Supreme Court has struck one blow after another first it was women now even students and lgbtq groups have not been spared democratic congresswoman Alexandria ocasio-cortez came out all guns blazing against the Apex body she has accused the quotes of adopting an authoritarian approach her comments come days after the Supreme Court went on a rampage striking down a myriad of rulings this is not the first time the Court's rulings have sent shockwaves across the United States in June 2022

US top court clamps down on LGBTQ groups' right to equality

Janet Yellen is set to visit Beijing this week. The US treasury secretary's China visit will mark the second trip by cabinet officials since ties between the world's top two economies deteriorated. Further earlier this year in a statement the Treasury Department said that Yellen is expected to discuss the importance of both Nations to responsibly managing ties. Yellen's planned July 6 to 9 trip comes just weeks after the Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

After Antony Blinken, Janet Yellen set to visit China

On his impending trip to Britain, US President Joe Biden is anticipated to meet with King Charles III of the United Kingdom. According to a statement from the White House, this will be Biden's first meeting with the British monarch since Charles was crowned in May. Biden will visit the UK from July 9 to July 13.

US President Joe Biden to meet King Charles and UK PM Rishi Sunak during his UK visit

<p>Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, stated on Sunday (July 2) that Russian forces have made progress in the vicinity of the Ukrainian town of Svatove. In the early hours of Sunday (July 2), a mass shooting in Baltimore, US, during an outdoor block party in a neighborhood, killing two people. In other news, the US has officially confirmed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to Beijing this week.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-made-some-advances-on-eastern-front-fighting-rages-in-south-611164">Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/363930-russian-drone-strike-2.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-multiple-killed-dozens-injured-in-mass-shooting-in-baltimore-say-reports-611010">US: Two killed, 28 injured in mass shooting in Baltimore; half of injured were children</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/363932-2023-07-02t165815z2lynxmpej6104rrtroptp4baltimore-shooting.JPG?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Two people were killed and 28 others were injured in a mass shooting at an outdoor neighbourhood block party in Baltimore early Sunday (July 2). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the shooting occurred at about 12.35 am&nbsp;local time in a courtyard of grass and pavement between a pair of two-story rowhouse structures in South Baltimore's Brooklyn Homes community. Hundreds of people were attending the Brooklyn Day party at the time of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-secretary-to-visit-china-to-responsibly-manage-ties-expand-communications-611167">US treasury secretary to visit China to 'responsibly' manage ties, expand communications</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/14/310787-00032ng4ph.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The United States confirmed Sunday (July 2) that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate since earlier this year. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;France Riots: French President holds special meeting to take stock of situation</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-riots-french-president-holds-special-meeting-to-take-stock-of-situation-611172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-hovered-over-pm-modis-residence-in-new-delhi-probe-underway-611179">Drone hovered over PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, probe underway</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/27/362587-modi.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>A drone was spotted above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Monday (July 3) morning.&nbsp;Delhi Police said that a probe was launched after the Special Protection Group (SPG) contacted around&nbsp;5:30am (India Standard Time) to inform about the drone in the no-flying zone above PM Modi's residence was received.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, stated on Sunday (July 2) that Russian forces have made progress in the vicinity of the Ukrainian town of Svatove.

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, stated on Sunday (July 2) that Russian forces have made progress in the vicinity of the Ukrainian town of Svatove. In the early hours of Sunday (July 2), a mass shooting in Baltimore, US, during an outdoor block party in a neighborhood, killing two people. In other news, the US has officially confirmed Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to Beijing this week. Click on the headlines to read more. Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. US: Two killed, 28 injured in mass shooting in Baltimore; half of injured were children Two people were killed and 28 others were injured in a mass shooting at an outdoor neighbourhood block party in Baltimore early Sunday (July 2). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the shooting occurred at about 12.35 am local time in a courtyard of grass and pavement between a pair of two-story rowhouse structures in South Baltimore's Brooklyn Homes community. Hundreds of people were attending the Brooklyn Day party at the time of the incident. US treasury secretary to visit China to 'responsibly' manage ties, expand communications The United States confirmed Sunday (July 2) that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit Beijing this week. The visit has been scheduled amid escalating tensions between US and China as relations continue to deteriorate since earlier this year. However, both nations say they are focused on mending ties as Yellen would become the second member of Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Beijing in recent weeks. WATCH | France Riots: French President holds special meeting to take stock of situation Drone hovered over PM Modi's residence in New Delhi, probe underway A drone was spotted above Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Monday (July 3) morning. Delhi Police said that a probe was launched after the Special Protection Group (SPG) contacted around 5:30am (India Standard Time) to inform about the drone in the no-flying zone above PM Modi's residence was received.

Morning news brief: 'Drone' over PM Modi's Delhi residence, Baltimore shooting kills 2, and more

The US has certified the world's first flying car for the testing phase. The flying car has already received over 400 preorder bookings. Will the US pioneer in making flying cars? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: US certifies world's first flying car

As the globe celebrates the conclusion of Pride Month, the US Supreme Court ruled against broad anti-discrimination laws and stated that some private businesses may refuse service to same-sex couples. The Supreme Court of the United States supported the case of a Christian graphic designer from Colorado who refused to create a wedding website for a same-sex couple on the basis of her religious convictions.

US: Private businesses can refuse service to same sex couples

A fresh set of initiatives to help millions of students financially are announced by US President Joe Biden. The news was made shortly after the Biden Administration's student loan forgiveness programme was completely repealed by the Supreme Court. The programme that was overturned waived off 430 billion dollars in student loan debt. In addition to criticising what he called Republican hypocrisy, Biden stated that millions of American schoolchildren are outraged by the court's decision.

US President Joe Biden announces new measures to support borrowers

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: A California-based automaker has received the first ever authorization to test-fly a car in the air.

From sci-fi to real world: US approves world's first fully electric flying car

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- US President Joe Biden, 80, suffers from sleep apnea and uses a CPAP or Continuous Airway Pressure Machine (CAPM) to treat the same, it has been revealed by the White House.

Biden uses breathing machine to treat his sleep apnea, White house reveals | Trending on WION

<p>As per the Pentagon, the so-called Chinese 'spy balloon' that crossed the continental United States from Alaska to the east coast in February did not collect any information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, officials stated that the US "took steps to mitigate" any potential intelligence-gathering capabilities of the suspected spy balloon. Debris collected from the downed balloon is currently being analysed by US intelligence agencies. The incident caused tension between the US and China.</p>

<h2><strong>What the Pentagon said</strong></h2>

<p>As per BBC, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder acknowledged that the balloon was believed to possess intelligence collection capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the US was "aware that (the balloon) had intelligence collection capabilities".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-spy-balloon-reportedly-used-us-technology-to-spy-on-americans-610126">Chinese 'spy' balloon reportedly used US technology to spy on Americans</a></strong></p>

<p>However, he added that the assessment now is that it did not collect any information.</p>

<p>"It has been our assessment now that it did not collect [information] while it was transiting the United States or over flying the United States."</p>

<p>Gen Ryder said that the efforts were undertaken by the US to counter any intelligence gathering and it "contributed" to the balloon's failure to gather sensitive data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The General, as per BBC, did not confirm reports that American-made equipment was part of the balloon. However, he noted that Chinese drones have previously utilised off-the-shelf US equipment.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese spy balloon in US, Canadian skies</strong></h2>

<p>As per new images made available recently, the Chinese spy balloon spent approximately a week flying over the United States and Canada in February before being shot down by a fighter jet off the Atlantic coast under the orders of President Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sensors from the balloon were subsequently retrieved from the ocean. There were concerns that Beijing may have intended to gather information as the balloon passed over US military bases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-images-show-chinese-spy-balloons-also-targeted-asia-as-japan-vows-retaliation-608935">New images show Chinese spy balloons also targeted Asia as Japan vows retaliation</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Chinese officials asserted that it was a civilian weather balloon and accused the US of overreacting by shooting it down.</p>

<p>As a result of the incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a diplomatic trip to Beijing. However, the trip was rescheduled and took place earlier this month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As per the Pentagon, the so-called Chinese 'spy balloon' that crossed the continental United States from Alaska to the east coast in February did not collect any information.

As per the Pentagon, the so-called Chinese 'spy balloon' that crossed the continental United States from Alaska to the east coast in February did not collect any information. On Thursday, officials stated that the US "took steps to mitigate" any potential intelligence-gathering capabilities of the suspected spy balloon. Debris collected from the downed balloon is currently being analysed by US intelligence agencies. The incident caused tension between the US and China. What the Pentagon said As per BBC, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder acknowledged that the balloon was believed to possess intelligence collection capabilities. He said that the US was "aware that (the balloon) had intelligence collection capabilities". Also read | Chinese 'spy' balloon reportedly used US technology to spy on Americans However, he added that the assessment now is that it did not collect any information. "It has been our assessment now that it did not collect [information] while it was transiting the United States or over flying the United States." Gen Ryder said that the efforts were undertaken by the US to counter any intelligence gathering and it "contributed" to the balloon's failure to gather sensitive data. The General, as per BBC, did not confirm reports that American-made equipment was part of the balloon. However, he noted that Chinese drones have previously utilised off-the-shelf US equipment. Chinese spy balloon in US, Canadian skies As per new images made available recently, the Chinese spy balloon spent approximately a week flying over the United States and Canada in February before being shot down by a fighter jet off the Atlantic coast under the orders of President Joe Biden. Sensors from the balloon were subsequently retrieved from the ocean. There were concerns that Beijing may have intended to gather information as the balloon passed over US military bases. Also read | New images show Chinese spy balloons also targeted Asia as Japan vows retaliation However, Chinese officials asserted that it was a civilian weather balloon and accused the US of overreacting by shooting it down. As a result of the incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed a diplomatic trip to Beijing. However, the trip was rescheduled and took place earlier this month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese spy balloon failed to gather intelligence flying over US: Pentagon

