US first lady Jill Biden has arrived in Romania where she will meet with Ukrainian refugees. She is currently on a 4-day tour of Eastern European nations.

US first lady Jill Biden arrives in Romania, will meet with Ukrainian refugees

Googling 'abortion' could put you at risk, yes you heard that right! Digital footprints can be tracked by authorities, hence experts have urged caution in online activity.

Digital Trail: A weapon for Anti-Abortion laws in the United States

With the help of international experts, Ukraine is rushing to collect evidence of widespread war crimes, using 21st-century technology to bring the perpetrators to justice. For more analysis, we're joined by VOA's Correspondent, Jessica Stone.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Ukraine war crimes forensic & US-ASEAN summit at the White House

As per reports, the US saw a spike in demand of pregnancy control pills after the leak. As per experts, currently, over 50% of abortions in the United States are via pills.

Abortion debate: Demand for Abortion pills soar in United States

President Joe Biden has chosen Karine Jean-Pierre to be the White House press secretary. She will be the first Black and openly LGBTQ press secretary. Karine will take charge on May 13th.

United States: White House gets its first black secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

According to a report, more than 2,200 dams built upstream from homes or communities are in poor condition across the US. The nation’s dams are on average over a half-century old.

Growing list of Dams in the US are in 'poor condition'

In the US, Gucci, the luxury brand of Italy, will start accepting payments carried out in cryptocurrencies in some stores, said media reports. &nbsp;

The payments will be allowed in some cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, a BBC report said. &nbsp;

Later this month, the service will begin at some flagship outlets of France's Kering-owned Gucci. These include New York's Wooster Street and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, the report said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/on-cloud-nine-bentley-witnesses-strongest-q1-registers-162-jump-in-operating-profit-to-179-million-476757" hreflang="en">Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit</a>

A number of companies have already started to accept virtual currencies as mode of payment. This firm is the newest addition to this list, as per the BBC report. &nbsp;

The payments will also be accepted in Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, the brand added. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;How does WhatsApp make money?

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The customers, who will look to make payments in cryptocurrencies, will be sent a QR code in an email. It will have to be used with a digital asset wallet, a financial transaction app running on mobile devices. &nbsp;

In the near future, the firm looks to come up with the feature in all its North American stores directly. &nbsp;

This announcement by a high-profile brand is another step towards the acceptance of these cryptocurrencies. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the US, Gucci, the luxury brand of Italy, will start accepting payments carried out in cryptocurrencies in some stores, said media reports. The payments will be allowed in some cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, a BBC report said.

In the US, Gucci, the luxury brand of Italy, will start accepting payments carried out in cryptocurrencies in some stores, said media reports. The payments will be allowed in some cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin, a BBC report said. Later this month, the service will begin at some flagship outlets of France's Kering-owned Gucci. These include New York's Wooster Street and Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, the report said. Also Read: Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit A number of companies have already started to accept virtual currencies as mode of payment. This firm is the newest addition to this list, as per the BBC report. The payments will also be accepted in Shiba Inu and Dogecoin, the brand added. Watch: How does WhatsApp make money? × The customers, who will look to make payments in cryptocurrencies, will be sent a QR code in an email. It will have to be used with a digital asset wallet, a financial transaction app running on mobile devices. In the near future, the firm looks to come up with the feature in all its North American stores directly. This announcement by a high-profile brand is another step towards the acceptance of these cryptocurrencies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

In some US stores, Gucci to accept payments in cryptocurrencies soon

In yet another setback to the American pharmaceutical giants, FDA has said that it's limiting the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine for adults citing the risk of a rare blood clotting syndrome.

