The US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point for a 10th&nbsp;consecutive time on Wednesday (May 3), while indicating a pause in further increases. This comes amid recent bank failures as well as Congress’ ongoing deadlock over the debt ceiling issue.&nbsp;

The central bank has been aggressively raising interest rates since March last year in a bid to control the US’ soaring inflation and pushed its benchmark overnight interest rate somewhere in the 5.00 per cent and 5.25 per cent range. In the statement, the Fed also said that it would “take into account” the impact of tighter monetary policy and “economic and financial developments” going forward.

During the press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the central bank still views inflation as too high and that it remains concerned by high price pressures. However, it no longer “anticipates” further hikes and monitors the incoming data to make the decision if more hikes “may be appropriate.”

Therefore, Powell has said that it is too soon to say if the rate-hike cycle is over as the decisions made by officials are taking on a “meeting-by-meeting” basis, adding, “we are prepared to do more&nbsp;with rate rises if needed.”&nbsp;

The decision about the recent hike came after the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) recent meeting and was in line with the expectations of analysts and traders.&nbsp;

Notably, the recent statement by the central bank marks a departure from the last rate announcement where policymakers had said that they expect “additional policy firming” to rein in inflation. This time around, the Fed’s ease of guidance suggests that the economy is somewhat beginning to cool.&nbsp;

“If you add up all the tightening that's going on through various channels, we feel like we're getting close or are maybe even there,” said Powell, as quoted by Reuters, about monetary policy. The Fed chair also pushed back on market expectations of rate cuts this year adding, “We on the committee have a view that inflation is going to come down not so quickly, it will take some time.”&nbsp;

It is worth noting that the Fed’s policy rate, this time around, is somewhat close to where it was on the eve of the 2008 financial crisis. The rate hikes have more than doubled mortgage rates, elevated the costs of auto loans, credit card borrowing and business loans and heightened the risk of a recession, reported The Associated Press.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point for a 10th consecutive time on Wednesday (May 3), while indicating a pause in further increases.

The US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point for a 10th consecutive time on Wednesday (May 3), while indicating a pause in further increases. This comes amid recent bank failures as well as Congress’ ongoing deadlock over the debt ceiling issue. The central bank has been aggressively raising interest rates since March last year in a bid to control the US’ soaring inflation and pushed its benchmark overnight interest rate somewhere in the 5.00 per cent and 5.25 per cent range. In the statement, the Fed also said that it would “take into account” the impact of tighter monetary policy and “economic and financial developments” going forward. During the press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the central bank still views inflation as too high and that it remains concerned by high price pressures. However, it no longer “anticipates” further hikes and monitors the incoming data to make the decision if more hikes “may be appropriate.” Therefore, Powell has said that it is too soon to say if the rate-hike cycle is over as the decisions made by officials are taking on a “meeting-by-meeting” basis, adding, “we are prepared to do more with rate rises if needed.” The decision about the recent hike came after the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) recent meeting and was in line with the expectations of analysts and traders. Notably, the recent statement by the central bank marks a departure from the last rate announcement where policymakers had said that they expect “additional policy firming” to rein in inflation. This time around, the Fed’s ease of guidance suggests that the economy is somewhat beginning to cool. “If you add up all the tightening that's going on through various channels, we feel like we're getting close or are maybe even there,” said Powell, as quoted by Reuters, about monetary policy. The Fed chair also pushed back on market expectations of rate cuts this year adding, “We on the committee have a view that inflation is going to come down not so quickly, it will take some time.” It is worth noting that the Fed’s policy rate, this time around, is somewhat close to where it was on the eve of the 2008 financial crisis. The rate hikes have more than doubled mortgage rates, elevated the costs of auto loans, credit card borrowing and business loans and heightened the risk of a recession, reported 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 Federal Reserve announces quarter-point interest rate hike, signals potential pause

The American companies operating in China are facing heightened scrutiny from the Chinese authorities. The latest events include the questioning of employees at the management consultancy bain & company in Shanghai. The events coincide with an amendment to an already extensive counter-espionage law in China. The law widens the scope of the kind of materials and data the country deems relevant to the national security. The new law was revised last week and is set to take effect in July.