The US Supreme Court has effectively struck down reservations on the basis of race in university admissions in a ruling announced yesterday. This upends decades-old U.S. Policies on affirmative action or positive discrimination to help blacks and other minorities obtain higher education. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: US Top court bans admissions based on Race

<p>US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Christian web designer in Colorado who refused to create websites celebrating same-sex weddings citing religious objections, media reports said.&nbsp;It was a 6-3 decision. Critics who fear a potential reversal of the 2015 ruling legalising same-sex marriage nationwide may find cause for concern in this latest victory for religious conservatives in the high court. Justice Neil Gorsuch was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protecting free speech</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling has significant implications for state public accommodation laws pertaining to businesses that offer "expressive" goods. Justice Gorsuch emphasised that the decision was grounded in the principles of free speech. He argued that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution envisions a diverse and free society where individuals can think and express themselves without government demands. Gorsuch further stated that Colorado&nbsp;attempted to "deny that promise," reported CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-600-people-arrested-200-cops-left-injured-as-violence-continues-on-third-night-610544">France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night</a></p>

<p>Gorsuch's opinion asserted that various forms of expression, including visual art and verbal communication, are protected under the First Amendment. He argued that the same protections should extend to speech conveyed over the internet, such as the web designer's refusal to create same-sex wedding websites.</p>

<p>"All manner of speech – from 'pictures, films, paintings, drawings, and engravings,' to 'oral utterance and the printed word' – qualify for the First Amendment's protections; no less can hold true when it comes to speech like Ms. Smith's conveyed over the Internet," Gorsuch said.</p>

<h2><strong>Dissent over equal access</strong></h2>

<p>Justice Sotomayor in a dissenting opinion was joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sotomayor contended that the court's decision undermines the government's responsibility to ensure equal access to the public marketplace for all Americans. According to her dissent, granting a business the constitutional right to refuse service to a protected class marks an unprecedented departure from the court's history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/uk-environment-minister-zac-goldsmith-resigns-accuses-rishi-sunak-of-neglecting-climate-change-610540">UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change</a></p>

<p>"Specifically, the court holds that the First Amendment exempts a website design company from a state law that prohibits the company from denying wedding websites to same-sex couples if the company chooses to sell those websites to the public," she wrote in dissent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Implications and ongoing debate</strong></h2>

<p>This Supreme Court decision not only supports the Christian web designer's right to refuse certain services based on religious beliefs but also raises concerns about the potential erosion of anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots</strong></p>

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<p>As the court leans more conservative, discussions about the boundaries of free speech and the balance between religious freedom and equal access to goods and services are likely to continue in legal and societal spheres.</p>

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US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Christian web designer in Colorado who refused to create websites celebrating same-sex weddings citing religious objections, media reports said.

US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of a Christian web designer in Colorado who refused to create websites celebrating same-sex weddings citing religious objections, media reports said. It was a 6-3 decision. Critics who fear a potential reversal of the 2015 ruling legalising same-sex marriage nationwide may find cause for concern in this latest victory for religious conservatives in the high court. Justice Neil Gorsuch was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas. Protecting free speech The ruling has significant implications for state public accommodation laws pertaining to businesses that offer "expressive" goods. Justice Gorsuch emphasised that the decision was grounded in the principles of free speech. He argued that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution envisions a diverse and free society where individuals can think and express themselves without government demands. Gorsuch further stated that Colorado attempted to "deny that promise," reported CNN. Also Read | France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night Gorsuch's opinion asserted that various forms of expression, including visual art and verbal communication, are protected under the First Amendment. He argued that the same protections should extend to speech conveyed over the internet, such as the web designer's refusal to create same-sex wedding websites. "All manner of speech – from 'pictures, films, paintings, drawings, and engravings,' to 'oral utterance and the printed word' – qualify for the First Amendment's protections; no less can hold true when it comes to speech like Ms. Smith's conveyed over the Internet," Gorsuch said. Dissent over equal access Justice Sotomayor in a dissenting opinion was joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Sotomayor contended that the court's decision undermines the government's responsibility to ensure equal access to the public marketplace for all Americans. According to her dissent, granting a business the constitutional right to refuse service to a protected class marks an unprecedented departure from the court's history. Also Read | UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change "Specifically, the court holds that the First Amendment exempts a website design company from a state law that prohibits the company from denying wedding websites to same-sex couples if the company chooses to sell those websites to the public," she wrote in dissent. Implications and ongoing debate This Supreme Court decision not only supports the Christian web designer's right to refuse certain services based on religious beliefs but also raises concerns about the potential erosion of anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots × As the court leans more conservative, discussions about the boundaries of free speech and the balance between religious freedom and equal access to goods and services are likely to continue in legal and societal spheres. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US Supreme Court backs Christian web designer's refusal to make same-sex wedding websites

The US Federal Trade Commission believes that Amazon is doing just that, and according to reports, Amazon rewards its online merchants who utilise its logistics services and penalises those who don't. As a result, the US FTC may sue Amazon, among other things.

US antitrust regulator plans to target Amazon's online marketplace

The US Supreme Court has effectively banned Universities from using race in admissions. The US Supreme Court rules 6-3 to end affirmative action. US President Joe Biden comments on the same stating how he disagrees with the decision and how colleges and the country are stronger when its racially diverse.

US: Universities may no longer factor race into admissions

A California-based law firm is launching a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the artificial-intelligence company that created popular chatbot ChatGPT massively violated the copyrights and privacy of countless people when it used data scraped from the internet to train its tech.

US law firm sues ChatGPT maker, OpenAI over violation of privacy

<p>Three Florida men were arrested on Thursday and charged with illegally making more than $22 million by insider trading ahead of the public announcement that an acquisition firm was going to take a media company owned by former President Donald Trump public.<br />
<br />
The charges were outlined in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court that did not implicate Trump in any way. The indictment was among four separate insider trading cases brought against 10 people, including a Pfizer employee and an investment firm executive director.<br />
<br />
According to the indictment pertaining to the media company, the men were invited to invest in the special purpose acquisition company, Digital World Acquisition Corp., and were provided confidential information that a potential target of DWAC and another acquisition company, Benessere Capital Acquisition Corp., was Trump Media and Technology Group.<br />
<br />
Authorities said the defendants bought millions of dollars of DWAC securities on the open market before news of the Trump media business was made public.<br />
<br />
After the public announcement, the men dumped their securities for a significant profit, according to the court papers.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“Insider trading is not easy money,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a release. “It's cheating. It's a bad bet. Because my Office, the Southern District of New York, is watching. And we're working quickly to investigate and prosecute anyone who corrupts our financial markets. And we'll keep at it as long as it takes. You can bet on that.”<br />
<br />
The arrested men were identified as Michael Shvartsman, 52, of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida; Gerald Shvartsman, 45, of Aventura, Florida; and Bruce Garelick, 53, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was unclear who would represent them at Thursday afternoon initial court appearances in Miami.<br />
<br />
Michael Shvartsman owned Rocket One Capital LLC, a venture capital firm. His brother, Gerald Shvartsman, was Rocket One's chief investment officer, according to court papers.<br />
<br />
According to the indictment, Garelick was given a seat on DWAC's board of directors and had access to confidential information. It said he then shared that information with his co-conspirators.<br />
<br />
A lawyer who has represented Garelick in the past did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday.<br />
<br />
The indictment said that between June 2021 and November 2021, the men purchased securities including warrants of their own and shared the secrets with their friends and employees, who also bought tens of thousands of units of securities ahead of the merger announcement with Trump Media and Technology Group.<br />
<br />
Typically, a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, is formed with the intent to merge with a private company before the private company becomes publicly traded.<br />
<br />
In early 2021, representatives of Trump Media, including Trump, began communicating with&nbsp; Benessere about potentially merging to take Trump Media public, the indictment said.<br />
<br />
Between March and June 2021, Trump Media and Benessere entered into nonbinding letters of intent to merge, it said.</p>

<p>The letters required confidentiality but did allow Benessere and its agents to share confidential information with investors in the special purpose acquisition companies, the indictment said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Three Florida men were arrested on Thursday and charged with illegally making more than $22 million by insider trading ahead of the public announcement that an acquisition firm was going to take a media company owned by former President Donald Trump public.

