While tensions are escalating in West Asia, the leader of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has issued a renewed chilling warning to Israel. The leader of Lebanon's Iran-backed group says that Tehran's retaliation is inevitable.

Hezbollah vows revenge: US & Israel on alert over Iran's retaliation

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: - Indian Student dies in Ohio - WCK demands independent probe - Fresh peace talks begin in Cairo - Iran, Hezbollah turn up heat on Israel

US Earthquake: Biggest quake in US East in 100 years | Indian Students dies in Ohio

Earthquakes and aftershocks struck the East coast of the US on Friday, causing the buildings to shake and rattling nerves from Maryland to Maine. It's been termed as the biggest earthquake to hit the US coast in a century.

US Earthquake: 4.8 earthquake jolts US' New Jersey, tremors felt in New York

The United States Department of Agriculture has recently disclosed updates recently related to the bird flu virus that is spreading through Dairy cattle. Watch to know more.

USDA reveals bird flu updates, Cattle movement implicated in bird flu outbreak

US President Joe Biden urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas militants to agree to a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage deal. Watch to know more.

President Biden urges Egypt, Qatar to press Hamas for peace talks

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: -Maldives thanks India on export quotas -Iraq Force bombs Israel oil refineries - Cops clash with worshippers at Al-Aqsa - Headway in US, China talks on economy

Maldives thanks India on export quotas | Iraq Force bombs Israel oil refineries

Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported&nbsp;Reuters, citing a US official.

“US is certainly at a high state of vigilance,” the official said.

Tehran had earlier vowed retaliation following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus that killed 13 people. Among the casualties seven members were of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and two generals leading the Corps’ Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.

Iran's commander of the Revolutionary Guard&nbsp;Hossein Salami, addressing a state-organised assembly of thousands in Tehran, warned that any hostile action against the Islamic Republic would not be left without a response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-biden-netanyahu-call-israeli-military-sacks-two-over-killing-of-aid-workers-708073">Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call</a>

"Our teams have been in regular and continuous contact since then. The United States fully supports the defence of Israel against threats from Iran," a senior Biden administration official said.

US President Joe Biden discussed the threat from Iran in a phone call on Thursday (April 4) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Notably the leaders of the US and Israel&nbsp;held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said.&nbsp;

Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, had accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place',".&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-military-chief-dimitris-houpis-to-visit-india-as-defence-ties-strengthen-707811">Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen</a>

Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>US abstained from UNSC resolution&nbsp;</h2>

The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu cancelled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-reportedly-set-to-build-home-robots-as-its-next-big-thing-707814">Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing'</a>

Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported Reuters, citing a US official.

Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported Reuters, citing a US official. “US is certainly at a high state of vigilance,” the official said. Tehran had earlier vowed retaliation following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus that killed 13 people. Among the casualties seven members were of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and two generals leading the Corps’ Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. Iran's commander of the Revolutionary Guard Hossein Salami, addressing a state-organised assembly of thousands in Tehran, warned that any hostile action against the Islamic Republic would not be left without a response. Also read: Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call "Our teams have been in regular and continuous contact since then. The United States fully supports the defence of Israel against threats from Iran," a senior Biden administration official said. US President Joe Biden discussed the threat from Iran in a phone call on Thursday (April 4) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Notably the leaders of the US and Israel held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said. Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, had accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place',". Also Read | Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone. US abstained from UNSC resolution The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu cancelled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington. Also Read | Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing' Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'. (With inputs from agencies)

US on high alert over Iran attack threat in retaliation to Israeli strike on consulate in Syria

Thousands of Arabs and pro-Palestinian supporters have boycotted major U.S. firms, over their alleged backing of Israel's military actions in Gaza. How are local companies making use of this social wave?

US' Pelosi urges halt to arms sale to Israel | How far will US go to fund Israel

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden on Friday urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas militants to agree to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of a fresh round of talks this weekend in Cairo.

CIA Director Bill Burns will lead the US&nbsp;delegation to the Cairo talks, a US&nbsp;official said.

A senior Biden administration official said Biden wrote letters to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the state of the hostage talks and "he urged them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal."

Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday during which they discussed ongoing hostage negotiations and the round of talks in Cairo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-biden-netanyahu-call-israeli-military-sacks-two-over-killing-of-aid-workers-708073">Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call</a>

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Biden told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo so that a deal can be reached as soon as possible.