Investor jitters rise as China tightens screws on US firms

The US national debt has hit a new high of 28 trillion dollars caused by years of government spending exceeding the revenue. Watch this report to understand the impact of this on the world's largest economy. Will this crisis push the us economy further into recession and what do experts suggest on the matter?

Is US economy really rich? Or is it a facade?

U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan.

After passing a sweeping bill last year to boost competition with Beijing in semiconductors and other technology, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic committee leaders said they would write legislation they hoped to introduce in the next several months to limit the flow of technology to China, deter China from initiating a conflict with Taiwan and tighten rules to block U.S. capital from going to Chinese companies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a>

Schumer said the bill - dubbed "China Competition 2.0" - would broaden last year's "Chips and Science" act.

"Today, we are announcing a new initiative, one that will build on this momentum and develop new and significant bipartisan legislation," Schumer told a press conference.

He said he hoped the bill would be bipartisan, and said Republicans in the Senate had been supportive of some of the ideas proposed for the package. The measure will need Republican support to become law, as Republicans control the House of Representatives.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a>

The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the perennially divided U.S. Congress, and last year's legislation passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans.

However, John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, said the new China initiative would have a hard time getting through Congress, given his party's concerns about spending and the debt and the size of last year's bill.

"It would be challenging, and partly because of spending and debt - concerns about too much spending and the impact it's had on inflation, the way the deficits exploded and ballooned," Thune said.

A rare major foray into U.S. industrial policy, the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden last year authorized hundreds of billions of dollars to boost scientific research and subsidize domestic semiconductor manufacturers.

Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

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This year's planned legislation would also seek funding for additional domestic investments in key technology areas and provide a better U.S. alternative to China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative, an effort to counter Beijing's international influence.

"We know that China uses its economic power like a bully," Democratic Senator Chris Coons told the news conference.

Schumer said lawmakers would look at TikTok and other foreign-based apps while writing the China bill. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Washington and other Western capitals.

TikTok has already been banned from government-issued phones in countries such as Canada and Australia over concerns about whether China can access user data or influence what people see. Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a nationwide ban.

Some of the ideas proposed for the new legislation were part of a broader China bill that was scaled back last year and eventually became the "Chips and Science" act.

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U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan.

U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan. After passing a sweeping bill last year to boost competition with Beijing in semiconductors and other technology, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic committee leaders said they would write legislation they hoped to introduce in the next several months to limit the flow of technology to China, deter China from initiating a conflict with Taiwan and tighten rules to block U.S. capital from going to Chinese companies. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 Schumer said the bill - dubbed "China Competition 2.0" - would broaden last year's "Chips and Science" act. "Today, we are announcing a new initiative, one that will build on this momentum and develop new and significant bipartisan legislation," Schumer told a press conference. He said he hoped the bill would be bipartisan, and said Republicans in the Senate had been supportive of some of the ideas proposed for the package. The measure will need Republican support to become law, as Republicans control the House of Representatives. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the perennially divided U.S. Congress, and last year's legislation passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. However, John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, said the new China initiative would have a hard time getting through Congress, given his party's concerns about spending and the debt and the size of last year's bill. "It would be challenging, and partly because of spending and debt - concerns about too much spending and the impact it's had on inflation, the way the deficits exploded and ballooned," Thune said. A rare major foray into U.S. industrial policy, the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden last year authorized hundreds of billions of dollars to boost scientific research and subsidize domestic semiconductor manufacturers. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × This year's planned legislation would also seek funding for additional domestic investments in key technology areas and provide a better U.S. alternative to China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative, an effort to counter Beijing's international influence. "We know that China uses its economic power like a bully," Democratic Senator Chris Coons told the news conference. Schumer said lawmakers would look at TikTok and other foreign-based apps while writing the China bill. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Washington and other Western capitals. TikTok has already been banned from government-issued phones in countries such as Canada and Australia over concerns about whether China can access user data or influence what people see. Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a nationwide ban. Some of the ideas proposed for the new legislation were part of a broader China bill that was scaled back last year and eventually became the "Chips and Science" act. 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 Senate Democrats launch renewed effort to counter China

Shares of US-based bank pacwest bancorp tumbled 56% in extended trading. This happened following the news that the bank is weighing strategic options. The regional bank is assessing various options. Including a possible sale, and bringing in advisors to evaluate longer-term plans for the business. Piper Sandler and Stephens are the two firms advising pacwest.

