather warnings were issued to around 200 million Americans, as -55 Fahrenheit (-48 Celsius) was recorded as the lowest temperature amid chilly wind, the National Weather Service (NWS) stated.&nbsp;

39-year-old Jennifer Orlando, who lives in Hamburg, New York, faced a power outage of four hours after a vehicle accidentally slid into a power line. For thousands of electricity consumers, who are facing power outages, the winter storm has become an issue of immediate concern.

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Migrants and homeless seek warm shelters&nbsp;

Migrants coming from Mexico sought shelter in schools, churches and a civic centre of El Paso, Texas for warmth, said school teacher and volunteer Rosa Falcon.

However, some migrants still stay outside battling -15 Fahrenheit temperatures fearing that they may come in the eyes of immigration authorities, she said.

Non-profit organisation Burke Patten of Night Ministry, established in Chicago to help the homeless, stated, "We've been handing out cold weather gear, including coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, blankets and sleeping bags, along with hand and foot warmers."

Chicago area commander for the Salvation Army Major Caleb Senn said that centres have been opened by the organisation for sheltering people from the fierce winter.

"Some of the people we're seeing right now, they've just become homeless this year. Some of these people are actually frightened. This is the first time they've been in the elements without someplace to go,” he stated.

WATCH| Gravitas: U.S. faces winter storm on Christmas weekend

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Flights cancelled, accident reported as visibility drops to zero

Near-zero visibility, stormy weather and ice-covered roads were reported in Oklahoma, Iowa, North and South Dakota and elsewhere and people were appealed to stay home.

Reports of two traffic fatalities came from Oklahoma on Thursday. Kentucky's governor Andy Beshear confirmed three fatalities in his state.

In Ohio, one person was killed in a 50-vehicle pile-up, while traffic was snarled in Michigan after the accident of nine tractor-trailers.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "This is an epic, statewide hazard. The roads are going to be like an ice skating rink and your tires cannot handle this."

On Friday, almost 5,000 flights were cancelled and 7,600 were delayed. The balmy Los Angeles also felt the misery of flight cancellation.

While speaking to ABC 7, Christine Lerosen said she failed to find a flight out of Vancouver.&nbsp;

"I had to get my brother to drive me down to Seattle - had to book a flight out of Seattle to go to Denver, to fly here. My Seattle flight was delayed, my Denver flight was delayed and now they lost my luggage," she added.

By the afternoon of Friday, the storm took the shape of a "bomb cyclone" after there was a precipitous drop in air pressure in 24 hours.

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Wind chills, rapid frostbite

NWS' lead forecaster Rich Maliawco, while speaking in Glasgow, Montana where overnight wind chill dropped to -60 Fahrenheit, called the weather 'extremely dangerous'.

"With these kinds of wind chills, if you're not wearing those warm layers... unprotected skin can get frostbite in less than five minutes," he stated.

He said that people have been posting videos of the "boiling water challenge," where they throw boiling water into the air as it freezes instantly.

"We created our own cloud @ -17° F (-27° C) at the #Missoula International Airport," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than one million people faced power outages in the United States on Friday as the cyclonic winter storm battered the country, cancelling flights, blocking highways and making travel misery for home goers ahead of the holiday season.

More than one million people faced power outages in the United States on Friday as the cyclonic winter storm battered the country, cancelling flights, blocking highways and making travel misery for home goers ahead of the holiday season. Howling winds, heavy snow and frigid air which can turn boiling water into ice instantly have hit most of the nation, including southern states, which are normally temperate. Weather warnings were issued to around 200 million Americans, as -55 Fahrenheit (-48 Celsius) was recorded as the lowest temperature amid chilly wind, the National Weather Service (NWS) stated. 39-year-old Jennifer Orlando, who lives in Hamburg, New York, faced a power outage of four hours after a vehicle accidentally slid into a power line. For thousands of electricity consumers, who are facing power outages, the winter storm has become an issue of immediate concern. ALSO READ| US, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins Migrants and homeless seek warm shelters Migrants coming from Mexico sought shelter in schools, churches and a civic centre of El Paso, Texas for warmth, said school teacher and volunteer Rosa Falcon. However, some migrants still stay outside battling -15 Fahrenheit temperatures fearing that they may come in the eyes of immigration authorities, she said. Non-profit organisation Burke Patten of Night Ministry, established in Chicago to help the homeless, stated, "We've been handing out cold weather gear, including coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, blankets and sleeping bags, along with hand and foot warmers." Chicago area commander for the Salvation Army Major Caleb Senn said that centres have been opened by the organisation for sheltering people from the fierce winter. "Some of the people we're seeing right now, they've just become homeless this year. Some of these people are actually frightened. This is the first time they've been in the elements without someplace to go,” he stated. WATCH| Gravitas: U.S. faces winter storm on Christmas weekend Flights cancelled, accident reported as visibility drops to zero Near-zero visibility, stormy weather and ice-covered roads were reported in Oklahoma, Iowa, North and South Dakota and elsewhere and people were appealed to stay home. Reports of two traffic fatalities came from Oklahoma on Thursday. Kentucky's governor Andy Beshear confirmed three fatalities in his state. In Ohio, one person was killed in a 50-vehicle pile-up, while traffic was snarled in Michigan after the accident of nine tractor-trailers. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "This is an epic, statewide hazard. The roads are going to be like an ice skating rink and your tires cannot handle this." On Friday, almost 5,000 flights were cancelled and 7,600 were delayed. The balmy Los Angeles also felt the misery of flight cancellation. While speaking to ABC 7, Christine Lerosen said she failed to find a flight out of Vancouver. "I had to get my brother to drive me down to Seattle - had to book a flight out of Seattle to go to Denver, to fly here. My Seattle flight was delayed, my Denver flight was delayed and now they lost my luggage," she added. By the afternoon of Friday, the storm took the shape of a "bomb cyclone" after there was a precipitous drop in air pressure in 24 hours. ALSO READ| US Weather: What is Bomb cyclone? Does it explode? Wind chills, rapid frostbite NWS' lead forecaster Rich Maliawco, while speaking in Glasgow, Montana where overnight wind chill dropped to -60 Fahrenheit, called the weather 'extremely dangerous'. "With these kinds of wind chills, if you're not wearing those warm layers... unprotected skin can get frostbite in less than five minutes," he stated. He said that people have been posting videos of the "boiling water challenge," where they throw boiling water into the air as it freezes instantly. "We created our own cloud @ -17° F (-27° C) at the #Missoula International Airport," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Epic' winter storm hits Americans, as millions face power outage ahead of holiday season

