In the Red Sea, American strikes against the Houthis have not deterred the militants and president joe Biden agrees. In fact, right after Biden said the U.S. Strikes in Yemen have not stopped attacks in the red sea, Houthi forces launched yet another missile attack on a us-owned vessel.

Biden says US attacks on Houthis are not working but will continue

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Macy's, the US department store chain, has revealed plans to cut 2,350 jobs and shut five stores, constituting 3.5 per cent of its total workforce. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The company, which operated 722 stores as of January 2023, employs around 94,570 full- and part-time staff, excluding seasonal hires. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">According to Reuters, the restructuring initiative is part of Macy's broader strategy to adapt to evolving consumer trends and marketplace dynamics. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The decision to slash jobs aligns with an ongoing $5.8 billion offer by an investor group, Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital, to take Macy's private.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Incoming CEO Tony Spring is spearheading efforts to trim expenses on promotions, aiming to enhance profit margins following the inventory surplus experienced by Macy's in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The job cuts are integral to the company's strategic shift and its commitment to meeting the demands of an ever-changing consumer landscape. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Macy's spokesperson stated that the layoffs are part of a comprehensive plan to deploy a new strategy aligned with market shifts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As the company assesses the optimal mix of on- and off-mall locations, it plans to close five full-line stores in the coming year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The Wall Street Journal, citing an internal memo to employees, reported that the layoffs are scheduled for January 26. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The move follows Macy's robust performance in November, where it surpassed analysts' profit estimates for the quarter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Lower inventories and robust demand for beauty products contributed to the positive results. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The streamlining effort, while driven by internal factors, also responds to external pressures from investor groups eyeing Macy's privatisation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB">(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


Macy's, the US department store chain, has revealed plans to cut 2,350 jobs and shut five stores, constituting 3.5 per cent of its total workforce. The company, which operated 722 stores as of January 2023, employs around 94,570 full- and part-time staff, excluding seasonal hires.

Macy's, the US department store chain, has revealed plans to cut 2,350 jobs and shut five stores, constituting 3.5 per cent of its total workforce. The company, which operated 722 stores as of January 2023, employs around 94,570 full- and part-time staff, excluding seasonal hires. According to Reuters, the restructuring initiative is part of Macy's broader strategy to adapt to evolving consumer trends and marketplace dynamics. The decision to slash jobs aligns with an ongoing $5.8 billion offer by an investor group, Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital, to take Macy's private. Incoming CEO Tony Spring is spearheading efforts to trim expenses on promotions, aiming to enhance profit margins following the inventory surplus experienced by Macy's in 2022. The job cuts are integral to the company's strategic shift and its commitment to meeting the demands of an ever-changing consumer landscape. Macy's spokesperson stated that the layoffs are part of a comprehensive plan to deploy a new strategy aligned with market shifts. As the company assesses the optimal mix of on- and off-mall locations, it plans to close five full-line stores in the coming year. The Wall Street Journal, citing an internal memo to employees, reported that the layoffs are scheduled for January 26. The move follows Macy's robust performance in November, where it surpassed analysts' profit estimates for the quarter. Lower inventories and robust demand for beauty products contributed to the positive results. The streamlining effort, while driven by internal factors, also responds to external pressures from investor groups eyeing Macy's privatisation. (With inputs from Reuters)

Macy's Initiates Streamlining Effort: 2,350 Job cuts & 5 store closures disclosed

North Korea has tested another nuclear weapon system, an underwater attack drone called the "Haeil-5-23". It was tested in waters off the east coast to mark its protest against this week's joint military drills by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The weapons test comes after Kim Jong Un declared South Korea is number one enemy and threatened to go to war if he feels threatened.

Gravitas: North Korea tests undersea nuclear armageddon | Will Kim start war with South Korea?

A cargo plane operated by America's Atlas air caught fire mid-air minutes after taking off from Miami. Reports say the plane suffered an engine snag. In a viral video, you can see the burning plane trying to make an emergency landing.

