A shooting on the main campus of the University of Nevada in Las Vegas left three people dead and according to the police, the suspected gunman also died on the campus, says the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

US gun violence: Nevada University shooting ends with suspect's death

A woman from the US state of Ohio who had previously been convicted of assault after she hurled a burrito bowl at a Chipotle worker has been offered an unusual way to reduce her time in jail – to work at a fast food restaurant.&nbsp;

Rosemary Hayne, a 39-year-old, mother of four became famous, for all the wrong reasons, after a video of her screaming at a Chipotle employee – later identified as Emily Russell – before throwing her food in the worker’s face went viral, in September.&nbsp;

The 39-year-old later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour assault charge and received the sentence last week in an Ohio municipal court. Initially, she was sentenced to pay a fine and serve 180 days in jail. However, it seems like the judge had another idea.&nbsp;

“You didn’t get your burrito bowl the way you like it and this is how you respond?” Parma Municipal Court Judge Timothy Gilligan asked Hayne. “This is not ‘Real Housewives of Parma.’ This behavior is not acceptable.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Bizarre tales of justice: From Ohio's fast-food penalty to Tokyo's pigeon roadkill

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The judge then told the 39-year-old she could cut off 60 days in jail if she agreed to work at least 20 hours per week at a fast food restaurant for two months.&nbsp;

“Do you want to walk in her shoes for two months and learn how people should treat people, or do you want to do your jail time?” Gilligan asked Hayne at the hearing.

To which Hayne responded by saying, “I’d like to walk in her shoes.” The 39-year-old has yet to find a job at a fast-food restaurant, Gilligan and her attorney told CNN, on Wednesday (Dec 6).

<h2>Russell quits job</h2>

Russell told the court she had been traumatised by Hayne’s actions and had quit her job at Chipotle since the incident.&nbsp;

In an interview with the Washington Post, on Tuesday (Dec 5), she said that she stepped in to protect a 17-year-old employee who was getting yelled at by Hayne.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chipotle-manager-rips-off-employees-hijab-sparks-legal-firestorm-641500">US: Chipotle manager rips off employee's Hijab, sparks legal firestorm</a>

Speaking about the incident, Russell said that the food Hayne threw was hot and burned her face. “I was so embarrassed and in shock,” she told WaPo.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Truly sorry’</h2>

Joseph O’Malley, Hayne’s attorney, told the CNN outlet how her client had no criminal record before the incident and was truly sorry about her actions that day.&nbsp;

“Let’s give her the opportunity to not let this one day define the rest of her life,” Malley told CNN.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/350-year-old-steamy-explicit-sketch-expected-to-sell-for-half-million-dollars-see-it-here-667104">350-year-old steamy, 'explicit' sketch expected to sell for half-a-million dollars</a>

Judge Gillian told the media outlet that Hayne will have to have her job approved by the court and will have to work 20 hours a week. He also spoke about how he had thought about the unusual sentence days before a&nbsp;hearing in November.&nbsp;

“Every time you watch the video, it makes you more and more upset,” Gillian told CNN. “I was thinking, ‘What else can I do rather than just have her sit in jail.’”

He also spoke about how he has been a judge for 30 years and sees such cases more than he wants to.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A woman from the US state of Ohio who had previously been convicted of assault after she hurled a burrito bowl at a Chipotle worker has been offered an unusual way to reduce her time in jail – to work at a fast food restaurant.

A woman from the US state of Ohio who had previously been convicted of assault after she hurled a burrito bowl at a Chipotle worker has been offered an unusual way to reduce her time in jail – to work at a fast food restaurant. Rosemary Hayne, a 39-year-old, mother of four became famous, for all the wrong reasons, after a video of her screaming at a Chipotle employee – later identified as Emily Russell – before throwing her food in the worker’s face went viral, in September. The 39-year-old later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour assault charge and received the sentence last week in an Ohio municipal court. Initially, she was sentenced to pay a fine and serve 180 days in jail. However, it seems like the judge had another idea. “You didn’t get your burrito bowl the way you like it and this is how you respond?” Parma Municipal Court Judge Timothy Gilligan asked Hayne. “This is not ‘Real Housewives of Parma.’ This behavior is not acceptable.” WATCH | Gravitas: Bizarre tales of justice: From Ohio's fast-food penalty to Tokyo's pigeon roadkill The judge then told the 39-year-old she could cut off 60 days in jail if she agreed to work at least 20 hours per week at a fast food restaurant for two months. “Do you want to walk in her shoes for two months and learn how people should treat people, or do you want to do your jail time?” Gilligan asked Hayne at the hearing. To which Hayne responded by saying, “I’d like to walk in her shoes.” The 39-year-old has yet to find a job at a fast-food restaurant, Gilligan and her attorney told CNN, on Wednesday (Dec 6). Russell quits job Russell told the court she had been traumatised by Hayne’s actions and had quit her job at Chipotle since the incident. In an interview with the Washington Post, on Tuesday (Dec 5), she said that she stepped in to protect a 17-year-old employee who was getting yelled at by Hayne. ALSO READ | US: Chipotle manager rips off employee's Hijab, sparks legal firestorm Speaking about the incident, Russell said that the food Hayne threw was hot and burned her face. “I was so embarrassed and in shock,” she told WaPo. ‘Truly sorry’ Joseph O’Malley, Hayne’s attorney, told the CNN outlet how her client had no criminal record before the incident and was truly sorry about her actions that day. “Let’s give her the opportunity to not let this one day define the rest of her life,” Malley told CNN. ALSO READ | 350-year-old steamy, 'explicit' sketch expected to sell for half-a-million dollars Judge Gillian told the media outlet that Hayne will have to have her job approved by the court and will have to work 20 hours a week. He also spoke about how he had thought about the unusual sentence days before a hearing in November. “Every time you watch the video, it makes you more and more upset,” Gillian told CNN. “I was thinking, ‘What else can I do rather than just have her sit in jail.’” He also spoke about how he has been a judge for 30 years and sees such cases more than he wants to. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Walk in her shoes’: Ohio woman who hurled Chipotle bowl at worker handed unusual sentence

The United States recently reiterated that it was looking at the Indian government to ensure accountability for the “lethal plotting”. “I would like you to just use the Indian example when we're dealing with a nation that we have such strong connections to.

