A man was arrested for aiming a gun at a shopper who asked him to wear a mask at a Walmart store in Florida, United States, officials said.&nbsp;

Florida is among the states in the country that is witnessing a huge rise in coronavirus cases in the recent days.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-off-florida-portion-of-gop-convention-over-coronavirus-outbreak-315602">Trump calls off Florida portion of GOP convention over coronavirus outbreak</a>

Vincent Scavetta was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and improper exhibition of a firearm, the Palm Beach sheriff's office said, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teachers-union-sues-to-halt-florida-classroom-restart-during-pandemic-314796">Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic</a>

"Welcome to PBC Jail, son. Let this be a lesson. It could have ended badly," the office said on Twitter on Thursday.

The accused put out the gun following a verbal altercation as he refused to don a mask.&nbsp;

Walmart from since July 20 has ordered everyone present in its stores to wear face coverings.

However, there has been mixed opinions over wearing of masks, and for months even President Donald Trump and his allies did not promote their use.&nbsp;

In recent times though, Trump is seen publicly wearing a mask and encouraging others to do so too.&nbsp;

Republican Florida governor Ron DeSantis, a hardcore Trump supporter, is facing severe criticism for not implementing mandatory mask wearing guidelines across the state.&nbsp;

Florida on Friday also witnessed record coronavirus daily death toll.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A man was arrested for aiming a gun at a shopper who asked him to wear a mask at a Walmart store in Florida, United States, officials said. Florida is among the states in the country that is witnessing a huge rise in coronavirus cases in the recent days.

A man was arrested for aiming a gun at a shopper who asked him to wear a mask at a Walmart store in Florida, United States, officials said. Florida is among the states in the country that is witnessing a huge rise in coronavirus cases in the recent days. Also read | Trump calls off Florida portion of GOP convention over coronavirus outbreak Vincent Scavetta was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and improper exhibition of a firearm, the Palm Beach sheriff's office said, reported news agency AFP. Also read | Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic "Welcome to PBC Jail, son. Let this be a lesson. It could have ended badly," the office said on Twitter on Thursday. The accused put out the gun following a verbal altercation as he refused to don a mask. Walmart from since July 20 has ordered everyone present in its stores to wear face coverings. However, there has been mixed opinions over wearing of masks, and for months even President Donald Trump and his allies did not promote their use. In recent times though, Trump is seen publicly wearing a mask and encouraging others to do so too. Republican Florida governor Ron DeSantis, a hardcore Trump supporter, is facing severe criticism for not implementing mandatory mask wearing guidelines across the state. Florida on Friday also witnessed record coronavirus daily death toll.

US: Man arrested in Florida for pointing gun at man who asked him to wear mask

The animosity between the US and China is at an all-time high. The United States in particular has targetted China and Chinese nationals on several accounts. One of the accusations is that the Chinese researchers working in the US have hidden links to the Chinese military.

US acts tough on China: Clamps down on Chinese researchers

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil.&nbsp;

Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland.&nbsp;

In Portland, the protests against police brutality never really died down and the demonstrations are continuing for 56 consecutive nights.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-surge-of-federal-forces-to-crime-plagued-us-cities-315259">Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities</a>

And now the demonstrations are turning violent.&nbsp;Security forces are tear-gassing and clubbing demonstrators.&nbsp;

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The Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler is standing alongside the protesters.

The mayor, who is also a Democrat and is conducting regular "listening sessions" for the protesters, was tear-gassed too along with the demonstrators.&nbsp;

Wheeler was seen coughing, but still, he couldn't win the support of protesters as they believe he was only there for cameras.&nbsp;

This signals how protesters want to stay away from political support.&nbsp;

The American media is describing the pushback by the security forces, a federal crackdown.&nbsp;

The security officials are housed at the Justice Center in Portland and are showing no signs of retreating.&nbsp;

They are stepping out of the building at regular intervals and tossing smoke bombs and tear gas shells at the protesters.&nbsp;

Their deployment has triggered a national debate over civil liberties, but President Donald Trump is in no mood to concede.

Trump is calling the protests and anti-police crusade, and is justifying his decision by accusing "extreme politicians" of fanning the flames.&nbsp;

The US president has launched a plan, known as "Operation Legend", in which federal agents are sent to tackle violence in any city that sees the slightest of protest in the coming days.&nbsp;

Under this operation, federal law enforcement agents, which includes the FBI and US Marshals Service, will help local police in combat what Trump calls as a surge in violent crime.&nbsp;

Over the recent weeks, the White House is only focussing on incidents of crime and not on the cause of protests.&nbsp;

For Trump, every protester is either a criminal, a political tool, a left-radical or a terrorist. But when it comes to racial discrimination and police brutality, he deflects all questions.&nbsp;

A similar strategy is followed by the US president every time he was asked about his response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

However, now he has had a change of heart, at least as far as the coronavirus outbreak is concerned.&nbsp;

He no longer considers coronavirus as just a flu. He wears a mask wherever he goes,&nbsp;

"Wear it in the hospital. Weat it when you're in a group. Wear it in the elevator. Wear it when there are people around." Trump said.

Trump took six months to say this, however, better late than never.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil. Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland.

Once again, the United States, the land of the free is in turmoil. Protests have resurfaced in many parts of the country, but the flashpoint is the city of Portland. In Portland, the protests against police brutality never really died down and the demonstrations are continuing for 56 consecutive nights. Also read | Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities And now the demonstrations are turning violent. Security forces are tear-gassing and clubbing demonstrators. The Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler is standing alongside the protesters. The mayor, who is also a Democrat and is conducting regular "listening sessions" for the protesters, was tear-gassed too along with the demonstrators. Wheeler was seen coughing, but still, he couldn't win the support of protesters as they believe he was only there for cameras. This signals how protesters want to stay away from political support. The American media is describing the pushback by the security forces, a federal crackdown. The security officials are housed at the Justice Center in Portland and are showing no signs of retreating. They are stepping out of the building at regular intervals and tossing smoke bombs and tear gas shells at the protesters. Their deployment has triggered a national debate over civil liberties, but President Donald Trump is in no mood to concede. Trump is calling the protests and anti-police crusade, and is justifying his decision by accusing "extreme politicians" of fanning the flames. The US president has launched a plan, known as "Operation Legend", in which federal agents are sent to tackle violence in any city that sees the slightest of protest in the coming days. Under this operation, federal law enforcement agents, which includes the FBI and US Marshals Service, will help local police in combat what Trump calls as a surge in violent crime. Over the recent weeks, the White House is only focussing on incidents of crime and not on the cause of protests. For Trump, every protester is either a criminal, a political tool, a left-radical or a terrorist. But when it comes to racial discrimination and police brutality, he deflects all questions. A similar strategy is followed by the US president every time he was asked about his response to the pandemic. However, now he has had a change of heart, at least as far as the coronavirus outbreak is concerned. He no longer considers coronavirus as just a flu. He wears a mask wherever he goes, "Wear it in the hospital. Weat it when you're in a group. Wear it in the elevator. Wear it when there are people around." Trump said. Trump took six months to say this, however, better late than never.