Yet another US bank on the brink of collapse?

Tech war continues between US and China. The US Export controls on microchips which were imposed last year to slow down China's tech development appear to have minimal effect on China's tech sector. Experts say the US Challenge is to slow china's progress in high-tech without hurting US Companies.

US-China tech tensions continue

Oil prices fell 4% on Wednesday, extending steep losses from the previous session after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates and as investors fretted about the economy. Brent futures settled $2.99 lower, or 4%, to $72.33 a barrel, the global benchmark's lowest close since December 2021.

Oil falls 4%, extending losses after Fed rate hike

There are fresh tensions in the commercially vital Gulf waters, the US Navy says that Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, making it the second-such capture in the Gulf waters. The Panama-flagged oil tanker 'Naomi' was seized by Iran's Paramilitary.

Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

An Island used by the late sex offender jeffrey epstein to sexually abuse young women is one of the two private islands bought by a billionaire investor. Reports say that Stephen deck off has bought two private islands in the U.S. Virgin islands for 60 million dollars. Watch this report to know more.

Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein

At least six people died Monday after a dust storm caused visibility to plummet along a US highway, leading to crashes involving nearly 100 vehicles, police said.

Some 40-60 passenger vehicles, along with 30 commercial vehicles, crashed in the Midwestern state of Illinois "due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway," the Illinois State Police said in a statement.

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At least 6 dead after dust storm causes crashes in Illinois

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The police added that dozens of people were wounded.

Two semi-trucks caught fire as a result of the late-morning crashes, which occurred along a two-mile stretch of Interstate 55, the statement said.

The highway is a major thoroughfare, connecting cities like Chicago and St. Louis.

Reuters quoted a police spokesperson as saying that crashes took place shortly after 11 am CT (1600 GMT)

More than 30 people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging "from minor to life-threatening," police said. Victims ranged from ages two to 80.

Images published from the scene showed firefighters in the dusty, hazy aftermath, in some cases in near zero-visibility conditions as smoke -- and sometimes fires -- rose from vehicles, some of which had careened off the highway.

Eight people died in a similar accident in Utah in 2021 when a sandstorm caused a series of crashes ensnaring 22 vehicles.

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At least six people died Monday after a dust storm caused visibility to plummet along a US highway, leading to crashes involving nearly 100 vehicles, police said.

At least six people died Monday after a dust storm caused visibility to plummet along a US highway, leading to crashes involving nearly 100 vehicles, police said. Some 40-60 passenger vehicles, along with 30 commercial vehicles, crashed in the Midwestern state of Illinois "due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway," the Illinois State Police said in a statement. Watch the video below At least 6 dead after dust storm causes crashes in Illinois × The police added that dozens of people were wounded. Two semi-trucks caught fire as a result of the late-morning crashes, which occurred along a two-mile stretch of Interstate 55, the statement said. The highway is a major thoroughfare, connecting cities like Chicago and St. Louis. Reuters quoted a police spokesperson as saying that crashes took place shortly after 11 am CT (1600 GMT) More than 30 people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging "from minor to life-threatening," police said. Victims ranged from ages two to 80. Images published from the scene showed firefighters in the dusty, hazy aftermath, in some cases in near zero-visibility conditions as smoke -- and sometimes fires -- rose from vehicles, some of which had careened off the highway. Eight people died in a similar accident in Utah in 2021 when a sandstorm caused a series of crashes ensnaring 22 vehicles. 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 ×

Watch: How a dust storm vehicle pileup in US led to fires, leaving six dead

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) 
 
A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes amid the ongoing trial where Trump has been accused of sexual assault by writer E. Jean Carroll. During the hearing, a friend of Carroll also backed up the writer’s account of her being raped by Trump&nbsp;in a Manhattan department store.

