A report by US special counsel says FBI lacked actual evidence to probe Trump's 2016 presidential campaign & relied too heavily on tips provided by political opponents. The US prosecutor claims the probe into alleged collusion between Russia & Trump's 2016 campaign was based on flimsy evidence & had serious flaws. Trump's attorney general Bill Barr had appointed special counsel John Durham to address allegations.

'FBI lacked actual evidence': U.S. Prosecutor says Trump-Russia probe relied on opponents' tips

Another case of deadly gun violence in the United States - at least four people including the teen gunman were killed in a shooting in New Mexico on Monday. The shooter is believed to have acted alone and is not related to any group.

US gun violence: 18-year-old gunman kills three, injures two in New Mexico

Nigeria has run into more trouble with the United States as the US imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians for undermining the democratic process during the African nation's 2023 election. The US Secretary of state has said that the country would refuse to issue visas to certain people threatening the democratic election process in Nigeria.

The US imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians for undermining democratic process

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: A report by US special counsel says FBI lacked actual evidence to probe Trump's 2016 presidential campaign & relied too heavily on tips provided by political opponents.

US special counsel slams FBI probe of Trump-Russia collusion

US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will go ahead with the original plan of visiting Japan for the G7 summit. While, the debt limit issue continues to linger on in the country, Biden says he will be meeting with the Congress leaders on Tuesday.

US President Biden to visit Japan for G7 summit, says 'hopeful of convincing Republicans'

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1.&nbsp;

In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.”&nbsp;

She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018.

Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino.&nbsp;

Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race.

According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed.

In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.”&nbsp;

Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino.

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1. In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.” She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018. Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino. Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race. According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed. In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.” Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity. The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters. (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.

White House veteran Amy Pope becomes first woman to head UN's International Organization for Migration

Is US forgiving $ 1.73 trillion in students loans

Ukraine President Zelensky's aggressive measures against Russia have come to light thanks to top-secret intelligence information that was released in Washington through the instant messaging and community network Discord.

Russia-Ukraine War | Ukraine: Secrets leaked by US intelligence

The United States is reportedly close to finalising a major defence deal with Papua New Guinea that will allow its armed forces to access the Pacific country’s ports and airports—a move that is being seen as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.

According to Nikkei Asia, the deal will be signed when United States President Joe Biden visits Papua New Guinea after the Group of Seven's May 19-21 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

Biden will meet Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and other Pacific Island leaders, where they will "discuss ways to deepen cooperation on challenges critical to the region and to the United States such as combating climate change, protecting maritime resources, and advancing resilient and inclusive economic growth," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement this week.

The report, quoting officials familiar with the negotiations, noted that the deal would allow US troops to use certain facilities and areas in Papua New Guinea on the condition that they mutually agree.

The potential locations that are being discussed include Momote Airport, Jacksons International Airport, Nadzab Airport, Lombrum Naval Base, the Seaport of Lae and Port Moresby, according to the report.

<h2>Gravitas: Biden family knee-deep in corruption?</h2>

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US and China have been one-upping each other in a bid to grow influence in the Pacific region.

For US, Papua New Guinea is a key strategic area as it is located at the southern tip of the so-called second island chain, which includes Japan's Ogasawara Islands and the US territory of Guam.

It comes after China signed a major security pact with another Pacific country Solomon Islands in April 2022.

US believes that China may eventually establish a base there or use it as a resupply point and expand its range of activity close to the second island chain.

A state-backed Chinese company has won a contract to develop the international port in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara.

Apart from the US, Papua New Guinea is also being courted by Beijing. Marape was invited to Beijing later this year, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the country in 2018.

For its part, the US last year hosted the first ever US-Pacific Island summit in Washington, DC, an event attended by Marape and other Pacific Island Forum leaders. The Biden administration has also sought to re-up security agreements with an array of Pacific island nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States is reportedly close to finalising a major defence deal with Papua New Guinea that will allow its armed forces to access the Pacific country’s ports and airports—a move that is being seen as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.

The United States is reportedly close to finalising a major defence deal with Papua New Guinea that will allow its armed forces to access the Pacific country’s ports and airports—a move that is being seen as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Pacific region. According to Nikkei Asia, the deal will be signed when United States President Joe Biden visits Papua New Guinea after the Group of Seven's May 19-21 summit in Hiroshima, Japan. Biden will meet Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and other Pacific Island leaders, where they will "discuss ways to deepen cooperation on challenges critical to the region and to the United States such as combating climate change, protecting maritime resources, and advancing resilient and inclusive economic growth," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement this week. The report, quoting officials familiar with the negotiations, noted that the deal would allow US troops to use certain facilities and areas in Papua New Guinea on the condition that they mutually agree. The potential locations that are being discussed include Momote Airport, Jacksons International Airport, Nadzab Airport, Lombrum Naval Base, the Seaport of Lae and Port Moresby, according to the report. Gravitas: Biden family knee-deep in corruption? US and China have been one-upping each other in a bid to grow influence in the Pacific region. For US, Papua New Guinea is a key strategic area as it is located at the southern tip of the so-called second island chain, which includes Japan's Ogasawara Islands and the US territory of Guam. It comes after China signed a major security pact with another Pacific country Solomon Islands in April 2022. US believes that China may eventually establish a base there or use it as a resupply point and expand its range of activity close to the second island chain. A state-backed Chinese company has won a contract to develop the international port in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara. Apart from the US, Papua New Guinea is also being courted by Beijing. Marape was invited to Beijing later this year, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the country in 2018. For its part, the US last year hosted the first ever US-Pacific Island summit in Washington, DC, an event attended by Marape and other Pacific Island Forum leaders. The Biden administration has also sought to re-up security agreements with an array of Pacific island nations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US eyes Papua New Guinea's airports, ports in defence pact to be signed during Biden’s trip

Moscow acknowledged on Friday that its forces had fallen back north of Ukraine's battlefield city of Bakhmut after a new Ukrainian offensive, in a retreat that the head of Russia's Wagner private army called a rout.

Russia acknowledges retreat north of Bakhmut, Wagner boss calls it a 'rout'

In the 6th Indian Ocean Conference, 2023, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said, "This is the sixth conference and over this period has evolved a lot. It is actually the premier platform to bring together all the countries of the Indian Ocean.

