<p>Quick thinking by a 13-year-old kidnapped girl in the US enabled her rescue&nbsp;from the clutches of her abductor after a Good Samaritan spotted her “help me sign” inside a car in southern California.</p>

<p>On July 6, the minor girl — who has not been identified — was kidnapped at gunpoint near a bus stop in San Antonio, Texas.</p>

<p>The accused — 61-year-old Steven Robert Sablan — approached the girl in his vehicle demanding that she get in, saying, "If you don’t get in the car with me, I am going to hurt you," Long Beach Police Department said in a&nbsp;news release.</p>

<h2><strong>Accused kidnapped girl at gunpoint</strong></h2>

<p>According to police, Sablan had initially approached her by promising to take her on a cruise ship, but the 13-year-old had her suspicions.</p>

<p>When his sweet talk didn’t work, Sablan used coercion and made her sit in the car using his gun.</p>

<p>During the three days of her captivity, Sablan allegedly drove the girl more than 19 hours from Texas to California.</p>

<p>Police said that the girl was allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted while being driven to California. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the girl’s mother reported her missing to San Antonio authorities on July 7.</p>

<h2><strong>Good Samaritan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On July 9, Sablan went to a laundromat in Long Beach to wash their clothes. While he was inside, the girl wrote "Help me!" on a piece of paper and held it up. A witness saw the sign and called the police, leading to the girl's rescue.</p>

<p>Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish thanked the community for helping the girl.</p>

<p>“This incident highlights the critical role community members play in keeping people safe,” he said in a statement.</p>

<p>“I would also like to acknowledge our officers for their swift response and actions which led to getting this victim to safety.”</p>

<p>Police later arrested the man and found a black BB gun "which resembled a semi-automatic pistol." They also found a pair of handcuffs inside the car.</p>

<p>Sablan was later sent to prison in Long Beach City after he was booked for kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, and fugitive from justice.</p>

<p>He was booked on a $100,000 bail and was released to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on July 11, according to the jail's website.</p>

<p>Earlier this week,&nbsp;Sablan was&nbsp;indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the Central District of California US&nbsp;Attorney's Office said in a news release. His arraignment is scheduled for July 31 in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.</p>

<p>The girl was placed in the custody of the Los Angeles county department of children and family services.</p>

<p>According to AP news agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken over the case.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Quick thinking by a 13-year-old kidnapped girl in the US enabled her rescue from the clutches of her abductor after a Good Samaritan spotted her “help me sign” inside a car in southern California.

Quick thinking by a 13-year-old kidnapped girl in the US enabled her rescue from the clutches of her abductor after a Good Samaritan spotted her “help me sign” inside a car in southern California. On July 6, the minor girl — who has not been identified — was kidnapped at gunpoint near a bus stop in San Antonio, Texas. The accused — 61-year-old Steven Robert Sablan — approached the girl in his vehicle demanding that she get in, saying, "If you don’t get in the car with me, I am going to hurt you," Long Beach Police Department said in a news release. Accused kidnapped girl at gunpoint According to police, Sablan had initially approached her by promising to take her on a cruise ship, but the 13-year-old had her suspicions. When his sweet talk didn’t work, Sablan used coercion and made her sit in the car using his gun. During the three days of her captivity, Sablan allegedly drove the girl more than 19 hours from Texas to California. Police said that the girl was allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted while being driven to California. Meanwhile, the girl’s mother reported her missing to San Antonio authorities on July 7. Good Samaritan On July 9, Sablan went to a laundromat in Long Beach to wash their clothes. While he was inside, the girl wrote "Help me!" on a piece of paper and held it up. A witness saw the sign and called the police, leading to the girl's rescue. Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish thanked the community for helping the girl. “This incident highlights the critical role community members play in keeping people safe,” he said in a statement. “I would also like to acknowledge our officers for their swift response and actions which led to getting this victim to safety.” Police later arrested the man and found a black BB gun "which resembled a semi-automatic pistol." They also found a pair of handcuffs inside the car. Sablan was later sent to prison in Long Beach City after he was booked for kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, and fugitive from justice. He was booked on a $100,000 bail and was released to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on July 11, according to the jail's website. Earlier this week, Sablan was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the Central District of California US Attorney's Office said in a news release. His arraignment is scheduled for July 31 in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. The girl was placed in the custody of the Los Angeles county department of children and family services. According to AP news agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken over the case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

13-year-old kidnapped girl rescued after holding up ‘help me sign’ inside car in California

The 80-year-old president has started utilising shorter retractable stairs to access his plane after health concerns were raised when the president stumbled on the stairs to board his presidential aircraft. President Joe Biden has stepped up and found a solution to his stumbling problem.

US President Joe Biden uses shorter retractable staircase to board his plane

Admiral Lisa Franchetti has been nominated by U.S. President Joe Biden to lead the U.S. Navy. If confirmed, this would make Franchetti the first woman to occupy both of these positions and to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

US: President Joe Biden nominates admiral Lisa Franchetti as navy chief

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da silva has now signed an executive order that tightens civilian access to firearms. This move slows down the surge in gun ownership that skyrocketed during the presidency of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazilian president signs executive order to curb firearm access

The Pentagon's inspector general has revealed that some of the Western-supplied weapons and equipment supplied to Ukrainian forces ended up in the hands of arms traffickers, criminals, and volunteer fighters.

Western-supplied weapons stolen in Ukraine: Pentagon report

Along with 11 other ally nations, Australia and the United States have started their largest-ever joint military exercises. Australian officials have seen Chinese spy ships off the country's north eastern coast that they claim would closely monitor the exercises.

Australia-US War Games: Drill involve more than 30,000 troops from 13 nations

<p>Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21)&nbsp;for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States.</p>

<p>The state's board of education recently approved new guidelines, including one for middle school students, which state that "instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit."</p>

<h2><strong>Harris delivers blistering speech condemning&nbsp;new guidelines</strong></h2>

<p>In a fiery speech, Vice President Harris condemned the approved guidelines, pointing out that adults understand the true horrors of slavery, involving rape, torture, and the inhumane separation of mothers from their babies, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>She expressed outrage at any suggestion that being subjected to such dehumanisation could have benefited enslaved people&nbsp;in any way.</p>

<p>"Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother. It involved some of the worst examples of ... depriving people of humanity in our world," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/are-sharks-off-florida-coast-high-on-cocaine-scientists-find-baffling-results-617936">Are sharks off Florida coast high on cocaine? Scientists find baffling results</a></p>

