The first&nbsp;Black&nbsp;woman to sit on the US Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was inaugurated Friday at a ceremony in Washington attended by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jackson, who was nominated to the top court by Biden, will be part of a progressive minority in the body that decides some of the most important social and legal issues in the United States.

But the 52-year-old may find her hands largely tied by the conservative majority of six justices -- three of whom were appointed by Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump.

That majority has wielded its power in recent months, overturning the constitutional right to abortion and strengthening gun rights.&nbsp;

Jackson was chosen at the end of February by Democrat Biden, who promised during his campaign to appoint the first African-American woman to the highest judicial institution in the country.&nbsp;

She replaced Justice Stephen Breyer, 84, who retired.&nbsp;

Despite acute polarization surrounding the court, her Senate confirmation process went smoothly, and her arrival does not change the balance of power on the bench.&nbsp;

The 2022/2023 session of the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin Monday.

The first Black woman to sit on the US Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was inaugurated Friday at a ceremony in Washington attended by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The first Black woman to sit on the US Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was inaugurated Friday at a ceremony in Washington attended by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Jackson, who was nominated to the top court by Biden, will be part of a progressive minority in the body that decides some of the most important social and legal issues in the United States. But the 52-year-old may find her hands largely tied by the conservative majority of six justices -- three of whom were appointed by Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump. That majority has wielded its power in recent months, overturning the constitutional right to abortion and strengthening gun rights. Jackson was chosen at the end of February by Democrat Biden, who promised during his campaign to appoint the first African-American woman to the highest judicial institution in the country. She replaced Justice Stephen Breyer, 84, who retired. Despite acute polarization surrounding the court, her Senate confirmation process went smoothly, and her arrival does not change the balance of power on the bench. The 2022/2023 session of the Supreme Court is scheduled to begin Monday.

Ketanji Brown Jackson inaugurated as first Black woman on US Supreme Court

A United States navy sailor accused of deliberately starting a fire that destroyed a billion-dollar vessel and wounded several crew members was cleared by a military court judge on Friday.&nbsp;

Military prosecutors said during a nine-day trial at Naval Base San Diego in California that Ryan Mays, then 21 years old, deliberately set the USS Bonhomme Richard on fire in the summer of 2020 because he was angry over quitting his Navy Seal training.&nbsp;

The prosecution's case was based on an eyewitness whose account changed numerous times and who admitted to feeling "pressured" by authorities when he named Mays as the primary suspect, the defence team countered. According to the San Diego television news station KFMB, there was no physical evidence connecting Mays to the fire.

The accusations of arson and wilful hazarding of a vessel that the prosecution had brought against Mays were not sufficiently supported by hard evidence, according to military judge Derek Butler, who agreed with the defence.&nbsp;

If found guilty, Mays faced a potential sentence of life in prison.&nbsp;

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The lower vehicle deck of the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard caught fire on July 12, 2020, in San Diego Bay. Within two hours, the fire had grown out of control. More than 60 sailors and civilians suffered from heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and other minor ailments while it burned for over five days.

The Bonhomme Richard, a $1.2 billion ship, suffered substantial structural, electrical, and mechanical damage as a result of the fire, making it the worst non-combat US Navy warship fire that many people could recall.&nbsp;

On the morning of the fire, the suspect was allegedly observed "sprinting" from the lower car level. But when the second sailor was released from the navy, the inquiry into him came to an end because the military branch no longer had authority over him and he was disqualified as a suspect, according to KFMB.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A United States navy sailor accused of deliberately starting a fire that destroyed a billion-dollar vessel and wounded several crew members was cleared by a military court judge on Friday.

A United States navy sailor accused of deliberately starting a fire that destroyed a billion-dollar vessel and wounded several crew members was cleared by a military court judge on Friday. Military prosecutors said during a nine-day trial at Naval Base San Diego in California that Ryan Mays, then 21 years old, deliberately set the USS Bonhomme Richard on fire in the summer of 2020 because he was angry over quitting his Navy Seal training. The prosecution's case was based on an eyewitness whose account changed numerous times and who admitted to feeling "pressured" by authorities when he named Mays as the primary suspect, the defence team countered. According to the San Diego television news station KFMB, there was no physical evidence connecting Mays to the fire. The accusations of arson and wilful hazarding of a vessel that the prosecution had brought against Mays were not sufficiently supported by hard evidence, according to military judge Derek Butler, who agreed with the defence. If found guilty, Mays faced a potential sentence of life in prison. Also Read: Musk previews humanoid robot 'Optimus' at AI day event at Tesla office The lower vehicle deck of the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard caught fire on July 12, 2020, in San Diego Bay. Within two hours, the fire had grown out of control. More than 60 sailors and civilians suffered from heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation, and other minor ailments while it burned for over five days. The Bonhomme Richard, a $1.2 billion ship, suffered substantial structural, electrical, and mechanical damage as a result of the fire, making it the worst non-combat US Navy warship fire that many people could recall. On the morning of the fire, the suspect was allegedly observed "sprinting" from the lower car level. But when the second sailor was released from the navy, the inquiry into him came to an end because the military branch no longer had authority over him and he was disqualified as a suspect, according to KFMB. (with inputs from agencies)

US navy sailor accused of setting $1.2 billion warship afire acquitted by military court

Amid tensions over North Korea's recent series of missile tests, the naval forces of South Korea, the United States of America and Japan are holding major trilateral anti-submarine exercises for the first time in five years. The drills are being held in international waters of the Korean peninsula's east coat.

WION Dispatch: South Korea, US and Japan stage anti-submarine drills | Latest English News

The United States at a summit with Pacific island leaders on Wednesday agreed on a partnership for the future with them and held out the prospect of "big dollar" help to a region where it hopes to stem China's expanding influence.

United States vows to address Pacific island needs, aim to counter China's growing influence

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.&nbsp;

According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal.&nbsp;

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Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars.&nbsp;

The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers.&nbsp;

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“We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement.&nbsp;

On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”&nbsp;

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military. According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal. Also read | Death toll remains uncertain as Hurricane Ian causes devastation in Florida Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars. The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions “We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement. On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”

United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills

Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday. The order came after US Senior Judge Raymond Dearie was appointed ‘special master’ to oversee the review of the materials ahead of a full investigation.&nbsp;

The Department of Justice was asked to provide a complete list of the materials found during the raid on Trump’s Florida residence and it will then be sent to his lawyers for confirmation. Earlier, Trump had alleged that the authorities planted some evidence at Mar-a-Lago in order to frame him.&nbsp;

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Dearie asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if they want to officially claim that some evidence was planted but they refused to admit it officially claiming that it was difficult to go through all the materials.&nbsp;

"There shall be no separate requirement on [Trump] at this stage, prior to the review of any of the seized materials, to lodge ex-ante final objections to the accuracy of [the government's] inventory, its descriptions. The court’s appointment order did not contemplate that obligation," the court said.&nbsp;

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The FBI said that the raid was conducted after witnesses told them that the Mar-a-Lago residence had several classified documents from Trump’s tenure as President and proof of ‘obstruction of justice'. &nbsp;

During the raid, more than 11,000 records were found with more than 100 marked classified, according to their official affidavit. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration.&nbsp;

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Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday.

Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday. The order came after US Senior Judge Raymond Dearie was appointed ‘special master’ to oversee the review of the materials ahead of a full investigation. The Department of Justice was asked to provide a complete list of the materials found during the raid on Trump’s Florida residence and it will then be sent to his lawyers for confirmation. Earlier, Trump had alleged that the authorities planted some evidence at Mar-a-Lago in order to frame him. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions Dearie asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if they want to officially claim that some evidence was planted but they refused to admit it officially claiming that it was difficult to go through all the materials. "There shall be no separate requirement on [Trump] at this stage, prior to the review of any of the seized materials, to lodge ex-ante final objections to the accuracy of [the government's] inventory, its descriptions. The court’s appointment order did not contemplate that obligation," the court said. Also read | Nord Stream leaks: No timeframe for fixing the pipelines, says operator The FBI said that the raid was conducted after witnesses told them that the Mar-a-Lago residence had several classified documents from Trump’s tenure as President and proof of ‘obstruction of justice'. During the raid, more than 11,000 records were found with more than 100 marked classified, according to their official affidavit. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration.

Donald Trump not required to attest that FBI's list of seized records is accurate, US judge rules

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region. During the first US-Pacific Summit, the US also said that it will recognise Niue and Cook Islands as sovereign states.

The summit was attended by leaders from Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia.&nbsp;

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The summit holds special importance for the US after China made steady headways in its relationship with the Pacific Island nations this year. As a result, it came as no surprise that President Joe Biden announced that the new aid will be spent on infrastructure as well as measures against the climate crisis.&nbsp;

“The Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why my administration has made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with your countries,” Biden said at the summit.&nbsp;

“We’re seeing the consequences of climate change around the world very vividly, including in the United States right now, and I know your nations feel it acutely,” he added, reports Reuters.&nbsp;

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In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China. President Manasseh Sogavare was also part of the US-Pacific declaration on Thursday.&nbsp;

During the summit, US officials did not mention China, but secretary of state Antony Blinken warned against “heightened geopolitical competition impacts” for the Pacific Island countries.&nbsp;

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region.