United States: FDA limits use of Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine

Authorities in Fiji seized a 300 million dollar luxury yacht owned by a Russian Oligarch. The US requested Fiji to seize the yacht as its allies impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine war: Fiji seizes Russian Oligarch's luxury yacht on United States' request

In a lawsuit filed on Monday in a California federal court docket in the US, a young girl is looking to take on Snapchat after she was sexually exploited on the platform four years ago, said a news report. &nbsp;

The designers of the app have no measure to stop the sexual exploitation of women, claimed the 16-year-old girl who didn’t wish to be named, as per Washington Post report. &nbsp;

At the age of 12, the girl shared nude images with a person, who demanded them by saying she was fair and he was her good friend. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/on-cloud-nine-bentley-witnesses-strongest-q1-registers-162-jump-in-operating-profit-to-179-million-476757" hreflang="en">Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit</a>

She shared these images with an active-duty Marine on Snapchat thinking that her images and movies would disappear. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Marine had saved Snapchat images and movies, and shared with others on the net, an investigation has found.&nbsp;

He has also been convicted of final 12 months of expenses for being associated with youngster pornography and sexual abuse in a navy court docket. &nbsp;

The petitioners have accused Snapchat of failing to come up with a platform, which would shield customers from “egregious hurt.” &nbsp;

This story reveals a sordid tale of abuse on the video-messaging app, which has surpassed 300 million customers.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The lawsuit raises questions on privacy and security. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;EV nearly double European Union market share

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“There isn’t a child on this planet who doesn’t have this app and but an grownup will be in correspondence with them, manipulating them, over the course of a few years, and the corporate does nothing. How does that occur?” the girl’s mom told The Washington Publish. &nbsp;

In an announcement to The Publish, Snap, the Snapchat’s guardian firm, said it employs “the most recent applied sciences” and develops its personal software programme “to assist us discover and take away content material that exploits or abuses minors.” &nbsp;

“Whereas we can’t touch upon energetic litigation, that is tragic, and we’re glad the perpetrator has been caught and convicted. Nothing is extra vital to us than the security of our group,” Snap spokeswoman Rachel Racusen told the outlet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

In a lawsuit filed on Monday in a California federal court docket in the US, a young girl is looking to take on Snapchat after she was sexually exploited on the platform four years ago, said a news report.

In a lawsuit filed on Monday in a California federal court docket in the US, a young girl is looking to take on Snapchat after she was sexually exploited on the platform four years ago, said a news report. The designers of the app have no measure to stop the sexual exploitation of women, claimed the 16-year-old girl who didn’t wish to be named, as per Washington Post report. At the age of 12, the girl shared nude images with a person, who demanded them by saying she was fair and he was her good friend. Also Read: Bentley witnesses strongest Q1, registers 162% jump in operating profit She shared these images with an active-duty Marine on Snapchat thinking that her images and movies would disappear. The Marine had saved Snapchat images and movies, and shared with others on the net, an investigation has found. He has also been convicted of final 12 months of expenses for being associated with youngster pornography and sexual abuse in a navy court docket. The petitioners have accused Snapchat of failing to come up with a platform, which would shield customers from “egregious hurt.” This story reveals a sordid tale of abuse on the video-messaging app, which has surpassed 300 million customers. The lawsuit raises questions on privacy and security. Watch: EV nearly double European Union market share × “There isn’t a child on this planet who doesn’t have this app and but an grownup will be in correspondence with them, manipulating them, over the course of a few years, and the corporate does nothing. How does that occur?” the girl’s mom told The Washington Publish. In an announcement to The Publish, Snap, the Snapchat’s guardian firm, said it employs “the most recent applied sciences” and develops its personal software programme “to assist us discover and take away content material that exploits or abuses minors.” “Whereas we can’t touch upon energetic litigation, that is tragic, and we’re glad the perpetrator has been caught and convicted. Nothing is extra vital to us than the security of our group,” Snap spokeswoman Rachel Racusen told the outlet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

In US lawsuit, 16-year-old girl takes on Snapchat for failing to safeguard users

Boeing will move its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, as the crisis-plagued US plane maker works to repair relationships with customers, federal regulators and lawmakers.

Boeing to move headquarters from Chicago to Virginia

The US Vice President Kamala Harris blasted the leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion rights and lashed out at Republicans for "weaponizing" the issue.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Supreme Court draft decision on Abortion rights: How dare they!

From smartphones, electronic vehicles, aircraft and weapons, semiconductors are an integral part of electronic devices. But massive chip shortage has forced some car manufacturers to a halt and delayed shipments of game consoles and smartphones.

