A gunman stepped out of a silver sedan and began shooting people at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, on Saturday, sending hundreds of shoppers fleeing in panic in the latest gun violence to strike the country.

Texas: Eyewitnesses describe the deadly attack at a Dallas mall | US

Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian PM is calling for Donald Trump’s return to office. He claims that their shared brand of hard-right populism is on the rise worldwide. Watch this video for all details.

Why is Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán calling for Trump’s return as US President?

Sudan’s warring parties have met for direct talks in Saudi Arabia as mediators pressed for an end to a conflict that has killed hundreds and sent tens of thousands fleeing.

Rival Sudan factions meet in Saudi Arabia as pressure mounts

Direct talks between the warring Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces will start in Jeddah on Saturday, the US and Saudi governments have confirmed, even as fighting showed little signs of abating in the Sudanese capital.

Sudan’s warring sides to begin talks in Saudi Arabia as fighting rages on

India on Friday wrapped up Operation Kaveri, launched to rescue its nationals stranded in crisis-hit Sudan, with the transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force making its final flight to bring 47 passengers home.

3,862 Indians rescued from Sudan, govt wraps up Operation Kaveri

Multiple people were stabbed near the University of Iowa campus on Saturday morning, even as police are on the lookout for the suspect.

The incident took place at 2.08 am (local time) after the varsity issued an alert about a stabbing near a gas station and community recreation area near S&nbsp;Gilbert Street. By 2:27 a.m., the police department confirmed multiple victims.

The condition of the victims is yet to be known, and the enforcement agencies have urged students to avoid the area of the incident. Moreover, there is no confirmation or report of any fatalities.

"Multiple victims confirmed. Police are searching for a suspect," officials said on&nbsp;Twitter.

It is not known if the victims were students, but a representative from the Iowa City Police Department told ABC News that the injured were “about that age."

"ICPD continues to investigate. The incident appears isolated. Resume normal activity but remain vigilant," the school said in an alert.

The school has urged residents to share any information about the incident with the Iowa City Police Department.

The incident follows a series of&nbsp;deadly stabbings&nbsp;at the University of California, Davis. Prosecutors charged a former student this week for the stabbings which left two dead and injured one.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow

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Multiple people were stabbed near the University of Iowa campus on Saturday morning, even as police are on the lookout for the suspect. The incident took place at 2.

Multiple people were stabbed near the University of Iowa campus on Saturday morning, even as police are on the lookout for the suspect. The incident took place at 2.08 am (local time) after the varsity issued an alert about a stabbing near a gas station and community recreation area near S Gilbert Street. By 2:27 a.m., the police department confirmed multiple victims. The condition of the victims is yet to be known, and the enforcement agencies have urged students to avoid the area of the incident. Moreover, there is no confirmation or report of any fatalities. "Multiple victims confirmed. Police are searching for a suspect," officials said on Twitter. It is not known if the victims were students, but a representative from the Iowa City Police Department told ABC News that the injured were “about that age." "ICPD continues to investigate. The incident appears isolated. Resume normal activity but remain vigilant," the school said in an alert. The school has urged residents to share any information about the incident with the Iowa City Police Department. The incident follows a series of deadly stabbings at the University of California, Davis. Prosecutors charged a former student this week for the stabbings which left two dead and injured one. This is a developing story. More updates will follow WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Multiple people stabbed near Iowa university, police initiate manhunt to nab suspect

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

US to control land sales to foreigners near 8 military bases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report: No background checks on 200 workers

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

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

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

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

Ukraine war: US denies masterminding Moscow drone attack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background checks not thorough on US workers at the Mexico border

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

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

Background checks not thorough on US workers at the Mexico border