Mask-clad Donald Trump continues clampdown on protesters

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation.

US Secretary of the State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said Supreme Court president Maikal Jose Moreno Perez "personally received money or property bribes to influence the outcome of civil and criminal cases in Venezuela" in recent years.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-carries-out-second-freedom-of-navigation-operation-off-venezuela-coast-313554">US Navy carries out second 'freedom of navigation' operation off Venezuela coast</a>

"Moreno Perez received the bribes in exchange for judicial actions" in over 20 cases, Pompeo said, adding the move reaffirms "the US commitment to combating corruption and transnational organized crime in Venezuela."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-migrants-seek-to-return-home-maduro-claims-theyre-being-deliberately-infected-with-coronavirus-313223">Venezuela: Migrants seek to return home, Maduro claims they're being deliberately infected with coronavirus</a>

After the annoucement, Venezuela hit out at the US, saying Washington "disrespects the Supreme Court of Justice, in the person of its president, Maikel Moreno, through false accusations and the offer of rewards in the style of the cowboys and the wild and far west."&nbsp;

Venezuela "rejects once again the illegal and coercive actions of the Donald Trump government against the Venezuelan people and its constitutional institutions," the statement by the foreign ministry said.

Perez has been on the US Treasury's sanctions blacklist since May 2017 and was included on Tuesday in the State Department's separate list along with his wife for "involvement in significant corruption".

Venezuela's Supreme Court has been considered close President Nicolas Maduro's government and in 2017 neutralized the nation's only opposition-controlled branch of government, the National Assembly.&nbsp;

Main opposition leader Juan Guaido, declared himself as the president of the country 18 months ago, a decision backed by the United States and over 50 countries.&nbsp;

The US has imposed a number of sanctions to oust Maduro as it along with a group of nations considers his re-election in 2018 fraudulent.&nbsp;

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation.

The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for any information that can be used to arrest Venezuela's Supreme Court chief justice, triggering sharp reactions from the Latin American nation. US Secretary of the State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday said Supreme Court president Maikal Jose Moreno Perez "personally received money or property bribes to influence the outcome of civil and criminal cases in Venezuela" in recent years. Also read | US Navy carries out second 'freedom of navigation' operation off Venezuela coast "Moreno Perez received the bribes in exchange for judicial actions" in over 20 cases, Pompeo said, adding the move reaffirms "the US commitment to combating corruption and transnational organized crime in Venezuela." Also read | Venezuela: Migrants seek to return home, Maduro claims they're being deliberately infected with coronavirus After the annoucement, Venezuela hit out at the US, saying Washington "disrespects the Supreme Court of Justice, in the person of its president, Maikel Moreno, through false accusations and the offer of rewards in the style of the cowboys and the wild and far west." Venezuela "rejects once again the illegal and coercive actions of the Donald Trump government against the Venezuelan people and its constitutional institutions," the statement by the foreign ministry said. Perez has been on the US Treasury's sanctions blacklist since May 2017 and was included on Tuesday in the State Department's separate list along with his wife for "involvement in significant corruption". Venezuela's Supreme Court has been considered close President Nicolas Maduro's government and in 2017 neutralized the nation's only opposition-controlled branch of government, the National Assembly. Main opposition leader Juan Guaido, declared himself as the president of the country 18 months ago, a decision backed by the United States and over 50 countries. The US has imposed a number of sanctions to oust Maduro as it along with a group of nations considers his re-election in 2018 fraudulent.

US offers $5 million reward for arrest of Venezuelan chief justice

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed&nbsp;US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-trump-first-racist-president-of-the-united-states-315267">Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States</a>

The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing.&nbsp;

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Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. 
 
Watch our conversation: <a href="https://t.co/ZyrBmLrjCJ">pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1286254983961165826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-barack-obama-helps-raise-11-million-for-joe-biden-in-online-fundraiser-308128">Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser</a>

In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

"Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. &nbsp;

In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'"

The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together."

In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'"

"I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.&nbsp;

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump.

Former US president Barack Obama and his administration's vice president Joe Biden have come out together in a video, which defended their time in the White House and slammed US President Donald Trump. The video is their in-person encounter amid the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the United States the most with over 142,000 fatalities and infections nearing 4 million. Also read | Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States The full video will be put out on social media on Thursday, but teasers shared by Biden's campaign showed the duo wearing masks and sitting well away from each other to maintain social distancing. Every day I hear from folks who tell me how important health care is to their families — well, it's deeply personal for President @BarackObama and me, too. I'll fight to protect and build on Obamacare and make sure everyone gets the care they need. Watch our conversation: pic.twitter.com/ZyrBmLrjCJ — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 23, 2020 × Also read | Former US President Barack Obama helps raise $11 million for Joe Biden in online fundraiser In the snippets, Obama and Biden, Democratic nominee for presidential election, discussed the much-talked about health care law and and blamed Trump for creating rifts in the American society and his response to the pandemic. "Can you imagine standing up when you were president and saying, 'It's not my responsibility, I take no responsibility'", Biden said. In another excerpt, Biden hit out at Trump launching his 2016 campaign at Trump Tower, saying, "He ran by deliberately dividing people from the moment he came down that escalator, and I think people are now going, 'I don't want my kid growing up that way.'" The former president responded that he had confidence in Biden's "heart and your character, and the fact that you are going to be able to reassemble the kind of government that cares about people and brings people together." In another snippet, Biden referred to health insurance issues in the country where he talked about his son Beau's death, adding he was" thinking to myself, what would happen if his insurance company was able to come in, which they could have done before we passed Obamacare and said, 'You have outrun your insurance.'" "I couldn't be prouder of what we got done... Twenty million people have health insurance that didn't have it because of what we did," Obama responded.

Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration

From touch-free bag tag printing to biometric boarding, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas has put new measures in place to allow passengers to travel from curb to aircraft while touching as few surfaces as possible.

Masks, fever checks and biometric boarding: new-look air travel in Texas, a coronavirus hot spot

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus."

"The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said.&nbsp;

"No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has."&nbsp;

Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic.