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions.

Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-attack-probe-committee-releases-report-clearly-says-trump-sparked-riots-545725">Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report</a>

Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles.

Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity".

"We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year. The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions. Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past. Also read | Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles. Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity". "We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese parliament approves record defence spending in latest budget

The United States is all set to approve an aid package of over $45 billion for Ukraine just days after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit. The US senate has already promised Zelensky that it will provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles in order to help their fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The US has already sent over $50 billion in aid to Ukraine this year and the military and economic assistance will be part of the planned aids for 2023. United States President Joe Biden has also imposed strict sanctions on Russian politicians and the oil and gas supply from Moscow.

The main point of discussion between Zelensky and Biden during the recent visit was the acquisition of Patriot missiles in order to counter the Russian attacks. The two leaders were able to reach an understanding with Washington also providing Kyiv with modern battle tanks and long-range missiles called ATACMS. The bill is expected to pass the senate with unanimous support.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-and-four-injured-after-shooting-in-central-paris-suspect-arrested-546049">Three killed &amp; three injured after shooting in central Paris, suspect arrested</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already condemned the US for interfering in the conflict and he said that Russia will be looking to find a way to counter the newly-acquired Patriot missiles.

"Our goal is not to spin the flywheel of military conflict, but, on the contrary, to end this war."

Meanwhile, Ukraine has allegedly forced Russian forces to retreat from the outskirts of Kyiv and Kharkiv. The Ukrainian government said that the military repelled attacks in 17 settlements.

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The United States is all set to approve an aid package of over $45 billion for Ukraine just days after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit. The US senate has already promised Zelensky that it will provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles in order to help their fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The United States is all set to approve an aid package of over $45 billion for Ukraine just days after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit. The US senate has already promised Zelensky that it will provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles in order to help their fight in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The US has already sent over $50 billion in aid to Ukraine this year and the military and economic assistance will be part of the planned aids for 2023. United States President Joe Biden has also imposed strict sanctions on Russian politicians and the oil and gas supply from Moscow. The main point of discussion between Zelensky and Biden during the recent visit was the acquisition of Patriot missiles in order to counter the Russian attacks. The two leaders were able to reach an understanding with Washington also providing Kyiv with modern battle tanks and long-range missiles called ATACMS. The bill is expected to pass the senate with unanimous support. Also read | Three killed & three injured after shooting in central Paris, suspect arrested Russian President Vladimir Putin has already condemned the US for interfering in the conflict and he said that Russia will be looking to find a way to counter the newly-acquired Patriot missiles. "Our goal is not to spin the flywheel of military conflict, but, on the contrary, to end this war." Meanwhile, Ukraine has allegedly forced Russian forces to retreat from the outskirts of Kyiv and Kharkiv. The Ukrainian government said that the military repelled attacks in 17 settlements.

US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit

The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets.

While speaking to the reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there was no sign of willingness to initiate peace talks during the visit of Zelensky and it is evident that the United States is engaged in a proxy war with Russia “to the last Ukrainian”, and that Zelensky and US President Joe Biden are unwilling to hear “Russia’s concerns”.&nbsp;

“We can say with regret that so far neither President (Joe) Biden nor President Zelensky has said even a few words that could be perceived as potential readiness to listen to Russia’s concerns,” Peskov said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-assess-ukraine-conflict-will-set-russias-military-aims-for-next-year-544896">Putin to assess Ukraine conflict; will set Russia's military aims for next year</a>

“Not a single word was heard warning Zelensky against the continued shelling of residential buildings in towns and villages in Donbas and there were no real calls for peace. This suggests that the United States is continuing its line of de facto fighting an indirect war with Russia to the last Ukrainian,” he further stated.

Hours before the visit of Zelensky to the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that next year Moscow will continue developing the country's military potential and the nuclear forces' combat readiness. Zelensky’s US visit was his first international trip since Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24.

WATCH|&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power

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Before speaking at the Congress' joint meeting, Zelensky held talks with Biden at the White House, during which the latter promised to provide one Patriot surface-to-air missile battery system.

Previously, Ukraine had requested the Patriots stating it will bolster the country's air defences as they have been facing regular missile strikes by Russia on critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Patriot is among the US' most advanced air defence systems which can intercept threats like ballistic and aircraft missiles.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets.

