<p>United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada. This comes as the US president was expected to announce a number of steps to support the&nbsp;LGBTQ+ community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the White House Pride Month event</strong></h2>

<p>The White House, in a statement, on Thursday said, “Today’s Pride event on the White House South Lawn will be postponed until Saturday based on the projected air quality in the region.” The event at&nbsp;the White House is expected to witness thousands of guests from across the country, including LGBTQ+ families and features&nbsp;Betty Who and Baltimore DJ Queen HD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration has said previously also that it is a deliberate move by the president, a Democrat, to contrast the Republicans and others who have targeted LGBTQ+ people. “This year we’re seeing a disturbing surge in violent threats against LGBTQ community organizations,” said domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pride-is-back-at-the-white-house-biden-says-signing-pulse-nightclub-bill-394105">'Pride is back at the White House,' Biden says, signing Pulse nightclub bill</a></strong></p>

<p>“In too many parts of our country, LGBTQ Americans are being targeted for who they are, and that, simply put, is discrimination,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters.<br />
<br />
Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay White House press secretary,&nbsp;also spoke about how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as their spouses are strong supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.</p>

<p>Jean-Pierre&nbsp;said that people need to know that the US president has “their back” and “will continue to fight for them. And that’s the message that we want to make sure that gets out there.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-holds-emergency-meeting-over-lgbtq-merchandise-relocates-pride-displays-report-595764">Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, Biden’s own views about the LGBTQ+ community have evolved over the years in public life but his support as then-vice president in 2012 for same-sex marriage is seen as a turning point which was followed by then-President Barack Obama who publicly showed his support for gay marriage a few days later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are Biden’s proposals for LGBTQ+ community?</strong></h2>

<p>In late 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law which would federally recognise same-sex marriage amid concerns that the Supreme Court could reverse its legal support of such relationships.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mid-term-elections-2022-in-a-first-lgbtq-candidates-to-contest-from-all-50-states-530616">US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states</a></strong><br />
<br />
Additionally, the upcoming proposals seem to largely counter the number of bills proposed and signed into law by Republican-led states which target transgender youth, ban books, and even stop teachers from discussing gender or sexuality with younger children. Recently, conservative lawmakers in several US states have also proposed or passed laws restricting drag performances.</p>

<p>The Biden administration is expected to announce a new coordinator in the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights which would help navigate the rise in book bans across the country. White House has previously said, such bans erode democracy and have an impact on LGBTQ kids as the books banned are about them, which could contribute to more&nbsp;stigma and lead to isolation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tennessee-may-become-first-us-state-to-ban-drag-shows-565251">Tennessee may become first US state to ban drag shows in public, before kids&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The Department of Justice is expected to announce an expansion of its work with state and local law enforcement to protect the community. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services departments are expected to issue a new advisory for mental health care providers supporting transgender kids.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>LGBTQ+ state of emergency in the US</strong></h2>

<p>The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest advocacy organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals&nbsp;in the US, on Tuesday declared its first national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ individuals. The group cited hundreds of legislation in statehouses across the country which are aimed at regulating the lives of queer people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-act-floridas-dont-say-gay-move-to-amplify-further-575136">After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, the organisation also released a guidebook which outlined laws it deems discriminatory in various states. The organisation said that it acted in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous” rise in anti-LGBTQ bills which were signed into law.</p>

<p>According to the HRC, more than 70 bills which they consider anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses this legislative session which is nearly double from last year. The organisation also said that at least 525 bills were introduced out of which 220 affect transgender people. “This is a full-out crisis for our communities that demands a concerted response,” the campaign’s president, Kelley Robinson told The Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada.

