The censured United States Representative Zooey Zephyr of Montana on Tuesday (May 2) lost her legal attempt to rejoin debate on the House floor after the transgender lawmaker was silenced and barred last month for speaking critically to her Republican colleagues over legislation which sought&nbsp;to restrict gender-affirming healthcare in the state.&nbsp;

The last-minute legal attempt by Zephyr, a Democrat, to rejoin Republican-controlled Montana House of Representatives comes as the legislative session could end as soon as Tuesday night. Zephyr was barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session after she decried the signing of the bill.&nbsp;

During the debate, Zephyr said that it was unconscionable to deprive Montanans of “the care that we need.” She also told Republicans they would have “blood on your hands,” which prompted them to cut off her microphone.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-montana-transgender-democrat-leader-barred-from-house-floor-for-586585">US: Montana transgender Democrat leader barred from House floor for 'blood on your hands' comment</a>

After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood up and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other.”

However, it was not until days later that she was denied floor privileges for encouraging a noisy but peaceful demonstration that disrupted a House session, reported Reuters. Montana Freedom Caucus, last month, deliberately misgendered Zephyr using male pronouns in a letter saying the lawmaker should be censured.&nbsp;

Zephyr had asked a court, on Monday, to allow for her return to the House floor, the ruling for which was announced hours before the legislature planned to wrap up its biennial session. “Plaintiffs’ requested relief would require this Court to interfere with legislative authority in a manner that exceeds this Court’s authority,” said District Court Judge Mike Menahan.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/montana-republicans-bar-transgender-lawmaker-from-house-floor-586737">Montana Republicans bar transgender lawmaker from House floor</a>

“Even if the Court ultimately finds the House of Representatives, Speaker Regier, and Sergeant at Arms Murfitt acted unlawfully under the facts of this case, it does not have the authority to issue a broad permanent injunction to effectively remove all legislative authority…in relation to a single member,” Menahan wrote in his ruling.&nbsp;

After the ruling, Zephyr told The Associated Press that Menahan’s decision was “entirely wrong,” adding that “it’s a really sad day for the country when the majority party can silence representation from the minority party whenever they take issue.” 
 
Meanwhile, The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, which has previously&nbsp;argued that the speaker of the House&nbsp;and Sergeant at Arms&nbsp;have silenced Zephyr’s constituents, is considering its options including appeal, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-montana-becomes-latest-state-to-ban-gender-affirming-medical-care-for-transgender-kids-587288">US: Montana becomes latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids</a>

After Zephyr’s ouster, the House passed a bill which would punish health professionals who provide care banned by the measure and could have their medical license suspended for at least a year. It also prohibits public property and employees from being involved in gender-affirming treatment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The censured United States Representative Zooey Zephyr of Montana on Tuesday (May 2) lost her legal attempt to rejoin debate on the House floor after the transgender lawmaker was silenced and barred last month for speaking critically to her Republican colleagues over legislation which sought to restrict gender-affirming healthcare in the state.

The censured United States Representative Zooey Zephyr of Montana on Tuesday (May 2) lost her legal attempt to rejoin debate on the House floor after the transgender lawmaker was silenced and barred last month for speaking critically to her Republican colleagues over legislation which sought to restrict gender-affirming healthcare in the state. The last-minute legal attempt by Zephyr, a Democrat, to rejoin Republican-controlled Montana House of Representatives comes as the legislative session could end as soon as Tuesday night. Zephyr was barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session after she decried the signing of the bill. During the debate, Zephyr said that it was unconscionable to deprive Montanans of “the care that we need.” She also told Republicans they would have “blood on your hands,” which prompted them to cut off her microphone. ALSO READ | US: Montana transgender Democrat leader barred from House floor for 'blood on your hands' comment After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood up and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other.” However, it was not until days later that she was denied floor privileges for encouraging a noisy but peaceful demonstration that disrupted a House session, reported Reuters. Montana Freedom Caucus, last month, deliberately misgendered Zephyr using male pronouns in a letter saying the lawmaker should be censured. Zephyr had asked a court, on Monday, to allow for her return to the House floor, the ruling for which was announced hours before the legislature planned to wrap up its biennial session. “Plaintiffs’ requested relief would require this Court to interfere with legislative authority in a manner that exceeds this Court’s authority,” said District Court Judge Mike Menahan. ALSO WATCH | Montana Republicans bar transgender lawmaker from House floor “Even if the Court ultimately finds the House of Representatives, Speaker Regier, and Sergeant at Arms Murfitt acted unlawfully under the facts of this case, it does not have the authority to issue a broad permanent injunction to effectively remove all legislative authority…in relation to a single member,” Menahan wrote in his ruling. After the ruling, Zephyr told The Associated Press that Menahan’s decision was “entirely wrong,” adding that “it’s a really sad day for the country when the majority party can silence representation from the minority party whenever they take issue.” Meanwhile, The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, which has previously argued that the speaker of the House and Sergeant at Arms have silenced Zephyr’s constituents, is considering its options including appeal, as per Reuters. ALSO READ | US: Montana becomes latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids After Zephyr’s ouster, the House passed a bill which would punish health professionals who provide care banned by the measure and could have their medical license suspended for at least a year. It also prohibits public property and employees from being involved in gender-affirming treatment. (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: Montana's transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr loses legal bid to rejoin House floor