US Congressional hearing in Pannun plot case

The ex-boyfriend of celebrity therapist Amie Harwick, Gareth Pursehouse who was found guilty of murder&nbsp;earlier this year, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, on Wednesday (Dec 6). Harwick was once engaged to comedian Drew Carey, host of “The Price is Right.”&nbsp;

<h2>‘Justice is served’</h2>

Pursehouse, 45, who is also said to be a stalker, was convicted by a jury in September of first-degree murder and first-degree residential burglary for the killing of 38-year-old Harwick in 2020.&nbsp;

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, in a statement following the sentencing, said “justice was served” and that Harwick’s loved ones “endured unimaginable pain throughout this terrible ordeal.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fbi-chief-christopher-a-wray-to-visit-india-next-week-amid-deafening-silence-on-pannuns-chilling-threats-667068">FBI chief Christopher A Wray to visit India next week amid deafening silence on Pannun's chilling threats</a>

According to the prosecutors, Pursehouse murdered Harwick, 38, by throwing her over a balcony at her home in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles on 15 February 2020.&nbsp;

In the courtroom, the 45-year-old sat silently as the family members, including Amie’s parents, spoke and thanked the presiding judge, prosecutors, and jury for bringing Pursehouse to justice.

Pursehouse has also been ordered to pay $7,500 for Amie’s funeral and restitution to Amie’s parents for travel, lodging and food costs during the court proceedings.&nbsp;

<h2>About the case</h2>

Pursehouse also reportedly stalked Harwick for around a decade, broke into her house and waited for hours before strangling and throwing her off the balcony from the third floor. Subsequently, the police were called after reports of a woman screaming.&nbsp;

Harwick was found unresponsive but still alive beneath a third-story balcony, according to the LA police. She later succumbed to her injuries sustained during the fall in a local hospital.&nbsp;

Over the course of the investigation, detectives also found signs of struggle in Harwick’s home in Hollywood Hills and learned that the 38-year-old had recently expressed fears about her safety because of Pursehouse and filed for a restraining order against him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-assassinates-pro-russian-ukrainian-politician-near-moscow-reports-667044">Kyiv assassinates pro-Russian former Ukrainian politician near Moscow: Reports</a>

However, the restraining order, according to the LA police department, had expired. In 2020, her death also sparked a conversation about how restraining orders fail to protect victims of stalking.

In 2012, Harwick, a former Playboy model and prominent sex therapist, filed a restraining order against Pursehouse whom she had dated for just over a year and had accused of stalking for 10 years after a bad breakup.

Harwick was a therapist who advised married couples and also wrote a self-help book The New Sex Bible for Women, in 2014.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The ex-boyfriend of celebrity therapist Amie Harwick, Gareth Pursehouse who was found guilty of murder earlier this year, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, on Wednesday (Dec 6).

The ex-boyfriend of celebrity therapist Amie Harwick, Gareth Pursehouse who was found guilty of murder earlier this year, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, on Wednesday (Dec 6). Harwick was once engaged to comedian Drew Carey, host of “The Price is Right.” ‘Justice is served’ Pursehouse, 45, who is also said to be a stalker, was convicted by a jury in September of first-degree murder and first-degree residential burglary for the killing of 38-year-old Harwick in 2020. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, in a statement following the sentencing, said “justice was served” and that Harwick’s loved ones “endured unimaginable pain throughout this terrible ordeal.” ALSO READ | FBI chief Christopher A Wray to visit India next week amid deafening silence on Pannun's chilling threats According to the prosecutors, Pursehouse murdered Harwick, 38, by throwing her over a balcony at her home in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles on 15 February 2020. In the courtroom, the 45-year-old sat silently as the family members, including Amie’s parents, spoke and thanked the presiding judge, prosecutors, and jury for bringing Pursehouse to justice. Pursehouse has also been ordered to pay $7,500 for Amie’s funeral and restitution to Amie’s parents for travel, lodging and food costs during the court proceedings. About the case Pursehouse also reportedly stalked Harwick for around a decade, broke into her house and waited for hours before strangling and throwing her off the balcony from the third floor. Subsequently, the police were called after reports of a woman screaming. Harwick was found unresponsive but still alive beneath a third-story balcony, according to the LA police. She later succumbed to her injuries sustained during the fall in a local hospital. Over the course of the investigation, detectives also found signs of struggle in Harwick’s home in Hollywood Hills and learned that the 38-year-old had recently expressed fears about her safety because of Pursehouse and filed for a restraining order against him. ALSO READ | Kyiv assassinates pro-Russian former Ukrainian politician near Moscow: Reports However, the restraining order, according to the LA police department, had expired. In 2020, her death also sparked a conversation about how restraining orders fail to protect victims of stalking. In 2012, Harwick, a former Playboy model and prominent sex therapist, filed a restraining order against Pursehouse whom she had dated for just over a year and had accused of stalking for 10 years after a bad breakup. Harwick was a therapist who advised married couples and also wrote a self-help book The New Sex Bible for Women, in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-boyfriend of celebrity therapist Amie Harwick sentenced to life in prison for her brutal murder

US lawmakers mentioned India for the first time during a discussion on “transnational repression” in the wake of an alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who had threatened attacks on Air India planes and the Indian Parliament.

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday (Dec 6) vowed to introduce legislation to address the concerns of pro-democracy advocates.

During the hearing on “transnational repression and authoritarians targeting dissenters abroad”, several US Senators spoke about New Delhi’s alleged link to conspiring to assassinate Pannun, the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief who has been designated as a terrorist by India.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened at the hearing?</h2>

The senators heard from pro-democracy advocates who called for increased US government efforts to combat efforts by foreign nations to threaten or kill political dissenters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-threatens-to-blow-up-parliament-after-failed-assassination-bid-666712">Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to blow up Indian Parliament after 'plot' to kill him</a>

Last week, the Department of Justice announced charges against 52-year-old Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen who has been accused of orchestrating the attempted murder of Pannun, with an unnamed Indian government employee.

“We’ve seen disturbing allegations against an Indian government official for involvement in planning to assassinate a US citizen in New York who was critical of the Indian government,” said Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

The “US citizen in New York” that the Democrat from the US state of Maryland was referring to was the Khalistani terrorist who recently also threatened to blow up the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 parliament attack, in response to the foiled assassination plot. Pannun says he is a dual citizen of the US and Canada.&nbsp;

In response to Washington’s concerns over the assassination attempt, New Delhi, around mid-November set up a high-level panel which will investigate the allegations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-high-level-panel-to-look-into-allegations-after-us-charges-indian-in-plot-to-kill-pannun-664615">&nbsp;India says high-level panel to look into allegations after US charges Indian in 'plot' to kill SFJ's Pannun</a>

During the hearing, Cardin said lawmakers would introduce the International Freedom Protection Act to address the “growing use of transnational oppression by autocratic and illiberal states”.

Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia called the allegations against India for targeting Sikh separatists “highly disturbing” and said this is “not the behaviour of a respectable democracy.”&nbsp;

“We’re dealing with a nation that we have such strong connections to,” Kaine added, saying that New Delhi and Washington have strong military and economic connections and called the Indian American diaspora “an important part of who we are as a country”.&nbsp;

<h2>US should not hesitate</h2>

Freedom House, a pro-democracy non-profit, released a report which found that since 2014, at least 26 nations including China, Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia have targeted journalists abroad with “transnational repression”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-row-over-pannun-murder-plot-will-not-impact-larger-washington-delhi-ties-664872">US says row over Pannun murder 'plot' will not impact larger Washington-Delhi ties</a>

The non-profit’s president Michael Abramowitz also appeared before the panel and said that “whether a government engages in transnational oppression should be a factor, a significant factor, determining the nature of bilateral relations and the closeness of any partnership,” as quoted by SCMP.

He also spoke about how Washington should not hesitate to raise the issue “directly at the highest levels” with countries “even when those perpetrators are close partners such as Saudi Arabia and India”.

Since the allegations against an unnamed Indian official’s involvement in the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist surfaced, the White House has said that the row will not have an impact on larger India-US ties.

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers mentioned India for the first time during a discussion on “transnational repression” in the wake of an alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who had threatened attacks on Air India planes and the Indian Parliament.

US lawmakers mentioned India for the first time during a discussion on “transnational repression” in the wake of an alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who had threatened attacks on Air India planes and the Indian Parliament. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday (Dec 6) vowed to introduce legislation to address the concerns of pro-democracy advocates. During the hearing on “transnational repression and authoritarians targeting dissenters abroad”, several US Senators spoke about New Delhi’s alleged link to conspiring to assassinate Pannun, the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief who has been designated as a terrorist by India. What happened at the hearing? The senators heard from pro-democracy advocates who called for increased US government efforts to combat efforts by foreign nations to threaten or kill political dissenters. ALSO READ | Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to blow up Indian Parliament after 'plot' to kill him Last week, the Department of Justice announced charges against 52-year-old Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen who has been accused of orchestrating the attempted murder of Pannun, with an unnamed Indian government employee. “We’ve seen disturbing allegations against an Indian government official for involvement in planning to assassinate a US citizen in New York who was critical of the Indian government,” said Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, as quoted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The “US citizen in New York” that the Democrat from the US state of Maryland was referring to was the Khalistani terrorist who recently also threatened to blow up the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 parliament attack, in response to the foiled assassination plot. Pannun says he is a dual citizen of the US and Canada. In response to Washington’s concerns over the assassination attempt, New Delhi, around mid-November set up a high-level panel which will investigate the allegations. ALSO READ | India says high-level panel to look into allegations after US charges Indian in 'plot' to kill SFJ's Pannun During the hearing, Cardin said lawmakers would introduce the International Freedom Protection Act to address the “growing use of transnational oppression by autocratic and illiberal states”. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia called the allegations against India for targeting Sikh separatists “highly disturbing” and said this is “not the behaviour of a respectable democracy.” “We’re dealing with a nation that we have such strong connections to,” Kaine added, saying that New Delhi and Washington have strong military and economic connections and called the Indian American diaspora “an important part of who we are as a country”. US should not hesitate Freedom House, a pro-democracy non-profit, released a report which found that since 2014, at least 26 nations including China, Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia have targeted journalists abroad with “transnational repression”. ALSO READ | US says row over Pannun murder 'plot' will not impact larger Washington-Delhi ties The non-profit’s president Michael Abramowitz also appeared before the panel and said that “whether a government engages in transnational oppression should be a factor, a significant factor, determining the nature of bilateral relations and the closeness of any partnership,” as quoted by SCMP. He also spoke about how Washington should not hesitate to raise the issue “directly at the highest levels” with countries “even when those perpetrators are close partners such as Saudi Arabia and India”. Since the allegations against an unnamed Indian official’s involvement in the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist surfaced, the White House has said that the row will not have an impact on larger India-US ties. (With inputs from agencies)

India mentioned in US hearing on dissenters being targeted abroad amid 'Pannun murder plot' row

McDonald's on Wednesday unveiled its strategic vision for the future, which marks its most ambitious growth plan in 68 years.

According to a media report, the iconic fast-food giant revealed plans to surge to 50,000 restaurants by 2027, propelled by its fastest pace of expansion in history.&nbsp;

The announcement follows robust sales growth in both international operated markets and international developed licensed markets, signalling the brand's resilience and global appeal. McDonald's recent agreement to buy back Carlyle's minority ownership stake in its China business for $1.8 billion underscores its commitment to strategic investments. &nbsp;

McDonald's CEO and president, Chris Kempczinski, emphasised the brand's trajectory for future growth, citing its robust brand strength, global footprint, and digital ecosystem.

"We have a clear trajectory for future growth as we continue to build on the brand strength, global footprint, and digital ecosystem that have resulted in unparalleled competitive advantages and cemented McDonald’s as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands," Bloomberg quoted Kempczinski as saying. &nbsp;

The company plans to focus on its core menu items, introducing the "Best Burger" to all markets by 2026, impacting favourites like the Big Mac, McDouble burger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, and hamburger. Additionally, McDonald's aims to elevate its chicken business, making the McCrispy sandwich available in all markets by the end of 2025 and expanding it into wraps and tenders. &nbsp;

In the last quarter, McDonald's witnessed a boost in U.S. sales attributed to higher menu prices, innovative marketing campaigns such as the "As Featured In Meal", and the growing adoption of digital and delivery orders.&nbsp;

The company, having actively participated in the chicken sandwich wars three years ago, reported gaining market share in both chicken and beef during a call with investors following its Q3 results. The strategic focus on burgers and chicken aligns with McDonald's ongoing commitment towards meeting evolving consumer preferences.

