Firefighters responded to a massive fire that broke out at an oceanside in California. Plumes of smoke were seen over the pier as firefighters responded from the ground and above with helipcopters making multiple water drops to fight the flames.

US: Massive blaze burns at iconic oceanside pier, fire at an abandoned restaurant

The top diplomats of the US and China held tough talks in Beijing as the rival superpowers sought to clarify their growing differences on an array of bilateral and global issues.

Blinken in China: Blinken's visit amidst US ban on TikTok

To enhance consumer rights in air travel, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule mandating airlines to quickly issue automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed.

This development is poised to streamline the refund process for passengers when "airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg while highlighting the importance of this rule, stated, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling. Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”

Before this ruling, airlines had varying refund policies which led to confusion among passengers regarding their rights. Moreover, some airlines implemented less consumer-friendly refund policies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-rapper-toomaj-salehi-sentenced-to-death-for-role-in-mahsa-amini-protests-714910">Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for role in Mahsa Amini protests</a>

Under the finalised rule, passengers are entitled to refunds in several scenarios -&nbsp;

- Cancelled or significantly changed flights: Refunds are due if flights are canceled or significantly altered, with specific criteria defined for what constitutes a significant change.

"Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability," as per a DOT statement.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-155-killed-in-tanzania-as-heavy-rains-lash-east-africa-714943">At least 155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa</a>

- Baggage return: Passengers filing mishandled baggage reports are entitled to a refund of checked bag fees if their bags are not delivered "within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-us-allies-bracing-for-donald-trumps-return-714959">US Elections 2024: US allies bracing for Donald Trump's return?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-us-allies-bracing-for-donald-trumps-return-714959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

- Extra services not extended: Refunds must be issued for fees paid for additional services if the airline fails to deliver them.

The rule made it automatic, and prompt and ensured that refunds are issued in cash or the original form of payment. Airlines are now also required to notify passengers of their refund rights in the event of flight cancellations or significant changes.

The need for such regulations was underscored by a surge in refund-related complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. The refund issues constituted&nbsp;a major portion of all air travel service complaints received by DOT.

(With inputs from agencies)

To enhance consumer rights in air travel, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule mandating airlines to quickly issue automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed.

To enhance consumer rights in air travel, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a rule mandating airlines to quickly issue automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed. This development is poised to streamline the refund process for passengers when "airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg while highlighting the importance of this rule, stated, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling. Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.” Before this ruling, airlines had varying refund policies which led to confusion among passengers regarding their rights. Moreover, some airlines implemented less consumer-friendly refund policies. Also Read | Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for role in Mahsa Amini protests Under the finalised rule, passengers are entitled to refunds in several scenarios - - Cancelled or significantly changed flights: Refunds are due if flights are canceled or significantly altered, with specific criteria defined for what constitutes a significant change. "Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability," as per a DOT statement. Also Read | At least 155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa - Baggage return: Passengers filing mishandled baggage reports are entitled to a refund of checked bag fees if their bags are not delivered "within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight." Watch | US Elections 2024: US allies bracing for Donald Trump's return? × - Extra services not extended: Refunds must be issued for fees paid for additional services if the airline fails to deliver them. The rule made it automatic, and prompt and ensured that refunds are issued in cash or the original form of payment. Airlines are now also required to notify passengers of their refund rights in the event of flight cancellations or significant changes. The need for such regulations was underscored by a surge in refund-related complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. The refund issues constituted a major portion of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. (With inputs from agencies)

New rule will force US airlines to provide automatic, quick refunds for cancelled flights

From the string of recent Indian student deaths in the US to Prime Minister Modi's leadership during the last 10 years and the inclusion of the Rajasthani language in the 8th schedule of US Constitution to his Ayodhya visit and more. Rajasthan Association of North America member Prem Bhandari spoke with WION.

Member of Rajasthan Association of North America Prem Bhandari speaks about Ayodhya visit

It's a double court day for former President Donald Trump today, the hush money trial in New York is entering its third day while the US Supreme Court is also hearing an argument in Washington over the former President's immunity bid in the federal election case. Watch in for more details!

US | Donald Trump immunity case: US Supreme Court hears Trump's immunity case

A UNSC draft resolution calling on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space has been vetoed by Russia. While the US has questioned this move accusing Moscow of hiding something Russia has retaliated asking why only nukes and why should not all forms of Weaponry be banned in Space.

Russia vetoes US-led UNSC resolution on space nukes

The Pentagon said that the United States will begin construction “very soon” on a pier to boost deliveries of desperately needed aid to Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US to begin Gaza aid pier construction 'very soon'

As we witness conflicts on land and sea, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, it's evident that these confrontational dynamics are now extending into the vastness of outer space. Watch this to know more.

Gravitas: Russia, US set for a showdown on a crucial UNSC vote

New video evidence significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations, the latest of which was released last week, into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Watch in for more details!

New evidence challenges Pentagon's account of 2021 Kabul attack

In a surprise move, Ukraine and its allies think they could help change the tide of the war Washington has 'secretly' shipped long-range missiles to Kyiv for use in its battle to ward off the Russian offensive and they have already been put to use.