Chip war: Global semiconductor race heats up

US President Joe Biden has branded his predecessor Donald Trump's followers as extremist groups. This comes as a sharp rhetorical escalation ahead of crucial election.

Joe Biden warns Trump's 'Maga Movement' dangerous for United States

The US Supreme Court leak has once again sparked the choice debate across America. Court's conservative majority voted to outlaw abortion and for more on this, we're joined by Lenka White, a journalist from New York.

United States: Will America overturn abortion rights?

A recent report has unveiled a low US plastic recycling rate and only 5-6% of plastic was recycled in 2021. In the United States, plastic waste increasing, but recycling decreasing and 85% of single-use plastic ends up in landfills.

America's sham recycling program, report unveils low US plastic recycling rate

US President Joe Biden was once against abortion. He had said women should not have 'sole right to say what should happen to her body'. In the race to the White House, Biden campaigned for reproductive rights, Will he now do what's right? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Will Biden fight for abortion rights in the US?

A guard with a spotless record and a convict accused of murder&nbsp;this unlikely pair has vexed US law enforcement for days as they investigate an&nbsp;Alabama&nbsp;prison&nbsp;break seemingly planned down to the last detail.

The guard, Vicky White, had never before caused trouble at the&nbsp;jail&nbsp;in Florence, a small town in the southern US state.

The prisoner, Casey White,&nbsp;the two are not related has had numerous run-ins with the law, and has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for kidnapping, burglary and attempted murder, among other crimes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/even-as-us-introduces-gender-neutral-passports-these-states-still-have-archaic-anti-transgender-laws-470479#alabama-470463">Even as US introduces gender-neutral passports, these states still have archaic anti-transgender laws</a>

Their story began in 2020, when Casey White, already in custody at a state&nbsp;prison, confessed to murdering a woman five years earlier.&nbsp;

His admission was short-lived -- he eventually pleaded not guilty in the case, which is still ongoing -- but as a result he was transferred to a&nbsp;jail&nbsp;in Lauderdale County.

That is where he met Vicky White for the first time, according to Sheriff Rick Singleton.&nbsp;

Special privileges

While Casey White was in Lauderdale County&nbsp;Jail, law enforcement were tipped off about a potential escape plan -- they searched his cell and found a weapon.&nbsp;

He was immediately sent back to state&nbsp;prison, but the two kept in touch.

"He said he had a pen pal, but I had no idea who it was," Casey White's mother Connie White told the New York Post.&nbsp;

She maintains her son never killed anyone, and that his confession was false, only made to force a change in his living arrangements.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US top court is set to overturn abortion rights, reveals leaked document

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"He just wanted to be out of that&nbsp;prison&nbsp;because it was so bad," she said.&nbsp;

The 38-year-old was nevertheless charged with the killing, and two years later found himself back at the county&nbsp;jail&nbsp;in Florence to attend a nearby court hearing for the case.&nbsp;

That was in February. In the intervening months, until his escape on Friday, the detainee continued to benefit from a relationship with Vicky White.

"We don't have any evidence of any physical relationship," Singleton noted, but other prisoners have told of "special privileges" afforded to Casey White.

"She was doing special things for him that other inmates didn't get," Singleton said.&nbsp;

Now, that same prisoner is on the run, and law enforcement says he is armed and "extremely dangerous."

Casey White's mother said her son "is not the monster they are making him out to be, at all" -- but a former girlfriend told a local television station "Casey White is very dangerous."

"He's dangerous to everybody that is around him," she said, offering advice to Vicky White, if the two are indeed on the run together.&nbsp;

"Get the hell out," the former girlfriend warned. "Do the right thing before you lose your life or before somebody else does."

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Disbelief

Vicky White was a "model employee," according to Singleton. The county's district&nbsp;attorney, Chris Connolly, called her "the most solid person at the&nbsp;jail."

She never displayed any hint that something was amiss.

Last month, 56-year-old Vicky White moved in with her mother, after selling her own house for $95,000 -- less than the asking price -- and announced her retirement.