The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets. While speaking to the reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there was no sign of willingness to initiate peace talks during the visit of Zelensky and it is evident that the United States is engaged in a proxy war with Russia “to the last Ukrainian”, and that Zelensky and US President Joe Biden are unwilling to hear “Russia’s concerns”. “We can say with regret that so far neither President (Joe) Biden nor President Zelensky has said even a few words that could be perceived as potential readiness to listen to Russia’s concerns,” Peskov said. ALSO READ| Putin to assess Ukraine conflict; will set Russia's military aims for next year “Not a single word was heard warning Zelensky against the continued shelling of residential buildings in towns and villages in Donbas and there were no real calls for peace. This suggests that the United States is continuing its line of de facto fighting an indirect war with Russia to the last Ukrainian,” he further stated. Hours before the visit of Zelensky to the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that next year Moscow will continue developing the country's military potential and the nuclear forces' combat readiness. Zelensky’s US visit was his first international trip since Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24. WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power Before speaking at the Congress' joint meeting, Zelensky held talks with Biden at the White House, during which the latter promised to provide one Patriot surface-to-air missile battery system. Previously, Ukraine had requested the Patriots stating it will bolster the country's air defences as they have been facing regular missile strikes by Russia on critical infrastructure. The Patriot is among the US' most advanced air defence systems which can intercept threats like ballistic and aircraft missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin accuses US of waging ‘indirect war’ against Russia post-Zelensky visit

The real estate market in the United States has taken a major hit due to the Covid pandemic and it continued to show signs of concern as the sales of existing homes went down for the tenth consecutive month in November. This is the first time that such a trend has been observed in the US market with mortgage rates reaching new heights. The situation was also impacted by the increase in the central bank lending rates and the resultant inflation has resulted in more reluctance among potential buyers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-continue-improving-combat-readiness-of-nuclear-forces-says-vladimir-putin-545223">Russia to continue improving combat readiness of nuclear forces, says Putin</a>

At present, the sales of houses have dropped by 7.7 per cent in the last month and the data provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that the fall is around 35.4 per cent in the last year.&nbsp;

"In essence, the residential real estate market was frozen... resembling the sales activity seen during the Covid-19 economic lockdowns in 2020," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement.&nbsp;

In order to control the inflation in the current market, the United States Federal Reserve decided to hike its interest rates. As a result, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped to somewhere around 6.3 per cent – almost twice as compared to the same period in 2021. This potentially acted as a sign of warning for most buyers who are most likely waiting for the rates to normalise once again.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-exhausted-doctor-collapses-while-attending-patients-amid-chinas-covid-surge-545169">WATCH: Exhausted doctor collapses while attending Covid patients in China</a>

Available housing inventory also "remains near historic lows," said Yun.&nbsp;

House prices have also grown up and according to the data, it is over 3.5 per cent more than what it was in 2021. That is also one of the major reasons behind the massive fall in sales.&nbsp;

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The real estate market in the United States has taken a major hit due to the Covid pandemic and it continued to show signs of concern as the sales of existing homes went down for the tenth consecutive month in November.

The real estate market in the United States has taken a major hit due to the Covid pandemic and it continued to show signs of concern as the sales of existing homes went down for the tenth consecutive month in November. This is the first time that such a trend has been observed in the US market with mortgage rates reaching new heights. The situation was also impacted by the increase in the central bank lending rates and the resultant inflation has resulted in more reluctance among potential buyers. Also read | Russia to continue improving combat readiness of nuclear forces, says Putin At present, the sales of houses have dropped by 7.7 per cent in the last month and the data provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that the fall is around 35.4 per cent in the last year. "In essence, the residential real estate market was frozen... resembling the sales activity seen during the Covid-19 economic lockdowns in 2020," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. In order to control the inflation in the current market, the United States Federal Reserve decided to hike its interest rates. As a result, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped to somewhere around 6.3 per cent – almost twice as compared to the same period in 2021. This potentially acted as a sign of warning for most buyers who are most likely waiting for the rates to normalise once again. Also read | WATCH: Exhausted doctor collapses while attending Covid patients in China Available housing inventory also "remains near historic lows," said Yun. House prices have also grown up and according to the data, it is over 3.5 per cent more than what it was in 2021. That is also one of the major reasons behind the massive fall in sales.

Home sales in the United States dip for 10th straight month in volatile market

Residents in the US state of Wisconsin have shared videos of strange lights in the skies this month in what is being seen as a possible Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting. A report by the Daily Mail on Monday said the videos from December 1 showed white lights zipping across the sky over the rolling farmland near West Bend and Fredonia.&nbsp;The lights, which were moving at an incredible speed and appeared to have come from above the thin cloud layer on the night of December 1, left witnesses believing that they saw a UFO. The Daily Mail obtained the videos from two Wisconsin residents — Kimberly and Ken.&nbsp;

Kimberly, who is a salon owner from West Bend, shared videos of the possible UFO sighting after she saw bright lights flashing over the sky while she was driving on a rural road in West Bend at around 10.45 pm on December 1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pentagon-receives-several-hundreds-of-new-ufo-reports-no-evidence-of-alien-life-so-far-543908">Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far</a>

At the same time, Ken, a former police officer and financial services worker in Fredonia, spotted the strange lights in the sky over the fields outside his house and recorded the phenomenon.