Law enforcement agencies from around the globe arrested 288 people suspected of buying or selling drugs on the dark web. In a pair of press releases posted on Tuesday, the US Department of Justice and Europol said the joint effort also resulted in the shutdown of the dark web marketplace, Monopoly Market.

US: International dark web marketplace bust leads to 288 arrests

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Mass shooting in Serbia school, US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust, 11,000 Hollywood writers demand better pay, Black Sea grain deal.

Mass shooting in Serbia school | US arrests 288 criminals in Dark Web Bust | WION Speed News

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday, comfortably winning a ballot ahead of the Denver Nuggets' two-time award winner Nikola Jokic.

Embiid, who finished runner-up behind Jokic the past two seasons, earned the accolade after a dazzling regular season campaign that saw him average 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 66 games.

Embiid beat out fellow MVP finalists Jokic and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo in a preferential ballot. Results revealed Tuesday showed Embiid garnered 73 first-place votes, with Jokic 15 and Antetokounmpo 12.

"I don't know really where to start, it's been a long time coming," a delighted Embiid told the TNT network on Tuesday after his award.

"A lot of hard work, I've been through a lot. And I'm not just talking about basketball, I'm talking about life, my story, how I got here and what it took for me to be here.

"It feels good. I don't know what to say. Amazing."&nbsp;

The towering 29-year-old Cameroonian power forward helped the Sixers finish third in the Eastern Conference, but has sat out Philadelphia's last two playoff games after suffering a knee injury in the game three first-round defeat of Brooklyn last week.

Tuesday's MVP honour cements Embiid's status as one of the elite players in the NBA, the latest milestone on a journey that began when he was discovered at a basketball camp run by Cameroonian compatriot and former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute.

After playing a single season of US college basketball, Embiid was chosen by Philadelphia with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

'Be a leader' 
 
A foot injury meant he missed the entirety of the 2014-2015 season, and further surgery in 2015 ruled him out of the 2015-2016 campaign.

He finally made his regular season debut for the Sixers in October 2016, notching 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in a defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Embiid's talent was apparent from the outset of his NBA career, it is under Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers, who took over the Sixers in 2020, that he has flourished.

Rivers has built his team and game plan around the 7ft (2.13), 280-pound (127-kilo) big man, and was also instrumental in Embiid's improved fitness.

Embiid hired a personal chef and works with a nutritionist after being urged to stay in peak physical condition by Rivers.

"He told me that I needed to be a leader," Embiid said of Rivers' advice in a 2021 ESPN interview.&nbsp;

"If I came back in shape, it also meant to my teammates, 'It's time to go. Joel is ready, he came back, he's in great shape, that means you guys have no excuse to not be in shape.'&nbsp;

"So that's what I did. I took it to heart."

Embiid has repaid Rivers' faith this season with a series of superb performances during the Sixers journey to the playoffs.

His average of 33.1 points helped him win the NBA's scoring title for a second straight year, and his performances have included three 50-point games this season.