<h2><strong>Justifications for new language in the guidelines</strong></h2>

<p>Members of the working group that developed the new guidelines, William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, defended the inclusion of language suggesting that slaves learned specialised skills, stating that it was intended to depict them as more than just victims.</p>

<h2><strong>Harris labels information as false propaganda</strong></h2>

<p>Dismissing the justifications, Harris labelled the information as false propaganda, emphasising the importance of teaching children the truth and seeking knowledge.</p>

<p>"These extremist so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well-being of our children. Instead they dare to push propaganda to our children," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Governor DeSantis' stance on 'woke indoctrination'</strong></h2>

<p>The approval of these guidelines follows Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to combat what he calls "woke indoctrination." DeSantis has made "wokeness" a central theme of his presidential campaign, advocating against discussions of sexuality and gender in classrooms. He accused Harris of being misleading about Florida's educational standards.</p>

<h2><strong>Battle over educational standards</strong></h2>

<p>Harris called for teachers not to be dictated to by politicians, urging them not to teach "revisionist history."</p>

<p>The ongoing conflict over educational standards and the portrayal of sensitive historical topics has sparked heated debates between Democrats and Republicans.</p>

<p>As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare to run for re-election in 2024, issues surrounding education, history, and curriculum continue to be points of contention on the national stage.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21) for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21) for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States. The state's board of education recently approved new guidelines, including one for middle school students, which state that "instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." Harris delivers blistering speech condemning new guidelines In a fiery speech, Vice President Harris condemned the approved guidelines, pointing out that adults understand the true horrors of slavery, involving rape, torture, and the inhumane separation of mothers from their babies, as reported by Reuters. She expressed outrage at any suggestion that being subjected to such dehumanisation could have benefited enslaved people in any way. "Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother. It involved some of the worst examples of ... depriving people of humanity in our world," she said. Also read | Are sharks off Florida coast high on cocaine? Scientists find baffling results Justifications for new language in the guidelines Members of the working group that developed the new guidelines, William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, defended the inclusion of language suggesting that slaves learned specialised skills, stating that it was intended to depict them as more than just victims. Harris labels information as false propaganda Dismissing the justifications, Harris labelled the information as false propaganda, emphasising the importance of teaching children the truth and seeking knowledge. "These extremist so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well-being of our children. Instead they dare to push propaganda to our children," she said. Also watch | US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft Governor DeSantis' stance on 'woke indoctrination' The approval of these guidelines follows Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to combat what he calls "woke indoctrination." DeSantis has made "wokeness" a central theme of his presidential campaign, advocating against discussions of sexuality and gender in classrooms. He accused Harris of being misleading about Florida's educational standards. Battle over educational standards Harris called for teachers not to be dictated to by politicians, urging them not to teach "revisionist history." The ongoing conflict over educational standards and the portrayal of sensitive historical topics has sparked heated debates between Democrats and Republicans. As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare to run for re-election in 2024, issues surrounding education, history, and curriculum continue to be points of contention on the national stage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Vice President Kamala Harris slams Florida 'extremists' over education guidelines about slavery

Chinese hackers have gotten into thousands of official US email accounts. U.S. says that China has the largest hacking program in the world. How can U.S. keep its data safe? Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Top US officials fall victim to Chinese hackers

<p>In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration.</p>

<p>President Biden commended Burns for providing unequivocal and strategic analysis, placing the safety and security of the American people at the forefront, reported AFP.</p>

<p>The CIA, under Burns' leadership, has adopted a clear-eyed, long-term approach in addressing critical national security challenges, ranging from Russia's aggression against Ukraine to managing responsible competition with China and dealing with emerging technology's opportunities and risks.</p>

<p>As a result of Biden's action, Burns will serve alongside his immediate senior, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, as well as other department secretaries.</p>

<p>This inclusion marks a symbolic gesture, reminiscent of the time when CIA directors held cabinet positions before the establishment of the Director of National Intelligence in 2005.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-president-biden-chooses-female-admiral-to-lead-us-navy-618286">In a first, President Biden chooses female admiral to lead US Navy</a></p>

<h2><strong>A career diplomat leading the CIA</strong></h2>

<p>Burns, a seasoned diplomat with prior experience as the US ambassador to Russia, assumed the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2021.</p>

<p>Since then, he has played a pivotal role in navigating the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, particularly during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Amidst rising tensions, Burns flew to Moscow weeks before the invasion to forewarn Russian officials about the US's knowledge of their invasion plans and the potential consequences of such actions.</p>

<p>Additionally, as concerns mounted over the Wagner private military group's brief rebellion against Moscow and its implications for global security, Burns engaged in extensive discussions with Sergei Naryshkin, the foreign intelligence chief of the SVR.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft</strong></p>

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<p>Responding to the invitation, Burns expressed his honour, stating that the inclusion of the Central Intelligence Agency in the cabinet acknowledges the agency's indispensable role in safeguarding national security on a daily basis.</p>

<p><em>(With input from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration.

In a notable move, President Joe Biden announced on Friday (July 21) that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to join the cabinet, elevating the spymaster's position and acknowledging his significant contributions to the administration. President Biden commended Burns for providing unequivocal and strategic analysis, placing the safety and security of the American people at the forefront, reported AFP. The CIA, under Burns' leadership, has adopted a clear-eyed, long-term approach in addressing critical national security challenges, ranging from Russia's aggression against Ukraine to managing responsible competition with China and dealing with emerging technology's opportunities and risks. As a result of Biden's action, Burns will serve alongside his immediate senior, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, as well as other department secretaries. This inclusion marks a symbolic gesture, reminiscent of the time when CIA directors held cabinet positions before the establishment of the Director of National Intelligence in 2005. Also read | In a first, President Biden chooses female admiral to lead US Navy A career diplomat leading the CIA Burns, a seasoned diplomat with prior experience as the US ambassador to Russia, assumed the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2021. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in navigating the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow, particularly during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Amidst rising tensions, Burns flew to Moscow weeks before the invasion to forewarn Russian officials about the US's knowledge of their invasion plans and the potential consequences of such actions. Additionally, as concerns mounted over the Wagner private military group's brief rebellion against Moscow and its implications for global security, Burns engaged in extensive discussions with Sergei Naryshkin, the foreign intelligence chief of the SVR. Also watch | US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft Responding to the invitation, Burns expressed his honour, stating that the inclusion of the Central Intelligence Agency in the cabinet acknowledges the agency's indispensable role in safeguarding national security on a daily basis. (With input from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