Her last day at work was Friday, when she fabricated a court-ordered psychological evaluation for Casey White.

She said she needed to drive him to the appointment.

The two never returned, and authorities realized they had disappeared that afternoon around 3:30 pm.&nbsp;

Vicky White's mother Pat Davis was in "disbelief" over the incident.

"I thought at first it was a mistake," she said.

"She's never done anything, I bet she's never even had a speeding ticket," Davis told local TV channel WAAY31.

Nothing in the&nbsp;jail's surveillance footage from the escape offers any clues that the prisoner and the guard were in cahoots.&nbsp;

In the video, she holds the door open for him, but doesn't seem to give him a passing glance until he climbs into the backseat of a sheriff's car, hands and feet shackled.&nbsp;

She is seen walking around to the front, getting into the driver's seat and pulling away, around 9:30 am.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/phoenix-ghost-key-features-us-sends-secretive-new-suicide-drone-to-ukraine-475445">Phoenix Ghost | Key features: US sends secretive, new suicide drone to Ukraine</a>

Casey White and Vicky White were last seen that same day, riding in a rust-colored Ford SUV some 25 miles (40 kilometers) away from the&nbsp;jail.&nbsp;

"I'd be surprised if they're still in&nbsp;Alabama," Sheriff Singleton said.

Authorities have offered up to $15,000 for information leading to the runaways' capture.&nbsp;

A guard with a spotless record and a convict accused of murder this unlikely pair has vexed US law enforcement for days as they investigate an Alabama prison break seemingly planned down to the last detail.

A guard with a spotless record and a convict accused of murder this unlikely pair has vexed US law enforcement for days as they investigate an Alabama prison break seemingly planned down to the last detail. The guard, Vicky White, had never before caused trouble at the jail in Florence, a small town in the southern US state. The prisoner, Casey White, the two are not related has had numerous run-ins with the law, and has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for kidnapping, burglary and attempted murder, among other crimes. Also read | Even as US introduces gender-neutral passports, these states still have archaic anti-transgender laws Their story began in 2020, when Casey White, already in custody at a state prison, confessed to murdering a woman five years earlier. His admission was short-lived -- he eventually pleaded not guilty in the case, which is still ongoing -- but as a result he was transferred to a jail in Lauderdale County. That is where he met Vicky White for the first time, according to Sheriff Rick Singleton. Special privileges While Casey White was in Lauderdale County Jail, law enforcement were tipped off about a potential escape plan -- they searched his cell and found a weapon. He was immediately sent back to state prison, but the two kept in touch. "He said he had a pen pal, but I had no idea who it was," Casey White's mother Connie White told the New York Post. She maintains her son never killed anyone, and that his confession was false, only made to force a change in his living arrangements. Watch | Gravitas: US top court is set to overturn abortion rights, reveals leaked document "He just wanted to be out of that prison because it was so bad," she said. The 38-year-old was nevertheless charged with the killing, and two years later found himself back at the county jail in Florence to attend a nearby court hearing for the case. That was in February. In the intervening months, until his escape on Friday, the detainee continued to benefit from a relationship with Vicky White. "We don't have any evidence of any physical relationship," Singleton noted, but other prisoners have told of "special privileges" afforded to Casey White. "She was doing special things for him that other inmates didn't get," Singleton said. Now, that same prisoner is on the run, and law enforcement says he is armed and "extremely dangerous." Casey White's mother said her son "is not the monster they are making him out to be, at all" -- but a former girlfriend told a local television station "Casey White is very dangerous." "He's dangerous to everybody that is around him," she said, offering advice to Vicky White, if the two are indeed on the run together. "Get the hell out," the former girlfriend warned. "Do the right thing before you lose your life or before somebody else does." WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Disbelief Vicky White was a "model employee," according to Singleton. The county's district attorney, Chris Connolly, called her "the most solid person at the jail." She never displayed any hint that something was amiss. Last month, 56-year-old Vicky White moved in with her mother, after selling her own house for $95,000 -- less than the asking price -- and announced her retirement. Her last day at work was Friday, when she fabricated a court-ordered psychological evaluation for Casey White. She said she needed to drive him to the appointment. The two never returned, and authorities realized they had disappeared that afternoon around 3:30 pm. Vicky White's mother Pat Davis was in "disbelief" over the incident. "I thought at first it was a mistake," she said. "She's never done anything, I bet she's never even had a speeding ticket," Davis told local TV channel WAAY31. Nothing in the jail's surveillance footage from the escape offers any clues that the prisoner and the guard were in cahoots. In the video, she holds the door open for him, but doesn't seem to give him a passing glance until he climbs into the backseat of a sheriff's car, hands and feet shackled. She is seen walking around to the front, getting into the driver's seat and pulling away, around 9:30 am. Also read | Phoenix Ghost | Key features: US sends secretive, new suicide drone to Ukraine Casey White and Vicky White were last seen that same day, riding in a rust-colored Ford SUV some 25 miles (40 kilometers) away from the jail. "I'd be surprised if they're still in Alabama," Sheriff Singleton said. Authorities have offered up to $15,000 for information leading to the runaways' capture.