Committed to the well-being of Indian Ocean countries: Indian EAM S Jaishankar in Dhaka

A jury in Idaho, United States, found Lori Vallow Daybell guilty on all six counts, on Friday (May 12), for the murders of her two youngest children and her new husband’s previous wife. The verdict marked the end of a three-year investigation and seven-week trial which included bizarre claims of zombie children and apocalyptic prophecies.&nbsp;

Charges she was found guilty on

Vallow Daybell was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of conspiracy in 2019 after following the murders of seven-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her husband Chad Daybell.&nbsp;

The 49-year-old beautician was also convicted of grand theft as well as first-degree murder of the two children, a charge that indicates a more direct role in the crime committed. Vallow Daybell’s fifth husband, Chad Daybell also faces similar charges, however, his trial will take place separately and months later.&nbsp;

According to a 2021 indictment, the grand theft charges were based on the suspicion that Vallow Daybell changed bank accounts to collect Social Security benefits on behalf of her children after their deaths. Prosecutors said that she did not report her children as missing and kept collecting the money.&nbsp;

Story of Vallow Daybell

In 2006, Lori married Charles Vallow and the two raised Tylee (Lori's daughter from a previous marriage) and around eight years later Vallows adopted JJ, the grandson of Charles’ sister. According to Lori’s friends and family, her demeanour changed in 2017, after she began reading books by Chad Daybell, a religious author whose novels&nbsp;focused on the apocalypse and were loosely based on Mormon religious teachings, reported BBC.

In January 2019, Charles reportedly went to the police and said that his wife had become “unhinged” and thought she was a god preparing for the end of days. He also said that she threatened to murder him. Eventually, he filed for a divorce and as per court documents said he feared for his and the children’s safety.

In 2018, Lori and Chad had begun recording a religious podcast together. The duo also deemed people either “light” or “dark” spirits and called those who had been taken over by evil spirits “zombies”. The couple used to lead a group of people that met to pray and used to preach that the only way to free a body of the evil spirit was to embrace death.&nbsp;

The case began in 2019, when Vallow Daybell’s then-husband, Charles, was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox. A report by BBC, citing police records, said that Charles went to pick up his son from a house where his estranged wife was living with her brother when Cox shot him.&nbsp;

Cox then told police he acted in self-defence and was not charged and died later that year of what authorities determined were natural causes. According to prosecutors, Vallow Daybell was already in a relationship with Chad Daybell, who was still married to his wife, Tammy Daybell, at the time. So she eventually moved to Idaho with her kids and brother to be closer to him.

The bizarre revelations

Police records showed a friend told the authorities&nbsp;that Vallow Daybell called both children “zombies” prior to their disappearance. The two children were last seen alive in September 2019 before the police discovered they were missing a month after their extended family raised concerns.&nbsp;

Vallow Daybell’s former friend Melanie Gibb testified that Vallow Daybell believed people in her life had been taken over by evil spirits and turned into “zombies”. According to the testimony, at least four other people who had been described as “zombies” by the defendant, were later killed or shot at.&nbsp;

Investigators found that the couple used to call the children and Chad’s former wife “zombies”. Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake, last month, told the jurors that the children were missing for months before their remains were found buried in Chad Daybell’s yard.&nbsp;

Prosecutors produced 60 witnesses over the course of the trial and detailed the evidence of how the children were killed and their remains were found. Notably, the defence attorney&nbsp;did not call any witnesses during the trial, and Vallow Daybell declined to testify.&nbsp;

Among the testimonies was also of Vallow Daybell’s only surviving child, Colby Ryan, who accused her of murdering his siblings in a recorded jailhouse phone call.

Tylee’s DNA was found on a pickaxe and shovel in a shed on the property, said Blake. JJ’s body was wrapped in trash bags and duct tape which was binding his arms in front of him and wrapping around his head, reported the Associated Press. 
 
What happened in the court?

A jury of seven men and five women after hours of deliberation reached a unanimous guilty verdict on Friday afternoon. As the verdict was read, Vallow Daybell showed no expression. This comes as she has previously pleaded not guilty and is now facing life in prison when sentenced.&nbsp;

However, Judge Steven Boyce said sentencing will occur in about three months. The final arguments of the case were heard by the jurors on Thursday. The prosecutors said that the “defendant used money, power and sex to get what she wanted. It didn’t matter what it was.”

On the other hand, Defence Attorney Jim Archibald described Vallow Daybell as a “kind and loving mother to her children,” and it was after she met Chad Daybell, and fell for the “weird” apocalyptic religious claims of a cult leader.&nbsp;

He also went on to suggest that Daybell and Cox were the ones responsible for the deaths and her only crime was lying to the police about where her children were. According to Archibald, Daybell told her they had been married in several previous lives and she was a “sexual goddess” who was supposed to help him save the world by gathering 144,000 followers so Jesus could return.

JJ’s grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock spoke to the press outside the courtroom following the verdict and said, “JJ, I love you.” He added, “It started with two children. I said, ‘Where are the children? Where are the children?...Give me back my children,” as quoted by the AP.&nbsp;

Blake, in a statement, said they were “very pleased” with the verdict adding, “We want to assure each of you that we remain committed to pursuing justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Archibald, on Thursday said, “No one here thinks Lori actually killed anyone, that’s why she’s being charged with conspiracy.” He added, “If you find her guilty, will that bring the kids back? Nope,” as quoted by CNN, citing East Idaho News.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A jury in Idaho, United States, found Lori Vallow Daybell guilty on all six counts, on Friday (May 12), for the murders of her two youngest children and her new husband’s previous wife.