Last month he became only the second player in NBA history after the legendary Wilt Chamberlain to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and 80 per cent shooting in a game as he inspired Philadelphia to a 103-101 win over the Boston Celtics. 
 
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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday, comfortably winning a ballot ahead of the Denver Nuggets' two-time award winner Nikola Jokic.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday, comfortably winning a ballot ahead of the Denver Nuggets' two-time award winner Nikola Jokic. Embiid, who finished runner-up behind Jokic the past two seasons, earned the accolade after a dazzling regular season campaign that saw him average 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 66 games. Embiid beat out fellow MVP finalists Jokic and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo in a preferential ballot. Results revealed Tuesday showed Embiid garnered 73 first-place votes, with Jokic 15 and Antetokounmpo 12. "I don't know really where to start, it's been a long time coming," a delighted Embiid told the TNT network on Tuesday after his award. "A lot of hard work, I've been through a lot. And I'm not just talking about basketball, I'm talking about life, my story, how I got here and what it took for me to be here. "It feels good. I don't know what to say. Amazing." The towering 29-year-old Cameroonian power forward helped the Sixers finish third in the Eastern Conference, but has sat out Philadelphia's last two playoff games after suffering a knee injury in the game three first-round defeat of Brooklyn last week. Tuesday's MVP honour cements Embiid's status as one of the elite players in the NBA, the latest milestone on a journey that began when he was discovered at a basketball camp run by Cameroonian compatriot and former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute. After playing a single season of US college basketball, Embiid was chosen by Philadelphia with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. 'Be a leader' A foot injury meant he missed the entirety of the 2014-2015 season, and further surgery in 2015 ruled him out of the 2015-2016 campaign. He finally made his regular season debut for the Sixers in October 2016, notching 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in a defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Embiid's talent was apparent from the outset of his NBA career, it is under Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers, who took over the Sixers in 2020, that he has flourished. Rivers has built his team and game plan around the 7ft (2.13), 280-pound (127-kilo) big man, and was also instrumental in Embiid's improved fitness. Embiid hired a personal chef and works with a nutritionist after being urged to stay in peak physical condition by Rivers. "He told me that I needed to be a leader," Embiid said of Rivers' advice in a 2021 ESPN interview. "If I came back in shape, it also meant to my teammates, 'It's time to go. Joel is ready, he came back, he's in great shape, that means you guys have no excuse to not be in shape.' "So that's what I did. I took it to heart." Embiid has repaid Rivers' faith this season with a series of superb performances during the Sixers journey to the playoffs. His average of 33.1 points helped him win the NBA's scoring title for a second straight year, and his performances have included three 50-point games this season. Last month he became only the second player in NBA history after the legendary Wilt Chamberlain to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and 80 per cent shooting in a game as he inspired Philadelphia to a 103-101 win over the Boston Celtics. 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.

Sixers' Joel Embiid named NBA Most Valuable Player

The United States will breach the debt ceiling as early as on June 1st. This may result in a dead default. This could happen if the US Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling. The US treasury has warned it could run short of cash to pay its bills by the month of June.

US to breach debt ceiling in June : Treasury

A human rights organisation reported Tuesday that as part of President Xi Jinping's efforts to tighten regulations, China has been preventing an increasing number of people from leaving the country.

US-China tensions on the rise: China steps up use of exit bans

U.S. president Biden held Eid Al-Fitr celebration at the White House, but a Muslim mayor was denied entry. New Jersey mayor Mohamed Khairulla was disinvited from the reception due to false profiling. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Muslim mayor denied entry in Biden's Eid Al-Fitr celebration

Artificial intelligence seems to be the flavour of the season. Soon, artificial intelligence (AI) may replace humans at US tech giant IBM.

IBM's mega push for artificial intelligence

Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is back in the news nearly two years after he quit the microblogging platform. Dorsey's latest offering, Bluesky, is gaining traction among Twitter's star users.

Twitter's latest competitor: Bluesky

With private equity firms vying for a bite of the sandwich chain, it looks like JPMorgan is hoping a $5 billion financing package will seal the deal.

Popular U.S. sandwich chain Subway is on sale

2023 is a big year for both India and the US, we are not saying this but Washington's Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. Speaking to an Indian media organisation, Donald Liu said, "this is going to be a big year - India's hosting G20, the US is hosting APEC and Japan is hosting the G7."