President Biden elevates CIA Director William Burns to cabinet position

<p>President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military.</p>

<h2><strong>Admiral Lisa Franchetti's remarkable career</strong></h2>

<p>With an illustrious career spanning 38 years as a commissioned officer, Admiral Franchetti's nomination is a testament to her dedication and exceptional service to the nation. She currently serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and holds the prestigious rank of four-star admiral, becoming only the second woman in US Navy history to achieve this distinction, as reported by AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>A trailblazing journey</strong></h2>

<p>Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has commanded various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess. She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-classified-documents-case-trail-set-for-may-20-2024-months-before-us-prez-polls-618231">Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls</a></p>

<p>If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will not only make history as the first woman to lead the Navy but will also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff. This milestone marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military.</p>

<h2><strong>Uncertain Senate confirmation amid political obstruction</strong></h2>

<p>While Admiral Mike Gilday's four-year term as head of the Navy is nearing its completion, there is uncertainty surrounding Admiral Franchetti's Senate confirmation. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's objections to over 200 senior military nominations have created delays in the confirmation process, citing opposition to the Pentagon's assistance to troops seeking reproductive health care in locations where it is not readily available.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's call for swift confirmation</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the political obstruction, President Biden has criticised Senator Tuberville's actions, emphasising the urgency of approving these nominations. Delaying confirmation poses risks, especially during times of evolving security environments and intense global competition. It threatens the nation's ability to maintain the status of the United States Armed Forces as the world's greatest fighting force.</p>

<p>In the event that Admiral Franchetti is not confirmed before Admiral Gilday's departure, she will still assume the role in her capacity as his deputy. A similar situation has been witnessed in the Marine Corps, where General Eric Smith, the assistant commandant, has been nominated to lead the service but has yet to be confirmed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blackstone achieves feat amid slowdown in global deals</strong></p>

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<p>Aside from the Navy, other top military officers are also set to leave their positions in the coming months, including Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. These transitions further highlight the significance of Admiral Franchetti's nomination and the importance of a smooth and efficient confirmation process.</p>

<p>President Biden's nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the potential head of the US Navy marks a historic moment for gender equality and female representation in the US military.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military.

President Joe Biden made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing his nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the head of the US Navy. If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will become the first woman to hold this esteemed position and also serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the US military. Admiral Lisa Franchetti's remarkable career With an illustrious career spanning 38 years as a commissioned officer, Admiral Franchetti's nomination is a testament to her dedication and exceptional service to the nation. She currently serves as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and holds the prestigious rank of four-star admiral, becoming only the second woman in US Navy history to achieve this distinction, as reported by AFP. A trailblazing journey Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has commanded various surface vessels, showcasing her leadership prowess. She has held key roles, including commander of a guided missile destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and two carrier strike groups. Her expertise extends to global affairs, having served as the deputy commander of US naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development. Also read | Donald Trump classified documents case trial set for May 20, months before US prez polls If confirmed, Admiral Franchetti will not only make history as the first woman to lead the Navy but will also become the first woman to serve on the esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff. This milestone marks a significant step towards greater gender equality and representation at the highest levels of the US military. Uncertain Senate confirmation amid political obstruction While Admiral Mike Gilday's four-year term as head of the Navy is nearing its completion, there is uncertainty surrounding Admiral Franchetti's Senate confirmation. Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's objections to over 200 senior military nominations have created delays in the confirmation process, citing opposition to the Pentagon's assistance to troops seeking reproductive health care in locations where it is not readily available. Biden's call for swift confirmation In response to the political obstruction, President Biden has criticised Senator Tuberville's actions, emphasising the urgency of approving these nominations. Delaying confirmation poses risks, especially during times of evolving security environments and intense global competition. It threatens the nation's ability to maintain the status of the United States Armed Forces as the world's greatest fighting force. In the event that Admiral Franchetti is not confirmed before Admiral Gilday's departure, she will still assume the role in her capacity as his deputy. A similar situation has been witnessed in the Marine Corps, where General Eric Smith, the assistant commandant, has been nominated to lead the service but has yet to be confirmed. Also watch | Blackstone achieves feat amid slowdown in global deals Aside from the Navy, other top military officers are also set to leave their positions in the coming months, including Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. These transitions further highlight the significance of Admiral Franchetti's nomination and the importance of a smooth and efficient confirmation process. President Biden's nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the potential head of the US Navy marks a historic moment for gender equality and female representation in the US military. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, President Joe Biden chooses a female admiral to lead US Navy

<p>A rare and captivating sight stunned the Louisiana waters in the US recently as Thurman Gustin, an experienced fisherman with over two decades of experience, spotted not one but two pink dolphins swimming in Cameron Parish near the Gulf of Mexico on July 12.</p>

<p>Capturing the extraordinary encounter on video, Gustin shared it on Facebook, which quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention to the beautiful mammal that graced the region's waters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rare pink dolphin spotted in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. So beautiful. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarineLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarineLife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildlife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildlife</a><br />
<br />
🎥 by Thurman Gustin <a href="https://t.co/ZQXw98AWRq">pic.twitter.com/ZQXw98AWRq</a></p>
— Brad Bo 🇺🇸 (@BradBeauregardJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradBeauregardJ/status/1681731032507138051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>An unprecedented experience</strong></h2>

<p>Having witnessed numerous dolphin sightings in the area, Gustin admitted that this particular encounter took him completely by surprise.</p>

<p>Even comparing it to his most remarkable wildlife experiences, such as observing a bobcat swimming across a bayou in Texas, he emphasised that nothing compared to the beauty of the pink dolphins.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alabama-hospitals-first-animal-patient-a-sea-turtle-gets-ct-scan-images-go-viral-616351">Alabama hospital's first animal patient, a sea turtle, gets CT scan; Images go viral</a></p>

<h2><strong>A rare occurrence</strong></h2>

<p>Gustin expressed his astonishment at the rarity of such sightings, stating that despite his frequent visits to Louisiana, he had never come across anything like this before. The uniqueness of the encounter left a lasting impression on him, describing it as an unforgettable experience.</p>

<h2><strong>The mystery of the pink dolphins</strong></h2>

<p>While the pink river dolphin species inhabits freshwater river basins in South America, it is unlikely to be the species encountered by Gustin in Louisiana's waters. The most probable candidates are bottlenose dolphins, which are typically seen with grey coloration, common in the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins displaying pink or white colouring are considered rare and are often attributed to albinism, according to the Blue World Institute.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-shark-attack-us-military-aspirants-life-saved-by-surfer-friend-617726">Florida shark attack: US military aspirant's life saved by surfer friend</a></p>

<h2><strong>The enigma of 'Pinky'</strong></h2>

<p>Speculations arise that the pink dolphin Gustin encountered might be none other than 'Pinky,' a renowned dolphin known to inhabit southern Louisiana.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Netflix’s revenue reality check</strong></p>

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<p>First sighted in 2007 in the Calcasieu River, Pinky shares characteristics consistent with an albino dolphin, including reddish eyes and visible blood vessels due to the lack of pigment. The unique appearance of Pinky has earned her a considerable following on Facebook, where people share their own encounters with this extraordinary creature.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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A rare and captivating sight stunned the Louisiana waters in the US recently as Thurman Gustin, an experienced fisherman with over two decades of experience, spotted not one but two pink dolphins swimming in Cameron Parish near the Gulf of Mexico on July 12.

