Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow. The series of messages by the Russian arms dealer were sent to the former president via Telegram and shown to the press in Moscow.&nbsp;

These messages by Bout, who was called “Merchant of Death”, come months after he was released in a swap for US basketball star Britney Griner in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington in December 2022.&nbsp;

“I believe your life is in peril,” said Bout to the former US president. He added, “The Biden administration will not stop just by dragging you through the court/prison industrial complex,” in reference to Trump’s successor and incumbent US President Joe Biden, as per AFP.&nbsp;

This also comes days after Trump became the first former or current US president to be indicted on criminal charges by a jury for allegedly paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence on a brief affair.&nbsp;

Bout told Trump that he has long admired him and that he would find a “safe haven in Russia and from here you can lead the fight for the American people.” He also said that “they would sooner end your life than let you stand in their way,” referring to the Biden administration. 
 
The Russian arms dealer who has been accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts was arrested in Thailand in a US sting operation in 2008.&nbsp;Subsequently, Bout was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison over a decade ago. However, since the prisoner swap, he has joined a Russian nationalist party, reported AFP. 
 
While Moscow and Washington have held several prisoner exchanges in recent years, several Americans are reportedly still held in Russia.&nbsp;A US journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested last week by Russia leading to widespread&nbsp;outrage. The Wall Street Journal reporter has been charged with espionage which Washington has called “ridiculous”.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow.

Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout who was freed from a United States prison last year, on Friday, urged the former US President Donald trump to seek refuge in Russia saying that his life was “in peril” and he would find a “safe haven” in Moscow. The series of messages by the Russian arms dealer were sent to the former president via Telegram and shown to the press in Moscow. These messages by Bout, who was called “Merchant of Death”, come months after he was released in a swap for US basketball star Britney Griner in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington in December 2022. “I believe your life is in peril,” said Bout to the former US president. He added, “The Biden administration will not stop just by dragging you through the court/prison industrial complex,” in reference to Trump’s successor and incumbent US President Joe Biden, as per AFP. This also comes days after Trump became the first former or current US president to be indicted on criminal charges by a jury for allegedly paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels in return for her silence on a brief affair. Bout told Trump that he has long admired him and that he would find a “safe haven in Russia and from here you can lead the fight for the American people.” He also said that “they would sooner end your life than let you stand in their way,” referring to the Biden administration. The Russian arms dealer who has been accused of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts was arrested in Thailand in a US sting operation in 2008. Subsequently, Bout was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 25 years in prison over a decade ago. However, since the prisoner swap, he has joined a Russian nationalist party, reported AFP. While Moscow and Washington have held several prisoner exchanges in recent years, several Americans are reportedly still held in Russia. A US journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested last week by Russia leading to widespread outrage. The Wall Street Journal reporter has been charged with espionage which Washington has called “ridiculous”. (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.

‘Merchant of death’ Viktor Bout urges former US prez Trump to seek refuge in Russia

Three people were hurt in a shooting at a mall in the state of Delaware. Police are investigating the shooting incident at Christiana Mall, which claims that three people were shot at in the food court of this mall. People have been evacuated, and the mall has been closed.

US: Three injured in shooting incident in Delaware

China has launched military exercises around Taiwan that will last for three days. The move comes days after a meeting in California between Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen and US House speaker Kevin McCarthy.

'Stern warning': China's wargames after meeting between U.S. House Speaker and Taiwan President

In the U.S. abortion rights debate, federal judges in two states made conflicting orders on Friday that could significantly affect access to a commonly used abortion medication in the nation.

Texas judge suspends approval of widely-used mifepristone drug

United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Friday (April 7) flew to Nashville, in the state of Tennessee to support recently ousted Democratic party lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson from the state house. The two young Black lawmakers were expelled, while the third Democrat, Gloria Johnson avoided expulsion by a single vote on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Republican-controlled statehouse said that the trio had brought “disorder and dishonour to the House”. The lawmakers in question had staged a rule-breaking demonstration for gun control on the statehouse floor after a recent school shooting&nbsp;last week.&nbsp;

The March 27 attack at a Nashville School killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. According to reports, the US VP received applause and standing ovations for her remarks at the gathering at Fisk University, a historically Black school.

“The issue, which gets back to these three, is that we need leaders who have the courage to act at state houses and in Washington, DC, in the United States Congress. Have the courage to act instead of the cowardice to not allow debate,” said Harris.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-violence-protests-tennessee-house-expels-two-black-democrats-spares-white-lawmaker-580142">US: Tennessee House expels two Black Democrats for gun violence protests, spares White lawmaker&nbsp;</a>

“Let’s understand, the underlying issue is about fighting for the safety of our children,” said the vice president, adding that for years now children are “taught to read and write and hide in a closet and be quiet if there’s a mass shooter at their school…who go to school in fear.”

