Former US President Donald Trump is now ineligible to run for the 2024 Presidential polls because of his actions surrounding the 2021 attack on the Capitol, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday.

Former US President to run for Presidential poll after Colorado ruling?

Some of the Americans who were freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in a U.S. prisoner swap have landed at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas, a Reuters witness said.

Americans freed by Venezuela in US prisoner swap

It's a big boost to the European Union's efforts towards sustainable transportation. Electric cars were almost half of all new car sales in the EU this year. But where does Europe stand in the electric vehicle revolution that has swept the world?

European Union: Record e-vehicle sales

Toshiba, a stalwart on the Tokyo exchange for 74 years, undergoes a major shakeup. A $14 billion takeover led by Japanese industrial partners signals a fresh start. From overcoming scandal to a bold digital focus under CEO taro Shimada, Toshiba's transformation is in full swing.

Toshiba's delisting & $14 Bn takeover

Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman, is at the heart of a high-profile US-Venezuela prisoner swap. A close aide to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Saab has faced charges of money laundering and corruption. His 2020 arrest in Cape Verde and subsequent extradition to the U.S. sparked international debate over his diplomatic status. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to grant clemency to Saab led to Venezuela releasing several Americans and opposition figures.

Gravitas: Who is Alex Saab, the Maduro ally Biden gave clemency to?

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Trudeau on Pannun Murder Plot: US indictment triggered a change | World News | WION

Donald Trump to run for US Presidential poll 2024 after Colorado ruling?

Venezuela freed dozens in the recent Prisoner swap with the US. The deal brokered by the Gulf state of Qatar. The prisoner exchange deal between the US and Venezuela involved the exchange of defense contractor "Fat Leonard" and Maduro ally Alex Saab. Fat Leonard masterminded the US military's biggest bribery scandal. He bribed US Navy officials with $500,000 in gifts. Watch the video to know more!

Venezuela's 'Fat Leonard' freed in recent prisoners swap with US | World DNA | WION

Calling India an important strategic partner, the White House once again called for full investigation into alleged failed plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments on are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Pannun Murder Plot: Canada PM tones down rhetoric on India | World DNA | WION

Former US Marine Paul Whelan (53), who is in a Russian prison over charges of spying, has told BBC that he feels "abandoned" and betrayed by his home country. Whelan has been handed a 16-year jail sentence for spying and has been in prison since 2018. US government says spying charges against Whelan don't have merit.

Whelan is serving a sentence in a prison in Mordavia, a Russian region infamous for its harsh jails. Mordavia is about 400 kilometres (250 miles) southeast of Moscow.

A prisoner swap was negotiated recently between Russia and the US. Whelan was left out.

"They've basically abandoned me here," he told BBC.

"I'm extremely concerned."&nbsp;

"With each case, my case is going to the back of the line. They've kind of just left me in the dust. And at this point, this juncture, it's very concerning."

Whelan holds UK, Irish and Canadian passports as well. At the time of his arrest in 2018, Whelan worked in security for a US company that made vehicle parts.

He has consistently denied charges against him and has said that evidence against him was falsified.

According to BBC, Whelan now works in a prison factory stitching work overalls and hats and his prison barracks are unheated.

His family said in November that Whelan was assaulted by a new prisoner and was "hit in the face".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wanted Russia and the US to find a solution to release Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. The latter is a Wall Street Journal reporter.

<h2>The case of Evan Gershkovich</h2>

Gershkovich was arrested In Yekaterinburg in March on spying allegations. He was on a reporting trip.

A Moscow court ruled on December 14 that he will be held in detention until January 30. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison.

"There are contacts on this issue and dialogue is ongoing, but it's not straightforward," Putin said during his end-of-year press conference on December 14.