Videos shared by these two Wisconsin residents captured a moment where four of the lights appear in a row and a fifth light, flying from the left, joins the formation, the Daily Mail report on Monday said.&nbsp;

Another resident of the US state- Andrea Lynn, also saw these strange lights in the sky on December 1. Taking to Facebook, Lynn shared four videos of the sighting outside her house about 80 miles north in Howard.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-ufo-day-2022-why-do-we-celebrate-the-day-for-the-unknown-whats-its-significance-493793">World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance?</a>

These lights were seen in Wisconsin on December 2 as well. About 35 miles away in Greenfield, Chris Novak was travelling with his family in a car to the Candy Cane Lane lights in West Allis. Novak's wife alerted him about odd lights in the sky as the car was heading north on Interstate 43 over the Fox River overpass at about 6.55 pm on December 2, the report added. &nbsp;

This news of a possible UFO sighting in the US comes as the Pentagon received several hundreds of new UFO reports but there was no evidence of alien life so far. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), a new Pentagon office, was set up in July this year to track unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space.

Last Friday,&nbsp;the AARO's director Dr Sean Kirkpatrick told reporters that the Pentagon received several hundreds of new UFO reports. Dr Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Residents in the US state of Wisconsin have shared videos of strange lights in the skies this month in what is being seen as a possible Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting.

Residents in the US state of Wisconsin have shared videos of strange lights in the skies this month in what is being seen as a possible Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting. A report by the Daily Mail on Monday said the videos from December 1 showed white lights zipping across the sky over the rolling farmland near West Bend and Fredonia. The lights, which were moving at an incredible speed and appeared to have come from above the thin cloud layer on the night of December 1, left witnesses believing that they saw a UFO. The Daily Mail obtained the videos from two Wisconsin residents — Kimberly and Ken. Kimberly, who is a salon owner from West Bend, shared videos of the possible UFO sighting after she saw bright lights flashing over the sky while she was driving on a rural road in West Bend at around 10.45 pm on December 1. ALSO READ | Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far At the same time, Ken, a former police officer and financial services worker in Fredonia, spotted the strange lights in the sky over the fields outside his house and recorded the phenomenon. Videos shared by these two Wisconsin residents captured a moment where four of the lights appear in a row and a fifth light, flying from the left, joins the formation, the Daily Mail report on Monday said. Another resident of the US state- Andrea Lynn, also saw these strange lights in the sky on December 1. Taking to Facebook, Lynn shared four videos of the sighting outside her house about 80 miles north in Howard. ALSO READ | World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance? These lights were seen in Wisconsin on December 2 as well. About 35 miles away in Greenfield, Chris Novak was travelling with his family in a car to the Candy Cane Lane lights in West Allis. Novak's wife alerted him about odd lights in the sky as the car was heading north on Interstate 43 over the Fox River overpass at about 6.55 pm on December 2, the report added. This news of a possible UFO sighting in the US comes as the Pentagon received several hundreds of new UFO reports but there was no evidence of alien life so far. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), a new Pentagon office, was set up in July this year to track unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space. Last Friday, the AARO's director Dr Sean Kirkpatrick told reporters that the Pentagon received several hundreds of new UFO reports. Dr Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research. 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: Possible UFO sighting in Wisconsin? Residents share videos of strange lights

Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures.

In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Snowstorm strikes Canada's Vancouver, halting traffic and flights

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With a burst of Arctic air settling over some states the situation is expected to worsen, and it might even turn deadly. NWS Prediction Center in a forecast on Twitter said that "Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, the wind chill will make it feel even colder than this!".

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We've got chills just looking at this forecast 🥶 
 
⬇️ This shows high temps Tue-Sun, the color represents the departure from average. Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, wind chill will make it feel even colder than this! <a href="https://t.co/4fGd3lXdoP">pic.twitter.com/4fGd3lXdoP</a>
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWPC/status/1605244824478576640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The agency has warned that a temperature this cold can cause frostbite in less than five minutes.

On the other hand in Canada, heavy snowfall due to a strong weather winter storm forced the nation's second busiest airport, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to halt or delay flights. As per a Reuters report citing data from airline tracking website Flightware, nearly 200 flights were cancelled and 67 were delayed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chicago-weather-snow-storm-expected-ahead-of-christmas-avoid-travel-on-these-days-544819">Chicago weather: Snow storm expected ahead of Christmas, avoid travel on these days</a>

"Travel continues to be significantly impacted this morning and we anticipate cancellations and delays to continue through the day and the week ahead," said the airport in a statement.

With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a majority of people had travel plans which now stand to suffer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures. In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert.

Holiday plans are battling or are set to suffer the brunt of bad weather as the United States and Canada experience freezing temperatures. In America as per the Guardian close to 50 million are currently under winter storm watches, alerts and warnings, while another 50 million are under a winter chill alert. Watch | Snowstorm strikes Canada's Vancouver, halting traffic and flights With a burst of Arctic air settling over some states the situation is expected to worsen, and it might even turn deadly. NWS Prediction Center in a forecast on Twitter said that "Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, the wind chill will make it feel even colder than this!". We've got chills just looking at this forecast 🥶 ⬇️ This shows high temps Tue-Sun, the color represents the departure from average. Many will experience MUCH below average temps this week, ~20-30° or more below. Keep in mind, wind chill will make it feel even colder than this! pic.twitter.com/4fGd3lXdoP — NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 20, 2022 × The agency has warned that a temperature this cold can cause frostbite in less than five minutes. On the other hand in Canada, heavy snowfall due to a strong weather winter storm forced the nation's second busiest airport, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to halt or delay flights. As per a Reuters report citing data from airline tracking website Flightware, nearly 200 flights were cancelled and 67 were delayed. Also read | Chicago weather: Snow storm expected ahead of Christmas, avoid travel on these days "Travel continues to be significantly impacted this morning and we anticipate cancellations and delays to continue through the day and the week ahead," said the airport in a statement. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, a majority of people had travel plans which now stand to suffer. (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, Canada experience freezing temperatures, forecast service warns it'll cause frostbite in five mins