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region. During the first US-Pacific Summit, the US also said that it will recognise Niue and Cook Islands as sovereign states. The summit was attended by leaders from Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Also read | RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9 per cent The summit holds special importance for the US after China made steady headways in its relationship with the Pacific Island nations this year. As a result, it came as no surprise that President Joe Biden announced that the new aid will be spent on infrastructure as well as measures against the climate crisis. “The Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why my administration has made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with your countries,” Biden said at the summit. “We’re seeing the consequences of climate change around the world very vividly, including in the United States right now, and I know your nations feel it acutely,” he added, reports Reuters. Also read | 19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational centre in Kabul In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China. President Manasseh Sogavare was also part of the US-Pacific declaration on Thursday. During the summit, US officials did not mention China, but secretary of state Antony Blinken warned against “heightened geopolitical competition impacts” for the Pacific Island countries.

US announces $810 million funding for Pacific Islands in bid to counter China

United States President Joe Biden said on Thursday (September 29) that early reports suggest that there has been a substantial loss of life from Hurricane Ian.&nbsp;

Biden also said that the hurricane, which made landfall in Florida yesterday, may end up being Florida's "deadliest" storm ever.&nbsp;

The US president has also promised that the federal government would do everything it could to get Florida residents what they need after the storm.&nbsp;

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During a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at its headquarters in Washington, Biden said, "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history. The numbers... are still unclear, but we're hearing reports of what may be a substantial loss of life."&nbsp;

He said that he is planning to visit the affected areas in Florida once conditions permit as Hurricane Ian has devastated parts of the southeastern US state.&nbsp;

"When the conditions allow it, I'm going to be going to Florida," he said and also told reporters it was his "intention" to visit the US Caribbean island territory of Puerto Rico, which is reeling from the earlier Hurricane Fiona.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden gets confused on stage, looks for dead lawmaker in crowd&nbsp;

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Biden also hailed the members of emergency services in Florida. He talked about&nbsp;the challenges faced by them in the huge-scale search and rescue programmes. The emergency services have entered zones devastated by Ian's punishing wind and flooding.&nbsp;

"Search and rescue operations got underway before dawn this morning for people stranded and who are in desperate shape," he said.&nbsp;

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Among the "many" resources in action, the US Coast Guard has deployed 16 helicopters, six airplanes and 18 boats, he said. "These are dangerous missions."

While mentioning the residents of Florida, Biden said "many are hurting today and our entire country hurts with them."&nbsp;

He added, "We're continuing to see deadly rainfall, catastrophic storm surges, roads and homes flooded. We're seeing millions of people without power and thousands hunkered down in schools and community centres."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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United States President Joe Biden said on Thursday (September 29) that early reports suggest that there has been a substantial loss of life from Hurricane Ian. Biden also said that the hurricane, which made landfall in Florida yesterday, may end up being Florida's "deadliest" storm ever.

United States President Joe Biden said on Thursday (September 29) that early reports suggest that there has been a substantial loss of life from Hurricane Ian. Biden also said that the hurricane, which made landfall in Florida yesterday, may end up being Florida's "deadliest" storm ever. The US president has also promised that the federal government would do everything it could to get Florida residents what they need after the storm. ALSO READ | Waning Hurricane Ian batters Florida, floods streets, leaves two million people without power During a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at its headquarters in Washington, Biden said, "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history. The numbers... are still unclear, but we're hearing reports of what may be a substantial loss of life." He said that he is planning to visit the affected areas in Florida once conditions permit as Hurricane Ian has devastated parts of the southeastern US state. "When the conditions allow it, I'm going to be going to Florida," he said and also told reporters it was his "intention" to visit the US Caribbean island territory of Puerto Rico, which is reeling from the earlier Hurricane Fiona. WATCH | US President Joe Biden gets confused on stage, looks for dead lawmaker in crowd × Biden also hailed the members of emergency services in Florida. He talked about the challenges faced by them in the huge-scale search and rescue programmes. The emergency services have entered zones devastated by Ian's punishing wind and flooding. "Search and rescue operations got underway before dawn this morning for people stranded and who are in desperate shape," he said. ALSO READ | US imposes fresh sanctions on export of Iran oil Among the "many" resources in action, the US Coast Guard has deployed 16 helicopters, six airplanes and 18 boats, he said. "These are dangerous missions." While mentioning the residents of Florida, Biden said "many are hurting today and our entire country hurts with them." He added, "We're continuing to see deadly rainfall, catastrophic storm surges, roads and homes flooded. We're seeing millions of people without power and thousands hunkered down in schools and community centres." (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.

Hurricane Ian: Joe Biden warns of 'substantial loss of life' in Florida

The United States&nbsp;Justice Department said on Thursday that a former&nbsp;Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia.&nbsp;

Jamie Lee Henry, a former major and physician at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and his wife, Dr. Anna Gabrielian, were accused in an unsealed indictment in a federal court in Maryland with conspiracy and disclosing patient health information improperly.

According to the indictment, the scheme allegedly got underway following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. According to the prosecution, the two intended to try to assist the Putin regime in Russia by giving them information that would allow it to "gain insights into the medical conditions of individuals associated with the US&nbsp;government and military."&nbsp;

According to the indictment, the two met with a person they thought was a Russian official but who was actually an undercover FBI agent.&nbsp;

On August 17, Gabrielian allegedly informed the undercover agent at a hotel in Baltimore that "she was motivated by patriotism toward Russia to offer any aid she could to Russia, even if it meant being fired or going to jail."

She offered to involve her husband in the plan during the discussion, claiming he had knowledge of previous military training the US had given to Ukraine, among other things.&nbsp;

Later that day, during another encounter, Henry admitted to the undercover agent that he shared his commitment to Russia and that he had even thought about enlisting in the Russian army.&nbsp;

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In response, the agent advised them to read "Inside the Aquarium: The Making of a Top Soviet Spy," saying it would help them comprehend what they were about to accomplish.&nbsp;

According to the indictment, Henry had some doubts about disclosing medical information, claiming that doing so would go against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). His wife, however, had no such misgivings.

She informed the undercover agent in a later meeting on August 24 that her husband was a "coward" to worry about breaking HIPAA because she did it frequently and that she would make sure that they could provide Russia access to patient medical information from Fort Bragg.&nbsp;

She had provided information on current and past military personnel as well as their spouses by the end of the month, it claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The United States Justice Department said on Thursday that a former Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia.

The United States Justice Department said on Thursday that a former Army major and his anesthesiologist wife had been charged criminally for allegedly conspiring to transmit highly private medical information about military patients to Russia. Jamie Lee Henry, a former major and physician at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and his wife, Dr. Anna Gabrielian, were accused in an unsealed indictment in a federal court in Maryland with conspiracy and disclosing patient health information improperly. According to the indictment, the scheme allegedly got underway following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. According to the prosecution, the two intended to try to assist the Putin regime in Russia by giving them information that would allow it to "gain insights into the medical conditions of individuals associated with the US government and military." According to the indictment, the two met with a person they thought was a Russian official but who was actually an undercover FBI agent. On August 17, Gabrielian allegedly informed the undercover agent at a hotel in Baltimore that "she was motivated by patriotism toward Russia to offer any aid she could to Russia, even if it meant being fired or going to jail." She offered to involve her husband in the plan during the discussion, claiming he had knowledge of previous military training the US had given to Ukraine, among other things. Later that day, during another encounter, Henry admitted to the undercover agent that he shared his commitment to Russia and that he had even thought about enlisting in the Russian army. Also Read: N Korea fires third ballistic missile this week, hours after Harris leaves from S Korea In response, the agent advised them to read "Inside the Aquarium: The Making of a Top Soviet Spy," saying it would help them comprehend what they were about to accomplish. According to the indictment, Henry had some doubts about disclosing medical information, claiming that doing so would go against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). His wife, however, had no such misgivings. She informed the undercover agent in a later meeting on August 24 that her husband was a "coward" to worry about breaking HIPAA because she did it frequently and that she would make sure that they could provide Russia access to patient medical information from Fort Bragg. She had provided information on current and past military personnel as well as their spouses by the end of the month, it claims. (with inputs from agencies)

US army major and wife charged for leaking health data to Russia: Report

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US&nbsp;to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the&nbsp;Pacific Islands Country Summit.&nbsp;

According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place.&nbsp;

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This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state&nbsp;Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying&nbsp;- “You can count on the United States partnering with you.”&nbsp;

While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans.&nbsp;

In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region.&nbsp;

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While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.”&nbsp;

Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.&nbsp;

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The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit.

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit. According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place. Also read | More than 1.8 million without power as Hurricane Ian causes havoc in Florida This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying - “You can count on the United States partnering with you.” While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans. In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region. Also read | Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.” Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.

United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’, says Blinken

One of the most powerful hurricane in the history of US has stormed into Florida's South-West coast. Hurricane Ian which made landfall in Florida as a category 4 storm has now weakened to category 3 storm.