Gravitas | Watch: Boeing jet catches fire mid-air

The Yemen-based Houthi rebels, targeted American ship Chem Ranger in the Gulf of Aden with missiles. According to the Houthi spokesperson warned that attacks on American and British ships are inevitable and that any new aggression will not go "unpunished." This new attack by the Houthis, came after the U.S. struck Houthi targets on Thursday. This even as U.S. maintains that it is not at war with Houthis.

Gravitas: Houthi missile hits American ship as Biden admits 'airstrikes not working'

<p>The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis.</p>

<p>Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later&nbsp;the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-tensions-why-yemens-houthis-could-become-americas-terrorists-once-again-680920">Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation</strong></h2>

<p>Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region.</p>

<p>"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."</p>

<p>The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation.</p>

<p>"We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran.</p>

<p>"Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea. "We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. Also read: Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region. "As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes." The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation. "We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran. "Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue

Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military buildup in response to increased regional threats.

Japan signs deal with US to buy 400 Tomahawk missiles

The US on Wednesday returned the Yemen-based Houthi rebels to a list of terrorist groups, as the militants attacked their second US-operated vessel in the Red Sea region this week and the US military carried out fresh strikes.

Red Sea Crisis: US lists Houthis as terrorists as rebels hit another US-operated ship

Key issues in the 2024 US Presidential elections. Economy, Immigration weigh on US voters. Economists are uncertain about Federal Reserves' inflation target. Economy not the only doing factor for US voters? Watch to know more!

Key issues in the 2024 US Presidential Election

On January 18, about 9 p.m. (Sanaa time), Houthi terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Chem Ranger, a Marshall Island-flagged, US-owned, Greek-operated tanker ship. The crew saw the missiles strike the ocean near the ship. There were no reported injuries or damage to the vessel. The ship has kept moving.

Red Sea Crisis: Third Houthi terrorists attack on commercial shipping vessel in 3 days

China Thursday offered to play a “constructive role” to ease tension between Pakistan and Iran following their missile strikes against each other over the last two days and asked the two countries to “exercise restraint and calmness and avoid escalation”.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: China calls for restraint, offers mediation

According to a Justice Department report released Thursday, police officials who responded to the deadly Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting waited far too long to confront the gunman, acted with "no urgency" in establishing a command post, and communicated inaccurate information to grieving families, identifying "cascading failures" in law enforcement's handling of the massacre.

US' Department of Justice issues scathing report on police response on Uvalde shooting | WION

The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through early March and avert a partial government shutdown, sending it to President Joe Biden for final approval.

US House passes Stopgap bill, temporary relief  for US government

A US winter storm warning has been issued for more than 100 million people, and a new wave of extreme cold and snow is expected to sweep through the central and eastern United States, intensifying travel hazards and ushering in a brutally cold weekend.

US winter storm: At least 40 people have died across nine states since January 12

Another week, another incident of escalation across a key maritime trade route. US Military struck several Houthi bases in Yemen, but the rebel group continues its attack on israel-affiliated shipping vessels. Can the West deter the Iran-backed group, or is it just triggering further escalations?

U.S. strikes Houthi stronghold in Yemen

US House passes Stopgap bill to avert government shutdown

The United Nations and the United States appealed for restraint on Thursday after Iran and Pakistan traded deadly air strikes on militant targets on each other's territory.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: US, UN urge Pakistan, Iran to show restraint

Uvalde shooting US: New DOJ report finds 'cascading failures'

Japan-US missile deal to cost $1.7 billion. The payments for the deal will be completed over a three-year period. US to start training Japan's army for Tomhawk missile by March.