Digital transformation remains at the forefront of McDonald's agenda, with systemwide digital sales reaching $9 billion in Q3 across its six largest markets. This accounted for 40 per cent of total sales, marking a notable increase from Q2. McDonald's plans to continue investing in digital, delivery, and drive-throughs, with a keen eye on expanding its loyalty program. By 2027, the company aims to grow its active loyalty user base from 150 million to a 250 million 90-day active users, with an ambitious target of reeling in $45 billion in annual systemwide sales. &nbsp;

In a strategic move, McDonald's has partnered with Google Cloud to enhance operations, customer experience, and crew efficiency. This collaboration, set to commence in 2024, will leverage generative AI at McDonald's restaurants to accelerate innovation, reduce complexity, and ensure accurate orders. Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed eagerness about the collaboration, highlighting the potential for McDonald's to leverage Google's generative AI, cloud, and edge computing tools to enhance the dining experience globally. &nbsp;

The announcement comes after McDonald's sold its automated ordering business, McD Tech Labs, to IBM in 2021. Competitor Wendy's has also ventured into automation, revealing plans to automate its drive-through with Google Cloud, known as Wendy’s FreshAI.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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McDonald's on Wednesday unveiled its strategic vision for the future, which marks its most ambitious growth plan in 68 years. According to a media report, the iconic fast-food giant revealed plans to surge to 50,000 restaurants by 2027, propelled by its fastest pace of expansion in history.

McDonald's on Wednesday unveiled its strategic vision for the future, which marks its most ambitious growth plan in 68 years. According to a media report, the iconic fast-food giant revealed plans to surge to 50,000 restaurants by 2027, propelled by its fastest pace of expansion in history. The announcement follows robust sales growth in both international operated markets and international developed licensed markets, signalling the brand's resilience and global appeal. McDonald's recent agreement to buy back Carlyle's minority ownership stake in its China business for $1.8 billion underscores its commitment to strategic investments. McDonald's CEO and president, Chris Kempczinski, emphasised the brand's trajectory for future growth, citing its robust brand strength, global footprint, and digital ecosystem. "We have a clear trajectory for future growth as we continue to build on the brand strength, global footprint, and digital ecosystem that have resulted in unparalleled competitive advantages and cemented McDonald’s as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands," Bloomberg quoted Kempczinski as saying. The company plans to focus on its core menu items, introducing the "Best Burger" to all markets by 2026, impacting favourites like the Big Mac, McDouble burger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, and hamburger. Additionally, McDonald's aims to elevate its chicken business, making the McCrispy sandwich available in all markets by the end of 2025 and expanding it into wraps and tenders. In the last quarter, McDonald's witnessed a boost in U.S. sales attributed to higher menu prices, innovative marketing campaigns such as the "As Featured In Meal", and the growing adoption of digital and delivery orders. The company, having actively participated in the chicken sandwich wars three years ago, reported gaining market share in both chicken and beef during a call with investors following its Q3 results. The strategic focus on burgers and chicken aligns with McDonald's ongoing commitment towards meeting evolving consumer preferences. Digital transformation remains at the forefront of McDonald's agenda, with systemwide digital sales reaching $9 billion in Q3 across its six largest markets. This accounted for 40 per cent of total sales, marking a notable increase from Q2. McDonald's plans to continue investing in digital, delivery, and drive-throughs, with a keen eye on expanding its loyalty program. By 2027, the company aims to grow its active loyalty user base from 150 million to a 250 million 90-day active users, with an ambitious target of reeling in $45 billion in annual systemwide sales. In a strategic move, McDonald's has partnered with Google Cloud to enhance operations, customer experience, and crew efficiency. This collaboration, set to commence in 2024, will leverage generative AI at McDonald's restaurants to accelerate innovation, reduce complexity, and ensure accurate orders. Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed eagerness about the collaboration, highlighting the potential for McDonald's to leverage Google's generative AI, cloud, and edge computing tools to enhance the dining experience globally. The announcement comes after McDonald's sold its automated ordering business, McD Tech Labs, to IBM in 2021. Competitor Wendy's has also ventured into automation, revealing plans to automate its drive-through with Google Cloud, known as Wendy’s FreshAI. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

McDonald's unveils ambitious expansion plans, aiming for 50,000 restaurants by 2027

Former US president Donald Trump joined Fox News' "Hannity" for a town hall in Iowa on Tuesday (Dec 5), discussing various topics&nbsp;including the Republican presidential primary, President Joe Biden, dictatorship, and more.

Trump predicted that President Biden won't be the Democrats' nominee for president in 2024. He expressed concerns about Biden's physical and mental health, suggesting he's in bad shape and might not make it through another term, if elected.

<h2>Trump's take on Biden's physical state</h2>

In a humorous tone, Trump mentioned Biden's physical limitations, citing an incident where Biden struggled to lift a beach chair meant for children. He joked that Biden would "fall over" if he simply blew on him.

Trump made headlines by jokingly referring to himself as a "dictator" on day one if re-elected.

While discussing pledges not to abuse power, Trump stated, "Except for day one, I want to close the border and drill, drill, drill."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-trump-says-he-wont-be-a-dictator-if-he-becomes-president-american-media-lawmakers-say-otherwise-666905">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise</a>

Trump mocked President Biden for claiming he wouldn't be running for re-election if Trump wasn't in the race.

He later dismissed it as a "talking point" and criticised Democrats for their alleged involvement in supporting other Republican candidates. He also expressed confidence in winning Iowa caucus, citing his actions during his presidency, including securing funds from China for farmers.

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Trump at the Town Hall: "I often say Al Capone was one of the greatest of all time...he got indicted once. I got indicted 4 times." 
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The townhall began with Trump criticising Biden for his comments on the MAGA movement, clarifying that MAGA means 'Make America Great Again'.

Also watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden 'not sure' he'd be running if Donald Trump was not in 2024 race

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Trump claimed that the country is currently in decline and reiterated the desire to restore 'greatness'.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump joined Fox News' "Hannity" for a town hall in Iowa on Tuesday (Dec 5), discussing various topics including the Republican presidential primary, President Joe Biden, dictatorship, and more.