Woman testifies against Trump&nbsp;

A woman named Jessica Leeds, from Asheville, North Carolina told jurors at the civil trial of Carroll’s lawsuit that Trump allegedly grabbed her chest and ran his hand up her skirt as they sat side by side in first class. Leeds said&nbsp;she was in her late 30s travelling&nbsp;from Dallas or Atlanta to New York’s LaGuardia Airport when "all of a sudden Trump decided to kiss me and grope me."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-raped-me-former-magazine-columnist-e-jean-carrolls-chilling-testimony-586494">‘Donald Trump raped me': Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony</a> 
 
"There was no conversation. It was like out of the blue. It was like a tussle,"&nbsp;said the 81-year-old, as quoted by the Associated Press.&nbsp;She added, “He was trying to kiss me, trying to pull me towards him. He was grabbing my breasts. It was like he had 40 zillion hands. It was like a tussling match between the two of us.”

Leeds said that after a few seconds, she wriggled free of Trump, and told him, “I don’t need this” before storming to the back of the plane, as per media reports.&nbsp;

This comes as another woman, who too was victimised, is expected to testify in the trial against the former president. Leeds was called to the witness stand by Carroll’s lawyers who are reportedly trying to prove that Trump has a history of assaulting women and that the writer’s case was not a one-off incident.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-writer-e-jean-carroll-testifies-in-her-lawsuit-against-donald-trump-586495">US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump</a>

However, this is not the first time that Leeds went public with her account of the alleged airplane assault. In an interview, the now 81-year-old spoke up about the incident during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign after he claimed that he had never touched women against their will.&nbsp;

Carroll’s friend testifies

Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying. Meanwhile, the former president has repeatedly denied the women’s claims and said that these allegations are politically motivated. 
 
The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. &nbsp; 
 
Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-official-website-tries-to-discredit-rape-accuser-jean-carroll-claims-shes-a-sexual-harasser-587387">Trump’s official website tries to discredit rape accuser Jean Carroll, claims she’s a sexual harasser: Report</a>

Carroll’s friend, author Lisa Birnbach, told a jury in Manhattan federal court that she “vividly” remembers how one evening back in 1996, Carroll called her and said that Trump had just attacked her in a dressing room of the department store. Carroll told her Trump slammed her into the wall, pulled down her tights and “penetrated her with his penis.”

“I whispered, E. Jean, he raped you. You should go to the police,” Birnbach testified. According to the author, Carroll was emotional and hyperventilating on the phone. Birnbach testified that&nbsp;Carroll refused to go to the police and asked her to never tell anyone about the incident.

“Instead of wallowing, she puts on lipstick, dusts herself off and moves on,” said Birnbach, about why her Carroll&nbsp;stayed silent about the alleged assault for decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2).