She added, “Let’s not fall for the false choice — either you’re in favour of the Second Amendment or you want reasonable gun safety laws. We can and should do both.” Harris also called for background checks, red flag laws and restrictions on assault rifles, during her speech. During her visit to the state, the vice president also met privately with Jones, Pearson and Johnson, as well as other lawmakers and young people advocating for tougher gun control laws.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden also spoke to the three lawmakers, on Friday, now being dubbed as the “Tennessee Three”, and invited them to the White House, while praising them for “seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-shooting-28-year-old-fatally-shoots-three-in-nashville-school-wion-speed-news-576651">Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News</a>

Notably, just two lawmakers had been ousted since the US Civil War. The expulsion has since prompted protests where hundreds converged on the House for the vote, chanting “shame on you”. During her visit, Harris also urged young people to increase their activism on gun violence prevention. “Every generation has its calling,” said the US VP, adding that this issue requires your leadership “We need you”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Friday (April 7) flew to Nashville, in the state of Tennessee to support recently ousted Democratic party lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson from the state house.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Friday (April 7) flew to Nashville, in the state of Tennessee to support recently ousted Democratic party lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson from the state house. The two young Black lawmakers were expelled, while the third Democrat, Gloria Johnson avoided expulsion by a single vote on Thursday. The Republican-controlled statehouse said that the trio had brought “disorder and dishonour to the House”. The lawmakers in question had staged a rule-breaking demonstration for gun control on the statehouse floor after a recent school shooting last week. The March 27 attack at a Nashville School killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. According to reports, the US VP received applause and standing ovations for her remarks at the gathering at Fisk University, a historically Black school. “The issue, which gets back to these three, is that we need leaders who have the courage to act at state houses and in Washington, DC, in the United States Congress. Have the courage to act instead of the cowardice to not allow debate,” said Harris. ALSO READ | US: Tennessee House expels two Black Democrats for gun violence protests, spares White lawmaker “Let’s understand, the underlying issue is about fighting for the safety of our children,” said the vice president, adding that for years now children are “taught to read and write and hide in a closet and be quiet if there’s a mass shooter at their school…who go to school in fear.” She added, “Let’s not fall for the false choice — either you’re in favour of the Second Amendment or you want reasonable gun safety laws. We can and should do both.” Harris also called for background checks, red flag laws and restrictions on assault rifles, during her speech. During her visit to the state, the vice president also met privately with Jones, Pearson and Johnson, as well as other lawmakers and young people advocating for tougher gun control laws. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden also spoke to the three lawmakers, on Friday, now being dubbed as the “Tennessee Three”, and invited them to the White House, while praising them for “seeking to ban assault weapons and standing up for our democratic values.” ALSO WATCH | Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News Notably, just two lawmakers had been ousted since the US Civil War. The expulsion has since prompted protests where hundreds converged on the House for the vote, chanting “shame on you”. During her visit, Harris also urged young people to increase their activism on gun violence prevention. “Every generation has its calling,” said the US VP, adding that this issue requires your leadership “We need you”. (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 VP Kamala Harris backs ousted lawmakers in Tennessee, criticises Republicans for expulsion

In a series of statements on Twitter, late Friday&nbsp;(April 7) the University of Oklahoma in the city of Norman, United States, confirmed reports of an active shooter on campus and imposed a shelter-in-place protocol.&nbsp;However, an hour or so later, the campus police called off the alert "after a thorough search".&nbsp;

“There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!” the University had said on its Twitter account following the reports.&nbsp;Subsequently, 15 minutes or so later, in another tweet, they indicated that campus police were investigating “possible shots fired” on the campus. It added, “Avoid South Oval area,” adding that a shelter-in-place was activated and continues to remain in effect.

Officials had previously said an active shooter had been reported at the Van Fleet Oval, a street in the centre of the campus.&nbsp;The campus&nbsp;police received the report of a possible active shooter situation&nbsp;around 9:30 pm (local time).&nbsp;While there was no immediate&nbsp; confirmation of&nbsp;any shots being&nbsp;fired or&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;reported, an hour or so later, the university's official page on Twitter issued an "ALL CLEAR".&nbsp; 
 
As of 10:53 pm (local time), the university said that the&nbsp;campus police have called off the alert,&nbsp;"after a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus."&nbsp; Oklahoma State Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster confirmed to CNN that the campus is safe and that no injuries were reported. The shelter-in-place order was also lifted after authorities cleared the campus late Friday night.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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In a series of statements on Twitter, late Friday (April 7) the University of Oklahoma in the city of Norman, United States, confirmed reports of an active shooter on campus and imposed a shelter-in-place protocol.

In a series of statements on Twitter, late Friday (April 7) the University of Oklahoma in the city of Norman, United States, confirmed reports of an active shooter on campus and imposed a shelter-in-place protocol. However, an hour or so later, the campus police called off the alert "after a thorough search". “There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!” the University had said on its Twitter account following the reports. Subsequently, 15 minutes or so later, in another tweet, they indicated that campus police were investigating “possible shots fired” on the campus. It added, “Avoid South Oval area,” adding that a shelter-in-place was activated and continues to remain in effect. Officials had previously said an active shooter had been reported at the Van Fleet Oval, a street in the centre of the campus. The campus police received the report of a possible active shooter situation around 9:30 pm (local time). While there was no immediate confirmation of any shots being fired or injuries reported, an hour or so later, the university's official page on Twitter issued an "ALL CLEAR". As of 10:53 pm (local time), the university said that the campus police have called off the alert, "after a thorough search, no threat was found. There is no threat to campus." Oklahoma State Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Foster confirmed to CNN that the campus is safe and that no injuries were reported. The shelter-in-place order was also lifted after authorities cleared the campus late Friday night. (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.