United States President Joe Biden’s White House Pride Month event, which was expected to be the largest in the country’s history, was postponed from Thursday (June 8) until Saturday, said officials citing poor air quality due to the smoke drifting in from the wildfires in neighbouring Canada. This comes as the US president was expected to announce a number of steps to support the LGBTQ+ community. About the White House Pride Month event The White House, in a statement, on Thursday said, “Today’s Pride event on the White House South Lawn will be postponed until Saturday based on the projected air quality in the region.” The event at the White House is expected to witness thousands of guests from across the country, including LGBTQ+ families and features Betty Who and Baltimore DJ Queen HD. The Biden administration has said previously also that it is a deliberate move by the president, a Democrat, to contrast the Republicans and others who have targeted LGBTQ+ people. “This year we’re seeing a disturbing surge in violent threats against LGBTQ community organizations,” said domestic policy adviser Neera Tanden. ALSO READ | 'Pride is back at the White House,' Biden says, signing Pulse nightclub bill “In too many parts of our country, LGBTQ Americans are being targeted for who they are, and that, simply put, is discrimination,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters. Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay White House press secretary, also spoke about how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as well as their spouses are strong supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. Jean-Pierre said that people need to know that the US president has “their back” and “will continue to fight for them. And that’s the message that we want to make sure that gets out there.” ALSO READ | Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report Notably, Biden’s own views about the LGBTQ+ community have evolved over the years in public life but his support as then-vice president in 2012 for same-sex marriage is seen as a turning point which was followed by then-President Barack Obama who publicly showed his support for gay marriage a few days later. What are Biden’s proposals for LGBTQ+ community? In late 2022, Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law which would federally recognise same-sex marriage amid concerns that the Supreme Court could reverse its legal support of such relationships. ALSO READ | US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states Additionally, the upcoming proposals seem to largely counter the number of bills proposed and signed into law by Republican-led states which target transgender youth, ban books, and even stop teachers from discussing gender or sexuality with younger children. Recently, conservative lawmakers in several US states have also proposed or passed laws restricting drag performances. The Biden administration is expected to announce a new coordinator in the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights which would help navigate the rise in book bans across the country. White House has previously said, such bans erode democracy and have an impact on LGBTQ kids as the books banned are about them, which could contribute to more stigma and lead to isolation. ALSO READ | Tennessee may become first US state to ban drag shows in public, before kids The Department of Justice is expected to announce an expansion of its work with state and local law enforcement to protect the community. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services departments are expected to issue a new advisory for mental health care providers supporting transgender kids. LGBTQ+ state of emergency in the US The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest advocacy organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals in the US, on Tuesday declared its first national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ individuals. The group cited hundreds of legislation in statehouses across the country which are aimed at regulating the lives of queer people. ALSO READ | After Uganda's anti-homosexuality act, Florida's 'don't say gay' move to amplify further Additionally, the organisation also released a guidebook which outlined laws it deems discriminatory in various states. The organisation said that it acted in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous” rise in anti-LGBTQ bills which were signed into law. According to the HRC, more than 70 bills which they consider anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses this legislative session which is nearly double from last year. The organisation also said that at least 525 bills were introduced out of which 220 affect transgender people. “This is a full-out crisis for our communities that demands a concerted response,” the campaign’s president, Kelley Robinson told The Associated Press. (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: Biden’s Pride Month event postponed due to Canada wildfires’ smoke; to unveil several LGBTQ+ proposals

Nearly 300 orphans caught in the crossfire in Sudan's capital have been rescued in a daring and dangerous evacuation by humanitarian workers. The evacuations were carried out following the deaths of 67 children at the Mygoma orphanage in Khartoum.

Sudan conflict: Children rescued from orphanage in Khartoum

Hazardous air quality levels continue to overwhelm parts of Eastern United States and this has wave of smoke from the Canadian wildfires from across the border. The situation seems to be getting worse taking charge on the severity of the situation.

Canada wildfires: US President Joe Biden assured help as toxic smoke lingers into US

Several challengers this week have entered the Republican race trying to thwart former President Donald Trump from capturing the party’s presidential nomination for a third consecutive time. Notable among the new entrants: Trump’s longtime loyal vice president, Mike Pence. VOA’s chief national correspondent Steve Herman at the White House explains Pence wasted no time in doing what he previously hesitated to do – forcefully criticize his former boss’ conduct in office.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Mike Pence's jibe at Donald Trump

<p>Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports. However, Assange's partner, Stella Assange, has stated that there will be a hearing next week where he will appeal against the extradition ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Stella said a renewed appeal will be filed on Tuesday next week when the matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court.</p>

<p>"We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US authorities have filed 18 charges against Assange related to the disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UK govt approved extradition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The British government has approved his extradition, and a judge at London's High Court has determined that Assange has no legal basis to challenge this decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-minor-tries-to-rent-hitman-to-kill-child-gets-caught-on-parody-site-602549">Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site</a></p>

<p>Assange's wife remains hopeful that she will succeed in preventing his extradition to the US&nbsp;where he could face severe penalties for publishing information that exposed US government war crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Julian Assange's health concerns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, in January 2021, a British judge ruled against Assange's extradition due to concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide if he were held in a high-security prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, this decision was overturned after an appeal by US authorities who offered assurances, which included the possibility of Assange's transfer to Australia to serve any sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this was severely criticised by Assange's wife who called US assurances “grossly misleading" adding it is “a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life”.</p>

<p>The extradition was officially approved by the former British interior minister Priti Patel in June last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deserted-dystopia-chinese-city-evacuated-after-cracks-appear-near-high-rises-602506">Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises</a></p>

<p>WikiLeaks gained prominence in 2010 when it released a massive trove of classified files and diplomatic cables, marking the largest security breach of its kind in US military history.</p>

<h2><strong>International calls over Assange's extradition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier called on the US to seek a diplomatic resolution to Julian Assange's ongoing incarceration and also expressed concerns over the health of the &nbsp;51-year-old.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China</strong></p>