At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak.

"I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said.

"Nobody has even been close."&nbsp;

Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office.

This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack."

Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union.

Joe Biden has referred to US President Donald Trump as the country's "first" racist president. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee's comments came during a virtual town hall organised by the Service Employees International Union. At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus." "The way he deals with people based on the colour of their skin, their national origin, where they're from, is absolutely sickening," the former vice president said. "No sitting president has ever done this. Never, never, never. No Republican president has done this. No Democratic president. We've had racists, and they've existed. They've tried to get elected president. He's the first one that has." Biden also suggested that Trump is using race "as a wedge" to distract from his mishandling of the pandemic. At a White House briefing later Wednesday, Trump responded to a question about Biden's comments by pointing to his administration's efforts passing criminal justice reform legislation and expanding opportunity zones, as well as the low unemployment numbers for minority groups before the coronavirus outbreak. "I've done more for Black Americans than anybody with the possible of exception of Abraham Lincoln," the president said. "Nobody has even been close." Biden has vowed that, if elected, he will begin addressing institutional racism within his first 100 days of taking office. This was not the first time he's suggested Trump's actions were racist. When Trump said last year that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their countries, Biden called it a "flat, racist attack." Biden has built his campaign around the election being a "battle for the soul of the nation" and says he felt compelled to run for president after he saw Trump respond to a deadly 2017 white supremacist attack on counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were "some very fine people" on both sides.

Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally.

The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-anti-racism-protests-mexico-travellers-for-surge-in-covid-cases-315388">Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases</a>

In the latest figures provided by Johns Hopkins University, the US has reported more than 63,000 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-reports-over-63000-cases-as-country-toll-nears-4-million-315265">Coronavirus: US reports over 63,000 cases as country toll nears 4 million</a>

The US is coming close to report 4 million COVID-19 infections and the nationwide death toll stands at 142,942.&nbsp;

The US, which reported its first case on January 21, reached the mark of 1 million cases in 98 days and just 43 days to add another million. In only 27 days, the country went from 2 million cases to 3 million.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has often clashed with state governors over measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, incluing lockdown and mask-wearing guidelines.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump also shifted his tone over wearing of masks and in recent times he has even started donning it in public, but also urging people to use one.&nbsp;

The US ranks second in the top 20 worst-hit countries with the most number of cases per capita, recording 120 infections per 10,000 people.&nbsp;

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally. The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world.

The hardest-hit country from coronavirus, the United States, on an average sees 2,600 new coronavirus cases every hour, according to a tally. The tally compiled by Reuters also says that this rate in the US is the highest in the world. Also read | Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases In the latest figures provided by Johns Hopkins University, the US has reported more than 63,000 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday. Also read | Coronavirus: US reports over 63,000 cases as country toll nears 4 million The US is coming close to report 4 million COVID-19 infections and the nationwide death toll stands at 142,942. The US, which reported its first case on January 21, reached the mark of 1 million cases in 98 days and just 43 days to add another million. In only 27 days, the country went from 2 million cases to 3 million. The Trump administration has often clashed with state governors over measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, incluing lockdown and mask-wearing guidelines. President Donald Trump also shifted his tone over wearing of masks and in recent times he has even started donning it in public, but also urging people to use one. The US ranks second in the top 20 worst-hit countries with the most number of cases per capita, recording 120 infections per 10,000 people.

Worst-hit US sees 2,600 coronavirus cases every hour

Californians are getting their lockdown locks tended to outdoors from Tuesday (July 21), in accordance with new protocols introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom. Barbershops re-opened in May but as cases of the coronavirus surged across the state, Newsom ordered on Monday (July 20) that personal care businesses could stay open but only if they moved their operations outside.

Barbershops move outdoors under new California coronavirus orders

The US&nbsp;Congress appears to be the target of a foreign disinformation campaign aimed at influencing lawmakers' activities and the upcoming presidential contest,&nbsp;top&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;said in a letter released on Monday.

In the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray dated July 13, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the&nbsp;top&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;on the House and Senate intelligence committees said they were "gravely concerned" that Congress seemed to be in the crosshairs of "a concerted foreign interference campaign, which seeks to launder and amplify disinformation in order to influence congressional activity, public debate, and the presidential election in November."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressional-democrats-white-house-to-meet-on-coronavirus-aid-314813" hreflang="en">US congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid</a>

The nature of the disinformation campaign was not made clear, although the letter referred to the threat as serious&nbsp;and specific.&nbsp;

The letter requested a "classified defensive briefing" from FBI officials before the August recess. It was not clear whether any such briefing is planned. The FBI confirmed having received the letter but declined further comment.&nbsp;

One congressional official said the&nbsp;Democrats' letter was prompted by an accumulation of intelligence. The official declined to discuss in detail any of the specific intelligence reporting or analyses that raised such concerns. A second congressional official said a classified addendum was sent alongside the letter that drew mainly from the US&nbsp;government's own reporting.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802" hreflang="en">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

No Republican lawmakers signed the letter. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined comment.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday said he would "treat foreign interference in our election as an adversarial act" if elected to the White House.

In a statement, he said retaliatory actions could include sanctions, asset freezes, and "the exposure of corruption."

The US Congress appears to be the target of a foreign disinformation campaign aimed at influencing lawmakers' activities and the upcoming presidential contest, top Democrats said in a letter released on Monday.

The US Congress appears to be the target of a foreign disinformation campaign aimed at influencing lawmakers' activities and the upcoming presidential contest, top Democrats said in a letter released on Monday. In the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray dated July 13, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees said they were "gravely concerned" that Congress seemed to be in the crosshairs of "a concerted foreign interference campaign, which seeks to launder and amplify disinformation in order to influence congressional activity, public debate, and the presidential election in November." Also read: US congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid The nature of the disinformation campaign was not made clear, although the letter referred to the threat as serious and specific. The letter requested a "classified defensive briefing" from FBI officials before the August recess. It was not clear whether any such briefing is planned. The FBI confirmed having received the letter but declined further comment. One congressional official said the Democrats' letter was prompted by an accumulation of intelligence. The official declined to discuss in detail any of the specific intelligence reporting or analyses that raised such concerns. A second congressional official said a classified addendum was sent alongside the letter that drew mainly from the US government's own reporting. Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests No Republican lawmakers signed the letter. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined comment. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday said he would "treat foreign interference in our election as an adversarial act" if elected to the White House. In a statement, he said retaliatory actions could include sanctions, asset freezes, and "the exposure of corruption."