Police issue ‘ALL CLEAR’ after reports of active shooter at University of Oklahoma, calls off alert

Former US president Donald Trump, who is eyeing 2024 presidential elections, recently instructed his aides to employ Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim activist, for a campaign position, reported New York Times citing four sources familiar with the plans.&nbsp;

With a history of espousing racist views, Loomer, a far-right, is known for her controversial statements. She has made anti-Muslim rhetoric and held protests against social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for banning her accounts for spreading hate speech and conspiracy theories.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-korea-natural-partners-held-substantive-talks-with-eam-south-korean-foreign-minister-park-jin-to-wion-580323">India, Korea natural partners, held substantive talks with Jaishankar: South Korean FM Park Jin to WION</a>

Loomer went to Trump's resort home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida on Tuesday following his arraignment in Manhattan. Given her history of&nbsp;outbursts and her support of the Republican Party's fringes, some of Trump's advisers are reportedly worried of such a selection.&nbsp;

Appearing to be doing damage-control for Trump's bid for the presidential race next year, several of his most outspoken conservative supporters said Loomer will no longer be hired.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-university-of-oklahoma-investigates-reports-of-active-shooter-possible-shots-fired-on-campus-580308">Police issue 'ALL CLEAR' after reports of active shooter at University of Oklahoma, calls off alert</a>

Speaking with a&nbsp;media portal on Friday, Loomer said, “Out of respect for president Trump, I’m not going to comment on private conversations that I had with the president.”&nbsp;

“The president knows I have always been a Trump loyalist,” she said adding, “I’m committed to helping him win re-election in 2024. He likes me very much. And it’s a shame that he’s surrounded by some people that run to a publication that is notorious for attacking him in order to try to cut me at the knees instead of being loyal to president Trump and respecting their confidentiality agreements.”

As part of his 2016 campaign, Trump gave fuel to anti-Muslim prejudice. As president, he restricted travel from numerous countries with large Muslim population. He previously backed Loomer's bid for Florida's congressional seat in 2020.&nbsp;

Watch | Pakistan: National Security Committee to launch new military operation against militants

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Laura Loomer controversies

Loomer&nbsp;campaigned unsuccessfully for Congress on two occasions. She once&nbsp;tweeted hashtag "#proudislamophobe" and has referred to Islam as a "cancer". She even&nbsp;celebrated&nbsp;the deaths of migrants&nbsp;trying to cross the Mediterranean.

She was banned from Twitter in 2018 citing&nbsp;policy breach by hate speech. A&nbsp;Jewish politician, Loomer, chained herself to the gate to Twitter's New York offices and sewed a yellow Star of David to her clothing in retaliation for the ban.&nbsp;

Comments against Ron DeSantis, wife Casey&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loomer released videos on social media criticising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is a prospective contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.&nbsp;

DeSantis and his wife Casey, who survived breast cancer, have been charged by Loomer of trying to play the 'cancer survivor' card "to make people think they are untouchable from criticism." 
 
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Former US president Donald Trump, who is eyeing 2024 presidential elections, recently instructed his aides to employ Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim activist, for a campaign position, reported New York Times citing four sources familiar with the plans.

Former US president Donald Trump, who is eyeing 2024 presidential elections, recently instructed his aides to employ Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim activist, for a campaign position, reported New York Times citing four sources familiar with the plans. With a history of espousing racist views, Loomer, a far-right, is known for her controversial statements. She has made anti-Muslim rhetoric and held protests against social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for banning her accounts for spreading hate speech and conspiracy theories. Also Read | India, Korea natural partners, held substantive talks with Jaishankar: South Korean FM Park Jin to WION Loomer went to Trump's resort home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida on Tuesday following his arraignment in Manhattan. Given her history of outbursts and her support of the Republican Party's fringes, some of Trump's advisers are reportedly worried of such a selection. Appearing to be doing damage-control for Trump's bid for the presidential race next year, several of his most outspoken conservative supporters said Loomer will no longer be hired. Also Read | Police issue 'ALL CLEAR' after reports of active shooter at University of Oklahoma, calls off alert Speaking with a media portal on Friday, Loomer said, “Out of respect for president Trump, I’m not going to comment on private conversations that I had with the president.” “The president knows I have always been a Trump loyalist,” she said adding, “I’m committed to helping him win re-election in 2024. He likes me very much. And it’s a shame that he’s surrounded by some people that run to a publication that is notorious for attacking him in order to try to cut me at the knees instead of being loyal to president Trump and respecting their confidentiality agreements.” As part of his 2016 campaign, Trump gave fuel to anti-Muslim prejudice. As president, he restricted travel from numerous countries with large Muslim population. He previously backed Loomer's bid for Florida's congressional seat in 2020. Watch | Pakistan: National Security Committee to launch new military operation against militants × Laura Loomer controversies Loomer campaigned unsuccessfully for Congress on two occasions. She once tweeted hashtag "#proudislamophobe" and has referred to Islam as a "cancer". She even celebrated the deaths of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean. She was banned from Twitter in 2018 citing policy breach by hate speech. A Jewish politician, Loomer, chained herself to the gate to Twitter's New York offices and sewed a yellow Star of David to her clothing in retaliation for the ban. Comments against Ron DeSantis, wife Casey Loomer released videos on social media criticising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is a prospective contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. DeSantis and his wife Casey, who survived breast cancer, have been charged by Loomer of trying to play the 'cancer survivor' card "to make people think they are untouchable from criticism." 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.