A jury in Idaho, United States, found Lori Vallow Daybell guilty on all six counts, on Friday (May 12), for the murders of her two youngest children and her new husband’s previous wife. The verdict marked the end of a three-year investigation and seven-week trial which included bizarre claims of zombie children and apocalyptic prophecies. Charges she was found guilty on Vallow Daybell was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of conspiracy in 2019 after following the murders of seven-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her husband Chad Daybell. The 49-year-old beautician was also convicted of grand theft as well as first-degree murder of the two children, a charge that indicates a more direct role in the crime committed. Vallow Daybell’s fifth husband, Chad Daybell also faces similar charges, however, his trial will take place separately and months later. According to a 2021 indictment, the grand theft charges were based on the suspicion that Vallow Daybell changed bank accounts to collect Social Security benefits on behalf of her children after their deaths. Prosecutors said that she did not report her children as missing and kept collecting the money. Story of Vallow Daybell In 2006, Lori married Charles Vallow and the two raised Tylee (Lori's daughter from a previous marriage) and around eight years later Vallows adopted JJ, the grandson of Charles’ sister. According to Lori’s friends and family, her demeanour changed in 2017, after she began reading books by Chad Daybell, a religious author whose novels focused on the apocalypse and were loosely based on Mormon religious teachings, reported BBC. In January 2019, Charles reportedly went to the police and said that his wife had become “unhinged” and thought she was a god preparing for the end of days. He also said that she threatened to murder him. Eventually, he filed for a divorce and as per court documents said he feared for his and the children’s safety. In 2018, Lori and Chad had begun recording a religious podcast together. The duo also deemed people either “light” or “dark” spirits and called those who had been taken over by evil spirits “zombies”. The couple used to lead a group of people that met to pray and used to preach that the only way to free a body of the evil spirit was to embrace death. The case began in 2019, when Vallow Daybell’s then-husband, Charles, was shot and killed by her brother, Alex Cox. A report by BBC, citing police records, said that Charles went to pick up his son from a house where his estranged wife was living with her brother when Cox shot him. Cox then told police he acted in self-defence and was not charged and died later that year of what authorities determined were natural causes. According to prosecutors, Vallow Daybell was already in a relationship with Chad Daybell, who was still married to his wife, Tammy Daybell, at the time. So she eventually moved to Idaho with her kids and brother to be closer to him. The bizarre revelations Police records showed a friend told the authorities that Vallow Daybell called both children “zombies” prior to their disappearance. The two children were last seen alive in September 2019 before the police discovered they were missing a month after their extended family raised concerns. Vallow Daybell’s former friend Melanie Gibb testified that Vallow Daybell believed people in her life had been taken over by evil spirits and turned into “zombies”. According to the testimony, at least four other people who had been described as “zombies” by the defendant, were later killed or shot at. Investigators found that the couple used to call the children and Chad’s former wife “zombies”. Fremont County Prosecutor Lindsey Blake, last month, told the jurors that the children were missing for months before their remains were found buried in Chad Daybell’s yard. Prosecutors produced 60 witnesses over the course of the trial and detailed the evidence of how the children were killed and their remains were found. Notably, the defence attorney did not call any witnesses during the trial, and Vallow Daybell declined to testify. Among the testimonies was also of Vallow Daybell’s only surviving child, Colby Ryan, who accused her of murdering his siblings in a recorded jailhouse phone call. Tylee’s DNA was found on a pickaxe and shovel in a shed on the property, said Blake. JJ’s body was wrapped in trash bags and duct tape which was binding his arms in front of him and wrapping around his head, reported the Associated Press. What happened in the court? A jury of seven men and five women after hours of deliberation reached a unanimous guilty verdict on Friday afternoon. As the verdict was read, Vallow Daybell showed no expression. This comes as she has previously pleaded not guilty and is now facing life in prison when sentenced. However, Judge Steven Boyce said sentencing will occur in about three months. The final arguments of the case were heard by the jurors on Thursday. The prosecutors said that the “defendant used money, power and sex to get what she wanted. It didn’t matter what it was.” On the other hand, Defence Attorney Jim Archibald described Vallow Daybell as a “kind and loving mother to her children,” and it was after she met Chad Daybell, and fell for the “weird” apocalyptic religious claims of a cult leader. He also went on to suggest that Daybell and Cox were the ones responsible for the deaths and her only crime was lying to the police about where her children were. According to Archibald, Daybell told her they had been married in several previous lives and she was a “sexual goddess” who was supposed to help him save the world by gathering 144,000 followers so Jesus could return. JJ’s grandparents, Larry and Kay Woodcock spoke to the press outside the courtroom following the verdict and said, “JJ, I love you.” He added, “It started with two children. I said, ‘Where are the children? Where are the children?...Give me back my children,” as quoted by the AP. Blake, in a statement, said they were “very pleased” with the verdict adding, “We want to assure each of you that we remain committed to pursuing justice for Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell. Meanwhile, Archibald, on Thursday said, “No one here thinks Lori actually killed anyone, that’s why she’s being charged with conspiracy.” He added, “If you find her guilty, will that bring the kids back? Nope,” as quoted by CNN, citing East Idaho News. (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.

Explained | 'Doomsday cult' mom: Lori Vallow Daybell convicted of killing her two children, husband’s ex-wife

In the 6th Indian Ocean Conference, 2023, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "This is the sixth conference and over this period has evolved a lot. It is actually the premier platform to bring together all the countries of the Indian Ocean.

A lawsuit was filed by the loved ones of those killed in the 2022 Buffalo grocery store mass shooting, on Friday (May 12) against a number of social media companies for allegedly, facilitating the convicted shooter’s “racist, antisemitic, and white supremacist propaganda.”&nbsp;

The 144-page lawsuit was filed by Buffalo civil attorney John Elmore on behalf of the victims’ families in the State Supreme Court in Buffalo, New York. It is also supported by Social Media Victims Law Center and Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.&nbsp;

The lawsuit names tech giants like Facebook parent company Meta, Twitch owner Amazon, Google parent company Alphabet which also owns Youtube, and Snapchat owner Snap, as well as Discord, Reddit and what has been described as a dark website 4Chan. The convicted mass shooter Payton Gendron had used Twitch to live stream the rampage.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-payton-gendron-the-19-year-old-buffalo-mass-shooter-heres-what-his-parents-said-before-the-hearing-562637">Who is Payton Gendron, the 19-year-old Buffalo mass shooter? Here’s what his parents said before the hearing</a>

Among those named were also Vintage Firearms company and the RMA Armament company which are said to be the defendant’s gun dealer and body armour company as well as his parents. The mass shooting took place at a Tops store on the city’s predominantly Black east side in May 2022 where 10 Black people were killed.&nbsp;

Gendron, the 19-year-old mass shooter, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year after a federal grand jury indicted Gendron on 27 counts involving weapons and hate crimes, including 10 counts involving hate crimes that resulted in fatalities.

What does the lawsuit say?

The lawsuit alleges, “Gendron was motivated to commit his heinous crime by racist, anti-Semitic, and white supremacist propaganda fed to him by the social media companies whose products he used”.

The lawsuit also said that social media allowed and aided the spread of Gendron’s hate where the live stream of his rampage came to be known as the “murder video” and was viewed by more than three million people. According to the suit, despite being taken down from Twitch the video was downloaded to 4chan.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-buffalo-mass-shooter-sentenced-to-life-judge-says-no-mercy-562522">US: Buffalo mass shooter sentenced to life, judge says 'No mercy'</a>

The copy of the video also “appeared on Facebook next to advertisements,” the lawsuit stated, adding that while it was “eventually turned off banner advertising for searches related to the Buffalo shooting, the murder video continued to circulate on Facebook and, on information and belief, Facebook’s algorithms continued to recommend it.”