"I hope we will find a solution. But the US side should also hear us and make a decision that will suit the Russian Federation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former US Marine Paul Whelan (53), who is in a Russian prison over charges of spying, has told BBC that he feels "abandoned" and betrayed by his home country. Whelan has been handed a 16-year jail sentence for spying and has been in prison since 2018.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan (53), who is in a Russian prison over charges of spying, has told BBC that he feels "abandoned" and betrayed by his home country. Whelan has been handed a 16-year jail sentence for spying and has been in prison since 2018. US government says spying charges against Whelan don't have merit. Whelan is serving a sentence in a prison in Mordavia, a Russian region infamous for its harsh jails. Mordavia is about 400 kilometres (250 miles) southeast of Moscow. A prisoner swap was negotiated recently between Russia and the US. Whelan was left out. "They've basically abandoned me here," he told BBC. "I'm extremely concerned." "With each case, my case is going to the back of the line. They've kind of just left me in the dust. And at this point, this juncture, it's very concerning." Whelan holds UK, Irish and Canadian passports as well. At the time of his arrest in 2018, Whelan worked in security for a US company that made vehicle parts. He has consistently denied charges against him and has said that evidence against him was falsified. According to BBC, Whelan now works in a prison factory stitching work overalls and hats and his prison barracks are unheated. His family said in November that Whelan was assaulted by a new prisoner and was "hit in the face". Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wanted Russia and the US to find a solution to release Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. The latter is a Wall Street Journal reporter. The case of Evan Gershkovich Gershkovich was arrested In Yekaterinburg in March on spying allegations. He was on a reporting trip. A Moscow court ruled on December 14 that he will be held in detention until January 30. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. "There are contacts on this issue and dialogue is ongoing, but it's not straightforward," Putin said during his end-of-year press conference on December 14. "I hope we will find a solution. But the US side should also hear us and make a decision that will suit the Russian Federation." (With inputs from agencies)

I feel 'abandoned', says ex-US marine Whelan held in Russian prison

Republican lawmakers Pete Sessions and Elise Stefanim on Tuesday announced the inauguration of a Congressional Hindu Caucus to protect the interests of this religious minority and raise their issues in the US Congress. Originally established during the 115th Congress, the caucus continues its pivotal role in forging a vital connection between the Hindu-American community and policymakers.

US: Republican congressmen announce creation of Hindu caucus

US President Joe Biden said he does not expect an Israel-Hamas deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza to be struck soon. "We're pushing," Biden told reporters during a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Efforts are under way to try to arrange for the release of more hostages, with the heads of the U.S. CIA, Israel's Mossad and Qatar's prime minister expected to meet and discuss the issue.

Israel-Hamas war: "No new hostage deal expected anytime soon", clarifies Joe Biden

The United States is preparing to release Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for Americans jailed in Venezuelan prisons, according to multiple news reports in the Western media. CBS News reported that a deal has been reached between the two countries and Venezuela will release at least eight Americans from its jails.

Alex Saab has been accused by US prosecutors of stealing USD 350 million from Venezuela via the US, an operation that prosecutors say involved bribing government officials in Venezuela. Saab denies the charges.

In October this year, the United States relaxed some sanctions on Venezuela after the latter agreed to hold fair elections in 2024.

However, the White House has said that it was ready to pause the sanction relief unless there was progress on the issue of prisoners.

Reuters reported that US President Joe Biden was asked about the progress on prisoner exchange by reporters in Wisconsin to which he said the situation "looks good."

"It looks like Maduro, so far, is keeping his commitment on a free election. It ain't done yet. Got a long way to go. But it's good so far," said Biden as quoted by Reuters.

<h2>A major gain</h2>

Although Venezuela is releasing several American prisoners in exchange for one person, the release of Saab is being considered a major gain for Maduro. Saab's return to Venezuela was earlier seen as unlikely. But he has not yet been convicted in the US.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier today that he was looking forward to the release of Americans from Venezuelan custody.

"We want to make sure that our fellow Americans are released. We are also focused on political prisoners in Venezuela and trying to ensure their release," said Antony Blinken.

"We hope to have some good news to share probably later today."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is preparing to release Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for Americans jailed in Venezuelan prisons, according to multiple news reports in the Western media.

The United States is preparing to release Colombian businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in exchange for Americans jailed in Venezuelan prisons, according to multiple news reports in the Western media. CBS News reported that a deal has been reached between the two countries and Venezuela will release at least eight Americans from its jails. Alex Saab has been accused by US prosecutors of stealing USD 350 million from Venezuela via the US, an operation that prosecutors say involved bribing government officials in Venezuela. Saab denies the charges. In October this year, the United States relaxed some sanctions on Venezuela after the latter agreed to hold fair elections in 2024. However, the White House has said that it was ready to pause the sanction relief unless there was progress on the issue of prisoners. Reuters reported that US President Joe Biden was asked about the progress on prisoner exchange by reporters in Wisconsin to which he said the situation "looks good." "It looks like Maduro, so far, is keeping his commitment on a free election. It ain't done yet. Got a long way to go. But it's good so far," said Biden as quoted by Reuters. A major gain Although Venezuela is releasing several American prisoners in exchange for one person, the release of Saab is being considered a major gain for Maduro. Saab's return to Venezuela was earlier seen as unlikely. But he has not yet been convicted in the US. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier today that he was looking forward to the release of Americans from Venezuelan custody. "We want to make sure that our fellow Americans are released. We are also focused on political prisoners in Venezuela and trying to ensure their release," said Antony Blinken. "We hope to have some good news to share probably later today." (With inputs from agencies)

US to release close ally of Venezuela President Maduro in exchange for US detainees

Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from primary ballot for inciting 2021 Capitol attack. Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the race until Trump is allowed. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump? Senior journalist, Ray Locker answers from Washington, D.C.