Trump asks aides to hire Laura Loomer, an anti-Muslim, for campaign role

North Korea claims to have conducted another test of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, reported the state media, on Saturday (April 8). The drone in question was the so-called ‘Haeil-2’ which was Pyongyang’s third test and follows the new underwater drone system dubbed ‘Haeil-1’, which translates to “tsunami” in Korean and was unveiled on March 23.&nbsp;

According to reports, the nuclear-capable underwater attack drone is designed to destroy naval vessels and ports. The reports of the four-day test also came a day after nuclear envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan met in Seoul to discuss the growing North Korean nuclear threat and called for a crackdown on the country’s illicit activities to procure funding for its weapons systems.

The test is also being called North Korea's&nbsp;latest show of force against the United States and South Korea which have been conducting a series of annual spring military exercises in the Korean Peninsula since March. The North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the underwater strategic weapon system test took place between April 4 and April 7.&nbsp;

The drone cruised 1,000 km of underwater distance for 71 hours and six minutes and successfully hit a simulated target. “The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability,” said the KCNA.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-pyongyang-claims-another-successful-underwater-drone-test-580373">North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test</a>

So far, Pyongyang has claimed to have conducted three tests of underwater drones in less than three weeks with the first test on March 23 which was reportedly able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”. At the time, the state media said the drone cruised underwater for 59 hours and 12 minutes before detonation.&nbsp;

Around five days or so later, North Korea claimed that it conducted a second test with the Haiel drone system. Meanwhile, South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup told MPs that Seoul was “capable of monitoring and detecting such drones infiltrating underwater”.&nbsp;

However, analysts have remained sceptical about whether the underwater vehicle is ready for deployment and would add a meaningful new threat to North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal. Similarly, South Korea’s military has said it believes North Korean claims about Haeil-1 were likely “exaggerated or fabricated.”

The recent test also came days after South Korea and the US, on Wednesday staged joint air drills which reportedly involved at least one US nuclear-capable B-52H strategic bomber. These exercises are being viewed by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion.&nbsp;

Last year, Pyongyang also declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power while satellite images show how North Korea has ramped up its production of weapons-grade nuclear material following leader Kim Jong Un’s orders.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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North Korea claims to have conducted another test of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, reported the state media, on Saturday (April 8). The drone in question was the so-called ‘Haeil-2’ which was Pyongyang’s third test and follows the new underwater drone system dubbed ‘Haeil-1’, which translates to “tsunami” in Korean and was unveiled on March 23.

North Korea claims to have conducted another test of a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, reported the state media, on Saturday (April 8). The drone in question was the so-called ‘Haeil-2’ which was Pyongyang’s third test and follows the new underwater drone system dubbed ‘Haeil-1’, which translates to “tsunami” in Korean and was unveiled on March 23. According to reports, the nuclear-capable underwater attack drone is designed to destroy naval vessels and ports. The reports of the four-day test also came a day after nuclear envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan met in Seoul to discuss the growing North Korean nuclear threat and called for a crackdown on the country’s illicit activities to procure funding for its weapons systems. The test is also being called North Korea's latest show of force against the United States and South Korea which have been conducting a series of annual spring military exercises in the Korean Peninsula since March. The North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the underwater strategic weapon system test took place between April 4 and April 7. The drone cruised 1,000 km of underwater distance for 71 hours and six minutes and successfully hit a simulated target. “The test perfectly proved the reliability of the underwater strategic weapon system and its fatal attack ability,” said the KCNA. ALSO WATCH | North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test So far, Pyongyang has claimed to have conducted three tests of underwater drones in less than three weeks with the first test on March 23 which was reportedly able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”. At the time, the state media said the drone cruised underwater for 59 hours and 12 minutes before detonation. Around five days or so later, North Korea claimed that it conducted a second test with the Haiel drone system. Meanwhile, South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup told MPs that Seoul was “capable of monitoring and detecting such drones infiltrating underwater”. However, analysts have remained sceptical about whether the underwater vehicle is ready for deployment and would add a meaningful new threat to North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal. Similarly, South Korea’s military has said it believes North Korean claims about Haeil-1 were likely “exaggerated or fabricated.” The recent test also came days after South Korea and the US, on Wednesday staged joint air drills which reportedly involved at least one US nuclear-capable B-52H strategic bomber. These exercises are being viewed by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion. Last year, Pyongyang also declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power while satellite images show how North Korea has ramped up its production of weapons-grade nuclear material following leader Kim Jong Un’s orders. (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.

North Korea claims to have tested another nuclear-capable underwater attack drone

Stormy Daniels, the adult film star at the center of the criminal case against Donald Trump, said she does not think the former president should go to prison if convicted of concealing hush money payments he made to her.

Stormy Daniels says Donald Trump shouldn't go to jail in Hush money case

"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.”

This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April.

The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN&nbsp;charter, to which China subscribes.

