<p>Earlier this month, Ottawa introduced a new programme under which 10,000 H1-B visa holders from the United States could opt for open work permits, allowing them to work and live in Canada. The scheme has since received an overwhelming response from the applicants as the slots which were supposed to be for the entire year were gone within hours!</p>

<h2><strong>What is ‘Open Work Permit’?</strong></h2>

<p>The open work permit stream allows H1-B visa holders from the US to live and work in Canada for three years. Additionally, family members of the approved applicants can also pursue studies or look for jobs within the country.</p>

<p>As a part of the scheme, the visa holders will have the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada. This comes as Canada seeks to attract highly skilled workers. The programme is also designed to enhance labour mobility between Canada and the US, particularly in the technology sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H1-B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H1-B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada,” the Canadian government said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, that the applicant’s “spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed.”</p>

<h2><strong>Indians to benefit?</strong></h2>

<p>H1-B visas allow foreign nationals to temporarily work in certain specialised fields, including the tech industry, which draws thousands of workers from countries like India and China every year.</p>

<p>Notably, Indians account for 75 per cent of H1-B visa holders in the US and are likely to be among the most of those who will benefit from&nbsp;the programme in Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gone within hours!</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The programme was supposed to go on for a year or until the Canadian government received 10,000 applications, but the latter won the race.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Canadian government’s website, they reached the 10,000 slot cap on July 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several potential applicants took to Twitter, on Tuesday (July 18), and posted a screenshot of the &nbsp;Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal which stated, “The temporary public policy for H1-B visa holders is now closed. The intake cap of 10,000 primary applicants was reached and no additional applications are being accepted.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Earlier this month, Ottawa introduced a new programme under which 10,000 H1-B visa holders from the United States could opt for open work permits, allowing them to work and live in Canada.

Earlier this month, Ottawa introduced a new programme under which 10,000 H1-B visa holders from the United States could opt for open work permits, allowing them to work and live in Canada. The scheme has since received an overwhelming response from the applicants as the slots which were supposed to be for the entire year were gone within hours! What is ‘Open Work Permit’? The open work permit stream allows H1-B visa holders from the US to live and work in Canada for three years. Additionally, family members of the approved applicants can also pursue studies or look for jobs within the country. As a part of the scheme, the visa holders will have the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada. This comes as Canada seeks to attract highly skilled workers. The programme is also designed to enhance labour mobility between Canada and the US, particularly in the technology sector. “Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H1-B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H1-B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada,” the Canadian government said in a statement. It added, that the applicant’s “spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed.” Indians to benefit? H1-B visas allow foreign nationals to temporarily work in certain specialised fields, including the tech industry, which draws thousands of workers from countries like India and China every year. Notably, Indians account for 75 per cent of H1-B visa holders in the US and are likely to be among the most of those who will benefit from the programme in Canada. Gone within hours! The programme was supposed to go on for a year or until the Canadian government received 10,000 applications, but the latter won the race. According to the Canadian government’s website, they reached the 10,000 slot cap on July 17. Several potential applicants took to Twitter, on Tuesday (July 18), and posted a screenshot of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal which stated, “The temporary public policy for H1-B visa holders is now closed. The intake cap of 10,000 primary applicants was reached and no additional applications are being accepted.” (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.

Canada’s open work permit scheme for US H-1B visa holders closes after receiving 10K applications within hours

US President Joe Biden meets his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog at the White House on Tuesday. Biden highlighted the close ties between the two Nations but concerns were raised over Israel's controversial judicial reforms as well as the ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank.

Biden-Netanyahu meet on cards

The United States is set to send additional fighter jets to West Asia. Pentagon will also send across a warship the transfer is aimed at monitoring key waterways in the region.

US to send jets to monitor key waterways in West Asia

<p>A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands. The Pacific island nation's foreign minister had called for more US money to deal with the legacy of massive U.S. nuclear testing to enable his country to extend a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Washington governing bilateral relations.</p>

<p>Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink told a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that the administration was "absolutely committed" to reaching an agreement with the Marshall Islands, calling such agreements "central to our entire position in the Pacific."</p>

<p>"Every one of our partners, sovereign partners, in the Pacific, they have their own needs, desires, their own politics," Kritenbrink said, declining to give more details about the negotiations. "We're working through that right now, but I'm confident that we will get there."</p>

<p>The Marshall Islands and two other Pacific island nations are covered by COFAs. Under this, the US has responsibility for their defence and providing economic assistance, while gaining exclusive access to huge strategic swathes of the Pacific.</p>

<p>In May, the US announced that it had finalised terms of COFA with Micronesia and Palau. However, talks with the Marshall Islands are yet to result in an agreement.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-is-likely-to-get-arrested-in-january-6-riot-case-617156">Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case</a></strong></p>

<p>Renewal of the deal, subject to approval from the Congress, has become a key part of US efforts to shore up its influence in the region.</p>

<p>China has been taking assertive steps to gain influence in the region traditionally considered to be backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Chinese assertiveness has shaken Western powers, including the US to renew efforts to engage with Pacific Island nations.</p>

<p>Under memorandums of understanding agreed this year, the US will commit a total of $7.1 billion over 20 years to the three nations.</p>

<p>Marshall Islanders are still plagued by health and environmental effects of 67 US nuclear bomb tests from 1946 to 1958, which included "Castle Bravo" at Bikini Atoll in 1954 - the largest US bomb ever detonated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands.

A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands. The Pacific island nation's foreign minister had called for more US money to deal with the legacy of massive U.S. nuclear testing to enable his country to extend a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Washington governing bilateral relations. Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink told a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that the administration was "absolutely committed" to reaching an agreement with the Marshall Islands, calling such agreements "central to our entire position in the Pacific." "Every one of our partners, sovereign partners, in the Pacific, they have their own needs, desires, their own politics," Kritenbrink said, declining to give more details about the negotiations. "We're working through that right now, but I'm confident that we will get there." The Marshall Islands and two other Pacific island nations are covered by COFAs. Under this, the US has responsibility for their defence and providing economic assistance, while gaining exclusive access to huge strategic swathes of the Pacific. In May, the US announced that it had finalised terms of COFA with Micronesia and Palau. However, talks with the Marshall Islands are yet to result in an agreement. Also Read | Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case Renewal of the deal, subject to approval from the Congress, has become a key part of US efforts to shore up its influence in the region. China has been taking assertive steps to gain influence in the region traditionally considered to be backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Chinese assertiveness has shaken Western powers, including the US to renew efforts to engage with Pacific Island nations. Under memorandums of understanding agreed this year, the US will commit a total of $7.1 billion over 20 years to the three nations. Marshall Islanders are still plagued by health and environmental effects of 67 US nuclear bomb tests from 1946 to 1958, which included "Castle Bravo" at Bikini Atoll in 1954 - the largest US bomb ever detonated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US upbeat about reaching agreement with Marshall Islands on COFA terms

Secretary of state Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with chip company CEOs, including Intel, Qualcomm, and Nvidia, seeking to understand the industry's perspective on supply chain issues. These talks follow secretary blinken's recent visit to china, aiming to navigate the complexities of doing business with the world's largest market for commodity semiconductors.

