Foreign citizens and companies would need U.S. government approval to buy property within 160 kilometers of eight military bases, under a proposed rule change that follows a Chinese firm's attempt to build a plant near an Air Force base in the U.S. state of North Dakota.

US to control land sales to foreigners near 8 military bases

Most Americans don’t have the financial resources to cover a surprise expense of $400 — a car or appliance repair, or a medical bill — without taking on debt, according to a new survey.

Most Americans say they lack ready cash to cover a surprise $400 expense

At least eight of the Republican “fake electors” in Georgia, United States who had been granted immunity by prosecutors of Fulton County amid the ongoing criminal investigation for conspiring to overturn the state's vote in the 2020 presidential election, have accepted it, reported the American media citing court filing on Friday (May 5).

This comes ahead of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' decision, which is expected to be disclosed this summer about whether former President Donald Trump and others will be charged with crimes related to interfering with the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

The district attorney had also previously warned all 16 GOP supposed fake electors in Georgia that were targets of&nbsp;her investigation. However, last month, she offered them immunity deals which as per the court filings several of the Republicans who served as pro-Trump electors have accepted.&nbsp;

Attorney Kimberly Bourroughs Debrow who is representing 10 out of the 16 suspected fake electors said that prosecutors “made actual, written offers of immunity to these eight electors in April 2023 but not to the remaining two,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

“All eight of the electors who were offered immunity accepted,” said Debrow. She added, that this had since left the non-immunized clients to get new lawyers. The lawyer is representing those who may have offered to cast electoral college votes for Trump even though Democrat Joe Biden won the state of Georgia along with the right to its 16 electoral college votes.&nbsp;

Since they have been granted immunity, the eight people would be free to testify against any defendants. This could pave the way for key insights to emerge in Willis’s investigation into election interference which includes attempts to put forward alternate slates of electors to block the certification of the 2020 presidential as well as the role Trump’s allies played in organising this.&nbsp;

The investigation in Georgia began soon after a January 2021 phone call in which then-president Trump was reportedly heard asking the state’s top election officials to “find” the votes which could reverse Biden’s victory in that US state. However, Trump has since denied these allegations and accused Willis, an elected Democrat, of targeting him for political reasons. 
 
Debrow in Friday’s filing also wrote, “The District Attorney’s Motion is reckless, frivolous, offensive, and completely without merit,” quoted by CNN. This comes after a motion called by Willis sought to have Debrow disqualified from the case.&nbsp;

In an earlier court filing, the district attorney’s office accused Debrow and an attorney of failing to bring immunity proposals to the GOP fake electors last year. However, Debrow has since denied these accusations and said that the electors had turned down “potential” immunity offers and were not given the specific and individual offers of immunity until earlier this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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At least eight of the Republican “fake electors” in Georgia, United States who had been granted immunity by prosecutors of Fulton County amid the ongoing criminal investigation for conspiring to overturn the state's vote in the 2020 presidential election, have accepted it, reported the American media citing court filing on Friday (May 5).

At least eight of the Republican “fake electors” in Georgia, United States who had been granted immunity by prosecutors of Fulton County amid the ongoing criminal investigation for conspiring to overturn the state's vote in the 2020 presidential election, have accepted it, reported the American media citing court filing on Friday (May 5). This comes ahead of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' decision, which is expected to be disclosed this summer about whether former President Donald Trump and others will be charged with crimes related to interfering with the 2020 presidential election. The district attorney had also previously warned all 16 GOP supposed fake electors in Georgia that were targets of her investigation. However, last month, she offered them immunity deals which as per the court filings several of the Republicans who served as pro-Trump electors have accepted. Attorney Kimberly Bourroughs Debrow who is representing 10 out of the 16 suspected fake electors said that prosecutors “made actual, written offers of immunity to these eight electors in April 2023 but not to the remaining two,” as quoted by Reuters. “All eight of the electors who were offered immunity accepted,” said Debrow. She added, that this had since left the non-immunized clients to get new lawyers. The lawyer is representing those who may have offered to cast electoral college votes for Trump even though Democrat Joe Biden won the state of Georgia along with the right to its 16 electoral college votes. Since they have been granted immunity, the eight people would be free to testify against any defendants. This could pave the way for key insights to emerge in Willis’s investigation into election interference which includes attempts to put forward alternate slates of electors to block the certification of the 2020 presidential as well as the role Trump’s allies played in organising this. The investigation in Georgia began soon after a January 2021 phone call in which then-president Trump was reportedly heard asking the state’s top election officials to “find” the votes which could reverse Biden’s victory in that US state. However, Trump has since denied these allegations and accused Willis, an elected Democrat, of targeting him for political reasons. Debrow in Friday’s filing also wrote, “The District Attorney’s Motion is reckless, frivolous, offensive, and completely without merit,” quoted by CNN. This comes after a motion called by Willis sought to have Debrow disqualified from the case. In an earlier court filing, the district attorney’s office accused Debrow and an attorney of failing to bring immunity proposals to the GOP fake electors last year. However, Debrow has since denied these accusations and said that the electors had turned down “potential” immunity offers and were not given the specific and individual offers of immunity until earlier this year. (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.

Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe

Russian president Vladimir Putin told Bill Clinton three years prior to his 2014 attack&nbsp;on Ukraine that he was not obligated by the Budapest Memorandum's guarantee of the nation's territorial integrity, according to the former US President.&nbsp;The disclosure&nbsp;raises concerns about whether the US and its European allies may have been better prepared for the attack in 2014 when Russia invaded the Donbas&nbsp;and annexed Crimea.

At the 2011 World Economic Forum in Davos, Clinton claimed to have spoken with the Russian president. During the discussion, Putin brought up the 1994 Memorandum,&nbsp;which required Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to give up the nuclear arsenals they had received from the Soviet Union in exchange for assurance&nbsp;that their sovereignty would be respected "within existing borders."

Boris Yeltsin signed it on behalf of Russia, Bill Clinton on behalf of the US, and John Major on behalf of the UK, which served as a third guaranteeing country.

“Putin told me in 2011, three years before he took Crimea, that he did not agree with the agreement I made with Boris Yeltsin, that they would respect Ukraine’s territory if they gave up their nuclear weapons,” Clinton said on Thursday at a public discussion at&nbsp;92nd Street Y, a Jewish cultural and community centre in New York, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;

“Putin said to me: ‘… I know Boris agreed to go along with you and John Major and Nato, but he never got it through the Duma [Russian parliament]. We have our extreme nationalists too. I don’t agree with it and I do not support it and I’m not bound by it," he added.

“I knew from that day forward, it was just a matter of time,” the former president added.&nbsp;

The Maidan revolution and the change in government in Kyiv earlier that year meant that Ukraine had become a different state, according to Putin, who asserted that Russia was not bound by the Budapest Memorandum after seizing Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;

“In respect to this state, we have not signed any obligatory documents,” he said.

His meeting with Clinton, however, reveals that Putin had already made up his mind about severing the agreement years before the Maidan uprising.

<h2>Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014&nbsp;</h2>

In February 2014, during the most catastrophic stages of the EuroMaidan Revolution that finally led to the ousting of Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula.

Around 30,000 Russian troops entered Crimea while Yanukovych's pro-Russian regime massacred protesters in central Kiev, and they took control of the peninsula by early March 2014.

In some ways, the event started Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since then, the Russian military has kept control over Crimea.

With the exception of a small number of nations who are associated with Russia, many nations have publicly denounced the unlawful takeover of Crimea and continue to recognise it as being a part of Ukraine, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Russian president Vladimir Putin told Bill Clinton three years prior to his 2014 attack on Ukraine that he was not obligated by the Budapest Memorandum's guarantee of the nation's territorial integrity, according to the former US President.

Russian president Vladimir Putin told Bill Clinton three years prior to his 2014 attack on Ukraine that he was not obligated by the Budapest Memorandum's guarantee of the nation's territorial integrity, according to the former US President. The disclosure raises concerns about whether the US and its European allies may have been better prepared for the attack in 2014 when Russia invaded the Donbas and annexed Crimea. At the 2011 World Economic Forum in Davos, Clinton claimed to have spoken with the Russian president. During the discussion, Putin brought up the 1994 Memorandum, which required Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to give up the nuclear arsenals they had received from the Soviet Union in exchange for assurance that their sovereignty would be respected "within existing borders." Boris Yeltsin signed it on behalf of Russia, Bill Clinton on behalf of the US, and John Major on behalf of the UK, which served as a third guaranteeing country. “Putin told me in 2011, three years before he took Crimea, that he did not agree with the agreement I made with Boris Yeltsin, that they would respect Ukraine’s territory if they gave up their nuclear weapons,” Clinton said on Thursday at a public discussion at 92nd Street Y, a Jewish cultural and community centre in New York, as reported by the Guardian. “Putin said to me: ‘… I know Boris agreed to go along with you and John Major and Nato, but he never got it through the Duma [Russian parliament]. We have our extreme nationalists too. I don’t agree with it and I do not support it and I’m not bound by it," he added. “I knew from that day forward, it was just a matter of time,” the former president added. The Maidan revolution and the change in government in Kyiv earlier that year meant that Ukraine had become a different state, according to Putin, who asserted that Russia was not bound by the Budapest Memorandum after seizing Crimea in 2014. “In respect to this state, we have not signed any obligatory documents,” he said. His meeting with Clinton, however, reveals that Putin had already made up his mind about severing the agreement years before the Maidan uprising. Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 In February 2014, during the most catastrophic stages of the EuroMaidan Revolution that finally led to the ousting of Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine, Russia invaded the Crimean Peninsula. Around 30,000 Russian troops entered Crimea while Yanukovych's pro-Russian regime massacred protesters in central Kiev, and they took control of the peninsula by early March 2014. In some ways, the event started Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Since then, the Russian military has kept control over Crimea. With the exception of a small number of nations who are associated with Russia, many nations have publicly denounced the unlawful takeover of Crimea and continue to recognise it as being a part of Ukraine, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Just a matter of time’: Was Bill Clinton aware of Putin’s plan to invade Ukraine?