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) A second woman has now accused former United States President Donald Trump of molesting her on a New York City-bound jet back in 1979, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes amid the ongoing trial where Trump has been accused of sexual assault by writer E. Jean Carroll. During the hearing, a friend of Carroll also backed up the writer’s account of her being raped by Trump in a Manhattan department store. Woman testifies against Trump A woman named Jessica Leeds, from Asheville, North Carolina told jurors at the civil trial of Carroll’s lawsuit that Trump allegedly grabbed her chest and ran his hand up her skirt as they sat side by side in first class. Leeds said she was in her late 30s travelling from Dallas or Atlanta to New York’s LaGuardia Airport when "all of a sudden Trump decided to kiss me and grope me." ALSO READ | ‘Donald Trump raped me': Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony "There was no conversation. It was like out of the blue. It was like a tussle," said the 81-year-old, as quoted by the Associated Press. She added, “He was trying to kiss me, trying to pull me towards him. He was grabbing my breasts. It was like he had 40 zillion hands. It was like a tussling match between the two of us.” Leeds said that after a few seconds, she wriggled free of Trump, and told him, “I don’t need this” before storming to the back of the plane, as per media reports. This comes as another woman, who too was victimised, is expected to testify in the trial against the former president. Leeds was called to the witness stand by Carroll’s lawyers who are reportedly trying to prove that Trump has a history of assaulting women and that the writer’s case was not a one-off incident. ALSO WATCH | US writer E. Jean Carroll testifies in her lawsuit against Donald Trump However, this is not the first time that Leeds went public with her account of the alleged airplane assault. In an interview, the now 81-year-old spoke up about the incident during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign after he claimed that he had never touched women against their will. Carroll’s friend testifies Trump’s lawyer said the former president has decided against testifying. Meanwhile, the former president has repeatedly denied the women’s claims and said that these allegations are politically motivated. The former magazine advice columnist who first publicly aired her allegations against Trump in 2019, has accused the former president of raping her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Carroll said after raping her, Trump defamed her when she spoke the truth. Carroll is suing Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial. Carroll denied making up her claims to drive publicity for her memoir, “What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal,” during the cross-examination, on Monday. ALSO READ | Trump’s official website tries to discredit rape accuser Jean Carroll, claims she’s a sexual harasser: Report Carroll’s friend, author Lisa Birnbach, told a jury in Manhattan federal court that she “vividly” remembers how one evening back in 1996, Carroll called her and said that Trump had just attacked her in a dressing room of the department store. Carroll told her Trump slammed her into the wall, pulled down her tights and “penetrated her with his penis.” “I whispered, E. Jean, he raped you. You should go to the police,” Birnbach testified. According to the author, Carroll was emotional and hyperventilating on the phone. Birnbach testified that Carroll refused to go to the police and asked her to never tell anyone about the incident. “Instead of wallowing, she puts on lipstick, dusts herself off and moves on,” said Birnbach, about why her Carroll stayed silent about the alleged assault for decades. (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.

Another woman accuses Trump of sexual assault; E. Jean Carroll’s friend testifies at trial

US authorities have arrested a man suspected to kill 5 of his neighbours in Texas on Friday. 38 year old Francisco Oropeza was arrested on Tuesday, which was 4 days after the shooting.

Suspect in killing of 5 Texas neighbors caught after 4-day manhunt

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

US to breach debt ceiling in June : Treasury

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown,&nbsp;coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under&nbsp; Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency.&nbsp;

The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” &nbsp;

It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills.

Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland.&nbsp;

The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”.

“A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved&nbsp;and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1).

“A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests.&nbsp;

Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.”&nbsp; 
 
She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.

International police have arrested 288 suspects as part of an international law enforcement operation, the announcement of which was made on Tuesday (May 2). The multi-continental crackdown, coordinated by Europol and involving nine countries, was carried out under Operation SpecTor, which also led to the seizure of $54.8 million in cash and virtual currency. The operation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States, Europe, and South America. The Hague-based Europol in a statement said they have “seized the illegal dark web marketplace ‘Monopoly Market’,” adding that the arrests were made of people suspected of “buying or selling drugs on the dark web.” It added that the officials also seized more than 800 kilogrammes of drugs which included, over 258 kilogrammes of amphetamines, 43 kilogrammes of cocaine, 43 kilogrammes of MDMA and over 10 kilogrammes of LSD and ecstasy pills. Out of the 288 arrests, 153 defendants were arrested in the US, said United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday. “Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes,” said Garland. The US Justice Department had also indicated that several suspects have already been convicted or were being prosecuted following Operation SpecTor and described it as the “largest international operation against dark net trafficking of fentanyl and opioids”. “A number of these suspects were considered high-value targets,” said Europol. The US marked the highest number of arrests made out of the nine countries involved and was followed by the United Kingdom which took 55 people into custody. The other arrests were made in Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1) and Brazil (1). “A number of investigations to identify additional individuals behind dark web accounts are still ongoing,” the European policing agency stated. Operation SpecTor was also deemed more successful when compared to the 2021 operation codenamed ‘DarkHunTor’ where 150 people were arrested, which was followed by ‘DisrupTor’ (2020) with 179 arrests. Speaking about the operation, Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said, “Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together.” She added, “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: international law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.” (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-Europe announce 288 arrests, seizures in crackdown on dark web drug trafficking