US: Donald Trump to run for President despite legal troubles?

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

China's Xi Jinping says strong Russia ties a 'strategic choice'

Harvard President Claudine Gay under microscope over plagiarism. According to reports, Gay committed plagiarism as a student. Plagiarism discovered in Gay's Doctoral Dissertation.

Harvard President scholarly work under microscope over plagiarism

Americans freed by Venezuela in US prisoner swap land at Texas base

The city of El Paso, Texas, was described as being at a "breaking point" due to a dramatic increase in migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. The migrant crisis has been ongoing since 2018, with periodic surges and lulls.

US: Authorities close bridges with Mexico to contain migration

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections&nbsp;last week.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the judge say?</h2>

The decision by Judge Beryl Howell was in response to the former Georgia election workers’ request who sued the former NYC mayor over defamation claims and sought the $148 million. &nbsp;

The mother-daughter duo, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss had argued that Giuliani would not have had the money to pay them when the 30-day waiting period on the payouts was lifted and even might&nbsp; have “conceal his assets”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-attorney-rudy-giuliani-opts-not-to-testify-in-georgia-defamation-trial-669762">Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani opts not to testify in Georgia defamation trial</a>

The latest decision comes as Giuliani is facing a number of legal woes for his efforts to keep former President Donald Trump in office even though he lost to incumbent Joe Biden.&nbsp;

The former NYC Mayor, who is already strapped for cash, according to the latest order will not have the 30-day stay that would have delayed his payments. Freeman and Moss filed the request days after a jury in Washington DC imposed the fine.&nbsp;

In their request, the mother-daughter duo argued that Giuliani had already failed to obey other court orders in the case related to money that he owed them including women’s legal fees of over $200,000.&nbsp;

Therefore, there is “especially good reason,” lawyers for the women wrote, “to believe that defendant Giuliani intends to evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise.”

In his 13-page order, the judge said Giuliani has proven to be an “uncooperative litigant,” and that she agreed with Freeman and Moss’ points. Howell added that throughout the case, the former NYC mayor had an “ample record” of efforts meant to conceal or hide financial assets.

<h2>What did Giuliani do?</h2>

Giuliani was found guilty by an eight-person jury in Washington DC for repeatedly defaming&nbsp;Freeman and Moss and was asked to pay $148 million in damages last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-lawyer-rudy-giuliani-slapped-with-default-judgment-and-penalties-in-defamation-lawsuit-630659">Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani slapped with default judgment and penalties in defamation lawsuit</a>

The defamation case centres around Giuliani, then personal lawyer to the former president Donald Trump, directing his millions of social media followers to watch a video of them in a Georgia vote-counting centre and without any evidence claiming that they were manipulating ballots to make Trump lose.&nbsp;

During the trial, the women described how his claims led to a torrent of threats and racist abuse to the point where they left their home in 2021 for two months at the recommendation of the FBI.&nbsp;

The $148 million owed to Freeman and Moss includes $75 million in punitive damages, along with awards of $20 million to each of the two election workers for emotional distress and more than $16 million each for defamation.

Giuliani called the damages figure “absurd” and vowed to appeal.&nbsp;

Howell, in her order, also noted that she did not consider the amount excessive, saying that the “amount of compensatory damages for defamation awarded by the jury was nearly $10,000,000 less than the amount requested by plaintiffs for reputational harm.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections last week.