US top bosses discuss chip restrictions at semiconductor summit

<p>An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18).</p>

<h2><strong>UN command about the incident</strong></h2>

<p>The person, who was later identified as a US soldier, was said to have been taking part in a tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is a border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The village, where no civilians live, is located inside the 248-kilometre-long DMZ. The zone has been guarded by soldiers from both South Korea and North Korea&nbsp;since the end of the 1950-53 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-vows-to-punish-the-us-on-73rd-anniversary-of-korean-war-608664">Korean War</a>.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has scaled back its security presence on its side of the border at the JSA&nbsp;significantly.</p>

<p>The United States-led UN Command took to Twitter and wrote, “A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).”</p>

<p>It added, “We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident,” referring to North Korea’s People’s Army.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident. <a href="https://t.co/a6amvnJTuY">pic.twitter.com/a6amvnJTuY</a></p>
— United Nations Command 유엔군사령부/유엔사 (@UN_Command) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Command/status/1681241668622888960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>American soldier was facing&nbsp;disciplinary action</strong></h2>

<p>South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo daily, citing South Korea’s army, identified the person as Travis King, a US army soldier with the rank of private second class. Similarly, a&nbsp;Pentagon official told NPR&nbsp;on the condition of anonymity, that the man was a US army serviceman&nbsp;in civilian clothes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the US military in South Korea (USFK) and the UN Command,&nbsp;Colonel Isaac Taylor later confirmed that the man was an American soldier.</p>

<p>"A U.S. Service member on a JSA orientation tour willfully and without authorization crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)," said the Pentagon official, in a statement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He added, "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident." However, the US officials are yet to identify&nbsp;the man&nbsp;reported to be&nbsp;Travis King.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A report by Reuters&nbsp;citing two US officials, said the soldier had been due to face disciplinary action.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Eyewitness account</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the incident, the soldier was being escorted back to the US for disciplinary reasons but somehow managed to escape after going through airport security and joined the border tour, according to a report by CBS.<br />
<br />
An eyewitness, who was reportedly on the same tour,&nbsp;told&nbsp;CBS News that the group was visiting one of the buildings at the site when&nbsp;“this man gives out a loud ‘ha ha ha’ and just runs in between some buildings”.</p>

<p>“I thought it was a bad joke at first but, when he didn’t come back, I realised it wasn’t a joke and then everybody reacted and things got crazy,” they said.</p>

<p>The US State Department travel advisory bans <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-north-koreans-holds-rallies-denouncing-us-609023/#war-of-revenge-against-us-609024">American nations</a> from entering North Korea “due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US&nbsp;nationals.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restriction was imposed in 2015&nbsp;after US college student Otto Warmbier was detained by North Korean authorities while he was on a tour of the country. He died in 2017, days after he was released from North Korean prison and returned to the US in a state of coma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, cases of US or South Korean citizens defecting to North Korea are rare, while more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea&nbsp;since the end of the Korean War to escape political oppression and economic difficulties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds as one of their colleagues raced for his freedom, reported the Associated Press. He was later found under a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom and is reportedly living in South Korea after surviving the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in tensions between US and North Korea</strong></h2>

<p>The border incident came amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and with the US sending&nbsp;a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, which also arrived on Tuesday, for the first time in decades as deterrence against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launched-unidentified-ballistic-missile-says-south-korea-amid-live-fire-drills-with-us-604800">North Korea</a>.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18).

An American citizen has likely been detained by North Korea after crossing the military demarcation line separating the two Koreas without authorisation, said the United Nations Command, on Tuesday (July 18). UN command about the incident The person, who was later identified as a US soldier, was said to have been taking part in a tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) which is a border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. The village, where no civilians live, is located inside the 248-kilometre-long DMZ. The zone has been guarded by soldiers from both South Korea and North Korea since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has scaled back its security presence on its side of the border at the JSA significantly. The United States-led UN Command took to Twitter and wrote, “A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).” It added, “We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident,” referring to North Korea’s People’s Army. A U.S. National on a JSA orientation tour crossed, without authorization, the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident. pic.twitter.com/a6amvnJTuY — United Nations Command 유엔군사령부/유엔사 (@UN_Command) July 18, 2023 × American soldier was facing disciplinary action South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo daily, citing South Korea’s army, identified the person as Travis King, a US army soldier with the rank of private second class. Similarly, a Pentagon official told NPR on the condition of anonymity, that the man was a US army serviceman in civilian clothes. A spokesperson for the US military in South Korea (USFK) and the UN Command, Colonel Isaac Taylor later confirmed that the man was an American soldier. "A U.S. Service member on a JSA orientation tour willfully and without authorization crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)," said the Pentagon official, in a statement. He added, "We believe he is currently in DPRK custody and are working with our KPA counterparts to resolve this incident." However, the US officials are yet to identify the man reported to be Travis King. A report by Reuters citing two US officials, said the soldier had been due to face disciplinary action. Eyewitness account Prior to the incident, the soldier was being escorted back to the US for disciplinary reasons but somehow managed to escape after going through airport security and joined the border tour, according to a report by CBS. An eyewitness, who was reportedly on the same tour, told CBS News that the group was visiting one of the buildings at the site when “this man gives out a loud ‘ha ha ha’ and just runs in between some buildings”. “I thought it was a bad joke at first but, when he didn’t come back, I realised it wasn’t a joke and then everybody reacted and things got crazy,” they said. The US State Department travel advisory bans American nations from entering North Korea “due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US nationals.” The restriction was imposed in 2015 after US college student Otto Warmbier was detained by North Korean authorities while he was on a tour of the country. He died in 2017, days after he was released from North Korean prison and returned to the US in a state of coma. Notably, cases of US or South Korean citizens defecting to North Korea are rare, while more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the end of the Korean War to escape political oppression and economic difficulties. In 2017, North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds as one of their colleagues raced for his freedom, reported the Associated Press. He was later found under a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom and is reportedly living in South Korea after surviving the attack. Rise in tensions between US and North Korea The border incident came amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and with the US sending a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, which also arrived on Tuesday, for the first time in decades as deterrence against North Korea. (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 soldier likely detained by North Korea after crossing inter-Korean border during tour

<p>To understand why the United States is caught in a vicious circle of violence, it helps to look at a number of “only in America” statistics and explain the easy, legal way to get a gun in the country that accounts for less than five per cent of the world’s population and 46 per cent of global civilian gun ownership.</p>

<p>First, a little-known but startling statistic: There are around 78,000 federally licensed gun dealers in the country. That is more than all McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and Wendy’s locations combined, according to a recent count by Every Town for Gun Safety, an advocacy network founded a decade ago by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.</p>

<p>Since the beginning of the year, those dealers sold an estimated average of 42,000 guns a day and the rush for guns shows no signs of abating. That number is extrapolated from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) which was created in the wake of an unsuccessful 1981 attempt to assassinate then-President Ronald Reagan. His press secretary, James Brady, was permanently disabled by a gunshot wound in the attack.</p>

<p>Brady died in 1974. His wife, Sarah, founded the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence which keeps track of firearms sales on the basis of NICS Firearms Transaction Records, a short form prospective gun buyers need to complete to buy a firearm. The form is emailed by the dealer to the FBI which responds within minutes, reflecting the “instant” in NICS.</p>

<p>The Brady campaign filters out categories on the forms that are not directly related to sales and its estimates tend to be more conservative than those of other groups that equate NICS checks with sales. But there is consensus that over the years, the number of firearms in civilian hands has grown relentlessly and now far exceeds the population of 333.2 million.</p>

<p>While the American arsenal grew by millions in the first six months of the year, the death toll from firearms ran around 125 a day, roughly the average over the past few years. There were more suicides than murders. Mass shootings, defined by the Gun Violence Archive as at least four people killed or wounded, totalled 333 halfway through the year.</p>