The Kremlin warned that the rise in the supply of weapons to Kyiv from the United States government may end up “aggravating” the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During an official press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the continued US involvement “does not bode well” for Ukraine.&nbsp;

“Weapon supplies (by the U.S.) continue, the assortment of supplied weapons is expanding. All this, of course, leads to an aggravation of the conflict and, in fact, does not bode well for Ukraine,” he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-zelensky-visit-will-meet-biden-at-white-house-address-congress-545008">Zelensky leaves for US, will meet Biden at White House, address Congress</a>

The statement from the Russian government coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelling to Washington to meet his US counterpart Joe Biden. This will be the first major foreign trip for Zelensky since the start of the conflict and he is expected to address the US congress.&nbsp;

On the Russian front, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss various topics including “the conflict in Ukraine”. Reuters reported that this was the latest set of meetings held by the two countries regarding the stance over US interference.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky goes to US: Why is it important?

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China has been a constant supporter of Russia over the issue of the Ukraine conflict and Xi has not condemned the Kremlin on any international platform. Moreover, the trade relations between the two countries have actually improved over time with China exporting record amounts of oil and gas.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Peskov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be delivering his annual state-of-the-nation address this year due to conflicts in his “work schedule”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kremlin warned that the rise in the supply of weapons to Kyiv from the United States government may end up “aggravating” the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During an official press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the continued US involvement “does not bode well” for Ukraine.

The Kremlin warned that the rise in the supply of weapons to Kyiv from the United States government may end up “aggravating” the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During an official press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the continued US involvement “does not bode well” for Ukraine. “Weapon supplies (by the U.S.) continue, the assortment of supplied weapons is expanding. All this, of course, leads to an aggravation of the conflict and, in fact, does not bode well for Ukraine,” he said. Also read | Zelensky leaves for US, will meet Biden at White House, address Congress The statement from the Russian government coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelling to Washington to meet his US counterpart Joe Biden. This will be the first major foreign trip for Zelensky since the start of the conflict and he is expected to address the US congress. On the Russian front, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss various topics including “the conflict in Ukraine”. Reuters reported that this was the latest set of meetings held by the two countries regarding the stance over US interference. WATCH | Zelensky goes to US: Why is it important? China has been a constant supporter of Russia over the issue of the Ukraine conflict and Xi has not condemned the Kremlin on any international platform. Moreover, the trade relations between the two countries have actually improved over time with China exporting record amounts of oil and gas. Meanwhile, Peskov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be delivering his annual state-of-the-nation address this year due to conflicts in his “work schedule”. (With inputs from agencies)

Weapons supply to Ukraine from the US will aggravate war, Kremlin warns

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seized a record number of guns at airport security checkpoints this year. The report published on Friday (December 16) mentioned that as of December 16, the agency has stopped 6,301 firearms, and more than 88 per cent of them were loaded. The number is alarming amid a rise in gun violence in the country.&nbsp;

In the official release, the agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security also mentioned that number has surpassed the previous record of 5,972 firearms detected in 2021.&nbsp;

TSA, which has authority over the security of transportation systems within and connecting to the United States, expects to prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022.&nbsp;

The number in 2022 is nearly a 10 per cent increase over 2021's record level.&nbsp;

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, "I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of airports, and onboard aircraft."&nbsp;

"Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags at the checkpoint and onboard aircraft. When a passenger brings a firearm to the checkpoint, this consumes significant security resources and poses a potential threat to transportation security, in addition to being very costly for the passenger," Pekoske added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK billionaire numbers up by 20% since pandemic&nbsp;

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In America, firearm possession laws are different in different states, depending upon the local government. But notably, TSA has never allowed carrying firearms in carry-on bags at the security checkpoint, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit.&nbsp;

Gun ownership in the US has grown significantly over the last several years and officials have raised concerns after multiple incidents of gun violence in recent years.&nbsp;

Therefore, to prevent the threat of firearms at checkpoints, TSA has increased the maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation to $14,950.&nbsp;

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In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seized a record number of guns at airport security checkpoints this year. The report published on Friday (December 16) mentioned that as of December 16, the agency has stopped 6,301 firearms, and more than 88 per cent of them were loaded.

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seized a record number of guns at airport security checkpoints this year. The report published on Friday (December 16) mentioned that as of December 16, the agency has stopped 6,301 firearms, and more than 88 per cent of them were loaded. The number is alarming amid a rise in gun violence in the country. In the official release, the agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security also mentioned that number has surpassed the previous record of 5,972 firearms detected in 2021. TSA, which has authority over the security of transportation systems within and connecting to the United States, expects to prevent about 6,600 firearms in carry-on bags from entering the secure area of airports by the end of 2022. The number in 2022 is nearly a 10 per cent increase over 2021's record level. TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, "I applaud the work of our Transportation Security Officers who do an excellent job of preventing firearms from getting into the secure area of airports, and onboard aircraft." "Firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags at the checkpoint and onboard aircraft. When a passenger brings a firearm to the checkpoint, this consumes significant security resources and poses a potential threat to transportation security, in addition to being very costly for the passenger," Pekoske added. WATCH | UK billionaire numbers up by 20% since pandemic × In America, firearm possession laws are different in different states, depending upon the local government. But notably, TSA has never allowed carrying firearms in carry-on bags at the security checkpoint, even if a passenger has a concealed weapon permit. Gun ownership in the US has grown significantly over the last several years and officials have raised concerns after multiple incidents of gun violence in recent years. Therefore, to prevent the threat of firearms at checkpoints, TSA has increased the maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation to $14,950. 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: Security seized a record number of guns at airports, most of them were loaded