A big year for India-US ties: US Pres Joe Biden to visit India in Sept for G20 summit

As he welcomed Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House for talks, US Vice President Joe Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Philippines. The talks' main topics included Beijing's expansion into trade routes and the strategic islands of the South China Sea.

Biden-Marcos meet: US sees Philippines as key to counter likely Taiwan invasion by China

United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is on a two-day visit to Israel addressed the Israel's Parliament. He pledged to fully fund security aid to Israel while he's the speaker. McCarthy is the second House Speaker to address Israel's Knesset.

US speaker McCarthy addresses Israel's Parliament, says 'assure security funding to Israel' | WION

Joe Biden reiterated the U.S. Commitment to the Philippines' security as he welcomed Ferdinand Marcos Junior for white house talks. Beijing's expansion into trade routes and the strategic islands of the South China sea, headlined the talks. Marcos, on the first white house visit by a Philippines leader in 10 years, stressed the importance of the U.S. As his country's sole treaty ally in the region. Both countries are seeking ways to push back against what they see as China's aggressive actions near Taiwan and in the South China sea. A joint statement said any attack on Philippine military, including in the South China sea, would invoke U.S. Mutual defense commitments under the 1951 mutual defense treaty. Biden was the first official to reach out to Marcos after his election. The U.S. President has made strengthening economic and military ties in the Indo-Pacific region a cornerstone of his foreign policy.

First White House visit by a Philippines leader in 10 years

Finland's accession into the NATO military alliance has changed the security framework of the Arctic on a very fundamental level. Although initially reluctant, Russia has now inked a historic maritime security deal with China. And what this means is that Moscow and Beijing are now joining hands to take on the NATO presence over the Arctic ice. The Arctic council has 8 nations & If Sweden too joins the NATO military alliance, then 7 of the 8 nations of the Arctic council will be a part of the NATO military alliance. So how is Russia planning to take on the NATO military alliance in one of the coldest regions of the earth? Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Russia joins hands with China to push NATO out of the Arctic circle

American Airlines pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of their labour union to strike work, while the company has claimed that negotiations with the union are underway. The results of the vote were announced on Monday (May 1). However, reports suggest that no walk-offs are imminent as pilot strikes are rare and require federal National Mediation Board permission.&nbsp;

Why are the pilots considering a strike?

The union, Allied Pilots Association (APA), said that more than 96 per cent of American pilots participated in the vote, out of which 99 per cent have allowed the union to call a strike. The vote came after the talks for a new deal dragged on, in March.&nbsp;

“Today marks a proud milestone in our pilot group’s unity and resolve and an important step on our path to securing the contract we have earned and deserve — one that prevents management from operating at a discount to our competitors and includes our ‘must have’ quality-of-life priorities,” APA president Captain Ed Sicher wrote to pilots Monday, as quoted by CNBC.&nbsp;

However, Sicher has also said that his members are ready to strike if necessary but reaching a contract agreement is still in the realm of possibility.

The association represents more than 15,000 American Airlines pilots. It has sought not only increases in pay but quality-of-life improvements, like better and predictable schedules after the travel and aviation industry witnessed a rise in demand as Covid-related restrictions were eased.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports suggest that pilot contract negotiations across the industry have recently faced difficulty and that American Airlines is not the only one. As pilots for Southwest Airlines might also soon begin voting on a similar strike authorisation later this month.

What did the airline say?

American Airlines told Wall Street Journal that the company believes that it will reach an agreement with the pilots’ union soon and that the vote indicates pilots’ sense of urgency heading into negotiations. “The finish line is in sight,” an American Airline spokeswoman told Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

“We understand that a strike authorisation vote is one of the important ways pilots express their desire to get a deal done and we respect the message of voting results,” she added. This also comes after American Airlines CEO Robert Isom had said they were ready to raise their pilots’ pay to match their competition Delta Airlines.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Delta’s pilots approved a four-year deal which included a pay raise of 34 per cent and other improvements. 
 