Japan signs deal with US to buy Tomhawk land attack missiles

A robotic lander built by a private company was bound for the moon on Monday (January 8) in an attempt to make the first U.S. lunar soft landing in half a century, after launching into space aboard a new Vulcan rocket debuted by a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

What went wrong with first US private lunar lander, Peregrine lander? | World News | WION

Snowfall in US, Canada: US weather office warns of severe snow storms in coming weeks

"A shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem that our armed forces are facing right now," Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on X after speaking by video link to the group led by France and the United States.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine faces shortage of ammunition, Zelensky says 'world not producing enough'

<p>Days after Republicans let go of their bid to advance contempt resolutions against President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, the businessman,&nbsp;agreed to testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on February 28 in regard to the ongoing impeachment against US President Joe Biden, which was initiated in September last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Hunter Biden's attorney last weekend suggested that his client is ready to work in tandem with the legislators in case certain conditions are met.&nbsp;His agreement to testify has ended a long-standing dispute between Republicans and Hunter Biden.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/citigroup-continues-overhaul-with-ceo-fraser-addressing-managing-directors-681505">Citigroup continues overhaul with CEO Fraser addressing managing directors</a></p>

<p>Committee chairmen Reps. James Comer and Jim Jordan said,&nbsp;"His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates. We look forward to Hunter Biden's testimony."</p>

<h2><strong>Contempt of Congress approved but later called off</strong> &nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier, the committees had approved contempt of Congress resolutions against Hunter Biden for not complying with congressional subpoenas. The full House was also on the brink of moving about a voting contempt of Congress. However, later things took a turn&nbsp;and the resolution was called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-raises-wages-for-us-store-managers-starting-february-681499">Walmart raises wages for US store managers starting February</a></p>

<p>The ongoing investigation will explore whether there was any inappropriate or unethical conduct on the part of President Biden about foreign business dealings by his family members during his vice presidency. Hunter's testimony will hold significance&nbsp;in the impeachment investigation centered around allegations against his father President Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-gather-in-tel-aviv-to-mark-first-birthday-of-youngest-gaza-hostage-kfir-biba-681520">Protesters gather in Tel Aviv to mark first birthday of youngest Gaza hostage Kfir Biba</a></strong></p>

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<p>"With the possible exception of President Biden, [Hunter] Biden is the most important witness possessing information about President Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings," Republicans stated.</p>

<p>It is worth noting that despite months of investigation, no evidence of wrongdoing has been unearthed up until now. Hunter Biden has also refuted any financial involvement by his father Joe Biden&nbsp;in his business dealings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Days after Republicans let go of their bid to advance contempt resolutions against President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, the businessman, agreed to testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on February 28 in regard to the ongoing impeachment against US President Joe Biden, which was initiated in September last year.

Days after Republicans let go of their bid to advance contempt resolutions against President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, the businessman, agreed to testify behind closed doors before the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees on February 28 in regard to the ongoing impeachment against US President Joe Biden, which was initiated in September last year. Notably, Hunter Biden's attorney last weekend suggested that his client is ready to work in tandem with the legislators in case certain conditions are met. His agreement to testify has ended a long-standing dispute between Republicans and Hunter Biden. Also Read | Citigroup continues overhaul with CEO Fraser addressing managing directors Committee chairmen Reps. James Comer and Jim Jordan said, "His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates. We look forward to Hunter Biden's testimony." Contempt of Congress approved but later called off Earlier, the committees had approved contempt of Congress resolutions against Hunter Biden for not complying with congressional subpoenas. The full House was also on the brink of moving about a voting contempt of Congress. However, later things took a turn and the resolution was called off. Also Read | Walmart raises wages for US store managers starting February The ongoing investigation will explore whether there was any inappropriate or unethical conduct on the part of President Biden about foreign business dealings by his family members during his vice presidency. Hunter's testimony will hold significance in the impeachment investigation centered around allegations against his father President Biden. Watch | Protesters gather in Tel Aviv to mark first birthday of youngest Gaza hostage Kfir Biba × "With the possible exception of President Biden, [Hunter] Biden is the most important witness possessing information about President Biden's involvement in his son's business dealings," Republicans stated. It is worth noting that despite months of investigation, no evidence of wrongdoing has been unearthed up until now. Hunter Biden has also refuted any financial involvement by his father Joe Biden in his business dealings. (With inputs from agencies)