Two teenagers were shot dead while three others were injured in a shootout in an apartment complex in Atlanta on Saturday. According to the police, officers responded to the apartment in Atlanta's southwest shortly after 5 pm.&nbsp;The two teenage boys killed were aged 14 and 16 and the injured were two boys- aged 11 and 15 and a 15-year-old girl, Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr said on Saturday while addressing a press conference, a report by news agency Associated Press said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The injured have been hospitalised and their condition is not yet known.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-june-case-indian-american-mother-arrested-charged-543984">Baby June case: Indian-American mother arrested for tossing infant girl in seaside inlet</a>

Hampton said a dispute on social media escalated to gunfire, adding a group of individuals came to the apartment complex with guns and then the other group fired from their weapons. The violence started inside the apartment and was then carried over outside, which is where the two victims were found, he added.&nbsp; 
 
Hampton pointed out that there were "too many guns in the hands of our youth.''&nbsp;

"This should be a time that we are getting ready for the holidays, but we have at least two families that will be planning for funerals and then you may have some other families who were significantly involved and have to deal with that," the top police official said, Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two teenagers were shot dead while three others were injured in a shootout in an apartment complex in Atlanta on Saturday. According to the police, officers responded to the apartment in Atlanta's southwest shortly after 5 pm.

Two teenagers were shot dead while three others were injured in a shootout in an apartment complex in Atlanta on Saturday. According to the police, officers responded to the apartment in Atlanta's southwest shortly after 5 pm. The two teenage boys killed were aged 14 and 16 and the injured were two boys- aged 11 and 15 and a 15-year-old girl, Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr said on Saturday while addressing a press conference, a report by news agency Associated Press said on Sunday. The injured have been hospitalised and their condition is not yet known. ALSO READ | Baby June case: Indian-American mother arrested for tossing infant girl in seaside inlet Hampton said a dispute on social media escalated to gunfire, adding a group of individuals came to the apartment complex with guns and then the other group fired from their weapons. The violence started inside the apartment and was then carried over outside, which is where the two victims were found, he added. Hampton pointed out that there were "too many guns in the hands of our youth.'' "This should be a time that we are getting ready for the holidays, but we have at least two families that will be planning for funerals and then you may have some other families who were significantly involved and have to deal with that," the top police official said, Associated Press reported. An investigation has been launched into the incident. (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: Two teens killed, three injured in shootout at apartment in Atlanta, say police

The symbol of wildlife and urban wildlife protection, famous mountain cat P22 is no more. The cat who became an international celebrity was euthanised in California, United States, on Saturday. The 12-year-old was reportedly struck by a car and was suffering other serious problems.

Hollywood bids goodbye to mountain cat as famous Los Angeles lion euthanised

An Indian-American woman, accused of tossing her newborn into a Florida inlet in 2018, appeared in court on Friday on a first-degree murder charge. Arya Singh, 29, was arrested on Thursday in the death of her female infant who was named “Baby June” by the authorities, a report by the Associated Press said.&nbsp;

The newborn's body was found floating in the seaside inlet in Florida on June 1, 2018, by an off-duty Boynton Beach firefighter.&nbsp;

On Friday, during a brief hearing, a Palm Beach County judge ordered Arya Singh&nbsp;be held without bail. Singh, who works as a security guard did not enter a plea at the hearing. Her next court date is on January 17.&nbsp;

Detective Brittany Christoffel, who was heading the case, said, "She (Arya Singh) said when the baby was born, she wasn't sure if the baby was alive or dead and that was that," a report by news agency ANI said.&nbsp;

The Baby June case was solved by the Palm Beach sheriff’s detectives using DNA collected from the father and Singh.

Detective Christoffel said the investigating team tracked down the father who submitted to the DNA test and told investigators about a woman he was dating at the time who told him that she was pregnant but took care of it. The father assumed it meant an abortion, Christoffel said.&nbsp;

The detective added that the investigators were able to grab covert DNA that belonged to Singh by picking up garbage she threw.&nbsp;

If convicted, Arya Singh faces life in prison or the death penalty.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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An Indian-American woman, accused of tossing her newborn into a Florida inlet in 2018, appeared in court on Friday on a first-degree murder charge. Arya Singh, 29, was arrested on Thursday in the death of her female infant who was named “Baby June” by the authorities, a report by the Associated Press said.