A fire broke out in an olefins unit, as per reports,&nbsp;on Friday (May 5), at a Shell company&nbsp; chemical&nbsp;plant in Texas, United States. Officials also said that five workers&nbsp;were transported to a hospital “for precautionary reasons, largely due to heat.” 
 
Houston Fire Department took to Twitter and wrote that they are present on the scene and "providing mutual aid."&nbsp;"Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic," said&nbsp;Fire Chief&nbsp;Samuel Peña, in the statement.&nbsp; 
 
The incident occurred in the Texas city of&nbsp;Houston's&nbsp;suburb of Deer Park. Images and videos from the site show&nbsp;a large column of black smoke rising from the fire in the olefins unit located near Highway 225. 
 
This was later confirmed by&nbsp;Harris County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson&nbsp;Thomas Gilliland who said the fire was&nbsp;at a Shell facility and the officers&nbsp;received a service call just after 3:00 pm (local time) to help divert traffic around the plant.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez said that they are receiving some "preliminary reports of some type of explosion at an industrial plant" and "responding units can see fire from the freeway." 
 
However, he later clarified that there was no explosion and the fire was caused by a "heat exchange between two heavy gas oils," adding that the&nbsp;fire has since been contained and diminished.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, in a statement, said,&nbsp;that his office has been assured that the situation is “under control” and that all employees have been accounted for, and urged residents to avoid the area.&nbsp; 
 
The news agency report, citing anonymous sources&nbsp;familiar with the refinery's operations&nbsp;also said that the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Mexican oil company&nbsp;Pemex plant continued operations despite the fire. 
 
Subsequently, the company issued a statement saying&nbsp;the fire was not at one of its units and its emergency response team was assisting in battling the blaze. 
 
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. As of 4:00 pm (local time), all&nbsp;personnel at the plant at the time the fire broke out had been accounted for, reported the local media. City officials,&nbsp;in an advisory,&nbsp;said&nbsp;there was no shelter-in-place order for residents.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A fire broke out in an olefins unit, as per reports, on Friday (May 5), at a Shell company chemical plant in Texas, United States. Officials also said that five workers were transported to a hospital “for precautionary reasons, largely due to heat.

A fire broke out in an olefins unit, as per reports, on Friday (May 5), at a Shell company chemical plant in Texas, United States. Officials also said that five workers were transported to a hospital “for precautionary reasons, largely due to heat.” Houston Fire Department took to Twitter and wrote that they are present on the scene and "providing mutual aid." "Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic," said Fire Chief Samuel Peña, in the statement. The incident occurred in the Texas city of Houston's suburb of Deer Park. Images and videos from the site show a large column of black smoke rising from the fire in the olefins unit located near Highway 225. This was later confirmed by Harris County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Thomas Gilliland who said the fire was at a Shell facility and the officers received a service call just after 3:00 pm (local time) to help divert traffic around the plant. Meanwhile, Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez said that they are receiving some "preliminary reports of some type of explosion at an industrial plant" and "responding units can see fire from the freeway." However, he later clarified that there was no explosion and the fire was caused by a "heat exchange between two heavy gas oils," adding that the fire has since been contained and diminished. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, in a statement, said, that his office has been assured that the situation is “under control” and that all employees have been accounted for, and urged residents to avoid the area. The news agency report, citing anonymous sources familiar with the refinery's operations also said that the neighbouring Mexican oil company Pemex plant continued operations despite the fire. Subsequently, the company issued a statement saying the fire was not at one of its units and its emergency response team was assisting in battling the blaze. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. As of 4:00 pm (local time), all personnel at the plant at the time the fire broke out had been accounted for, reported the local media. City officials, in an advisory, said there was no shelter-in-place order for residents. (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: Fire breaks out at Shell chemical plant in Texas, situation ‘under control’

A recent shooting incident that occurred in South Florida, United States, and left one boy dead and another man wounded was&nbsp;called a “random act” by sheriff’s officials, on Friday (May 5), as they continue to investigate what led to the shooting.&nbsp;

According to Broward County Sheriff’s officials, a gunman fatally shot a 12-year-old boy and wounded a man before turning the gun on himself inside a South Florida convenience store reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

“Detectives do not believe there is any connection between the gunman and the victims; this does appear to be a random act,” said sheriff’s spokesman Carey Codd at a press conference on Friday. He added, “There does not appear to be a connection between the two victims.” However, further investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;

The report citing the county’s sheriff’s deputies, said a 29-year-old later identified as Darren Rosenthal, shot a man sitting in his car outside a 7-Eleven in South Florida’s Dania Beach. The police received an alert about the shooting at around 11:00 pm (local time), on Thursday.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Rosenthal reportedly went inside the suburban Fort Lauderdale store and killed the 12-year-old boy before killing himself. The names of the 12-year-old boy killed and the man injured have not been released. Meanwhile, a store worker Maximo Limas said Rosenthal gave no warning before he started shooting, as per AP.&nbsp; 
 
The man wounded was “chilling in his car, minding his business,” before Rosenthal allegedly shot him in the neck, said Limas, as quoted by the US media reports. He added, “He killed a…boy and he just killed himself”.&nbsp;

“He shot a customer (and) the kid just wanted to buy ice cream. That's all he was doing,” said Limas. According to the officials, the boy died on the scene. Media reports citing Miami-Dade County court records have reported that the perpetrator had several misdemeanour drugs and alcohol-related arrests about eight years ago. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A recent shooting incident that occurred in South Florida, United States, and left one boy dead and another man wounded was called a “random act” by sheriff’s officials, on Friday (May 5), as they continue to investigate what led to the shooting.

A recent shooting incident that occurred in South Florida, United States, and left one boy dead and another man wounded was called a “random act” by sheriff’s officials, on Friday (May 5), as they continue to investigate what led to the shooting. According to Broward County Sheriff’s officials, a gunman fatally shot a 12-year-old boy and wounded a man before turning the gun on himself inside a South Florida convenience store reported the Associated Press. “Detectives do not believe there is any connection between the gunman and the victims; this does appear to be a random act,” said sheriff’s spokesman Carey Codd at a press conference on Friday. He added, “There does not appear to be a connection between the two victims.” However, further investigation into the incident is underway. The report citing the county’s sheriff’s deputies, said a 29-year-old later identified as Darren Rosenthal, shot a man sitting in his car outside a 7-Eleven in South Florida’s Dania Beach. The police received an alert about the shooting at around 11:00 pm (local time), on Thursday. Subsequently, Rosenthal reportedly went inside the suburban Fort Lauderdale store and killed the 12-year-old boy before killing himself. The names of the 12-year-old boy killed and the man injured have not been released. Meanwhile, a store worker Maximo Limas said Rosenthal gave no warning before he started shooting, as per AP. The man wounded was “chilling in his car, minding his business,” before Rosenthal allegedly shot him in the neck, said Limas, as quoted by the US media reports. He added, “He killed a…boy and he just killed himself”. “He shot a customer (and) the kid just wanted to buy ice cream. That's all he was doing,” said Limas. According to the officials, the boy died on the scene. Media reports citing Miami-Dade County court records have reported that the perpetrator had several misdemeanour drugs and alcohol-related arrests about eight years ago. (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: ‘Random’ shooting killed 12-year-old boy at Florida store, left man injured, say cops

The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr&nbsp;Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from&nbsp;her position at the end of June.&nbsp;Walensky&nbsp;submitted her resignation saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition.

Walensky, who played a significant role in the Biden administration's response to COVID-19, did not provide a specific explanation for her resignation but claimed that the easing&nbsp;of the coronavirus pandemic had brought her stay at the CDC to a natural endpoint.

According to CDC authorities, Walensky will step down on June 30. An interim director was not immediately announced. She informed the CDC staff of her retirement at a staff meeting after submitting a letter of resignation to President Joe Biden, reported Reuters.

Considering that Walensky, 54, has only been the agency's director for a little over two years, many health professionals were caught off guard by the announcement. She didn't provide any specific reasons for her resignation in her letter to Biden, but she did state that the country is going through a transition as emergency declarations come to an end. She also expressed "mixed feelings" about her decision.&nbsp;

“I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career,” she wrote.

“The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency marks a tremendous transition for our country, for public health, and in my tenure as CDC Director,” she said&nbsp;said in a letter to Biden which was released to the public.

In December 2020, Biden appointed Walensky as the head of the CDC. She stated that she had taken on the position about two years prior with the goal of "leaving behind the dark days of the pandemic."

She arrived with a reputation for being a vocal opponent of the government's response to the outbreak. She was hired to boost morale at the CDC, restore public faith in the organisation, and enhance its occasionally inept response to the pandemic.

Biden's administration attempted to steer the country clear of the pandemic when Walensky was in charge of the CDC, which oversaw a remarkable vaccination programme.

She frequently made appearances on television to convey preventative messages to Americans and to detail the most recent safety precautions. Throughout the pandemic, she received criticism as well, particularly for her agency's occasionally disorganised communications.