Former US president Donald Trump joined Fox News' "Hannity" for a town hall in Iowa on Tuesday (Dec 5), discussing various topics including the Republican presidential primary, President Joe Biden, dictatorship, and more. Trump predicted that President Biden won't be the Democrats' nominee for president in 2024. He expressed concerns about Biden's physical and mental health, suggesting he's in bad shape and might not make it through another term, if elected. Trump's take on Biden's physical state In a humorous tone, Trump mentioned Biden's physical limitations, citing an incident where Biden struggled to lift a beach chair meant for children. He joked that Biden would "fall over" if he simply blew on him. Trump made headlines by jokingly referring to himself as a "dictator" on day one if re-elected. While discussing pledges not to abuse power, Trump stated, "Except for day one, I want to close the border and drill, drill, drill." Also read | Explained | Trump says he won’t be a dictator if he becomes president. American media, lawmakers say otherwise Trump mocked President Biden for claiming he wouldn't be running for re-election if Trump wasn't in the race. He later dismissed it as a "talking point" and criticised Democrats for their alleged involvement in supporting other Republican candidates. He also expressed confidence in winning Iowa caucus, citing his actions during his presidency, including securing funds from China for farmers. Trump at the Town Hall: "I often say Al Capone was one of the greatest of all time...he got indicted once. I got indicted 4 times." Turns out Capone was indicted 6 times. Loser. pic.twitter.com/GgsyCYUqES — Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) December 6, 2023 × The townhall began with Trump criticising Biden for his comments on the MAGA movement, clarifying that MAGA means 'Make America Great Again'. Also watch | US President Joe Biden 'not sure' he'd be running if Donald Trump was not in 2024 race Trump claimed that the country is currently in decline and reiterated the desire to restore 'greatness'. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden cannot 'physically' make it through another term: Trump mocks US president's age, cognitive function

Governments can access records related to push notifications from mobile apps by requesting that data from Apple and Google, according to details in court records and a US senator. If you have push notifications turned on for sensitive apps, you may want to reconsider your settings.

US governments snooping on users via app alerts, check push notifications of users

Hailed as a breakthrough agreement at the COP28 summit, pledges to the loss ad damage fund - IDF - have proved to be a major disappointment. So far, the developed nations have pledged a total of just $700 million towards the loss and damage fund at the COP28.

COP28: US, worst greenhouse gas emitter pledge just $17.5 mn of $700 mn for loss & damage fund

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">exploded</a> when it was surrounded by officers.&nbsp;

<h2>Suspect identified</h2>

The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times.&nbsp;

The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant.&nbsp;

Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added.&nbsp;

The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police&nbsp;also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex.&nbsp;

The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;

<h2>Yet to identify human remains</h2>

Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo.&nbsp;

Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-house-explosion-rocks-virginia-neighbourhood-after-suspect-fires-flare-gun-666349">Images and videos</a> of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast.&nbsp;

Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Concerning social media posts’</h2>

Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed.&nbsp;

Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5).

The suspect who fired at the officers as they were trying to execute a search warrant in Arlington, Virginia is believed to be dead, said the local police, on Tuesday (Dec 5). The statement comes a day after a house in the US county exploded when it was surrounded by officers. Suspect identified The suspect who is believed to have fired the flare gun was identified as James Yoo, 56, by the Arlington County police chief, Andy Penn, on Tuesday. The 56-year-old, according to the police, is the owner of the duplex and the person who is believed to have fired a “flare-type gun” from inside the house more than 30 times. The police were called around 4:45 pm (local time) on Monday after reports of a man firing a flare gun from inside the house located on the 800 block of North Burlington Street. It was after failed attempts to establish contact with Yoo, that police obtained a search warrant. Around 8:30 pm (local time), as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant and tried to enter the home, multiple gunshots were fired from within the house, said Penn. Subsequently, the house exploded, the police chief added. The officers in the vicinity escaped with minor injuries but no one was taken to the hospital. The police also evacuated nearby residents around 7:00 pm (local time), including people who lived in the other part of the duplex. The fire was brought under control around 10:30 pm (local time), according to media reports. Nate Hiner, a spokesperson for the Arlington Fire Department, said that the fire officials do not know the cause of the explosion. Yet to identify human remains Penn said that investigators have not yet identified human remains found inside the home but “all factors point to that it’s this individual,” referring to Yoo. Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said it was unclear what happened to the suspect who was inside the building during the blast. She also said that the police did not find any evidence that others were in the duplex but could not rule out the possibility. Images and videos of the incident show the moment the house burst into flames while police vehicles could be seen outside a brick house. The explosion was heard kilometres away and around 10 houses were damaged in the blast. Carla Rodriguez of South Arlington, according to the Guardian, said that the blast was heard more than two miles (3.2 kilometres) away and she came to the scene. “I actually thought a plane exploded,” said Rodriguez. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents and fire investigators were at the scene and assisting local authorities. A White House spokesperson, on Tuesday, also said that they are monitoring developments. ‘Concerning social media posts’ Media reports citing officials investigating the incident said Yoo had allegedly made “concerning social media posts” which included publicly posting grievances against multiple people in his life, including his neighbours and a former co-worker on LinkedIn. According to the Associated Press, the 56-year-old also filed four lawsuits between 2018 and 2022 against his ex-wife, younger sister, a moving company, and the New York Supreme Court. All the cases were dismissed. Yoo also repeatedly contacted the FBI “over a number of years,” through phone calls, online tips, and letters to file complaints, said Washington Field Office Assistant Director David Sundberg, as per USA Today. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspect who fired flare gun at officers in Virginia neighbourhood presumed dead: US police

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.&nbsp;

The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties.

More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza?</h2>

A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-two-civilians-killed-for-every-hamas-fighter-in-gaza-admits-israeli-military-666395">Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military</a>&nbsp; 
 
Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7.

However, a&nbsp;senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this&nbsp;year.

Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN.&nbsp;

The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists.&nbsp;

This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas.&nbsp;

Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source.

<h2>US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’</h2>

Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-israeli-air-strikes-hit-gaza-strip-parts-in-total-blackout-666224">Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout</a>

The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said.&nbsp;

The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics.&nbsp;

The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN. The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties. More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel. Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza? A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group. ALSO READ | Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7. However, a senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this year. Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN. The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists. This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas. Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source. US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’ Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave. White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration. ALSO READ | Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said. The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics. The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

US officials believe Israel will end ground operations in southern Gaza by January: Report

New Delhi is on alert after the U.S.-based Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, issued a threat to blow up India's New Parliament building. Pannun has issued threats against India for the third time in three months. In the chilling video, he can be heard vowing to "shake the very foundations of Parliament", on or before 13 December, the anniversary of the 2001 attack.

India Parliament Bombing Threat: Why is Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Still Free in America? | Gravitas

There seems to be a big gap between the actions and words of major oil & gas producing nations. A study shows that none of them have plans to eventually stop drilling for those fuels, despite pledging to reach net zero targets.

Study: No major oil & gas producer plans to stop drilling

The International Monetary Fund has expressed strong interest in bolstering Argentina's recovery, as President-elect Javier Milei engages in crucial talks with the IMF and high-profile meetings in Washington. With Argentina's inflation surpassing 140% and net reserves in a precarious state, the IMF's Chief, Kristalina Georgieva, aims to discuss strategies to enhance the nation's resilience.