The inmate and the officer: Alabama's improbable prison escape

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;rate&nbsp;hike&nbsp;since&nbsp;2000, with a half percentage point&nbsp;increase&nbsp;as it works to crush soaring US&nbsp;inflation.

With&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;at the highest&nbsp;rate&nbsp;in four decades, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent a message directly to the American people, expressing concern for the pain caused by rising prices, and pledging to use all available tools to bring them down.

But he told reporters he remains confident the economy is strong enough to withstand&nbsp;rate&nbsp;increases without tipping into a recession.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-recession-to-inflation-how-the-us-fed-has-dealt-with-crises-475472">From recession to inflation, how the US Fed has dealt with crisis</a>

After a quarter-point hike in March, the US&nbsp;central bank's policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) pushed the benchmark interest&nbsp;rate&nbsp;above 0.75 per cent as it works to cool the economy, and confirmed more increases "will be appropriate."

The hike will raise the costs of all types of borrowing, from mortgages to credit cards to car loans, cooling demand and business activity.

Inflation&nbsp;has become an overriding concern after the world's largest economy saw annual consumer prices surge 8.5 per cent over the 12 months to March,&nbsp;the&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;jump&nbsp;since&nbsp;December 1981.

Policymakers continue to believe&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;will gradually return to the&nbsp;Fed's two-percent target as it raises borrowing costs, but in a statement following the conclusion of its two-day meeting, the FOMC said it will be "highly attentive to&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;risks."

In an unusual move, Powell opened his news conference speaking to the American people.

"Inflation&nbsp;is much too high. And we understand the hardship that is causing," he said, promising to use all tools available to bring it down "expeditiously."

Watch |&nbsp;US Fed lifts policy rate by 0.25%

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He acknowledged that higher interest rates also bring their share of pain, but "everyone would be better off if we can get this job done. The sooner, the better."

To achieve that aim, he said "additional 50-basis point increases should be on the table at the next couple of meetings," however, a more aggressive three-quarter point hike is not under consideration.

The&nbsp;Fed's goal is to engineer a "soft landing," reining in&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;while avoiding a contraction in economic activity, and Powell said that outcome is likely.

"It's a strong economy, and nothing about it suggested... that it's close to or vulnerable to a recession," he said.

Ukraine war impact

But with China's pandemic lockdowns worsening global supply snarls and the war in Ukraine pushing commodity prices higher, analysts fear factors beyond the&nbsp;central bank's control could undermine that goal, and perhaps plunge the US economy into a recession.

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The FOMC acknowledged the "highly uncertain" impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions on Moscow, which are "creating additional upward pressure on&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;and are likely to weigh on economic activity."&nbsp;

In addition, Covid lockdowns in China "are likely to exacerbate supply chain disruptions," the statement said.&nbsp;

Offloading bonds

Though it contracted in the first quarter, Powell said the economy was healthy enough to withstand higher rates, and pointed to robust job gains and strong household and business spending.