2016 Olympic and 2017 World Championship gold medalist Torie Bowie has tragically passed away. The former American sprint queen was just 32-years-old. Bowie's management committee broke the news earlier on Wednesday. Bowie was found dead in her home in Florida and no cause of death was reported as of now.

Former World Champion Tori Bowie passes away at 32

May 14th is the D-day in Turkey, it will mean a new President for the country. Early voting is already underway and it's looking like neck to neck as citizens gear up to choose their next leader. The Interior Minister in Turkey has made a damning claim saying that the West, particularly, the US is using the elections to stage a political coup in Turkey.

Turkey's Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu claims US' attempting political coup in Turkey

US President&nbsp;Joe Biden hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House and reaffirmed US support for the security of the Philippines while stressing the "deep friendship" the two countries share, as worries about Chinese Navy harassment of Philippine vessels mount.&nbsp;

Biden spoke about the developments in the US-Philippine relationship during his Monday meeting with Marcos. This partnership has had its ups and downs through the years and was in a challenging situation when Marcos took office less than a year ago, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

“We are facing new challenges and I couldn’t think of a better partner to have than you,” Biden told Marcos at the start of their Oval Office meeting.

“The United States also remains ironclad in our commitment to the defence of the Philippines, including in the&nbsp;South China Sea, and we will continue to support the Philippines' military modernisation goals," he added.

Marcos said the relationship was important&nbsp;as the Philippines and the Pacific face “possibly the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now. So, it is only natural for the Philippines to look to its sole treaty partner in the world to strengthen and redefine the relationship that we have and the roles that we play in the face of the&nbsp;rising tensions that we see now.”

Following the meeting, the White House announced the transfer to the Philippines of three C-130 planes and two coastal patrol ships. The two nations claimed to have adopted defence directives aimed at strengthening collaboration and interoperability between their militaries in all spheres of space, including cyberspace.

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President Biden met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today to discuss efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines alliance. 
 
The leaders announced new opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, invest in the clean energy transition, and ensure respect for human rights. <a href="https://t.co/QRmnr6Ybrz">pic.twitter.com/QRmnr6Ybrz</a>
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The Biden administration announced the start of a new trade mission to boost American investment in the Philippines' innovative economy, fresh educational initiatives, and more.

The US and the Philippines recently concluded their largest war drills ever, and Marcos' trip to Washington comes as the two air forces prepare to conduct their first joint fighter jet training in the Philippines since 1990. As Washington attempts to deter China's increasingly aggressive actions towards Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines this year agreed to grant the US access to four more bases on the islands.

As this takes shape, China has infuriated the Philippines by repeatedly obstructing its navy and coast guard patrols and chasing away fishing boats in waters that are close to Philippine shores but that Beijing claims as its own.

The Oval Office meeting is the latest instance of Biden's high-level diplomacy with Pacific leaders as his government deals with China's growing economic and military aggression as well as concerns over North Korea's nuclear programme. The official visit by Marcos is the first by a Philippine president to Washington in over a decade.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House and reaffirmed US support for the security of the Philippines while stressing the "deep friendship" the two countries share, as worries about Chinese Navy harassment of Philippine vessels mount.