Three Florida men were arrested on Thursday and charged with illegally making more than $22 million by insider trading ahead of the public announcement that an acquisition firm was going to take a media company owned by former President Donald Trump public. The charges were outlined in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court that did not implicate Trump in any way. The indictment was among four separate insider trading cases brought against 10 people, including a Pfizer employee and an investment firm executive director. According to the indictment pertaining to the media company, the men were invited to invest in the special purpose acquisition company, Digital World Acquisition Corp., and were provided confidential information that a potential target of DWAC and another acquisition company, Benessere Capital Acquisition Corp., was Trump Media and Technology Group. Authorities said the defendants bought millions of dollars of DWAC securities on the open market before news of the Trump media business was made public. After the public announcement, the men dumped their securities for a significant profit, according to the court papers. “Insider trading is not easy money,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a release. “It's cheating. It's a bad bet. Because my Office, the Southern District of New York, is watching. And we're working quickly to investigate and prosecute anyone who corrupts our financial markets. And we'll keep at it as long as it takes. You can bet on that.” The arrested men were identified as Michael Shvartsman, 52, of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida; Gerald Shvartsman, 45, of Aventura, Florida; and Bruce Garelick, 53, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was unclear who would represent them at Thursday afternoon initial court appearances in Miami. Michael Shvartsman owned Rocket One Capital LLC, a venture capital firm. His brother, Gerald Shvartsman, was Rocket One's chief investment officer, according to court papers. According to the indictment, Garelick was given a seat on DWAC's board of directors and had access to confidential information. It said he then shared that information with his co-conspirators. A lawyer who has represented Garelick in the past did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday. The indictment said that between June 2021 and November 2021, the men purchased securities including warrants of their own and shared the secrets with their friends and employees, who also bought tens of thousands of units of securities ahead of the merger announcement with Trump Media and Technology Group. Typically, a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, is formed with the intent to merge with a private company before the private company becomes publicly traded. In early 2021, representatives of Trump Media, including Trump, began communicating with Benessere about potentially merging to take Trump Media public, the indictment said. Between March and June 2021, Trump Media and Benessere entered into nonbinding letters of intent to merge, it said. The letters required confidentiality but did allow Benessere and its agents to share confidential information with investors in the special purpose acquisition companies, the indictment said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three charged in insider trading case related to Trump media, accused of making $22 million

<p>Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over a leading $61 million corruption scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ex-republican received the maximum sentence for accepting a "bribe" from a utility company FirstEnergy to pass legislation freely for the company, including a $1.3 billion taxpayer-funded bailout of the company's two nuclear plants. This package was passed into law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing, the federal prosecutor requested a 16 to 20-year prison sentence for the former House Speaker saying that "he acted as the quintessential mob boss" for the scheme.</p>

<p>Additionally, in a memo, they wrote, "Householder once occupied one of the three most powerful offices in the State of Ohio. He now faces a substantial prison sentence for causing immeasurable damage to the institution of democracy in Ohio, through his direction of a criminal enterprise."</p>

<p>In a statement, Federal prosecutor Kenneth Parker said, "Larry Householder illegally sold the statehouse, and thus he ultimately betrayed the great people of Ohio he was elected to serve."</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Larry Householder?</strong></h2>

<p>Larry Lee Householder is an American politician born in Zanesville Ohio on 6 June 1959. He ran an insurance agency and served as Perry County commissioner before seeking higher office, and later, he became the state representative of the 72nd district of Ohio.</p>

<p>His political career began in 1996, when he first competed for Ohio's 78th Ohio House district, challenging incumbent Democrat Mary Abel of Athens. He defeated Abel with a 55.03 per cent vote and was even re-elected thrice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1998, Householder was elected to serve as the assistant majority whip. In 2001, he was elected to serve as the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arrest&nbsp;over bribery claims</strong></h2>

<p>The FBI, in 2020,&nbsp;arrested Householder and four others&nbsp;in connection with a $61&nbsp;million bribery case involving the financial rescue of First Energy's two nuclear plants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later on 30 July 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to remove Householder as the Ohio House Speaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 16, 2021, the House voted to expel Householder&nbsp;by a bipartisan vote of 75-21.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Others who were found guilty</strong></h2>

<p>According to The Hill, the company FirstEnergy paid $230 million for its role in the bribes and fired some of its executives.</p>

<p>The former Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges was also found guilty of racketeering charges as part of the scheme and he will be sentenced on Friday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over a leading $61 million corruption scheme. The ex-republican received the maximum sentence for accepting a "bribe" from a utility company FirstEnergy to pass legislation freely for the company, including a $1.

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over a leading $61 million corruption scheme. The ex-republican received the maximum sentence for accepting a "bribe" from a utility company FirstEnergy to pass legislation freely for the company, including a $1.3 billion taxpayer-funded bailout of the company's two nuclear plants. This package was passed into law. During the hearing, the federal prosecutor requested a 16 to 20-year prison sentence for the former House Speaker saying that "he acted as the quintessential mob boss" for the scheme. Additionally, in a memo, they wrote, "Householder once occupied one of the three most powerful offices in the State of Ohio. He now faces a substantial prison sentence for causing immeasurable damage to the institution of democracy in Ohio, through his direction of a criminal enterprise." In a statement, Federal prosecutor Kenneth Parker said, "Larry Householder illegally sold the statehouse, and thus he ultimately betrayed the great people of Ohio he was elected to serve." Who was Larry Householder? Larry Lee Householder is an American politician born in Zanesville Ohio on 6 June 1959. He ran an insurance agency and served as Perry County commissioner before seeking higher office, and later, he became the state representative of the 72nd district of Ohio. His political career began in 1996, when he first competed for Ohio's 78th Ohio House district, challenging incumbent Democrat Mary Abel of Athens. He defeated Abel with a 55.03 per cent vote and was even re-elected thrice. In 1998, Householder was elected to serve as the assistant majority whip. In 2001, he was elected to serve as the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Arrest over bribery claims The FBI, in 2020, arrested Householder and four others in connection with a $61 million bribery case involving the financial rescue of First Energy's two nuclear plants. Later on 30 July 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to remove Householder as the Ohio House Speaker. On June 16, 2021, the House voted to expel Householder by a bipartisan vote of 75-21. Others who were found guilty According to The Hill, the company FirstEnergy paid $230 million for its role in the bribes and fired some of its executives. The former Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges was also found guilty of racketeering charges as part of the scheme and he will be sentenced on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Larry Householder? Ex-Republican sentenced to 20 years in prison over corruption

<p>Race is a topic of heated debate in the Unites States. The nation which was witness to slavery during colonial times and later has even seen a civil war on the issue of slavery. Segregation was a common thing even in 20th century. The issue of racism and identity has surfaced once more over US Supreme striking down affirmative action policies for college admissions. The decision has ended decades of a precedent that allowed schools across the country to take steps to increase diversity among students they admit for educational courses</p>

<h2><strong>What is affirmative action?</strong></h2>

<p>Affirmative action, in the context of higher education, refers to policies designed to increasing the number of Black, Hispanic and other minority students in order for the cohort to be inclusive.</p>

<p>This does not mean that colleges and universities award admissions based on race but in their holistic assessment of an application, they consider race in addition to grades, extra-curricular activities and test scores.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | New era in the US education system: Top court bans affirmative action</strong></p>

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<p>Aim of such race conscious admission process is to increase diversity among students who are granted admission. Colleges and universities do not usually disclose their admission process but race-conscious admission process is reportedly common among institutions that are more selective in their intake of students.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that a 2019 survey by National Association for College Admission Counseling revealed that quarter of respondent schools said that race had "considerable" or "moderate" influence on admissions. More than half reported that race did not play any role whatsoever.</p>

<p>Even before the Supreme Court ruling, nine states in the US has banned consideration of race in public colleges and universities. These states are Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the current litigation in Supreme Court about?</strong></h2>

<p>The US Supreme Court was considering two cases when it delivered its verdict on affirmative action. One of the cases was brought by Students for Fair Admissions. This group is headed by Edward Blum who is a conservative legal strategist. He has spent years fighting affirmative action.</p>

<p>One case alleged that Harvard University's admission policy unlawfully discriminates against Asian American applicants. While the other asserted that University of North Carolina unlawfully discriminates against white and Asian American applicants.</p>

<p>Both of the universities have rejected these claims. The universities said that race is determinative in only a small number of cases. The universities also said that barring the practice would result in significant drop in number of minority students on campus.</p>

<h2><strong>How has US Supreme Court ruled in the past?</strong></h2>

<p>In past, the US Supreme Court, in its ruling across decades, has upheld race-conscious admissions, though not without limits.</p>

<p>In landmark 1978 case, a divided Supreme Court considered the issue. The case was Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. The case was before the Supreme Court in an era when schools had begun taking affirmative action as a result of civil rights movement.</p>

<p>The swing vote, Justice Lewis Powell, ruled that schools could not use affirmative action to rectify past racial discrimination and struck down the university's practice of setting aside a certain number of spots for minorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-verdict-on-race-quotas-in-education-raises-serious-questions-on-affirmative-action-610444">US verdict on race quotas in education raises serious questions on affirmative action</a></strong></p>

<p>Nevertheless, Powell found that increasing campus diversity was a "compelling interest" because students of all races - not just minorities - would receive a better education if exposed to different viewpoints. Powell ruled that schools could weigh race in admissions as long as it remained only one factor among many.</p>

<p>In the year 2003, the Supreme Court struck down a system in University of Michigan that awarded points to minority applicants. The court held that the system was going too far.</p>

<p>However, the Supreme Court upheld Bakke's central finding that schools could use race as one of several admission factors.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court again upheld &nbsp;race-conscious admissions in a challenge backed by Blum to University of Texas policies.</p>

<p>But the court has moved sharply to the right since then, with six conservative justices now and only three liberals.</p>

<h2><strong>What will the universities do now?</strong></h2>

<p>Colleges and universities may now have to find new ways to ensure diversity in their student populations. They may have to revamp their policies.</p>

<p>However, other measures may not be so effective.</p>

<p>University of California and University of Michigan have reportedly filed briefs with the US Supreme Court and said that they have outlawed race-conscious admissions. The universities have said that they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on alternative programs but these measures have fallen short of goals.</p>

<h2><strong>The reaction on verdict</strong></h2>

<p>US President has expressed his displeasure at the decision to end affirmative action. &nbsp;He said USA's powerful top court was no longer in step with American norms.</p>

<p>"The court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions and I strongly, strongly disagree with the court's decision," he said in remarks broadcast live.</p>

<p>Biden said that the ruling "walked away from decades of precedent", adding that universities "should not abandon their commitment" to maintain diversity among their students.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Race is a topic of heated debate in the Unites States. The nation which was witness to slavery during colonial times and later has even seen a civil war on the issue of slavery.