However, central bankers cannot engineer a solution for the worker shortages that have challenged businesses and raised fears of a wage-price spiral, when employees demand higher salaries and fuel price increases.&nbsp;

Powell downplayed those concerns, saying some of the&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;is due to price shocks, while&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;policy can help address the "imbalance" in the labor market.

On Wednesday, payroll services firm ADP reported private employers added a weaker-than-expected 247,000 workers in April, a sign that companies are struggling to find available labor, while government data released Tuesday showed there are nearly two openings for every job seeker.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/us-fed-officials-firm-up-plans-for-a-swift-pullback-of-economic-help-455510">US Fed officials firm up plans for a swift pullback of economic help</a>

The FOMC also said it would begin reducing its massive bond holdings starting June 1, beginning at the pace of $47.5 billion a month, and then doubling after three months, also aimed at removing stimulus from the economy.

The decision was widely expected, and many economists believe the FOMC will again hike rates by a half-point in June, though Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Economics said, "After that we think all bets are off, given the likelihood of a steep, sustained drop in&nbsp;inflation, a clear softening in manufacturing, and a meltdown in housing market activity."

Stock markets cheered the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;move, closing sharply higher, with big gains in interest-sensitive tech shares.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its biggest rate hike since 2000, with a half percentage point increase as it works to crush soaring US inflation. With inflation at the highest rate in four decades, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent a message directly to the American people, expressing concern for the pain caused by rising prices, and pledging to use all available tools to bring them down.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its biggest rate hike since 2000, with a half percentage point increase as it works to crush soaring US inflation. With inflation at the highest rate in four decades, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent a message directly to the American people, expressing concern for the pain caused by rising prices, and pledging to use all available tools to bring them down. But he told reporters he remains confident the economy is strong enough to withstand rate increases without tipping into a recession. Also read | From recession to inflation, how the US Fed has dealt with crisis After a quarter-point hike in March, the US central bank's policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) pushed the benchmark interest rate above 0.75 per cent as it works to cool the economy, and confirmed more increases "will be appropriate." The hike will raise the costs of all types of borrowing, from mortgages to credit cards to car loans, cooling demand and business activity. Inflation has become an overriding concern after the world's largest economy saw annual consumer prices surge 8.5 per cent over the 12 months to March, the biggest jump since December 1981. Policymakers continue to believe inflation will gradually return to the Fed's two-percent target as it raises borrowing costs, but in a statement following the conclusion of its two-day meeting, the FOMC said it will be "highly attentive to inflation risks." In an unusual move, Powell opened his news conference speaking to the American people. "Inflation is much too high. And we understand the hardship that is causing," he said, promising to use all tools available to bring it down "expeditiously." Watch | US Fed lifts policy rate by 0.25% He acknowledged that higher interest rates also bring their share of pain, but "everyone would be better off if we can get this job done. The sooner, the better." To achieve that aim, he said "additional 50-basis point increases should be on the table at the next couple of meetings," however, a more aggressive three-quarter point hike is not under consideration. The Fed's goal is to engineer a "soft landing," reining in inflation while avoiding a contraction in economic activity, and Powell said that outcome is likely. "It's a strong economy, and nothing about it suggested... that it's close to or vulnerable to a recession," he said. Ukraine war impact But with China's pandemic lockdowns worsening global supply snarls and the war in Ukraine pushing commodity prices higher, analysts fear factors beyond the central bank's control could undermine that goal, and perhaps plunge the US economy into a recession. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The FOMC acknowledged the "highly uncertain" impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions on Moscow, which are "creating additional upward pressure on inflation and are likely to weigh on economic activity." In addition, Covid lockdowns in China "are likely to exacerbate supply chain disruptions," the statement said. Offloading bonds Though it contracted in the first quarter, Powell said the economy was healthy enough to withstand higher rates, and pointed to robust job gains and strong household and business spending. However, central bankers cannot engineer a solution for the worker shortages that have challenged businesses and raised fears of a wage-price spiral, when employees demand higher salaries and fuel price increases. Powell downplayed those concerns, saying some of the inflation is due to price shocks, while Fed policy can help address the "imbalance" in the labor market. On Wednesday, payroll services firm ADP reported private employers added a weaker-than-expected 247,000 workers in April, a sign that companies are struggling to find available labor, while government data released Tuesday showed there are nearly two openings for every job seeker. Also read | US Fed officials firm up plans for a swift pullback of economic help The FOMC also said it would begin reducing its massive bond holdings starting June 1, beginning at the pace of $47.5 billion a month, and then doubling after three months, also aimed at removing stimulus from the economy. The decision was widely expected, and many economists believe the FOMC will again hike rates by a half-point in June, though Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Economics said, "After that we think all bets are off, given the likelihood of a steep, sustained drop in inflation, a clear softening in manufacturing, and a meltdown in housing market activity." Stock markets cheered the Fed move, closing sharply higher, with big gains in interest-sensitive tech shares.