Top Democrats say US Congress appears to be election interference target

US President Donald Trump has now warned that he will now send Federal troops to some major US cities amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. Watch report.

Donald Trump: Federal troops charge at Portland protests

The United States of America continues to be the worst-hit coronavirus country in the world. Close to 4 million people have been affected and 150,000 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Donald Trump to resume daily COVID-19 briefing: Long queues for testing in Texas, Florida

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US.

The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War. Recently, ringing bells of police brutality and institutional racism, protesters have taken over the streets across major US cities.

'It depends'

This came in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis. Since then, many such instances of police brutality have come to light in the US, and around the world.

In conversation with Fox News, the leader said that people who liked the Confederate flag need not be racist, even though the flag largely symbolises white supremacy and slavery. It is also used by many hate crime groups such as the Ku Klux Klan.&nbsp;He said, "It depends on who you're talking about, when you're talking about”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump</a>

”When people proudly had their Confederate flags they're not talking about racism. They love their flag, it represents the South. They like the South ... I say it's freedom of many things, but it's freedom of speech”, he added.

This comes at a time when protesters are tearing down the remnants of Confederate legacy across the country, including statues, which was recently outlawed by Trump, causing a series of arrests in Portland on Sunday.

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'Freedom of speech'?

Besides claiming it qualifies as “freedom as speech”, in 2017 Trump was critical of people taking down Confederate statues, and claimed that there were “very fine people on both sides”.

NASCAR banned the flag earlier, which drew ire from the president.

Recently, US lawmakers including Republicans had initiated an amendment to remove the names of Confederate generals from US military bases within a year. Trump recently promised to veto the “National Defense Authorization Act”, saying “I’m not gonna go changing”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500" hreflang="en">I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a>

"We won World Wars out of these, out of these military bases, no I'm not gonna go changing. I'm not gonna go changing," he said.

He further said that similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement did not offend him, for it also represented freedom of speech. "I’m not offended either by Black Lives Matter. That’s freedom of speech," Trump said.

Many fear that Trump is disillusioning Republican leaders with his tactics. Recently, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, endorsed Democrat Joe Biden, while claiming that the Confederate flag represents “something that was never the USA”.

"It was the Confederate States of America. They were not part of us and this is not the time to keep demonstrating who they were and what they were back then," Powell, the black Republican leader said.

“We have one flag and only one flag only”, he added.

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US. The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War.

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that the Confederate flag was a symbol of “pride” for people of southern US. The Confederate flag signifies a faction of US states that revolted against plans to end slavery of African Americans, which led to the 1861-65 American Civil War. Recently, ringing bells of police brutality and institutional racism, protesters have taken over the streets across major US cities. 'It depends' This came in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis. Since then, many such instances of police brutality have come to light in the US, and around the world. In conversation with Fox News, the leader said that people who liked the Confederate flag need not be racist, even though the flag largely symbolises white supremacy and slavery. It is also used by many hate crime groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. He said, "It depends on who you're talking about, when you're talking about”. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump ”When people proudly had their Confederate flags they're not talking about racism. They love their flag, it represents the South. They like the South ... I say it's freedom of many things, but it's freedom of speech”, he added. This comes at a time when protesters are tearing down the remnants of Confederate legacy across the country, including statues, which was recently outlawed by Trump, causing a series of arrests in Portland on Sunday. 'Freedom of speech'? Besides claiming it qualifies as “freedom as speech”, in 2017 Trump was critical of people taking down Confederate statues, and claimed that there were “very fine people on both sides”. NASCAR banned the flag earlier, which drew ire from the president. Recently, US lawmakers including Republicans had initiated an amendment to remove the names of Confederate generals from US military bases within a year. Trump recently promised to veto the “National Defense Authorization Act”, saying “I’m not gonna go changing”. Also read: I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated "We won World Wars out of these, out of these military bases, no I'm not gonna go changing. I'm not gonna go changing," he said. He further said that similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement did not offend him, for it also represented freedom of speech. "I’m not offended either by Black Lives Matter. That’s freedom of speech," Trump said. Many fear that Trump is disillusioning Republican leaders with his tactics. Recently, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, endorsed Democrat Joe Biden, while claiming that the Confederate flag represents “something that was never the USA”. "It was the Confederate States of America. They were not part of us and this is not the time to keep demonstrating who they were and what they were back then," Powell, the black Republican leader said. “We have one flag and only one flag only”, he added.

Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump

United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has arrived in the Indian Ocean to take part in a naval exercise with Indian warships near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

WION Dispatch: USS Nimitz entered Indian Ocean crossing Malacca strait

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait. Watch report

Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China?

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free.

The idea looks crazy but you will find several of these "community refrigerators" in Los Angeles, which are placed outside to help the needy and the people who are hard hit economically because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

There are no lines, no forms and are kept unlocked so that people can take as much food 24*7 as they want without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-very-hard-test-trump-keeps-bragging-about-acing-is-actually-very-simple-314592">The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple</a>

"If you need to empty the fridge, no one will judge you. If you need to take one tomato, or you only put one tomato in there, do it," Marina Vergara, an organiser for LA Community Fridges, said, reported AFP.

Vergara, whose initiative has set up seven such appliances, adds that that the concept came to make "this kind of aid more accessible".

New York came up with the idea of these kind of fridges which can be used any time of the day and people could either take or donate food.&nbsp;

The fridges are creatively painted and some people also put shoes and clothing inside them.&nbsp;

California was amongst the first states to impose lockdown to prevent the virus spread, but in recent weeks, the state is witnessing huge infections, particularly in Los Angeles county.&nbsp;

Los Angeles has also very high levels of homelessness and economic woes brought in by the coronavirus pandemic has added insult to the injury.&nbsp;

Vergara, who started this initiative with an organisation called Reach for the Top, which helps the homeless, explained how some people are ashamed to go to food banks and added immigrants fear doing them increase risk of deportation.&nbsp;

"In a lot of communities, it strips away your pride," Vergara said, who aims to set up more of these refrigerators.&nbsp;

She believes her efforts bring "the freedom of being able to go to a community fridge at any time, whether it's five in the morning or five in the evening."

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free.