<p>Worth noting: The astonishing numbers estimated on the basis of NICS minimise the huge size of the arsenal. A private citizen selling a firearm to another private citizen does not need to file a transaction record. How many such private deals are made is not known, which is why groups advocating for better controls have been calling for “universal background checks” for decades.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/only-in-america-an-epidemic-of-gun-violence-without-a-cure-556046"><strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure</strong></a><br />
<br />
Polls show overwhelming public support for such checks but a string of attempts to translate that into law has failed over the years thanks largely to vigorous and well-funded efforts by lobbyists for the gun industry, most prominently the National Rifle Association (NRA). It portrays itself as the key defender of the right to own guns enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US&nbsp;constitution.</p>

<p>To the uncountable number of privately-sold weapons, add a relatively new phenomenon –“ghost guns.” These are firearms assembled from kits sold online and have, in the words of Every Town for Gun Safety, become “a weapon of choice for violent criminals, including white supremacists.” Unlike guns produced by manufacturers, ghost guns carry no serial numbers and thus cannot be traced.</p>

<p>Ghost guns were a niche product for do-it-yourself enthusiasts for years but sales took off around 2009 when California state law banned the sale of semi-automatic rifles, like the AR-15. Since then, sales have risen steadily and several ghost guns have been linked to mass shootings, including one at Santa Monica College which killed six students.</p>

<p>By 2019, there were so many in circulation that authorities reported having recovered around 10,000 following shooting incidents around the country. In Washington, plagued by a series of carjackings by armed teenagers in the past few months, ghost guns were used in many of the incidents.</p>

<p>With so many guns in circulation, legally bought or home-made, who makes up the client base for more?</p>

<p>Recent research indicates that the demographic of gun ownership has been changing, a development experts link to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and the uncertainties it injected into daily life. The National Shooting Sports Federation, the firearms industry’s trade association, found that gun ownership among Black Americans jumped 56 per cent from 2019 to 2020, the first full year of the pandemic.</p>

<p>According to a recent preliminary study by Harvard University, a 14 per cent increase in gun purchases by women brought female gun ownership in the country to 42 per cent.</p>

<p>This is no longer the stereotypical demographic then presidential candidate Barack Obama apparently had in mind when, on the campaign trail in 2008, he referred to jobless working-class Americans in industrial towns as bitter people who “cling to guns and religion.”</p>

<p>The majority of gun owners are still white men but now, statistics indicate, of diverse backgrounds. Your friendly neighbourhood office commuter is just as likely to carry a gun as your car mechanic. You wouldn’t know because it would be tucked out of sight.</p>

<p>All 50 states allow citizens over 21 to carry a concealed handgun. In 27 states, no permit for “concealed carry” is required. In others, obtaining a permit is obligatory and can be difficult. Allowing citizens to carry their guns concealed without a permit has been a top priority of the firearms industry. Its leaders argue that there should be no bureaucratic hurdles to the constitutional right to guns.</p>

<p>One side-effect of greater numbers of women arming up is the growth of a fashion industry which designs clothes that make it easy to hide their guns and stay fashionable. Last year’s NRA convention featured a “concealed carry fashion show” where models displayed guns tucked into their underwear.</p>

<p>One website for the fashionable gunwoman shows a model wearing a floor-length evening dress over a gun held in an ankle holster. Another site offers a loose blouse with a large decorative front knot covering a gun. Purses with special compartments are also in demand.</p>

<p>Mass shootings have been almost exclusively the preserve of men and overall, men are more trigger-happy than women. But this may be changing if a recent shooting in the Texas city of El Paso serves as an indicator.</p>

<p>In mid-June, Phoebe Copas, a visitor from Kentucky, booked an Uber ride to take her to a casino in the city. El Paso adjoins the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez and the two are divided by the Rio Grande. When Copas saw a road sign to one of the border crossing points to Mexico, she told police, she thought she was being kidnapped.</p>

<p>Whereupon she took a gun out of her handbag and shot the Uber driver in the back of the head. The driver died. The shooter faces murder charges.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></em><br />
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To understand why the United States is caught in a vicious circle of violence, it helps to look at a number of “only in America” statistics and explain the easy, legal way to get a gun in the country that accounts for less than five per cent of the world’s population and 46 per cent of global civilian gun ownership.

To understand why the United States is caught in a vicious circle of violence, it helps to look at a number of “only in America” statistics and explain the easy, legal way to get a gun in the country that accounts for less than five per cent of the world’s population and 46 per cent of global civilian gun ownership. First, a little-known but startling statistic: There are around 78,000 federally licensed gun dealers in the country. That is more than all McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway and Wendy’s locations combined, according to a recent count by Every Town for Gun Safety, an advocacy network founded a decade ago by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Since the beginning of the year, those dealers sold an estimated average of 42,000 guns a day and the rush for guns shows no signs of abating. That number is extrapolated from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) which was created in the wake of an unsuccessful 1981 attempt to assassinate then-President Ronald Reagan. His press secretary, James Brady, was permanently disabled by a gunshot wound in the attack. Brady died in 1974. His wife, Sarah, founded the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence which keeps track of firearms sales on the basis of NICS Firearms Transaction Records, a short form prospective gun buyers need to complete to buy a firearm. The form is emailed by the dealer to the FBI which responds within minutes, reflecting the “instant” in NICS. The Brady campaign filters out categories on the forms that are not directly related to sales and its estimates tend to be more conservative than those of other groups that equate NICS checks with sales. But there is consensus that over the years, the number of firearms in civilian hands has grown relentlessly and now far exceeds the population of 333.2 million. While the American arsenal grew by millions in the first six months of the year, the death toll from firearms ran around 125 a day, roughly the average over the past few years. There were more suicides than murders. Mass shootings, defined by the Gun Violence Archive as at least four people killed or wounded, totalled 333 halfway through the year. Worth noting: The astonishing numbers estimated on the basis of NICS minimise the huge size of the arsenal. A private citizen selling a firearm to another private citizen does not need to file a transaction record. How many such private deals are made is not known, which is why groups advocating for better controls have been calling for “universal background checks” for decades. ALSO READ| Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure Polls show overwhelming public support for such checks but a string of attempts to translate that into law has failed over the years thanks largely to vigorous and well-funded efforts by lobbyists for the gun industry, most prominently the National Rifle Association (NRA). It portrays itself as the key defender of the right to own guns enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US constitution. To the uncountable number of privately-sold weapons, add a relatively new phenomenon –“ghost guns.” These are firearms assembled from kits sold online and have, in the words of Every Town for Gun Safety, become “a weapon of choice for violent criminals, including white supremacists.” Unlike guns produced by manufacturers, ghost guns carry no serial numbers and thus cannot be traced. Ghost guns were a niche product for do-it-yourself enthusiasts for years but sales took off around 2009 when California state law banned the sale of semi-automatic rifles, like the AR-15. Since then, sales have risen steadily and several ghost guns have been linked to mass shootings, including one at Santa Monica College which killed six students. By 2019, there were so many in circulation that authorities reported having recovered around 10,000 following shooting incidents around the country. In Washington, plagued by a series of carjackings by armed teenagers in the past few months, ghost guns were used in many of the incidents. With so many guns in circulation, legally bought or home-made, who makes up the client base for more? Recent research indicates that the demographic of gun ownership has been changing, a development experts link to the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and the uncertainties it injected into daily life. The National Shooting Sports Federation, the firearms industry’s trade association, found that gun ownership among Black Americans jumped 56 per cent from 2019 to 2020, the first full year of the pandemic. According to a recent preliminary study by Harvard University, a 14 per cent increase in gun purchases by women brought female gun ownership in the country to 42 per cent. This is no longer the stereotypical demographic then presidential candidate Barack Obama apparently had in mind when, on the campaign trail in 2008, he referred to jobless working-class Americans in industrial towns as bitter people who “cling to guns and religion.” The majority of gun owners are still white men but now, statistics indicate, of diverse backgrounds. Your friendly neighbourhood office commuter is just as likely to carry a gun as your car mechanic. You wouldn’t know because it would be tucked out of sight. All 50 states allow citizens over 21 to carry a concealed handgun. In 27 states, no permit for “concealed carry” is required. In others, obtaining a permit is obligatory and can be difficult. Allowing citizens to carry their guns concealed without a permit has been a top priority of the firearms industry. Its leaders argue that there should be no bureaucratic hurdles to the constitutional right to guns. One side-effect of greater numbers of women arming up is the growth of a fashion industry which designs clothes that make it easy to hide their guns and stay fashionable. Last year’s NRA convention featured a “concealed carry fashion show” where models displayed guns tucked into their underwear. One website for the fashionable gunwoman shows a model wearing a floor-length evening dress over a gun held in an ankle holster. Another site offers a loose blouse with a large decorative front knot covering a gun. Purses with special compartments are also in demand. Mass shootings have been almost exclusively the preserve of men and overall, men are more trigger-happy than women. But this may be changing if a recent shooting in the Texas city of El Paso serves as an indicator. In mid-June, Phoebe Copas, a visitor from Kentucky, booked an Uber ride to take her to a casino in the city. El Paso adjoins the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez and the two are divided by the Rio Grande. When Copas saw a road sign to one of the border crossing points to Mexico, she told police, she thought she was being kidnapped. Whereupon she took a gun out of her handbag and shot the Uber driver in the back of the head. The driver died. The shooter faces murder charges. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Americans respond to epidemic of gun violence by buying more guns