To hear US&nbsp;intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China.

Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US&nbsp;to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation.

Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China.

It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam.

The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China.

Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years.

As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance.

That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace.

“We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.”

It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America.

“Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.”

Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February.

The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania.

President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them.

Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.”

To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements.

Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system.

That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria.

While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include&nbsp;the world’s most populous countries, China and India.

As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has&nbsp;in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China. To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April. The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN charter, to which China subscribes. To hear US intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China. Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation. Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China. It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam. The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China. Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years. As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance. That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace. “We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.” It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America. “Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.” Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February. The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania. President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them. Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.” To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements. Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system. That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria. While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include the world’s most populous countries, China and India. As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In US-China struggle for global dominance, the outcome is uncertain

The White House has just issued a summary of secret after action reports, which has been a long-awaited examination of America's haphazard pullout from Afghanistan. This report primarily holds the prior administration of Donald Trump responsible for Afghanistan's May 2021 withdrawal commitment made to the Taliban.

US-Afghanistan Pullout | Report: Biden inherited a chaotic and crippled operation

US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops. The unnamed officials were quoted by Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from Kremlin and Russian embassy in Washington.

Reuters said that The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents circulating on sites including Twitter and Telegram, which are dated March 1 and bear markings showing them classified as "Secret" and "Top Secret."

A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and would automatically trigger an investigation.

"We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.

One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine.

The United States believes that actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials say.

The Pentagon's review of the apparent leak was first reported by the New York Times.

Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After initial gains, the Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops.

US officials said on Friday (April 7) that Russia or pro-Russian elements were likely to be behind the leak of several secret documents posted on social media. These documents appeared to have been altered to lower the number of casualties suffered by Russian troops. The unnamed officials were quoted by Reuters. There was no immediate comment from Kremlin and Russian embassy in Washington. Reuters said that The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents circulating on sites including Twitter and Telegram, which are dated March 1 and bear markings showing them classified as "Secret" and "Top Secret." A leak of such sensitive documents is highly unusual and would automatically trigger an investigation. "We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the Department (of Defense) is reviewing the matter," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said. One document posted on social media said 16,000 to 17,500 Russian forces had been killed since Russia's Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. The United States believes that actual figure is much higher, at around 200,000 Russians killed and wounded, officials say. The Pentagon's review of the apparent leak was first reported by the New York Times. Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After initial gains, the Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US officials think Russia is behind military documents leak: Report

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen underscored cooperative ties between their governments at a meeting Wednesday in California. The meeting came amid Chinese threats of retaliation and as both the United States and Taiwan are facing rising tensions with China. VOA’s Mike O’Sullivan and WION reports.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US House Speaker, Taiwan President meet despite China threats

An Indian national who posed as a fraud prevention specialist and defrauded senior citizens in the United States was given a 33-month prison term and was charged $2.4 million in fines, as per media reports citing US Department of Justice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 29-year-old man Ashish Bajaj on 4&nbsp;August 2022&nbsp;pleaded&nbsp;guilty to the complaint charging him with conspiracy to conduct wire fraud before District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-who-presided-over-trumps-arraignment-receives-multiple-threats-579962">Judge, who presided over Trump's arraignment, receives multiple threats</a>

The Department of Justice said Thursday that he was sentenced to 33 months in prison and two years of supervised release. It also charged USD 2.4 million in restitution for his involvement in a global conspiracy that preyed on elderly victims in New Jersey and around the US.

According to documents, Bajaj and his cohorts preyed on senior victims throughout the US between April 2020 and August 2021 by posing as fraud prevention specialists for different banks, online shops, and online payment businesses.

Falsely claiming to be fraud protection specialists employed by respected businesses, they phoned victims and informed them that their bank accounts and online payment accounts were being targeted for fraud.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-army-says-its-striking-in-lebanon-after-carrying-out-strikes-in-gaza-strip-579956">Israeli army strikes Lebanon as promised retaliatory measure</a>

Prosecutors claim that Bajaj and his accomplices then misled the victims into believing that they were needed as part of a sting operation to apprehend the fraudsters.

Firstly, they urged the elderly to transfer funds from their bank accounts to the accounts they controlled. Later, they fraudulently promised to repay the elderly victims' money within a few days following the alleged sting operation.&nbsp;

Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years

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The victims were also misled into believing that the sting operation would result in the arrest of the alleged offenders after they submitted the money. The elderly sent money to several banks in India, China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates as international wire transactions, according to court records.

Also, the victims sent funds to Bajaj's American bank accounts with the help of an online application. In addition to that, the elderly victims sent cash and cheques to Bajaj at a Californian location. The records state that the plan caused losses of more than USD 250,000.&nbsp;

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An Indian national who posed as a fraud prevention specialist and defrauded senior citizens in the United States was given a 33-month prison term and was charged $2.