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections last week. What did the judge say? The decision by Judge Beryl Howell was in response to the former Georgia election workers’ request who sued the former NYC mayor over defamation claims and sought the $148 million. The mother-daughter duo, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss had argued that Giuliani would not have had the money to pay them when the 30-day waiting period on the payouts was lifted and even might have “conceal his assets”. ALSO READ | Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani opts not to testify in Georgia defamation trial The latest decision comes as Giuliani is facing a number of legal woes for his efforts to keep former President Donald Trump in office even though he lost to incumbent Joe Biden. The former NYC Mayor, who is already strapped for cash, according to the latest order will not have the 30-day stay that would have delayed his payments. Freeman and Moss filed the request days after a jury in Washington DC imposed the fine. In their request, the mother-daughter duo argued that Giuliani had already failed to obey other court orders in the case related to money that he owed them including women’s legal fees of over $200,000. Therefore, there is “especially good reason,” lawyers for the women wrote, “to believe that defendant Giuliani intends to evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise.” In his 13-page order, the judge said Giuliani has proven to be an “uncooperative litigant,” and that she agreed with Freeman and Moss’ points. Howell added that throughout the case, the former NYC mayor had an “ample record” of efforts meant to conceal or hide financial assets. What did Giuliani do? Giuliani was found guilty by an eight-person jury in Washington DC for repeatedly defaming Freeman and Moss and was asked to pay $148 million in damages last week. ALSO READ | Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani slapped with default judgment and penalties in defamation lawsuit The defamation case centres around Giuliani, then personal lawyer to the former president Donald Trump, directing his millions of social media followers to watch a video of them in a Georgia vote-counting centre and without any evidence claiming that they were manipulating ballots to make Trump lose. During the trial, the women described how his claims led to a torrent of threats and racist abuse to the point where they left their home in 2021 for two months at the recommendation of the FBI. The $148 million owed to Freeman and Moss includes $75 million in punitive damages, along with awards of $20 million to each of the two election workers for emotional distress and more than $16 million each for defamation. Giuliani called the damages figure “absurd” and vowed to appeal. Howell, in her order, also noted that she did not consider the amount excessive, saying that the “amount of compensatory damages for defamation awarded by the jury was nearly $10,000,000 less than the amount requested by plaintiffs for reputational harm.” (With inputs from agencies)

Judge orders former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to immediately pay $148mn to Georgia election workers

The swap includes notorious key ally of Nicolas Maduro. Some of the Americans who were freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in a U.S. prisoner swap have landed at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas, a Reuters witness said.

US & Venezuela swap prisoners: Who is Fat Leonard? | WION Dispatch

Following the US warning to New Delhi about its suspected role in a failed plan to murder a Sikh separatist leader on US soil, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has observed a "tonal shift" in India's stance towards Ottawa.

India-Canada ties: Canada's PM sees change in India's tone after US involvement |Pannun murder plot

US: Trump legal team appeals US top court against Colarado ruling, appeals ineligibility in ruling

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Venezuela: Americans freed in swap deal, Fat Leonard returned

Venezuela frees dozens, including Americans, in prisoners swap

Calling India an important strategic partner, the White House once again called for full investigation into alleged failed plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Canada's PM changes tone on India | Pannun Murder Plot

Donald Trump will appeal a verdict finding him ineligible for Colorado primary ballots, and his odds with the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court are good. However, he is fighting many legal challenges at the same time.

Trump all set to run for US president despite legal troubles?

According to U.S. Park Police, crews are cleaning up outside the Lincoln Memorial after it was defaced with red paint. An image from WTOP's Kate Ryan shows the words "Free Palestine" and another message that says in part "land back!!" spray sprayed at the base of the memorial, on the steps near the reflecting pool.

Lincoln Memorial vandalized with red paint and 'Free Gaza', ‘Free Palestine' messages

Some of the Americans who were freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in a U.S. prisoner swap have landed at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas, a Reuters witness said. #us #prisonerswap #latestnews

US and Venezuela swap prisoners

Babcock Ranch is a town near the US Gulf Coast that was created with two imperatives- homes have to be built sustainably and must be able to withstand hurricanes, a constant menace. Watch this video for all details.

A hurricane-proof town? This Florida community took on Ian, a powerful category 4 hurricane

The clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces are intensifying in Sudan. The war has resulted in over 10,000 casualties. The country is facing the world's largest internal displacement crisis.

Sudan: Clashes intensify between Army & Rapid Support Forces

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Former US President to run for Presidential poll after Colorado ruling?

Americans freed by Venezuela in US prisoner swap

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China's Xi Jinping says strong Russia ties a 'strategic choice'

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Americans freed by Venezuela in US prisoner swap land at Texas base

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Judge orders former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to immediately pay $148mn to Georgia election workers

US & Venezuela swap prisoners: Who is Fat Leonard? | WION Dispatch

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