Race is a topic of heated debate in the Unites States. The nation which was witness to slavery during colonial times and later has even seen a civil war on the issue of slavery. Segregation was a common thing even in 20th century. The issue of racism and identity has surfaced once more over US Supreme striking down affirmative action policies for college admissions. The decision has ended decades of a precedent that allowed schools across the country to take steps to increase diversity among students they admit for educational courses What is affirmative action? Affirmative action, in the context of higher education, refers to policies designed to increasing the number of Black, Hispanic and other minority students in order for the cohort to be inclusive. This does not mean that colleges and universities award admissions based on race but in their holistic assessment of an application, they consider race in addition to grades, extra-curricular activities and test scores. Watch | New era in the US education system: Top court bans affirmative action × Aim of such race conscious admission process is to increase diversity among students who are granted admission. Colleges and universities do not usually disclose their admission process but race-conscious admission process is reportedly common among institutions that are more selective in their intake of students. Reuters reported that a 2019 survey by National Association for College Admission Counseling revealed that quarter of respondent schools said that race had "considerable" or "moderate" influence on admissions. More than half reported that race did not play any role whatsoever. Even before the Supreme Court ruling, nine states in the US has banned consideration of race in public colleges and universities. These states are Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington. What is the current litigation in Supreme Court about? The US Supreme Court was considering two cases when it delivered its verdict on affirmative action. One of the cases was brought by Students for Fair Admissions. This group is headed by Edward Blum who is a conservative legal strategist. He has spent years fighting affirmative action. One case alleged that Harvard University's admission policy unlawfully discriminates against Asian American applicants. While the other asserted that University of North Carolina unlawfully discriminates against white and Asian American applicants. Both of the universities have rejected these claims. The universities said that race is determinative in only a small number of cases. The universities also said that barring the practice would result in significant drop in number of minority students on campus. How has US Supreme Court ruled in the past? In past, the US Supreme Court, in its ruling across decades, has upheld race-conscious admissions, though not without limits. In landmark 1978 case, a divided Supreme Court considered the issue. The case was Regents of the University of California v. Bakke. The case was before the Supreme Court in an era when schools had begun taking affirmative action as a result of civil rights movement. The swing vote, Justice Lewis Powell, ruled that schools could not use affirmative action to rectify past racial discrimination and struck down the university's practice of setting aside a certain number of spots for minorities. Also Read | US verdict on race quotas in education raises serious questions on affirmative action Nevertheless, Powell found that increasing campus diversity was a "compelling interest" because students of all races - not just minorities - would receive a better education if exposed to different viewpoints. Powell ruled that schools could weigh race in admissions as long as it remained only one factor among many. In the year 2003, the Supreme Court struck down a system in University of Michigan that awarded points to minority applicants. The court held that the system was going too far. However, the Supreme Court upheld Bakke's central finding that schools could use race as one of several admission factors. The Supreme Court again upheld race-conscious admissions in a challenge backed by Blum to University of Texas policies. But the court has moved sharply to the right since then, with six conservative justices now and only three liberals. What will the universities do now? Colleges and universities may now have to find new ways to ensure diversity in their student populations. They may have to revamp their policies. However, other measures may not be so effective. University of California and University of Michigan have reportedly filed briefs with the US Supreme Court and said that they have outlawed race-conscious admissions. The universities have said that they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on alternative programs but these measures have fallen short of goals. The reaction on verdict US President has expressed his displeasure at the decision to end affirmative action. He said USA's powerful top court was no longer in step with American norms. "The court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions and I strongly, strongly disagree with the court's decision," he said in remarks broadcast live. Biden said that the ruling "walked away from decades of precedent", adding that universities "should not abandon their commitment" to maintain diversity among their students. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | US Supreme Court struck down affirmative action: What this means for college admissions

US rapper Travis Scott will not face criminal charges related to the deaths of 10 people who were suffocated when the crowd rushed the stage during his performance at Astroworld festival in 2021.

US rapper Travis Scott won't face criminal charges in 2021 Astroworld tragedy

<p>In the incident of a cleaner at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in&nbsp;New York, erasing decades of research by switching off the lab’s freezer, the college has initiated legal action against the cleaner’s employer, Daigle Cleaning Systems.&nbsp;Narrating the root causes of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/costly-mistake-cleaner-turns-of-freezer-accidentally-destroys-decades-of-research-in-new-york-college-609452">incident</a>, the attorney representing the college, Michael Ginsberg, spoke exclusively to WION. He highlighted the details of the incident as well as the insights into the lawsuit and the lab’s future course of action.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, Michael said that the college is seeking a monetary amount that is necessary to recreate the research. He said that they want Daigle Cleaning Systems to compensate the institute for the cost of recreating the research, including the cost of labour and material of chemical compounds.</p>

<p>“The amount necessary is slightly below a million dollars,” Michael exclaimed while adding that the mistake cost them the research of more than 20 years.</p>

<p>However, he also told WION that they consider it to be a human error not done with any intent of causing harm or sabotage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will say that we don’t believe that this was an intentional act. We don’t believe any bad intention or sabotage of any sort was behind this. It was a human error that resulted in the loss of the extensive amount of research which now needs to be recreated,” Michael told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the attorney, this research was a combination of about 20-25 years of study. It was related to the molecular mechanisms or makeup of solar energy conversion for natural and artificial synthetic systems and synthetic reactions.<br />
<br />
The research also looked at cell cultures in incredibly low temperatures, and it related to the viability and sustainability of solar energy and future advances in the development and use of solar energy.</p>

<p>However, when asked if it will take another 20-25 years to restore the research now, Michael said that he doesn’t believe that it is going to be another 20 years for it because they already have the data. They will not be completely reinventing it, but they will recreate the culture of that research.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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In the incident of a cleaner at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York, erasing decades of research by switching off the lab’s freezer, the college has initiated legal action against the cleaner’s employer, Daigle Cleaning Systems.

In the incident of a cleaner at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York, erasing decades of research by switching off the lab’s freezer, the college has initiated legal action against the cleaner’s employer, Daigle Cleaning Systems. Narrating the root causes of the incident, the attorney representing the college, Michael Ginsberg, spoke exclusively to WION. He highlighted the details of the incident as well as the insights into the lawsuit and the lab’s future course of action. Speaking to WION, Michael said that the college is seeking a monetary amount that is necessary to recreate the research. He said that they want Daigle Cleaning Systems to compensate the institute for the cost of recreating the research, including the cost of labour and material of chemical compounds. “The amount necessary is slightly below a million dollars,” Michael exclaimed while adding that the mistake cost them the research of more than 20 years. However, he also told WION that they consider it to be a human error not done with any intent of causing harm or sabotage. “I will say that we don’t believe that this was an intentional act. We don’t believe any bad intention or sabotage of any sort was behind this. It was a human error that resulted in the loss of the extensive amount of research which now needs to be recreated,” Michael told WION. According to the attorney, this research was a combination of about 20-25 years of study. It was related to the molecular mechanisms or makeup of solar energy conversion for natural and artificial synthetic systems and synthetic reactions. The research also looked at cell cultures in incredibly low temperatures, and it related to the viability and sustainability of solar energy and future advances in the development and use of solar energy. However, when asked if it will take another 20-25 years to restore the research now, Michael said that he doesn’t believe that it is going to be another 20 years for it because they already have the data. They will not be completely reinventing it, but they will recreate the culture of that research. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Million-dollar error: ‘Monetary amount needed to compensate research recreation,’ institute tells WION

<p>The officials in the US state of Texas, on Tuesday (June 27) have recovered a fifth body from the Lady Bird Lake in Austin since the beginning of this year. The announcement about the recent incident was made by the city’s fire department, in a statement, on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent deaths near the lake have since sparked rumours among the locals that a serial killer might be on the loose which the police have dismissed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tuesday’s incident is ‘still under investigation’: APD</strong></h2>

<p>The Austin Fire Department (AFD), in a tweet, on Tuesday morning, said that they received a call about a water rescue at 10:28 am (local time) near the lake. Subsequently, their crew “located an obviously deceased body,” and made the recovery.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AFD received a Water Resuce call in the 1000 blk of W. Cesar Chavez at 10:28 Crews located an obviously deceased body and made recovery and death pronouncement at 10:59. No further information available. Refer to <a href="https://twitter.com/Austin_Police?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Austin_Police</a> for further details.</p>
— Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustinFireInfo/status/1673737584353132544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The death pronouncement was issued at 10:59 am (local time). Later, in the day, the Austin Police Department (APD), held a press conference where they said that the gender of the body was male and the “circumstances of the (man’s death) are still under investigation.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Austin Police Sergeant Lee Knouse added that it was too early to say if the victim had drowned, as per local media reports. No other information was known about the man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the APD also called the recent probe a death investigation as opposed to a homicide, reported the Austin American-Statesman.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening at the&nbsp;Lady Bird Lake?</strong></h2>

<p>A report by an NBC News-affiliated local channel KXAN, said the police have recovered 10 bodies since last year from the lake some of which were even drowning. However, most cases are still under investigation. Whereas, since the beginning of this year, including the one on Tuesday, the police have recovered five bodies from the lake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the death of 30-year-old, Jason John, in February was declared as an accidental drowning, by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME), said the media report. While others are still under investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The serial killer rumours&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In April, APD Assistant Chief Jeff Greenwalt told the news channel, that there is no strong connection to the deaths and, “There are a lot of allegations that there’s a serial killer, but there’s no proof or evidence in any of our investigations to sustain that.”</p>

<p>This was after the two bodies were recovered from the lake, in the same month. The police have repeatedly dismissed claims that a serial killer is involved while the APD has been criticised for alleged inaction by the locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, locals believe that the serial killer is targeting young men around the age of 30. Aside from Clifton Axtell who was 40, other bodies recovered from the lake, this year, were of men in their 30s. This includes Jason John (30), Johnathan Honey (33), and Christopher Hays-Clark (30).</p>

<h2><strong>What did the APD say about the rumours?</strong></h2>

<p>“The Austin Police Department is aware of speculations regarding the recent drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Although these cases are still under investigation and evidence is being analyzed, at this time, there is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play,” said the APD, in a statement, on April 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations, and demographics surrounding these cases vary.” The police department also said it is working closely with the TCME and that the results of the autopsies, so far, “have not revealed any trauma to the bodies nor indication of foul play.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added, “One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points. Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night. The parks in which most of these drownings have occurred are park areas that close at 10:00 pm and occur after the park closes.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about the serial killer rumours, Knouse, on Tuesday reiterated that the investigations surrounding bodies found in the lake are independent and would release any information “that was concerning”.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The officials in the US state of Texas, on Tuesday (June 27) have recovered a fifth body from the Lady Bird Lake in Austin since the beginning of this year. The announcement about the recent incident was made by the city’s fire department, in a statement, on Tuesday morning.