Citing the recent contract proposal, CNBC reported that if the union accepted a potential four-year deal, American Airlines pilots would receive higher 401(k) contributions while a captain flying narrow-body planes would make $475,000 while the most senior captains of wide-body planes would make $590,000 per year. &nbsp; 
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American Airlines pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of their labour union to strike work, while the company has claimed that negotiations with the union are underway.

American Airlines pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of their labour union to strike work, while the company has claimed that negotiations with the union are underway. The results of the vote were announced on Monday (May 1). However, reports suggest that no walk-offs are imminent as pilot strikes are rare and require federal National Mediation Board permission. Why are the pilots considering a strike? The union, Allied Pilots Association (APA), said that more than 96 per cent of American pilots participated in the vote, out of which 99 per cent have allowed the union to call a strike. The vote came after the talks for a new deal dragged on, in March. “Today marks a proud milestone in our pilot group’s unity and resolve and an important step on our path to securing the contract we have earned and deserve — one that prevents management from operating at a discount to our competitors and includes our ‘must have’ quality-of-life priorities,” APA president Captain Ed Sicher wrote to pilots Monday, as quoted by CNBC. However, Sicher has also said that his members are ready to strike if necessary but reaching a contract agreement is still in the realm of possibility. The association represents more than 15,000 American Airlines pilots. It has sought not only increases in pay but quality-of-life improvements, like better and predictable schedules after the travel and aviation industry witnessed a rise in demand as Covid-related restrictions were eased. Meanwhile, reports suggest that pilot contract negotiations across the industry have recently faced difficulty and that American Airlines is not the only one. As pilots for Southwest Airlines might also soon begin voting on a similar strike authorisation later this month. What did the airline say? American Airlines told Wall Street Journal that the company believes that it will reach an agreement with the pilots’ union soon and that the vote indicates pilots’ sense of urgency heading into negotiations. “The finish line is in sight,” an American Airline spokeswoman told Wall Street Journal. “We understand that a strike authorisation vote is one of the important ways pilots express their desire to get a deal done and we respect the message of voting results,” she added. This also comes after American Airlines CEO Robert Isom had said they were ready to raise their pilots’ pay to match their competition Delta Airlines. Earlier this year, Delta’s pilots approved a four-year deal which included a pay raise of 34 per cent and other improvements. Citing the recent contract proposal, CNBC reported that if the union accepted a potential four-year deal, American Airlines pilots would receive higher 401(k) contributions while a captain flying narrow-body planes would make $475,000 while the most senior captains of wide-body planes would make $590,000 per year. 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.

American Airlines pilots union votes in favour of strike; company says negotiations underway

At least six people were killed and dozens of others injured on Monday (May 1) after a series of car crashes along Interstate 55 in southern Illinois, United States during a dust storm, said the state police. Up to 60 passenger vehicles and about 20 commercial vehicles were involved in both directions of the I-55.&nbsp; 
 
Joletta Hill, chief deputy for the Montgomery County Coroner's Office confirmed the six deaths from the accidents, reported Reuters. According to the police, the dust from newly ploughed fields took over the highway.&nbsp;

At least two commercial vehicles caught fire “as a result of the crashes,” said Ryan Starrick from Illinois State Police, in a press briefing. He added, “At this time, we have reports of more than 30 people being transported to the hospital and multiple fatalities. The cause of the crash was excessive winds blowing dirt from farm field across the highway leading to zero visibility”.&nbsp;

However, the crash is being placed under further investigation, said the official.&nbsp;Starrick, in a later update,&nbsp;said there were at least six dead and more than 30 people were hospitalised with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, reported CNN. Those injured include children and adults who&nbsp;ranged in age from two&nbsp;to 80 years. 
 
The incident took place shortly after 11:00 am (local time). The highway&nbsp; remained closed in both directions several hours later, reported Reuters. The crashes occurred in both the southbound and the northbound lanes.&nbsp;The state police official said the pileup was near the town of Farmersville, over 300 kilometres away from&nbsp;Chicago.&nbsp;

The condition of those injured was not immediately clear. The Illinois Department of Transportation had also said I-55 was closed in both directions between Divernon and Farmersville, Illinois in Sangamon and Montgomery counties. “Traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road. &nbsp;Motorists are urged to take an alternative routes,” said the IDOT.&nbsp; 
 
US Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois took to Twitter and wrote, “My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more. Please be safe as this situation continues to unfold.” 
&nbsp;

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My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more. Please be safe as this situation continues to unfold. <a href="https://t.co/QBZdAFkYUd">https://t.co/QBZdAFkYUd</a>
— Rep. Nikki Budzinski (@RepNikkiB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNikkiB/status/1653104265466978304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois, issued a "blowing dust warning"&nbsp;at 1:25 pm (local time) adding that "severely limited visibilities are expected. Travel will be dangerous and possibly life-threatening". 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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At least six people were killed and dozens of others injured on Monday (May 1) after a series of car crashes along Interstate 55 in southern Illinois, United States during a dust storm, said the state police.

At least six people were killed and dozens of others injured on Monday (May 1) after a series of car crashes along Interstate 55 in southern Illinois, United States during a dust storm, said the state police. Up to 60 passenger vehicles and about 20 commercial vehicles were involved in both directions of the I-55. Joletta Hill, chief deputy for the Montgomery County Coroner's Office confirmed the six deaths from the accidents, reported Reuters. According to the police, the dust from newly ploughed fields took over the highway. At least two commercial vehicles caught fire “as a result of the crashes,” said Ryan Starrick from Illinois State Police, in a press briefing. He added, “At this time, we have reports of more than 30 people being transported to the hospital and multiple fatalities. The cause of the crash was excessive winds blowing dirt from farm field across the highway leading to zero visibility”. However, the crash is being placed under further investigation, said the official. Starrick, in a later update, said there were at least six dead and more than 30 people were hospitalised with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, reported CNN. Those injured include children and adults who ranged in age from two to 80 years. The incident took place shortly after 11:00 am (local time). The highway remained closed in both directions several hours later, reported Reuters. The crashes occurred in both the southbound and the northbound lanes. The state police official said the pileup was near the town of Farmersville, over 300 kilometres away from Chicago. The condition of those injured was not immediately clear. The Illinois Department of Transportation had also said I-55 was closed in both directions between Divernon and Farmersville, Illinois in Sangamon and Montgomery counties. “Traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road. Motorists are urged to take an alternative routes,” said the IDOT. US Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois took to Twitter and wrote, “My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more. Please be safe as this situation continues to unfold.” My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more. Please be safe as this situation continues to unfold. https://t.co/QBZdAFkYUd — Rep. Nikki Budzinski (@RepNikkiB) May 1, 2023 × The National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois, issued a "blowing dust warning" at 1:25 pm (local time) adding that "severely limited visibilities are expected. Travel will be dangerous and possibly life-threatening". (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: At least six killed, dozens injured after dust storm in Illinois causes highway pileup

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos, Indian immigrant students in US surpass the number of Chinese students there, Delhi High Court allows removal of father's name from minor's passport.

Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos | Trending on WION

The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The lack of funds to pay US’ debt obligations could trigger a catastrophic default.&nbsp;

What does Biden plan on doing?

A brief statement by the White House said that the president has invited House of Representatives Speaker, Kevin McCarthy and Democratic leaders of Congress “to a meeting at the White House on May 9.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a person familiar with the plans told Reuters that Biden has invited House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell to talk about the debt ceiling and federal spending.

This comes after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April,&nbsp;that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The Department of Transportation has warned that the move&nbsp;would shut hundreds of air traffic control towers.

Additionally, the Republican bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit. However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation.&nbsp;

Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and while Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default.&nbsp;

Furthermore, if the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy. This also comes as the US hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January.&nbsp;

What did Yellen say?

In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers, on Monday,&nbsp;Yellen said, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.” .

She added, “Given the current projections, it is imperative that Congress act as soon as possible to increase or suspend the debt limit in a way that provides longer-term certainty that the government will continue to make its payments.”&nbsp;

The early June date has more or less remained unchanged from the previous estimate issued in January which said that the government could run out of cash on June 5. She also urged Congress to act quickly to raise the limit.&nbsp;

Yellen said that federal receipts and outlays are “inherently variable” and that the Treasury might exhaust its “extraordinary measures” a number of weeks later than these estimates.&nbsp;

“It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available,” Yellen wrote in the letter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase.