US Fed makes biggest rate increase since 2000 to fight inflation

US embassy in Cuba on Tuesday, began issuing visas for the first time in four years since alleged sonic attacks that resulted in so-called 'Havana Syndrome' among US diplomatic personnel.

Washington closed its consular services in the Cuban capital in 2017 after US personnel and their families suffered from mystery illnesses subsequently known as "Havana Syndrome."

When US suspended issuing visas, it was a blow to many Cubans who intended to emigrate to the US to escape economic woes of their home country.&nbsp;

"Welcome to the embassy after so much time," said a Cuban employee to a small group of people waiting for their appointments in the consular section. The employee was quoted by AFP.

The United States announced two months ago it would begin a "limited" and "gradual" reopening of its embassy and consular services. 
It was closed in September 2017 after then-US president Donald Trump hit out at the alleged sonic attacks.

A US government report in 2020 said the illnesses suffered by staff and their families were most likely caused by "directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy."

"We're hoping that everything goes well. I've been waiting three years for this to rejoin my daughter" who is in the United States, said one man who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I haven't seen her for seven years."

(With inputs from agencies)

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US embassy in Cuba on Tuesday, began issuing visas for the first time in four years since alleged sonic attacks that resulted in so-called 'Havana Syndrome' among US diplomatic personnel.

US embassy in Cuba on Tuesday, began issuing visas for the first time in four years since alleged sonic attacks that resulted in so-called 'Havana Syndrome' among US diplomatic personnel. Washington closed its consular services in the Cuban capital in 2017 after US personnel and their families suffered from mystery illnesses subsequently known as "Havana Syndrome." When US suspended issuing visas, it was a blow to many Cubans who intended to emigrate to the US to escape economic woes of their home country. "Welcome to the embassy after so much time," said a Cuban employee to a small group of people waiting for their appointments in the consular section. The employee was quoted by AFP. The United States announced two months ago it would begin a "limited" and "gradual" reopening of its embassy and consular services. It was closed in September 2017 after then-US president Donald Trump hit out at the alleged sonic attacks. A US government report in 2020 said the illnesses suffered by staff and their families were most likely caused by "directed, pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy." "We're hoping that everything goes well. I've been waiting three years for this to rejoin my daughter" who is in the United States, said one man who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I haven't seen her for seven years." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US resumes issuing visas in Cuba after more than four years

A number of global equity markets edged higher on Tuesday while 10-year US Treasury yields slid from the 3% level as investors remained cautious, expecting the Federal Reserve to hike rates to curb inflation.

US treasury yields slip from 3% level for first time since 2018

US repeatedly lectures the world and India on human rights, minority rights. This 'champion' of rights is all set to overturn the right to abortion at home. America will deny basic reproductive rights to women. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: US top court is set to overturn abortion rights, reveals leaked document

The Roe vs Wade judgment in 1973 was a watershed moment in abortion rights in US. It declared that state laws banning abortion were unconstitutional. Jane Roe was the plaintiff in the case. But that was a pseudonym. Who was the real Jane Roe? Watch this report.

Who was the real Jane Roe in Roe vs Wade case, which changed US abortion law?