The officials in the US state of Texas, on Tuesday (June 27) have recovered a fifth body from the Lady Bird Lake in Austin since the beginning of this year. The announcement about the recent incident was made by the city’s fire department, in a statement, on Tuesday morning. The recent deaths near the lake have since sparked rumours among the locals that a serial killer might be on the loose which the police have dismissed. Tuesday’s incident is ‘still under investigation’: APD The Austin Fire Department (AFD), in a tweet, on Tuesday morning, said that they received a call about a water rescue at 10:28 am (local time) near the lake. Subsequently, their crew “located an obviously deceased body,” and made the recovery. AFD received a Water Resuce call in the 1000 blk of W. Cesar Chavez at 10:28 Crews located an obviously deceased body and made recovery and death pronouncement at 10:59. No further information available. Refer to @Austin_Police for further details. — Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) June 27, 2023 × The death pronouncement was issued at 10:59 am (local time). Later, in the day, the Austin Police Department (APD), held a press conference where they said that the gender of the body was male and the “circumstances of the (man’s death) are still under investigation.” The Austin Police Sergeant Lee Knouse added that it was too early to say if the victim had drowned, as per local media reports. No other information was known about the man. Furthermore, the APD also called the recent probe a death investigation as opposed to a homicide, reported the Austin American-Statesman. What is happening at the Lady Bird Lake? A report by an NBC News-affiliated local channel KXAN, said the police have recovered 10 bodies since last year from the lake some of which were even drowning. However, most cases are still under investigation. Whereas, since the beginning of this year, including the one on Tuesday, the police have recovered five bodies from the lake. However, the death of 30-year-old, Jason John, in February was declared as an accidental drowning, by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME), said the media report. While others are still under investigation. The serial killer rumours In April, APD Assistant Chief Jeff Greenwalt told the news channel, that there is no strong connection to the deaths and, “There are a lot of allegations that there’s a serial killer, but there’s no proof or evidence in any of our investigations to sustain that.” This was after the two bodies were recovered from the lake, in the same month. The police have repeatedly dismissed claims that a serial killer is involved while the APD has been criticised for alleged inaction by the locals. As per media reports, locals believe that the serial killer is targeting young men around the age of 30. Aside from Clifton Axtell who was 40, other bodies recovered from the lake, this year, were of men in their 30s. This includes Jason John (30), Johnathan Honey (33), and Christopher Hays-Clark (30). What did the APD say about the rumours? “The Austin Police Department is aware of speculations regarding the recent drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Although these cases are still under investigation and evidence is being analyzed, at this time, there is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play,” said the APD, in a statement, on April 4. It added, “While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations, and demographics surrounding these cases vary.” The police department also said it is working closely with the TCME and that the results of the autopsies, so far, “have not revealed any trauma to the bodies nor indication of foul play.” The statement added, “One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points. Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night. The parks in which most of these drownings have occurred are park areas that close at 10:00 pm and occur after the park closes.” When asked about the serial killer rumours, Knouse, on Tuesday reiterated that the investigations surrounding bodies found in the lake are independent and would release any information “that was concerning”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: A serial killer in Austin? Rumours rife after 5th body recovered from Lady Bird Lake, this year

<p>US President Joe Biden on Thursday rebuked the country's Supreme Court for striking down&nbsp;race-conscious student admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC), media reports said.</p>

<p>Biden in a tweet said that he "strongly disagrees" with the ruling. "For decades, the Supreme Court recognised a college’s freedom to decide how to build a diverse student body and provide opportunity. Today, the Court walked away from precedent, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education. I strongly disagree with this decision," the tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our colleges are stronger when they are racially diverse. And America is stronger because we are tapping into our full range of talent. Today's Supreme Court decision is not the last word," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after the decision by the apex court dealt a significant blow to affirmative action policies which aimed at increasing diversity on college campuses.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court's conservative justices, with dissenting opinions from the liberal justices, voted in favour of Students for Fair Admissions, an organisation led by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum. The organisation had challenged the admissions policies of these prestigious institutions.</p>

<h2><strong>US Supreme Court decision</strong></h2>

<p>The court's decision was a 6-3 vote against UNC and a 6-2 vote against Harvard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-court-declares-govts-plan-to-send-migrants-to-rwanda-unlawful-610088">British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful</a></p>

<p>Chief Justice John Roberts, for the majority, stated that the admissions programs at both universities violated the Equal Protection Clause of the US &nbsp;Constitution, emphasising that students should be evaluated as individuals rather than based on their race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roberts clarified that this ruling does not prohibit universities from discussing an applicant's personal experiences with race biases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roberts said that students "must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual, not on the basis of race. Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the colour of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-jailed-for-smuggling-800-people-into-us-using-uber-610082">Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber</a></p>

<p>"At the same time," Roberts said, "as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise."</p>

<h2><strong>Support towards affirmative action</strong></h2>

<p>Affirmative action has been supported by numerous educational institutions, corporations, and military leaders as a means to address racial inequities and foster diverse perspectives in workplaces and the armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dissenting opinions</strong></h2>

<p>However, the court's decision is seen as a setback to these efforts.</p>

<p>Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced her dissent. She argued that the ruling undermines the constitutional guarantee of equal protection and perpetuates racial inequality in education.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Tarang shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year</strong></p>

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<p>"Today, this Court stands in the way and rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress," she wrote in a dissent. She was joined by Jackson and Liberal Justice Elena Kagan.</p>

<h2><strong>Legal challenges and background</strong></h2>

<p>Blum's organisation filed lawsuits in 2014, alleging that UNC and Harvard discriminated against white, Asian American, and other non-underrepresented minority applicants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuits argued that UNC's admissions policy violated the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection, while Harvard's policy violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court's conservative shift since 2016, along with the appointment of three justices by former President Donald Trump, provided an opportunity to reconsider previous rulings on race-conscious admissions policies.</p>

<h2><strong>World leaders react over&nbsp;court's decision&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have also reacted over this key ruling by US Supreme Court. They joined the list of several other top Democrats who were quick to respond to the now-struck-down policy&nbsp;of the universities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Obamas</strong></h2>

<p>Michelle Obama, the former first lady, shared her personal experience of being one of the few Black students on her college campus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement shared on her Twitter account, she expressed her sadness for young individuals who may be uncertain about their future after the apex court's ruling. "Today, my heart breaks for any young person out there who's wondering what their future holds — and what kinds of chances will be open to them."</p>

<p>"Today is a reminder that we've got to do the work not just to enact policies that reflect our values of equity and fairness, but to truly make those values real in all of our schools, workplaces, and neighbourhood," she said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Barack Obama responded,&nbsp;"Affirmative action was never a complete answer in the drive towards a more just society. But for generations of students who had been systematically excluded from most of America’s key institutions—it gave us the chance to show we more than deserved a seat at the table. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, it’s time to redouble our efforts."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump calls ruling 'a great day for America'</strong></h2>

<p>In a clear show of support for the Supreme Court's ruling, former US President Donald Trump called the decision by the apex court "a great day for America."</p>

<p>"This is the ruling everyone was waiting and hoping for and the result was amazing. It will also keep us competitive with the rest of the world. Our greatest minds must be cherished and that’s what this wonderful day has brought. We’re going back to all merit-based—and that’s the way it should be!" he told a media outlet.</p>

<h2><strong>Republicans&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted the Supreme Court has correctly upheld the constitution and ended discrimination by colleges and universities. "College admissions should be based on merit and applicants should not be judged on their race or ethnicity," he wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also backed the ruling and told Fox News, "This is a good day for America. Honestly, this is the day where we understand that being judged by the content of our character, not the colour of our skin is what our constitution wants. We are continuing to work on forming this more perfect union. Today is better than yesterday, this year better than last year, this decade better than last decade. The progress that we're seeing in this nation is palpable."&nbsp;</p>