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<p>Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also called for Assange's release. “It is an embarrassment that a journalist who denounced trickery by one state against another is arrested, condemned to die in jail and we do nothing to free him. It’s a crazy thing,” Lula told media personnel in May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We talk about freedom of expression; the guy is in prison because he denounced wrongdoing. And the press doesn’t do anything in defence of this journalist. I can’t understand it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been unsuccessful in his latest attempt to prevent extradition from Britain to the United States, as per media reports. However, Assange's partner, Stella Assange, has stated that there will be a hearing next week where he will appeal against the extradition ruling. In a tweet, Stella said a renewed appeal will be filed on Tuesday next week when the matter will then proceed to a public hearing before two new judges at the High Court. "We remain optimistic that we will prevail and that Julian will not be extradited to the United States where he faces charges that could result in him spending the rest of his life in a maximum security prison for publishing true information that revealed war crimes committed by the US government," she added. The US authorities have filed 18 charges against Assange related to the disclosure of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks. UK govt approved extradition The British government has approved his extradition, and a judge at London's High Court has determined that Assange has no legal basis to challenge this decision. Also Read | Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site Assange's wife remains hopeful that she will succeed in preventing his extradition to the US where he could face severe penalties for publishing information that exposed US government war crimes. Julian Assange's health concerns Previously, in January 2021, a British judge ruled against Assange's extradition due to concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide if he were held in a high-security prison. Nonetheless, this decision was overturned after an appeal by US authorities who offered assurances, which included the possibility of Assange's transfer to Australia to serve any sentence. However, this was severely criticised by Assange's wife who called US assurances “grossly misleading" adding it is “a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life”. The extradition was officially approved by the former British interior minister Priti Patel in June last year. Also Read | Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises WikiLeaks gained prominence in 2010 when it released a massive trove of classified files and diplomatic cables, marking the largest security breach of its kind in US military history. International calls over Assange's extradition Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier called on the US to seek a diplomatic resolution to Julian Assange's ongoing incarceration and also expressed concerns over the health of the 51-year-old. Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China × Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also called for Assange's release. “It is an embarrassment that a journalist who denounced trickery by one state against another is arrested, condemned to die in jail and we do nothing to free him. It’s a crazy thing,” Lula told media personnel in May. “We talk about freedom of expression; the guy is in prison because he denounced wrongdoing. And the press doesn’t do anything in defence of this journalist. I can’t understand it," 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. ×

Julian Assange to renew appeal after failed US extradition challenge

Former US President Donald Trump received over 18 million votes - the most ever for an incumbent President in a primary cut to 2023. The US Presidential election is 17-months-away and the red race is already getting crowded.

Former US President Donald Trump leads in polls | Who will challenge Joe Biden?

As the race for the White House heats up, Republican candidate Ron DeSantis has intensified his verbal attacks on rival Donald Trump. However, using advanced fake technology and AI-generated scandalous images, the former US president can be seen hugging and even kissing the nose of former US chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci in a video released by the DeSantis War Room.

US: Deepfake image shows Trump kissing top US scientist Dr. Anthony Fauci

The water is Ukraine is bought between the Ukrainian soldiers and the Russian troops - there are no western boots on the ground but almost every bullet, artillery, shell, bomb and missile which is fired by the Ukrainians have been provided by the West.

Russia wants answers from US: Does US know how Kyiv is using their weapons? | World News | WION

Former US President Donald Trump says he has been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents. He took to social media saying, "the corrupt Biden administration has informed my attorneys that I have been indicted."

Trump, first US President charged with crimes, says 'done nothing wrong; I am innocent' | WION

Former US President Donald Trump claims he is facing federal indictment | World News | WION

The United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8) struck a fresh strategic pact underlining the "special relationship" to tackle China, Russia, and economic instability. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak adopted an "Atlantic Declaration" which is aimed at boosting industry ties on defence and renewable energy. The countries have come together in the face of growing competition from China.

Biden and UK's Sunak sign 'Atlantic Declaration,' pledging agreements on A.I. and critical minerals

US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats

<p>One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as&nbsp;millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city&nbsp;due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of Thursday (June 8), local media reports said that the air quality in the city is the worst in decades which has affected flights to the NYC area and Philadelphia, as well as prompted the closure of some schools and sports and other events. It also led to cancellations of shows on Broadway.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How bad is the air quality in New York?</strong></h2>

<p>The Air Quality Index (AQI), as of Thursday morning, was reported to be 183 on a scale of 0-500, while it peaked on Wednesday afternoon at 405, which is the worst air quality on record for New York City. The previous record was 279 back in 1981.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as forest fires continue to rage in Canada with nearly 3.8 million hectares already burnt,&nbsp;prompting&nbsp;the evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people across Canada while also covering several cities in the United States with a smoky haze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New York state officials issued another Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday for the entire state except for the northern region of the Adirondacks. “The air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ AQI levels in NYC Metro, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central &amp; Western NY,” said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per data from the Switzerland-based IQAir, as of 11:00 am (local time), PM2.5 concentration was 19.8 times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value. However, no respite is expected any time soon as reports say the smoke is set to intensify in Canada’s Ottawa and Toronto, as well as several US cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, and so on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as “unhealthy", particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Speaking to BBC, Professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, noted the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This includes shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, “On these elevated air pollution days, we’ll see an increased number of visits to the hospital,” Adams told BBC.</p>

<h2><strong>Thousands of flights delayed</strong></h2>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;said that flights to NYC-area and Philadelphia airports have been delayed after the smoke reduced visibility. The agency also said that there were delays averaging 54 minutes at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport.&nbsp;This was after some flights were also halted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FAA also warned that further delays may also take place for flights going to Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Visibility issues also reportedly caused some delays at the Newark Liberty Airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one of the biggest carriers in the US, United Airlines, said that it is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers who have been forced to reschedule trips Thursday and Friday for cities impacted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Several schools across New York shut</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, several schools in the NYC area were closed, as of Thursday. Meanwhile, NYC public schools announced that while schools will be open, all outdoor activities have been cancelled. “We urge everyone to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. All NYC Public Schools will be cancelling all outdoor activities today,” NYC Public Schools, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Broadway shows cancelled, postponed</strong></h2>