WION Climate Tracker | Hurricane Ian weakens to Category 3 after making landfall in Florida

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari&nbsp;said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan. Bhutto is currently in the United States for discussions over enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

“Not only I am pleasantly surprised, but I am absolutely impressed by the new foreign policy approach of the US towards Pakistan,” Bilawal said at Washington DC-based think-tank, Woodrow Wilson Centre.&nbsp;

“There is also an increased feeling in our [Pak-US] interaction that we are no longer hyphenated – Afghanistan-Pak or Pak-India. Only Pak-US that’s a good thing,” he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-and-pacific-island-nations-agree-to-declaration-of-partnership-says-blinken-520760">United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’</a>

Bhutto also launched an attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he said that India has changed a lot since 2010. He said that Modi is not like his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh and even talked about the 2002 riots in Gujarat.&nbsp;

He also said that the reaction from India in the aftermath of United States’ decision to give $450 million to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 aircraft did not surprise&nbsp;him.&nbsp;

“Obviously, Indians are going to be upset, let them be,&nbsp;kiya karein&nbsp;(what do we do),”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar had criticised the US decision regarding the F-16 fighter jets and said that the relationship between the US and Pakistan has not served both countries well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ready-to-offer-any-help-needed-to-resolve-the-visa-backlog-problem-mea-jaishankar-tells-us-520788" hreflang="en">India ready to help US resolve the visa backlog problem, says MEA Jaishankar</a>

“Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things. Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing,” Jaishankar said at a community event in Washington.&nbsp;

United States was quick to respond as state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the White House doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi&nbsp;and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.&nbsp;

"We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," he said. 
&nbsp;

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Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan.

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that the relations between Pakistan and the United States are no longer linked to India or Afghanistan. Bhutto is currently in the United States for discussions over enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. “Not only I am pleasantly surprised, but I am absolutely impressed by the new foreign policy approach of the US towards Pakistan,” Bilawal said at Washington DC-based think-tank, Woodrow Wilson Centre. “There is also an increased feeling in our [Pak-US] interaction that we are no longer hyphenated – Afghanistan-Pak or Pak-India. Only Pak-US that’s a good thing,” he added. Also read | United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’ Bhutto also launched an attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he said that India has changed a lot since 2010. He said that Modi is not like his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh and even talked about the 2002 riots in Gujarat. He also said that the reaction from India in the aftermath of United States’ decision to give $450 million to upgrade Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 aircraft did not surprise him. “Obviously, Indians are going to be upset, let them be, kiya karein (what do we do),” he said. Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar had criticised the US decision regarding the F-16 fighter jets and said that the relationship between the US and Pakistan has not served both countries well. Also read | India ready to help US resolve the visa backlog problem, says MEA Jaishankar “Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things. Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing,” Jaishankar said at a community event in Washington. United States was quick to respond as state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the White House doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”. "We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," he said.

Pak-US ties no longer linked to India, Afghanistan: Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto

US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris was headed to Seoul and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the Koreas on Thursday, just hours after North Korea test-fired missiles and underscored ongoing regional tensions.

Aides said the visit is intended to show unwavering US&nbsp;commitment to South Korea's security but took on new urgency after the two short-range ballistic missiles were shot off North Korea's east coast on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden's aides have been shoring up alliances to manage China in the region, including over Taiwan. But South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told CNN in an interview aired on Sunday that in a conflict over Taiwan, North Korea would be more likely to stage a provocation and that the alliance should focus on that concern first.

The missile test is the second since Sunday and comes two days after South Korea and U.S. forces conducted a military drill in waters off South Korea's east coast involving an aircraft carrier.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has said it is developing nuclear weapons and missiles to defend against US&nbsp;threats.

Following a stop at a military base in Japan, Harris called recent missile launches part of an "illicit weapons programme which threatens regional stability and violates multiple UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions."

Harris' visit to the DMZ is the first by a senior Biden administration official and is expected to follow a meeting with Yoon.

Several former U.S. presidents, and Biden himself before he became president, have visited the DMZ, but former President Donald Trump became the first to have met a North Korean leader there when he held a third meeting with Kim Jong Un in 2019 as part of his unsuccessful effort to persuade Kim to give up his nuclear and missile programs.

The DMZ is often described as the world's last Cold War frontier and has existed since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a armistice rather than a peace treaty.

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US Vice President Kamala Harris was headed to Seoul and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the Koreas on Thursday, just hours after North Korea test-fired missiles and underscored ongoing regional tensions.

US Vice President Kamala Harris was headed to Seoul and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the Koreas on Thursday, just hours after North Korea test-fired missiles and underscored ongoing regional tensions. Aides said the visit is intended to show unwavering US commitment to South Korea's security but took on new urgency after the two short-range ballistic missiles were shot off North Korea's east coast on Wednesday. US President Joe Biden's aides have been shoring up alliances to manage China in the region, including over Taiwan. But South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told CNN in an interview aired on Sunday that in a conflict over Taiwan, North Korea would be more likely to stage a provocation and that the alliance should focus on that concern first. The missile test is the second since Sunday and comes two days after South Korea and U.S. forces conducted a military drill in waters off South Korea's east coast involving an aircraft carrier. North Korea's Kim Jong Un has said it is developing nuclear weapons and missiles to defend against US threats. Following a stop at a military base in Japan, Harris called recent missile launches part of an "illicit weapons programme which threatens regional stability and violates multiple UN Security Council resolutions." Harris' visit to the DMZ is the first by a senior Biden administration official and is expected to follow a meeting with Yoon. Several former U.S. presidents, and Biden himself before he became president, have visited the DMZ, but former President Donald Trump became the first to have met a North Korean leader there when he held a third meeting with Kim Jong Un in 2019 as part of his unsuccessful effort to persuade Kim to give up his nuclear and missile programs. The DMZ is often described as the world's last Cold War frontier and has existed since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a armistice rather than a peace treaty. 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 VP Kamala Harris visiting Seoul, Korean DMZ hours after Kim Jong Un's missile test

The United States announced Wednesday that it is doubling the number of deadly&nbsp;Himars&nbsp;rocket systems sent to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package worth $1.1 billion.&nbsp;

The 18 additional multiple rocket systems, which have pinpoint accuracy and have been used by Ukraine to wreak havoc on high-value Russian targets such as command posts and ammunition dumps, will be sent over the medium- and long-term, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

Instead of weapons taken from existing stockpiles, this package will consist of newly procured arms, and the&nbsp;Himars&nbsp;alone could "take a few years," according to a senior Pentagon official.&nbsp;

So far, 16&nbsp;Himars&nbsp;have been deployed by the Ukrainians, and the rocket systems have been credited with playing a key role in recent counteroffensives against the invading Russians.&nbsp;

The latest package of orders for US military suppliers also includes 150 armored vehicles, 150 tactical vehicles for towing weapons, trucks and trailers, and systems to help Ukraine defend against Russia's Iranian-made drones increasingly deployed on the battlefield, according to a Defense Department statement.&nbsp;

The package "represents a multi-year investment in critical capabilities to build the enduring strength of Ukraine's Armed Forces" as they continue to battle the invading Russian army, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The new package took the total US military aid to Ukraine since the Russians invaded in late February to $16.2 billion.&nbsp;

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the commitment to keep supplying weapons shows "we will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine. We will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide them with the security assistance they need to defend themselves for as long as it takes."&nbsp;

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The United States announced Wednesday that it is doubling the number of deadly Himars rocket systems sent to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package worth $1.

The United States announced Wednesday that it is doubling the number of deadly Himars rocket systems sent to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package worth $1.1 billion. The 18 additional multiple rocket systems, which have pinpoint accuracy and have been used by Ukraine to wreak havoc on high-value Russian targets such as command posts and ammunition dumps, will be sent over the medium- and long-term, the Pentagon said. Instead of weapons taken from existing stockpiles, this package will consist of newly procured arms, and the Himars alone could "take a few years," according to a senior Pentagon official. So far, 16 Himars have been deployed by the Ukrainians, and the rocket systems have been credited with playing a key role in recent counteroffensives against the invading Russians. The latest package of orders for US military suppliers also includes 150 armored vehicles, 150 tactical vehicles for towing weapons, trucks and trailers, and systems to help Ukraine defend against Russia's Iranian-made drones increasingly deployed on the battlefield, according to a Defense Department statement. The package "represents a multi-year investment in critical capabilities to build the enduring strength of Ukraine's Armed Forces" as they continue to battle the invading Russian army, the Pentagon said. The new package took the total US military aid to Ukraine since the Russians invaded in late February to $16.2 billion. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the commitment to keep supplying weapons shows "we will not be deterred from supporting Ukraine. We will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people and provide them with the security assistance they need to defend themselves for as long as it takes." 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 to double number of Himars rocket systems for Ukraine

An "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday (September 28). The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the eye of the storm made landfall at 1905 GMT, with high winds and heavy rain pounding the coast.&nbsp;

The NHC said: "Hurricane Ian has made landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida."&nbsp;

NHC reported that Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 241 km per hour.&nbsp;

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NHC also stated that the storm's wind speeds put it just shy of a Category 5 designation on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which is the most severe classification for storms.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-early-data-shows-monkeypox-vaccine-to-be-highly-effective-520682">US: Early data shows monkeypox vaccine to be highly effective</a>&nbsp;

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At 305 pm the eye of Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa FL as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and a central pressure of 940 mb or 27.75" A station at Tarpin Point in Cape Coral FL reported sustained winds of 77 mph with a gust up to 118 mph <a href="https://t.co/mwqrjELS2S">pic.twitter.com/mwqrjELS2S</a>
— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSEastern/status/1575205902260371456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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305 PM EDT 28 Sep -- Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ian</a> has made landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida with maximum sustained winds at 150 mph. The minimum pressure from Air Force Reconnaissance Hurricane Hunters was 940 mb. 
 