An Indian national who posed as a fraud prevention specialist and defrauded senior citizens in the United States was given a 33-month prison term and was charged $2.4 million in fines, as per media reports citing US Department of Justice. A 29-year-old man Ashish Bajaj on 4 August 2022 pleaded guilty to the complaint charging him with conspiracy to conduct wire fraud before District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court. Also Read | Judge, who presided over Trump's arraignment, receives multiple threats The Department of Justice said Thursday that he was sentenced to 33 months in prison and two years of supervised release. It also charged USD 2.4 million in restitution for his involvement in a global conspiracy that preyed on elderly victims in New Jersey and around the US. According to documents, Bajaj and his cohorts preyed on senior victims throughout the US between April 2020 and August 2021 by posing as fraud prevention specialists for different banks, online shops, and online payment businesses. Falsely claiming to be fraud protection specialists employed by respected businesses, they phoned victims and informed them that their bank accounts and online payment accounts were being targeted for fraud. Also Read | Israeli army strikes Lebanon as promised retaliatory measure Prosecutors claim that Bajaj and his accomplices then misled the victims into believing that they were needed as part of a sting operation to apprehend the fraudsters. Firstly, they urged the elderly to transfer funds from their bank accounts to the accounts they controlled. Later, they fraudulently promised to repay the elderly victims' money within a few days following the alleged sting operation. Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years × The victims were also misled into believing that the sting operation would result in the arrest of the alleged offenders after they submitted the money. The elderly sent money to several banks in India, China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates as international wire transactions, according to court records. Also, the victims sent funds to Bajaj's American bank accounts with the help of an online application. In addition to that, the elderly victims sent cash and cheques to Bajaj at a Californian location. The records state that the plan caused losses of more than USD 250,000. 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.

Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term

China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7). Hsiao and her family members have been prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as per media reports.&nbsp;

This comes after the Taiwanese president met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit in the US state of California this week. The meeting has since drawn condemnation from Beijing.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the sanctions announced by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also prohibit investors and firms related to Hsiao from cooperating with mainland organisations and individuals.&nbsp;In response to the move, Hsiao took to Twitter and wrote, “Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time,” along with an image of the statement by the Chinese government.

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Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time. <a href="https://t.co/vojvhFB5RK">pic.twitter.com/vojvhFB5RK</a>
— Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴 (@bikhim) <a href="https://twitter.com/bikhim/status/1644146309816025089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably, Beijing had also announced sanctions against Hsaio and around seven Taiwanese officials in August after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island.&nbsp;At the time China had also accused Hsiao of being “independence diehards” which drew condemnation from the democratically governed island.

China has repeatedly claimed the self-governing island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to “reunify” the island with the mainland by force if necessary.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Taiwan has forged stronger ties with Washington under Tsai amid growing threats from Beijing.

On Friday, China also imposed similar sanctions against The Prospect Foundation, which is headed by a former Taiwanese foreign minister, and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a multinational alliance of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).&nbsp;

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also accused these organisations of promoting the idea of “Taiwan independence” across the world, reported the state media. However, Chinese sanctions have very little impact since senior Taiwanese officials typically do not visit the mainland and Beijing’s courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7).

China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7). Hsiao and her family members have been prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as per media reports. This comes after the Taiwanese president met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit in the US state of California this week. The meeting has since drawn condemnation from Beijing. As per media reports, the sanctions announced by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also prohibit investors and firms related to Hsiao from cooperating with mainland organisations and individuals. In response to the move, Hsiao took to Twitter and wrote, “Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time,” along with an image of the statement by the Chinese government. Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time. pic.twitter.com/vojvhFB5RK — Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴 (@bikhim) April 7, 2023 × Notably, Beijing had also announced sanctions against Hsaio and around seven Taiwanese officials in August after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island. At the time China had also accused Hsiao of being “independence diehards” which drew condemnation from the democratically governed island. China has repeatedly claimed the self-governing island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to “reunify” the island with the mainland by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Taiwan has forged stronger ties with Washington under Tsai amid growing threats from Beijing. On Friday, China also imposed similar sanctions against The Prospect Foundation, which is headed by a former Taiwanese foreign minister, and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a multinational alliance of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also accused these organisations of promoting the idea of “Taiwan independence” across the world, reported the state media. However, Chinese sanctions have very little impact since senior Taiwanese officials typically do not visit the mainland and Beijing’s courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan. (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.

China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet

A survey revealed that former US president Donald Trump's chances of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 election are high. It also shows that Americans are divided in their opinion of Trump's felony charges. According to the results of the Reuters/Ipsos survey, which was released on Thursday, 49% of all Americans believe that it was appropriate for prosecutors to file the first criminal case against a&nbsp;former president.

New York City prosecutors indicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business&nbsp;records on Tuesday. Following this major development that has brought Trump and adult star Stormy Daniels into the spotlight in the US and all around the world, the&nbsp;survey was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday.

<h2>Democrats and Republicans divided over Trump case&nbsp;</h2>

Republicans and Democrats seemed to be sharply divided over the case. Just 16% of Republicans believed that the accusations were justified, compared to 84% of self-described Democrats.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-backs-research-to-investigate-links-between-royal-family-and-slavery-579975">King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery</a>

Around 40% of Republicans indicated they would be more inclined to vote for Trump in 2024 as a result of the case, while 12% said they would be less likely to do so. 38% of respondents claimed it had no effect.