The United States and its allies view a ceasefire as essential to allowing more humanitarian aid to get into Gaza amid fears of famine among the Palestinians there.

Under the most recent proposal, Israel and Hamas would agree to a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held by Hamas. Progress on a deal has been stalled for weeks.

"This basic fact remains true: There would be a ceasefire in Gaza today had Hamas simply agreed to release this vulnerable category of hostages – the sick, wounded, elderly, and young women," the senior Biden official said.

"The onus is on Hamas to release the hostages and bring relief to the people of Gaza through a prolonged ceasefire," the official said.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will meet the families of the hostages at the White House on Monday, the official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charity-questions-credibility-of-israeli-inquiry-findings-on-aid-worker-killings-708219">Charity questions credibility of Israeli inquiry report on killing aid workers</a>

Kirby said there were no plans by the United States to conduct an independent investigation into the killings of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza.

The Israeli military dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded senior commanders after an inquiry into the killing of the aid workers in a Gaza airstrike this week found serious errors and breaches of procedure.

Netanyahu had briefed Biden in their phone call on Thursday on the general findings of Israel's inquiry into the incident. Biden warned Netanyahu that Israel must take steps to address civilian harm and humanitarian suffering or else Washington will take unspecified steps in response.

Israel also announced it was opening the Ashdod port and Erez crossing to increase the flow of aid into Gaza.

Asked if he had threatened to withhold military support for Israel, Biden told reporters on Friday: “I asked them to do what they’re doing."

US President Joe Biden on Friday urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas militants to agree to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of a fresh round of talks this weekend in Cairo.

US President Joe Biden on Friday urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to pressure Hamas militants to agree to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of a fresh round of talks this weekend in Cairo. CIA Director Bill Burns will lead the US delegation to the Cairo talks, a US official said. A senior Biden administration official said Biden wrote letters to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the state of the hostage talks and "he urged them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal." Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday during which they discussed ongoing hostage negotiations and the round of talks in Cairo. Also read: Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Biden told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo so that a deal can be reached as soon as possible. The United States and its allies view a ceasefire as essential to allowing more humanitarian aid to get into Gaza amid fears of famine among the Palestinians there. Under the most recent proposal, Israel and Hamas would agree to a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held by Hamas. Progress on a deal has been stalled for weeks. "This basic fact remains true: There would be a ceasefire in Gaza today had Hamas simply agreed to release this vulnerable category of hostages – the sick, wounded, elderly, and young women," the senior Biden official said. "The onus is on Hamas to release the hostages and bring relief to the people of Gaza through a prolonged ceasefire," the official said. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will meet the families of the hostages at the White House on Monday, the official said. Also read: Charity questions credibility of Israeli inquiry report on killing aid workers Kirby said there were no plans by the United States to conduct an independent investigation into the killings of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. The Israeli military dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded senior commanders after an inquiry into the killing of the aid workers in a Gaza airstrike this week found serious errors and breaches of procedure. Netanyahu had briefed Biden in their phone call on Thursday on the general findings of Israel's inquiry into the incident. Biden warned Netanyahu that Israel must take steps to address civilian harm and humanitarian suffering or else Washington will take unspecified steps in response. Israel also announced it was opening the Ashdod port and Erez crossing to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. Asked if he had threatened to withhold military support for Israel, Biden told reporters on Friday: “I asked them to do what they’re doing."

Biden urges Egypt, Qatar to press Hamas on hostage deal ahead of weekend talks

Next month a solar eclipse will occur on April 8th and it will be the first solar eclipse of 2024. As for NASA, the total solar eclipse will cross North America passing over Mexico, the US and Canada. Ahead of that Ontario's Niagara region has declared a state of emergency.

Astronomy for all: New technology can help blind people feel & hear eclipse

With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity.

Amid this, the leaders of the two nations held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at&nbsp;11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday (Apr 4) is set to deliberate on a draft resolution advocating for a weapons embargo on Israel. The council will also push for a condemnation of “the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare”.

This comes as Israeli officials continue to maintain that the strike was unintentional.

Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place,'"&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-military-chief-dimitris-houpis-to-visit-india-as-defence-ties-strengthen-707811">Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen</a>

Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>US abstained from UNSC resolution&nbsp;</h2>

The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu canceled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-reportedly-set-to-build-home-robots-as-its-next-big-thing-707814">Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing'</a>

Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-outrage-over-the-killing-of-aid-workers-707793">Israel War: Outrage over the killing of aid workers</a>

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the administration will continue to engage in "tough conversations" with Israeli counterparts.

(With inputs from agencies)

With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity.

With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity. Amid this, the leaders of the two nations held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said. Notably, the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday (Apr 4) is set to deliberate on a draft resolution advocating for a weapons embargo on Israel. The council will also push for a condemnation of “the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare”. This comes as Israeli officials continue to maintain that the strike was unintentional. Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place,'" Also Read | Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone. US abstained from UNSC resolution The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu canceled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington. Also Read | Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing' Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'. Watch | Israel War: Outrage over the killing of aid workers × White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the administration will continue to engage in "tough conversations" with Israeli counterparts. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Netanyahu hold talk - first after WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strikes

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Thursday for the first time since an Israeli strike in Gaza killed seven aid workers, including one American, from the World Central Kitchen charity. Watch in for more details!

Biden and Netanyahu speak for first time following Gaza aid deaths

A group of immigrant workers gathered at the Baltimore offices of Casa a Maryland-based immigration advocacy group where they mourned the lives lost on the bridge collapse. This comes as a crane that can lift a thousand tons described as one of the largest on the Eastern Seaboard arrived near the site of a collapsed highway bridge as crews prepare to begin clearing wreckage that is hindering the search for four workers missing and presumed dead.

US President Biden to plan response & recovery efforts in Baltimore; channel to be reconstructed

The trade imbalance in the united states has grown for three consecutive months, as imports were worth more than exports in February. The trade deficit for goods and services increased by 1.9% in February from January to $68.9 billion. That marks the worst gap in nearly a year. Watch in for more details!

US back to a widening trade deficit on higher imports

The US has increased its visa fee for H1-B, L-1, and EB-5 categories, which are among the most common visa types applied by Indians. Watch in for more details!

US increases immigration fees for various Visa categories

Reports say the U.S. may consider removing the Houthis from its terror list. The Houthis have not stopped attacking ships at the Red Sea, neither have they called off the war. What then explains the possible delisting of the group from the American terror list? Watch in for more details!

Red Sea Crisis: Will US take Houthis out of terror list?

A New Jersey earthquake shook and stirred New York City Friday, leaving residents rattled by the most powerful tremor to hit the five boroughs in more than a decade. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: New York City rattled and rolled by 4.7 tremor

In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden asked for an immediate ceasefire. According to the White House Biden made it clear the need for Israel to implement concrete steps to address civilian harm and the safety of humanitarian Aid workers. Watch in for more details!

US' Biden calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire, to allow temporary aid through Northern Gaza border

Donald Trump suffered a pair of legal setbacks on Thursday as judges spurned his calls to dismiss criminal charges over the former US president's efforts to overturn his 2020 loss in Georgia and his keeping classified records after leaving office. Watch in for more details!

Setback for Donald Trump: Judges reject calls to dismiss charges

Israel has approved more aid crossing to Gaza hours after Biden-Netanyahu held tense talks. The country is in a tough spot, many allies are reportedly mulling conditions on support if Israel does not act on avoiding civilian harm.

Israel approves aid crossing after tough talks with US

US weapons sales to Israel have been under increased scrutiny amid outrage over the reported deaths of tens of thousands of people in Gaza since the start of the war, including seven aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike this week. Watch in for more details!

US shows no indication of restricting weapons for Israel

US: Donald Trump suffers setbacks as judges reject calls to dismiss charges

An Indian-origin man has sued a temple in the United States for&nbsp;$1 million in damages over branding his son with a hot iron rod as part of a religious ceremony last year.

Vijay Cheruvu, a resident of Texas' Fort Bend County alleged that his 11-year-old son was branded with a hot iron rod during a religious ceremony at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Hindu temple in Sugarland, Texas in August 2023.

The lawsuit filed in Fort Bend County stated that the boy suffered excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement.

Cheruvu is seeking over $1 million in damages in the lawsuit against the temple and its parent firm, Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) USA, Inc.