Latest: <a href="https://t.co/tnOTyfORCw">https://t.co/tnOTyfORCw</a> <a href="https://t.co/O3agPDOZHk">pic.twitter.com/O3agPDOZHk</a>
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1575202655567491072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per the forecasters, Ian would unleash storm surges - wind - of up to 18 feet along with intense thunderstorms and possible tornadoes. Ken Graham, who is the director of the National Weather Service said, "This is a storm that we will talk about for many years to come, an historic event."&nbsp;

At a news conference, around the same time when the storm made landfall, Charlotte County Emergency Management director Patrick Fuller said that Punta Gorda, Florida, is beginning to feel heavy impacts from the hurricane.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-three-missing-after-migrant-boat-sinks-off-florida-due-to-hurricane-ian-520673">Twenty-three missing after migrant boat sinks off Florida due to Hurricane Ian</a>&nbsp;

Fuller said, "This is an intense hurricane, we expect that to persist throughout the evening into tomorrow."&nbsp;

He added, "The storm surge, we are still at the very beginning of that. We will see that continue throughout the afternoon into the evening. It’s going to begin to fill up canals, overtop land, and potentially into homes. We are going to see a life-threatening storm surge."&nbsp;

Fuller also warned those who have not left. Fuller said that 60,000 people in the red zone are under evacuation. But also mentioned that they are not sure how many got out ahead of the storm.&nbsp;

Fuller warned that this is just the beginning and also mentioned that they have not received any critical calls so far.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Millions without power&nbsp;

According to a US tracker, over a million customers lost power in the hurricane and the number is expected to rise as high winds, heavy rain and floods take their toll.

Of 11 million customers tracked in Florida, 1,040,000 were suffering outages, PowerOutages.us reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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An "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday (September 28). The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the eye of the storm made landfall at 1905 GMT, with high winds and heavy rain pounding the coast.

An "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday (September 28). The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the eye of the storm made landfall at 1905 GMT, with high winds and heavy rain pounding the coast. The NHC said: "Hurricane Ian has made landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida." NHC reported that Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 241 km per hour. NHC also stated that the storm's wind speeds put it just shy of a Category 5 designation on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which is the most severe classification for storms. ALSO READ | US: Early data shows monkeypox vaccine to be highly effective At 305 pm the eye of Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa FL as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and a central pressure of 940 mb or 27.75" A station at Tarpin Point in Cape Coral FL reported sustained winds of 77 mph with a gust up to 118 mph pic.twitter.com/mwqrjELS2S — NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) September 28, 2022 × 305 PM EDT 28 Sep -- Hurricane #Ian has made landfall as an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida with maximum sustained winds at 150 mph. The minimum pressure from Air Force Reconnaissance Hurricane Hunters was 940 mb. Latest: https://t.co/tnOTyfORCw pic.twitter.com/O3agPDOZHk — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 28, 2022 × As per the forecasters, Ian would unleash storm surges - wind - of up to 18 feet along with intense thunderstorms and possible tornadoes. Ken Graham, who is the director of the National Weather Service said, "This is a storm that we will talk about for many years to come, an historic event." At a news conference, around the same time when the storm made landfall, Charlotte County Emergency Management director Patrick Fuller said that Punta Gorda, Florida, is beginning to feel heavy impacts from the hurricane. ALSO READ | Twenty-three missing after migrant boat sinks off Florida due to Hurricane Ian Fuller said, "This is an intense hurricane, we expect that to persist throughout the evening into tomorrow." He added, "The storm surge, we are still at the very beginning of that. We will see that continue throughout the afternoon into the evening. It’s going to begin to fill up canals, overtop land, and potentially into homes. We are going to see a life-threatening storm surge." Fuller also warned those who have not left. Fuller said that 60,000 people in the red zone are under evacuation. But also mentioned that they are not sure how many got out ahead of the storm. Fuller warned that this is just the beginning and also mentioned that they have not received any critical calls so far. Watch this report: × Millions without power According to a US tracker, over a million customers lost power in the hurricane and the number is expected to rise as high winds, heavy rain and floods take their toll. Of 11 million customers tracked in Florida, 1,040,000 were suffering outages, PowerOutages.us reported. (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.

Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Florida with catastrophic force

Harley-Davidson Inc on Tuesday spun off its electric motorcycle division LiveWire in a SPAC deal creating the first publicly traded electric motorcycle company in the United States.

WION Business News | United States: Harley-Davidson spins off LiveWire

The Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group, has gained notoriety in the United States recently due to their involvement in one of the major cases in relation to the US Capitol Hill riots. Five members of the group, including its leader Stewart Rhodes, were charged with “seditious conspiracy” and “spending months recruiting, training and conspiring to use force to prevent the transfer of presidential power”.&nbsp;The trial that began on Tuesday is considered the highest-profile prosecution related to the riot of January 6, 2021.&nbsp;

Possible punishment&nbsp;

If convicted, the five individuals can face around 20 years in prison. 20 other members of the group are also on trial at the moment, but the charges are not as serious as Rhodes and the four other men.&nbsp;

Why are they called Oath Keepers?&nbsp;

The Oath Keepers was launched in 2009 with a rally in Lexington, Massachusetts by Rhodes, a former US Army paratrooper who also worked as an aide to Republican politician Ron Paul. The group had a "pro-gun, anti-government" agenda with all members showing a heavy tilt towards the Republican Party.&nbsp;

According to CNN, the group mainly recruited former military and law enforcement personnel, with new recruits taking a pledge which was quite similar to the military oath. In the pledge, they promised to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic".&nbsp;

Why are the Oath Keepers on trial?&nbsp;

With Donald Trump rejecting the results of the US Presidential Elections, several of his supporters broke the barricade and entered the US Capitol Hill premises on January 6,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;

According to the charges brought against the group, the Oath Keepers stored weapons in preparation for such an incident. And ahead of the riots, Rhodes sent a message to the members saying -&nbsp;"We aren't getting through this without a civil war. Too late for that. Prepare your mind, body, spirit."&nbsp;

While there was concrete proof that the members of the group physically entered the Capitol Hill premises, that charge was not brought against Rhodes. However, BBC reported that a documentary showed that he met with far-right group Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio on January 5, 2021.&nbsp;

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The Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group, has gained notoriety in the United States recently due to their involvement in one of the major cases in relation to the US Capitol Hill riots.

The Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group, has gained notoriety in the United States recently due to their involvement in one of the major cases in relation to the US Capitol Hill riots. Five members of the group, including its leader Stewart Rhodes, were charged with “seditious conspiracy” and “spending months recruiting, training and conspiring to use force to prevent the transfer of presidential power”. The trial that began on Tuesday is considered the highest-profile prosecution related to the riot of January 6, 2021. Possible punishment If convicted, the five individuals can face around 20 years in prison. 20 other members of the group are also on trial at the moment, but the charges are not as serious as Rhodes and the four other men. Why are they called Oath Keepers? The Oath Keepers was launched in 2009 with a rally in Lexington, Massachusetts by Rhodes, a former US Army paratrooper who also worked as an aide to Republican politician Ron Paul. The group had a "pro-gun, anti-government" agenda with all members showing a heavy tilt towards the Republican Party. According to CNN, the group mainly recruited former military and law enforcement personnel, with new recruits taking a pledge which was quite similar to the military oath. In the pledge, they promised to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Why are the Oath Keepers on trial? With Donald Trump rejecting the results of the US Presidential Elections, several of his supporters broke the barricade and entered the US Capitol Hill premises on January 6, 2021. According to the charges brought against the group, the Oath Keepers stored weapons in preparation for such an incident. And ahead of the riots, Rhodes sent a message to the members saying - "We aren't getting through this without a civil war. Too late for that. Prepare your mind, body, spirit." While there was concrete proof that the members of the group physically entered the Capitol Hill premises, that charge was not brought against Rhodes. However, BBC reported that a documentary showed that he met with far-right group Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio on January 5, 2021.

Explainer: Who are Oath Keepers, the far-right group on trial for involvement in US Capitol Hill riot?

United States has wired an additional 10 million dollar aid to flood-hit Pakistan. The announcement came after US secretary of state Antony Blinken met Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

'We are here for Pakistan,' US pledges $10 million in flood aid

An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies.