She leaves as the COVID-19 death toll in the country approaches 1.1 million. For months, there has been a downward trend in reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from her position at the end of June.

The head of the primary US public health organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, Dr Rochelle Walensky said on Friday that she will resign from her position at the end of June. Walensky submitted her resignation saying the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a good time to make a transition. Walensky, who played a significant role in the Biden administration's response to COVID-19, did not provide a specific explanation for her resignation but claimed that the easing of the coronavirus pandemic had brought her stay at the CDC to a natural endpoint. According to CDC authorities, Walensky will step down on June 30. An interim director was not immediately announced. She informed the CDC staff of her retirement at a staff meeting after submitting a letter of resignation to President Joe Biden, reported Reuters. Considering that Walensky, 54, has only been the agency's director for a little over two years, many health professionals were caught off guard by the announcement. She didn't provide any specific reasons for her resignation in her letter to Biden, but she did state that the country is going through a transition as emergency declarations come to an end. She also expressed "mixed feelings" about her decision. “I have never been prouder of anything I have done in my professional career,” she wrote. “The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency marks a tremendous transition for our country, for public health, and in my tenure as CDC Director,” she said said in a letter to Biden which was released to the public. In December 2020, Biden appointed Walensky as the head of the CDC. She stated that she had taken on the position about two years prior with the goal of "leaving behind the dark days of the pandemic." She arrived with a reputation for being a vocal opponent of the government's response to the outbreak. She was hired to boost morale at the CDC, restore public faith in the organisation, and enhance its occasionally inept response to the pandemic. Biden's administration attempted to steer the country clear of the pandemic when Walensky was in charge of the CDC, which oversaw a remarkable vaccination programme. She frequently made appearances on television to convey preventative messages to Americans and to detail the most recent safety precautions. Throughout the pandemic, she received criticism as well, particularly for her agency's occasionally disorganised communications. She leaves as the COVID-19 death toll in the country approaches 1.1 million. For months, there has been a downward trend in reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: CDC chief Rochelle Walensky resigns, says Covid-19 waning good time for transition

The United States on Thursday rejected Russia's “ludicrous” claim of being involved in the purported drone attack on the Kremlin, according to a report. “I would just tell you Mr. (Dmitry) Peskov's lying. I mean, it's obviously a ludicrous claim. The United States had nothing to do with this.

US rejects 'ludicrous' Russian claim it planned Kremlin drone attack

The inspector-general of the US Federal Health and Human Services department, released a report on Thursday. It said the department often failed to perform required background checks on workers at emergency holding centers for migrant children who crossed the US-Mexico border in 2021. The I-G's report says, 200 workers did not have background checks for child abuse or neglect. Officials also found that 174 workers did not have FBI background checks. Further, checks against the justice department's sex offender registry were not performed on 42 workers. The report comes ahead of the expiration of title 42 on may 11.

Report: No background checks on 200 workers

Donald Trump's attorneys are asking a federal court to take over his criminal case in New York City. They claimed on Thursday that because the alleged conduct took place while the former US president was in office, he cannot be tried in the state court where his historic indictment was filed.

The allegations stem from payments that Trump's company made to Michael Cohen, his former attorney. In order to cover up allegations of illicit relationships. Prosecutors claim that Cohen orchestrated hush money payments during the 2016 campaign. The majority of those payments, which took place in 2017, occurred within Trump's administration.

Trump's attorneys claimed in court documents that the criminal case "involves important federal questions," including potential infractions of federal election law. In defence of allegations resulting from "conduct performed while in office," the attorneys contended that federal officers, including former presidents, had the right to a federal court trial.

Attorney Susan Necheles urged the federal court to exercise its "protective jurisdiction" and transfer the matter from the state courts where Manhattan is located, echoing Trump's accusations that his indictment is "politically motivated."

Despite the fact that Trump is the first former president to ever be charged with a crime, such requests are rarely granted in criminal cases, making his request exceptional.

"This effort is extremely unlikely to succeed.&nbsp;It's not even clear that this would be a particularly effective delay tactic,"&nbsp;said Rebecca Roiphe, a professor at New York Law School, who spoke to the Associated press.&nbsp;

Trump may benefit from moving the case if it results in a bigger, more politically diverse jury pool, but the case's foundations would essentially remain the same.

According to law professor&nbsp;Derek Muller of the University of Iowa, the Manhattan district attorney's office would still bring charges against him, and state law would still be in effect, but under the supervision of a federal judge.

The request was not taken up by the prosecution during the hearing on Thursday. In a statement, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said it was looking into the request to transfer the case and would submit an "appropriate response" to the court.

Prior to this investigation, federal prosecutors in Manhattan only brought charges against Cohen, who admitted to breaking the law regarding federal campaign funding in relation to the hush money payments. Cohen is a crucial witness in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Donald Trump's attorneys are asking a federal court to take over his criminal case in New York City. They claimed on Thursday that because the alleged conduct took place while the former US president was in office, he cannot be tried in the state court where his historic indictment was filed.

Donald Trump's attorneys are asking a federal court to take over his criminal case in New York City. They claimed on Thursday that because the alleged conduct took place while the former US president was in office, he cannot be tried in the state court where his historic indictment was filed. The allegations stem from payments that Trump's company made to Michael Cohen, his former attorney. In order to cover up allegations of illicit relationships. Prosecutors claim that Cohen orchestrated hush money payments during the 2016 campaign. The majority of those payments, which took place in 2017, occurred within Trump's administration. Trump's attorneys claimed in court documents that the criminal case "involves important federal questions," including potential infractions of federal election law. In defence of allegations resulting from "conduct performed while in office," the attorneys contended that federal officers, including former presidents, had the right to a federal court trial. Attorney Susan Necheles urged the federal court to exercise its "protective jurisdiction" and transfer the matter from the state courts where Manhattan is located, echoing Trump's accusations that his indictment is "politically motivated." Despite the fact that Trump is the first former president to ever be charged with a crime, such requests are rarely granted in criminal cases, making his request exceptional. "This effort is extremely unlikely to succeed. It's not even clear that this would be a particularly effective delay tactic," said Rebecca Roiphe, a professor at New York Law School, who spoke to the Associated press. Trump may benefit from moving the case if it results in a bigger, more politically diverse jury pool, but the case's foundations would essentially remain the same. According to law professor Derek Muller of the University of Iowa, the Manhattan district attorney's office would still bring charges against him, and state law would still be in effect, but under the supervision of a federal judge. The request was not taken up by the prosecution during the hearing on Thursday. In a statement, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said it was looking into the request to transfer the case and would submit an "appropriate response" to the court. Prior to this investigation, federal prosecutors in Manhattan only brought charges against Cohen, who admitted to breaking the law regarding federal campaign funding in relation to the hush money payments. Cohen is a crucial witness in the case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Former president Donald Trump seeks to transfer New York criminal case to federal court

The US has denied Russian claims it masterminded an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin on Wednesday aimed at assassinating President Vladimir Putin. A day after accusing Ukraine of carrying out the alleged attack, Mr Putin's spokesman said it had been done with Washington's support.

Ukraine war: US denies masterminding Moscow drone attack

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday his agreement this year to grant the United States access to more military bases in his country was not intended for use for "offensive action" against any country.

Marcos says US access to Philippines bases not meant for 'offensive action'

China released an investigation report on the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The report disclosed important details of the weapons the CIA used for cyberattacks and details of specific cybersecurity cases taking place in China and other countries.

China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries

US President Joe Biden met with CEOs of leading tech firms at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), including Microsoft and Google, and emphasised the potential and threat of AI that might have an impact on people all over the world. Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, and Sam Altmann of OpenAI were present at the high-level meeting, where the White House hinted at possible regulations in future.

“Artificial Intelligence is one of the most powerful tools of our time, but to seize its opportunities, we must first mitigate its risks. Today, I dropped by a meeting with AI leaders to touch on the importance of innovating responsibly and protecting people's rights and safety,” Biden tweeted.

The US president addressed the top AI officials from Alphabet's Google and Microsoft saying,&nbsp;“I just came by to say thanks. What you are doing has enormous potential and enormous danger."

"I know you understand that and I hope you can educate us as to what you think is most needed to protect the society as well as to the advancement. This is really really important,” he said.

President Biden dropped by when US Vice President Kamala&nbsp;Harris was speaking with the CEOs,&nbsp;and&nbsp;emphasised the need to mitigate both the current and potential risks that AI poses to people, society, and national security in addition to the potential benefits that might result from these developments.&nbsp;

Given the intense global debate over the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence, Biden's meeting with representatives from various companies that use the technology assumes great significance. An increasing number of people worry that the rise of AI will result in misinformation campaigns, increased privacy abuses, and unemployment.

The White House said in a statement that the meeting also covered three important topics: the need for companies to be more open with policymakers, the general public, and others about their AI systems; the significance of being able to assess, verify, and validate the safety, security, and efficacy of AI systems; and the necessity to ensure AI systems are secure from malicious actors and attacks.

Prior to the meeting, the administration disclosed a $140 million National Science Foundation investment to establish seven new AI research institutions. It also stated that the White House Office of Management and Budget would issue policy recommendations on the use of AI by the federal government. &nbsp; &nbsp;

At DEFCON 31, one of the biggest hacker conventions in the world, leading AI developers such as Anthropic, Google, Hugging Face, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Stability AI will take part in a public evaluation of their AI systems on a platform developed by Scale AI and Microsoft.