<p>An American nuclear-armed submarine has docked in South Korea for the first time in four decades, said a White House official, on Tuesday (July 18) amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and North Korea’s growing military threats.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Washington sends its nuclear-capable sub to South Korea</strong></h2>

<p>“As we speak, an American nuclear submarine is making port in Busan today,” Kurt Campbell, the White House Indo-Pacific coordinator told reporters in Seoul while there for the first Nuclear Consultative Group discussion with South Korean officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the last time Washington deployed one of its nuclear-capable submarines to South Korea was in 1981.</p>

<p>This comes months after the US had agreed to periodically deploy nuclear-armed subs in South Korea in a bid to counter North Korea’s growing aggression. The submarine, making the port call, is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, identified by South Korean officials as the USS Kentucky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military, in a statement, on Tuesday said that the sub, “reflects the United States’ ironclad commitment to the Republic of Korea for our extended deterrence guarantee,” referring to South Korea by its official name.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why now?</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement was first made when US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, met in Washington back in April. The leaders had sought to assure worried South Koreans that the US would defend its ally from North Korea amid Pyongyang’s growing nuclear arsenal.</p>

<p>During his visit, Yoon reaffirmed South Korea’s policy of not developing nuclear weapons and the two leaders announced a ‘Washington Declaration’. In line with this, Biden said any nuclear attack by the North against the South would prompt Washington to take “a swift, overwhelming and decisive response,” with “the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.”</p>

<p>This was months after Yoon told reporters that if Pyongyang’s programme “gets worse” then Seoul will also “introduce tactical nuclear weapons or build them on our own,” becoming the first South Korean president in decades to discuss the issue, alarming officials in the US.</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea warns against ‘foolish act’</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong said, “The U.S. should stop its foolish act of provoking the DPRK even by imperilling its security,” as quoted by the state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern that North Korea may conduct another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also criticised the US decision to send the nuclear-armed submarine and warned that such efforts to increase “extended deterrence” would push Pyongyang further from the negotiating table.</p>

<p>Last week, Pyongyang fired a suspected ICBM, which flew for more than an hour before landing near Japanese waters. The launch, criticised by the West, was also North Korea’s 15th, since the beginning of this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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An American nuclear-armed submarine has docked in South Korea for the first time in four decades, said a White House official, on Tuesday (July 18) amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and North Korea’s growing military threats.

An American nuclear-armed submarine has docked in South Korea for the first time in four decades, said a White House official, on Tuesday (July 18) amid a rise in tensions on the Korean peninsula and North Korea’s growing military threats. Washington sends its nuclear-capable sub to South Korea “As we speak, an American nuclear submarine is making port in Busan today,” Kurt Campbell, the White House Indo-Pacific coordinator told reporters in Seoul while there for the first Nuclear Consultative Group discussion with South Korean officials. Notably, the last time Washington deployed one of its nuclear-capable submarines to South Korea was in 1981. This comes months after the US had agreed to periodically deploy nuclear-armed subs in South Korea in a bid to counter North Korea’s growing aggression. The submarine, making the port call, is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, identified by South Korean officials as the USS Kentucky. The US military, in a statement, on Tuesday said that the sub, “reflects the United States’ ironclad commitment to the Republic of Korea for our extended deterrence guarantee,” referring to South Korea by its official name. Why now? The announcement was first made when US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, met in Washington back in April. The leaders had sought to assure worried South Koreans that the US would defend its ally from North Korea amid Pyongyang’s growing nuclear arsenal. During his visit, Yoon reaffirmed South Korea’s policy of not developing nuclear weapons and the two leaders announced a ‘Washington Declaration’. In line with this, Biden said any nuclear attack by the North against the South would prompt Washington to take “a swift, overwhelming and decisive response,” with “the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.” This was months after Yoon told reporters that if Pyongyang’s programme “gets worse” then Seoul will also “introduce tactical nuclear weapons or build them on our own,” becoming the first South Korean president in decades to discuss the issue, alarming officials in the US. North Korea warns against ‘foolish act’ On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong said, “The U.S. should stop its foolish act of provoking the DPRK even by imperilling its security,” as quoted by the state news agency KCNA. After White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern that North Korea may conduct another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. She also criticised the US decision to send the nuclear-armed submarine and warned that such efforts to increase “extended deterrence” would push Pyongyang further from the negotiating table. Last week, Pyongyang fired a suspected ICBM, which flew for more than an hour before landing near Japanese waters. The launch, criticised by the West, was also North Korea’s 15th, since the beginning of this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US nuclear-armed submarine docks in South Korea for first time since 1981

The US has handed over 105 stolen antiquities back to India. The historic decision comes right after PM Modi's state visit to the country. Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: US hands over 105 stolen antiquities to India

US President Joe Biden had formally extended an invitation to Israel's President Isaac Herzog to visit the White House. The invite came even as Washington's ties with the government in Israel remained icy. Israel's president is now in Washington. He is also expected to address a joint session on the US Congress in honour of Israel's 75th anniversary.