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US President Joe Biden on Thursday rebuked the country's Supreme Court for striking down race-conscious student admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC), media reports said.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday rebuked the country's Supreme Court for striking down race-conscious student admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC), media reports said. Biden in a tweet said that he "strongly disagrees" with the ruling. "For decades, the Supreme Court recognised a college’s freedom to decide how to build a diverse student body and provide opportunity. Today, the Court walked away from precedent, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education. I strongly disagree with this decision," the tweet read. "Our colleges are stronger when they are racially diverse. And America is stronger because we are tapping into our full range of talent. Today's Supreme Court decision is not the last word," it added. This comes after the decision by the apex court dealt a significant blow to affirmative action policies which aimed at increasing diversity on college campuses. The court's conservative justices, with dissenting opinions from the liberal justices, voted in favour of Students for Fair Admissions, an organisation led by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum. The organisation had challenged the admissions policies of these prestigious institutions. US Supreme Court decision The court's decision was a 6-3 vote against UNC and a 6-2 vote against Harvard. Also Read | British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful Chief Justice John Roberts, for the majority, stated that the admissions programs at both universities violated the Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution, emphasising that students should be evaluated as individuals rather than based on their race. Roberts clarified that this ruling does not prohibit universities from discussing an applicant's personal experiences with race biases. Roberts said that students "must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual, not on the basis of race. Many universities have for too long done just the opposite. And in doing so, they have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the colour of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice." Also Read | Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber "At the same time," Roberts said, "as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." Support towards affirmative action Affirmative action has been supported by numerous educational institutions, corporations, and military leaders as a means to address racial inequities and foster diverse perspectives in workplaces and the armed forces. Dissenting opinions However, the court's decision is seen as a setback to these efforts. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced her dissent. She argued that the ruling undermines the constitutional guarantee of equal protection and perpetuates racial inequality in education. Watch | Tarang shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year × "Today, this Court stands in the way and rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress," she wrote in a dissent. She was joined by Jackson and Liberal Justice Elena Kagan. Legal challenges and background Blum's organisation filed lawsuits in 2014, alleging that UNC and Harvard discriminated against white, Asian American, and other non-underrepresented minority applicants. The lawsuits argued that UNC's admissions policy violated the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection, while Harvard's policy violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Supreme Court's conservative shift since 2016, along with the appointment of three justices by former President Donald Trump, provided an opportunity to reconsider previous rulings on race-conscious admissions policies. World leaders react over court's decision Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have also reacted over this key ruling by US Supreme Court. They joined the list of several other top Democrats who were quick to respond to the now-struck-down policy of the universities. The Obamas Michelle Obama, the former first lady, shared her personal experience of being one of the few Black students on her college campus. In a statement shared on her Twitter account, she expressed her sadness for young individuals who may be uncertain about their future after the apex court's ruling. "Today, my heart breaks for any young person out there who's wondering what their future holds — and what kinds of chances will be open to them." "Today is a reminder that we've got to do the work not just to enact policies that reflect our values of equity and fairness, but to truly make those values real in all of our schools, workplaces, and neighbourhood," she said in the statement. In a tweet, Barack Obama responded, "Affirmative action was never a complete answer in the drive towards a more just society. But for generations of students who had been systematically excluded from most of America’s key institutions—it gave us the chance to show we more than deserved a seat at the table. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, it’s time to redouble our efforts." Trump calls ruling 'a great day for America' In a clear show of support for the Supreme Court's ruling, former US President Donald Trump called the decision by the apex court "a great day for America." "This is the ruling everyone was waiting and hoping for and the result was amazing. It will also keep us competitive with the rest of the world. Our greatest minds must be cherished and that’s what this wonderful day has brought. We’re going back to all merit-based—and that’s the way it should be!" he told a media outlet. Republicans Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted the Supreme Court has correctly upheld the constitution and ended discrimination by colleges and universities. "College admissions should be based on merit and applicants should not be judged on their race or ethnicity," he wrote in a tweet. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also backed the ruling and told Fox News, "This is a good day for America. Honestly, this is the day where we understand that being judged by the content of our character, not the colour of our skin is what our constitution wants. We are continuing to work on forming this more perfect union. Today is better than yesterday, this year better than last year, this decade better than last decade. The progress that we're seeing in this nation is palpable." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'I strongly disagree', says Biden after US Supreme Court strikes down race-based admissions programmes

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that there is no new nuclear deal is in the offing for Iran. This comes after Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi's recent remark that how Iran won't beg US for an amicable deal, even if it looks forward to it.

'No nuclear deal on table with Iran', says US State Secy Antony Blinken

China is using its rival's technology & gears. To keep an eye on them. The Chinese spy balloon that floated over the US early this year was loaded with American-made equipment. These equipment aided China to collect photos, visuals & other information, as per a US official.

Did Chinese spy balloons use US tech to spy on Americans?

<p>Earlier this year, a Chinese 'spy'&nbsp;balloon was spotted in the skies of the United States and was later shot down by jets over the Atlantic Ocean — an incident which escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing. Now, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday (June 28), citing preliminary findings from a closely held probe, that the spy balloon used American technology to&nbsp;collect audio-visual information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing US officials, WSJ said that analysis from several US defence and intelligence agencies found that the balloon carried commercially available US gear, along with more specialised Chinese sensors and other equipment to collect photographs, video and other information to transmit to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that the findings support a conclusion that the balloon was intended for spying, and not for weather monitoring as claimed by China. WSJ said that the balloon did not seem to send data from its eight-day passage over Alaska, Canada and some other contiguous US states back to China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-jailed-for-smuggling-800-people-into-us-using-uber-610082">Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Spy balloon saga&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>American authorities tracked the balloon after it was spotted, they later scrambled jets to shoot it down and had collected the debris to analyse it. However, China said that the balloon was a civilian 'airship'&nbsp;which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The balloon episode sparked diplomatic tensions and posed an immediate impact on US-China ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-green-energy-push-gives-china-top-renewable-energy-dividends-610050">Xi Jinping's green energy push gives China top renewable energy dividends</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Cities under air quality alerts amid haze of Canada wildfires</strong></p>

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<p>After the incident, a senior State Department official said that the spy balloon had equipment that was "clearly for intelligence surveillance," including "multiple antennas" that were "likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials in the US had claimed that the balloon could have been a part of a huge aerial spy programme operated by the Chinese military, which apparently targeted more than 40 countries on five continents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US is also confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon has a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, an official had said on grounds of anonymity that "it [the balloon] had multiple antennas to include an array likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was equipped with solar panels large enough to produce the requisite power to operate multiple active intelligence collection sensors," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was basically meant to collect information on military assets in countries and areas of emerging strategic interest to China including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Earlier this year, a Chinese 'spy' balloon was spotted in the skies of the United States and was later shot down by jets over the Atlantic Ocean — an incident which escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Earlier this year, a Chinese 'spy' balloon was spotted in the skies of the United States and was later shot down by jets over the Atlantic Ocean — an incident which escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing. Now, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday (June 28), citing preliminary findings from a closely held probe, that the spy balloon used American technology to collect audio-visual information. Citing US officials, WSJ said that analysis from several US defence and intelligence agencies found that the balloon carried commercially available US gear, along with more specialised Chinese sensors and other equipment to collect photographs, video and other information to transmit to China. The report said that the findings support a conclusion that the balloon was intended for spying, and not for weather monitoring as claimed by China. WSJ said that the balloon did not seem to send data from its eight-day passage over Alaska, Canada and some other contiguous US states back to China. Also read: Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber Spy balloon saga American authorities tracked the balloon after it was spotted, they later scrambled jets to shoot it down and had collected the debris to analyse it. However, China said that the balloon was a civilian 'airship' which was used for research, mainly meteorological purposes. The balloon episode sparked diplomatic tensions and posed an immediate impact on US-China ties. Also read: Xi Jinping's green energy push gives China top renewable energy dividends Watch: US Cities under air quality alerts amid haze of Canada wildfires × After the incident, a senior State Department official said that the spy balloon had equipment that was "clearly for intelligence surveillance," including "multiple antennas" that were "likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications". The officials in the US had claimed that the balloon could have been a part of a huge aerial spy programme operated by the Chinese military, which apparently targeted more than 40 countries on five continents. The US is also confident that the manufacturer of the Chinese balloon has a "direct relationship" with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). As quoted by news agencies, an official had said on grounds of anonymity that "it [the balloon] had multiple antennas to include an array likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications." "It was equipped with solar panels large enough to produce the requisite power to operate multiple active intelligence collection sensors," it added. It was basically meant to collect information on military assets in countries and areas of emerging strategic interest to China including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese 'spy' balloon reportedly used US technology to spy on Americans

<p>The United States’ recently passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect on Tuesday (June 27). In line with this, millions of pregnant employees across the US would have access to expanded protections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PWFA comes after over a decade of campaigning, which would not only bar employers from discriminating against pregnant workers but also provide “reasonable accommodations” for their employees to continue working.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the PWFA?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website, the new law only applies to accommodations while existing laws like the illegal firing of employees or discrimination against workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, will continue to be enforced by the government agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new federal law mandates “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant workers unless doing so would impose an “undue hardship” on the employer. “An ‘undue hardship’ is a significant difficulty or expense for the employer,” said the EEOC. It could be a cost to the employer, the employer’s resources and/or their operations.</p>

<p>PWFA protects employees and applicants of “covered employers” which includes private and public sector companies with at least 15 employees, Congress, federal agencies, employment agencies, and labour organisations.</p>

<p>In line with the new law, employers cannot force an employee to accept an accommodation, like taking a leave, without a discussion with the employee first. The organisation also cannot deny a job or other employment opportunities to a qualified or applicant-based employee who requires reasonable accommodation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the employer cannot require an employee to take a leave if other options under reasonable accommodation can be provided which would allow the employee to continue working.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation can also not retaliate against an individual for reporting or opposing discrimination under the PWFA or hinder their participation in any proceedings, like an investigation, as per the new federal law.</p>

<h2><strong>How does it protect pregnant women in the workplace?</strong></h2>

<p>The new law is said to have effectively bridged the legal gap between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) with the aim that millions of workers in the US would not have to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, it also protects women who would otherwise fall through the cracks between the two laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, ADA which has been in place for over three decades now prevents discrimination against employees with disabilities and also requires employers to make accommodations for them. However, pregnancy, under this law, or by itself is not considered a disability which mandates accommodation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, the PDA bars employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their pregnancy be it hiring or firing someone. Under the PDA, which was enacted in 1978, pregnant workers would only be treated as well as, or equal to, the way that employers accommodate non-pregnant people “similar in their ability or inability to work.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, in some cases, pregnant employees would be expected to carry out work just like others are under PDA. Neither law offered protection for otherwise healthy pregnant workers with limitations that come with carrying a child.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, the PWFA would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known pregnancy-related limitations regardless of how they are treating their non-pregnant employees or even if their pregnancy symptoms are not severe enough to constitute a disability.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are these ‘reasonable accommodations’?</strong></h2>