“I was shocked. I didn’t know how to handle it. My primary concern is for my son’s well-being,” Cheruvu said at a press conference here.

He stated that the temple branded his son on his shoulder in the shape of the Hindu god, Vishnu.

The lawsuit alleges that more than 100 people took part in the religious ceremony at the Ashtalakshmi Temple at Synott Road in Sugar Land in August 2023, out of which, three participants were children, including Cheruvu's son.

Cheruvu's attorney, Brant Stogner, claimed that the boy, who was branded in both shoulders, suffered severe pain and permanent disfigurement and also developed an infection because of it.

The 11-year-old went to the temple along with his mother to attend the ceremony and was branded with the iron rod against his will and without the consent of his father, said Stogner.

He further said that branding, tattooing or scarring a child is illegal in Texas even with parental consent.

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"This is happening basically in our backyard over here, so that's the reason we filed the lawsuit," Stogner said.

"We want to make sure our community is aware of this and want to make sure it doesn't happen to anybody else, anybody else's child or any child at all."

The child was not identified, however, the attorney read out an impact statement from him.

"I was so surprised. I did not know that anything was going to happen like this. I was shocked when they did it on my shoulder and it hurt so much that I almost cried," he said in part.

"They knew what they did was very wrong because they told me to keep it secret from everyone else. But I had to tell my dad when the pain got worse and it became infected," he added.

Cheruvu claimed that his son was taken to the temple by his ex-wife and&nbsp;was branded with the iron rod but the mother was not.

"He goes to see a therapist. He’s so deeply scarred, mentally scarred, and then there’s all the pain," said the father.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian-origin man has sued a temple in the United States for $1 million in damages over branding his son with a hot iron rod as part of a religious ceremony last year.

An Indian-origin man has sued a temple in the United States for $1 million in damages over branding his son with a hot iron rod as part of a religious ceremony last year. Vijay Cheruvu, a resident of Texas' Fort Bend County alleged that his 11-year-old son was branded with a hot iron rod during a religious ceremony at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Hindu temple in Sugarland, Texas in August 2023. The lawsuit filed in Fort Bend County stated that the boy suffered excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement. Cheruvu is seeking over $1 million in damages in the lawsuit against the temple and its parent firm, Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) USA, Inc. “I was shocked. I didn’t know how to handle it. My primary concern is for my son’s well-being,” Cheruvu said at a press conference here. He stated that the temple branded his son on his shoulder in the shape of the Hindu god, Vishnu. The lawsuit alleges that more than 100 people took part in the religious ceremony at the Ashtalakshmi Temple at Synott Road in Sugar Land in August 2023, out of which, three participants were children, including Cheruvu's son. Cheruvu's attorney, Brant Stogner, claimed that the boy, who was branded in both shoulders, suffered severe pain and permanent disfigurement and also developed an infection because of it. The 11-year-old went to the temple along with his mother to attend the ceremony and was branded with the iron rod against his will and without the consent of his father, said Stogner. He further said that branding, tattooing or scarring a child is illegal in Texas even with parental consent. Also read: Boeing nightmare continues, lavatory sink floods Alaska Airlines plane cabin mid-air "This is happening basically in our backyard over here, so that's the reason we filed the lawsuit," Stogner said. "We want to make sure our community is aware of this and want to make sure it doesn't happen to anybody else, anybody else's child or any child at all." The child was not identified, however, the attorney read out an impact statement from him. "I was so surprised. I did not know that anything was going to happen like this. I was shocked when they did it on my shoulder and it hurt so much that I almost cried," he said in part. "They knew what they did was very wrong because they told me to keep it secret from everyone else. But I had to tell my dad when the pain got worse and it became infected," he added. Cheruvu claimed that his son was taken to the temple by his ex-wife and was branded with the iron rod but the mother was not. "He goes to see a therapist. He’s so deeply scarred, mentally scarred, and then there’s all the pain," said the father. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin man sues temple in US over branding son with hot iron rod

Israel fires two military personnel after concluding they mistakenly fired at an aid workers convoy in Gaza that killed 7 foreign nationals. Its the first of the steps taken by the Netanyahu govt after a phone call with Biden where US stated clear red lines.

Will Israel act on Biden's ultimatum on Gaza?