Russia-Ukraine war | 'ATACMS' Kyiv's new deadly missile secretly delivered by US

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's welcome in China was a bit unusual. Notably, the top Diplomat did not receive a red carpet welcome and there were only a few officers to greet him. On his second day of the visit, he met with China's top official in Shanghai on Thursday as Beijing and Washington are trying to iron out wrinkles in their ties.

Antony Blinken holds meeting with the Communist Party Secretary Chen Jining

Russia-Ukraine war | 'ATACMS' Ukraine's new deadly missile secretly delivered by US

The US Congress granting President Joe Biden new powers to seize Russian dollar assets to aid Ukraine has intensified debate over the consequences of foreign demand for US Treasuries and use of the dollar.

About $280 billion in Russian assets have been frozen so far

The US is going all in on AI with the Pentagon reportedly spending billions on Big Tech and Silicon Valley startups. This as the U.S. military and intelligence agencies look to deploy AI-enabled military technologies to stay ahead of the curve.

Gravitas: Pentagon’s Multibillion-dollar bet on AI | DoD spends billions on Silicon Valley startups

President Biden's move to sign legislation targeting TikTok intensified the debate over free speech & data security. TikTok's CEO asserts the company's confidence in prevailing against legal challenges. Bytedance is given a strict deadline to divest its US Assets in the legislation approved overwhelmingly by the Senate. 170 million American users watch in anticipation as this legal battle unfolds.

Major countries targetting TikTok: India, UK, US, Australia

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

Pro-Palestine Protest at US universities: Hundreds of students arrested across campuses in US

In a race against time, doctors at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute had a patient who was struggling with a combination of heart and kidney failure. But as fate would have hope emerged in the form of a landmark xenotransplantation surgery.

Xenotransplantation: Pig kidney transplanted into human

Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war | Report: US secretly shipped ATACMS to Ukraine

New evidence refutes Pentagon's account of 2021 Kabul attack

McKinsey &amp; Co, the renowned consulting firm, is currently under scrutiny of a criminal investigation in the US, with federal prosecutors probing into allegations that the firm played a major role in aggravating the opioid epidemic. <o:p></o:p>

According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigation is focusing on McKinsey's consultancy services to OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma and other pharmaceutical giants, with suspicions arising regarding the firm's involvement in devising marketing strategies that increased the widespread addiction and fatal overdoses associated with prescription painkillers.<o:p></o:p>

The probe, led by the US Justice Department, is investigating whether McKinsey engaged in a criminal conspiracy by providing counsel to Purdue and other drug companies on marketing tactics aimed at increasing sales of prescription opioids. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, investigators are checking whether McKinsey's consulting activities for these firms led to fraudulent claims being submitted to government healthcare programs such as Medicare, potentially constituting healthcare fraud. <o:p></o:p>

The inquiry also includes suspicions of obstruction of justice, particularly following McKinsey's revelation that it terminated two partners involved in discussions about deleting documents related to their work on opioids.<o:p></o:p>

This investigation, initiated several years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic, involves officials from the Justice Department across multiple offices in Washington, Massachusetts, and Virginia. <o:p></o:p>

While both parties are engaged in discussions to resolve the probe, no definitive outcomes have been reached thus far. <o:p></o:p>

It must be noted that investigations do not inherently indicate wrongdoing, and the ultimate course of action by officials could range from pursuing criminal charges to seeking civil penalties or closing the probe without further action.<o:p></o:p>

The magnitude of this probe indicates the long-term repercussions of McKinsey's past involvement in advising pharmaceutical companies on opioids. <o:p></o:p>

Unlike previous government inquiries that McKinsey has settled, this investigation carries higher stakes due to the possibility for criminal charges against the firm or its executives, along with substantial financial penalties that the Justice Department typically demands in such cases. <o:p></o:p>

Despite reaching settlements totalling about $1 billion to resolve various opioid-related lawsuits, McKinsey has consistently maintained that none of these agreements contain admissions of liability or wrongdoing. <o:p></o:p>

Responding to the scrutiny, McKinsey announced in 2019 its decision to cease advising clients on any matters related to opioids. <o:p></o:p>

However, the firm's past actions continue to attract attention, with congressional committees scrutinising its consulting work in this domain. <o:p></o:p>

McKinsey stated in 2022 acknowledging the scrutiny surrounding its past client services to opioid manufacturers, saying that while their work was lawful, it fell short of the firm's self-imposed high standards. <o:p></o:p>

Purdue Pharma, the primary focus of McKinsey's consultancy services in this context, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. <o:p></o:p>

The drugmaker itself pleaded guilty in 2020 to criminal charges related to its handling of opioid painkillers and filed for bankruptcy in 2019, subsequently negotiating a settlement valued at approximately $10 billion to resolve numerous lawsuits alleging its contribution to the opioid epidemic. <o:p></o:p>

However, the Supreme Court has halted this settlement pending a ruling on a challenge by the Biden administration.<o:p></o:p>

As the investigation into McKinsey continues, prosecutors are yet to make any charging decisions. <o:p></o:p>

This is partly due to the extensive document review process underway and ongoing discussions between investigators and McKinsey's legal representatives.<o:p></o:p>

(Inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

McKinsey & Co, the renowned consulting firm, is currently under scrutiny of a criminal investigation in the US, with federal prosecutors probing into allegations that the firm played a major role in aggravating the opioid epidemic.