A rare and captivating sight stunned the Louisiana waters in the US recently as Thurman Gustin, an experienced fisherman with over two decades of experience, spotted not one but two pink dolphins swimming in Cameron Parish near the Gulf of Mexico on July 12. Capturing the extraordinary encounter on video, Gustin shared it on Facebook, which quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention to the beautiful mammal that graced the region's waters. Watch the video here: Rare pink dolphin spotted in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. So beautiful. #MarineLife #wildlife 🎥 by Thurman Gustin pic.twitter.com/ZQXw98AWRq — Brad Bo 🇺🇸 (@BradBeauregardJ) July 19, 2023 × An unprecedented experience Having witnessed numerous dolphin sightings in the area, Gustin admitted that this particular encounter took him completely by surprise. Even comparing it to his most remarkable wildlife experiences, such as observing a bobcat swimming across a bayou in Texas, he emphasised that nothing compared to the beauty of the pink dolphins. Also read | Alabama hospital's first animal patient, a sea turtle, gets CT scan; Images go viral A rare occurrence Gustin expressed his astonishment at the rarity of such sightings, stating that despite his frequent visits to Louisiana, he had never come across anything like this before. The uniqueness of the encounter left a lasting impression on him, describing it as an unforgettable experience. The mystery of the pink dolphins While the pink river dolphin species inhabits freshwater river basins in South America, it is unlikely to be the species encountered by Gustin in Louisiana's waters. The most probable candidates are bottlenose dolphins, which are typically seen with grey coloration, common in the Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins displaying pink or white colouring are considered rare and are often attributed to albinism, according to the Blue World Institute. Also read | Florida shark attack: US military aspirant's life saved by surfer friend The enigma of 'Pinky' Speculations arise that the pink dolphin Gustin encountered might be none other than 'Pinky,' a renowned dolphin known to inhabit southern Louisiana. Also watch | Netflix’s revenue reality check First sighted in 2007 in the Calcasieu River, Pinky shares characteristics consistent with an albino dolphin, including reddish eyes and visible blood vessels due to the lack of pigment. The unique appearance of Pinky has earned her a considerable following on Facebook, where people share their own encounters with this extraordinary creature. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Pink dolphins make a splash in Louisiana waters, leaving social media stunned

<p>Donald Trump, the former US President, confronted a pressing deadline of midnight on Thursday (July 20)&nbsp;to determine whether he would appear before a Washington grand jury convened by Special Counsel Jack Smith.</p>

<p>The grand jury's purpose was to deliberate on federal charges related to Trump's alleged election subversion and incitement of the attack on Congress on January 6, 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Prosecutors assemble evidence for charges</strong></h2>

<p>Late on Wednesday (July 19),&nbsp;prosecutors had amassed evidence that could lead to charges against Trump for three specific crimes, reported the Guardian.</p>

<p>These charges included obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and a unique statute that pertains to conspiring to violate civil rights.</p>

<p>The potential penalties for these crimes are significant, with obstruction of an official proceeding carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, conspiracy to defraud the United States carrying a maximum of five years, and the civil rights charge carrying a potential 10-year sentence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-expects-to-be-charged-over-the-january-6-attack-on-us-capitol-617776">Trump says he expects to be charged over the January 6 attack on US Capitol</a></p>

<h2><strong>Trump's refusal to testify and expected indictments</strong></h2>

<p>By Thursday afternoon, it seemed evident that Trump would not agree to testify before the grand jury. Meanwhile, expectations were rising that indictments regarding his attempted election subversion would soon surface at both the federal level and in Fulton County, Georgia, where a grand jury was recently formed to consider charges.</p>

<p>Additionally, 16 people were charged this week in Michigan over a "false electors" scheme, further highlighting the gravity of election-related investigations.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's complex relationship with House speaker Kevin McCarthy</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday morning, a Politico report shed light on an intricate situation involving Trump and Kevin McCarthy, the Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives.</p>

<p>McCarthy had promised to hold a vote on expunging Trump's two impeachments, one from 2019 and the other for inciting the Capitol attack.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US soldier detained in North Korea</strong></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

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<p>Trump reportedly coerced McCarthy into this promise after the speaker refused to endorse him in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.</p>

<p>However, the success of the vote to expunge the impeachments was uncertain, given the narrow majority Republicans held in the House, and the potential resistance from some party members who voted to impeach Trump.</p>

<p>Despite facing multiple criminal charges, Trump continued to lead in polling averages for the Republican primary, maintaining a considerable advantage. Notably, his alleged criminal activities spanned hush-money payments, retention of classified documents, and election subversion. Nevertheless, Trump vehemently denied all wrongdoing, pleading not guilty to all charges.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, polls for a hypothetical general election showed Trump in a close race with President Joe Biden, causing concern among some observers about the former president's potential return to the White House. The Republican party's reluctance to take a strong stance against Trump, despite private concerns about him, further fuelled worries about the party's unity and its potential impact on the nation.</p>

<h2><strong>The looming legal battles</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's legal battles were set to collide with the Republican primary calendar. Civil trials in New York were scheduled for October and January, while the criminal cases were also due for trial later this year. Trump's legal team sought to delay the trials until after the general election, where a Republican president could potentially intervene and dismiss the cases.&nbsp;</p>