Impeachment inquiry: Hunter Biden to finally testify on THIS date as Republicans call off contempt vote

<p>A viral social media challenge, known as the "TikTok Door Knock" challenge, is causing widespread physical and emotional distress among residents of all ages in Texas, police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Friendswood Police Department has issued a warning after receiving numerous reports of the dangers posed by the trend.</p>

<h2><strong>What is TikTok Door Knock challenge and why police say it's dangerous?</strong></h2>

<p>The challenge encourages participants, mostly teenagers, to bang on or kick doors in the middle of the night with the aim of startling unsuspecting residents. Doorbell camera footage, shared on the police department's Facebook page, vividly captures teens running through neighbourhoods during the late hours, one even resorting to using a 5-gallon water jug to create a loud disturbance at a home's front door.</p>

<p>Numerous victims have come forward to state that the trend has had an adverse&nbsp;impact&nbsp;on their well-being.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One victim, 77-year-old Gwen, recounted her terrifying experience to Fox 26 Houston, urging participants to cease their actions. "I would tell them to stop it before they get hurt or they hurt somebody. Please don't do this. It's wrong. It's very wrong," she was quoted as saying by the Fox News.</p>

<p>Beyond the emotional toll, the challenge is raising concerns about potential criminal activity.</p>

<p>Reports in the US media indicate that some kicks and bangs on doors have caused significant damage, according to Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 3 Chief Deputy Jimmy Evans. He labelled the challenge as a dangerously modernised version of the classic "ding, dong, ditch" game.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Skin fasting! What is the TikTok trend all about?</strong></p>

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<p>"I am afraid a homeowner may think someone is trying to burglarise their residence, and some innocent kid can get shot or killed," Evans was quoted as saying by Fox News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Friendswood Police Department is actively working to identify the individuals involved in these door-knocking incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are urging victims to come forward, especially those with video evidence of the alleged crimes. The police stress the importance of cooperation from the community to address the situation promptly.</p>


A viral social media challenge, known as the "TikTok Door Knock" challenge, is causing widespread physical and emotional distress among residents of all ages in Texas, police said.

A viral social media challenge, known as the "TikTok Door Knock" challenge, is causing widespread physical and emotional distress among residents of all ages in Texas, police said. The Friendswood Police Department has issued a warning after receiving numerous reports of the dangers posed by the trend. What is TikTok Door Knock challenge and why police say it's dangerous? The challenge encourages participants, mostly teenagers, to bang on or kick doors in the middle of the night with the aim of startling unsuspecting residents. Doorbell camera footage, shared on the police department's Facebook page, vividly captures teens running through neighbourhoods during the late hours, one even resorting to using a 5-gallon water jug to create a loud disturbance at a home's front door. Numerous victims have come forward to state that the trend has had an adverse impact on their well-being. One victim, 77-year-old Gwen, recounted her terrifying experience to Fox 26 Houston, urging participants to cease their actions. "I would tell them to stop it before they get hurt or they hurt somebody. Please don't do this. It's wrong. It's very wrong," she was quoted as saying by the Fox News. Beyond the emotional toll, the challenge is raising concerns about potential criminal activity. Reports in the US media indicate that some kicks and bangs on doors have caused significant damage, according to Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 3 Chief Deputy Jimmy Evans. He labelled the challenge as a dangerously modernised version of the classic "ding, dong, ditch" game. Also watch | Skin fasting! What is the TikTok trend all about? × "I am afraid a homeowner may think someone is trying to burglarise their residence, and some innocent kid can get shot or killed," Evans was quoted as saying by Fox News. The Friendswood Police Department is actively working to identify the individuals involved in these door-knocking incidents. They are urging victims to come forward, especially those with video evidence of the alleged crimes. The police stress the importance of cooperation from the community to address the situation promptly.