The United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday (May 1) called for a meeting with the top four congressional leaders at the White House after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that Washington could run short of cash to pay all of the government’s bills as soon as June without a debt limit increase. The lack of funds to pay US’ debt obligations could trigger a catastrophic default. What does Biden plan on doing? A brief statement by the White House said that the president has invited House of Representatives Speaker, Kevin McCarthy and Democratic leaders of Congress “to a meeting at the White House on May 9.” Meanwhile, a person familiar with the plans told Reuters that Biden has invited House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell to talk about the debt ceiling and federal spending. This comes after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill, in April, that would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for budget cuts to healthcare for the poor, transportation, and so on. The Department of Transportation has warned that the move would shut hundreds of air traffic control towers. Additionally, the Republican bill would implement $4.5 trillion in spending cuts in exchange for a $1.5 trillion increase in the US debt limit. However, it is very unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate while the White House has previously said that the president would veto the legislation. Notably, as the speaker of the House McCarthy has primary control over US budget issues and while Biden has said he would not accept these deep cuts, the impasse has raised the possibility of Congress and the White House overseeing the first national debt default. Furthermore, if the debt ceiling is not raised or suspended by Congress the government risks defaulting on payment obligations which would have a significant impact on the US economy. This also comes as the US hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January. What did Yellen say? In a letter addressed to the House speaker and other lawmakers, on Monday, Yellen said, “Our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.” . She added, “Given the current projections, it is imperative that Congress act as soon as possible to increase or suspend the debt limit in a way that provides longer-term certainty that the government will continue to make its payments.” The early June date has more or less remained unchanged from the previous estimate issued in January which said that the government could run out of cash on June 5. She also urged Congress to act quickly to raise the limit. Yellen said that federal receipts and outlays are “inherently variable” and that the Treasury might exhaust its “extraordinary measures” a number of weeks later than these estimates. “It is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date when Treasury will be unable to pay the government’s bills, and I will continue to update Congress in the coming weeks as more information becomes available,” Yellen wrote in the letter. (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 debt ceiling: Amid Yellen's warning, Biden invites House speaker, Congress leaders for talks

India has outnumbered China not only in population but in the number of students studying in the U.S. An annual report released by US Immigration and Custom Enforcement shows this. For details, watch video.

Number of Indian students in the US surpassed that of China : Report

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - The United States and the Philippines reaffirmed a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty that calls for the United States to act in the event of an armed attack on the Philippine military. Joe Biden hosted the president of the Philippines at the White House, and the two leaders were anticipated to agree on new guidelines for stronger military cooperation.

US and Philippines to reaffirm 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty | WION Speed News

It's not just banks in the U.S. That are in trouble. A New York Times report shows American media group Vice is headed towards bankruptcy. This news has sent shockwaves across U.S. Media.

Vice Media group on the brink of bankruptcy

The skies are a little stormy for American Airlines right now. The airlines' pilots are picketing and threatening to strike over contract negotiations. It's time to buckle up and find out what's causing the turbulence.

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Activity at American factories continued to contract for the sixth straight month in April. According to the institute for supply management (ISM), the US manufacturing activity measured by an index stood at 47.1 last month.

US manufacturing contracts for the sixth straight month

There are signs that the IPO market could heat up again in the US Softbank's arm is in the news. A Reuters report shows the chip maker filed with regulators confidentially for a US stock market listing. That could set the stage for the largest IPO in the US this year.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has come under heavy criticism after he referred to the victims of Cleveland mass shooting as 'illegal migrants'. In the same statement Abbott also offered his condolences as well.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott under fire, calls mass shooting victims 'illegal migrants'

In the Indo-Pacific region, the great competition between the United States and China is only intensifying especially after a Chinese coast guard ship blocked a Philippine patrol vessel in the South China sea. The Unites States has now warned that any attack on the Philippine vessel would trigger a US response.

Why is South China Sea contentious? US counters China's quest for global influence?

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the president of the Philippines, has arrived in America and will meet Joe Biden there. The summit comes after both countries this week completed its largest Ward rules ever, and it is largely predicted to take U.S.-Philippine sties to Historic High.