An Indian-American woman, accused of tossing her newborn into a Florida inlet in 2018, appeared in court on Friday on a first-degree murder charge. Arya Singh, 29, was arrested on Thursday in the death of her female infant who was named “Baby June” by the authorities, a report by the Associated Press said. The newborn's body was found floating in the seaside inlet in Florida on June 1, 2018, by an off-duty Boynton Beach firefighter. On Friday, during a brief hearing, a Palm Beach County judge ordered Arya Singh be held without bail. Singh, who works as a security guard did not enter a plea at the hearing. Her next court date is on January 17. Detective Brittany Christoffel, who was heading the case, said, "She (Arya Singh) said when the baby was born, she wasn't sure if the baby was alive or dead and that was that," a report by news agency ANI said. The Baby June case was solved by the Palm Beach sheriff’s detectives using DNA collected from the father and Singh. Detective Christoffel said the investigating team tracked down the father who submitted to the DNA test and told investigators about a woman he was dating at the time who told him that she was pregnant but took care of it. The father assumed it meant an abortion, Christoffel said. The detective added that the investigators were able to grab covert DNA that belonged to Singh by picking up garbage she threw. If convicted, Arya Singh faces life in prison or the death penalty. (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.

Baby June case: Indian-American mother arrested for tossing infant girl in seaside inlet

The Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) director William Burns on Friday warned that United States citizens should be "really careful''&nbsp;on TikTok as many federal agencies including the White House banned the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform from government devices. &nbsp;

In an interview with PBS, Burns said that he shared concerns expressed by other US officials that TikTok could pose a danger to the country's national security.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-slams-biden-administration-for-troubling-app-ban-law-543876">TikTok slams Biden administration for "troubling" app ban law</a>

"I think it's a genuine concern, I think, for the US government in the sense that because the parent company of TikTok is a Chinese company, the Chinese government is able to… insist upon extracting the private data of a lot of TikTok users in this country and also to shape the content of what goes on to TikTok as well to suit the interests of the Chinese leadership,” Burns said.&nbsp;

On being asked whether it was a good idea that some American lawmakers wanted to ban TikTok, Burns said, “Well, you know, in my role, see, this is where blessedly as an intelligence, in an intelligence role, I mean, I'm not going to offer judgments on those kind of policy or legislative decisions."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;US vs TikTok: CIA Director speaks out on TikTok, William Burns calls concerns 'very real'

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However, the CIA director told PBS on Friday it was genuinely troubling to see what the Chinese government could do to manipulate TikTok.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have been cracking down on Chinese companies amid national security fears.

In the latest measure late Wednesday, the US Senate passed a bill to bar federal employees from using TikTok on government-owned devices, after security concerns were raised by Biden administration officials and both Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;

The Senate's action comes after Iowa and North Dakota joined the list of American states in banning the Chinese video-sharing platform, a report by news agency Reuters said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The bill, however, will not affect American citizens who use TikTok on private or company-owned devices. Meanwhile, the White House has declined to comment on whether President Joe Biden would support the TikTok legislation. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) director William Burns on Friday warned that United States citizens should be "really careful'' on TikTok as many federal agencies including the White House banned the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform from government devices.

The Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) director William Burns on Friday warned that United States citizens should be "really careful'' on TikTok as many federal agencies including the White House banned the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform from government devices. In an interview with PBS, Burns said that he shared concerns expressed by other US officials that TikTok could pose a danger to the country's national security. ALSO READ | TikTok slams Biden administration for "troubling" app ban law "I think it's a genuine concern, I think, for the US government in the sense that because the parent company of TikTok is a Chinese company, the Chinese government is able to… insist upon extracting the private data of a lot of TikTok users in this country and also to shape the content of what goes on to TikTok as well to suit the interests of the Chinese leadership,” Burns said. On being asked whether it was a good idea that some American lawmakers wanted to ban TikTok, Burns said, “Well, you know, in my role, see, this is where blessedly as an intelligence, in an intelligence role, I mean, I'm not going to offer judgments on those kind of policy or legislative decisions." ALSO WATCH | US vs TikTok: CIA Director speaks out on TikTok, William Burns calls concerns 'very real' × However, the CIA director told PBS on Friday it was genuinely troubling to see what the Chinese government could do to manipulate TikTok. US lawmakers have been cracking down on Chinese companies amid national security fears. In the latest measure late Wednesday, the US Senate passed a bill to bar federal employees from using TikTok on government-owned devices, after security concerns were raised by Biden administration officials and both Democrats and Republicans. The Senate's action comes after Iowa and North Dakota joined the list of American states in banning the Chinese video-sharing platform, a report by news agency Reuters said on Thursday. The bill, however, will not affect American citizens who use TikTok on private or company-owned devices. Meanwhile, the White House has declined to comment on whether President Joe Biden would support the TikTok legislation. 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.

CIA director warns Americans of TikTok, says they should be 'really careful'

Google has introduced a price drop notifications feature on its web browser Chrome. Users will not have to refresh the page every day to check the price of any product. In a blog post on Thursday, Google said users can opt-in to receive an e-mail or mobile notification from Chrome if there is a price drop.&nbsp;This feature is currently available on desktops and Android devices in the United States.&nbsp;

"Next time you’re shopping, select “track price” in the Chrome address bar. You can manage the products you’re tracking through the side panel, or through the notifications you receive,'' the blog post said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-chrome-introduces-password-less-authentication-heres-how-it-works-542134">Google Chrome introduces passwordless authentication. Here's how it works</a>

With the price drop notifications feature, users can instantly find discounts in their shopping cart. When items are added to the cart, Chrome will find available discount codes from the retailer and automatically show them at checkout.&nbsp;

"Just open the New Tab Page anytime you need to track down existing shopping carts and you’ll see available discounts there, too. Both features are now available on desktop, starting first in the US," the blog post added.&nbsp;

On a desktop, users can right-click on an image and then select "search image with Google Lens" to get results in the side panel. The results will show similar options from retailers and prices that fit a user's budget. Users will also be able to see if the product is in stock or back-ordered.&nbsp;

When users arrive at the checkout stage, Chrome will fill out all details automatically with previously saved information such as users' addresses or payment details from Google Pay. Also, Chrome will always check if users want to save their previously saved information for their next purchase.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Google has introduced a price drop notifications feature on its web browser Chrome. Users will not have to refresh the page every day to check the price of any product.