According to the suit, Gendron had become “addicted” to Facebook, Youtube, and Snapchat. It was “because of the dangerously defective and unreasonably dangerous algorithms powering Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, Gendron quickly became a problematic user of the Social Media Defendants’ products,” said the lawsuit.&nbsp;

“Taking full advantage of the incomplete development of Gendron’s frontal lobe, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat maintained his product engagement by directing him to increasingly extreme and violent content,” the lawsuit alleges.&nbsp;

It also blamed Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat and said it is because their “algorithms were designed with the singular goal of maximizing Gendron’s product engagement over his psychological, emotional, and ethical well-being, by directing him to sites promoting hate and violence these products were functioning as designed and intended.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/payton-gendron-the-teen-responsible-for-may-supermarket-mass-shooting-pleads-guilty-to-spend-life-in-prison-538303">Payton Gendron, the teen responsible for May supermarket mass shooting pleads guilty, to spend life in prison</a>

The lawsuit also alleges that he was not raised by a racist family, live in a radically polarised community or had a personal history of negative interactions with Black people, reported ABC News. The recently filed lawsuit also comes two days before Buffalo residents commemorate the one-year mark since the mass shooting.&nbsp;

“These posts led him down a rabbit hole of increasingly radical sites, where he was indoctrinated in white supremacist replacement theory and violent accelerationism,” said Matthew Bergman from Social Media Victims Law Center, in a statement.&nbsp;

He also went on to say that this “horrible crime was neither an accident nor coincidence, but rather the foreseeable result of social media companies’ intentional decision to maximize user engagement over public safety.” 
 
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A lawsuit was filed by the loved ones of those killed in the 2022 Buffalo grocery store mass shooting, on Friday (May 12) against a number of social media companies for allegedly, facilitating the convicted shooter’s “racist, antisemitic, and white supremacist propaganda.

A lawsuit was filed by the loved ones of those killed in the 2022 Buffalo grocery store mass shooting, on Friday (May 12) against a number of social media companies for allegedly, facilitating the convicted shooter’s “racist, antisemitic, and white supremacist propaganda.” The 144-page lawsuit was filed by Buffalo civil attorney John Elmore on behalf of the victims’ families in the State Supreme Court in Buffalo, New York. It is also supported by Social Media Victims Law Center and Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The lawsuit names tech giants like Facebook parent company Meta, Twitch owner Amazon, Google parent company Alphabet which also owns Youtube, and Snapchat owner Snap, as well as Discord, Reddit and what has been described as a dark website 4Chan. The convicted mass shooter Payton Gendron had used Twitch to live stream the rampage. ALSO READ | Who is Payton Gendron, the 19-year-old Buffalo mass shooter? Here’s what his parents said before the hearing Among those named were also Vintage Firearms company and the RMA Armament company which are said to be the defendant’s gun dealer and body armour company as well as his parents. The mass shooting took place at a Tops store on the city’s predominantly Black east side in May 2022 where 10 Black people were killed. Gendron, the 19-year-old mass shooter, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year after a federal grand jury indicted Gendron on 27 counts involving weapons and hate crimes, including 10 counts involving hate crimes that resulted in fatalities. What does the lawsuit say? The lawsuit alleges, “Gendron was motivated to commit his heinous crime by racist, anti-Semitic, and white supremacist propaganda fed to him by the social media companies whose products he used”. The lawsuit also said that social media allowed and aided the spread of Gendron’s hate where the live stream of his rampage came to be known as the “murder video” and was viewed by more than three million people. According to the suit, despite being taken down from Twitch the video was downloaded to 4chan. ALSO WATCH | US: Buffalo mass shooter sentenced to life, judge says 'No mercy' The copy of the video also “appeared on Facebook next to advertisements,” the lawsuit stated, adding that while it was “eventually turned off banner advertising for searches related to the Buffalo shooting, the murder video continued to circulate on Facebook and, on information and belief, Facebook’s algorithms continued to recommend it.” According to the suit, Gendron had become “addicted” to Facebook, Youtube, and Snapchat. It was “because of the dangerously defective and unreasonably dangerous algorithms powering Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, Gendron quickly became a problematic user of the Social Media Defendants’ products,” said the lawsuit. “Taking full advantage of the incomplete development of Gendron’s frontal lobe, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat maintained his product engagement by directing him to increasingly extreme and violent content,” the lawsuit alleges. It also blamed Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat and said it is because their “algorithms were designed with the singular goal of maximizing Gendron’s product engagement over his psychological, emotional, and ethical well-being, by directing him to sites promoting hate and violence these products were functioning as designed and intended.” ALSO READ | Payton Gendron, the teen responsible for May supermarket mass shooting pleads guilty, to spend life in prison The lawsuit also alleges that he was not raised by a racist family, live in a radically polarised community or had a personal history of negative interactions with Black people, reported ABC News. The recently filed lawsuit also comes two days before Buffalo residents commemorate the one-year mark since the mass shooting. “These posts led him down a rabbit hole of increasingly radical sites, where he was indoctrinated in white supremacist replacement theory and violent accelerationism,” said Matthew Bergman from Social Media Victims Law Center, in a statement. He also went on to say that this “horrible crime was neither an accident nor coincidence, but rather the foreseeable result of social media companies’ intentional decision to maximize user engagement over public safety.” 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: Social media companies sued over Buffalo grocery store mass shooting

The United States envoy to South Africa, on Thursday (May 11), accused the country of supplying weapons to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine despite the country’s neutral stance. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls the allegations “disappointing” in a strongly worded statement.&nbsp;

What did the US envoy say?

The US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, in a press conference, said that Washington believes Pretoria had sent weapons and ammunition aboard the Russian freighter that docked at a Cape Town naval base in December. “We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel and I would bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion,” said Brigety.&nbsp;

Washington has noted the docking of a Russian cargo ship Lady R in Simon’s Town between December 6 and December 8, 2022, “which we are confident uploaded weapons, ammunition … as it made its way back to Russia,” said the US envoy to South Africa. He added, “The arming of Russia by South Africa...is fundamentally unacceptable.”