<p>A report by NBC News New York said that Wednesday’s matinee performance on Broadway was cancelled 10 minutes after it started as Jodie Comer in the production of her one-woman show, ‘Prima Facie’, “had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also added that performances of ‘Camelot’ and ‘Hamilton’ were also postponed after producers raised concerns over the air quality.</p>

<h2><strong>NYC zoos and aquariums shut after drop in air quality</strong></h2>

<p>The four major zoos in NYC -&nbsp;Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo - as well as the NY Aquarium, were shut on Wednesday at 3:00 pm (local time), “out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals,” said the Bronx Zoo in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>MLB game postponed</h2>

<p>The Major League Baseball (MLB) match between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees was postponed on Wednesday night due to the poor air quality. However, the Yankees also announced it will be played on Thursday. However, reports suggest that the decision would depend on the air quality.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New Yorkers advised to mask-up</strong></h2>

<p>New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced that the state was making one million N95 masks available at state facilities. On Thursday, she also said air quality continues to be unhealthy in many areas of the state and asked people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous activities to reduce negative health effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If you must travel outdoors, high-quality masks help reduce exposure. Stay safe, New York,” said Hochul. This also comes a day after she said officials “highly recommend&nbsp;that outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US offers to help Canada with ‘historic’ wildfires</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden also offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “additional support to respond to the devastating and historic wildfires burning in Canada,” said the White House, after the two leaders spoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The President has directed his team to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities. To date, the United States has deployed more than 600 US&nbsp;firefighters and support personnel, and other firefighting assets to respond to the fires.”</p>

<h2><strong>Weather to make matters worse</strong></h2>

<p>So far, officials not just in New York but several cities on the east coast have extended “Code Red” air quality alerts for the third day. The smoke from the wildfires in Canada also moved over to Greenland and Iceland, earlier this month, and is expected to reach Norway on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, as per The Associated Press, also said that weather has also been a driving factor in the Canadian-American smokeout, which he attributed to a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia and “will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out.&nbsp;However, considering that the fires are still raging and are really large,&nbsp;the advisory&nbsp;might continue for weeks."&nbsp;Ramsey&nbsp;added that “it’s really just going be all about the wind shift".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada.

One of the major US cities, New York, has been disrupted as millions of people were affected by a thick hazardous blanket of smoke which descended over the city due to the ongoing wildfires across the border in Canada. As of Thursday (June 8), local media reports said that the air quality in the city is the worst in decades which has affected flights to the NYC area and Philadelphia, as well as prompted the closure of some schools and sports and other events. It also led to cancellations of shows on Broadway. How bad is the air quality in New York? The Air Quality Index (AQI), as of Thursday morning, was reported to be 183 on a scale of 0-500, while it peaked on Wednesday afternoon at 405, which is the worst air quality on record for New York City. The previous record was 279 back in 1981. This comes as forest fires continue to rage in Canada with nearly 3.8 million hectares already burnt, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people across Canada while also covering several cities in the United States with a smoky haze. New York state officials issued another Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday for the entire state except for the northern region of the Adirondacks. “The air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ AQI levels in NYC Metro, Long Island, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central & Western NY,” said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in a tweet. As per data from the Switzerland-based IQAir, as of 11:00 am (local time), PM2.5 concentration was 19.8 times the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline value. However, no respite is expected any time soon as reports say the smoke is set to intensify in Canada’s Ottawa and Toronto, as well as several US cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New York, and so on. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as “unhealthy", particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Speaking to BBC, Professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, noted the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke. This includes shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, “On these elevated air pollution days, we’ll see an increased number of visits to the hospital,” Adams told BBC. Thousands of flights delayed The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday said that flights to NYC-area and Philadelphia airports have been delayed after the smoke reduced visibility. The agency also said that there were delays averaging 54 minutes at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport. This was after some flights were also halted. The FAA also warned that further delays may also take place for flights going to Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Visibility issues also reportedly caused some delays at the Newark Liberty Airport. Meanwhile, one of the biggest carriers in the US, United Airlines, said that it is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers who have been forced to reschedule trips Thursday and Friday for cities impacted. Several schools across New York shut According to local media reports, several schools in the NYC area were closed, as of Thursday. Meanwhile, NYC public schools announced that while schools will be open, all outdoor activities have been cancelled. “We urge everyone to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. All NYC Public Schools will be cancelling all outdoor activities today,” NYC Public Schools, said in a statement. Broadway shows cancelled, postponed A report by NBC News New York said that Wednesday’s matinee performance on Broadway was cancelled 10 minutes after it started as Jodie Comer in the production of her one-woman show, ‘Prima Facie’, “had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires.” The report also added that performances of ‘Camelot’ and ‘Hamilton’ were also postponed after producers raised concerns over the air quality. NYC zoos and aquariums shut after drop in air quality The four major zoos in NYC - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo - as well as the NY Aquarium, were shut on Wednesday at 3:00 pm (local time), “out of concern for our staff, visitors and animals,” said the Bronx Zoo in a statement. MLB game postponed The Major League Baseball (MLB) match between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees was postponed on Wednesday night due to the poor air quality. However, the Yankees also announced it will be played on Thursday. However, reports suggest that the decision would depend on the air quality. New Yorkers advised to mask-up New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced that the state was making one million N95 masks available at state facilities. On Thursday, she also said air quality continues to be unhealthy in many areas of the state and asked people to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid strenuous activities to reduce negative health effects. “If you must travel outdoors, high-quality masks help reduce exposure. Stay safe, New York,” said Hochul. This also comes a day after she said officials “highly recommend that outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.” US offers to help Canada with ‘historic’ wildfires US President Joe Biden also offered Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “additional support to respond to the devastating and historic wildfires burning in Canada,” said the White House, after the two leaders spoke. It added, “The President has directed his team to deploy all available Federal firefighting assets that can rapidly assist in suppressing fires impacting Canadian and American communities. To date, the United States has deployed more than 600 US firefighters and support personnel, and other firefighting assets to respond to the fires.” Weather to make matters worse So far, officials not just in New York but several cities on the east coast have extended “Code Red” air quality alerts for the third day. The smoke from the wildfires in Canada also moved over to Greenland and Iceland, earlier this month, and is expected to reach Norway on Thursday. US National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey, as per The Associated Press, also said that weather has also been a driving factor in the Canadian-American smokeout, which he attributed to a low-pressure system over Maine and Nova Scotia and “will probably be hanging around at least for the next few days.” He added, “Conditions are likely to remain unhealthy, at least until the wind direction changes or the fires get put out. However, considering that the fires are still raging and are really large, the advisory might continue for weeks." Ramsey added that “it’s really just going be all about the wind shift". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Flight delays, closure of schools, zoos, even Broadway. How wildfires disrupted New York