Imagine yourself walking on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, US and coming across a nice refrigerator stored with milk, fruit, vegetables, chicken, and other items which can be taken for free. The idea looks crazy but you will find several of these "community refrigerators" in Los Angeles, which are placed outside to help the needy and the people who are hard hit economically because of the pandemic. Also read | Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump There are no lines, no forms and are kept unlocked so that people can take as much food 24*7 as they want without any hassle. Also read | The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple "If you need to empty the fridge, no one will judge you. If you need to take one tomato, or you only put one tomato in there, do it," Marina Vergara, an organiser for LA Community Fridges, said, reported AFP. Vergara, whose initiative has set up seven such appliances, adds that that the concept came to make "this kind of aid more accessible". New York came up with the idea of these kind of fridges which can be used any time of the day and people could either take or donate food. The fridges are creatively painted and some people also put shoes and clothing inside them. California was amongst the first states to impose lockdown to prevent the virus spread, but in recent weeks, the state is witnessing huge infections, particularly in Los Angeles county. Los Angeles has also very high levels of homelessness and economic woes brought in by the coronavirus pandemic has added insult to the injury. Vergara, who started this initiative with an organisation called Reach for the Top, which helps the homeless, explained how some people are ashamed to go to food banks and added immigrants fear doing them increase risk of deportation. "In a lot of communities, it strips away your pride," Vergara said, who aims to set up more of these refrigerators. She believes her efforts bring "the freedom of being able to go to a community fridge at any time, whether it's five in the morning or five in the evening."

How community fridges in Los Angeles are helping coronavirus-hit people

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the&nbsp;world’s most influential countries

Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions.&nbsp;

So how challenging could&nbsp;it&nbsp;be? Turns out, not much!

Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”.

When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction.

The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal.

The test is administered&nbsp;in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes.

Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News.

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<a href="https://t.co/8lE6zY4SuM">pic.twitter.com/8lE6zY4SuM</a>
— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) <a href="https://twitter.com/seungminkim/status/1284844811611262976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Very hard"? Barely

Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands.

In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point.

To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics.

For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits.

Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions. So how challenging could it be? Turns out, not much! Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”. When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction. The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal. The test is administered in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes. Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News. pic.twitter.com/8lE6zY4SuM — Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 19, 2020 × "Very hard"? Barely Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands. In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point. To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics. For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits. Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple

America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression

The domestic intelligence and security service of the United States FBI is leading an inquiry into the Twitter hacking of major companies and individuals, as more Washington lawmakers raised alarms about the breach of high-profile accounts on the social media platform.

FBI probes mega Twitter hack

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist&nbsp;Party (CCP) from entering their nation.

Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-the-biggest-human-rights-abuser-says-china-on-trump-administrations-visa-sanction-on-huawei-employees-313692">US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees</a>

Several wealthy businessmen from China, like Dalian Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin and BYD founder Wang Chuanfu could be impacted from this ban as they all are members of the Communist Party. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

While Wanda, owns the world's biggest movie theater chain, AMC, Chuanfu-founded BYD is China's leading e-car company.&nbsp;

"China's rich and powerful are almost all party members," Willy Lam, adjunct professor at the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, reported CNN.&nbsp;

A study published last year revealed more than half of 8,000 entrepreneurs surveyed said they were the members of the CCP.&nbsp;

Also, a ban like this this could create serious hurdles for Chinese businesses as many trade on the stock exchanges in the US.&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday said such ban if implemented would be "pathetic".&nbsp;

The relations between Beijing and Washington hit rock-bottom after they ended a long trade tussle, when US President Donald Trump blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak.

Hong Kong security law and issue of Chinese telecom giant Huawei also severely affected the ties of the US and China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from entering their nation.

China's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, including Alibaba (BABA) founder Jack Ma, could face serious consequences if the Trump administration decides to ban all members of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from entering their nation. Earlier a report said US could impose a travel ban that could potentially affect more than 90 million people from China. Also read | US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees Several wealthy businessmen from China, like Dalian Wanda Group founder Wang Jianlin and BYD founder Wang Chuanfu could be impacted from this ban as they all are members of the Communist Party. Also read | US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report While Wanda, owns the world's biggest movie theater chain, AMC, Chuanfu-founded BYD is China's leading e-car company. "China's rich and powerful are almost all party members," Willy Lam, adjunct professor at the Center for China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, reported CNN. A study published last year revealed more than half of 8,000 entrepreneurs surveyed said they were the members of the CCP. Also, a ban like this this could create serious hurdles for Chinese businesses as many trade on the stock exchanges in the US. Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday said such ban if implemented would be "pathetic". The relations between Beijing and Washington hit rock-bottom after they ended a long trade tussle, when US President Donald Trump blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong security law and issue of Chinese telecom giant Huawei also severely affected the ties of the US and China.

Chinese billionaires, including Jack Ma could be barred from US with travel ban

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in the US. The country recorded more than 68,400 cases in the last 24-hours alone. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Massive surge in COVID-19 cases in South and West of US

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades.&nbsp;

According to the survey conducted by the UK-based YouGov polling institute, only 14 per cent feel that US would retain its position as the superior superpower.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-the-biggest-human-rights-abuser-says-china-on-trump-administrations-visa-sanction-on-huawei-employees-313692">US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees</a>

As many as 4,054 people, who were of 18 years of age and above were participated in the survey, in which they were asked: "Which country, the US or China, will be more powerful in the course of the next 50 years, in your opinion?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

Nearly 23 per cent people were unsure and 22 per cent did not give any response to the question.&nbsp;

Interestingly, opinions differed on the basis of party loyalty, for example, supporters of the Left Party predicted China's dominance (54 per cent), while business-friendly Free Democrats and environmentalist Greens believed US will retain its supremacy (54 per cent).&nbsp;

The supporters of far-right Alternative for Germany surprisingly did not favour the US and only 17 per cent predicted US's supremeacy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades.

A new survey published on Thursday has shown that nearly 42 per cent Germans believe China would replace US as the leading global superpower in the next few decades. According to the survey conducted by the UK-based YouGov polling institute, only 14 per cent feel that US would retain its position as the superior superpower. Also read | US is the biggest human rights abuser, says China on Trump administration's visa sanction on Huawei employees As many as 4,054 people, who were of 18 years of age and above were participated in the survey, in which they were asked: "Which country, the US or China, will be more powerful in the course of the next 50 years, in your opinion?" Also read | US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report Nearly 23 per cent people were unsure and 22 per cent did not give any response to the question. Interestingly, opinions differed on the basis of party loyalty, for example, supporters of the Left Party predicted China's dominance (54 per cent), while business-friendly Free Democrats and environmentalist Greens believed US will retain its supremacy (54 per cent). The supporters of far-right Alternative for Germany surprisingly did not favour the US and only 17 per cent predicted US's supremeacy.

Many Germans predict China to replace US as next superpower: Survey

The coronavirus pandemic continues to surge in the United States. The country has now recorded more than 67,600 cases in the last 24-hours. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: US records highest single-day surge

Google is being sued by app users for tracking heir activities even after they had opted out. In a data privacy lawsuit filed in the US, users have accused the tech giant of keeping a record of their activity. Watch report.