Iran-backed militia the Houthis have claimed that over 400 strikes by the US and the UK have targeted Yemen. So far the leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi has alleged that these air strikes have killed 37 and wounded another 30.

Houthis: 'We affirm the failure of the enemies'

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Joe Biden is set to visit the Baltimore bridge collapse site later today during the visit he will also meet relatives of the six workers who were killed in the collapse. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden asked for an immediate ceasefire. According to the White House Biden made it clear the need for Israel to implement concrete steps to address civilian harm and the safety of humanitarian Aid workers. Watch in for more details!

US: Biden to visit Baltimore bridge collapse site | Ecuador cracks down on crime

For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza. In other news,&nbsp;Donald Trump's bid to dismiss the classified documents case was denied by a judge on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gives-nod-to-reopen-another-border-crossing-hours-after-biden-netanyahu-stern-chat-707876">Israel approves opening of Erez crossing, hours after Biden-Netanyahu chat</a>

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For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza.

Click on the links to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-troubles-continue-as-judge-denies-motion-to-dismiss-classified-documents-case-707878">Judge denies Donald Trump's motion to dismiss classified documents case</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/05/423020-trump-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Former President Donald Trump's bid to dismiss the classified documents case was denied by a judge on Thursday (April 4). Trump has been accused of mishandling the classified documents during his tenure as the president and has argued that the documents were seen as personal papers, under the Presidential Records Act.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-latest-senior-moment-repeats-debunked-claims-seemingly-forgets-his-own-name-during-speech-707915">Biden's latest 'senior moment': Repeats debunked claims, seemingly forgets his own name during speech</a>

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US President Joe Biden has done it again. The 81-year-old stumbled in his latest speech, and in a 'senior moment', once again echoed a false claim he has been repeating for around five years.&nbsp;

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/05/423027-new-wion-2024-04-05t082531761.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Elon Musk's X has stirred confusion as some users woke up to free blue ticks on Thursday (Apr 4) morning. For those living under a rock, X, formerly Twitter, for years, used to offer blue tick verification badges to prominent accounts, including those of celebrities, politicians, journalists, and other influential people.&nbsp;

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For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza.

For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza. In other news, Donald Trump's bid to dismiss the classified documents case was denied by a judge on Thursday. Israel approves opening of Erez crossing, hours after Biden-Netanyahu chat For the first time after the violent October 7 attacks, the security cabinet of Israel agreed to reopen the Erez crossing between the country and northern Gaza. Israeli officials have agreed to open the crossing to ensure that more humanitarian aid is entering Gaza. The approval for using the Israeli Port of Ashdod was also given by the cabinet to help transfer more aid to Gaza. Click on the links to read more. Judge denies Donald Trump's motion to dismiss classified documents case Former President Donald Trump's bid to dismiss the classified documents case was denied by a judge on Thursday (April 4). Trump has been accused of mishandling the classified documents during his tenure as the president and has argued that the documents were seen as personal papers, under the Presidential Records Act. Biden's latest 'senior moment': Repeats debunked claims, seemingly forgets his own name during speech US President Joe Biden has done it again. The 81-year-old stumbled in his latest speech, and in a 'senior moment', once again echoed a false claim he has been repeating for around five years. Back from the dead: Elon Musk's X sparks confusion with surprise return of free blue ticks Elon Musk's X has stirred confusion as some users woke up to free blue ticks on Thursday (Apr 4) morning. For those living under a rock, X, formerly Twitter, for years, used to offer blue tick verification badges to prominent accounts, including those of celebrities, politicians, journalists, and other influential people. Watch: Myanmar's resistance groups launch drone attack on Naypyitaw ×

Morning brief: Israel to reopen Erez crossing; judge denies Trump's bid to dismiss classified docs case & more

A strong wind swept through several states in the United States causing at least one death and spawning possible tornadoes. Thousands of homes and businesses were left without power in Southern Ohio as winds raged. Watch in for more details!

US: Spring storm batters Northeast, heavy snow forecast | WION Climate Tracker

The U.S. is reportedly working on tech that could combat 'rogue' killer robots. In light of the recent failures in American tech companies, we ask the question. Can America be trusted to save the world from killer robots?

Gravitas | US Developing Tech to Fight Killer Machines | Can America Save the World?