US: Police warn against life-threatening knock-the-door TikTok trend

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed US aspirations for the establishment of a Palestinian state, vowing that the offensive in Gaza will continue for many months.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects calls from US for Palestinian state after Gaza conflict

<p>Millions of acres of land in the United States are being bought by foreign buyers, most prominently by China-linked individuals and entities. The foreign ownership in the US farmland increased to about 40 million acres in 2021, up 40 per cent from 2016, according to data published by the US Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The foreign ownership of the US cropland has raised concern in Washington about possible national security risks. The US lawmakers have called for a crackdown on sales of farmland to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Montana Senator Jon Tester repeated his demand for the US to clamp down on farmland sales to China-linked entities or persons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;U.S. sounds alarm over Chinese buying land near military bases</strong></p>

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<p>"While we learn more about the specifics around this unfolding situation, it highlights the need for Congress to do more to protect American agricultural security," Tester said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-enraged-after-ccp-billionaire-purchases-200000-acres-of-us-land-679847">Lawmakers enraged after Chinese Communist party member purchases 200,000 acres of US land</a></strong></p>

<p>Previously, Tester co-sponsored a bill that called for a ban on entities from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from buying US agricultural land or businesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legislation was added to the defence spending bill and passed the Senate by a wide margin but was stripped out of the final version by House Republicans.</p>

<h2><strong>Which Chinese person owns most US farmland?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by private landownership magazine LandReport, Chinese billionaire Chen Tianqiao, a Communist Party member,&nbsp;is the 82nd-largest land owner and second-biggest foreign owner in the United States.</p>

<p>Chen, 50, who made his fortune from a company that made online video games, owns 198,000 acres (80,127 hectares) of Oregon timberland that he purchased in 2015.</p>

<p>Nearly 40 million acres of American agricultural land was owned by non-US interests as of 2021, according to the most recent Department of Agriculture data, with entities from China owning the equivalent of 0.03% of all US farmland.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Millions of acres of land in the United States are being bought by foreign buyers, most prominently by China-linked individuals and entities. The foreign ownership in the US farmland increased to about 40 million acres in 2021, up 40 per cent from 2016, according to data published by the US Department of Agriculture.

Millions of acres of land in the United States are being bought by foreign buyers, most prominently by China-linked individuals and entities. The foreign ownership in the US farmland increased to about 40 million acres in 2021, up 40 per cent from 2016, according to data published by the US Department of Agriculture. What does it mean? The foreign ownership of the US cropland has raised concern in Washington about possible national security risks. The US lawmakers have called for a crackdown on sales of farmland to China. Earlier this week, Montana Senator Jon Tester repeated his demand for the US to clamp down on farmland sales to China-linked entities or persons. Also watch | U.S. sounds alarm over Chinese buying land near military bases × "While we learn more about the specifics around this unfolding situation, it highlights the need for Congress to do more to protect American agricultural security," Tester said in a statement. Also read | Lawmakers enraged after Chinese Communist party member purchases 200,000 acres of US land Previously, Tester co-sponsored a bill that called for a ban on entities from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from buying US agricultural land or businesses. The legislation was added to the defence spending bill and passed the Senate by a wide margin but was stripped out of the final version by House Republicans. Which Chinese person owns most US farmland? According to a report by private landownership magazine LandReport, Chinese billionaire Chen Tianqiao, a Communist Party member, is the 82nd-largest land owner and second-biggest foreign owner in the United States. Chen, 50, who made his fortune from a company that made online video games, owns 198,000 acres (80,127 hectares) of Oregon timberland that he purchased in 2015. Nearly 40 million acres of American agricultural land was owned by non-US interests as of 2021, according to the most recent Department of Agriculture data, with entities from China owning the equivalent of 0.03% of all US farmland. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions of acres of American farmland become properties of China-linked people

The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a US-owned tanker ship late on Thursday that hit the water near the vessel but caused no injuries or damage.