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in the United States later this month to begin his State visit. The tour is anticipated to establish new benchmarks for the bilateral relations between the two countries, and significant announcements about defence cooperation are likely to be made.

Pentagon: PM Modi's 'historic' state visit to set new benchmarks

<p>Some three years after an interview to The New York Times in 2020, where US President Joe Biden famously said that he would encourage the Turkish opposition to defeat Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the election, Washington wants to make nice with Turkey’s president.<br />
<br />
The efforts of the US and its western allies, aided by the western media and dubious pollsters, to prop up the electoral opposition to President Erdogan came a cropper. In fact, such a West-inspired and supported campaign made it easier for Erdogan to triumph over his opponent. All he had to do to win another five-year term as president was to keep telling his audience of western interference in Turkey's politics and reminding them of Biden's 2020 NYT interview. This helped Erdogan to deflect attention for soaring inflation, the steep fall in the Turkish lira’s value, unemployment, flight of capital, his human rights record and his government’s performance in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed at least 50,000 lives and destroyed infrastructure on a massive scale.<br />
<br />
In the event, after the presidential election concluded on May 28, Biden lost no time in calling Erdogan to congratulate him on his victory. During the call, Erdogan spoke of Turkey wanting to buy the F-16 fighter jets. Biden reciprocated by asking Ankara to drop its objection to Sweden’s membership of NATO. Turkey wants to buy $20 billion worth of F-16s. The sale has been held up because of Turkey, along with Hungary, blocking Sweden’s entry into NATO. Interestingly, the US and EU also failed in their efforts to thwart the re-election of Viktor Orban as Hungary’s prime minister last year.<br />
<br />
"I spoke to Erdogan. I congratulated Erdogan. He still wants to work on something on the F-16s. I told him we wanted a deal with Sweden, so let's get that done. And so we'll be back in touch with one another," Biden told reporters. On Sweden's NATO membership, Biden said: "I raised that issue with him. We're going to talk more about it next week."<br />
<br />
ALSO READ|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/rise-and-rise-of-turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-name-etched-in-gold-but-challenge-not-over-597903">&nbsp;<strong>Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenges not over</strong></a><br />
<br />
There are compelling reasons for the US and Turkey to make up with each other. Erdogan’s Turkey has emerged as a power, much like Angela Merkel’s Germany had. The US has not been doing well in West Asia and the Arab world, what with Biden being snubbed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has revived ties with both Iran and Syria, and paved the way for China as a counterweight in the region.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Like in West Asia, Turkey is a power in the Mediterranean, too. It is the only NATO member to assert its strategic autonomy, refuse to join US-led sanctions against Russia; and, while maintaining complicated but cooperative ties with Russia, also selling weapons to Ukraine. And, keeping above bloc politics, Ankara has sought to thrive in a mediating role between Ukraine and Russia, and between Russia and the West. The sustenance of the grain deal between Kyiv and Moscow, along with the UN, attests to Turkey’s usefulness, as an independent power, to the US, Europe, Russia, China, West Asia and the UN. These underscore the security implications of Erdogan’s victory which are all too obvious for the big powers, especially the US, Russia, and China, to ignore.<br />
<br />
In the Ukraine war, Erdogan was the first to move in as peace-maker, months before China’s President Xi Jinping entered the race. Turkey hosted peace talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv weeks after the war broke out in Ukraine. The talks did produce a deal, which was scuttled by the US and the UK. Ankara has not been put off by the collapse of the Istanbul deal. It has been calling for revival of peace talks and putting itself forward as a mediator. Erdogan has been saying that peace in Ukraine can be achieved through “determined mediation.”<br />
<br />
Thus, neither Ankara nor Washington can risk burning the trans-Atlantic bridge.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong><em>(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.)</em><br />
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WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Some three years after an interview to The New York Times in 2020, where US President Joe Biden famously said that he would encourage the Turkish opposition to defeat Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the election, Washington wants to make nice with Turkey’s president.