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Donald Trump, the former US President, confronted a pressing deadline of midnight on Thursday (July 20) to determine whether he would appear before a Washington grand jury convened by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Donald Trump, the former US President, confronted a pressing deadline of midnight on Thursday (July 20) to determine whether he would appear before a Washington grand jury convened by Special Counsel Jack Smith. The grand jury's purpose was to deliberate on federal charges related to Trump's alleged election subversion and incitement of the attack on Congress on January 6, 2021. Prosecutors assemble evidence for charges Late on Wednesday (July 19), prosecutors had amassed evidence that could lead to charges against Trump for three specific crimes, reported the Guardian. These charges included obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and a unique statute that pertains to conspiring to violate civil rights. The potential penalties for these crimes are significant, with obstruction of an official proceeding carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, conspiracy to defraud the United States carrying a maximum of five years, and the civil rights charge carrying a potential 10-year sentence. Also read | Trump says he expects to be charged over the January 6 attack on US Capitol Trump's refusal to testify and expected indictments By Thursday afternoon, it seemed evident that Trump would not agree to testify before the grand jury. Meanwhile, expectations were rising that indictments regarding his attempted election subversion would soon surface at both the federal level and in Fulton County, Georgia, where a grand jury was recently formed to consider charges. Additionally, 16 people were charged this week in Michigan over a "false electors" scheme, further highlighting the gravity of election-related investigations. Trump's complex relationship with House speaker Kevin McCarthy On Thursday morning, a Politico report shed light on an intricate situation involving Trump and Kevin McCarthy, the Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives. McCarthy had promised to hold a vote on expunging Trump's two impeachments, one from 2019 and the other for inciting the Capitol attack. Also watch | US soldier detained in North Korea Trump reportedly coerced McCarthy into this promise after the speaker refused to endorse him in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. However, the success of the vote to expunge the impeachments was uncertain, given the narrow majority Republicans held in the House, and the potential resistance from some party members who voted to impeach Trump. Despite facing multiple criminal charges, Trump continued to lead in polling averages for the Republican primary, maintaining a considerable advantage. Notably, his alleged criminal activities spanned hush-money payments, retention of classified documents, and election subversion. Nevertheless, Trump vehemently denied all wrongdoing, pleading not guilty to all charges. Surprisingly, polls for a hypothetical general election showed Trump in a close race with President Joe Biden, causing concern among some observers about the former president's potential return to the White House. The Republican party's reluctance to take a strong stance against Trump, despite private concerns about him, further fuelled worries about the party's unity and its potential impact on the nation. The looming legal battles Trump's legal battles were set to collide with the Republican primary calendar. Civil trials in New York were scheduled for October and January, while the criminal cases were also due for trial later this year. Trump's legal team sought to delay the trials until after the general election, where a Republican president could potentially intervene and dismiss the cases. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Ex-President Trump faces midnight deadline to decide whether to appear before grand jury

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing on Thursday, state media reported, describing the 100-year-old as a "legendary diplomat".

Xi Jinping meets former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in Beijing

As per a WSJ report, Beijing-based hackers gained access to the email account of the US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. State Department says that the investigation is going on. The account of Daniel Kritenbrink, who is the assistant secretary of state for East Asia was also hacked earlier. With this, Burns and Kritenbrink join US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, as the publicly named victims of espionage from China. Raimondo's account was targeted weeks before Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in June. This in turn has thrown Microsoft’s security practices under scrutiny. The federal government uses the tech giant's software for its e-mail. Microsoft last week said that Chinese hackers misappropriated one of its digital keys and used a flaw in its code to steal emails from US Government agencies and other clients.

Chinese hackers strike the US again

The nuclear alarm has rung again this time the country to issue the threat is North Korea. Pyongyang says the legal conditions under which it would use its nuclear weapon have been fulfilled. The potential trigger is the current Port visit of a US nuclear-capable submarine to South Korea. None other than the North Korean defence minister himself has issued the warning.

North Korea issues nuclear threat

<p>The Florida board of education has faced criticism from educators and civil rights groups after approving new guidelines for teaching Black American history.</p>

<p>The guidelines include "benchmark clarifications" for middle school students, addressing how slaves developed skills for personal benefit.</p>

<p>While some argue that these guidelines shed light on the resilience of enslaved individuals, others view them as an attempt to downplay the horrors of slavery. The approval is part of Florida's efforts to combat what Governor Ron DeSantis calls "woke indoctrination."</p>

<h2><strong>Highlighting slavery and racist violence</strong></h2>

<p>The approved teaching guidelines for kindergarten through high school delve into challenging subjects like slavery and racist violence.</p>

<p>Florida's Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr, stated that the curriculum includes both positive and negative aspects of history, maintaining a comprehensive approach to Black American history, reported Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-resumes-capital-punishment-first-execution-since-suspension-set-to-take-place-617956"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Alabama resumes capital punishment: First execution since suspension set to take place</a></p>

<h2><strong>Reframing the narrative</strong></h2>

<p>William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, members of the working group behind the guidelines, defend the new language, explaining that it aims to showcase the agency and resilience of slaves.</p>

<p>They argue that Florida students should understand how enslaved individuals made the most of their circumstances to benefit themselves and their African descendant community.</p>

<h2><strong>Criticism from civil rights groups</strong></h2>

<p>Civil rights groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), expressed strong disapproval of the board's decision. NAACP President Derrick Johnson criticised the guidelines, viewing them as an attempt to romanticise a dark chapter in American history, disregarding the dehumanisation and suffering endured by enslaved Black Americans.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Tesla's profit margin suffers amid price wars</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Education association's concerns</strong></h2>

<p>Florida's Education Association teachers' union raised concerns over the new standards, stating that they validated teachers' fears following the enactment of laws targeting "woke" ideology in the state. The guidelines' approval aligns with Governor DeSantis' efforts to combat what he perceives as leftist influence in education.</p>

<h2><strong>Florida's stance on critical race theory</strong></h2>

<p>The state of Florida, alongside several others, has banned the teaching of critical race theory, which examines the role of systemic racism in shaping laws and institutions in the United States. These legislative measures reflect a broader national debate over how history and race are taught in American classrooms.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The Florida board of education has faced criticism from educators and civil rights groups after approving new guidelines for teaching Black American history. The guidelines include "benchmark clarifications" for middle school students, addressing how slaves developed skills for personal benefit.

The Florida board of education has faced criticism from educators and civil rights groups after approving new guidelines for teaching Black American history. The guidelines include "benchmark clarifications" for middle school students, addressing how slaves developed skills for personal benefit. While some argue that these guidelines shed light on the resilience of enslaved individuals, others view them as an attempt to downplay the horrors of slavery. The approval is part of Florida's efforts to combat what Governor Ron DeSantis calls "woke indoctrination." Highlighting slavery and racist violence The approved teaching guidelines for kindergarten through high school delve into challenging subjects like slavery and racist violence. Florida's Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr, stated that the curriculum includes both positive and negative aspects of history, maintaining a comprehensive approach to Black American history, reported Reuters. Also read | Alabama resumes capital punishment: First execution since suspension set to take place Reframing the narrative William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, members of the working group behind the guidelines, defend the new language, explaining that it aims to showcase the agency and resilience of slaves. They argue that Florida students should understand how enslaved individuals made the most of their circumstances to benefit themselves and their African descendant community. Criticism from civil rights groups Civil rights groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), expressed strong disapproval of the board's decision. NAACP President Derrick Johnson criticised the guidelines, viewing them as an attempt to romanticise a dark chapter in American history, disregarding the dehumanisation and suffering endured by enslaved Black Americans. Also watch | Tesla's profit margin suffers amid price wars Education association's concerns Florida's Education Association teachers' union raised concerns over the new standards, stating that they validated teachers' fears following the enactment of laws targeting "woke" ideology in the state. The guidelines' approval aligns with Governor DeSantis' efforts to combat what he perceives as leftist influence in education. Florida's stance on critical race theory The state of Florida, alongside several others, has banned the teaching of critical race theory, which examines the role of systemic racism in shaping laws and institutions in the United States. These legislative measures reflect a broader national debate over how history and race are taught in American classrooms. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Florida introduces fresh guidelines on teaching Black history, receives flak