Google illegally storing user 'data': Tracks users activity in apps

The US has hit out at China's aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. A senior official at the US state department has compared China's state enterprises to Britain's Colonial East India Company. Watch report.

US hit out at Chinese companies | Comapres china to colonial powers

Alabama Republicans nominated political neophyte Tommy Tuberville, the choice of President Donald Trump, to run for the Senate in November as voters in three states picked candidates Tuesday in races that will help decide control of the chamber.

Maine Democrats nominated Sara Gideon, the speaker of the state's House of Representatives, to face off against moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins, one of the Senate's most at-risk Republicans.

But there was a close, ongoing battle in Texas between Air Force veteran MJ Hegar and Black state senator Royce West over the Democratic nomination to go up against Republican Senator John Cornyn in November.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trump-says-more-white-people-than-blacks-are-killed-by-us-police-313331" hreflang="en">Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police</a>

In Alabama, Tuberville, 65, a former football coach, beat Jeff Sessions, a former U.S. attorney general who was fired by the president. Tuberville had 62.1 percent to Session's 37.9 percent, with 73 percent of precincts reporting, the New York Times said. He will take on Democrat Doug Jones in November.

Sessions had hoped to return to the Senate, where he had been a member for 20 years before joining the Trump administration. But Sessions told reporters he would support Tuberville in November.

While Republican stronghold Alabama went for Trump's choice of candidate, Trump's public approval across the country has dropped as the coronavirus pandemic surged through the United States, killing more than 130,000 people and throwing tens of millions out of work.

That is weighing on his fellow Republicans, dimming the re-election hopes of senators in Colorado, North Carolina and Arizona and leaving even senior Republicans in conservative stakes like Mitch McConnell's Kentucky having to work harder than expected to defend their seats.

Republicans currently control the Senate, 53-47. Democrats would need to pick up four seats in the 100-member chamber for a majority if Trump is re-elected, or three if presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden wins the White House, giving the party a tie-breaking Senate vote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-president-trump-has-made-23-false-claims-every-day-in-the-last-14-months-report-313141" hreflang="en">US President Trump has made 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months: Report</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If the coronavirus continues to get worse and the economy doesn't improve, it's hard to imagine any president ...&nbsp;getting re-elected very easily, and it's hard to imagine that president's party doing well," said Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

Although the primary elections in all three states had been postponed from earlier this year because of the coronavirus, they were held Tuesday even as the number of new cases continued to surge in southern and western states. Texas saw a record 10,745 new cases on Tuesday, and Alabama reported a record daily number of 40 deaths from the coronavirus.

TOP DEMOCRATIC OPPORTUNITY

Democrats see Collins' Senate seat representing Maine as one of their top pick-up opportunities. Gideon had been leading Collins by a few percentage points in recent opinion polls even before Tuesday's primary.&nbsp;

Gideon had 71 percent of the primary tally, with Sweet and Kidman trailing far behind, after 26 percent of precincts reported, the New York Times said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-has-biggest-covid-19-testing-programme-anywhere-in-the-world-says-trump-313142" hreflang="en">US has 'biggest covid-19 testing programme' anywhere in the world, says Trump</a>

"We did it! Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign to elect a senator who will fight for Mainers—not special interests. Onward to November!" Gideon wrote on Twitter.

The candidates for the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas were fighting neck-and-neck.&nbsp;

Hegar, a former helicopter pilot, had 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent for West, with 56 percent of the vote counted, the Times said. "We don't expect this to be over tonight," Vince Leibowitz, a spokesman for the West campaign, told reporters.

Alabama Republicans nominated political neophyte Tommy Tuberville, the choice of President Donald Trump, to run for the Senate in November as voters in three states picked candidates Tuesday in races that will help decide control of the chamber.

Alabama Republicans nominated political neophyte Tommy Tuberville, the choice of President Donald Trump, to run for the Senate in November as voters in three states picked candidates Tuesday in races that will help decide control of the chamber. Maine Democrats nominated Sara Gideon, the speaker of the state's House of Representatives, to face off against moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins, one of the Senate's most at-risk Republicans. But there was a close, ongoing battle in Texas between Air Force veteran MJ Hegar and Black state senator Royce West over the Democratic nomination to go up against Republican Senator John Cornyn in November. Also read: Trump says 'more white people' than Blacks are killed by US police In Alabama, Tuberville, 65, a former football coach, beat Jeff Sessions, a former U.S. attorney general who was fired by the president. Tuberville had 62.1 percent to Session's 37.9 percent, with 73 percent of precincts reporting, the New York Times said. He will take on Democrat Doug Jones in November. Sessions had hoped to return to the Senate, where he had been a member for 20 years before joining the Trump administration. But Sessions told reporters he would support Tuberville in November. While Republican stronghold Alabama went for Trump's choice of candidate, Trump's public approval across the country has dropped as the coronavirus pandemic surged through the United States, killing more than 130,000 people and throwing tens of millions out of work. That is weighing on his fellow Republicans, dimming the re-election hopes of senators in Colorado, North Carolina and Arizona and leaving even senior Republicans in conservative stakes like Mitch McConnell's Kentucky having to work harder than expected to defend their seats. Republicans currently control the Senate, 53-47. Democrats would need to pick up four seats in the 100-member chamber for a majority if Trump is re-elected, or three if presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden wins the White House, giving the party a tie-breaking Senate vote. Also read: US President Trump has made 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months: Report "If the coronavirus continues to get worse and the economy doesn't improve, it's hard to imagine any president ... getting re-elected very easily, and it's hard to imagine that president's party doing well," said Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. Although the primary elections in all three states had been postponed from earlier this year because of the coronavirus, they were held Tuesday even as the number of new cases continued to surge in southern and western states. Texas saw a record 10,745 new cases on Tuesday, and Alabama reported a record daily number of 40 deaths from the coronavirus. TOP DEMOCRATIC OPPORTUNITY Democrats see Collins' Senate seat representing Maine as one of their top pick-up opportunities. Gideon had been leading Collins by a few percentage points in recent opinion polls even before Tuesday's primary. Gideon had 71 percent of the primary tally, with Sweet and Kidman trailing far behind, after 26 percent of precincts reported, the New York Times said. Also read: US has 'biggest covid-19 testing programme' anywhere in the world, says Trump "We did it! Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign to elect a senator who will fight for Mainers—not special interests. Onward to November!" Gideon wrote on Twitter. The candidates for the Democratic Senate nomination in Texas were fighting neck-and-neck. Hegar, a former helicopter pilot, had 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent for West, with 56 percent of the vote counted, the Times said. "We don't expect this to be over tonight," Vince Leibowitz, a spokesman for the West campaign, told reporters.