Argentina's economic challenges and the role of the IMF | World Business Watch

What’s causing severe respiratory illnesses in dogs? Veterinarians say there could be several reasons for the uptick in cases of atypical canine respiratory disease, including declines in vaccination rates.

What's causing mysterious respiratory illness in dogs?

Donald Trump has said that he will not become a dictator if he becomes U.S. president again except on day one, after warnings from Democrats and some Republicans that America was in danger of becoming an autocracy if he wins the 2024 election.

Trump: Won't be a dictator if elected, 'except for day one'

As the Israel-Hamas war reaches its two-month mark, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with hostages released by the militant group. Afterwards, he blasted international women's rights groups for their silence over the alleged sexual violence that happened at the hands of Hamas.

In other news, a new report by UNICEF has revealed a disturbing trend: more than 69 million or one in five children in the world's richest nations live in poverty.

Finally, in a press briefing, speaking about the indictment of an Indian citizen in a foiled assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun,&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said the US takes it very seriously.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-the-hell-are-you-netanyahu-fumes-over-womens-rights-groups-silence-on-sexual-violence-by-hamas-666655">Where the hell are you': Netanyahu fumes over women's rights groups' silence on sexual violence by Hamas</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/06/397484-succession-2023-12-06t071332092.jpg?imwidth=3840" />Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that in his meeting with hostages that were released by Hamas during a week-long truce between the warring sides, he had heard stories of sexual abuse. He also called out the women's and human rights organisations to take stern action against the Palestinian militant group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/69-million-children-in-rich-countries-living-in-poverty-unicef-666670">69 million children in 'rich' countries living in poverty: UNICEF</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/06/397493-new-wion-2023-12-06t083851065.jpg?imwidth=3840" />On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally.&nbsp;More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-bans-after-warning-israel-over-west-bank-violence-666658">US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/06/397486-succession-2023-12-06t074716975.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-taking-matter-seriously-as-india-probes-alleged-assassination-plot-666662">US says taking matter 'seriously' as India probes Khalistani terrorist Pannun's murder plot</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/06/397490-untitled-design-2023-12-06t082952217.png?imwidth=3840" />US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that India has launched an investigation into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe.

Watch |&nbsp;Cyclone Michaung: Indian Air Force deploys rescue choppers; IAF Chetak helicopters placed for relief

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-michaung-indian-air-force-deploys-rescue-choppers-iaf-chetak-helicopters-placed-for-relief-666684/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the Israel-Hamas war reaches its two-month mark, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with hostages released by the militant group. Afterwards, he blasted international women's rights groups for their silence over the alleged sexual violence that happened at the hands of Hamas.

As the Israel-Hamas war reaches its two-month mark, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with hostages released by the militant group. Afterwards, he blasted international women's rights groups for their silence over the alleged sexual violence that happened at the hands of Hamas. In other news, a new report by UNICEF has revealed a disturbing trend: more than 69 million or one in five children in the world's richest nations live in poverty. Finally, in a press briefing, speaking about the indictment of an Indian citizen in a foiled assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said the US takes it very seriously. Click on the headlines to read more Where the hell are you': Netanyahu fumes over women's rights groups' silence on sexual violence by Hamas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that in his meeting with hostages that were released by Hamas during a week-long truce between the warring sides, he had heard stories of sexual abuse. He also called out the women's and human rights organisations to take stern action against the Palestinian militant group. 69 million children in 'rich' countries living in poverty: UNICEF On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally. More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries. US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers. US says taking matter 'seriously' as India probes Khalistani terrorist Pannun's murder plot US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that India has launched an investigation into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. Watch | Cyclone Michaung: Indian Air Force deploys rescue choppers; IAF Chetak helicopters placed for relief

Morning news brief: UNICEF report on poverty and children, Netanyahu on Hamas' sexual violence, and more

Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot who made headlines earlier this year for attempting to shut down the engines of a plane mid-flight, has been indicted on 84 counts, prosecutors said on Tuesday (Dec 5th).

As per court documents, the 44-year-old was under the influence of magic mushrooms and claimed to be having a nervous breakdown during the October incident.

<h2>Charges levied against Emerson</h2>

A grand jury in Oregon has indicted Emerson on 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person — one for each person aboard the flight. With this, he has also been charged with one count of endangering the aircraft, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt told the press.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pilot-facing-83-attempted-murder-charges-for-shurring-engines-mid-air-claims-he-thought-he-was-dreaming-650942">Pilot who shut plane engine mid-air had consumed magic mushrooms, thought he was dreaming</a>

However, the off-duty pilot escaped charges of attempted murder. He is now set to appear in court on December 7, reports AFP.

<h2>What happened back in October?</h2>

On October 22, Emerson, an off-duty pilot, was on board the&nbsp;Alaska Airlines plane operated by Horizon Air — between Everett, Washington, and San Francisco.

Emerson was sitting in the jump seat of the plane's cockpit, in line with airline policy for non-working staff.

A short way into the journey from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, the off-duty pilot chatted with the pilots before attempting "to grab and pull two red fire handles that would have activated the plane's emergency fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines."

As per a criminal complaint, Emerson told the police, "I pulled both emergency shut-off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just want to wake up."&nbsp;

Emerson had lunged for the emergency shut-off handles that would've turned off the aeroplane engine fuel supplies, effectively turning it into a glider.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-off-duty-pilot-charged-with-attempted-murder-for-trying-to-shut-down-planes-engine-in-mid-air-650452">US: Off-duty pilot charged with attempted murder for ‘trying to shut down’ plane’s engine mid-air</a>

"After a brief physical struggle with the pilots, Emerson exited the cockpit," said the Department of Justice.

Reacting quickly, the pilots reversed the handles, said Alaska Airlines in a statement.

"Flight attendants placed Emerson in wrist restraints and seated him in the rear of the aircraft," the Department of Justice said.&nbsp;

"During the flight's descent, Emerson tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit. A flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands on top of his."

The off-duty pilot also attempted to wrestle open an emergency exit in the rear of the aircraft.&nbsp;

Emerson, who eventually had to be restrained by the cabin crew during an emergency landing, told the police he had not slept in 40 hours.&nbsp;

He had a conversation with the investigating officer "about the use of psychedelic mushrooms, and Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms."

Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot who made headlines earlier this year for attempting to shut down the engines of a plane mid-flight, has been indicted on 84 counts, prosecutors said on Tuesday (Dec 5th).

Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot who made headlines earlier this year for attempting to shut down the engines of a plane mid-flight, has been indicted on 84 counts, prosecutors said on Tuesday (Dec 5th). As per court documents, the 44-year-old was under the influence of magic mushrooms and claimed to be having a nervous breakdown during the October incident. Charges levied against Emerson A grand jury in Oregon has indicted Emerson on 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person — one for each person aboard the flight. With this, he has also been charged with one count of endangering the aircraft, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt told the press. Also read | Pilot who shut plane engine mid-air had consumed magic mushrooms, thought he was dreaming However, the off-duty pilot escaped charges of attempted murder. He is now set to appear in court on December 7, reports AFP. What happened back in October? On October 22, Emerson, an off-duty pilot, was on board the Alaska Airlines plane operated by Horizon Air — between Everett, Washington, and San Francisco. Emerson was sitting in the jump seat of the plane's cockpit, in line with airline policy for non-working staff. A short way into the journey from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, the off-duty pilot chatted with the pilots before attempting "to grab and pull two red fire handles that would have activated the plane's emergency fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines." As per a criminal complaint, Emerson told the police, "I pulled both emergency shut-off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just want to wake up." Emerson had lunged for the emergency shut-off handles that would've turned off the aeroplane engine fuel supplies, effectively turning it into a glider. Also read | US: Off-duty pilot charged with attempted murder for ‘trying to shut down’ plane’s engine mid-air "After a brief physical struggle with the pilots, Emerson exited the cockpit," said the Department of Justice. Reacting quickly, the pilots reversed the handles, said Alaska Airlines in a statement. "Flight attendants placed Emerson in wrist restraints and seated him in the rear of the aircraft," the Department of Justice said. "During the flight's descent, Emerson tried to grab the handle of an emergency exit. A flight attendant stopped him by placing her hands on top of his." The off-duty pilot also attempted to wrestle open an emergency exit in the rear of the aircraft. Emerson, who eventually had to be restrained by the cabin crew during an emergency landing, told the police he had not slept in 40 hours. He had a conversation with the investigating officer "about the use of psychedelic mushrooms, and Emerson said it was his first time taking mushrooms."

Joseph Emerson, off-duty pilot who tried to shut down plane mid-air, indicted on 84 counts

Krystle Kaul, an Indian-origin foreign policy and national security expert rooted in Kashmir, has declared her candidacy for the US House of Representatives from Virginia's 10th Congressional District, aiming to address key issues like public safety, education, and healthcare.

If successful in the 2024 elections, Kaul would become only the second Indian-American woman in the House of Representatives, following Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Notably, Pramila's sister, Susheela Jayapal, has also entered the race for the Congress from Oregon's third Congressional District.

Both Kaul and Susheela Jayapal, representing the Democratic Party, will contend in the party's primary next year to secure nominations for the November 2024 general elections.

Fluent in eight languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Dari, Urdu, and Arabic, Kaul, the first Kashmiri-origin individual to run for Congress, draws from her extensive background in the national security sector, spanning the Pentagon, think tanks, and the defence industry.

"We have a lot of small business owners and just making healthcare more affordable and more accessible. So from prescription drugs to seeing specialists, that is something that is a concern. And the third is public safety, making sure we have safe neighbourhoods, safe schools, safe communities,” Kaul, told PTI in a recent interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-bans-after-warning-israel-over-west-bank-violence-666658">Also read |&nbsp;US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence</a>

<h2>Focus on core issues</h2>

Education, healthcare, and public safety are the pillars of Kaul's campaign. The 10th Congressional District, encompassing areas with a high concentration of Indian Americans and South Asians in Virginia, provides a strategic platform for her candidacy.

Kaul underlines education as her primary focus, stressing on&nbsp;the need for affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for small business owners. Ensuring safe neighborhoods, schools, and communities aligns with her commitment to public safety.

With a strong background in national security, Kaul pledges a robust stance on counter-terrorism. Drawing inspiration from her father's narratives about the Kashmir conflict during her childhood, she expresses a profound interest in understanding and addressing the issues in the region.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Israel must allow aid into Gaza: US | Residents running out of safe places to go

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-must-allow-aid-into-gaza-us-residents-running-out-of-safe-places-to-go-666674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I had a desire to eventually run for Congress. But obviously, it's a path. It's a journey to get there. So I first devoted my studies, my first three degrees, to understanding diplomacy, negotiation, political science, and all the theory that you need to understand,” she said

Kaul's journey towards Congress began with a dedication to understanding diplomacy, negotiation, political science, and conflict resolution, reflected in her pursuit of three degrees. Her comprehensive approach to national and international issues reflects her commitment to a holistic understanding of governance.

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Krystle Kaul, an Indian-origin foreign policy and national security expert rooted in Kashmir, has declared her candidacy for the US House of Representatives from Virginia's 10th Congressional District, aiming to address key issues like public safety, education, and healthcare.

Krystle Kaul, an Indian-origin foreign policy and national security expert rooted in Kashmir, has declared her candidacy for the US House of Representatives from Virginia's 10th Congressional District, aiming to address key issues like public safety, education, and healthcare. If successful in the 2024 elections, Kaul would become only the second Indian-American woman in the House of Representatives, following Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Notably, Pramila's sister, Susheela Jayapal, has also entered the race for the Congress from Oregon's third Congressional District. Both Kaul and Susheela Jayapal, representing the Democratic Party, will contend in the party's primary next year to secure nominations for the November 2024 general elections. Fluent in eight languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Dari, Urdu, and Arabic, Kaul, the first Kashmiri-origin individual to run for Congress, draws from her extensive background in the national security sector, spanning the Pentagon, think tanks, and the defence industry. "We have a lot of small business owners and just making healthcare more affordable and more accessible. So from prescription drugs to seeing specialists, that is something that is a concern. And the third is public safety, making sure we have safe neighbourhoods, safe schools, safe communities,” Kaul, told PTI in a recent interview. Also read | US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence Focus on core issues Education, healthcare, and public safety are the pillars of Kaul's campaign. The 10th Congressional District, encompassing areas with a high concentration of Indian Americans and South Asians in Virginia, provides a strategic platform for her candidacy. Kaul underlines education as her primary focus, stressing on the need for affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for small business owners. Ensuring safe neighborhoods, schools, and communities aligns with her commitment to public safety. With a strong background in national security, Kaul pledges a robust stance on counter-terrorism. Drawing inspiration from her father's narratives about the Kashmir conflict during her childhood, she expresses a profound interest in understanding and addressing the issues in the region. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | Israel must allow aid into Gaza: US | Residents running out of safe places to go "I had a desire to eventually run for Congress. But obviously, it's a path. It's a journey to get there. So I first devoted my studies, my first three degrees, to understanding diplomacy, negotiation, political science, and all the theory that you need to understand,” she said Kaul's journey towards Congress began with a dedication to understanding diplomacy, negotiation, political science, and conflict resolution, reflected in her pursuit of three degrees. Her comprehensive approach to national and international issues reflects her commitment to a holistic understanding of governance. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Krystle Kaul? Indian-American national security expert running for US Congress

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The Mizan Online news agency reported that the Tehran court sentenced the US government to pay $49.7 billion in "material, moral, and punitive damages."