Red Sea Crisis: Houthi-fired another missile strikes on US-owned vessel

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: China call on Pakistan and Iran to avoid escalation

Snowfall grips United States northwest and Canada | US News | WION

US military says American forces on Wednesday carried out strikes on 14 missiles in Yemen that were ready to be launched and posed a threat to civilian and military vessels . The same day, US relisted the Iran-backed rebels as global terrorists, which was followed by another Houthi attack on a US-owned commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden.

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered&nbsp;a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak, said officials, on Wednesday (Jan 17). A separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident occurred when Blinken was to leave the Swiss city after attending the World Economic Forum (WEF), where he attended a day and a half of meetings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Decoding the hypocrisy of global elite at Davos</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-the-hypocrisy-of-global-elite-at-davos-679816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>America’s top diplomat had taken a helicopter from Davos to Zurich, where he boarded his plane. According to CNN, Blinken and his travelling party had boarded a Boeing 737 jet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the US official, members of the press travelling with him and his aides were forced to deplane after the leak was detected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A smaller plane was sent to fetch Blinken, while members of the press and his aides were told to make arrangements to fly back to Washington commercially.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-sees-india-as-extraordinary-success-story-praises-modi-govt-680985">Blinken says US sees India as ‘extraordinary success story’, praises Modi govt</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the delay occurred at the end of his trip, the itinerary or any of his other engagements were not affected, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>“There was a mechanical issue with his plane,” said Miller. He added, “The Air Force has a replacement plane inbound. We expect to be back still tonight but several hours later than originally planned.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Alaska mid-air blowout</strong></h2>

<p>The issue with Blinken’s plane comes at a bad time for Boeing whose once-stellar reputation has taken a massive hit after an Alaska Airlines flight’s window and a chunk of fuselage blew out mid-air. The incident involved a Boeing 737 Max 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/we-dont-think-its-a-battle-indian-it-minister-about-the-us-china-chip-war-at-davos-680992">&nbsp;‘We don’t think it’s a battle’: Indian IT minister about US-China chip war at Davos</a></strong></p>

<p>Since then the company’s CEO has admitted that it was their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-ceo-accepts-mistake-in-near-catastrophic-alaska-airlines-mishap-vows-complete-transparency-678416">mistake</a> and took responsibility for a near-catastrophic mid-air blowout. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now grounded all 737 Max 9 planes in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Boeing aircraft that Alaska Airlines was using is a newer version of the 737 than the one that Blinken was set to fly on.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak, said officials, on Wednesday (Jan 17).

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak, said officials, on Wednesday (Jan 17). A separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US. What happened? The incident occurred when Blinken was to leave the Swiss city after attending the World Economic Forum (WEF), where he attended a day and a half of meetings. WATCH | Decoding the hypocrisy of global elite at Davos America’s top diplomat had taken a helicopter from Davos to Zurich, where he boarded his plane. According to CNN, Blinken and his travelling party had boarded a Boeing 737 jet. However, the US official, members of the press travelling with him and his aides were forced to deplane after the leak was detected. A smaller plane was sent to fetch Blinken, while members of the press and his aides were told to make arrangements to fly back to Washington commercially. ALSO READ | Blinken says US sees India as ‘extraordinary success story’, praises Modi govt Since the delay occurred at the end of his trip, the itinerary or any of his other engagements were not affected, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Wednesday. “There was a mechanical issue with his plane,” said Miller. He added, “The Air Force has a replacement plane inbound. We expect to be back still tonight but several hours later than originally planned.” Alaska mid-air blowout The issue with Blinken’s plane comes at a bad time for Boeing whose once-stellar reputation has taken a massive hit after an Alaska Airlines flight’s window and a chunk of fuselage blew out mid-air. The incident involved a Boeing 737 Max 9. ALSO READ | ‘We don’t think it’s a battle’: Indian IT minister about US-China chip war at Davos Since then the company’s CEO has admitted that it was their mistake and took responsibility for a near-catastrophic mid-air blowout. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now grounded all 737 Max 9 planes in the US. Notably, the Boeing aircraft that Alaska Airlines was using is a newer version of the 737 than the one that Blinken was set to fly on. (With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’

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