Trump pick gets nod in Alabama as three US states select Senate candidates

Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex on Tuesday (July 14) urged girls to "own the conversation," in a prerecorded message at the 2020 Virtual Girl Up Leadership Summit, sponsored by the United Nations Foundation.

'Don't be afraid to do what's right, even when it's not popular' - Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Donald Trump is no stranger to bizarre claims, and new calculations have found that he may have made over 20,000 misleading claims or entirely false ones after taking charge as the president of the United States.

The calculation, made by the Washington Post traces a “tsunami of untruths” that have slipped the president’s mouth. The newspaper says that Trump hit the 20,000-mark on July 9. On the same day alone, he had made 62 false claims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-president-donald-trump-says-240-miles-of-wall-on-the-border-with-mexico-complete-312872" hreflang="en">US President Donald Trump says 240 miles of wall on the border with Mexico complete</a>

The July 9 claims were made in an interview with a Fox News host - Sean Hannity, whereby he claimed to have “tremendous support” among the African American community. On the same day, he claimed that former US President Barack Obama and the 2020 Democrat hopeful Joe Biden spied on Trump and his campaign in 2016. He, however, offered no evidence.

The Washington Post had curated its database during Trump’s first 100 days in office, as part of which they combed through Trump’s every word, be it at media briefings or at election rallies. They also took into account his Twitter page, where he spends a lot of time talking about himself.

492 lies in the first 100 days

Just in the first 100 days since the newspaper had begun tracking Trump’s lies, over 492 misleading or false claims were made. “The tsunami of untruths just keeps looming larger and larger”, they claimed.

In fact, the team of fact-checkers never thought Donald Trump would hit the 20,000 lie milestone during his current term.

“The notion that Trump would exceed 20,000 claims before he finished his term appeared ludicrous when the Fact Checker started this project,” said Glenn Kessler, editor and chief writer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-donald-trump-melania-trump-now-spotted-wearing-a-face-mask-312826" hreflang="en">After Donald Trump, Melania Trump now spotted wearing a face mask</a>

Trump has made at least 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months. It all began with the Mueller report, the failed impeachment trial against him, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, followed by the murder of George Floyd, which triggered protests not only in the country, but around the world.

Just pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US president has lied 1,200 times. Most of these surrounded his claims of testing rates in the country. Even though the US had undertaken rigorous testing intermittently, medical experts have repeatedly warned how it fell short taking into account the severity of the outbreak in the country.

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Among his biggest lies would be the claim that the US economy is booming under his leadership. Starting in June 2018, the Post said [the claim] “quickly became one of his favourites”.

However, Trump has overstretched this rhetoric. Recently, he went as far as claiming that this was the best an economy had performed in the history of mankind, which again, is far from the truth.

Just yesterday, on July 13, reports came out that Trump had attempted to sell off the island of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, sparking outrage.

Donald Trump is no stranger to bizarre claims, and new calculations have found that he may have made over 20,000 misleading claims or entirely false ones after taking charge as the president of the United States.

Donald Trump is no stranger to bizarre claims, and new calculations have found that he may have made over 20,000 misleading claims or entirely false ones after taking charge as the president of the United States. The calculation, made by the Washington Post traces a “tsunami of untruths” that have slipped the president’s mouth. The newspaper says that Trump hit the 20,000-mark on July 9. On the same day alone, he had made 62 false claims. Also read: US President Donald Trump says 240 miles of wall on the border with Mexico complete The July 9 claims were made in an interview with a Fox News host - Sean Hannity, whereby he claimed to have “tremendous support” among the African American community. On the same day, he claimed that former US President Barack Obama and the 2020 Democrat hopeful Joe Biden spied on Trump and his campaign in 2016. He, however, offered no evidence. The Washington Post had curated its database during Trump’s first 100 days in office, as part of which they combed through Trump’s every word, be it at media briefings or at election rallies. They also took into account his Twitter page, where he spends a lot of time talking about himself. 492 lies in the first 100 days Just in the first 100 days since the newspaper had begun tracking Trump’s lies, over 492 misleading or false claims were made. “The tsunami of untruths just keeps looming larger and larger”, they claimed. In fact, the team of fact-checkers never thought Donald Trump would hit the 20,000 lie milestone during his current term. “The notion that Trump would exceed 20,000 claims before he finished his term appeared ludicrous when the Fact Checker started this project,” said Glenn Kessler, editor and chief writer. Also read: After Donald Trump, Melania Trump now spotted wearing a face mask Trump has made at least 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months. It all began with the Mueller report, the failed impeachment trial against him, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, followed by the murder of George Floyd, which triggered protests not only in the country, but around the world. Just pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US president has lied 1,200 times. Most of these surrounded his claims of testing rates in the country. Even though the US had undertaken rigorous testing intermittently, medical experts have repeatedly warned how it fell short taking into account the severity of the outbreak in the country. Also read: Donald Trump terms Kanye West's White House bid as 'interesting' Among his biggest lies would be the claim that the US economy is booming under his leadership. Starting in June 2018, the Post said [the claim] “quickly became one of his favourites”. However, Trump has overstretched this rhetoric. Recently, he went as far as claiming that this was the best an economy had performed in the history of mankind, which again, is far from the truth. Just yesterday, on July 13, reports came out that Trump had attempted to sell off the island of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, sparking outrage.

US President Trump has made 23 false claims every day in the last 14 months: Report

A U.S. federal judge issued an injunction on Monday delaying what would have been the first federal execution in 17 years, scheduled for later in the day, thwarting at least for now the Trump administration's goal of reviving capital punishment at the federal level.

Judge Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. district court in Washington ordered the U.S. Department of Justice to delay four executions scheduled for July and August to allow continuation of the condemned men's legal challenges against a new lethal injection protocol announced in 2019.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/first-federal-execution-in-us-since-2003-set-to-take-place-today-july-13-312989" hreflang="en">First federal execution in US since 2003 set to take place today, July 13</a>

"The scientific evidence before the court overwhelmingly indicates that the 2019 Protocol is very likely to cause Plaintiffs extreme pain and needless suffering during their executions," Chutkan wrote in her order.&nbsp;

She said the inmates were likely to succeed in their claim that the new one-drug protocol using pentobarbital, a powerful barbiturate, breached a constitutional ban on "cruel and unusual" punishments.&nbsp;

Chutkan sided with a medical expert cited by the inmates who said that a high-dose injection of pentobarbital was caustic enough to rapidly fill a condemned man's lungs with bloody fluid, causing him to feel as if he were drowning for some time before losing consciousness.