<p>Under the newly enacted law, some of these “reasonable accommodations” include, time off from work to recover from childbirth, pregnancy loss and postpartum depression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other reasonable expectations include changes to the work environment day-to-day, like additional breaks to rest, drink water or eat; receiving closer parking; having flexible hours to attend prenatal or postnatal appointments; excused from strenuous activities, and so on.</p>

<h2><strong>No need for ‘magic words’</strong></h2>

<p>The PWFA also says that the condition which would require or necessitate accommodation must be “known” to the employer, which essentially means that it should be communicated to the organisation by the employee or their representative.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
However, the pregnant employee should not have to use “magic words” or legal terms, in order to receive the right to accommodation. Furthermore, once the limitations of the employee are known to the employer they could either grant the request or offer another way to accommodate the needs of the pregnant worker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An employment attorney, Christine Bestor Townsend, told CBS MoneyWatch, “Employees don't have to use any magic language. Employers need to recognize the requests that come in and be prepared to deal with those requests.” She also noted that since pregnancy is temporary the “hardship standard is harder”.</p>

<h2><strong>Rights groups hail the legislation</strong></h2>

<p>Over the years, several employees have come forward with their stories and the hardships they had to face in the workplace while they were pregnant or postpartum. Speaking about her experience, Natasha Jackson said that she faced discrimination, over a decade ago, that eventually led to her termination which nearly drove her family toward homelessness.</p>

<p>In an interview with ABC News, Jackson said that she was three months pregnant with her third child while working as an account manager at the local furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina. However, she was placed on a 12-week unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) after her doctor recommended that she avoid lifting anything more than nine kilogrammes.</p>

<p>“The PWFA is the culmination of a 10-year-long campaign to close gaps in civil rights laws so pregnant workers are not pushed out of jobs or forced to risk their health when they require reasonable accommodations on the job, like a water bottle to stay hydrated or a transfer away from strenuous heavy lifting,” Vice President of an employee advocacy group, A Better Balance, Elizabeth Gedmark, told CBS.<br />
<br />
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The United States’ recently passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect on Tuesday (June 27). In line with this, millions of pregnant employees across the US would have access to expanded protections.

The United States’ recently passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect on Tuesday (June 27). In line with this, millions of pregnant employees across the US would have access to expanded protections. The PWFA comes after over a decade of campaigning, which would not only bar employers from discriminating against pregnant workers but also provide “reasonable accommodations” for their employees to continue working. What is the PWFA? According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website, the new law only applies to accommodations while existing laws like the illegal firing of employees or discrimination against workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, will continue to be enforced by the government agency. The new federal law mandates “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant workers unless doing so would impose an “undue hardship” on the employer. “An ‘undue hardship’ is a significant difficulty or expense for the employer,” said the EEOC. It could be a cost to the employer, the employer’s resources and/or their operations. PWFA protects employees and applicants of “covered employers” which includes private and public sector companies with at least 15 employees, Congress, federal agencies, employment agencies, and labour organisations. In line with the new law, employers cannot force an employee to accept an accommodation, like taking a leave, without a discussion with the employee first. The organisation also cannot deny a job or other employment opportunities to a qualified or applicant-based employee who requires reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, the employer cannot require an employee to take a leave if other options under reasonable accommodation can be provided which would allow the employee to continue working. The organisation can also not retaliate against an individual for reporting or opposing discrimination under the PWFA or hinder their participation in any proceedings, like an investigation, as per the new federal law. How does it protect pregnant women in the workplace? The new law is said to have effectively bridged the legal gap between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) with the aim that millions of workers in the US would not have to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, it also protects women who would otherwise fall through the cracks between the two laws. So far, ADA which has been in place for over three decades now prevents discrimination against employees with disabilities and also requires employers to make accommodations for them. However, pregnancy, under this law, or by itself is not considered a disability which mandates accommodation. Similarly, the PDA bars employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of their pregnancy be it hiring or firing someone. Under the PDA, which was enacted in 1978, pregnant workers would only be treated as well as, or equal to, the way that employers accommodate non-pregnant people “similar in their ability or inability to work.” Therefore, in some cases, pregnant employees would be expected to carry out work just like others are under PDA. Neither law offered protection for otherwise healthy pregnant workers with limitations that come with carrying a child. Thus, the PWFA would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known pregnancy-related limitations regardless of how they are treating their non-pregnant employees or even if their pregnancy symptoms are not severe enough to constitute a disability. What are these ‘reasonable accommodations’? Under the newly enacted law, some of these “reasonable accommodations” include, time off from work to recover from childbirth, pregnancy loss and postpartum depression. Other reasonable expectations include changes to the work environment day-to-day, like additional breaks to rest, drink water or eat; receiving closer parking; having flexible hours to attend prenatal or postnatal appointments; excused from strenuous activities, and so on. No need for ‘magic words’ The PWFA also says that the condition which would require or necessitate accommodation must be “known” to the employer, which essentially means that it should be communicated to the organisation by the employee or their representative. However, the pregnant employee should not have to use “magic words” or legal terms, in order to receive the right to accommodation. Furthermore, once the limitations of the employee are known to the employer they could either grant the request or offer another way to accommodate the needs of the pregnant worker. An employment attorney, Christine Bestor Townsend, told CBS MoneyWatch, “Employees don't have to use any magic language. Employers need to recognize the requests that come in and be prepared to deal with those requests.” She also noted that since pregnancy is temporary the “hardship standard is harder”. Rights groups hail the legislation Over the years, several employees have come forward with their stories and the hardships they had to face in the workplace while they were pregnant or postpartum. Speaking about her experience, Natasha Jackson said that she faced discrimination, over a decade ago, that eventually led to her termination which nearly drove her family toward homelessness. In an interview with ABC News, Jackson said that she was three months pregnant with her third child while working as an account manager at the local furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina. However, she was placed on a 12-week unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) after her doctor recommended that she avoid lifting anything more than nine kilogrammes. “The PWFA is the culmination of a 10-year-long campaign to close gaps in civil rights laws so pregnant workers are not pushed out of jobs or forced to risk their health when they require reasonable accommodations on the job, like a water bottle to stay hydrated or a transfer away from strenuous heavy lifting,” Vice President of an employee advocacy group, A Better Balance, Elizabeth Gedmark, told CBS. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | US: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act goes into effect. How will it help women?

<p>The US Coast Guard on Wednesday (June 28) said that the experts recovered "presumed human remains" from the wreckage of the Titan submersible that imploded during a dive into the Titanic shipwreck.</p>

<p>"United States medical professionals will conduct a formal analysis of presumed human remains that have been carefully recovered," the agency said in a statement after parts of the wreckage were unloaded in eastern Canada.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the recovered debris was offloaded in eastern Canada, bringing to an end a difficult search-and-recovery operation.</p>

<p>That debris will now be taken on board a US Coast Guard cutter to a US port for further analysis, the organisation said.</p>

<p>"There is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and help ensure a similar tragedy does not occur again," said the leader of the US investigation into the tragedy, Captain Jason Neubauer.</p>

<h2><strong>Debris recovered from Titan submersible&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Debris from the Titan submersible which imploded, killing all five on board, was recovered and returned to land by a Canadian-flagged ship. The sub operated by OceanGate Expeditions was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic earlier this month. It went missing soon thereafter, becoming a matter of global concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/titan-implosion-was-titanic-submersible-operated-with-a-video-game-controller-607717">Titan implosion: Was Titanic submersible operated with a video-game controller?</a></p>

<p>A report by the news agency Reuters mentioned that a video from the Canadian Broadcast Corporation carried footage from the harbour, which showed the nose of the submersible and some other shattered fragments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pieces were wrapped in a white tarp and were seen being pulled up by a crane off the Horizon Arctic vessel at St John's Harbour in Newfoundland. Reports mentioned that twisted chunks of the 22-foot submersible were brought ashore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some experts have previously said that the recovery of the debris will be crucial in the investigation to find out what led to the tragic implosion of the submersible, which killed five passengers, including the company OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush, besides Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the officials announced that the search and rescue mission for the passengers was ended and those on board were "sadly lost", it was said that five major pieces were detected amid the debris around the Titanic site. A nose cone, outside the pressure hull, and a larger debris field were among them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pelagic Research, which operates the robotic vehicle, said in a statement: "Our team has successfully completed off-shore operations, but is still on mission and will be in the process of demobilization from the Horizon Arctic this morning." It declined to comment further, citing confidentiality reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company also said that they have been working around the clock now for 10 days and are facing physical and mental challenges during this operation. They said they are also anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones.</p>

<p>Footage also showed a shattered part of the hull and machinery with dangling wires being taken off the ship at St. John's, where the expedition to the Titanic had set off from.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The US Coast Guard on Wednesday (June 28) said that the experts recovered "presumed human remains" from the wreckage of the Titan submersible that imploded during a dive into the Titanic shipwreck.