US President Joe Biden hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House and reaffirmed US support for the security of the Philippines while stressing the "deep friendship" the two countries share, as worries about Chinese Navy harassment of Philippine vessels mount. Biden spoke about the developments in the US-Philippine relationship during his Monday meeting with Marcos. This partnership has had its ups and downs through the years and was in a challenging situation when Marcos took office less than a year ago, reported The Guardian. “We are facing new challenges and I couldn’t think of a better partner to have than you,” Biden told Marcos at the start of their Oval Office meeting. “The United States also remains ironclad in our commitment to the defence of the Philippines, including in the South China Sea, and we will continue to support the Philippines' military modernisation goals," he added. Marcos said the relationship was important as the Philippines and the Pacific face “possibly the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now. So, it is only natural for the Philippines to look to its sole treaty partner in the world to strengthen and redefine the relationship that we have and the roles that we play in the face of the rising tensions that we see now.” Following the meeting, the White House announced the transfer to the Philippines of three C-130 planes and two coastal patrol ships. The two nations claimed to have adopted defence directives aimed at strengthening collaboration and interoperability between their militaries in all spheres of space, including cyberspace. President Biden met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today to discuss efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines alliance. The leaders announced new opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, invest in the clean energy transition, and ensure respect for human rights. pic.twitter.com/QRmnr6Ybrz — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 1, 2023 × The Biden administration announced the start of a new trade mission to boost American investment in the Philippines' innovative economy, fresh educational initiatives, and more. The US and the Philippines recently concluded their largest war drills ever, and Marcos' trip to Washington comes as the two air forces prepare to conduct their first joint fighter jet training in the Philippines since 1990. As Washington attempts to deter China's increasingly aggressive actions towards Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines this year agreed to grant the US access to four more bases on the islands. As this takes shape, China has infuriated the Philippines by repeatedly obstructing its navy and coast guard patrols and chasing away fishing boats in waters that are close to Philippine shores but that Beijing claims as its own. The Oval Office meeting is the latest instance of Biden's high-level diplomacy with Pacific leaders as his government deals with China's growing economic and military aggression as well as concerns over North Korea's nuclear programme. The official visit by Marcos is the first by a Philippine president to Washington in over a decade. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Promise of ‘deep friendship’: US, Philippines recommit to boost military ties amid China’s aggression

Sudan's warring military factions agreed to a new and longer seven-day ceasefire from May 4, neighbour and mediator South Sudan said, even as more air strikes and shooting in the Khartoum capital region undercut their latest supposed truce.

Sudan's warring Generals extend theoretical truce but keep fighting

Zelensky says US Did not warn Ukraine about the top-secret documents leaked to internet chat rooms, before the news broke in the media last month. In an interview, the Ukrainian president told Washington post - we did not receive any information from the white house or pentagon beforehand. The embarrassing breach, which includes top secret documents, reportedly reveals US Unease over the viability of a counter-offensive by Kyiv's forces against Russian troops. Reports suggest the leaked papers also reveal concerns about Ukrainian air defences & point to US Spying on allies, including Israel & South Korea. The leaks also reportedly suggest US Spying on the un chief over Russia. The documents contained information on troop casualties & equipment losses; and details about NATO observation flights over the black sea.

Volodymyr Zelensky blasts US over handling of Ukraine document leaks

The&nbsp;man accused of fatally shooting five neighbours in&nbsp;a Texas home has been taken into custody after dayslong manhunt, the police said in a statement, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes after nearly four days of&nbsp;false alarms and few apparent leads. The 38-year-old suspect,&nbsp;Francisco Oropesa, was taken into custody around 7:00 pm (local time), said the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp; 
 
San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon told NBC news, Oropesa&nbsp;was&nbsp;apprehended in Cut and Shoot, Texas which is a few kilometres away from&nbsp;Cleveland, Texas, where the killings took place. The shooting took place after&nbsp;neighbours had&nbsp;asked Oropesa to stop firing his rifle on Friday night, when he stepped out of his house and shot rounds with an AR-15-style rifle, San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said on Saturday. 
 
Initially,&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;were waiting for the&nbsp;fingerprints to confirm the person arrested is Oropesa. The suspect has now been&nbsp;taken to the Montgomery County Jail and is charged with first-degree murder said the district attorney.&nbsp;This comes after&nbsp;more than 250 law enforcement officials and a total of $80,000 in rewards, were&nbsp;involved in Oropesa’s manhunt, who had eluded Texas authorities after the shooting on Friday. 
 