Isaac Herzog's high stake mission to Washington

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />Gun violence took centre&nbsp;stage as the prevailing theme of the year in the United States from the very beginning of 2023. Six months in, and the country has reached a sombre milestone that nobody ever aspired for—the deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.</p>

<p>From January 1 to June 30, the US went through a tough stretch. There were 28 mass killings during this time, and almost all of them involved guns, according to an analysis undertaken by the Associated Press.&nbsp;It seemed like every week the death toll went up, and it was a cycle of violence and sorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The milestone of 2023 has gone above and beyond, surpassing the previous record of 27 mass killings set in the second half of 2022.</p>

<p><strong>WION Data Lab </strong>brings you some staggering statistics&nbsp;on America's unique struggle with gun violence.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong><meta charset="utf-8" />American gun ownership rates are the highest in the world</strong></h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Bar Chart" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="332" id="datawrapper-chart-40X2F" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/40X2F/2/" style="border: none;" title="Top civilian gun-owning countries" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<p>A 2018 report by the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey discovered that US gun owners had 393.3 million firearms, which is more than the nation's current population of approximately 340&nbsp;million.</p>

<p>In a study by the&nbsp;<em>Annals of Internal Medicine</em>, it was discovered that between January 2019 and April 2021, 7.5 million Americans&nbsp;or slightly under three per cent of the population, became first-time gun owners.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/americans-respond-to-epidemic-of-gun-violence-by-buying-more-guns-616945">Americans respond to epidemic of gun violence by buying more guns</a></p>

<h2><strong>Disturbing Surge: Gun Deaths Among US Kids Soar by 50% Between 2019 and 2021</strong></h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Interactive line chart" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="400" id="datawrapper-chart-HF7tt" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HF7tt/1/" style="border: none;" title="Gun deaths among US kids increased 50% between 2019 and 2021" width="600"></iframe></div>
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<p><em><strong>Note: This is an interactive data chart. Hover/click on the squares to get the figures.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Between 2019 and 2021, there was a distressing 50 per cent&nbsp;surge in the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-3-year-old-accidentally-kills-1-year-old-sibling-with-a-gun-in-a-bizarre-incident-616992">children</a> and teens fatally impacted by gunfire in the United States. This data comes from a comprehensive analysis by the Pew Research Center, which examined the latest annual mortality statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).</p>

<p>In 2019, a time before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of gun-related deaths among children and teenagers below the age of 18 in the United States stood at 1,732. However, by 2021, that figure had surged to an alarming&nbsp;2,590.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gun deaths outpace car accidents as a greater threat to children's lives</strong></h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Interactive line chart" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="400" id="datawrapper-chart-c0l8m" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/c0l8m/1/" style="border: none;" title="Children more likely to be killed by a gun than in a car accident" width="600"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em><strong>Note: This is an interactive data chart. Hover/click on the points to get the figures.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>In 2021, firearms were responsible for approximately 19 per cent of all childhood deaths (ages 1-18), as revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder database. Shockingly, nearly 3,600 children lost their lives in gun-related incidents that year. To put it into perspective, that's roughly five children lost for every 100,000 children in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Firearm frenzy: Outnumbering giants such as McDonald's, Starbucks in the US</strong></h2>

<p><strong><img alt="Chart" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fa37609-9eb6-4aeb-a45f-8e88be3f12db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2850%29.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>The chart above demonstrates the remarkable accessibility of lethal weapons in the United States. Comparing the gun trade with the number of McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway outlets, it becomes evident that the trading of firearms surpasses even the ubiquity of selling burgers or coffee. To put it into perspective, there were a staggering 52,799 federal firearm dealers scattered across the US in 2020.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Gun violence took centre stage as the prevailing theme of the year in the United States from the very beginning of 2023. Six months in, and the country has reached a sombre milestone that nobody ever aspired for—the deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.

Gun violence took centre stage as the prevailing theme of the year in the United States from the very beginning of 2023. Six months in, and the country has reached a sombre milestone that nobody ever aspired for—the deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006. From January 1 to June 30, the US went through a tough stretch. There were 28 mass killings during this time, and almost all of them involved guns, according to an analysis undertaken by the Associated Press. It seemed like every week the death toll went up, and it was a cycle of violence and sorrow. The milestone of 2023 has gone above and beyond, surpassing the previous record of 27 mass killings set in the second half of 2022. WION Data Lab brings you some staggering statistics on America's unique struggle with gun violence. American gun ownership rates are the highest in the world × A 2018 report by the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey discovered that US gun owners had 393.3 million firearms, which is more than the nation's current population of approximately 340 million. In a study by the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was discovered that between January 2019 and April 2021, 7.5 million Americans or slightly under three per cent of the population, became first-time gun owners. Also read | Americans respond to epidemic of gun violence by buying more guns Disturbing Surge: Gun Deaths Among US Kids Soar by 50% Between 2019 and 2021 × Note: This is an interactive data chart. Hover/click on the squares to get the figures. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a distressing 50 per cent surge in the number of children and teens fatally impacted by gunfire in the United States. This data comes from a comprehensive analysis by the Pew Research Center, which examined the latest annual mortality statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, a time before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of gun-related deaths among children and teenagers below the age of 18 in the United States stood at 1,732. However, by 2021, that figure had surged to an alarming 2,590. Gun deaths outpace car accidents as a greater threat to children's lives × Note: This is an interactive data chart. Hover/click on the points to get the figures. In 2021, firearms were responsible for approximately 19 per cent of all childhood deaths (ages 1-18), as revealed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder database. Shockingly, nearly 3,600 children lost their lives in gun-related incidents that year. To put it into perspective, that's roughly five children lost for every 100,000 children in the United States. Firearm frenzy: Outnumbering giants such as McDonald's, Starbucks in the US The chart above demonstrates the remarkable accessibility of lethal weapons in the United States. Comparing the gun trade with the number of McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway outlets, it becomes evident that the trading of firearms surpasses even the ubiquity of selling burgers or coffee. To put it into perspective, there were a staggering 52,799 federal firearm dealers scattered across the US in 2020. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | Alarming stats, in charts: US has more gun dealers than McDonald's, Starbucks outlets put together

US-Israel's head of states to meet in Washington

Due to a small typing error, millions of emails from the US military that included extremely sensitive information were unintentionally transmitted to Mali. Notably, Mali is a West African nation and a Russian ally. Confusion was initially triggered by a straightforward domain name error.

US information leaked to Russian ally Mali due to email typing error

Positive news for the typical American who is concerned about the economy's slowdown. The United States stands a greater chance of avoiding recession this year, according to the global investing powerhouse Goldman Sachs.

US to miss recession in 2023, says Goldman Sachs

US Climate Envoy John Kerry is on a 4-day visit to China. Kerry met with his counterpart Xie Zhen-Hua for nearly four hours at the Beijing hotel on Monday. Kerry's visit marks the resumption of top-level climate diplomacy between the two biggest greenhouse gas emitters.

US Climate Envoy John Kerry holds talks in China

<p>The chief spokesperson for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, Karine Jean-Pierre, strongly condemned Democratic presidential contender Robert F Kennedy Jr&nbsp;for his recent video, in which he made controversial statements about COVID-19.</p>

<p>Kennedy had suggested that the virus specifically targeted Caucasians and Black people while asserting that Jewish and Chinese individuals were more immune, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The assertion that COVID was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people is deeply offensive, and incredibly dangerous. Every aspect of these comments reflect some of the most abhorrent antisemitic conspiracy theories throughout history and contributes to today's dangerous rise of antisemitism," Jean-Pierre said.</p>

<p>The remarks have drawn widespread criticism from Democrats, with Jean-Pierre denouncing them as deeply offensive and perpetuating dangerous antisemitic conspiracy theories.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kennedy's political ambitions and Democratic response</strong></h2>

<p>As a candidate vying for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024, Robert F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr&nbsp;finds himself in direct competition with President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election.</p>

<p>However, Kennedy's chances of securing the nomination appear slim, with only around 15 per cent of Democrats showing support for him, according to polling data from FiveThirtyEight. Nevertheless, his controversial statements have sparked significant backlash within the Democratic Party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-june-visit-to-the-us-meant-homecoming-for-105-trafficked-antiquities-616745">Modi's June visit to the US meant homecoming for India's 105 trafficked antiquities</a></p>

<h2><strong>Condemnation of antisemitic conspiracies</strong></h2>

<p>In the video released by The New York Post, Kennedy is seen speaking at a dinner in Manhattan. His comments suggesting that COVID-19 was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people were met with outrage.</p>

<p>Jean-Pierre emphasised the dangerous implications of such remarks, aligning them with abhorrent antisemitic conspiracy theories that have plagued history. She further warned about the alarming rise of antisemitism in the present day.</p>

<h2><strong>Kennedy's response to accusations</strong></h2>

<p>Following the publication of the video, Robert F&nbsp;Kennedy Jr&nbsp;took to Twitter to defend himself against the allegations of antisemitism.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Polls: Biden's fundraising eclipses DeSantis, Trump and Pence</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-polls-bidens-fundraising-eclipses-desantis-trump-and-pence-616686/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He stated that insinuations made by The New York Post and others were fabrications, pointing out that his remarks stemmed from quoting a peer-reviewed paper on bio-weapons. Kennedy denied any intent to promote antisemitism while acknowledging uncertainty regarding whether the virus was deliberately targeted.</p>

<p>Kennedy's controversial statements have sparked significant backlash and could potentially impact his political ambitions. The condemnation from Democratic circles further distances him from the party's mainstream support.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The chief spokesperson for US President Joe Biden, Karine Jean-Pierre, strongly condemned Democratic presidential contender Robert F Kennedy Jr for his recent video, in which he made controversial statements about COVID-19.