Shortly after Biden announced that he wanted to run for reelection, the Republican National Committee created a film depicting a nightmarish future set during a second term for Biden and made entirely of AI imagery.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden met with CEOs of leading tech firms at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), including Microsoft and Google, and emphasised the potential and threat of AI that might have an impact on people all over the world.

US President Joe Biden met with CEOs of leading tech firms at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), including Microsoft and Google, and emphasised the potential and threat of AI that might have an impact on people all over the world. Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, and Sam Altmann of OpenAI were present at the high-level meeting, where the White House hinted at possible regulations in future. “Artificial Intelligence is one of the most powerful tools of our time, but to seize its opportunities, we must first mitigate its risks. Today, I dropped by a meeting with AI leaders to touch on the importance of innovating responsibly and protecting people's rights and safety,” Biden tweeted. The US president addressed the top AI officials from Alphabet's Google and Microsoft saying, “I just came by to say thanks. What you are doing has enormous potential and enormous danger." "I know you understand that and I hope you can educate us as to what you think is most needed to protect the society as well as to the advancement. This is really really important,” he said. President Biden dropped by when US Vice President Kamala Harris was speaking with the CEOs, and emphasised the need to mitigate both the current and potential risks that AI poses to people, society, and national security in addition to the potential benefits that might result from these developments. Given the intense global debate over the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence, Biden's meeting with representatives from various companies that use the technology assumes great significance. An increasing number of people worry that the rise of AI will result in misinformation campaigns, increased privacy abuses, and unemployment. The White House said in a statement that the meeting also covered three important topics: the need for companies to be more open with policymakers, the general public, and others about their AI systems; the significance of being able to assess, verify, and validate the safety, security, and efficacy of AI systems; and the necessity to ensure AI systems are secure from malicious actors and attacks. Prior to the meeting, the administration disclosed a $140 million National Science Foundation investment to establish seven new AI research institutions. It also stated that the White House Office of Management and Budget would issue policy recommendations on the use of AI by the federal government. At DEFCON 31, one of the biggest hacker conventions in the world, leading AI developers such as Anthropic, Google, Hugging Face, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Stability AI will take part in a public evaluation of their AI systems on a platform developed by Scale AI and Microsoft. Shortly after Biden announced that he wanted to run for reelection, the Republican National Committee created a film depicting a nightmarish future set during a second term for Biden and made entirely of AI imagery. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Artificial intelligence risks: Biden meets top tech CEOs, asks them to mitigate AI perils

The United States is reacting with skepticism to Russia's claims that Ukraine launched a drone attack targeting the Kremlin Wednesday in an attempt to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine says it had nothing to do with the drones, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the Hague Thursday, insisting that a special tribunal be created to hold Russia to account for its invasion of his country.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US denies role in Kremlin drone attack

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said granting US access to Philippines military bases was a defensive step, he said it would be useful if China were to attack Taiwan. Manila wants better ties with Washington without alarming Beijing which is its largest trading partner.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos meets US President Biden | World News | WION

Background checks not thorough on US workers at the Mexico border

A major "do not drive" warning from BMW is in effect for nearly 90,000 cars&nbsp;manufactured&nbsp; between the 2000 and 2006 model years. The vehicles involved in the campaign were subject to a Takata driver-side airbag inflator recall, but they haven't yet been fixed, reports&nbsp;Bloomberg.&nbsp;

The list of cars that have been advised to be kept&nbsp;parked until they've been repaired includes the E46-generation 3 Series&nbsp;built between 2002 and 2006, the E39-generation 5 Series built from 2000 to 2003, and the E53-generation&nbsp;X5&nbsp;built between 2000 and 2004.

These older models are fitted&nbsp;with a driver-side airbag inflator made by&nbsp;Takata&nbsp;that can send shrapnel flying into the cabin,&nbsp;in the direction of the front passengers,&nbsp;if nudged.&nbsp;BMW says&nbsp;that&nbsp;it has notified&nbsp;owners about the glitch&nbsp;several times&nbsp;since 2016, and it added&nbsp;that the issue&nbsp;becomes serious with time. "The risk of serious injury or death increases," it wrote in a statement.

"Owners of affected BMWs that have not had their vehicles inspected and repaired should not consider them safe to drive," it added.

BMW has said it will again reach out to those&nbsp;who own a car that needs to be repaired in the coming weeks, reported Autoblog.

It is going to great pains to guarantee that all vehicles remaining fitted with a Takata airbag inflator are promptly fixed, and it will contact them through email.&nbsp;

While car owners can take their vehicle to an authorised dealership to have the recall fixed, the company is also sending technicians to the location of the vehicle so they can fix it there, or it is offering to pick up vehicles and deliver them once the fix is finished.

“These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50 per cent chance of rupturing in even a minor crash,” NHTSA&nbsp; Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

“Don't gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it's too late,” it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Deaths due to airbag explosions</h2>

At least 33 people&nbsp;have died as a result of airbag explosions since 2009 globally, including 24 in the US.&nbsp;

The majority of the fatalities and 400 or so injuries occurred in the US. They also occurred in Australia and Malaysia.

At least 67 million Takata inflators were recalled as a result of the potential for the hazardous defect, which prompted the greatest sequence of auto recalls in US history. Many, according to the American government, have not been fixed. Globally, some 100 million inflators have been recalled. Takata Corp. of Japan went bankrupt as a result of the blowing airbags, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A major "do not drive" warning from BMW is in effect for nearly 90,000 cars manufactured between the 2000 and 2006 model years. The vehicles involved in the campaign were subject to a Takata driver-side airbag inflator recall, but they haven't yet been fixed, reports Bloomberg.

A major "do not drive" warning from BMW is in effect for nearly 90,000 cars manufactured between the 2000 and 2006 model years. The vehicles involved in the campaign were subject to a Takata driver-side airbag inflator recall, but they haven't yet been fixed, reports Bloomberg. The list of cars that have been advised to be kept parked until they've been repaired includes the E46-generation 3 Series built between 2002 and 2006, the E39-generation 5 Series built from 2000 to 2003, and the E53-generation X5 built between 2000 and 2004. These older models are fitted with a driver-side airbag inflator made by Takata that can send shrapnel flying into the cabin, in the direction of the front passengers, if nudged. BMW says that it has notified owners about the glitch several times since 2016, and it added that the issue becomes serious with time. "The risk of serious injury or death increases," it wrote in a statement. "Owners of affected BMWs that have not had their vehicles inspected and repaired should not consider them safe to drive," it added. BMW has said it will again reach out to those who own a car that needs to be repaired in the coming weeks, reported Autoblog. It is going to great pains to guarantee that all vehicles remaining fitted with a Takata airbag inflator are promptly fixed, and it will contact them through email. While car owners can take their vehicle to an authorised dealership to have the recall fixed, the company is also sending technicians to the location of the vehicle so they can fix it there, or it is offering to pick up vehicles and deliver them once the fix is finished. “These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50 per cent chance of rupturing in even a minor crash,” NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press. “Don't gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it's too late,” it added. Deaths due to airbag explosions At least 33 people have died as a result of airbag explosions since 2009 globally, including 24 in the US. The majority of the fatalities and 400 or so injuries occurred in the US. They also occurred in Australia and Malaysia. At least 67 million Takata inflators were recalled as a result of the potential for the hazardous defect, which prompted the greatest sequence of auto recalls in US history. Many, according to the American government, have not been fixed. Globally, some 100 million inflators have been recalled. Takata Corp. of Japan went bankrupt as a result of the blowing airbags, reported the Associated Press. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Do not drive!': BMW issues warning on 90,000 cars over airbag fault. Know why

In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old homeless man, Jordan Neely, who was screaming on a subway train, died on Monday afternoon when a fellow passenger grabbed him and placed him in a chokehold.

On Wednesday evening, his death was ruled a homicide, the city's medical examiner confirmed.

Neely, with a history of mental health issues, started ranting in an aggressive manner on board.&nbsp;

A freelance journalist Juan Alberto Vazquez was at the scene and in a conversation with New York Post, shared the details of the incident.&nbsp;

Vazquez said, “He starts to make a speech. He started screaming in an aggressive manner.”

“He said he had no food, he had no drink, that he was tired and doesn’t care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground," he added.&nbsp;

Triggered by the ranting, a passenger pushed Neely onto the ground and held him in a deadly chokehold for about 15 minutes.&nbsp;

According to Julie Bolcer, a spokesperson for the medical examiner, Neely died from compression to his neck as a result of the chokehold.

The killing has led to investigations by both the police and prosecutors, according to a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. As of Wednesday afternoon, nobody had been arrested.

“As part of our rigorous ongoing investigation, we will review the Medical Examiner’s report, assess all available video and photo footage, identify and interview as many witnesses as possible, and obtain additional medical records,” the district attorney’s spokesperson said in a statement as per The New York Times report.

“This investigation is being handled by senior, experienced prosecutors and we will provide an update when there is additional public information to share,” he added.

Journalist Vazquez recorded the incident in a three-and-half-minute-long video.

The video showed some fellow riders helping&nbsp;pin down Neely while others kept watching.

“He moved his arms but he couldn’t express anything,” Vazquez said of Neely. “All he could do was move (his) arms."&nbsp;

“Then suddenly he just stopped moving,” Vazquez recalled. “He was out of strength.”

“None of us who were there thought he was in danger of dying,” Vazquez said. “We thought he just passed out or ran out of air. I think that in one sense it’s fine that citizens want to jump in and help. But I think as heroes we have to use moderation,” he said.