When it comes to claiming the jackpot in a Powerball lottery you can imagine the odds are one in 292 million. But a very lucky Powerball player in Southern California has won the lottery of 1 billion dollars. It is the third time that the Powerball jackpot prize has reached 1 billion dollars.

US: Unknown person wins the Powerball lottery prize of $1 billion dollars

<p>Alabama executed a man on Friday (July 21) in a move that&nbsp;officially marks the&nbsp;resumption of&nbsp;capital punishment in the US state.&nbsp;James Barber, aged 64,&nbsp;was convicted of brutally murdering 75-year-old Dorothy Epps during a robbery at her home in Harvest in 2001.</p>

<p>The execution, the state's first since February,&nbsp;took&nbsp;place at the William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore via lethal injection, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to a series of botched executions last year, Governor Kay Ivey halted capital punishment in November and initiated a review of the lethal injection process in Alabama.</p>

<p>The suspension aimed to address concerns surrounding the execution procedures. After implementing improvements, such as adding medical professionals, acquiring new equipment, and conducting rehearsals for executions, Governor Ivey lifted the suspension and allowed executions to resume.</p>

<p>The state also extended the time permitted for an execution to be completed before the expiration of the death warrant.</p>

<h2><strong>Barber's appeal denied</strong></h2>

<p>James Barber made a last-minute appeal to the United States Court of Appeals, contending that his execution should be halted due to the substantial risk of serious harm and "torture" posed by current protocols. However, the court denied his appeal on Wednesday (July 19), clearing the path for his execution.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Controversy surrounding capital punishment</strong></h2>

<p>Capital punishment in the United States has been mired in legal and ethical debates, primarily due to the occurrence of botched executions and challenges in obtaining the necessary drugs for lethal injections.</p>

<p>In recent years, the number of executions in the country has significantly decreased compared to a record high of 98 executions in 1999. Capital punishment was reinstated in the United States in 1976.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-las-vegas-police-serve-search-warrant-in-long-unsolved-shooting-of-rapper-tupac-shakur-617234">US: Las Vegas police serve search warrant in long-unsolved shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur</a></p>

<h2><strong>Execution statistics</strong></h2>

<p>According to data from the Death Penalty Information Centre, 78 death row inmates have been executed in the United States over the past five years. This decline in the number of executions reflects the ongoing debates surrounding the use of the death penalty as a form of punishment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Alabama executed a man on Friday (July 21) in a move that officially marks the resumption of capital punishment in the US state. James Barber, aged 64, was convicted of brutally murdering 75-year-old Dorothy Epps during a robbery at her home in Harvest in 2001.

Alabama executed a man on Friday (July 21) in a move that officially marks the resumption of capital punishment in the US state. James Barber, aged 64, was convicted of brutally murdering 75-year-old Dorothy Epps during a robbery at her home in Harvest in 2001. The execution, the state's first since February, took place at the William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore via lethal injection, reported Reuters. In response to a series of botched executions last year, Governor Kay Ivey halted capital punishment in November and initiated a review of the lethal injection process in Alabama. The suspension aimed to address concerns surrounding the execution procedures. After implementing improvements, such as adding medical professionals, acquiring new equipment, and conducting rehearsals for executions, Governor Ivey lifted the suspension and allowed executions to resume. The state also extended the time permitted for an execution to be completed before the expiration of the death warrant. Barber's appeal denied James Barber made a last-minute appeal to the United States Court of Appeals, contending that his execution should be halted due to the substantial risk of serious harm and "torture" posed by current protocols. However, the court denied his appeal on Wednesday (July 19), clearing the path for his execution. Also watch | What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection? Controversy surrounding capital punishment Capital punishment in the United States has been mired in legal and ethical debates, primarily due to the occurrence of botched executions and challenges in obtaining the necessary drugs for lethal injections. In recent years, the number of executions in the country has significantly decreased compared to a record high of 98 executions in 1999. Capital punishment was reinstated in the United States in 1976. Also read | US: Las Vegas police serve search warrant in long-unsolved shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur Execution statistics According to data from the Death Penalty Information Centre, 78 death row inmates have been executed in the United States over the past five years. This decline in the number of executions reflects the ongoing debates surrounding the use of the death penalty as a form of punishment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Alabama resumes capital punishment: Man executed for murdering a woman

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden is once again under scrutiny. Two whistleblowers have testified against Hunter in an ongoing investigation for tax evasion. This investigation was not only targeting Hunter but also holds ramifications for the president of the Internal Revenue Service.

Whistleblowers in Hunter Biden case testify before Congress

<p>Goldman&nbsp;Sachs reported a steep drop in second-quarter profits Wednesday (July 19) as it continued to struggle with an anemic merger and acquisition market and weakness in trading.</p>

<p>Profits came in at $1.1 billion, down 62 per cent from the year-ago period. Revenues fell eight percent to $10.9 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-seeks-to-expand-german-factory-to-make-it-biggest-in-country-617442">Tesla seeks to expand German factory to make it biggest in country</a></strong></p>

<p>The big investment bank, which has essentially abandoned a once-touted push to compete with retail banks for Main Street consumers, pointed to a "significant decline in industry-wide completed mergers and acquisitions transactions" as a drag on its critical global banking and markets division.</p>

<p>Revenues also tumbled in trades connected to fixed income, commodities and &nbsp;currencies; revenues were flat in equities trading.</p>

<p>Goldman&nbsp;also suffered a drop in its other main division, asset and wealth management, citing net losses and markdowns in real estate.</p>

<p>In a June interview on CNBC,&nbsp;Goldman&nbsp;Sachs Chief executive David Solomon had warned of the hit to commercial real estate in the wake of higher interest rates and a shift to remote work.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/equity-benchmark-indices-hit-fresh-peaks-sensex-breaches-67000-mark-in-intra-day-trade-617101">Equity benchmark indices hit fresh peaks; Sensex breaches 67,000-mark in intra-day trade</a></strong></p>

<p>Solomon has come under scrutiny over his management of the bank's consumer banking business, which was begun by predecessor Lloyd Blankfein but aggressively expanded by Solomon.</p>

<p>A recent Wall Street Journal expose described the storied firm as at "war with itself," highlighting widespread complaints of partners about Solomon, who championed the acquisition of fintech platform GreenSky in 2021, an asset the bank now plans to divest.</p>

<p>Shares of&nbsp;Goldman&nbsp;dipped 0.1 per cent to $336.95 in pre-market trading.</p>

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Goldman Sachs reported a steep drop in second-quarter profits Wednesday (July 19) as it continued to struggle with an anemic merger and acquisition market and weakness in trading.