The chief spokesperson for US President Joe Biden, Karine Jean-Pierre, strongly condemned Democratic presidential contender Robert F Kennedy Jr for his recent video, in which he made controversial statements about COVID-19. Kennedy had suggested that the virus specifically targeted Caucasians and Black people while asserting that Jewish and Chinese individuals were more immune, reported Reuters. "The assertion that COVID was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people is deeply offensive, and incredibly dangerous. Every aspect of these comments reflect some of the most abhorrent antisemitic conspiracy theories throughout history and contributes to today's dangerous rise of antisemitism," Jean-Pierre said. The remarks have drawn widespread criticism from Democrats, with Jean-Pierre denouncing them as deeply offensive and perpetuating dangerous antisemitic conspiracy theories. Kennedy's political ambitions and Democratic response As a candidate vying for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024, Robert F Kennedy Jr finds himself in direct competition with President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election. However, Kennedy's chances of securing the nomination appear slim, with only around 15 per cent of Democrats showing support for him, according to polling data from FiveThirtyEight. Nevertheless, his controversial statements have sparked significant backlash within the Democratic Party. Also read | Modi's June visit to the US meant homecoming for India's 105 trafficked antiquities Condemnation of antisemitic conspiracies In the video released by The New York Post, Kennedy is seen speaking at a dinner in Manhattan. His comments suggesting that COVID-19 was genetically engineered to spare Jewish and Chinese people were met with outrage. Jean-Pierre emphasised the dangerous implications of such remarks, aligning them with abhorrent antisemitic conspiracy theories that have plagued history. She further warned about the alarming rise of antisemitism in the present day. Kennedy's response to accusations Following the publication of the video, Robert F Kennedy Jr took to Twitter to defend himself against the allegations of antisemitism. Also watch | US Polls: Biden's fundraising eclipses DeSantis, Trump and Pence He stated that insinuations made by The New York Post and others were fabrications, pointing out that his remarks stemmed from quoting a peer-reviewed paper on bio-weapons. Kennedy denied any intent to promote antisemitism while acknowledging uncertainty regarding whether the virus was deliberately targeted. Kennedy's controversial statements have sparked significant backlash and could potentially impact his political ambitions. The condemnation from Democratic circles further distances him from the party's mainstream support. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White House slams Robert Kennedy Jr’s Covid claims as 'antisemitic conspiracy theories'

United States President Joe Biden has finally invited Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to the United States of America. Biden had held off extending the invitation out of concerns about a Judicial overhaul undertaken by Netanyahu and his right-wing government in the country.

Some Congress members might not attend Israel President Herzog's joint session

<p>West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democratic politician known for his conservative stance, is scheduled to address a bipartisan group in New Hampshire, a crucial state in the early presidential primaries. His appearance has sparked speculation that he may be considering running as a third-party candidate.</p>

<p>A former governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin has served&nbsp;in the US Senate since 2010. At 75 years old, he is considered one of the most conservative Democratic senators. He has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election to his Senate seat, a decision he intends to make later this year.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential re-election challenge and third-party consideration</strong></h2>

<p>If Manchin chooses to run again, he is likely to face stiff competition from Governor Jim Justice, who is vying for the Republican Party nomination in the Senate race.</p>

<p>West Virginia has leaned heavily towards the Republican side in recent elections, voting overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/entrance-to-underworld-mysterious-tunnels-chambers-found-beneath-ancient-church-in-mexico-616477">Entrance to underworld? Mysterious tunnels, chambers found beneath ancient church in Mexico</a></p>

<p>Additionally, Manchin has not ruled out the possibility of running as an independent candidate for the White House, which has generated interest and concern among political observers.</p>

<h2><strong>No Labels organisation and its mission</strong></h2>

<p>Manchin is set to speak at an event organised by the "No Labels" organisation, which advocates for the possibility of supporting third-party candidates.</p>

<p>In a statement, Manchin expressed his belief that Americans are frustrated with the deepening divide in political parties and the negative rhetoric from elected officials.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-rising-canadian-wildfires-places-60-million-us-residents-under-air-quality-alerts-616431">Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts</a></p>

<p>"It is clear that most Americans are exceedingly frustrated by the growing divide in our political parties and toxic political rhetoric from our elected leaders," Manchin said in a No Labels statement last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opinion polls suggest that neither the Democratic nor the Republican parties' top candidates for the 2024 White House race are garnering overwhelming support. Many Republicans have reservations about Donald Trump running again, and similarly, a significant number of Democrats are uncertain about Joe Biden seeking a second term.</p>

<h2><strong>No Labels' stance</strong></h2>

<p>The "No Labels" organisation, represented by co-chair Joe Lieberman, has stated that it will not field a candidate in the 2024 election if polling indicates that doing so would help elect the Democratic or Republican nominee. Their goal is not to be disruptive to the electoral process.</p>

<p>With over a decade in Congress, Manchin has at times complicated legislative efforts championed by his party's leaders.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv</strong></p>

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<p>Nevertheless, Democratic leaders have treated him with caution as his support has been crucial for maintaining the party's majority in the Senate.</p>

<p>Democrats currently hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate. However, the 2024 Senate races present a challenging landscape for the party, with tough contests projected in states like Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.</p>

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West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democratic politician known for his conservative stance, is scheduled to address a bipartisan group in New Hampshire, a crucial state in the early presidential primaries.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democratic politician known for his conservative stance, is scheduled to address a bipartisan group in New Hampshire, a crucial state in the early presidential primaries. His appearance has sparked speculation that he may be considering running as a third-party candidate. A former governor of West Virginia, Joe Manchin has served in the US Senate since 2010. At 75 years old, he is considered one of the most conservative Democratic senators. He has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election to his Senate seat, a decision he intends to make later this year. Potential re-election challenge and third-party consideration If Manchin chooses to run again, he is likely to face stiff competition from Governor Jim Justice, who is vying for the Republican Party nomination in the Senate race. West Virginia has leaned heavily towards the Republican side in recent elections, voting overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. Also Read | Entrance to underworld? Mysterious tunnels, chambers found beneath ancient church in Mexico Additionally, Manchin has not ruled out the possibility of running as an independent candidate for the White House, which has generated interest and concern among political observers. No Labels organisation and its mission Manchin is set to speak at an event organised by the "No Labels" organisation, which advocates for the possibility of supporting third-party candidates. In a statement, Manchin expressed his belief that Americans are frustrated with the deepening divide in political parties and the negative rhetoric from elected officials. Also Read | Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts "It is clear that most Americans are exceedingly frustrated by the growing divide in our political parties and toxic political rhetoric from our elected leaders," Manchin said in a No Labels statement last week. Opinion polls suggest that neither the Democratic nor the Republican parties' top candidates for the 2024 White House race are garnering overwhelming support. Many Republicans have reservations about Donald Trump running again, and similarly, a significant number of Democrats are uncertain about Joe Biden seeking a second term. No Labels' stance The "No Labels" organisation, represented by co-chair Joe Lieberman, has stated that it will not field a candidate in the 2024 election if polling indicates that doing so would help elect the Democratic or Republican nominee. Their goal is not to be disruptive to the electoral process. With over a decade in Congress, Manchin has at times complicated legislative efforts championed by his party's leaders. Watch | Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv × Nevertheless, Democratic leaders have treated him with caution as his support has been crucial for maintaining the party's majority in the Senate. Democrats currently hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate. However, the 2024 Senate races present a challenging landscape for the party, with tough contests projected in states like Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. 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: Senator Joe Manchin's scheduled speech fuels speculation of 2024 White House run