To make their deaths less painful, the inmates have proposed that the Justice Department add morphine or a similar painkiller to the lethal injection protocol, or arrange for them to be executed by firing squad, a method last used a decade ago by Utah's government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-to-resume-federal-executions-on-july-13-after-a-17-year-stay-306154" hreflang="en">US to resume federal executions on July 13, after a 17-year stay</a>

The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Chutkan's order, writing in its application that it was a "meritless injunction" that would "scramble" its plans to "administer a dignified and humane lethal injection."

The Justice Department also challenged the injunction in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, saying in a court filing its extensive planning for the July and August dates, including training drills for the 40-member execution team and the booking of transportation and hotel rooms, "cannot easily be undone."&nbsp;

A previous injunction issued by Chutkan on different grounds last year, postponing the original execution dates set in December, was overturned on appeal.

Chutkan's new order came down less than seven hours before Daniel Lewis Lee was due to be put to death at 4 p.m. using a lethal injection at the Justice Department's execution chamber in Terre Haute, Indiana.&nbsp;

Lee was sentenced to death for his role in the 1996 murders of three members of an Arkansas family, including an 8-year-old child. Relatives of his victims have opposed his execution.

"The government has been trying to plow forward with these executions despite many unanswered questions about the legality of its new execution protocol," Shawn Nolan, one of the public defenders representing the inmates, said in a statement.

Efforts to resume capital punishment at the federal level were underway within a few months of President Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, ending a de facto moratorium that began under his predecessor, Barack Obama, due to problems getting execution drugs and while long-running legal challenges to lethal injections played out in federal courts.&nbsp;

A European Union ban on selling drugs for use in executions or torture has led to pharmaceutical companies refusing to sell such drugs to U.S. prison systems.&nbsp;

The Justice Department spent much of 2018 and 2019 building a secret supply chain of private companies to make and test its drug of choice, pentobarbital, which replaces a three-drug protocol used in previous executions. Some of the companies involved said they were not aware they were testing execution drugs, a Reuters investigation found last week.

One laboratory has since announced it will refuse to test pentobarbital intended for executions.

The Justice Department had scheduled two more executions for later in the week and a fourth in August, of Wesley Purkey, Dustin Honken and Keith Nelson, all convicted of murdering children.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted separate lawsuits from relatives of Lee's victims and Purkey's spiritual adviser to delay the executions until the pandemic has passed so they can safely attend. At least one employee involved in the executions has tested positive for COVID-19, the Justice Department said.

A U.S. federal judge issued an injunction on Monday delaying what would have been the first federal execution in 17 years, scheduled for later in the day, thwarting at least for now the Trump administration's goal of reviving capital punishment at the federal level.

A U.S. federal judge issued an injunction on Monday delaying what would have been the first federal execution in 17 years, scheduled for later in the day, thwarting at least for now the Trump administration's goal of reviving capital punishment at the federal level. Judge Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. district court in Washington ordered the U.S. Department of Justice to delay four executions scheduled for July and August to allow continuation of the condemned men's legal challenges against a new lethal injection protocol announced in 2019. Also read: First federal execution in US since 2003 set to take place today, July 13 "The scientific evidence before the court overwhelmingly indicates that the 2019 Protocol is very likely to cause Plaintiffs extreme pain and needless suffering during their executions," Chutkan wrote in her order. She said the inmates were likely to succeed in their claim that the new one-drug protocol using pentobarbital, a powerful barbiturate, breached a constitutional ban on "cruel and unusual" punishments. Chutkan sided with a medical expert cited by the inmates who said that a high-dose injection of pentobarbital was caustic enough to rapidly fill a condemned man's lungs with bloody fluid, causing him to feel as if he were drowning for some time before losing consciousness. To make their deaths less painful, the inmates have proposed that the Justice Department add morphine or a similar painkiller to the lethal injection protocol, or arrange for them to be executed by firing squad, a method last used a decade ago by Utah's government. Also read: US to resume federal executions on July 13, after a 17-year stay The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Chutkan's order, writing in its application that it was a "meritless injunction" that would "scramble" its plans to "administer a dignified and humane lethal injection." The Justice Department also challenged the injunction in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, saying in a court filing its extensive planning for the July and August dates, including training drills for the 40-member execution team and the booking of transportation and hotel rooms, "cannot easily be undone." A previous injunction issued by Chutkan on different grounds last year, postponing the original execution dates set in December, was overturned on appeal. Chutkan's new order came down less than seven hours before Daniel Lewis Lee was due to be put to death at 4 p.m. using a lethal injection at the Justice Department's execution chamber in Terre Haute, Indiana. Lee was sentenced to death for his role in the 1996 murders of three members of an Arkansas family, including an 8-year-old child. Relatives of his victims have opposed his execution. "The government has been trying to plow forward with these executions despite many unanswered questions about the legality of its new execution protocol," Shawn Nolan, one of the public defenders representing the inmates, said in a statement. Efforts to resume capital punishment at the federal level were underway within a few months of President Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, ending a de facto moratorium that began under his predecessor, Barack Obama, due to problems getting execution drugs and while long-running legal challenges to lethal injections played out in federal courts. A European Union ban on selling drugs for use in executions or torture has led to pharmaceutical companies refusing to sell such drugs to U.S. prison systems. The Justice Department spent much of 2018 and 2019 building a secret supply chain of private companies to make and test its drug of choice, pentobarbital, which replaces a three-drug protocol used in previous executions. Some of the companies involved said they were not aware they were testing execution drugs, a Reuters investigation found last week. One laboratory has since announced it will refuse to test pentobarbital intended for executions. The Justice Department had scheduled two more executions for later in the week and a fourth in August, of Wesley Purkey, Dustin Honken and Keith Nelson, all convicted of murdering children. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted separate lawsuits from relatives of Lee's victims and Purkey's spiritual adviser to delay the executions until the pandemic has passed so they can safely attend. At least one employee involved in the executions has tested positive for COVID-19, the Justice Department said.

US judge delays first federal executions in 17 years

China accused the U.S. on Tuesday of trying to sow discord between China and the Southeast Asian countries with which it has long-standing territorial disputes

China says 'Committed to peaceful dispute resolution at South China Sea'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian held a press conference. Watch to know what he said.

China's Foreign Ministry briefing: Reaction to US remarks on South China sea

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