Xylazine which is a muscle relaxant is known as tranq on the streets. It can reportedly prolong the high felt from heroin. However, according to a Vice report citing field epidemiologist Jen Shinefeld, it can also lead to an increase in soft-tissue infections, bone disease, and amputations by causing an outbreak of ulcers and sores on the user's body, as well as substance abuse.

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Shinefeld explains that&nbsp;xylazine inhibits blood flow, which lengthens the healing process for wounds and raises the risk of additional medical issues like sepsis and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining).

According to UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman, who has extensively researched Xylazine, it can cause "tissue death."

"This is black, necrotic tissue destruction."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trying-to-escape-mobilisation-russians-pay-27000-for-seats-on-private-planes-out-of-country-520192" hreflang="en">Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country</a>

He added that the area where the drug was injected doesn't always see the development of necrotic tissue, &nbsp;it can present itself everywhere on the body.

Vice reports that the substance was only found in 2 per cent of fatal opioid overdoses in Philadelphia between 2010 and 2015, but that number increased to 31 per cent in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-addiction-expert-says-predisposition-to-alcohol-abuse-can-be-inherited-from-relatives-512609">Predisposition to alcohol abuse is inherited, needs personalised treatment: Addiction expert</a>

According to the Detroit Free Press, the number of drug-related deaths in Michigan rose by 86.8 per cent between 2019 and 2020 before marginally declining in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies.

An animal tranquiliser for which there is no antidote has been linked to thousands of drug overdoses across the United States. The muscle relaxant known as Xylazine is used for large animals like horses, cows etc and as per a report by the Mirror, it has been found in 91 per cent of Philadelphia's heroin and fentanyl supplies. Xylazine which is a muscle relaxant is known as tranq on the streets. It can reportedly prolong the high felt from heroin. However, according to a Vice report citing field epidemiologist Jen Shinefeld, it can also lead to an increase in soft-tissue infections, bone disease, and amputations by causing an outbreak of ulcers and sores on the user's body, as well as substance abuse. Watch | Gravitas: The British Parliament is 'rotting with drug abuse' Shinefeld explains that xylazine inhibits blood flow, which lengthens the healing process for wounds and raises the risk of additional medical issues like sepsis and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining). According to UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman, who has extensively researched Xylazine, it can cause "tissue death." "This is black, necrotic tissue destruction." Also read | Trying to escape mobilisation, Russians pay $27,000 for seats on private planes out of country He added that the area where the drug was injected doesn't always see the development of necrotic tissue, it can present itself everywhere on the body. Vice reports that the substance was only found in 2 per cent of fatal opioid overdoses in Philadelphia between 2010 and 2015, but that number increased to 31 per cent in 2019. Also read | Predisposition to alcohol abuse is inherited, needs personalised treatment: Addiction expert According to the Detroit Free Press, the number of drug-related deaths in Michigan rose by 86.8 per cent between 2019 and 2020 before marginally declining in 2021. (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.

Animal tranquiliser that causes skin rot behind increasing number of drug overdoses in US

The United States won the&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.5-12.5 triumph over the Internationals. Schauffele never trailed in defeating Canada's Corey Conners 1-up, sinking a three-foot par putt at the 18th hole to lift the US squad to 15.5 points and seal the overall triumph at Quail Hollow.

"It feels good to win," Schauffele said. "It got pretty close there for a little bit. Winning is winning." The Americans, who led 11-7 entering the 12 final singles matches, improved to 12-1-1 in the all-time rivalry and have never lost on home soil. "They played great," US captain Davis Love said. "It was hard. They put in a lot of effort the last three weeks. They came in ready to go."

Conners, winless for the week, missed a five-foot par putt at 17 to keep Schauffele 1-up. At 18, Schauffele dropped his third shot three feet from the hole and, after Conners missed his third from a bunker, rolled in the deciding putt to tie the hole, win the match and set off a US celebration. "I was handed the opportunity and I was able to take advantage of it," Schauffele said.

The Internationals couldn't make the greatest last-day comeback in&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;history and haven't lifted the trophy since 1998. "We're a little disappointed," Internationals captain Trevor Immelman said. "We believed in ourselves. "We had an amazing week. They were fighting. These guys have massive hearts. I'll go into battle with them any day."

With 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players, the US team was a heavy favorite over a global side that lost British Open champion Cam Smith and several other top players who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, making them ineligible. "Trevor and his guys did a great job of rising to the occasion," Love said.

Tony Finau won five of the last nine holes to defeat Canada's Taylor Pendrith 3&amp;1 and lift the Americans within a point of clinching the&nbsp;Cup. "I fought as hard as I've ever fought in a match," Finau said. "You just have to get the job done." Jordan Spieth, winless in seven prior Ryder and&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;singles matches, became only the sixth player to go 5-0 in a single&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup, winning four holes in a row late to defeat Australia's Cam Davis 4&amp;3 for the first US point.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scrappy-internationals-stun-us-to-leave-presidents-cup-up-for-grabs-519535">Scrappy Internationals stun US to leave Presidents Cup up for grabs</a>

"I was extra nervous," Spieth said. "I wanted to get that monkey off my back. They are looking for red on the board and it feels really good to finally provide that. "You can't put a price on this. I did as much as I could this week."

Patrick Cantlay never trailed in beating Australia's Adam Scott 3&amp;2 for the second US point. Cantlay went 3-up after four holes and Scott,&nbsp;Cup-less in 10 tries, was never nearer than 2-down after that. Sam Burns finished the week winless but helped the US cause by tying Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.

<h2>- Thomas, Scheffler lose -</h2>

The global stars pulled off two early upsets to delay the US party. South Korea's&nbsp;Kim Si-woo beat Justin Thomas 1-up, the American falling to 0-3 in career&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;singles. Thomas, who went 4-0 with Spieth in pairs, lost after Kim sank a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 and Thomas missed his from three inches closer.

"I believed I could do it and I did it," Kim said. "I've never (felt) this pressure. Real hard match. I kept the pressure to him and kept positive and that's why it worked."

Thomas won the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and his second major at this year's PGA. Colombian Sebastian Munoz beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler 2&amp;1, the Masters champion going 0-3-1 this week, worst mark of any world number one in a&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup.

"It was tough," Munoz said. "It was one of the best things I've ever achieved in my life. It took everything. I threw everything at him." In post-clinch finishes, South Korea's Im Sung-jae beat Cameron Young 1-up, Lee Kyoung-hoon downed Billy Horschel 3&amp;1, Max Homa beat South Korea's Kim Joo-hyung 1-up, Collin Morikawa defeated Chile's Mito Pereira 3&amp;2 and South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout downed Kevin Kisner 2&amp;1.\

The United States won the Presidents Cup for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.

The United States won the Presidents Cup for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.5-12.5 triumph over the Internationals. Schauffele never trailed in defeating Canada's Corey Conners 1-up, sinking a three-foot par putt at the 18th hole to lift the US squad to 15.5 points and seal the overall triumph at Quail Hollow. "It feels good to win," Schauffele said. "It got pretty close there for a little bit. Winning is winning." The Americans, who led 11-7 entering the 12 final singles matches, improved to 12-1-1 in the all-time rivalry and have never lost on home soil. "They played great," US captain Davis Love said. "It was hard. They put in a lot of effort the last three weeks. They came in ready to go." Conners, winless for the week, missed a five-foot par putt at 17 to keep Schauffele 1-up. At 18, Schauffele dropped his third shot three feet from the hole and, after Conners missed his third from a bunker, rolled in the deciding putt to tie the hole, win the match and set off a US celebration. "I was handed the opportunity and I was able to take advantage of it," Schauffele said. The Internationals couldn't make the greatest last-day comeback in Presidents Cup history and haven't lifted the trophy since 1998. "We're a little disappointed," Internationals captain Trevor Immelman said. "We believed in ourselves. "We had an amazing week. They were fighting. These guys have massive hearts. I'll go into battle with them any day." With 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players, the US team was a heavy favorite over a global side that lost British Open champion Cam Smith and several other top players who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, making them ineligible. "Trevor and his guys did a great job of rising to the occasion," Love said. Tony Finau won five of the last nine holes to defeat Canada's Taylor Pendrith 3&1 and lift the Americans within a point of clinching the Cup. "I fought as hard as I've ever fought in a match," Finau said. "You just have to get the job done." Jordan Spieth, winless in seven prior Ryder and Presidents Cup singles matches, became only the sixth player to go 5-0 in a single Presidents Cup, winning four holes in a row late to defeat Australia's Cam Davis 4&3 for the first US point. ALSO READ | Scrappy Internationals stun US to leave Presidents Cup up for grabs "I was extra nervous," Spieth said. "I wanted to get that monkey off my back. They are looking for red on the board and it feels really good to finally provide that. "You can't put a price on this. I did as much as I could this week." Patrick Cantlay never trailed in beating Australia's Adam Scott 3&2 for the second US point. Cantlay went 3-up after four holes and Scott, Cup-less in 10 tries, was never nearer than 2-down after that. Sam Burns finished the week winless but helped the US cause by tying Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. - Thomas, Scheffler lose - The global stars pulled off two early upsets to delay the US party. South Korea's Kim Si-woo beat Justin Thomas 1-up, the American falling to 0-3 in career Presidents Cup singles. Thomas, who went 4-0 with Spieth in pairs, lost after Kim sank a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 and Thomas missed his from three inches closer. "I believed I could do it and I did it," Kim said. "I've never (felt) this pressure. Real hard match. I kept the pressure to him and kept positive and that's why it worked." Thomas won the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and his second major at this year's PGA. Colombian Sebastian Munoz beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler 2&1, the Masters champion going 0-3-1 this week, worst mark of any world number one in a Presidents Cup. "It was tough," Munoz said. "It was one of the best things I've ever achieved in my life. It took everything. I threw everything at him." In post-clinch finishes, South Korea's Im Sung-jae beat Cameron Young 1-up, Lee Kyoung-hoon downed Billy Horschel 3&1, Max Homa beat South Korea's Kim Joo-hyung 1-up, Collin Morikawa defeated Chile's Mito Pereira 3&2 and South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout downed Kevin Kisner 2&1.\

United States secures ninth successive Presidents Cup

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care.&nbsp;

CDC reports that with competent maternal care, which America lacks, in comparison to many of its peer developed nations,&nbsp;84.2 per cent of pregnancy-related deaths might have been avoided.