John Kerry the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate landed in Beijing on Sunday for a four-day visit. US and China will exchange views on working together to address climate change right now the key issue here is methane emissions that's responsible for 30% of global warming. John Kerry says Beijing has agreed to have a methane action plan.

Kerry: Beijing has agreed to have methane action plan

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron is due to travel to the southwest Pacific next week.&nbsp;During the visit,&nbsp;he will offer a "French alternative" in a region that's witnessing increasing geopolitical competition between the United States and China. Macron's office announced on Monday (July 17) that his trip will start with a visit to New Caledonia, a French overseas territory which has rejected independence from France in three referendums but continues to witness ethnic divisions.</p>

<p>After a visit to New Caledonia, Macron will visit Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, thus being the first French president to visit the non-French islands in the region.</p>

<p>AFP quoted an official who said that Macron will use those two stops to outline France's Indo-Pacific strategy which is aimed at "recommitting" France to the region.</p>

<p>After a bitter row last year that started after Australia cancelled a submarine deal with France in favour of the US and UK, Macron relaunched France's Indo-Pacific approach. He has sought to project France as a balancing power. US and China are vying for influence with Pacific Island nations.</p>

<p>"We don't believe in hegemony, we don't believe in confrontation, we believe in stability," Macron said on the margins of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.</p>

<p>"What we are offering is an alternative" amid the China-US standoff, the Elysee official said, as quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>This would translate into an increase in France's engagement, especially in terms of development aid and help with natural disasters.</p>

<h2><strong>The referendums</strong></h2>

<p>The French president's visit to New Caledonia comes five years after his last trip there and&nbsp;19 months after the New Caledonians rejected independence from France in a third successive referendum.</p>

<p>Macron at the time hailed the vote's outcome, saying "France is more beautiful" with the Pacific islands included.</p>

<p>However, Macron also opened the door to "a period of transition". &nbsp;He said that the island group and Paris had to build "a common project", "free from the binary choice of Yes or No".</p>

<p>At the time, pro-independence campaigners had boycotted the vote. They had demanded postponement of the referendum because "a fair campaign" was impossible with a high number of Covid infection numbers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-qin-gang-chinese-foreign-minister-was-last-seen-over-three-weeks-ago-616546">Where is Qin Gang? Chinese foreign minister was last seen over three weeks ago</a></strong></p>

<p>The outcome of the vote stoked ethnic tension between the indigenous, poorer Kanak community and the wealthier white community. The Kanak community favours independence from France.</p>

<p>"At this point, it is important for the President to invite the whole range of political representation in New Caledonia to talk with him about the future status of New Caledonia, and ongoing negotiations," the Elysee official said.</p>

<p>Macron will also travel to New Caledonia's east coast to draw attention to coastal erosion there.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron is due to travel to the southwest Pacific next week. During the visit, he will offer a "French alternative" in a region that's witnessing increasing geopolitical competition between the United States and China.

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to travel to the southwest Pacific next week. During the visit, he will offer a "French alternative" in a region that's witnessing increasing geopolitical competition between the United States and China. Macron's office announced on Monday (July 17) that his trip will start with a visit to New Caledonia, a French overseas territory which has rejected independence from France in three referendums but continues to witness ethnic divisions. After a visit to New Caledonia, Macron will visit Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, thus being the first French president to visit the non-French islands in the region. AFP quoted an official who said that Macron will use those two stops to outline France's Indo-Pacific strategy which is aimed at "recommitting" France to the region. After a bitter row last year that started after Australia cancelled a submarine deal with France in favour of the US and UK, Macron relaunched France's Indo-Pacific approach. He has sought to project France as a balancing power. US and China are vying for influence with Pacific Island nations. "We don't believe in hegemony, we don't believe in confrontation, we believe in stability," Macron said on the margins of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November. "What we are offering is an alternative" amid the China-US standoff, the Elysee official said, as quoted by AFP. This would translate into an increase in France's engagement, especially in terms of development aid and help with natural disasters. The referendums The French president's visit to New Caledonia comes five years after his last trip there and 19 months after the New Caledonians rejected independence from France in a third successive referendum. Macron at the time hailed the vote's outcome, saying "France is more beautiful" with the Pacific islands included. However, Macron also opened the door to "a period of transition". He said that the island group and Paris had to build "a common project", "free from the binary choice of Yes or No". At the time, pro-independence campaigners had boycotted the vote. They had demanded postponement of the referendum because "a fair campaign" was impossible with a high number of Covid infection numbers. Also Read | Where is Qin Gang? Chinese foreign minister was last seen over three weeks ago The outcome of the vote stoked ethnic tension between the indigenous, poorer Kanak community and the wealthier white community. The Kanak community favours independence from France. "At this point, it is important for the President to invite the whole range of political representation in New Caledonia to talk with him about the future status of New Caledonia, and ongoing negotiations," the Elysee official said. Macron will also travel to New Caledonia's east coast to draw attention to coastal erosion there. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Macron to push French 'alternative' amid US-China tussle in the Pacific

As contenders submitted their campaign finance filings to federal officials over the weekend, the first comprehensive financial analysis of the 2024 presidential race came into sight. They draw attention to possible trouble spots for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the incumbent President's skeletal campaign, and the significant gap between the early Republican primary fundraising leaders and the rest of the field.

US Polls: Biden's fundraising eclipses DeSantis, Trump and Pence

<p>A suspected killer in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach murders in Long Island New York has been arrested, reported New York Post on Friday (July 14). The news outlet said that Rex Heuermann (59) has been arrested after a DNA match. Heuermann is reportedly married and an architect by profession. New York Post reported that cops swarmed his&nbsp;home on 1st Avenue in Massapequa Park.</p>

<p>Heurermann will reportedly be produced in court on Friday.</p>

<p>The 'Gilgo Four' case pertains to women found wrapped in furniture wraps within days of each other. The women were found in late 2010.</p>

<p>New York State and Suffolk County police have not officially confirm the arrest. But they have hinted at press conferences.</p>

<p>Heuermann, the suspect, is founder and owner of Midtown architecture firm RH Consultants and Associates. The website of the firm says that Catholic Charities, NYC-DEP Sewerage Treatment and American Airlines are among its clients.</p>

<p>Heuermann has in past, given interview to a YouTube channel Bonjour Reality and has reportedly said that he was born and brought up on Long Island.</p>

<p>“I’ve been working in Manhattan since 1987, very long time,” he said as quoted by New York Post.</p>

<p>Investigator arrived at Heuermann's run-down home on Friday and reportedly removed a cooler at one point.</p>

<p>“He seemed like a regular neighbour,” said Barry Auslander (72) as quoted by the news outlet</p>

<p>“I never thought he was anything but a businessman, average guy who had a family and went to work.”</p>

<h2><strong>The murders</strong></h2>

<p>Discovery of the body of Melissa Barthelemy (24) in December 2010 set off fears of a serial killer in the area. Remains of other three women were found in the following days.</p>

<p>Barthelemy along with Megan Waterman (22), Amber Lynn Costello (27) and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25) were dubbed the so-called 'Gilgo Four'.</p>

<p>The women were found wrapped in burlap, a sort of a cloth used to wrap furniture, about one-tenth of a mile apart from each other on the beach.</p>

<p>By 2011, the number of those dead had gone up to 10. They included eight women as well as an unidentified man and a toddler.</p>

<p>The bodies were found when police were searching for missing Jersey City-based sex worker Shannan Gilbert. Her body was reportedly found in December 2011.</p>

<p>An attorney for Gilbert's family, John Ray, told News 12 that he had received "a very strong" tip last week that the authorities were going to close in on arrest of a suspect.</p>

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A suspected killer in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach murders in Long Island New York has been arrested, reported New York Post on Friday (July 14). The news outlet said that Rex Heuermann (59) has been arrested after a DNA match.