“This would never have happened if the police had shown up within five minutes,” he added. “Then we’d be talking about a true hero. It’s complicated.”

<h2>Who was Neely?</h2>

Neely, whom people knew as a Michael Jackson impersonator, used to live on the streets and had a history of mental health issues. He used to perform on the subway in exchange for money.

His father, Andre Zachery, said that he was only four years old when he introduced him to Jackson's music. As he grew older, he began impersonating the King of Pop.

“He looked just like him,” recalled Zachery. “He used to perform on the block. One day, people were loving him. Michael!”

“Jordan was a good man,” his grieving father told The Daily News. “He was a good person. He grew up good. He always had a (temper), but he never used to hurt anyone ... He wasn’t bad. He was beautiful.”

He said that his son was autistic and that the murder of his mother in the year 2007 in New Jersey affected him deeply.

“He didn’t care anymore after that,” he said while talking to The Daily News. “Once his mother died ... They were very close. He loved her so much that he just lost it. After we buried her, he just wasn’t the same anymore,” he revealed.

People worldwide took to Twitter to express dismay over the unfortunate incident and called out the unnecessary violence.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I saw Jordan Neely perform his Michael Jackson routine many times on the A train. He always made people smile. 
 
Our broken mental health system failed him. He deserved help, not to die in a chokehold on the floor of the subway. <a href="https://t.co/H9vOKzGTab">pic.twitter.com/H9vOKzGTab</a>
— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkLevineNYC/status/1653843395373047808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old homeless man, Jordan Neely, who was screaming on a subway train, died on Monday afternoon when a fellow passenger grabbed him and placed him in a chokehold.

In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old homeless man, Jordan Neely, who was screaming on a subway train, died on Monday afternoon when a fellow passenger grabbed him and placed him in a chokehold. On Wednesday evening, his death was ruled a homicide, the city's medical examiner confirmed. Neely, with a history of mental health issues, started ranting in an aggressive manner on board. A freelance journalist Juan Alberto Vazquez was at the scene and in a conversation with New York Post, shared the details of the incident. Vazquez said, “He starts to make a speech. He started screaming in an aggressive manner.” “He said he had no food, he had no drink, that he was tired and doesn’t care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground," he added. Triggered by the ranting, a passenger pushed Neely onto the ground and held him in a deadly chokehold for about 15 minutes. According to Julie Bolcer, a spokesperson for the medical examiner, Neely died from compression to his neck as a result of the chokehold. The killing has led to investigations by both the police and prosecutors, according to a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. As of Wednesday afternoon, nobody had been arrested. “As part of our rigorous ongoing investigation, we will review the Medical Examiner’s report, assess all available video and photo footage, identify and interview as many witnesses as possible, and obtain additional medical records,” the district attorney’s spokesperson said in a statement as per The New York Times report. “This investigation is being handled by senior, experienced prosecutors and we will provide an update when there is additional public information to share,” he added. Journalist Vazquez recorded the incident in a three-and-half-minute-long video. The video showed some fellow riders helping pin down Neely while others kept watching. “He moved his arms but he couldn’t express anything,” Vazquez said of Neely. “All he could do was move (his) arms." “Then suddenly he just stopped moving,” Vazquez recalled. “He was out of strength.” “None of us who were there thought he was in danger of dying,” Vazquez said. “We thought he just passed out or ran out of air. I think that in one sense it’s fine that citizens want to jump in and help. But I think as heroes we have to use moderation,” he said. “This would never have happened if the police had shown up within five minutes,” he added. “Then we’d be talking about a true hero. It’s complicated.” Who was Neely? Neely, whom people knew as a Michael Jackson impersonator, used to live on the streets and had a history of mental health issues. He used to perform on the subway in exchange for money. His father, Andre Zachery, said that he was only four years old when he introduced him to Jackson's music. As he grew older, he began impersonating the King of Pop. “He looked just like him,” recalled Zachery. “He used to perform on the block. One day, people were loving him. Michael!” “Jordan was a good man,” his grieving father told The Daily News. “He was a good person. He grew up good. He always had a (temper), but he never used to hurt anyone ... He wasn’t bad. He was beautiful.” He said that his son was autistic and that the murder of his mother in the year 2007 in New Jersey affected him deeply. “He didn’t care anymore after that,” he said while talking to The Daily News. “Once his mother died ... They were very close. He loved her so much that he just lost it. After we buried her, he just wasn’t the same anymore,” he revealed. People worldwide took to Twitter to express dismay over the unfortunate incident and called out the unnecessary violence. I saw Jordan Neely perform his Michael Jackson routine many times on the A train. He always made people smile. Our broken mental health system failed him. He deserved help, not to die in a chokehold on the floor of the subway. pic.twitter.com/H9vOKzGTab — Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) May 3, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who was Jordan Neely? Michael Jackson impersonator who died after chokehold in New York train

A federal jury in Washington found former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio and three other members of the far-right group guilty of seditious conspiracy on Thursday (May 4) for their involvement in the plot to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Proud Boys members were found guilty for their roles in a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory against Donald Trump.

The nearly four-month trial ended with defendant Enrique Tarrio, the now-former leader of Proud Boys, along with other members, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl facing a range of charges including three separate conspiracy charges, obstructing the Electoral College vote and tampering with evidence. 

The convictions also marked a victory for the US Justice Department, which has sought criminal charges against more than 1,000 people for their involvement in the Capitol attack who were supposedly supporters of then-president Trump, a Republican.&nbsp;

Notably, the law Proud Boys members were convicted under, was a seditious conspiracy, as a plot to oppose the government with force is a Civil War-era law which can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;

The jury also found Dominic Pezzola, who is said to be the only member without a leadership role in the group in this particular trial, guilty of multiple felonies including obstructing an official proceeding, conspiring to impede Congress from performing its duties and obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder.&nbsp;

He was also charged with robbery of US property after footage of the attack on January 6, shows Pezzola using a riot shield stolen from police to break a window at the Capitol. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on seditious conspiracy for Pezzola.&nbsp;

Tarrio was not in Washington on January 6 but was accused of directing the group’s members to the Capitol from Baltimore. This comes after another far-right group, the Oath Keepers, were found guilty of seditious conspiracy last year, including its founder, Stewart Rhodes.&nbsp;

According to Tarrio’s indictment, he and Rhodes met a day before the attack in an underground parking garage in Washington and was also in contact with members of the Proud Boys who breached the Capitol.

Additionally, the text and signal messages highlighted in the indictment suggest that Tarrio was preparing for a “revolution.” Other documents showed that he planned on occupying “crucial buildings” in Washington, including House and Senate office buildings around the Capitol.&nbsp;

Notably, Tarrio was arrested on January 4, reportedly for burning a Black Lives Matter banner at a church and also bringing high-capacity rifle magazines to Washington, following which a judge ordered him to leave the city.&nbsp;

The attack on Capitol left at least five people dead and 140 police officers injured and took place after then-president Trump’s speech ahead of the certification of the 2020 elections, near the White House.&nbsp;

So far, more than 500 people have pleaded guilty and 80 others have been convicted during trials for their involvement in the riot, on charges brought by the Justice Department.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A federal jury in Washington found former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio and three other members of the far-right group guilty of seditious conspiracy on Thursday (May 4) for their involvement in the plot to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

A federal jury in Washington found former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio and three other members of the far-right group guilty of seditious conspiracy on Thursday (May 4) for their involvement in the plot to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Proud Boys members were found guilty for their roles in a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory against Donald Trump. The nearly four-month trial ended with defendant Enrique Tarrio, the now-former leader of Proud Boys, along with other members, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl facing a range of charges including three separate conspiracy charges, obstructing the Electoral College vote and tampering with evidence.  The convictions also marked a victory for the US Justice Department, which has sought criminal charges against more than 1,000 people for their involvement in the Capitol attack who were supposedly supporters of then-president Trump, a Republican. Notably, the law Proud Boys members were convicted under, was a seditious conspiracy, as a plot to oppose the government with force is a Civil War-era law which can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The jury also found Dominic Pezzola, who is said to be the only member without a leadership role in the group in this particular trial, guilty of multiple felonies including obstructing an official proceeding, conspiring to impede Congress from performing its duties and obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. He was also charged with robbery of US property after footage of the attack on January 6, shows Pezzola using a riot shield stolen from police to break a window at the Capitol. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on seditious conspiracy for Pezzola. Tarrio was not in Washington on January 6 but was accused of directing the group’s members to the Capitol from Baltimore. This comes after another far-right group, the Oath Keepers, were found guilty of seditious conspiracy last year, including its founder, Stewart Rhodes. According to Tarrio’s indictment, he and Rhodes met a day before the attack in an underground parking garage in Washington and was also in contact with members of the Proud Boys who breached the Capitol. Additionally, the text and signal messages highlighted in the indictment suggest that Tarrio was preparing for a “revolution.” Other documents showed that he planned on occupying “crucial buildings” in Washington, including House and Senate office buildings around the Capitol. Notably, Tarrio was arrested on January 4, reportedly for burning a Black Lives Matter banner at a church and also bringing high-capacity rifle magazines to Washington, following which a judge ordered him to leave the city. The attack on Capitol left at least five people dead and 140 police officers injured and took place after then-president Trump’s speech ahead of the certification of the 2020 elections, near the White House. So far, more than 500 people have pleaded guilty and 80 others have been convicted during trials for their involvement in the riot, on charges brought by the Justice Department. (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 Capitol attack: Jury convicts former Proud Boys leader, three members for seditious conspiracy

A worker who was previously missing after a powerful explosion at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Massachusetts, US, was found dead hours after the blast tore through the building, on Thursday (May 4). The incident in Newburyport has since prompted Democrat Senator Edward Markey to demand accountability from the plant’s owners.