He also spoke about how senior US officials have “profound concerns” about South Africa not respecting its professed stance of non-alignment and neutrality over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding that this “does not suggest to us the actions of a non-aligned country,” as quoted by Reuters. &nbsp;

“The arming of the Russians is extremely serious, and we do not consider this issue to be resolved,” said Brigety. Notably, South Africa is one of Russia’s most important allies on the continent, however, it has said that it is impartial to the conflict and has abstained from voting on several UN resolutions in connection with the ongoing war.&nbsp; 
 
How has South Africa responded?

Following these allegations, president Ramaphosa’s office hit back and called it “disappointing” that the US envoy had “adopted a counter-productive public posture”.&nbsp;

“The Ambassador’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation,” said Ramaphosa’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya, in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, that while there is no evidence provided to support these allegations by the US, “the government has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry to be led by a retired judge.”&nbsp;

Earlier this year, South Africa also held a joint military exercise with Russia and China which the US and other countries in the West expressed concerns about. Additionally, a sanctioned Russian military cargo plane landed at an air force base in the middle of the night to deliver what defence authorities described as “diplomatic mail.” 
 
South Africa summons US envoy 
 
South Africa's Foreign Ministry also summoned the&nbsp;US ambassador on Friday following the allegations and said he apologised for the remarks and Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has&nbsp;also discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 
 
After the talks, Brigety took to Twitter and wrote that he was&nbsp;grateful for the opportunity to speak with Pandor and "correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks." The&nbsp;South African Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, later Friday, and said that&nbsp;Brigety "admitted that he crossed a line" and&nbsp;"apologized unreservedly."

South Africa’s vow to probe allegations a ‘welcome step’&nbsp;

During a briefing on Thursday, the US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel without repeating the allegations told reporters that Washington had serious concerns about the docking of the ship at a South African naval port.&nbsp;

US officials had also raised those concerns directly with multiple South African officials, he added. “The deeply concerning piece of this is the docking of a sanctioned Russian vessel at a South African naval port,” said Patel.&nbsp;

Addressing the promise of an investigation into the US envoy’s allegations, the state department deputy spokesperson said, “It certainly would be a welcome step.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United States envoy to South Africa, on Thursday (May 11), accused the country of supplying weapons to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine despite the country’s neutral stance.

The United States envoy to South Africa, on Thursday (May 11), accused the country of supplying weapons to Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine despite the country’s neutral stance. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls the allegations “disappointing” in a strongly worded statement. What did the US envoy say? The US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, in a press conference, said that Washington believes Pretoria had sent weapons and ammunition aboard the Russian freighter that docked at a Cape Town naval base in December. “We are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel and I would bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion,” said Brigety. Washington has noted the docking of a Russian cargo ship Lady R in Simon’s Town between December 6 and December 8, 2022, “which we are confident uploaded weapons, ammunition … as it made its way back to Russia,” said the US envoy to South Africa. He added, “The arming of Russia by South Africa...is fundamentally unacceptable.” He also spoke about how senior US officials have “profound concerns” about South Africa not respecting its professed stance of non-alignment and neutrality over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding that this “does not suggest to us the actions of a non-aligned country,” as quoted by Reuters. “The arming of the Russians is extremely serious, and we do not consider this issue to be resolved,” said Brigety. Notably, South Africa is one of Russia’s most important allies on the continent, however, it has said that it is impartial to the conflict and has abstained from voting on several UN resolutions in connection with the ongoing war. How has South Africa responded? Following these allegations, president Ramaphosa’s office hit back and called it “disappointing” that the US envoy had “adopted a counter-productive public posture”. “The Ambassador’s remarks undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership that characterised the recent engagements between US government officials and a South African official delegation,” said Ramaphosa’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya, in a statement. He added, that while there is no evidence provided to support these allegations by the US, “the government has undertaken to institute an independent enquiry to be led by a retired judge.” Earlier this year, South Africa also held a joint military exercise with Russia and China which the US and other countries in the West expressed concerns about. Additionally, a sanctioned Russian military cargo plane landed at an air force base in the middle of the night to deliver what defence authorities described as “diplomatic mail.” South Africa summons US envoy South Africa's Foreign Ministry also summoned the US ambassador on Friday following the allegations and said he apologised for the remarks and Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has also discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. After the talks, Brigety took to Twitter and wrote that he was grateful for the opportunity to speak with Pandor and "correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks." The South African Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, later Friday, and said that Brigety "admitted that he crossed a line" and "apologized unreservedly." South Africa’s vow to probe allegations a ‘welcome step’ During a briefing on Thursday, the US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel without repeating the allegations told reporters that Washington had serious concerns about the docking of the ship at a South African naval port. US officials had also raised those concerns directly with multiple South African officials, he added. “The deeply concerning piece of this is the docking of a sanctioned Russian vessel at a South African naval port,” said Patel. Addressing the promise of an investigation into the US envoy’s allegations, the state department deputy spokesperson said, “It certainly would be a welcome step.” (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.

US envoy accuses South Africa of supplying arms to Russia; Pretoria fumes over allegations

The family of a seven-year-old boy in the United States is asserting that their son was Guccio Gucci in a previous life after some of his dress designs went viral. The young fashion designer Max Alexander has even been hired by celebrities like Sharon Stone, and he hopes to lead the House of Gucci when he grows up.

US: 7-year-old Max Alexander claimed to be reincarnation of legendary fashion designer Guccio Gucci

7-year-old Max Alexander claimed to be reincarnation of legendary fashion designer Guccio Gucci

Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day. These clashes have threatened to derail the European Union-led peace talks which are scheduled to take place over the weekend.&nbsp;

Recent clashes

According to reports, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire with weapons including mortars and drones on their joint border, on Friday, after the clashes a day prior which were the latest in a series of border flare-ups. Both sides said they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for shooting first.&nbsp;

Addressing the latest skirmish, Armenia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces came under fire with mortars and small arms near the village of Sotk, near the border. It added drones were also deployed. “In the wake of enemy fire, the Armenian side has one killed in action and one wounded,” said the ministry, adding that “the intensity of fighting has decreased”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry said, “Armenian armed forces opened fire from trench mortars on Azerbaijani positions” at the border. It also reported that it managed to cut short a drone attack by Armenia on its positions in the Kalbajar district.&nbsp;

Peace talks in Brussels&nbsp;

These clashes come ahead of a meeting set to take place in Brussels, on Sunday, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev which will be led by European Council President Charles Michel.&nbsp;

According to the EU, rival leaders have also agreed to jointly meet the leaders of France and Germany on the sidelines of a European summit in Moldova in June. The EU-led effort follows Washington’s as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had invited Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers to the United States for talks, earlier this month.&nbsp;

Rise in tensions

The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, last month, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.&nbsp;

The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;

The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day.