As per Daily Mail, deaths by suicide or drug overdose account for 22.7 per cent of these deaths, with a significant fraction of these incidents being linked to mental health issues.&nbsp;Haemorrhages, heart conditions, infections, and excessive blood pressure were some of the other major causes.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety

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Health professionals have long cautioned about the often-overlooked problem of maternal mortality in the United States.

According to research by The Commonwealth Fund, with 17.4 deaths for every 100,000 births, the United States had the highest rate of any developed country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-maternal-mortality-rate-rises-black-women-3-times-more-likely-to-die-than-white-counterparts-study-455773">US maternal mortality rate rises, Black women 3 times more likely to die than White counterparts: Study</a>

Maternal mortality in the US was compared to ten peer countries, and America had twice as many deaths per 100,000 people as France, which had the second highest figures in the survey, and ten times more than New Zealand.

Among wealthy nations, maternal mortality is a problem that is specific to the United States since there are fewer doctors available there and more hurdles to availing care.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-pregnancy-complications-amid-abortion-row-in-the-us-509316">Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US</a>

The head of the CDC's Division of Reproductive Health, Dr Wanda Barfield, said in a statement that the research "paints a much clearer picture of pregnancy-related deaths in this country."

The CDC analysis examined data on maternal deaths between 2017 and 2019. The information dates from before the COVID-19 epidemic, which many experts believe made the country's problems with maternal mortality worse.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the majority of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States could be prevented with proper care. CDC reports that with competent maternal care, which America lacks, in comparison to many of its peer developed nations, 84.2 per cent of pregnancy-related deaths might have been avoided. As per Daily Mail, deaths by suicide or drug overdose account for 22.7 per cent of these deaths, with a significant fraction of these incidents being linked to mental health issues. Haemorrhages, heart conditions, infections, and excessive blood pressure were some of the other major causes. Watch | Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety Health professionals have long cautioned about the often-overlooked problem of maternal mortality in the United States. According to research by The Commonwealth Fund, with 17.4 deaths for every 100,000 births, the United States had the highest rate of any developed country. Also read | US maternal mortality rate rises, Black women 3 times more likely to die than White counterparts: Study Maternal mortality in the US was compared to ten peer countries, and America had twice as many deaths per 100,000 people as France, which had the second highest figures in the survey, and ten times more than New Zealand. Among wealthy nations, maternal mortality is a problem that is specific to the United States since there are fewer doctors available there and more hurdles to availing care. Also read | Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US The head of the CDC's Division of Reproductive Health, Dr Wanda Barfield, said in a statement that the research "paints a much clearer picture of pregnancy-related deaths in this country." The CDC analysis examined data on maternal deaths between 2017 and 2019. The information dates from before the COVID-19 epidemic, which many experts believe made the country's problems with maternal mortality worse. (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.

84.2% of pregnancy-related deaths in US could have been avoided with better care: CDC

Activists have&nbsp;renewed calls for rich polluting nations to compensate developing countries for the devastating impacts caused by the climate crisis following the catastrophic floods in Pakistan.

Just as racial justice activists call for compensation for the descendants of enslaved people, campaigners want to go further and frame the issue as "climate reparations".

Rather than devoting the funds for increasing resilience to a rapidly changing planet, green groups are calling for debt cancellation of&nbsp;cash-strapped nations that spend huge portions of their budgets servicing external loans.

Although small island nations susceptible to rising sea levels were the first to push the idea, it is gaining momentum once again due to the catastrophic inundations in Pakistan.

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Unprecedented monsoon rains have&nbsp;killed almost 1,600 while it displaced several million and caused a loss of approximately $30 billion.

In comparison to the G20 countries, which account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse emissions, poor nations produce less than one per cent of it.

Taking steps to alter systems and improve infrastructure for changes that are already locked in and reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gases are currently the two-pronged approach used in the international climate response.

Seeking compensation for multiplying severe weather impacts that countries cannot withstand, calls for "loss and damage" payments go further than adaptation financing.

While as much of the mobilised funding came in the form of loans, advanced economies agreed to channel $100 billion to less developed countries by the year 2020.

With the benefits flowing to a tiny elite, Pakistan's emissions are fast rising although they are low on the global scale.

UN chief Antonio Guterres' call for "meaningful action" and "loss and damage" payments boosted the concept of reparations but the issue is sensitive for rich countries.

In the Paris Agreement, the United States kept language regarding "liability and compensation" out as it is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases historically and Washington fears it could pave the way for legal action.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Activists have renewed calls for rich polluting nations to compensate developing countries for the devastating impacts caused by the climate crisis following the catastrophic floods in Pakistan.

Activists have renewed calls for rich polluting nations to compensate developing countries for the devastating impacts caused by the climate crisis following the catastrophic floods in Pakistan. Just as racial justice activists call for compensation for the descendants of enslaved people, campaigners want to go further and frame the issue as "climate reparations". Rather than devoting the funds for increasing resilience to a rapidly changing planet, green groups are calling for debt cancellation of cash-strapped nations that spend huge portions of their budgets servicing external loans. Although small island nations susceptible to rising sea levels were the first to push the idea, it is gaining momentum once again due to the catastrophic inundations in Pakistan. × Unprecedented monsoon rains have killed almost 1,600 while it displaced several million and caused a loss of approximately $30 billion. In comparison to the G20 countries, which account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse emissions, poor nations produce less than one per cent of it. Taking steps to alter systems and improve infrastructure for changes that are already locked in and reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gases are currently the two-pronged approach used in the international climate response. Seeking compensation for multiplying severe weather impacts that countries cannot withstand, calls for "loss and damage" payments go further than adaptation financing. While as much of the mobilised funding came in the form of loans, advanced economies agreed to channel $100 billion to less developed countries by the year 2020. With the benefits flowing to a tiny elite, Pakistan's emissions are fast rising although they are low on the global scale. UN chief Antonio Guterres' call for "meaningful action" and "loss and damage" payments boosted the concept of reparations but the issue is sensitive for rich countries. In the Paris Agreement, the United States kept language regarding "liability and compensation" out as it is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases historically and Washington fears it could pave the way for legal action. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Activists renew calls for rich polluting nations to compensate developing countries for climate crisis

Declassification in spotlight during Trump probe

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.&nbsp;

The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal.

Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster.

The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president.&nbsp;

Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling.

“We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said.

The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November.

(with inputs from agencies)

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel. The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger. According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal. Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster. The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president. Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling. “We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said. The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November. (with inputs from agencies)

Arizona can enforce near-total abortion ban as court lifts decades-old injunction

Former United States president Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”.&nbsp;

“Different people say different things but as I understand it, if you’re the president of the United States, you can declassify just by saying it’s declassified, even by thinking about it.”&nbsp;

“Because you’re sending it to Mar-a-Lago or wherever you’re sending it. There doesn’t have to be a process. There can be a process, but there doesn’t have to be.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-ukrainian-provinces-all-set-to-hold-referendums-on-joining-russia-518891" hreflang="en">Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia</a>

“You’re the president – you make that decision,” he said in the interview.&nbsp;

Meanwhile the court-appointed special master – Raymond Dearie –&nbsp;has asked Trump’s lawyers to provide proof regarding the former president’s claims that the FBI planted the classified documents.&nbsp;

Dearie, a senior federal judge, was given the responsibility by the court to examine the recovered documents to decide whether they should be kept classified.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-memo-says-pakistan-should-suspend-debt-repayments-following-devastating-floods-reports-518889">UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments: Reports</a>

According to the affidavit submitted by the Department of Justice, the raid was conducted after witnesses confirmed that the Florida residence housed a number of classified documents from the time when Trump was president. They also said that the documents may contain proof of “obstruction of justice”.&nbsp;

However, Trump completely denied any wrongdoing despite the FBI finding more than 100 classified documents during the raid and said that he was being framed by the authorities.&nbsp; 
 
On the other hand, the DOJ was also instructed by Dearie to provide a complete inventory of materials that were recovered during the raid. Trump’s lawyers will be reviewing the list.&nbsp;

"This submission shall be plaintiff's (Trump's) final opportunity to raise any factual dispute as to the completeness and accuracy of the Detailed Property Inventory," he said.&nbsp;

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Former United States president Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”.