The body of the worker was found by the search-and-rescue crews around 5:25 pm (local time), hours after the explosion took place in the morning, said acting Newburyport Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury who did not identify the victim. Bradbury described the blast as a “seven-alarm hazardous materials” event and said that the body was recovered from the building.&nbsp;

According to a local media report, the worker who passed away was a 61-year-old man. Images of the scene show the roof of the building destroyed and debris lying across the field around the plant.&nbsp;

The search and rescue operation was also hampered after given the plant’s structural integrity following the blast and high flames. Furthermore, four workers were taken to the hospital as a precaution but were found uninjured.

While authorities had assured that the plant will not affect the local population, one woman, as per the Associated Press, said she could taste chemicals on her lips. “I could smell chemicals in the air. I could taste it on my lips,” said 58-year-old, Nancy Gero, who works next door to the plant.&nbsp;

The explosion took place around 1:00 am at the Sequens/PCI Synthesis plant, said the officials. The blast blew a vat from the building 30 feet into a parking lot, Bradbury said in a news release.

According to the fire chief, five workers were inside the building at the time of the blast. “It was a very violent explosion,” said Bradbury. After the incident, PCI Synthesis in a statement said, “All our attention is focused on the situation of our employees.”&nbsp;

After the incident, Democrat Senator for Massachusetts took to Twitter and wrote, “This morning’s explosion at the Seqens pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is horrifying—and it's just the latest avoidable disaster at this facility, following years of serious violations, fines, and explosions.”&nbsp;

The cause of the explosion remains unknown including which, if at all, chemicals were involved. According to the officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the smoke from the fire blew over the industrial park and into a largely unpopulated area and reported some runoff from firefighting foam.&nbsp; 
 
However, this is not the first time that the chemical plant has come under scrutiny as a fire in 2021&nbsp;sent smoke pouring out of roof vents and prompted a hazardous materials team to respond, reported AP, citing a&nbsp;fire department statement released&nbsp;at the time. The year prior,&nbsp;authorities said a chemical reaction caused a series of explosions at the plant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A worker who was previously missing after a powerful explosion at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Massachusetts, US, was found dead hours after the blast tore through the building, on Thursday (May 4).

A worker who was previously missing after a powerful explosion at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Massachusetts, US, was found dead hours after the blast tore through the building, on Thursday (May 4). The incident in Newburyport has since prompted Democrat Senator Edward Markey to demand accountability from the plant’s owners. The body of the worker was found by the search-and-rescue crews around 5:25 pm (local time), hours after the explosion took place in the morning, said acting Newburyport Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury who did not identify the victim. Bradbury described the blast as a “seven-alarm hazardous materials” event and said that the body was recovered from the building. According to a local media report, the worker who passed away was a 61-year-old man. Images of the scene show the roof of the building destroyed and debris lying across the field around the plant. The search and rescue operation was also hampered after given the plant’s structural integrity following the blast and high flames. Furthermore, four workers were taken to the hospital as a precaution but were found uninjured. While authorities had assured that the plant will not affect the local population, one woman, as per the Associated Press, said she could taste chemicals on her lips. “I could smell chemicals in the air. I could taste it on my lips,” said 58-year-old, Nancy Gero, who works next door to the plant. The explosion took place around 1:00 am at the Sequens/PCI Synthesis plant, said the officials. The blast blew a vat from the building 30 feet into a parking lot, Bradbury said in a news release. According to the fire chief, five workers were inside the building at the time of the blast. “It was a very violent explosion,” said Bradbury. After the incident, PCI Synthesis in a statement said, “All our attention is focused on the situation of our employees.” After the incident, Democrat Senator for Massachusetts took to Twitter and wrote, “This morning’s explosion at the Seqens pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is horrifying—and it's just the latest avoidable disaster at this facility, following years of serious violations, fines, and explosions.” The cause of the explosion remains unknown including which, if at all, chemicals were involved. According to the officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the smoke from the fire blew over the industrial park and into a largely unpopulated area and reported some runoff from firefighting foam. However, this is not the first time that the chemical plant has come under scrutiny as a fire in 2021 sent smoke pouring out of roof vents and prompted a hazardous materials team to respond, reported AP, citing a fire department statement released at the time. The year prior, authorities said a chemical reaction caused a series of explosions at the plant. (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: Worker killed after pharmaceutical plant explosion in Massachusetts

At least four people were killed in a small city in rural south Georgia, United States, on Thursday (May 4) after a gunman shot&nbsp;a fast food worker and&nbsp;two of its&nbsp;relatives, before taking his own life.&nbsp;

Colquitt County Coroner C. Verlyn Brock told The Associated Press, that the shooter killed his&nbsp;mother and grandmother at two neighbouring homes and killed a woman at a McDonald’s restaurant in downtown Moultrie.&nbsp; 
 
The 26-year-old gunman&nbsp;shot dead his&nbsp;50-year-old mother and 74-year-old grandmother at two neighbouring homes and killed a woman, aged 41,&nbsp;Brock told AP. He also said that all&nbsp;three women appeared to have been shot multiple times.&nbsp; 
 
The shooter was later identified as&nbsp;Kentavious White who&nbsp;fatally shot his&nbsp;manager&nbsp;identified as 41-year-old Amia Smith, said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The&nbsp;security camera footage from McDonald’s in Moultrie showed White, shooting the store manager after getting her to come to the door Thursday morning.&nbsp; 
 
They also found two women related to White had been shot at neighbouring homes which were less than 3.2 kilometres away, said the GBI, in a statement on Thursday evening, adding that&nbsp;one of the women passed away&nbsp;after being taken to a hospital.&nbsp;

Previously, the GBI&nbsp;said in a statement only that there had been “multiple fatalities” at different crime scenes in the area, reported the AP. The state's&nbsp;leading law enforcement agency also said&nbsp;Moultrie Police Department requested its assistance.&nbsp;

An eyewitness&nbsp;Sabrina Holweger, as per AP, said that&nbsp;police blocked off a main street that runs in front of the McDonald’s. According to&nbsp;Holweger, the woman who died at the restaurant was the early morning manager and that the shooter was an employee. 
 
Brock told CBS News the shooter shot his mother and grandmother at their homes. The media report also said that his mother&nbsp;died at the scene, but the grandmother, who lived next door to her daughter, was taken to the hospital and passed away.&nbsp; 
 
In a statement,&nbsp;George Suarez, owner and operator of the McDonald’s in Moultrie, said that the restaurant will be closed until further notice. "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved restaurant manager, and our hearts go out to all the victims of this senseless act of violence," said Suarez.&nbsp;

The city where the incident occurred,&nbsp;Moultrie, is approximately three hours south of the state capital city of&nbsp;Atlanta, where at least&nbsp;one person was killed and&nbsp;four others were injured after a shooting incident&nbsp;in the waiting room of a medical facility.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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At least four people were killed in a small city in rural south Georgia, United States, on Thursday (May 4) after a gunman shot a fast food worker and two of its relatives, before taking his own life.

At least four people were killed in a small city in rural south Georgia, United States, on Thursday (May 4) after a gunman shot a fast food worker and two of its relatives, before taking his own life. Colquitt County Coroner C. Verlyn Brock told The Associated Press, that the shooter killed his mother and grandmother at two neighbouring homes and killed a woman at a McDonald’s restaurant in downtown Moultrie. The 26-year-old gunman shot dead his 50-year-old mother and 74-year-old grandmother at two neighbouring homes and killed a woman, aged 41, Brock told AP. He also said that all three women appeared to have been shot multiple times. The shooter was later identified as Kentavious White who fatally shot his manager identified as 41-year-old Amia Smith, said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The security camera footage from McDonald’s in Moultrie showed White, shooting the store manager after getting her to come to the door Thursday morning. They also found two women related to White had been shot at neighbouring homes which were less than 3.2 kilometres away, said the GBI, in a statement on Thursday evening, adding that one of the women passed away after being taken to a hospital. Previously, the GBI said in a statement only that there had been “multiple fatalities” at different crime scenes in the area, reported the AP. The state's leading law enforcement agency also said Moultrie Police Department requested its assistance. An eyewitness Sabrina Holweger, as per AP, said that police blocked off a main street that runs in front of the McDonald’s. According to Holweger, the woman who died at the restaurant was the early morning manager and that the shooter was an employee. Brock told CBS News the shooter shot his mother and grandmother at their homes. The media report also said that his mother died at the scene, but the grandmother, who lived next door to her daughter, was taken to the hospital and passed away. In a statement, George Suarez, owner and operator of the McDonald’s in Moultrie, said that the restaurant will be closed until further notice. "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved restaurant manager, and our hearts go out to all the victims of this senseless act of violence," said Suarez. The city where the incident occurred, Moultrie, is approximately three hours south of the state capital city of Atlanta, where at least one person was killed and four others were injured after a shooting incident in the waiting room of a medical facility. (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: Gunman in south Georgia town kills three before shooting himself

A breakthrough surgery was conducted by a group of American surgeons on a baby while it was still in the womb to address a rare blood artery abnormality&nbsp;inside the brain.

At Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, an operation was performed to treat the "Venus of Galen malformation," a rare brain disorder, reported CNN.