The US Federal Reserve at its meeting on march 20 left the key lending rate unchanged, as was expected by the market. Following the announcement, all eyes were on the US Fed’s dot plot to look for signals on the next rate cut. This story explains what a dot plot is and why it's important now.

US Fed turns to dot plot graph to cut rates

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded&nbsp;a political and military alliance of European and North American countries. Since its inception, NATO has added 20 new member countries.

<h2>How much is NATO's budget?</h2>

NATO's budget for 2023 was $1.26 trillion. The annual NATO budget is funded by all 32 member countries. Instead of making direct payments, member nations contribute to national defense spending, such as domestic personnel expenses, equipment purchases, and infrastructure investments, to support NATO's operational preparedness and strategic efforts across the world.

NATO signed&nbsp;the Defense Investment Pledge in 2014, encouraging member nations to invest at least 2% of their GDP on defense.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/ukraine-hands-out-awards-to-vigilante-hackers-for-cyber-attacks-against-russia-707485" hreflang="en">Ukraine hands out awards to vigilante hackers for cyber-attacks against Russia</a>

<h2>How much did the United States spend on NATO in 2024?</h2>

The United States has long been an important contributor to NATO. Last year, it contributed $860 billion, accounting for 68 percent of NATO's overall budget. This equals 3.49 percent of America's overall GDP.&nbsp;

<h2>How much did other NATO members contribute?</h2>

Canada offered 1.38 percent of its GDP, or $28.95 billion (2.29 percent of overall contributions), whereas the European allies combined accounted for $375.1 billion (29.68 percent) of the entire budget.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/nato-chief-weighs-in-on-multi-year-commitments-to-support-ukraine-for-long-haul-707327" hreflang="en">NATO chief weighs in on ‘multi-year’ commitments to support Ukraine for ‘long haul’</a>

Last year, Poland allocated 3.9% of its GDP, outpacing the United States in terms of GDP percentage. Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia all contributed more than the 2% guideline last year.

Watch:&nbsp;Grant Shapps: NATO countries are playing "Russian roulette" with insufficient defense spending

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<h2>How much has the United States spent&nbsp;on NATO over the past 75 years?</h2>

According to its annual military Expenditure of NATO Countries report, the United States has contributed $21.9 trillion to NATO's military budget over the last 75 years, far outspending its 31 counterparts.

NATO stated that by the end of this year, 18 allies are likely to have met the criteria, a six-fold increase since the promise was inked in 2014.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded a political and military alliance of European and North American countries.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. On April 4, 1949, the 12 members, which included Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, founded a political and military alliance of European and North American countries. Since its inception, NATO has added 20 new member countries. How much is NATO's budget? NATO's budget for 2023 was $1.26 trillion. The annual NATO budget is funded by all 32 member countries. Instead of making direct payments, member nations contribute to national defense spending, such as domestic personnel expenses, equipment purchases, and infrastructure investments, to support NATO's operational preparedness and strategic efforts across the world. NATO signed the Defense Investment Pledge in 2014, encouraging member nations to invest at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Also read | Ukraine hands out awards to vigilante hackers for cyber-attacks against Russia How much did the United States spend on NATO in 2024? The United States has long been an important contributor to NATO. Last year, it contributed $860 billion, accounting for 68 percent of NATO's overall budget. This equals 3.49 percent of America's overall GDP. How much did other NATO members contribute? Canada offered 1.38 percent of its GDP, or $28.95 billion (2.29 percent of overall contributions), whereas the European allies combined accounted for $375.1 billion (29.68 percent) of the entire budget. Also read | NATO chief weighs in on ‘multi-year’ commitments to support Ukraine for ‘long haul’ Last year, Poland allocated 3.9% of its GDP, outpacing the United States in terms of GDP percentage. Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Slovakia all contributed more than the 2% guideline last year. Watch: Grant Shapps: NATO countries are playing "Russian roulette" with insufficient defense spending × How much has the United States spent on NATO over the past 75 years? According to its annual military Expenditure of NATO Countries report, the United States has contributed $21.9 trillion to NATO's military budget over the last 75 years, far outspending its 31 counterparts. NATO stated that by the end of this year, 18 allies are likely to have met the criteria, a six-fold increase since the promise was inked in 2014.

NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed?

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