<h2>Do Republicans support Trump's nomination for 2024 presidential election?</h2>

As Trump eyes the 2024 Presidential race, the first step would be the Republican nomination for the next year's elections. 58% of Republicans favour Trump as their choice for nominee. It is an uptick from 48% which was stated in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, came&nbsp;second in the survey&nbsp;with 21% of the vote.&nbsp;

<h2>What do Americans think of law enforcement agencies in Trump case?&nbsp;</h2>

Although the survey&nbsp;revealed a wide&nbsp;agreement that Trump set up payments to model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels to silence them about alleged extramarital affairs.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-posing-as-fraud-prevention-specialist-dupes-many-us-elderly-gets-33-months-prison-term-579966">Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term</a>

It is the&nbsp;opinion of 73% of Americans, including 55% of Republicans. Nevertheless, compared to 34% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans believe that certain members of law enforcement agencies&nbsp;are conducting investigations that are politically motivated in an effort to discredit Trump.

<h2>Should Trump be disqualified?&nbsp;</h2>

Just 18% of Republicans, but 51% of all respondents, agreed that Trump should be barred from running for president again because of the allegations.

Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years

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<h2>Survey credibility&nbsp;</h2>

The credibility interval, a metric of precision, for the poll of 1,004 American adults is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points for all respondents and plus or minus 6.3 percentage points for the 368 Republicans who took part in the study.

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A survey revealed that former US president Donald Trump's chances of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 election are high. It also shows that Americans are divided in their opinion of Trump's felony charges.

A survey revealed that former US president Donald Trump's chances of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 election are high. It also shows that Americans are divided in their opinion of Trump's felony charges. According to the results of the Reuters/Ipsos survey, which was released on Thursday, 49% of all Americans believe that it was appropriate for prosecutors to file the first criminal case against a former president. New York City prosecutors indicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records on Tuesday. Following this major development that has brought Trump and adult star Stormy Daniels into the spotlight in the US and all around the world, the survey was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday. Democrats and Republicans divided over Trump case Republicans and Democrats seemed to be sharply divided over the case. Just 16% of Republicans believed that the accusations were justified, compared to 84% of self-described Democrats. Also Read | King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery Around 40% of Republicans indicated they would be more inclined to vote for Trump in 2024 as a result of the case, while 12% said they would be less likely to do so. 38% of respondents claimed it had no effect. Do Republicans support Trump's nomination for 2024 presidential election? As Trump eyes the 2024 Presidential race, the first step would be the Republican nomination for the next year's elections. 58% of Republicans favour Trump as their choice for nominee. It is an uptick from 48% which was stated in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, came second in the survey with 21% of the vote. What do Americans think of law enforcement agencies in Trump case? Although the survey revealed a wide agreement that Trump set up payments to model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels to silence them about alleged extramarital affairs. Also Read | Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term It is the opinion of 73% of Americans, including 55% of Republicans. Nevertheless, compared to 34% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans believe that certain members of law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations that are politically motivated in an effort to discredit Trump. Should Trump be disqualified? Just 18% of Republicans, but 51% of all respondents, agreed that Trump should be barred from running for president again because of the allegations. Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years × Survey credibility The credibility interval, a metric of precision, for the poll of 1,004 American adults is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points for all respondents and plus or minus 6.3 percentage points for the 368 Republicans who took part in the study. 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.

Trump's chances of winning Republican nomination for 2024 election high: Poll

In a concerning security breach, classified war documents with secret US-Nato plans to help the Ukrainian military were leaked on social media platforms this week. This is according to a post by the New York times. The documents were also circulated on pro-Russian government channels.

US & Nato's classified plans to help Ukrainian offensive leaked online

India and US have joined hands to tackle the menacing fentanyl crisis by increasing efforts to foil attempts of its supply at borders and cracking down on its networking, PTI news agency reported quoting a top health official in the Joe Biden administration.&nbsp;

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position which is popularly known as Drug Czar, told PTI news agency that both the nations share a robust working relationship to work in this direction. The official also emphasised the importance of both the countries coming&nbsp;together to increase public awareness about the risks associated with fentanyl use and improving access to treatment for addiction. 
 
He said there is a need for continued cooperation and collaboration between India and US to address the global issue of fentanyl abuse.

"India has been very enthusiastic working with the United States to address this (fentanyl problem) because it understands the significance at a global level of leadership," he said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-backs-research-to-investigate-links-between-royal-family-and-slavery-579975">King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery</a>

Dr. Gupta acknowledged India's position as a pioneer in combating the fentanyl crisis and said that the two nations are collaborating on various associated problems, including addiction, treatment options, and the overlap between mental health and addiction.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in the world, can also play a critical role, he added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-posing-as-fraud-prevention-specialist-dupes-many-us-elderly-gets-33-months-prison-term-579966">Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term</a>

Dr. Gupta referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that India is the world's pharmacy and noted including bilateral working ties on synthetic medicines, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Expressing the enthusiasm in this realm, he said that the governments of the United States and India are collaborating to ensure that they are both reviewing their scheduling procedures.

Gupta said it&nbsp;is crucial for people to carry Naloxone or Narcan, an antidote for opioids like fentanyl, since they may be saving the lives of their loved ones.&nbsp;We must stress to young people how powerful they are, how they may save the lives of others, and how vital it is to always have naloxone with them because we never know who would be poisoned the next time, he remarked.

Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years

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<h2>Fentanyl menace in US&nbsp;</h2>

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which is highly addictive, has become a major source of concern in the United States due to its illicit use and abuse. The medicine is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths. In addition, many people who become addicted to prescription opioids may turn to fentanyl when they are no longer able to obtain their medication legally.

<h2>Biden administration launches campaign against fentanyl&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday launched the first phase of its campaign to "educate young people on the dangers of fentanyl and the life-saving effects of Naloxone, a medicine that reverses opioid-related overdoses."&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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India and US have joined hands to tackle the menacing fentanyl crisis by increasing efforts to foil attempts of its supply at borders and cracking down on its networking, PTI news agency reported quoting a top health official in the Joe Biden administration.

India and US have joined hands to tackle the menacing fentanyl crisis by increasing efforts to foil attempts of its supply at borders and cracking down on its networking, PTI news agency reported quoting a top health official in the Joe Biden administration. Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position which is popularly known as Drug Czar, told PTI news agency that both the nations share a robust working relationship to work in this direction. The official also emphasised the importance of both the countries coming together to increase public awareness about the risks associated with fentanyl use and improving access to treatment for addiction. He said there is a need for continued cooperation and collaboration between India and US to address the global issue of fentanyl abuse. "India has been very enthusiastic working with the United States to address this (fentanyl problem) because it understands the significance at a global level of leadership," he said. Also Read | King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery Dr. Gupta acknowledged India's position as a pioneer in combating the fentanyl crisis and said that the two nations are collaborating on various associated problems, including addiction, treatment options, and the overlap between mental health and addiction. The Indian pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in the world, can also play a critical role, he added. Also Read | Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term Dr. Gupta referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that India is the world's pharmacy and noted including bilateral working ties on synthetic medicines, mental health, and the pharmaceutical industry. Expressing the enthusiasm in this realm, he said that the governments of the United States and India are collaborating to ensure that they are both reviewing their scheduling procedures. Gupta said it is crucial for people to carry Naloxone or Narcan, an antidote for opioids like fentanyl, since they may be saving the lives of their loved ones. We must stress to young people how powerful they are, how they may save the lives of others, and how vital it is to always have naloxone with them because we never know who would be poisoned the next time, he remarked. Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years × Fentanyl menace in US Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which is highly addictive, has become a major source of concern in the United States due to its illicit use and abuse. The medicine is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths. In addition, many people who become addicted to prescription opioids may turn to fentanyl when they are no longer able to obtain their medication legally. Biden administration launches campaign against fentanyl US President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday launched the first phase of its campaign to "educate young people on the dangers of fentanyl and the life-saving effects of Naloxone, a medicine that reverses opioid-related overdoses." (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 seeks India’s assistance in tackling fentanyl menace with multi-pronged strategy

In recent years, the drug Fentanyl has fuelled a surge in US Opioid overdose deaths. A potent synthetic opioid drug, Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Fentanyl, 50x more potent than heroin as an analgesic | 'U.S. & India working to fix the problem'

The Republican-led Tennessee house has expelled two of three democratic representatives after they took part in a gun control protest. After the tragic Nashville school shooting, protesters flooded the Tennessee statehouse last Thursday calling for stricter gun laws.

2 Democrats expelled from Tennessee house for protesting against gun laws

In order to resolve potential civil responsibility for more than 1300 suspected violations of U.S. sanctions and export restrictions that occurred between 2012 and 2019, which implicated blocked Russian businesses or individuals in Crimea, Syria, Iran, and Cuba, Microsoft has agreed to pay a three million dollar settlement.

US settles with Microsoft over $3M sanctions breach

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/healthiest-cities/31072">report</a> by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US&nbsp;cities across 43 key metrics.

The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables.

"For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

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Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle.

San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86).

Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th.&nbsp;

Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20).

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The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House.

The cost of healthcare in the United States, other than being an important social indicator, has often been an issue of reckoning which has contributed in determining the fate of past few occupants of the White House. A recent report by Washington-based WalletHub revealed the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States. The personal finance outlet compared more than 180 of the largest US cities across 43 key metrics. The metrics include cost of a medical visit in a particular city as well as consumption of healthy edibles such as fruits and vegetables. "For those with specific medical conditions, it is important to consider whether you can easily access the medical care you need," said Amy L. McGuire, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine. × Note: Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favourable conditions for a healthy lifestyle. San Francisco (total score 67.07) in California state is the healthiest city in the United States, according to WalletHub, followed by Seattle (65.22), Honolulu (62.23), San Diego (61.94) and Salt Lake City (61.86). Washington D.C. (59.78) is the seventh healthiest city in the United States, WalletHub data shows, with New York (56.33) featuring at sixteenth spot, Las Vegas (53.46) at thirtieth, Miami (52.55) at 34th and Houston (45.24) at 94th. Brownsville (25.72) in Texas was deemed the unhealthiest US city by WalletHub, followed by Gulfport in Mississippi (28.19), Shreveport in Louisiana (28.31), Columbus in Ohio (29.05) and Augusta in Georgia (30.20). WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data lab | San Francisco tops list as America's healthiest city

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges of falsifying business records in Manhattan criminal court Tuesday afternoon.

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records

U.S. Former President Donald Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records. How long will the Hush Money saga continue? Will Trump face jail time? What does Trump have to say now? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Trump plastered with 34 criminal charges

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