Some three years after an interview to The New York Times in 2020, where US President Joe Biden famously said that he would encourage the Turkish opposition to defeat Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the election, Washington wants to make nice with Turkey’s president. The efforts of the US and its western allies, aided by the western media and dubious pollsters, to prop up the electoral opposition to President Erdogan came a cropper. In fact, such a West-inspired and supported campaign made it easier for Erdogan to triumph over his opponent. All he had to do to win another five-year term as president was to keep telling his audience of western interference in Turkey's politics and reminding them of Biden's 2020 NYT interview. This helped Erdogan to deflect attention for soaring inflation, the steep fall in the Turkish lira’s value, unemployment, flight of capital, his human rights record and his government’s performance in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed at least 50,000 lives and destroyed infrastructure on a massive scale. In the event, after the presidential election concluded on May 28, Biden lost no time in calling Erdogan to congratulate him on his victory. During the call, Erdogan spoke of Turkey wanting to buy the F-16 fighter jets. Biden reciprocated by asking Ankara to drop its objection to Sweden’s membership of NATO. Turkey wants to buy $20 billion worth of F-16s. The sale has been held up because of Turkey, along with Hungary, blocking Sweden’s entry into NATO. Interestingly, the US and EU also failed in their efforts to thwart the re-election of Viktor Orban as Hungary’s prime minister last year. "I spoke to Erdogan. I congratulated Erdogan. He still wants to work on something on the F-16s. I told him we wanted a deal with Sweden, so let's get that done. And so we'll be back in touch with one another," Biden told reporters. On Sweden's NATO membership, Biden said: "I raised that issue with him. We're going to talk more about it next week." ALSO READ| Rise and rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Name etched in gold, but challenges not over There are compelling reasons for the US and Turkey to make up with each other. Erdogan’s Turkey has emerged as a power, much like Angela Merkel’s Germany had. The US has not been doing well in West Asia and the Arab world, what with Biden being snubbed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has revived ties with both Iran and Syria, and paved the way for China as a counterweight in the region. Like in West Asia, Turkey is a power in the Mediterranean, too. It is the only NATO member to assert its strategic autonomy, refuse to join US-led sanctions against Russia; and, while maintaining complicated but cooperative ties with Russia, also selling weapons to Ukraine. And, keeping above bloc politics, Ankara has sought to thrive in a mediating role between Ukraine and Russia, and between Russia and the West. The sustenance of the grain deal between Kyiv and Moscow, along with the UN, attests to Turkey’s usefulness, as an independent power, to the US, Europe, Russia, China, West Asia and the UN. These underscore the security implications of Erdogan’s victory which are all too obvious for the big powers, especially the US, Russia, and China, to ignore. In the Ukraine war, Erdogan was the first to move in as peace-maker, months before China’s President Xi Jinping entered the race. Turkey hosted peace talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv weeks after the war broke out in Ukraine. The talks did produce a deal, which was scuttled by the US and the UK. Ankara has not been put off by the collapse of the Istanbul deal. It has been calling for revival of peace talks and putting itself forward as a mediator. Erdogan has been saying that peace in Ukraine can be achieved through “determined mediation.” Thus, neither Ankara nor Washington can risk burning the trans-Atlantic bridge. (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

WION Spotlight | The importance of being Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Canada is burning up in wildfires. The wildfire smoke has now entered parts of the US and people have been urged to stay indoors. What caused the brutal Canadian wildfires? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Canada's wildfire smoke terrorises parts of the US

Many experts have concerns about how advances in ai will affect what it means to be human, to be productive and to exercise free will. Responding to an angry judge in Manhattan court, two lawyers blamed ChatGPT for tricking them into including fictitious legal research in a court filing. In US, attorneys Steven Schwartz and Peter Loduca are facing possible punishment. They filed a lawsuit against an airline that included references to past court cases that Schwartz thought were real.

Lawyers blame ChatGPT for tricking them, U.S. judge sees red | Age of AI & our human future | WION

<p>The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Boeing has denied these charges and said that the lawsuit has “inaccuracies and omissions”.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the accusations against Boeing?</strong></h2>

<p>The lawsuit was filed&nbsp;by a company named Wilson Aerospace&nbsp;in a federal court in the United States city of Seattle. According to the complaint, Wilson Aerospace was working with Boeing for two years between 2014 and 2016 after the latter sought the former’s help for safely attaching engines to the SLS rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Boeing has reportedly feared the loss of billions of dollars of NASA revenue. Wilson claims that after the company provided Boeing with the designs for a unique torque wrench,&nbsp;the latter cancelled the former’s contract. However, according to Wilson, Boeing continued to use its intellectual property without “full instructions” on how to build or install it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wilson has accused Boeing of creating “critically deficient in quality and performance,” versions of their design, adding that these “mismatched” tools may have caused or contributed to dangerous leaks which had delayed the launch of the SLS rocket, reported Sky News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit also said that Boeing was able to earn billions of dollars in revenue because of the “infringement of Wilson’s trade secrets.” It added that Boeing must turn over “all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit then claims that &nbsp;Boeing went on to blame the leaks which could endanger astronauts on Wilson’s design. “Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our company's reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts' safety, which is beyond despicable,” said founder and president, David Wilson, as quoted by Sky News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this is not the only project that two aerospace companies had collaborated on and in relation to a somewhat similar allegation Wilson said Boeing stole trade secrets related to bolt installation tools for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft which the Colorado-based company was asked to design in 2012.</p>