Armenia, on Friday (May 12), said Azerbaijani troops killed one Armenian soldier in border clashes. This comes a day after Azerbaijan said one of its soldiers was killed as new clashes have erupted between the two countries along the border for a second straight day. These clashes have threatened to derail the European Union-led peace talks which are scheduled to take place over the weekend. Recent clashes According to reports, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire with weapons including mortars and drones on their joint border, on Friday, after the clashes a day prior which were the latest in a series of border flare-ups. Both sides said they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for shooting first. Addressing the latest skirmish, Armenia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces came under fire with mortars and small arms near the village of Sotk, near the border. It added drones were also deployed. “In the wake of enemy fire, the Armenian side has one killed in action and one wounded,” said the ministry, adding that “the intensity of fighting has decreased”. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry said, “Armenian armed forces opened fire from trench mortars on Azerbaijani positions” at the border. It also reported that it managed to cut short a drone attack by Armenia on its positions in the Kalbajar district. Peace talks in Brussels These clashes come ahead of a meeting set to take place in Brussels, on Sunday, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev which will be led by European Council President Charles Michel. According to the EU, rival leaders have also agreed to jointly meet the leaders of France and Germany on the sidelines of a European summit in Moldova in June. The EU-led effort follows Washington’s as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had invited Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers to the United States for talks, earlier this month. Rise in tensions The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, last month, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. (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.

At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks

A 17-year-old boy from Honduras died this week in United States immigration custody, said American and Honduran officials, on Friday (May 12). This comes as many have raised concerns about the pressure on the American immigration system as US President Joe Biden’s administration ends the controversial asylum restrictions known as Title 42.&nbsp; 
 
The teenager was later identified as Angel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza, as per a tweet from Honduran foreign relations minister Enrique Reina, who has also called for an “exhaustive investigation” into the death. According to the Honduran minister, Maradiaga was detained at a facility in Safety Harbor, Florida.&nbsp;

The officials of&nbsp;US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is in charge of the facility where the boy was held, said that they are reviewing his healthcare records and the cause of his death is being investigated by a medical examiner. In a statement, the department also said that the HHS is “deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heart goes out to the family, with whom we are in touch.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-illegal-migrants-rush-to-us-mexico-border-as-title-42-rule-ends-591498">Thousands of migrants rush to US-Mexico border as Title 42 rule ends</a>

It added, “As is standard practice for any situation involving the death of an unaccompanied child or a serious health outcome, HHS’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Division of Health for Unaccompanied Children (DHUC) is reviewing all clinical details of this case, including all inpatient health care records. A medical examiner investigation is underway.”

A US official familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that Espinoza entered the US several weeks ago and died Wednesday. The teenager’s death was also confirmed by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who called the news “devastating”.&nbsp;

She also said that the Biden administration was “aware of the tragic loss” and that the president has been briefed on it. “There is a medical investigation that was opened on May 10,” said &nbsp;Jean-Pierre. This comes as the US is witnessing an influx of asylum seekers at the southern border due to the end of the pandemic-era Title 42.&nbsp;

The policy in question had allowed authorities to turn away migrants citing health reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions ended on Thursday while the Biden administration announced new curbs on border crossers that went into effect Friday.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-braces-for-migrant-surge-at-mexico-border-as-title-42-covid-border-policy-ends-591763">US braces for migrant surge at Mexico border as 'Title 42' Covid border policy ends</a>

This also comes as tens of thousands of people tried to cross the US-Mexico border ahead of the expiration of Title 42 which allowed exemptions for minors crossing the border unaccompanied by a parent. Espinoza’s death is the first known demise of an immigrant child in custody under the Biden administration. At least six immigrant children had died in US custody when former President Donald Trump was in office.&nbsp;

According to reports, more than 8,600 children are currently in HHS custody, as the department operates long-term facilities to hold children who cross the border without a parent until they can be placed with a sponsor. 
 
These facilities reportedly have beds, schooling, and other activities for minors as opposed to the Border Patrol stations and detention sites where detainees were sometimes seen sleeping on the floor in cells.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A 17-year-old boy from Honduras died this week in United States immigration custody, said American and Honduran officials, on Friday (May 12). This comes as many have raised concerns about the pressure on the American immigration system as US President Joe Biden’s administration ends the controversial asylum restrictions known as Title 42.

A 17-year-old boy from Honduras died this week in United States immigration custody, said American and Honduran officials, on Friday (May 12). This comes as many have raised concerns about the pressure on the American immigration system as US President Joe Biden’s administration ends the controversial asylum restrictions known as Title 42. The teenager was later identified as Angel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza, as per a tweet from Honduran foreign relations minister Enrique Reina, who has also called for an “exhaustive investigation” into the death. According to the Honduran minister, Maradiaga was detained at a facility in Safety Harbor, Florida. The officials of US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is in charge of the facility where the boy was held, said that they are reviewing his healthcare records and the cause of his death is being investigated by a medical examiner. In a statement, the department also said that the HHS is “deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heart goes out to the family, with whom we are in touch.” ALSO READ | Thousands of migrants rush to US-Mexico border as Title 42 rule ends It added, “As is standard practice for any situation involving the death of an unaccompanied child or a serious health outcome, HHS’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Division of Health for Unaccompanied Children (DHUC) is reviewing all clinical details of this case, including all inpatient health care records. A medical examiner investigation is underway.” A US official familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that Espinoza entered the US several weeks ago and died Wednesday. The teenager’s death was also confirmed by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who called the news “devastating”. She also said that the Biden administration was “aware of the tragic loss” and that the president has been briefed on it. “There is a medical investigation that was opened on May 10,” said Jean-Pierre. This comes as the US is witnessing an influx of asylum seekers at the southern border due to the end of the pandemic-era Title 42. The policy in question had allowed authorities to turn away migrants citing health reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions ended on Thursday while the Biden administration announced new curbs on border crossers that went into effect Friday. ALSO WATCH | US braces for migrant surge at Mexico border as 'Title 42' Covid border policy ends This also comes as tens of thousands of people tried to cross the US-Mexico border ahead of the expiration of Title 42 which allowed exemptions for minors crossing the border unaccompanied by a parent. Espinoza’s death is the first known demise of an immigrant child in custody under the Biden administration. At least six immigrant children had died in US custody when former President Donald Trump was in office. According to reports, more than 8,600 children are currently in HHS custody, as the department operates long-term facilities to hold children who cross the border without a parent until they can be placed with a sponsor. These facilities reportedly have beds, schooling, and other activities for minors as opposed to the Border Patrol stations and detention sites where detainees were sometimes seen sleeping on the floor in cells. (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.