A longest known painting, which was created by early indigenous Americans, have been discovered by archaeologists in Alabama, said a new study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This 1,000-year-old image of a 10-foot-long (3 meters) rattlesnake has broken all records, media reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This image and other paintings were crafted by indigenous Americans from mud on the walls and ceiling of a cave. It also depicts spirits of the underworld, the researchers said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/claims-of-an-ancient-human-in-the-modern-era-shake-the-scientific-community-heres-what-you-need-to-know-475313" hreflang="en">Claims of an ancient human in the modern era shake the scientific community. Here's what you need to know</a>

This cave has hundreds of such paintings. It is highly likely to be considered as the richest place for Native American cave art in American Southeast, the researchers said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the journal ‘Antiquity’, the study will be published on Wednesday (May 4). &nbsp;&nbsp;

The team used photogrammetry to investigate this art. This technique involves taking many images digitally to build a virtual 3D model. With the help of this method, the researchers spotted five earlier unknown giant cave paintings, which are known as glyphs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Rocket Lab captures rocket booster with helicopter, then drops it

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"This methodology allows us to create a virtual model of the space that we can manipulate. In this particular case, the ceiling of the cave is very close to the floor. So, your field of vision is limited by your proximity to the ceiling. We never saw these very large images because we couldn't get back far enough to see them," study’s author Jan Simek, professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, told Live Science. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After creating the virtual model, "we could look at it from a greater perspective. It allows us to see things in a way that we can't in person," Simek added.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

A longest known painting, which was created by early indigenous Americans, have been discovered by archaeologists in Alabama, said a new study. This 1,000-year-old image of a 10-foot-long (3 meters) rattlesnake has broken all records, media reports said.

A longest known painting, which was created by early indigenous Americans, have been discovered by archaeologists in Alabama, said a new study. This 1,000-year-old image of a 10-foot-long (3 meters) rattlesnake has broken all records, media reports said. This image and other paintings were crafted by indigenous Americans from mud on the walls and ceiling of a cave. It also depicts spirits of the underworld, the researchers said. Also Read: Claims of an ancient human in the modern era shake the scientific community. Here's what you need to know This cave has hundreds of such paintings. It is highly likely to be considered as the richest place for Native American cave art in American Southeast, the researchers said. In the journal ‘Antiquity’, the study will be published on Wednesday (May 4). The team used photogrammetry to investigate this art. This technique involves taking many images digitally to build a virtual 3D model. With the help of this method, the researchers spotted five earlier unknown giant cave paintings, which are known as glyphs. Watch: Rocket Lab captures rocket booster with helicopter, then drops it × "This methodology allows us to create a virtual model of the space that we can manipulate. In this particular case, the ceiling of the cave is very close to the floor. So, your field of vision is limited by your proximity to the ceiling. We never saw these very large images because we couldn't get back far enough to see them," study’s author Jan Simek, professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, told Live Science. After creating the virtual model, "we could look at it from a greater perspective. It allows us to see things in a way that we can't in person," Simek added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Longest known cave painting created by indigenous Americans found in US, says study

Pro-choice protesters gather in front of US Supreme Court against the leaked abortion draft

A massive tornado tore through the town of Fort Stockton in Texas. Eyewitnesses recorded footage that showed the destruction caused in the region.

Central US faces severe storms and tornadoes

Thousands of residents of mountain towns in New Mexico were told to evacuate as fierce winds drove the largest active US wildfire towards their drought-parched mountain valley.

Raging wildfire prompt evacuations in New Mexico

The Indian Consulate in New York has condemned Connecticut General Assembly's call to celebrate "Sikh Independence Day" in the state. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how pro-Khalistani groups are gaining ground in America.

Gravitas: "Sikh Independence Day" celebrated in Connecticut

The Supreme Court of the United States is likely to strike down the right to abortion in the country, citing a leaked draft of a majority opinion that would represent a staggering blow to women’s rights.

US top court set to overturn law legalizing abortion, leaked draft opinion shows

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, the US says that Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

In an extraordinary breach of US Supreme Court secrecy, a draft opinion on a case of remarkable importance has now been leaked, the development pertains to the abortion rights in America.

Abortion Rights: Extraordinary breach of US Supreme Court secrecy

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