McKinsey & Co, the renowned consulting firm, is currently under scrutiny of a criminal investigation in the US, with federal prosecutors probing into allegations that the firm played a major role in aggravating the opioid epidemic. According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigation is focusing on McKinsey's consultancy services to OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma and other pharmaceutical giants, with suspicions arising regarding the firm's involvement in devising marketing strategies that increased the widespread addiction and fatal overdoses associated with prescription painkillers. The probe, led by the US Justice Department, is investigating whether McKinsey engaged in a criminal conspiracy by providing counsel to Purdue and other drug companies on marketing tactics aimed at increasing sales of prescription opioids. Additionally, investigators are checking whether McKinsey's consulting activities for these firms led to fraudulent claims being submitted to government healthcare programs such as Medicare, potentially constituting healthcare fraud. The inquiry also includes suspicions of obstruction of justice, particularly following McKinsey's revelation that it terminated two partners involved in discussions about deleting documents related to their work on opioids. This investigation, initiated several years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic, involves officials from the Justice Department across multiple offices in Washington, Massachusetts, and Virginia. While both parties are engaged in discussions to resolve the probe, no definitive outcomes have been reached thus far. It must be noted that investigations do not inherently indicate wrongdoing, and the ultimate course of action by officials could range from pursuing criminal charges to seeking civil penalties or closing the probe without further action. The magnitude of this probe indicates the long-term repercussions of McKinsey's past involvement in advising pharmaceutical companies on opioids. Unlike previous government inquiries that McKinsey has settled, this investigation carries higher stakes due to the possibility for criminal charges against the firm or its executives, along with substantial financial penalties that the Justice Department typically demands in such cases. Despite reaching settlements totalling about $1 billion to resolve various opioid-related lawsuits, McKinsey has consistently maintained that none of these agreements contain admissions of liability or wrongdoing. Responding to the scrutiny, McKinsey announced in 2019 its decision to cease advising clients on any matters related to opioids. However, the firm's past actions continue to attract attention, with congressional committees scrutinising its consulting work in this domain. McKinsey stated in 2022 acknowledging the scrutiny surrounding its past client services to opioid manufacturers, saying that while their work was lawful, it fell short of the firm's self-imposed high standards. Purdue Pharma, the primary focus of McKinsey's consultancy services in this context, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The drugmaker itself pleaded guilty in 2020 to criminal charges related to its handling of opioid painkillers and filed for bankruptcy in 2019, subsequently negotiating a settlement valued at approximately $10 billion to resolve numerous lawsuits alleging its contribution to the opioid epidemic. However, the Supreme Court has halted this settlement pending a ruling on a challenge by the Biden administration. As the investigation into McKinsey continues, prosecutors are yet to make any charging decisions. This is partly due to the extensive document review process underway and ongoing discussions between investigators and McKinsey's legal representatives. (Inputs from Reuters)

McKinsey faces criminal probe in the US over alleged role in opioid crisis

Russia-Ukraine war | 'ATACMS' Ukraine's new deadly missile

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

Anti-war protests grip US universities

Russia-Ukraine war | US official: Long-range missile secretly shipped to Kyiv

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US down Houthi anti-ship missile - Venice locals protest entry fee - Spain's opposition slams PM Sanchez - Bangladesh repatriates Myanmar troops

US down Houthi anti-ship missile | Venice locals protest entry fee

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US down Houthi anti-ship missile - Venice locals protest entry fee - Spain's opposition slams PM Sanchez - Bangladesh repatriates Myanmar troops - Stoltenberg takes to the skies

Stoltenberg takes to the skies | Israel readies for Rafah assault

New York's top court reportedly overturned Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction on Thursday, April 25. "We conclude that the trial court erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes," the court's 4-3 judgement stated, according to AP News.

Harvey Weinstein case: Court overturns Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes convictions

In an exclusive report filed by Reuters, China is providing morage for a US sanctioned Russian cargo ship implicated in North Korean arms transfer to Russia. Watch in for more details!

US fears grow over support to Russia's war in Ukraine

A sweeping foreign aid package easily passed the U.S. Congress late on Tuesday after months of delay, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh Ukraine funding amid advances from Russia's invasion force and Kyiv's shortages of military supplies.

US' new Foreign Aid Bill: US Senate passes $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan

The American President Joe Biden has committed yet another Gaff and he read loud instructions from his teleprompter at a trade Union conference in Washington. Watch in for more details!

US President accidentally reads instructions on teleprompter

US secretly ship ATACMS to Ukraine: Reports | US President Joe Biden signs Ukraine aid package

Russia vetoes UNSC resolution on space nukes, US accuses Russia of 'hiding something'

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1