Honduran teen dies in US immigration custody, medical examiner to probe cause of death

An Idaho mother in a doomsday cult has been found guilty of murdering her two children and her husband's former wife, in a case that shocked the US. Lori Vallow and her husband, Chad Daybell, were charged with murder, conspiracy, and grand theft in the killings. The 49-year-old beautician now faces up to life in prison.

US doomsday cult mum guilty of murdering children, rival

Daniel Penny, a white US Marine veteran, surrenders to police in New York City on Friday morning over his fatal choking of a homeless black man, Jordan Neely, aboard a local subway train.

US Marine veteran surrenders to police over fatal choking of NY homeless man |

At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation.&nbsp;

The compound is located about 13 kilometres (about 8 miles) from the centre of Beirut. Stretching across a 43-acre site, the massive US embassy compound in Lebanon can be taken as a city of its own, as per CNN.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a>

The size of the complex is mammoth and it can be better understood when seen in comparison to some of the well-known structures of our times such as the White House itself. The compound which lies in the Beirut suburb of Awkar is almost two-and-a-half times the size of the White House land.&nbsp;The huge building is over 21 soccer fields in size.&nbsp;

<h2>Backlash over enormous US embassy building&nbsp;</h2>

Twitter is flooded with condemnation of the monumental building. Lebanese are raising questions over the need for this expansive complex. On February 1, a US travel advisory cautioned its citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping , and the Beirut embassy’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens. It said that some areas have increased risk.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-legalises-euthanasia-for-people-over-18-591849">Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18</a>

In view of the risks, not many Americans travel to the Middle East nation. However, there is a substantial population of Lebanese American residents in the country. Lebanon is home to about only 6 million people.&nbsp;

Areawise also, the country is small. As per reports, the country is stretched in an area of only 10,452 square kilometres (4,036 sq mi). It is even smaller than the US state of Connecticut which has an area of 13,023 square kilometres.

A social media activist Sandy said, “Did the US move to Lebanon??”&nbsp;

“Maybe you’ll have enough room to work on all those pending visa applications,” tweeted Abed A. Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.&nbsp; 
 
“Let them eat concrete,” another user tweeted.

<h2>What does Beirut's new US embassy campus have?</h2>

The buildings are clustered on the eastern half of the site to promote walkability, with recreational open space and flexibility for future expansion to the west, as per the <a href="https://lb.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/new-embassy-beirut-compound/beirut-new-embassy-campus-project-summary/">US embassy's website</a>.&nbsp;

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The complex includes "comfortable waiting areas, shaded gardens, and an art programme featuring site-specific commissions from international and Lebanese artists."&nbsp;Extending from the chancery, ribbon-like residential buildings frame the campus’ central service and circulation corridor, a community “main street” with outdoor plazas and dining facilities for embassy staff.

The campus employs resources that are sustainable in nature. It also includes lighting controls, solar adaptive shades, sound masking systems, flexible furniture.&nbsp;

<h2>Aftermath of Beirut blast and COVID pandemic&nbsp;</h2>

The 2020 Beirut blast and the COVID pandemic struck a dual blow at the Lebanon economy. As per reports, the embassy complex has cost a whopping $1 billion. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) oversaw the building construction.&nbsp;

The 1983 bombing of the American embassy in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 63 individuals, including 52 Lebanese and diplomatic staff. This year April marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic event.&nbsp; 
 
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At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation.

At a time when Lebanon's economy is in shambles and the country is hit with economic collapse along with a rising humanitarian crisis, a lavish US embassy complex that is under construction is piquing the interest of commoners in the Middle Eastern nation. The compound is located about 13 kilometres (about 8 miles) from the centre of Beirut. Stretching across a 43-acre site, the massive US embassy compound in Lebanon can be taken as a city of its own, as per CNN. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS The size of the complex is mammoth and it can be better understood when seen in comparison to some of the well-known structures of our times such as the White House itself. The compound which lies in the Beirut suburb of Awkar is almost two-and-a-half times the size of the White House land. The huge building is over 21 soccer fields in size. Backlash over enormous US embassy building Twitter is flooded with condemnation of the monumental building. Lebanese are raising questions over the need for this expansive complex. On February 1, a US travel advisory cautioned its citizens to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping , and the Beirut embassy’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens. It said that some areas have increased risk. Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 In view of the risks, not many Americans travel to the Middle East nation. However, there is a substantial population of Lebanese American residents in the country. Lebanon is home to about only 6 million people. Areawise also, the country is small. As per reports, the country is stretched in an area of only 10,452 square kilometres (4,036 sq mi). It is even smaller than the US state of Connecticut which has an area of 13,023 square kilometres. A social media activist Sandy said, “Did the US move to Lebanon??” “Maybe you’ll have enough room to work on all those pending visa applications,” tweeted Abed A. Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. “Let them eat concrete,” another user tweeted. What does Beirut's new US embassy campus have? The buildings are clustered on the eastern half of the site to promote walkability, with recreational open space and flexibility for future expansion to the west, as per the US embassy's website. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × The complex includes "comfortable waiting areas, shaded gardens, and an art programme featuring site-specific commissions from international and Lebanese artists." Extending from the chancery, ribbon-like residential buildings frame the campus’ central service and circulation corridor, a community “main street” with outdoor plazas and dining facilities for embassy staff. The campus employs resources that are sustainable in nature. It also includes lighting controls, solar adaptive shades, sound masking systems, flexible furniture. Aftermath of Beirut blast and COVID pandemic The 2020 Beirut blast and the COVID pandemic struck a dual blow at the Lebanon economy. As per reports, the embassy complex has cost a whopping $1 billion. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) oversaw the building construction. The 1983 bombing of the American embassy in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 63 individuals, including 52 Lebanese and diplomatic staff. This year April marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic event. 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. ×

‘Let them eat concrete’: Massive new US embassy complex in Lebanon draws ire of netizens

Peloton recalls more than two million exercise bikes over concerns that the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use and pose fall and injury hazards to the customers. The company has also advised owners to immediately stop using the bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. As of Thursday (May 11), the shares of Peloton Interactive fell more than eight per cent.&nbsp;

The recall of 2.2 million bikes&nbsp;comes as the Peloton has received several reports of injuries including “a fractured wrist and lacerations” after the bike’s seat broke during use. The bike in question is the Peloton Bikes Model PL01 which was sold from January 2018 through May 2023 and cost nearly $1,400.&nbsp;

The recall was issued by the United States government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission, on Thursday, which also alerted the owners about the risks associated with the bike model. So far, the company has received some 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use out of which 13 were of those customers that were injured.&nbsp;

The free repair offered by Peloton also includes a free seat post that can be self-installed. In a statement, issued by the company they said that they identified 35 reports of “seat posts breaking” out of the 2,160,000 bikes sold as of April 30. 
 