A suspected killer in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach murders in Long Island New York has been arrested, reported New York Post on Friday (July 14). The news outlet said that Rex Heuermann (59) has been arrested after a DNA match. Heuermann is reportedly married and an architect by profession. New York Post reported that cops swarmed his home on 1st Avenue in Massapequa Park. Heurermann will reportedly be produced in court on Friday. The 'Gilgo Four' case pertains to women found wrapped in furniture wraps within days of each other. The women were found in late 2010. New York State and Suffolk County police have not officially confirm the arrest. But they have hinted at press conferences. Heuermann, the suspect, is founder and owner of Midtown architecture firm RH Consultants and Associates. The website of the firm says that Catholic Charities, NYC-DEP Sewerage Treatment and American Airlines are among its clients. Heuermann has in past, given interview to a YouTube channel Bonjour Reality and has reportedly said that he was born and brought up on Long Island. “I’ve been working in Manhattan since 1987, very long time,” he said as quoted by New York Post. Investigator arrived at Heuermann's run-down home on Friday and reportedly removed a cooler at one point. “He seemed like a regular neighbour,” said Barry Auslander (72) as quoted by the news outlet “I never thought he was anything but a businessman, average guy who had a family and went to work.” The murders Discovery of the body of Melissa Barthelemy (24) in December 2010 set off fears of a serial killer in the area. Remains of other three women were found in the following days. Barthelemy along with Megan Waterman (22), Amber Lynn Costello (27) and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (25) were dubbed the so-called 'Gilgo Four'. The women were found wrapped in burlap, a sort of a cloth used to wrap furniture, about one-tenth of a mile apart from each other on the beach. By 2011, the number of those dead had gone up to 10. They included eight women as well as an unidentified man and a toddler. The bodies were found when police were searching for missing Jersey City-based sex worker Shannan Gilbert. Her body was reportedly found in December 2011. An attorney for Gilbert's family, John Ray, told News 12 that he had received "a very strong" tip last week that the authorities were going to close in on arrest of a suspect. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Infamous 'Gilgo Four' serial killing suspect arrested after 13 years, say reports

Canada is experiencing its worst fire season on record. More than 24 million acres have burned so far this year, and the Canadian wildfire smoke continues to plague the U.S. Air quality alerts issued to 11 U.S. states across the northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes.

60 million Americans under air-quality alerts | Canadian wildfire smoke plagues US

<p>Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions on Sunday wreaked havoc on the travel plans of Americans across the country. The most heavily impacted airports were Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia Airports, all serving New York City. The effects were widespread, with over 1,600 flights canceled throughout the United States.</p>

<p>Among all the airports in the US, Newark Liberty International Airport bore the brunt of flight cancellations on Sunday with the maximum number of flight cancellations.</p>

<p>However, the issues faced by travellers extended beyond flight disruptions as they encountered problems in receiving their baggage as well.</p>

<h2><strong>Baggage delay at Newark Liberty International</strong></h2>

<p>One passenger from Chicago, who travelled through Newark, reported to the New York Post that dozens of fellow passengers experienced extended waits of more than two hours to retrieve their luggage.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/entrance-to-underworld-mysterious-tunnels-chambers-found-beneath-ancient-church-in-mexico-616477">Entrance to underworld? Mysterious tunnels, chambers found beneath ancient church in Mexico</a></p>

<p>Surprisingly, only about a third of the passengers received their baggage, while the rest were left without theirs, seemingly missing.</p>

<h2><strong>John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport</strong></h2>

<p>Following closely behind Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports ranked second and third, respectively, in the country for the highest number of flight cancellations.</p>

<p>New York City and its surrounding areas experienced significant rainfall due to the thunderstorms, with most regions receiving between one and three inches in total.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-rising-canadian-wildfires-places-60-million-us-residents-under-air-quality-alerts-616431">Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts</a></p>

<p>Some areas even saw as much as five inches of rain by nightfall. Unfortunately, the severe weather and subsequent flooding led to the loss of one life and caused approximately $50 million in damages, according to Governor Kathy Hochul of New York.</p>

<p>According to media reports citing FlightAware data, over 8,500 flights experienced delays due to severe weather conditions, including intense thunderstorms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv</strong></p>

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<p>To alert travellers, several of these airports used social media platforms, urging them to contact their airlines before heading to the airport.</p>

<p>In the Northeast region, more than 56 million people were placed under a flood watch as heavy rainfall pounded the area. States such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland were particularly hard-hit.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the flash flooding in Pennsylvania's Bucks County resulted in the loss of four lives, with three others reported missing after the incident on Sunday, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

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Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions on Sunday wreaked havoc on the travel plans of Americans across the country. The most heavily impacted airports were Newark Liberty International, John F.

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions on Sunday wreaked havoc on the travel plans of Americans across the country. The most heavily impacted airports were Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia Airports, all serving New York City. The effects were widespread, with over 1,600 flights canceled throughout the United States. Among all the airports in the US, Newark Liberty International Airport bore the brunt of flight cancellations on Sunday with the maximum number of flight cancellations. However, the issues faced by travellers extended beyond flight disruptions as they encountered problems in receiving their baggage as well. Baggage delay at Newark Liberty International One passenger from Chicago, who travelled through Newark, reported to the New York Post that dozens of fellow passengers experienced extended waits of more than two hours to retrieve their luggage. Also Read | Entrance to underworld? Mysterious tunnels, chambers found beneath ancient church in Mexico Surprisingly, only about a third of the passengers received their baggage, while the rest were left without theirs, seemingly missing. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport Following closely behind Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports ranked second and third, respectively, in the country for the highest number of flight cancellations. New York City and its surrounding areas experienced significant rainfall due to the thunderstorms, with most regions receiving between one and three inches in total. Also Read | Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts Some areas even saw as much as five inches of rain by nightfall. Unfortunately, the severe weather and subsequent flooding led to the loss of one life and caused approximately $50 million in damages, according to Governor Kathy Hochul of New York. According to media reports citing FlightAware data, over 8,500 flights experienced delays due to severe weather conditions, including intense thunderstorms. Watch | Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv × To alert travellers, several of these airports used social media platforms, urging them to contact their airlines before heading to the airport. In the Northeast region, more than 56 million people were placed under a flood watch as heavy rainfall pounded the area. States such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland were particularly hard-hit. Unfortunately, the flash flooding in Pennsylvania's Bucks County resulted in the loss of four lives, with three others reported missing after the incident on Sunday, media reports said. 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. ×

Over 1,600 flights cancelled across US due to severe rainfall, thunderstorms

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