The US Coast Guard on Wednesday (June 28) said that the experts recovered "presumed human remains" from the wreckage of the Titan submersible that imploded during a dive into the Titanic shipwreck. "United States medical professionals will conduct a formal analysis of presumed human remains that have been carefully recovered," the agency said in a statement after parts of the wreckage were unloaded in eastern Canada. Earlier in the day, the recovered debris was offloaded in eastern Canada, bringing to an end a difficult search-and-recovery operation. That debris will now be taken on board a US Coast Guard cutter to a US port for further analysis, the organisation said. "There is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and help ensure a similar tragedy does not occur again," said the leader of the US investigation into the tragedy, Captain Jason Neubauer. Debris recovered from Titan submersible Debris from the Titan submersible which imploded, killing all five on board, was recovered and returned to land by a Canadian-flagged ship. The sub operated by OceanGate Expeditions was on a voyage to see the century-old wreck of the Titanic earlier this month. It went missing soon thereafter, becoming a matter of global concern. Also read: Titan implosion: Was Titanic submersible operated with a video-game controller? A report by the news agency Reuters mentioned that a video from the Canadian Broadcast Corporation carried footage from the harbour, which showed the nose of the submersible and some other shattered fragments. The pieces were wrapped in a white tarp and were seen being pulled up by a crane off the Horizon Arctic vessel at St John's Harbour in Newfoundland. Reports mentioned that twisted chunks of the 22-foot submersible were brought ashore. Some experts have previously said that the recovery of the debris will be crucial in the investigation to find out what led to the tragic implosion of the submersible, which killed five passengers, including the company OceanGate's CEO Stockton Rush, besides Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet. When the officials announced that the search and rescue mission for the passengers was ended and those on board were "sadly lost", it was said that five major pieces were detected amid the debris around the Titanic site. A nose cone, outside the pressure hull, and a larger debris field were among them. Pelagic Research, which operates the robotic vehicle, said in a statement: "Our team has successfully completed off-shore operations, but is still on mission and will be in the process of demobilization from the Horizon Arctic this morning." It declined to comment further, citing confidentiality reasons. The company also said that they have been working around the clock now for 10 days and are facing physical and mental challenges during this operation. They said they are also anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones. Footage also showed a shattered part of the hull and machinery with dangling wires being taken off the ship at St. John's, where the expedition to the Titanic had set off from. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Experts recover 'presumed human remains' from Titan sub wreckage

<p>Poland, in a deal announced on Wednesday by the Pentagon, is set to buy an advanced Patriot missile defence systems worth up to $15 billion.</p>

<p>The Defense Security Cooperation Agency released a statement saying that the sale would involve up to 48 Patriot PAC-3 launchers and up to 644 Patriot PAC-3 MSE projectiles, along with radars and control components for the systems. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency further added that the State Department, which is authorised to approve US arms export deals, had okayed the sale. This will give Poland some of the most advanced US air defence systems.</p>

<p>"The proposed sale will improve Poland's missile defence capability and contribute to Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," the agency said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Patriots are curated for use against incoming high-speed projectiles and aircraft.</p>

<h2><strong>Poland gets first batch of Abrams&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report</a></p>

<p>Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the US, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Poland says Wagner troops in Belarus 'threat' to countries of the region</strong></h2>

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Poland, in a deal announced on Wednesday by the Pentagon, is set to buy an advanced Patriot missile defence systems worth up to $15 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency released a statement saying that the sale would involve up to 48 Patriot PAC-3 launchers and up to 644 Patriot PAC-3 MSE projectiles, along with radars and control components for the systems.

Poland, in a deal announced on Wednesday by the Pentagon, is set to buy an advanced Patriot missile defence systems worth up to $15 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency released a statement saying that the sale would involve up to 48 Patriot PAC-3 launchers and up to 644 Patriot PAC-3 MSE projectiles, along with radars and control components for the systems. The agency further added that the State Department, which is authorised to approve US arms export deals, had okayed the sale. This will give Poland some of the most advanced US air defence systems. "The proposed sale will improve Poland's missile defence capability and contribute to Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," the agency said in a statement. The Patriots are curated for use against incoming high-speed projectiles and aircraft. Poland gets first batch of Abrams On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Also read: Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world." The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the US, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps. Poland says Wagner troops in Belarus 'threat' to countries of the region Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region. Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia." On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus. He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added. Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Poland set to buy US Patriot missile defence systems worth up to $15 billion

Next year's election will mark America's 60th Presidential contest. Joe Biden is leading a western drive to support Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion launched in February last year. In a new verbal slip-up, the US President said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was losing the war in Iraq, when he meant to say Ukraine. It was the second slip-up in 24 hours. On Tuesday, Biden corrected himself at a fundraising event - referring to China when he meant India, whose Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited the White House a week ago. The miscues are not unusual for the 80-year-old President.

Biden, again: After referring to China when he meant India, President says Putin losing 'Iraq' war

United States and Singapore are holding Maritime drills in the Philippine Sea near Guam, now according to the Department of Defense the naval exercise involving the US and Singapore navies happens every other year this year's drill is called Pacific Griffin 2023. it is part of two weeks of training on land and at sea.

US and Singapore conducts naval drills, Singapore navy fires harpoon missile

<p>The United States took aim at Russia's&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group&nbsp;and imposed sanctions on Tuesday on companies it accused of engaging in illicit&nbsp;gold&nbsp;dealings to fund the&nbsp;mercenary&nbsp;force.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The US&nbsp;Treasury Department in a statement said it slapped sanctions on four companies in the United Arab Emirates, Central African Republic and Russia it accused of being connected to the&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group&nbsp;and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.</div>

<p>The companies engaged in illicit&nbsp;gold&nbsp;dealings to fund the militia to sustain and expand its armed&nbsp;forces, including in Ukraine and some countries in Africa, the Treasury said.</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group&nbsp;funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali," the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The United States will continue to target the&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group’s revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group&nbsp;did not immediately respond to the US&nbsp;allegations.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;State Department ahead of the announcement said that the action against&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;was unrelated to an aborted mutiny last weekend.</p>

<p>Wagner, whose men in Ukraine include thousands of ex-prisoners recruited from Russian jails, has grown into a sprawling international business with mining interests and fighters in Africa and the Middle East.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the finances of Prigozhin's catering firm would be investigated after his mutiny, saying&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;and its founder had received almost $2 billion from Russia in the past year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'They will squash you like a bug': Belarus president says he warned Wagner boss Prigozhin | Details</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/they-will-squash-you-like-a-bug-belarus-president-says-he-warned-wagner-boss-prigozhin-details-609474/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Wagner&nbsp;has fought in Libya, Syria, the Central African Republic, Mali and other countries, and has fought the bloodiest battles of the 16-month-old war in Ukraine. It was founded in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and started supporting pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.</p>

<p>The United States has previously imposed sanctions on&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;and Prigozhin. Washington has repeatedly warned of what it says are&nbsp;Wagner's destabilising activities and has ramped up sanctions against the private army following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>The companies hit with sanctions on Tuesday included Central African Republic-based Midas Resources SARLU and Diamville SAU, Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading and Russia-based Limited Liability Company DM.</p>

<p>The United States also issued an advisory highlighting risks raised by&nbsp;gold&nbsp;trade in sub-Saharan Africa due to what it said was increasingly concerning reporting related to the role of illicit actors, including the&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eastern-european-nato-allies-say-wagners-move-to-belarus-will-create-regional-instability-609436">Eastern European NATO allies say Wagner's move to Belarus will create regional instability</a></p>

<p>Washington also imposed sanctions on Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, a Russian national the Treasury accused of being an executive in the&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Group&nbsp;and said he worked closely with senior Malian officials on weapons deals, mining concerns and other&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;activities in the country.</p>

<p>Russia's embassy in Washington and Industrial Resources did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>Reuters could not immediately reach a spokesperson for Midas Resources, Diamville or Limited Liability Company DM.</p>

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The United States took aim at Russia's Wagner Group and imposed sanctions on Tuesday on companies it accused of engaging in illicit gold dealings to fund the mercenary force.

The United States took aim at Russia's Wagner Group and imposed sanctions on Tuesday on companies it accused of engaging in illicit gold dealings to fund the mercenary force. The US Treasury Department in a statement said it slapped sanctions on four companies in the United Arab Emirates, Central African Republic and Russia it accused of being connected to the Wagner Group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. The companies engaged in illicit gold dealings to fund the militia to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and some countries in Africa, the Treasury said. "The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali," the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in a statement. "The United States will continue to target the Wagner Group’s revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else." The Wagner Group did not immediately respond to the US allegations. The US State Department ahead of the announcement said that the action against Wagner was unrelated to an aborted mutiny last weekend. Wagner, whose men in Ukraine include thousands of ex-prisoners recruited from Russian jails, has grown into a sprawling international business with mining interests and fighters in Africa and the Middle East. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the finances of Prigozhin's catering firm would be investigated after his mutiny, saying Wagner and its founder had received almost $2 billion from Russia in the past year. Also watch | 'They will squash you like a bug': Belarus president says he warned Wagner boss Prigozhin | Details Wagner has fought in Libya, Syria, the Central African Republic, Mali and other countries, and has fought the bloodiest battles of the 16-month-old war in Ukraine. It was founded in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and started supporting pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. The United States has previously imposed sanctions on Wagner and Prigozhin. Washington has repeatedly warned of what it says are Wagner's destabilising activities and has ramped up sanctions against the private army following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The companies hit with sanctions on Tuesday included Central African Republic-based Midas Resources SARLU and Diamville SAU, Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading and Russia-based Limited Liability Company DM. The United States also issued an advisory highlighting risks raised by gold trade in sub-Saharan Africa due to what it said was increasingly concerning reporting related to the role of illicit actors, including the Wagner Group. Also read | Eastern European NATO allies say Wagner's move to Belarus will create regional instability Washington also imposed sanctions on Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, a Russian national the Treasury accused of being an executive in the Wagner Group and said he worked closely with senior Malian officials on weapons deals, mining concerns and other Wagner activities in the country. Russia's embassy in Washington and Industrial Resources did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately reach a spokesperson for Midas Resources, Diamville or Limited Liability Company DM. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US targets Wagner Group in curbs on gold firms suspected of funding mercenary forces

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