“As part of our commitment to product safety, we are voluntarily recalling the seat post of affected units to provide a free replacement seat post,” said Peloton.&nbsp;

The company’s shares have fallen nearly 40 per cent in the past year which is after the rise in popularity that Peloton witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of gyms. Meanwhile, Peloton is also said to be in the process of a corporate reorganisation.&nbsp;

In October, the company announced that it was cutting around 500 jobs which was months after it fired nearly 800 people and said it is closing its North American distribution network and giving the delivery work to third-party providers.&nbsp;

In 2021, the New York-based company recalled its treadmill model, Tread+ and Tread, after a child died and more than 70 people reported injuries. It was also around this time that the sales had somewhat slowed down as the vaccine rollout had begun and people were heading back to gyms.&nbsp;

In the same year, Peloton CEO and co-founder John Foley resigned as the company was struggling to turn business around.&nbsp; 
 
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Peloton recalls more than two million exercise bikes over concerns that the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use and pose fall and injury hazards to the customers.

Peloton recalls more than two million exercise bikes over concerns that the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use and pose fall and injury hazards to the customers. The company has also advised owners to immediately stop using the bikes and contact Peloton for a free repair. As of Thursday (May 11), the shares of Peloton Interactive fell more than eight per cent. The recall of 2.2 million bikes comes as the Peloton has received several reports of injuries including “a fractured wrist and lacerations” after the bike’s seat broke during use. The bike in question is the Peloton Bikes Model PL01 which was sold from January 2018 through May 2023 and cost nearly $1,400. The recall was issued by the United States government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission, on Thursday, which also alerted the owners about the risks associated with the bike model. So far, the company has received some 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use out of which 13 were of those customers that were injured. The free repair offered by Peloton also includes a free seat post that can be self-installed. In a statement, issued by the company they said that they identified 35 reports of “seat posts breaking” out of the 2,160,000 bikes sold as of April 30. “As part of our commitment to product safety, we are voluntarily recalling the seat post of affected units to provide a free replacement seat post,” said Peloton. The company’s shares have fallen nearly 40 per cent in the past year which is after the rise in popularity that Peloton witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of gyms. Meanwhile, Peloton is also said to be in the process of a corporate reorganisation. In October, the company announced that it was cutting around 500 jobs which was months after it fired nearly 800 people and said it is closing its North American distribution network and giving the delivery work to third-party providers. In 2021, the New York-based company recalled its treadmill model, Tread+ and Tread, after a child died and more than 70 people reported injuries. It was also around this time that the sales had somewhat slowed down as the vaccine rollout had begun and people were heading back to gyms. In the same year, Peloton CEO and co-founder John Foley resigned as the company was struggling to turn business around. 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.

Peloton recalls more than two million bikes over safety issues

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Migrants have been gathering on both sides of the US-Mexico border as immigration restrictions known as Title 42 are set to expire. Some are rushing to cross ahead of new asylum rules that will replace a COVID-era order.

Migrant detentions surge as Title 42 expires | WION Speed News

US National security adviser Jake Sullivan met with top Chinese official Wang Yi in Vienna for candid talks. The meeting is among the highest-level engagements between US and Chinese officials since the spy balloon incident earlier this year. Both leaders discussed Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine during the meet.

US-China Meet: Sullivan-Wang Yi hold candid talks in Vienna meeting

Sudan's warring factions early on Friday committed to protect civilians and the movement of humanitarian aid, but did not agree to a ceasefire and remained far apart, US officials said.

Sudan's rival forces agree to protect civilians, no deal on ceasefire

The emergency health order used during the pandemic at the US-Mexico border to quickly expel migrants back to Mexico or to their home countries has ended. VOA’s immigration correspondent Aline Barros reports on how the situation is unfolding along the South Texas border.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US vs Russia on drone attack | US deployment on migrants on border

After three years the United States has lifted their Covid restrictions, known as 'Title 42'. The curb allows US agents at the Mexico border to turn away migrants from certain countries before they made a claim for asylum.

US braces for migrant surge at Mexico border as 'Title 42' Covid border policy ends

President Joe Biden's administration is lifting Title 42, the strict protocol implemented by the previous president Donald Trump. Title 42 denied entry to migrants and expelled asylum seekers based on the covid pandemic emergency. Title 42 allowed border agents to rapidly turn back many migrants to Mexico without a chance to ask for asylum. Joe Biden, a Democrat, took office in 2021, vowing to reverse Trump's approach. However, he kept Title 42 in place and expanded it. US immigration processing now reverts to a pre-existing system, known as Title 8, but with new, much more stringent rules for asylum seekers. The Biden administration is now turning away anyone seeking asylum who didn’t first seek protection in a country they travelled through, or first applied online. US officials plan to open 100 regional migration hubs across the western hemisphere, where people can seek placement in another country, including Canada and Spain. There will be hubs in Colombia and Guatemala too.

Borders 'not open': Trump-era border curbs end | US reverts to Title 8 with new, stringent rules

US fitness brand Peloton recalls nearly 2.2 million units of its exercise bikes after reports of cycles' seat detaching during use. Users have faced injuries like cuts, bruises and fractured wrists.

US fitness brand Peloton recalls nearly 2.2 million units of its exercise bikes

Highest US-China engagement since spy balloon incident

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Committed to the well-being of Indian Ocean countries: Indian EAM S Jaishankar in Dhaka

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‘Let them eat concrete’: Massive new US embassy complex in Lebanon draws ire of netizens

Peloton recalls more than two million bikes over safety issues