Goldman Sachs reported a steep drop in second-quarter profits Wednesday (July 19) as it continued to struggle with an anemic merger and acquisition market and weakness in trading. Profits came in at $1.1 billion, down 62 per cent from the year-ago period. Revenues fell eight percent to $10.9 billion. Also read | Tesla seeks to expand German factory to make it biggest in country The big investment bank, which has essentially abandoned a once-touted push to compete with retail banks for Main Street consumers, pointed to a "significant decline in industry-wide completed mergers and acquisitions transactions" as a drag on its critical global banking and markets division. Revenues also tumbled in trades connected to fixed income, commodities and currencies; revenues were flat in equities trading. Goldman also suffered a drop in its other main division, asset and wealth management, citing net losses and markdowns in real estate. In a June interview on CNBC, Goldman Sachs Chief executive David Solomon had warned of the hit to commercial real estate in the wake of higher interest rates and a shift to remote work. Also read | Equity benchmark indices hit fresh peaks; Sensex breaches 67,000-mark in intra-day trade Solomon has come under scrutiny over his management of the bank's consumer banking business, which was begun by predecessor Lloyd Blankfein but aggressively expanded by Solomon. A recent Wall Street Journal expose described the storied firm as at "war with itself," highlighting widespread complaints of partners about Solomon, who championed the acquisition of fintech platform GreenSky in 2021, an asset the bank now plans to divest. Shares of Goldman dipped 0.1 per cent to $336.95 in pre-market trading. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Goldman Sachs reports 62% drop in Q2 profits on low merger activity

In a big boost to corporate governance in the US, the country's anti-trust regulators have come up guidelines on the kind of mergers & acquisitions it objects to. The guidelines are particularly significant for the tech sector where the Biden administration has mounted legal battles over several deals. That's amid fears that big tech companies are becoming too big to govern.

New antitrust rules likely to impact big tech firms

US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden is once again under scrutiny. Two whistleblowers have testified against Hunter in an ongoing investigation for tax evasion. This investigation was not only targeting Hunter but also holds ramifications for the president of the Internal Revenue Service.

Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden under probe for tax felonies

<p>As the United States is recording scorching temperatures and oppressive heatwaves, road rage incidents are on the rise, media reports said citing studies that build a correlation between heat and aggressive road behaviour.&nbsp;While road rage can be triggered by various reasons, the prolonged and intense heatwaves this summer are identified as a major factor contributing to increased aggressive behaviour&nbsp;on the roads.</p>

<h2><strong>Fatal road rage incidents in Texas, New York</strong></h2>

<p>In Texas, where record-breaking heatwaves and triple-digit temperatures are seen, a tragic road rage incident resulted in the death of a 37-year-old woman. The victim's husband reported that an altercation with another driver escalated when the other driver fired shots at their car, ultimately killing his wife.</p>

<p>“I completed the pass. I got into the right lane, and he started to zoom past me … But then he leveled off when he got to me, and he like moved over, like pushing me but not touching me because I moved over too," Zane Jones told in a conversation with CBS media portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fed-fines-deutsche-bank-186-million-for-inefficient-action-to-restrain-money-laundering-617784">Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering</a></p>

<p>Jones said that he showed his middle finger to the driver. He thought that a similar gesture will be returned. However, he soon found the other driver pulling out a gun and aiming it at them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in New York, a minor collision between two vehicles led to a deadly road rage incident. After an argument, one driver slashed the other driver's tires, and in response, the second driver accelerated, fatally pinning the aggressor against a building.</p>

<h2><strong>Correlation between heat and aggressive road behaviour</strong></h2>

<p>Studies over the years have demonstrated a clear correlation between aggressive road behaviour and hotter temperatures. As per a study that took into account the data from May to September of 2001 to 2011, US road accidents found a 3.4 per cent rise on heatwave days in comparison to non-heatwave days.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-powered-sex-robots-may-eliminate-need-for-human-partners-claims-former-google-executive-617766">Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners</a></p>

<p>Research from various sources cited by the Guardian indicated that drivers tend to display more aggressive actions, such as honking and making rude gestures, during extremely hot weather.</p>

<h2><strong>Psychological effects of heat on drivers</strong></h2>

<p>Hot temperatures can have significant impacts on drivers, including increased heart rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leigh Richardson of the Brain Performance Center in Texas said, “Research shows a link between aggression and extreme heat and it can manifest in your daily life, affecting the way you drive, making judgment errors. Intense heat puts stress on our organs. The heart can start to beat faster, the brain gets thrown into the fight-flight-freeze cycle threatening our psychological safety."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill</strong></p>

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<p>The heat-induced stress can trigger the fight-flight-freeze response in the brain, leading to more impulsive and reactive behaviors on the road.</p>

<h2><strong>Then, how does one prevent road rage during heatwaves?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Experts cited by Guardian suggested that several strategies to prevent road rage incidents during heatwaves can be employed.</p>

<p>These include redirecting one's thoughts and reevaluating perceived threats, staying hydrated to protect psychological well-being, using sun shades for windshields, and being aware that other drivers may also be affected by the heat and in a worse mood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I personally try to think of aggressive drivers the way I think about guard dogs: when they bark I don’t take it personally," said Douglas Kenrick, a psychology professor at Arizona State University.</p>

<p>“Count to 10 before raising one of those hand signals to someone who honks at you. I personally try to think of aggressive drivers the way I think about guard dogs: when they bark I don’t take it personally – just think, ‘Down boy,’” he added.&nbsp;</p>

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As the United States is recording scorching temperatures and oppressive heatwaves, road rage incidents are on the rise, media reports said citing studies that build a correlation between heat and aggressive road behaviour.