Philippines President Marcos arrives in US to meet President Biden at White House

The US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is presently on a two-day visit to the state of Israel. He will be addressing the Israeli Parliament later in the day today. Kevin McCarthy will meet his Israeli counterpart Amir Ohana in Jerusalem.

US Speaker McCarthy to address Israeli Parliament, meets Israeli speaker in Jerusalem | WION

We all know that United States has a special visa programme called H-1B, under the program foreign nationals are given a temporary work permit to work in the United States. It has been in place for over 30 years now but it's been found that the H-1B program is now being abused.

H-1B visa fraud: Tech companies accused of gaming H-1B lottery system | World News | WION

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday.

Before leaving for Washington, Marcos said that he would express his determination to President Biden to form an 'even stronger relationship' with the United States to address the 'concerns of our times', which also include the issues related to the economy.

He further explained that his meeting with his US counterpart held extreme significance in forging ahead his country's national interest and strengthening the 'very important alliance' between Manila and Washington.

"During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world," said Marcos, the son of the late strongman,&nbsp;Ferdinand Marcos, whom Washington helped escape into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 'people power' insurgency.

President Marcos' official visit to Washington is the first trip by a Philippine leader in more than a decade and the newest in a series of high-level meetings carried out by the Philippines with leaders of the United States and China.

As per a Reuters report, a senior Biden administration official said that both leaders are expected to reach agreements on greater business engagement, as well as 'military enhancements' amidst shared concerns about China.

The official further said that the strategic importance of the Philippines could not be underestimated, highlighting the fact that the relationship the United States had with the Philippines was beyond just security. &nbsp;He said that in an aim to bolster commercial ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines.

"We're seeking not to be provocative, but to provide both moral and practical support for the Philippines as they try to make their way in a complex Western Pacific," the official said. "Their geographic position is critical," he added.

<h2>Marcos accuses China of 'Dangerous manoeuvres' in South China Sea, US slams 'provocative conduct'</h2>

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' Washington visit comes after he condemned China's coast guard for "dangerous manoeuvres" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea on Friday.

The United States also warned China to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the disputed region.

"We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," the US&nbsp;State Department said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller slammed China, saying it was a reminder of Beijing's 'harassment and intimidation' in the disputed waterway.

"We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," he said in a statement, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response.

China on Sunday said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern in the South China Sea through friendly consultations and warned the United States against interference.

"The US, as a country outside of the region, must not interfere with the South China Sea matter or use the South China Sea matter to sow discord among regional countries," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a written statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday. Before leaving for Washington, Marcos said that he would express his determination to President Biden to form an 'even stronger relationship' with the United States to address the 'concerns of our times', which also include the issues related to the economy. He further explained that his meeting with his US counterpart held extreme significance in forging ahead his country's national interest and strengthening the 'very important alliance' between Manila and Washington. "During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world," said Marcos, the son of the late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos, whom Washington helped escape into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 'people power' insurgency. President Marcos' official visit to Washington is the first trip by a Philippine leader in more than a decade and the newest in a series of high-level meetings carried out by the Philippines with leaders of the United States and China. As per a Reuters report, a senior Biden administration official said that both leaders are expected to reach agreements on greater business engagement, as well as 'military enhancements' amidst shared concerns about China. The official further said that the strategic importance of the Philippines could not be underestimated, highlighting the fact that the relationship the United States had with the Philippines was beyond just security. He said that in an aim to bolster commercial ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines. "We're seeking not to be provocative, but to provide both moral and practical support for the Philippines as they try to make their way in a complex Western Pacific," the official said. "Their geographic position is critical," he added. Marcos accuses China of 'Dangerous manoeuvres' in South China Sea, US slams 'provocative conduct' Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' Washington visit comes after he condemned China's coast guard for "dangerous manoeuvres" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea on Friday. The United States also warned China to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the disputed region. "We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," the US State Department said in a statement. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller slammed China, saying it was a reminder of Beijing's 'harassment and intimidation' in the disputed waterway. "We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," he said in a statement, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response. China on Sunday said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern in the South China Sea through friendly consultations and warned the United States against interference. "The US, as a country outside of the region, must not interfere with the South China Sea matter or use the South China Sea matter to sow discord among regional countries," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a written statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Philippine president travels to United States to forge stronger ties amid tensions with China

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