The disease is caused when the blood vessel that transports blood from the brain to the heart does not mature properly.&nbsp;The abnormality causes an excessive volume of blood to flow through the veins and heart, stressing them and perhaps causing a chain reaction of health issues.&nbsp;

"Tremendous brain injuries and immediate heart failure after birth are the two big challenges," Dr&nbsp;Darren Orbach, a radiologist at Boston Children's Hospital and expert in treating VOGM, told&nbsp;CNN.

He described the condition in detail, stating that in most cases, newborns are treated using a catheter to insert small coils to reduce blood flow. The treatment, nevertheless, often takes place too late.

"Despite advancements in care, "50 to 60 per cent of all babies with this condition will get very sick immediately. And for those, it looks like there's about a 40 per cent mortality rate. About half of infants that survive experience severe neurological and cognitive issues," Orbach said.

When doctors discovered Baby Denver's rare blood vessel abnormality in the brain during a routine ultrasound, she was still developing normally inside her mother's womb, reports CBS News. Heart failure or brain injury are common in these babies, and they frequently don't survive. Denver's heart was compromised&nbsp;and the abnormality had grown to a potentially dangerous size.

As a result, at 34 weeks of pregnancy, a team from Boston Children's and the Brigham was able to treat&nbsp;her malformation while she was still inside the womb. They did this with the aid of ultrasound guidance, an amniocentesis-style needle, and tiny coils that were inserted right into the abnormal blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

<h2>What is a&nbsp;Vein of Galen malformation?</h2>

Vein of Galen malformation&nbsp;(VOGM) is a kind of uncommon blood vessel abnormality that can occur inside the brain, according to Boston Children's Hospital. In VOGM, abnormally shaped arteries in the brain connect with veins directly rather than through capillaries. A rush of blood at high pressure enters the veins as a result. Multiple issues may result from this increased pressure in the veins. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A breakthrough surgery was conducted by a group of American surgeons on a baby while it was still in the womb to address a rare blood artery abnormality inside the brain.

A breakthrough surgery was conducted by a group of American surgeons on a baby while it was still in the womb to address a rare blood artery abnormality inside the brain. At Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, an operation was performed to treat the "Venus of Galen malformation," a rare brain disorder, reported CNN. The disease is caused when the blood vessel that transports blood from the brain to the heart does not mature properly. The abnormality causes an excessive volume of blood to flow through the veins and heart, stressing them and perhaps causing a chain reaction of health issues. "Tremendous brain injuries and immediate heart failure after birth are the two big challenges," Dr Darren Orbach, a radiologist at Boston Children's Hospital and expert in treating VOGM, told CNN. He described the condition in detail, stating that in most cases, newborns are treated using a catheter to insert small coils to reduce blood flow. The treatment, nevertheless, often takes place too late. "Despite advancements in care, "50 to 60 per cent of all babies with this condition will get very sick immediately. And for those, it looks like there's about a 40 per cent mortality rate. About half of infants that survive experience severe neurological and cognitive issues," Orbach said. When doctors discovered Baby Denver's rare blood vessel abnormality in the brain during a routine ultrasound, she was still developing normally inside her mother's womb, reports CBS News. Heart failure or brain injury are common in these babies, and they frequently don't survive. Denver's heart was compromised and the abnormality had grown to a potentially dangerous size. As a result, at 34 weeks of pregnancy, a team from Boston Children's and the Brigham was able to treat her malformation while she was still inside the womb. They did this with the aid of ultrasound guidance, an amniocentesis-style needle, and tiny coils that were inserted right into the abnormal blood vessels to reduce blood flow. What is a Vein of Galen malformation? Vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) is a kind of uncommon blood vessel abnormality that can occur inside the brain, according to Boston Children's Hospital. In VOGM, abnormally shaped arteries in the brain connect with veins directly rather than through capillaries. A rush of blood at high pressure enters the veins as a result. Multiple issues may result from this increased pressure in the veins. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Groundbreaking! Doctors perform critical brain surgery on baby inside womb

Trouble may be knocking on the doors of Goldman Sachs. The US financial giant revealed that authorities were investigating the company in connection with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).

US Banking Crisis: Goldman Sachs under scanner

The federal reserve rate hike on Wednesday led to a deep selloff in US regional banks on Thursday. Now, the fear is that another financial shoe may soon drop.

Bank rout rages on in US after Fed rate hikes

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)

Amid the ongoing civil rape trial, former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 4) defended private comments he made back in 2005. This comes as the jurors saw a video deposition in which he was addressing the “Access Hollywood” tape, where he was caught on a hot mic saying, “when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything...Grab 'em by the p***y.”

The hearing on Thursday&nbsp;

The lawyer for writer E. Jean Carroll, Roberta Kaplan, asked Trump about the tape in the video deposition taken last October and shown to the jury on Thursday where he was heard saying, “Historically, that’s true, with stars...if you look over the last million years.”

This comes as the trial entered its seventh day in a Manhattan court. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said he would give Trump until 5:00 pm (local time) on Sunday to ask to reopen his case for the sole purpose of personally testifying. Trump’s lawyer had previously said the former president has decided against testifying.&nbsp;

However, as of Thursday, the former president’s lawyer has rested his case without calling any other witnesses. During the hearing, a social media and marketing expert hired by Carroll told jurors that it would cost the former president up to $2.8 million to repair the reputational damage of his statements against her.&nbsp;

The excerpt from the October video deposition also shows that Trump also mistook Carroll for an ex-wife, when he was shown a black-and-white photograph where he was seen speaking to people at an event, reported Reuters. “It’s Marla,” Trump said, referring to his second wife Marla Maples.&nbsp;

He also went on to call Carroll’s lawyer, “You’re a political operative also. You’re a disgrace,” in the deposition taken at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, reiterating his previous statement and calling Carroll’s allegations politically motivated.&nbsp;

‘Access Hollywood’ tape

The tape, which came to light in 2016, caught Trump in conversation with Billy Bush, an Access Hollywood TV show personality. In it, the businessman, in a very graphic manner, boasts about how celebrities like him can grope women without waiting for consent.&nbsp;

Last month, a federal judge ruled that the tape can be used by the columnist in her lawsuit accusing Trump of rape. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial.&nbsp;

The former magazine advice columnist, who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York.&nbsp;

In his order, Judge Kaplan had written, “In this case, a jury reasonably could find, even from the Access Hollywood tape alone, that Mr Trump admitted in the Access Hollywood tape that he in fact has had contact with women’s genitalia in the past without their consent, or that he has attempted to do so.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Amid the ongoing civil rape trial, former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 4) defended private comments he made back in 2005.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Amid the ongoing civil rape trial, former US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 4) defended private comments he made back in 2005. This comes as the jurors saw a video deposition in which he was addressing the “Access Hollywood” tape, where he was caught on a hot mic saying, “when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything...Grab 'em by the p***y.” The hearing on Thursday The lawyer for writer E. Jean Carroll, Roberta Kaplan, asked Trump about the tape in the video deposition taken last October and shown to the jury on Thursday where he was heard saying, “Historically, that’s true, with stars...if you look over the last million years.” This comes as the trial entered its seventh day in a Manhattan court. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said he would give Trump until 5:00 pm (local time) on Sunday to ask to reopen his case for the sole purpose of personally testifying. Trump’s lawyer had previously said the former president has decided against testifying. However, as of Thursday, the former president’s lawyer has rested his case without calling any other witnesses. During the hearing, a social media and marketing expert hired by Carroll told jurors that it would cost the former president up to $2.8 million to repair the reputational damage of his statements against her. The excerpt from the October video deposition also shows that Trump also mistook Carroll for an ex-wife, when he was shown a black-and-white photograph where he was seen speaking to people at an event, reported Reuters. “It’s Marla,” Trump said, referring to his second wife Marla Maples. He also went on to call Carroll’s lawyer, “You’re a political operative also. You’re a disgrace,” in the deposition taken at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, reiterating his previous statement and calling Carroll’s allegations politically motivated. ‘Access Hollywood’ tape The tape, which came to light in 2016, caught Trump in conversation with Billy Bush, an Access Hollywood TV show personality. In it, the businessman, in a very graphic manner, boasts about how celebrities like him can grope women without waiting for consent. Last month, a federal judge ruled that the tape can be used by the columnist in her lawsuit accusing Trump of rape. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. The former magazine advice columnist, who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. In his order, Judge Kaplan had written, “In this case, a jury reasonably could find, even from the Access Hollywood tape alone, that Mr Trump admitted in the Access Hollywood tape that he in fact has had contact with women’s genitalia in the past without their consent, or that he has attempted to do so.” (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.

Donald Trump defends ‘Grab ‘em by the p***y’ remark during civil rape trial

China on Thursday released an investigation report revealing an "empire of hackers" of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States, one of the major intelligence agencies of the country's federal government.

Report: No background checks on 200 workers for child abuse

Oil prices fell 4% on Wednesday, extending steep losses from the previous session after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates and as investors fretted about the economy. Brent futures settled $2.99 lower, or 4%, to $72.33 a barrel, the global benchmark's lowest close since December 2021.

Oil falls 4%, extending losses after Fed rate hike

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has come out and criticised the U.S. over its last month's intelligence leak. He says the White House did not inform Ukraine beforehand. What is happening between the two allies? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Is all not well between U.S. & Ukraine?