As the United States is recording scorching temperatures and oppressive heatwaves, road rage incidents are on the rise, media reports said citing studies that build a correlation between heat and aggressive road behaviour. While road rage can be triggered by various reasons, the prolonged and intense heatwaves this summer are identified as a major factor contributing to increased aggressive behaviour on the roads. Fatal road rage incidents in Texas, New York In Texas, where record-breaking heatwaves and triple-digit temperatures are seen, a tragic road rage incident resulted in the death of a 37-year-old woman. The victim's husband reported that an altercation with another driver escalated when the other driver fired shots at their car, ultimately killing his wife. “I completed the pass. I got into the right lane, and he started to zoom past me … But then he leveled off when he got to me, and he like moved over, like pushing me but not touching me because I moved over too," Zane Jones told in a conversation with CBS media portal. Also Read | Fed fines Deutsche Bank $186 million for inefficient action to restrain money laundering Jones said that he showed his middle finger to the driver. He thought that a similar gesture will be returned. However, he soon found the other driver pulling out a gun and aiming it at them. Similarly, in New York, a minor collision between two vehicles led to a deadly road rage incident. After an argument, one driver slashed the other driver's tires, and in response, the second driver accelerated, fatally pinning the aggressor against a building. Correlation between heat and aggressive road behaviour Studies over the years have demonstrated a clear correlation between aggressive road behaviour and hotter temperatures. As per a study that took into account the data from May to September of 2001 to 2011, US road accidents found a 3.4 per cent rise on heatwave days in comparison to non-heatwave days. Also Read | Robots for sex? Expert warns AI can 'eliminate' the need for human partners Research from various sources cited by the Guardian indicated that drivers tend to display more aggressive actions, such as honking and making rude gestures, during extremely hot weather. Psychological effects of heat on drivers Hot temperatures can have significant impacts on drivers, including increased heart rate. Leigh Richardson of the Brain Performance Center in Texas said, “Research shows a link between aggression and extreme heat and it can manifest in your daily life, affecting the way you drive, making judgment errors. Intense heat puts stress on our organs. The heart can start to beat faster, the brain gets thrown into the fight-flight-freeze cycle threatening our psychological safety." Watch | Israel: Protesters demand complete withdrawal of judicial bill × The heat-induced stress can trigger the fight-flight-freeze response in the brain, leading to more impulsive and reactive behaviors on the road. Then, how does one prevent road rage during heatwaves? Experts cited by Guardian suggested that several strategies to prevent road rage incidents during heatwaves can be employed. These include redirecting one's thoughts and reevaluating perceived threats, staying hydrated to protect psychological well-being, using sun shades for windshields, and being aware that other drivers may also be affected by the heat and in a worse mood. "I personally try to think of aggressive drivers the way I think about guard dogs: when they bark I don’t take it personally," said Douglas Kenrick, a psychology professor at Arizona State University. “Count to 10 before raising one of those hand signals to someone who honks at you. I personally try to think of aggressive drivers the way I think about guard dogs: when they bark I don’t take it personally – just think, ‘Down boy,’” he added. 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: Rising road rage incidents linked to scorching temperatures, oppressive heatwaves

<p>A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US officials have identified the soldier as Private 2nd Class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-detained-by-north-korea-after-crossing-inter-korean-border-during-tour-un-617084">Travis King</a>. He reportedly broke away from a South Korean orientation visit at the border Panmunjon truce village and intentionally crossed the frontier into North Korea. His motive for such a daring move remains unknown.</p>

<p>A tour member&nbsp;told CBS News that King, wearing&nbsp;civilian clothes, laughed out loud before&nbsp;running between some buildings.</p>

<h2><strong>Efforts to gather information and ensure safety</strong></h2>

<p>The State Department and the UN are closely coordinating their efforts to gather information on Private King's condition and location.</p>

<p>State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that they are actively working to ascertain details about King's well-being and whereabouts and have reached out to contacts within the North Korean military.</p>

<p>However, as of now, there has been no response from North Korean authorities.</p>

<p>Reports suggest that King was in the process of being sent back to the United States due to disciplinary issues. Nevertheless, he managed to make his way to Panmunjon and deliberately crossed the border without any authorisation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-into-sea-of-japan-amid-rising-tensions-617207">North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan amid rising tensions</a></p>

<p>Miller emphasised that the US administration is committed to ensuring the soldier's safety and reuniting him with his family. While diplomatic relations with Pyongyang are absent, the State Department is using other channels of communication and engaging with South Korea and Sweden to obtain any available information about King.</p>

<p>As of now, there is little clarity about the serviceman's current condition within North Korea. The situation remains a matter of concern for US authorities, and they continue to actively monitor the case.</p>

<h2><strong>Past legal issues</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to his unauthorised entry into North Korea, King had spent around two months in a local South Korean prison on assault charges. He was released from custody on July 10.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India</strong></p>

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<p>The incident has stirred curiosity and concern, and US officials are closely watching any developments in an attempt to ensure the safe return of Travis King.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian.

A US Army soldier, who is suspected to have been detained after crossing into North Korea from South Korea on Tuesday (July 18), was seen laughing as he ran over the heavily fortified border into the communist country, as reported by the Guardian. The US officials have identified the soldier as Private 2nd Class Travis King. He reportedly broke away from a South Korean orientation visit at the border Panmunjon truce village and intentionally crossed the frontier into North Korea. His motive for such a daring move remains unknown. A tour member told CBS News that King, wearing civilian clothes, laughed out loud before running between some buildings. Efforts to gather information and ensure safety The State Department and the UN are closely coordinating their efforts to gather information on Private King's condition and location. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that they are actively working to ascertain details about King's well-being and whereabouts and have reached out to contacts within the North Korean military. However, as of now, there has been no response from North Korean authorities. Reports suggest that King was in the process of being sent back to the United States due to disciplinary issues. Nevertheless, he managed to make his way to Panmunjon and deliberately crossed the border without any authorisation. Also read | North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan amid rising tensions Miller emphasised that the US administration is committed to ensuring the soldier's safety and reuniting him with his family. While diplomatic relations with Pyongyang are absent, the State Department is using other channels of communication and engaging with South Korea and Sweden to obtain any available information about King. As of now, there is little clarity about the serviceman's current condition within North Korea. The situation remains a matter of concern for US authorities, and they continue to actively monitor the case. Past legal issues Prior to his unauthorised entry into North Korea, King had spent around two months in a local South Korean prison on assault charges. He was released from custody on July 10. Also watch | Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India The incident has stirred curiosity and concern, and US officials are closely watching any developments in an attempt to ensure the safe return of Travis King. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Travis King: US soldier was laughing while crossing border into North Korea, witness says

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