The decision came as a response to a lawsuit filed by over 3,300 Iranians. Notably, 42 people&nbsp;and entities were found guilty, including Trump, the US government, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, reported AFP.

Also watch |&nbsp;Trump claims Imran Khan was elated about Qasem Soleimani`s assassination

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-claims-imran-khan-was-elated-about-qasem-soleimanis-assassination-656576/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Soleimani's role and retaliation</h2>

Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, was a highly regarded figure known for leading the country's Middle East operations and gaining hero status from the Iran-Iraq war.

Following his assassination, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and coalition troops, resulting in traumatic brain injuries to several US personnel.

This isn't the first time Iranian courts have ruled against the United States.

In the past, compensation orders included a $420 million payment for a 1980 hostage rescue operation and a $330 million demand related to an alleged coup attempt in 1980.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-he-discussed-qassem-soleimanis-death-with-imran-khan-who-was-elated-656501">Also read |&nbsp;Trump claims he discussed Qassem Soleimani's death with Imran Khan</a>

Additionally, the US Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered frozen Iranian assets in the US to be paid to victims of attacks blamed on Tehran, despite Iran denying responsibility.

Iran has consistently appealed to international justice to unfreeze funds held by Washington, and in March, the International Court of Justice deemed the freezing of funds "manifestly unreasonable."

However, the court stated it lacked jurisdiction to release nearly $2 billion in Iranian central bank assets frozen by the US.

Iran and the US have had no diplomatic relations since the aftermath of the 1979 revolution.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Mizan Online news agency reported that the Tehran court sentenced the US government to pay $49.7 billion in "material, moral, and punitive damages." The decision came as a response to a lawsuit filed by over 3,300 Iranians. Notably, 42 people and entities were found guilty, including Trump, the US government, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, reported AFP. Also watch | Trump claims Imran Khan was elated about Qasem Soleimani`s assassination Soleimani's role and retaliation Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, was a highly regarded figure known for leading the country's Middle East operations and gaining hero status from the Iran-Iraq war. Following his assassination, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and coalition troops, resulting in traumatic brain injuries to several US personnel. This isn't the first time Iranian courts have ruled against the United States. In the past, compensation orders included a $420 million payment for a 1980 hostage rescue operation and a $330 million demand related to an alleged coup attempt in 1980. Also read | Trump claims he discussed Qassem Soleimani's death with Imran Khan Additionally, the US Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered frozen Iranian assets in the US to be paid to victims of attacks blamed on Tehran, despite Iran denying responsibility. Iran has consistently appealed to international justice to unfreeze funds held by Washington, and in March, the International Court of Justice deemed the freezing of funds "manifestly unreasonable." However, the court stated it lacked jurisdiction to release nearly $2 billion in Iranian central bank assets frozen by the US. Iran and the US have had no diplomatic relations since the aftermath of the 1979 revolution. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian court demands $50 billion from US over General Soleimani's assassination in 2020

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers.

A new State Department visa restriction policy targets "individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The announcement comes after repeated warnings by US President Joe Biden and other senior officials for Israel to take stern action to prevent violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.&nbsp;

Recently, an upsurge in violence has been reported from the area as Jewish settlements have expanded.

The attacks there have surged after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on October 7.

Blinken made clear to Israeli officials during a visit last week that "they need to do more to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those responsible for it accountable," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a press briefing after the announcement.

Palestinian leaders must also do more to curb Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, he added.

"We expect ultimately for this action to impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members," Miller said, adding that any Israeli with an existing US&nbsp;visa who was involved in such acts would be notified that their visa was revoked.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking reelection next year if not for Trump</a>

<h2>US restricts visas for Uganda and Zimbabwe officials</h2>

In a similar move, the US on Monday expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials involved in undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda.

Blinken released a statement saying that the US would refuse visas to current or former officials along with their family members in case they are found to be involved in "repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations" like the LGBT community.

"Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations," Blinken said on Monday.

"These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers," he said.

He then also introduced a new visa restriction policy for the ones responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.

"Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe - including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections - may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy," Blinken said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers.

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers. A new State Department visa restriction policy targets "individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The announcement comes after repeated warnings by US President Joe Biden and other senior officials for Israel to take stern action to prevent violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Recently, an upsurge in violence has been reported from the area as Jewish settlements have expanded. The attacks there have surged after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on October 7. Blinken made clear to Israeli officials during a visit last week that "they need to do more to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those responsible for it accountable," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a press briefing after the announcement. Palestinian leaders must also do more to curb Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, he added. "We expect ultimately for this action to impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members," Miller said, adding that any Israeli with an existing US visa who was involved in such acts would be notified that their visa was revoked. Also read: Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking reelection next year if not for Trump US restricts visas for Uganda and Zimbabwe officials In a similar move, the US on Monday expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials involved in undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda. Blinken released a statement saying that the US would refuse visas to current or former officials along with their family members in case they are found to be involved in "repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations" like the LGBT community. "Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations," Blinken said on Monday. "These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers," he said. He then also introduced a new visa restriction policy for the ones responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. "Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe - including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections - may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy," Blinken said. (With inputs from agencies)

US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence

US President Joe Biden has raised speculation about his re-election bid and speaking at a fundraising event for his 2024 campaign outside Boston. Biden said that he may have skipped a re-election bid if former President Donald Trump had not decided to run.

US President Joe Biden 'not sure' he would seek re-election without Donald Trump | World DNA

Lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Tuesday grilled the leaders of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about their responses to protests that erupted after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Harvard, Penn, MIT heads face Congress over campus Antisemitism

A warning has come from a top US law enforcement official FBI Director Christopher Wray has urged the United States Congress to renew the country's spy program to ensure Public Safety.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray warns of terror threats to America, calls for renewal of spy program

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