Former United States president Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”. “Different people say different things but as I understand it, if you’re the president of the United States, you can declassify just by saying it’s declassified, even by thinking about it.” “Because you’re sending it to Mar-a-Lago or wherever you’re sending it. There doesn’t have to be a process. There can be a process, but there doesn’t have to be.” Also read | Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia “You’re the president – you make that decision,” he said in the interview. Meanwhile the court-appointed special master – Raymond Dearie – has asked Trump’s lawyers to provide proof regarding the former president’s claims that the FBI planted the classified documents. Dearie, a senior federal judge, was given the responsibility by the court to examine the recovered documents to decide whether they should be kept classified. Also read | UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments: Reports According to the affidavit submitted by the Department of Justice, the raid was conducted after witnesses confirmed that the Florida residence housed a number of classified documents from the time when Trump was president. They also said that the documents may contain proof of “obstruction of justice”. However, Trump completely denied any wrongdoing despite the FBI finding more than 100 classified documents during the raid and said that he was being framed by the authorities. On the other hand, the DOJ was also instructed by Dearie to provide a complete inventory of materials that were recovered during the raid. Trump’s lawyers will be reviewing the list. "This submission shall be plaintiff's (Trump's) final opportunity to raise any factual dispute as to the completeness and accuracy of the Detailed Property Inventory," he said.

Donald Trump says presidents can declassify document 'even by thinking about it'

Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Anas Mallick, Rabbani said that the two countries have “solid building blocks” for a good relationship and that is something that both leaders want at the moment.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-ukrainian-provinces-all-set-to-hold-referendums-on-joining-russia-518891" hreflang="en">Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia</a>

“As far as the conversation between the PM and US President is concerned, it was good, forward-looking and constructive. Our relationship with the US, currently it is dehyphenated from any other relationship and we would want it to be further dehyphenated from any regional, or political issues. It is starting out as shore footing, so we don’t want to rush this and let it be a hostage for one event and other. There are solid building blocks in the current scenario of the US-Pakistan relationship,” she said.&nbsp;

Rabbani also spoke about the devastation that the recent floods caused in Pakistan. Millions of people were displaced from their homes while the natural disaster ended up claiming more than 1500 lives.&nbsp;

“The proportion of the calamity is so huge. It so extraordinary people can't ignore it. I think&nbsp;this is God’s early warning system that things are not going to remain the same. We are soon to be going out of options. We used to talk about mitigation as an option but today mitigation doesn't seem to be a viable solution. Now the current window open is adaptation -- it seems we are keen to close this window as well. If you allow that window to be closed and we don’t get our acts together, currently there’s a lot of talk on adaptation but when we come to serious windows of financing that are available, serious adaptation projects which have priorities, I don’t see any which are viable or deliverable,” she said.&nbsp;

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The United Nations issued a flash appeal for $160 million to help Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods. Rabbani said that the flash appeal was extremely helpful and they are now focused on rebuilding.&nbsp;

“UN goes into the process in a systematic way when the need arises. The flash appeal process built in requires revisions as and when the need arises. However, my appeal is less the flash appeal and more focused on rebuilding,” she explained.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Anas Mallick, Rabbani said that the two countries have “solid building blocks” for a good relationship and that is something that both leaders want at the moment. Also read | Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia “As far as the conversation between the PM and US President is concerned, it was good, forward-looking and constructive. Our relationship with the US, currently it is dehyphenated from any other relationship and we would want it to be further dehyphenated from any regional, or political issues. It is starting out as shore footing, so we don’t want to rush this and let it be a hostage for one event and other. There are solid building blocks in the current scenario of the US-Pakistan relationship,” she said. Rabbani also spoke about the devastation that the recent floods caused in Pakistan. Millions of people were displaced from their homes while the natural disaster ended up claiming more than 1500 lives. “The proportion of the calamity is so huge. It so extraordinary people can't ignore it. I think this is God’s early warning system that things are not going to remain the same. We are soon to be going out of options. We used to talk about mitigation as an option but today mitigation doesn't seem to be a viable solution. Now the current window open is adaptation -- it seems we are keen to close this window as well. If you allow that window to be closed and we don’t get our acts together, currently there’s a lot of talk on adaptation but when we come to serious windows of financing that are available, serious adaptation projects which have priorities, I don’t see any which are viable or deliverable,” she said. Also read | Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it' The United Nations issued a flash appeal for $160 million to help Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods. Rabbani said that the flash appeal was extremely helpful and they are now focused on rebuilding. “UN goes into the process in a systematic way when the need arises. The flash appeal process built in requires revisions as and when the need arises. However, my appeal is less the flash appeal and more focused on rebuilding,” she explained.

Exclusive | US, Pakistan had constructive conversation at UNGA, says Hina Rabbani Khar

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was overheard insulting lawmakers of the United States. The incident, which was caught on a microphone, happened on Wednesday when the South Korean leader was leaving a brief chat with US President Joe Biden at a Global Fund event where Biden had just pledged $6 billion.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was overheard insulting lawmakers of the United States. The incident, which was caught on a microphone, happened on Wednesday when the South Korean leader was leaving a brief chat with US President Joe Biden at a Global Fund event where Biden had just pledged $6 billion. Yoon is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is underway in New York. ALSO READ | 'We had a good handshake,' says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif after meeting Joe Biden - Watch In a broadcast on South Korean television, Yoon was heard telling his Foreign Minster Park Jin in New York, "What an embarrassment for Biden, if these idiots refuse to grant it in Congress." The small clip of Yoon's comments went viral on social media platforms. It was uploaded on YouTube and garnered over two million views just hours after it was posted. "The president's words and actions are the national dignity of the country," one YouTube commenter wrote. Watch the video here: South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol in New York: "How could Biden not lose damn face if these f***ers do not pass it in Congress?" 🍉 pic.twitter.com/veVXYVSWvi — QUAN Quan 全权 كمال (@QuanQuan_1231) September 22, 2022 × ALSO READ | Female news anchor 'refuses demand to wear hijab', Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi cancels interview It appears Yoon has landed himself in trouble as the opposition South Korean lawmakers saw his comments as damaging to the country's image. On the other hand, Bloomberg reported that a senior South Korean presidential office official said that Yoon's remarks were unofficial and unverified. Yoon's crude comments appear to refer to Biden's drive to increase US funding to the Global Fund, which would require congressional approval. The United States is South Korea's key security ally, with Washington stationing about 27,000 troops in the country to help counter nuclear-armed North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'If these idiots refuse to...': South Korean president insults US lawmakers, hot mic moment goes viral - Watch

The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet. The Biden government's decision, which was announced earlier this month reverses the decision of the previous Trump govt and helps Pakistan sustain its F16 programme. &nbsp;

Speaking to a selected group of reporters, US Asst Sec of Defense Dr Ely S Ratner explained that the US has been engaging with its Indian counterparts on the issue "both in advance of the announcement.." and "during the " mini 2+2 that happened earlier this month in Delhi.&nbsp;

Dr Ely Ratner, along with Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State (South and Central Asian Affairs) were in Delhi for the India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue with Indian diplomat Vani Rao. Rao is the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Ratner said, "It is important to be transparent as we could with Indian counterparts both in advance and during the decision and good opportunity for health exchange on both the US rationale for its limited security partnership with Pakistan and good opportunity to hear India's concern about that".&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the US announcement on F16, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other in which the latter raised New Delhi's concerns. The package doesn't include any upgrades.&nbsp;

In response to the question, the Pentagon official also clarified that the package was not "designed as a message to India, as it relates to its relation to Russia."&nbsp;

He pointed out that the "decision inside US govt around F16 issue was made predicated on US interest associated with our defence partnership with Pakistan which is primarily focused on counter-terrorism and nuclear security". &nbsp;US comments come even as Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif is in New York.&nbsp;

India and US defence ties have increased in the past few years significantly. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). Several defence agreements have been signed in recent years. These include, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Association (August 2016); Memorandum of Intent between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defense Excellence (2018); Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (September 2018); Industrial Security Agreement (December 2019); Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (October 2020).&nbsp;

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The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet.