Law enforcement had been&nbsp;using&nbsp;the suspect's&nbsp;cellphone&nbsp;to track him but said that the trail went cold&nbsp;Saturday evening.&nbsp; A statement by the&nbsp;Montgomery County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;also said that a&nbsp;press conference&nbsp;will be held by&nbsp;San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers and the FBI-Houston to give more details about Oropesa's arrest. 
 
The arrest also comes days after more details were revealed about&nbsp;Oropesa who was&nbsp;first removed by an immigration judge back in 2009.&nbsp;However, the suspect’s current immigration status remains unclear and it is also not known how long he was in the US since last deported.&nbsp; 
 
In a statement, on Monday, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),&nbsp;said that it identified the suspect as a Mexican and confirmed that he was apprehended and deported several times.&nbsp;Oropesa was also convicted of driving while intoxicated in January 2012 in Montgomery County, Texas and sentenced to jail, the department added.&nbsp; 
 
The&nbsp;gunman shot&nbsp;Wilson Garcia, the father of the one-month-old's wife, Sonia Argentina Guzman,&nbsp;before killing three other adults - Diana Velazquez Alvarado (21), Julisa Molina Rivera (31), Jose Jonathan Casarez (18) - and Garcia’s son, Daniel Enrique Laso-Guzman (8).

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The man accused of fatally shooting five neighbours in a Texas home has been taken into custody after dayslong manhunt, the police said in a statement, on Tuesday (May 2).

The man accused of fatally shooting five neighbours in a Texas home has been taken into custody after dayslong manhunt, the police said in a statement, on Tuesday (May 2). This comes after nearly four days of false alarms and few apparent leads. The 38-year-old suspect, Francisco Oropesa, was taken into custody around 7:00 pm (local time), said the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. San Jacinto County District Attorney Todd Dillon told NBC news, Oropesa was apprehended in Cut and Shoot, Texas which is a few kilometres away from Cleveland, Texas, where the killings took place. The shooting took place after neighbours had asked Oropesa to stop firing his rifle on Friday night, when he stepped out of his house and shot rounds with an AR-15-style rifle, San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said on Saturday. Initially, authorities were waiting for the fingerprints to confirm the person arrested is Oropesa. The suspect has now been taken to the Montgomery County Jail and is charged with first-degree murder said the district attorney. This comes after more than 250 law enforcement officials and a total of $80,000 in rewards, were involved in Oropesa’s manhunt, who had eluded Texas authorities after the shooting on Friday. Law enforcement had been using the suspect's cellphone to track him but said that the trail went cold Saturday evening. A statement by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office also said that a press conference will be held by San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers and the FBI-Houston to give more details about Oropesa's arrest. The arrest also comes days after more details were revealed about Oropesa who was first removed by an immigration judge back in 2009. However, the suspect’s current immigration status remains unclear and it is also not known how long he was in the US since last deported. In a statement, on Monday, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said that it identified the suspect as a Mexican and confirmed that he was apprehended and deported several times. Oropesa was also convicted of driving while intoxicated in January 2012 in Montgomery County, Texas and sentenced to jail, the department added. The gunman shot Wilson Garcia, the father of the one-month-old's wife, Sonia Argentina Guzman, before killing three other adults - Diana Velazquez Alvarado (21), Julisa Molina Rivera (31), Jose Jonathan Casarez (18) - and Garcia’s son, Daniel Enrique Laso-Guzman (8). (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.

Man accused of killing five neighbours in Texas arrested after manhunt for days

President Joe Biden's administration will temporarily send 1,500 additional troops to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, in preparation for a possible rise in illegal immigration when COVID-19 border restrictions lift later this month.

US to send 1,500 troops to Mexico border for migrant surge

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

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

US: Montana's transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr loses legal bid to rejoin House floor

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

US: International dark web marketplace bust leads to 288 arrests

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

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

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