Google has introduced a price drop notifications feature on its web browser Chrome. Users will not have to refresh the page every day to check the price of any product. In a blog post on Thursday, Google said users can opt-in to receive an e-mail or mobile notification from Chrome if there is a price drop. This feature is currently available on desktops and Android devices in the United States. "Next time you’re shopping, select “track price” in the Chrome address bar. You can manage the products you’re tracking through the side panel, or through the notifications you receive,'' the blog post said. ALSO READ | Google Chrome introduces passwordless authentication. Here's how it works With the price drop notifications feature, users can instantly find discounts in their shopping cart. When items are added to the cart, Chrome will find available discount codes from the retailer and automatically show them at checkout. "Just open the New Tab Page anytime you need to track down existing shopping carts and you’ll see available discounts there, too. Both features are now available on desktop, starting first in the US," the blog post added. On a desktop, users can right-click on an image and then select "search image with Google Lens" to get results in the side panel. The results will show similar options from retailers and prices that fit a user's budget. Users will also be able to see if the product is in stock or back-ordered. When users arrive at the checkout stage, Chrome will fill out all details automatically with previously saved information such as users' addresses or payment details from Google Pay. Also, Chrome will always check if users want to save their previously saved information for their next purchase. (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.

Google Chrome introduces price drop notifications feature. Details here

A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday.&nbsp;

The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is responsible for tracking unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space. It is also responsible for tracking any object that can move from one domain to the next, a report by the Associated Press said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-ufo-day-2022-why-do-we-celebrate-the-day-for-the-unknown-whats-its-significance-493793">World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance?</a>

The AARO was established following over a year of unidentified flying objects that military pilots have observed. In June last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reported that between 2004 and 2021, there were 144 such encounters. Eighty of these encounters were captured on multiple sensors.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, AARO's director, said that the Pentagon received several hundreds of UFO reports.&nbsp;Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research.&nbsp;

"I would just say that we are structuring our analysis to be very thorough and rigorous. We will go through it all," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Kirkpatrick pointed out that one reason for these hundreds of reports coming in might be the outreach the office did to destigmatise reporting potential encounters.&nbsp;

The AARO director also said there is a lot of new technology such as drones, hypersonic missiles stealth bombers and stealth fighters- fielded by both the United States and China- that could be mistaken for UFOs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ufo-sightings-in-us-rose-sharply-during-the-pandemic-data-reveals-377203">FO sightings in US rose sharply during the pandemic, data reveals</a>

The office has been coordinating with the Pentagon and the US intelligence community to get the signatures of US technology to rule out those aircraft or drones, he added, the Associated Press report further said.&nbsp;

In May this year, the US Congress held a briefing on UFOs, its first hearing on the topic in more than 50 years. Multiple members had expressed concerns that whether or not the objects are alien or potentially new, unknown technology being flown by China, Russia or another potential adversary, the unknown posed a security risk to the US.&nbsp;

“(So far) we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” the US under secretary of defence for intelligence and security Ronald Moultrie said on Friday, adding any unauthorised system in the country's airspace is deemed as a threat to safety.

Moultrie said the office (AARO) was also working on ways to improve the ability to identify unknown objects.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday.

A new Pentagon office, which was set up in July to identify reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), has received 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, but there is no evidence of alien life till now, the office said on Friday. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is responsible for tracking unidentified objects in the sky, underwater or in space. It is also responsible for tracking any object that can move from one domain to the next, a report by the Associated Press said. ALSO READ | World UFO Day 2022: Why do we celebrate the day for the unknown? What's its significance? The AARO was established following over a year of unidentified flying objects that military pilots have observed. In June last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reported that between 2004 and 2021, there were 144 such encounters. Eighty of these encounters were captured on multiple sensors. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr Sean Kirkpatrick, AARO's director, said that the Pentagon received several hundreds of UFO reports. Kirkpatrick did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life and said he was taking a scientific approach to the research. "I would just say that we are structuring our analysis to be very thorough and rigorous. We will go through it all," he told reporters. Kirkpatrick pointed out that one reason for these hundreds of reports coming in might be the outreach the office did to destigmatise reporting potential encounters. The AARO director also said there is a lot of new technology such as drones, hypersonic missiles stealth bombers and stealth fighters- fielded by both the United States and China- that could be mistaken for UFOs. ALSO READ | UFO sightings in US rose sharply during the pandemic, data reveals The office has been coordinating with the Pentagon and the US intelligence community to get the signatures of US technology to rule out those aircraft or drones, he added, the Associated Press report further said. In May this year, the US Congress held a briefing on UFOs, its first hearing on the topic in more than 50 years. Multiple members had expressed concerns that whether or not the objects are alien or potentially new, unknown technology being flown by China, Russia or another potential adversary, the unknown posed a security risk to the US. “(So far) we have not seen anything, and we’re still very early on, that would lead us to believe that any of the objects that we have seen are of alien origin,” the US under secretary of defence for intelligence and security Ronald Moultrie said on Friday, adding any unauthorised system in the country's airspace is deemed as a threat to safety. Moultrie said the office (AARO) was also working on ways to improve the ability to identify unknown objects. (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.

Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far

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