As the United States is gearing up for the next year's presidential elections, the power tussle has also taken President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden into its fold. Biden's son is facing scrutiny on accusations of his involvement with tax, foreign lobbying and gun-related violations.&nbsp;

<h2>When did the investigation start?&nbsp;</h2>

Hunter Biden has been facing the wrath of the investigation since 2018, and&nbsp;2022 marked the fourth year of the probe, which is now nearing decision on pressing charges. Any negative outcome of the investigation can topple Biden's chances to keep holding his top seat at the Oval Office.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a>

As per sources with knowledge of the suspicious activity reports (SARs), a document that financial institutions are mandated to file with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), it was reported that the foreign transactions were from "China and other foreign nations," reported Fox News. FinCEN is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury that scrutinises suspicious transactions.&nbsp;

<h2>Hunter Biden's laptop&nbsp;</h2>

Hunter Biden's laptop controversy started in 2019 when his attorneys made a case levelling accusations on a computer repair shop owner John Paul Mac Isaac for having provided unauthorised access to&nbsp;his laptop and making its content&nbsp;public by sharing it with New York Post.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a>

The details were allegedly breached in the run up to the 2020 US presidential elections.&nbsp;

At the time, Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell wrote in a letter to Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, “This failed dirty political trick directly resulted in the exposure, exploitation, and manipulation of Mr. Biden’s private and personal information. Mr. Mac Isaac’s intentional, reckless, and unlawful conduct allowed for hundreds of gigabytes of Mr. Biden’s personal data, without any discretion, to be circulated around the Internet." &nbsp;

In his defence, Mac Isaac said that there was an agreement made between Biden and the computer repair shop owner that if no one comes to pick up the laptop it would automatically become Isaac’s property.&nbsp;

Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

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Later, the FBI agents as part of their investigation into accusations against Hunter Biden served a subpoena and seized the laptop on December 9, 2019.&nbsp;

<h2>Alleged Trump involvement&nbsp;</h2>

The controversy also allegedly involves former US president Donald Trump. As per reports, Trump's former aide Garrett Ziegler posted emails and other documents from Hunter Biden's laptop on a public research website run by him.&nbsp;

A report by Politico indicates that Ziegler received the contents of the laptop through former New York City police commissioner Giuliani and his associate Bernard Kerik.&nbsp;

<h2>Hunter's argument on laptop controversy</h2>

Hunter Biden denied leaving his laptop to the computer repair shop. “Not that I remember at all,” Hunter Biden said while replying to a query whether he left the laptop at the shop.&nbsp;In an interview with CBS, Hunter Biden also said he has “no idea whether or not” the laptop belongs to him. In the latest, Hunter Biden accused the shop of trying to invade his privacy and trying to advance his political motives by making public his personal data, CNN reported citing new federal court filings.

<h2>Biden's attorney meets US Delaware Attorney David Weiss</h2>

Another controversy erupted when media reports suggested that US President Joe Biden's attorneys held meeting with US Delaware Attorney David Weiss in connection to the Hunter Biden investigation.&nbsp;

Usually, as per Washington Post, this kind of meeting takes place when the defence lawyers urge prosecutors to not go forward with the indictment in the ongoing case. The meeting could also have been done for any other requests such as reducing the charges.&nbsp;

<h2>Four-year long investigation nearing decision&nbsp;</h2>

As per sources cited by the Washington Post, the investigation is nearing decision on charges to be pressed. US Attorney General Merrick Garland assured Congress that politics will be set aside from the investigation into the Hunter Biden case. “I stand by my testimony, and I refer you to the U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware, who is in charge of this case and capable of making any decisions that he feels are appropriate," Garland told reporters.&nbsp;

<h2>Drug abuse allegations&nbsp;</h2>

Apart from the suspicious overseas transactions, Hunter Biden is also under radar over gun law violations as the investigators try to find out whether he lied on a form prior to purchasing a gun by denying that he was a drug abuser. 
&nbsp; 
Democrats and Republicans have been at loggerheads over the Hunter Biden controversy. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe claimed that the laptop, a centre of the lawsuit slugfest, was "not part of some Russian disinformation campaign."&nbsp;

However, this claim was rejected by Democrats and several others.&nbsp;

About two weeks ago, a special agent of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sought whistleblower protection for disclosing details on the mishandling of a criminal investigation in Hunter Biden case. 
&nbsp;

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As the United States is gearing up for the next year's presidential elections, the power tussle has also taken President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden into its fold.

As the United States is gearing up for the next year's presidential elections, the power tussle has also taken President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden into its fold. Biden's son is facing scrutiny on accusations of his involvement with tax, foreign lobbying and gun-related violations. When did the investigation start? Hunter Biden has been facing the wrath of the investigation since 2018, and 2022 marked the fourth year of the probe, which is now nearing decision on pressing charges. Any negative outcome of the investigation can topple Biden's chances to keep holding his top seat at the Oval Office. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 As per sources with knowledge of the suspicious activity reports (SARs), a document that financial institutions are mandated to file with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), it was reported that the foreign transactions were from "China and other foreign nations," reported Fox News. FinCEN is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury that scrutinises suspicious transactions. Hunter Biden's laptop Hunter Biden's laptop controversy started in 2019 when his attorneys made a case levelling accusations on a computer repair shop owner John Paul Mac Isaac for having provided unauthorised access to his laptop and making its content public by sharing it with New York Post. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports The details were allegedly breached in the run up to the 2020 US presidential elections. At the time, Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell wrote in a letter to Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, “This failed dirty political trick directly resulted in the exposure, exploitation, and manipulation of Mr. Biden’s private and personal information. Mr. Mac Isaac’s intentional, reckless, and unlawful conduct allowed for hundreds of gigabytes of Mr. Biden’s personal data, without any discretion, to be circulated around the Internet." In his defence, Mac Isaac said that there was an agreement made between Biden and the computer repair shop owner that if no one comes to pick up the laptop it would automatically become Isaac’s property. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × Later, the FBI agents as part of their investigation into accusations against Hunter Biden served a subpoena and seized the laptop on December 9, 2019. Alleged Trump involvement The controversy also allegedly involves former US president Donald Trump. As per reports, Trump's former aide Garrett Ziegler posted emails and other documents from Hunter Biden's laptop on a public research website run by him. A report by Politico indicates that Ziegler received the contents of the laptop through former New York City police commissioner Giuliani and his associate Bernard Kerik. Hunter's argument on laptop controversy Hunter Biden denied leaving his laptop to the computer repair shop. “Not that I remember at all,” Hunter Biden said while replying to a query whether he left the laptop at the shop. In an interview with CBS, Hunter Biden also said he has “no idea whether or not” the laptop belongs to him. In the latest, Hunter Biden accused the shop of trying to invade his privacy and trying to advance his political motives by making public his personal data, CNN reported citing new federal court filings. Biden's attorney meets US Delaware Attorney David Weiss Another controversy erupted when media reports suggested that US President Joe Biden's attorneys held meeting with US Delaware Attorney David Weiss in connection to the Hunter Biden investigation. Usually, as per Washington Post, this kind of meeting takes place when the defence lawyers urge prosecutors to not go forward with the indictment in the ongoing case. The meeting could also have been done for any other requests such as reducing the charges. Four-year long investigation nearing decision As per sources cited by the Washington Post, the investigation is nearing decision on charges to be pressed. US Attorney General Merrick Garland assured Congress that politics will be set aside from the investigation into the Hunter Biden case. “I stand by my testimony, and I refer you to the U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware, who is in charge of this case and capable of making any decisions that he feels are appropriate," Garland told reporters. Drug abuse allegations Apart from the suspicious overseas transactions, Hunter Biden is also under radar over gun law violations as the investigators try to find out whether he lied on a form prior to purchasing a gun by denying that he was a drug abuser. Democrats and Republicans have been at loggerheads over the Hunter Biden controversy. Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe claimed that the laptop, a centre of the lawsuit slugfest, was "not part of some Russian disinformation campaign." However, this claim was rejected by Democrats and several others. About two weeks ago, a special agent of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sought whistleblower protection for disclosing details on the mishandling of a criminal investigation in Hunter Biden case. 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 | Four-year-long Hunter Biden probe nears decision on pressing charges. What is the controversy?

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Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe

‘Just a matter of time’: Was Bill Clinton aware of Putin’s plan to invade Ukraine?

US: Fire breaks out at Shell chemical plant in Texas, situation ‘under control’

US: ‘Random’ shooting killed 12-year-old boy at Florida store, left man injured, say cops

US: CDC chief Rochelle Walensky resigns, says Covid-19 waning good time for transition

US rejects 'ludicrous' Russian claim it planned Kremlin drone attack

Report: No background checks on 200 workers

US: Former president Donald Trump seeks to transfer New York criminal case to federal court

Ukraine war: US denies masterminding Moscow drone attack

Marcos says US access to Philippines bases not meant for 'offensive action'

China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries

China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries

Artificial intelligence risks: Biden meets top tech CEOs, asks them to mitigate AI perils

WION-VOA Co-Production: US denies role in Kremlin drone attack

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos meets US President Biden | World News | WION

Background checks not thorough on US workers at the Mexico border

'Do not drive!': BMW issues warning on 90,000 cars over airbag fault. Know why

Who was Jordan Neely? Michael Jackson impersonator who died after chokehold in New York train

US Capitol attack: Jury convicts former Proud Boys leader, three members for seditious conspiracy

US: Worker killed after pharmaceutical plant explosion in Massachusetts

US: Gunman in south Georgia town kills three before shooting himself

Groundbreaking! Doctors perform critical brain surgery on baby inside womb