<h2><strong>Boeing’s response to the allegations, lawsuit</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, the aerospace giant based in Arlington, Virginia, said, “This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions.” It added, “We will vigorously defend against this in court.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) SLS rocket was first launched last year and was a part of the agency’s Artemis program which aims to put astronauts back on the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in over 50 years.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station.

The aerospace giant, Boeing was sued, on Wednesday (June 7) by a company based in the US state of Colorado for allegedly “stealing” trade secrets for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and which could have led to leaks on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Boeing has denied these charges and said that the lawsuit has “inaccuracies and omissions”. What are the accusations against Boeing? The lawsuit was filed by a company named Wilson Aerospace in a federal court in the United States city of Seattle. According to the complaint, Wilson Aerospace was working with Boeing for two years between 2014 and 2016 after the latter sought the former’s help for safely attaching engines to the SLS rocket. This comes as Boeing has reportedly feared the loss of billions of dollars of NASA revenue. Wilson claims that after the company provided Boeing with the designs for a unique torque wrench, the latter cancelled the former’s contract. However, according to Wilson, Boeing continued to use its intellectual property without “full instructions” on how to build or install it. Wilson has accused Boeing of creating “critically deficient in quality and performance,” versions of their design, adding that these “mismatched” tools may have caused or contributed to dangerous leaks which had delayed the launch of the SLS rocket, reported Sky News. The lawsuit also said that Boeing was able to earn billions of dollars in revenue because of the “infringement of Wilson’s trade secrets.” It added that Boeing must turn over “all revenues and profits Boeing has obtained as a result.” The lawsuit then claims that Boeing went on to blame the leaks which could endanger astronauts on Wilson’s design. “Boeing has not only stolen our intellectual property and damaged our company's reputation but has used the technology incorrectly and at the expense of astronauts' safety, which is beyond despicable,” said founder and president, David Wilson, as quoted by Sky News. However, this is not the only project that two aerospace companies had collaborated on and in relation to a somewhat similar allegation Wilson said Boeing stole trade secrets related to bolt installation tools for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft which the Colorado-based company was asked to design in 2012. Boeing’s response to the allegations, lawsuit In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, the aerospace giant based in Arlington, Virginia, said, “This lawsuit is rife with inaccuracies and omissions.” It added, “We will vigorously defend against this in court.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) SLS rocket was first launched last year and was a part of the agency’s Artemis program which aims to put astronauts back on the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in over 50 years. 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.

Boeing accused of stealing intellectual property for NASA rocket in lawsuit

Latest data from the US Commerce department shows that trade deficit in April widened to a six-month high. That's because exports saw its biggest decline since the pandemic began in 2020 while imports rose too. The shortfall in trade grew by $14 billion, from a month earlier, to 74.6 billion dollars. Total exports fell 3.6%, the most since April 2020, to 249 billion dollars, while imports rose 1.5% to 323.6 billion dollars.

US trade deficit widens in April 2023

<p>The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.</p>

<p>The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers.</p>

<p>The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives.</p>

<p>Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO.</p>

<p>"The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade.</p>

<p>Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government.</p>

<p>"I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent."</p>

<p>Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion".</p>

<h2><strong>Fresh elections?</strong></h2>

<p>The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy.</p>

<p>Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch&nbsp;backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo.

The United States and European Union on Wednesday (June 7) told Kosovo to back down amid its standoff with ethnic Serbs or face "consequences". The tension with ethnic Serbs has flared up in northern parts of Kosovo. The warning came as envoys of US and the EU concluded visits to Kosovo and Serbia. The envoys had visited to calm tensions that flared into violence last week. The clashes also wounded dozens of NATO peace-keeping soldiers. The violence started when Kosovo authorities installed ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected to their offices in elections that saw less than five per cent of voters come out to vote. The election was boycotted by ethnic Serbs who are in majority in northern Kosovan cities. Ethnic Serbs did not consider the mayors to be their representatives. Gabriel Escobar, the US envoy to the Western Balkans, said that Kosovo must give more autonomy to Serb-majority municipalities if it wants to go in the direction of joining the EU and NATO. "The actions taken or not taken could have some consequences that will affect parts of the relationship (between Kosovo and the United States), I don't want to get there," Escobar told Kosovo media on Tuesday before going to Belgrade. Escobar, along with EU's Miroslav Lajcak did not reveal details of what will these consequences be or what's in store for Kosovo PM Albin Kurti's ethnic Albanian-dominated government. "I don't think that these things are resolved with pressure and by mentioning consequences and even sanctions," Kurti told reporters on Wednesday. "We have challenges with EU and U.S. envoys but our bilateral relations with the EU and U.S. are excellent." Lajcak said on Monday that the envoys presented proposals to Kurti to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo, adding they had a "long, honest, difficult discussion". Fresh elections? The EU and the US have called on Kosovan PM to recall mayors from their offices and also to pull out special police unit that helped to install them. They have also stressed on calling fresh elections with Serb participation. The US and the EU have also appealed Kosovo to implement an agreement struck in 2013 that paved way for formation of association of Serb municipalities so that the community can get more autonomy. Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 2008. Western countries like the US have been staunch backers of Kosovo's independence. Kosovo does not have recognition from all countries in the world. It does not till now, have a seat at the United Nations. (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 ×