The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet. The Biden government's decision, which was announced earlier this month reverses the decision of the previous Trump govt and helps Pakistan sustain its F16 programme. Speaking to a selected group of reporters, US Asst Sec of Defense Dr Ely S Ratner explained that the US has been engaging with its Indian counterparts on the issue "both in advance of the announcement.." and "during the " mini 2+2 that happened earlier this month in Delhi. Dr Ely Ratner, along with Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State (South and Central Asian Affairs) were in Delhi for the India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue with Indian diplomat Vani Rao. Rao is the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Ratner said, "It is important to be transparent as we could with Indian counterparts both in advance and during the decision and good opportunity for health exchange on both the US rationale for its limited security partnership with Pakistan and good opportunity to hear India's concern about that". In the aftermath of the US announcement on F16, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other in which the latter raised New Delhi's concerns. The package doesn't include any upgrades. In response to the question, the Pentagon official also clarified that the package was not "designed as a message to India, as it relates to its relation to Russia." He pointed out that the "decision inside US govt around F16 issue was made predicated on US interest associated with our defence partnership with Pakistan which is primarily focused on counter-terrorism and nuclear security". US comments come even as Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif is in New York. India and US defence ties have increased in the past few years significantly. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). Several defence agreements have been signed in recent years. These include, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Association (August 2016); Memorandum of Intent between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defense Excellence (2018); Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (September 2018); Industrial Security Agreement (December 2019); Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (October 2020). 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 has limited security partnership with Pakistan, says Pentagon official

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an informal meeting with United States President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is underway in New York.&nbsp;

After the informal meeting, when WION reporters asked Pakistan PM as to how was his&nbsp;meeting with US President Joe Biden, Sharif said, "We had a good handshake."&nbsp;

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The world will be watching Sharif as he is set to address the UNGA session on September 23. His focus will be on the challenges faced by Pakistan in the wake of the recent climate-induced catastrophic floods.&nbsp;

Biden also announced another USD 2.9 billion for a fund aimed at helping to resolve global food insecurity, in addition to the "USD 6.9 billion assistance to support global food security already committed this year".&nbsp;

During his UNGA address on Wednesday, Biden urged the world to help Pakistan which is still 'under water'.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/female-news-anchor-refuses-to-wear-hijab-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-cancels-interview-518790">Female news anchor 'refuses demand to wear hijab', Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi cancels interview</a>&nbsp;

Biden said, "We all know we're already living in a climate crisis. No one seems to doubt it after this past year. We meet - we meet - as we meet, much of Pakistan is still under water; it needs help."&nbsp;

Biden urged the world to help Pakistan as a third of the nation is submerged in water. The country is facing its worst floods, which have apparently caused $30 billion of damage. Over 1,500 people have died and thousands have been displaced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Families are facing impossible choices, choosing which child to feed and wondering whether they'll survive. This is the human cost of climate change. And it's growing, not lessening," said Biden in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.&nbsp;

Sharif thanked Biden "for highlighting the plight of the flood victims in Pakistan". In a tweet on Thursday, he urged the world for an "immediate response."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an informal meeting with United States President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is underway in New York.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an informal meeting with United States President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which is underway in New York. After the informal meeting, when WION reporters asked Pakistan PM as to how was his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Sharif said, "We had a good handshake." ALSO READ | Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech Watch WION's exclusive video here: × The world will be watching Sharif as he is set to address the UNGA session on September 23. His focus will be on the challenges faced by Pakistan in the wake of the recent climate-induced catastrophic floods. Biden also announced another USD 2.9 billion for a fund aimed at helping to resolve global food insecurity, in addition to the "USD 6.9 billion assistance to support global food security already committed this year". During his UNGA address on Wednesday, Biden urged the world to help Pakistan which is still 'under water'. ALSO READ | Female news anchor 'refuses demand to wear hijab', Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi cancels interview Biden said, "We all know we're already living in a climate crisis. No one seems to doubt it after this past year. We meet - we meet - as we meet, much of Pakistan is still under water; it needs help." Biden urged the world to help Pakistan as a third of the nation is submerged in water. The country is facing its worst floods, which have apparently caused $30 billion of damage. Over 1,500 people have died and thousands have been displaced. "Families are facing impossible choices, choosing which child to feed and wondering whether they'll survive. This is the human cost of climate change. And it's growing, not lessening," said Biden in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif thanked Biden "for highlighting the plight of the flood victims in Pakistan". In a tweet on Thursday, he urged the world for an "immediate response." 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.

'We had a good handshake,' says Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif after meeting Joe Biden - Watch

The United States Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate by three-quarters of a point for the third time in a row as it continues its fight to control the rising inflation. As a result, the benchmark short-term rate currently ranges between 3 per cent and 3.25 per cent – the highest in nearly 14 years.&nbsp;

However, it is showing no signs of stopping as the officials have forecasted that the rates can go up once again, and by 2023, it can be somewhere around 4.4 per cent – one point more than&nbsp;the June forecast.&nbsp;

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The rise in borrowing rates will affect several individuals as well as business loans in the US and it will make mortgaging a car or getting a loan costlier. The goal is to decrease the amount of borrowing from financial institutions which can result in the cooling down of the economy for some time.&nbsp;

According to CNBC, the Federal Reserve believes that this can be a “soft landing” for the economy which will allow them to control inflation by growing slowly for the time period.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doj-can-resume-review-of-documents-found-in-donald-trumps-residence-says-us-court-518587" hreflang="en">DOJ can resume review of documents found in Donald Trump's residence, says US court</a>

Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve since 2018, had previously said that the constant increase in interest rate will “bring some pain to households and businesses” but also added that their "commitment to bringing inflation back down to its two&nbsp;per cent target was unconditional”.&nbsp;

The decision by the US Federal Reserve followed a global trend as the&nbsp;European Central Bank,&nbsp;The Bank of England, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the Bank of Canada have all increased interest rates recently.&nbsp;

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The United States Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate by three-quarters of a point for the third time in a row as it continues its fight to control the rising inflation.

The United States Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate by three-quarters of a point for the third time in a row as it continues its fight to control the rising inflation. As a result, the benchmark short-term rate currently ranges between 3 per cent and 3.25 per cent – the highest in nearly 14 years. However, it is showing no signs of stopping as the officials have forecasted that the rates can go up once again, and by 2023, it can be somewhere around 4.4 per cent – one point more than the June forecast. Also read | Zelensky at UNGA: We demand 'just punishment' for Russian crimes The rise in borrowing rates will affect several individuals as well as business loans in the US and it will make mortgaging a car or getting a loan costlier. The goal is to decrease the amount of borrowing from financial institutions which can result in the cooling down of the economy for some time. According to CNBC, the Federal Reserve believes that this can be a “soft landing” for the economy which will allow them to control inflation by growing slowly for the time period. Also read | DOJ can resume review of documents found in Donald Trump's residence, says US court Jerome Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve since 2018, had previously said that the constant increase in interest rate will “bring some pain to households and businesses” but also added that their "commitment to bringing inflation back down to its two per cent target was unconditional”. The decision by the US Federal Reserve followed a global trend as the European Central Bank, The Bank of England, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the Bank of Canada have all increased interest rates recently.

US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates to highest level since 2008

United States and Canadian warships carried out a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait just days after President Joe Biden said that the US would support Taiwan in case of an attack from China.

US Navy spokesperson Lt. Mark Langford said in a statement on Tuesday that the USS Higgins – an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer – and HMCS Vancouver – a Halifax-class frigate from the Royal Canadian Navy – were the two ships which made the transit through the Strait.

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The transit “demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Lt. Langford explained in the statement according to CNN.

This was the second time in around three weeks that a US warship has passed through the region.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan caused tensions to flare once again in the region with China responding with military drills in the Strait. In the last two months, a number of US delegations have visited Taiwan with Biden supporting their cause on multiple occasions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-lawyers-resist-judges-request-to-clarify-declassification-claim-518219" hreflang="en">Donald Trump's lawyers resist judge's request to clarify 'declassification' claim</a>

The US Navy is currently positioned in the area and in recent years, a number of warships have made the journey through the strait. This was one of the few occasions when a Canadian ship also made the transit as confirmed by Ministry of Defence Head of Media Relations Daniel Le Bouthillier.

“Following port visits in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Manila, Philippines, HMCS Vancouver sailed through the Taiwan Strait along with the USS Higgins, as this was the most direct navigational route. This sail was done in full accordance with international law, including high seas navigation rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Le Bouthillier told CNN.

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United States and Canadian warships carried out a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait just days after President Joe Biden said that the US would support Taiwan in case of an attack from China.

United States and Canadian warships carried out a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait just days after President Joe Biden said that the US would support Taiwan in case of an attack from China. US Navy spokesperson Lt. Mark Langford said in a statement on Tuesday that the USS Higgins – an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer – and HMCS Vancouver – a Halifax-class frigate from the Royal Canadian Navy – were the two ships which made the transit through the Strait. Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions The transit “demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Lt. Langford explained in the statement according to CNN. This was the second time in around three weeks that a US warship has passed through the region. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan caused tensions to flare once again in the region with China responding with military drills in the Strait. In the last two months, a number of US delegations have visited Taiwan with Biden supporting their cause on multiple occasions. Also read | Donald Trump's lawyers resist judge's request to clarify 'declassification' claim The US Navy is currently positioned in the area and in recent years, a number of warships have made the journey through the strait. This was one of the few occasions when a Canadian ship also made the transit as confirmed by Ministry of Defence Head of Media Relations Daniel Le Bouthillier. “Following port visits in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Manila, Philippines, HMCS Vancouver sailed through the Taiwan Strait along with the USS Higgins, as this was the most direct navigational route. This sail was done in full accordance with international law, including high seas navigation rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Le Bouthillier told CNN.

US and Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, second time in three weeks

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