Back down or face 'consequences', US and EU tell Kosovo authorities

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - A crocodile made herself pregnant in a rare case of 'Virgin Birth', Explained | How Air India's diverted flight to Russia landed amid row between Moscow, Canada wildfires smoke covers US skies.

Rare case of 'Virgin Birth' | Canada wildfires smoke covers US skies

<p>The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need.</p>

<p>A spokesperson said in a statement that USAID had determined, in coordination with the Ethiopian government, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia".</p>

<p>The statement did not say who was behind the campaign.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-nuclear-weapon-of-software-wion-speaks-to-deepai-founder-kevin-baragona-602187">AI 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona</a></p>

<p>The United States is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid, most of them due to drought and a recently-concluded war in the northern Tigray region.</p>

<p>According to an internal briefing by a group of foreign donors to Ethiopia seen by Reuters, USAID believes the food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units.</p>

<p>"The scheme appears to be orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting from humanitarian assistance," said the document from the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group (HRDG), which includes USAID.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-anti-gay-protests-in-los-angeles-after-school-votes-on-recognizing-june-as-pride-month-602146">Anti-gay protests in Los Angeles after school votes on recognizing June as Pride month</a></p>

<p>Spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USAID declined to comment on the report.</p>

<p>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue on Thursday with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of a conference in Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>The State Department said afterwards that Blinken welcomed a commitment by Ethiopia's government to work with the United States to conduct a full investigation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits</strong></p>

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<p>The USAID spokesperson said the agency intended to resume food assistance as soon as it was confident in the integrity of the system.</p>

<p>USAID and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) had already suspended food aid to the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray last month in response to information that large amounts of aid there were being diverted.</p>

<p>A two-year war in Tigray between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in November after killing tens of thousands of people and creating famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands.</p>

<p>In the 2022 fiscal year, USAID disbursed nearly $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia, most of it food aid.</p>

<p>The HRDG briefing document, which was circulated among donors on Wednesday, recommended that Ethiopia's government allow donors to deliver aid through "alternative modalities" like cash transfers.</p>

<p>It also urged donors to call on Ethiopia's government to make a public statement condemning the diversion and demanding that aid workers not be harassed.</p>

<p>Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of the war in Tigray and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades.</p>

<p>WFP is also investigating "systemic" food diversion across Ethiopia, according to an email sent last week by the agency's deputy director to staff in Ethiopia.</p>

<p>A WFP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need. A spokesperson said in a statement that USAID had determined, in coordination with the Ethiopian government, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia". The statement did not say who was behind the campaign. Also Read | AI 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona The United States is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid, most of them due to drought and a recently-concluded war in the northern Tigray region. According to an internal briefing by a group of foreign donors to Ethiopia seen by Reuters, USAID believes the food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units. "The scheme appears to be orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting from humanitarian assistance," said the document from the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group (HRDG), which includes USAID. Also Read | Anti-gay protests in Los Angeles after school votes on recognizing June as Pride month Spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USAID declined to comment on the report. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue on Thursday with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of a conference in Saudi Arabia. The State Department said afterwards that Blinken welcomed a commitment by Ethiopia's government to work with the United States to conduct a full investigation. Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits × The USAID spokesperson said the agency intended to resume food assistance as soon as it was confident in the integrity of the system. USAID and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) had already suspended food aid to the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray last month in response to information that large amounts of aid there were being diverted. A two-year war in Tigray between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in November after killing tens of thousands of people and creating famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands. In the 2022 fiscal year, USAID disbursed nearly $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia, most of it food aid. The HRDG briefing document, which was circulated among donors on Wednesday, recommended that Ethiopia's government allow donors to deliver aid through "alternative modalities" like cash transfers. It also urged donors to call on Ethiopia's government to make a public statement condemning the diversion and demanding that aid workers not be harassed. Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of the war in Tigray and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades. WFP is also investigating "systemic" food diversion across Ethiopia, according to an email sent last week by the agency's deputy director to staff in Ethiopia. A WFP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 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 suspends food aid to Ethiopia, says it's not reaching needy

The skies above New York City and many other North American cities grew progressively hazier, with an eerie orangish tinge filtering through the smoky canopy from Canada wildfires.

New York City blanketed in eerie veil of smoke from Canada wildfires

Let’s focus on Nigeria's currency woes as the Naira takes a sharp dive, reaching a record low against the US Dollar. with heavy demand for US Dollars, the central bank recently auctioned dollars at a significantly weaker exchange rate, raising concerns about a potential devaluation as a result, the naira hit a record low, creating a ripple effect across the economy.

Nigeria's Naira hits record low

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