Exactly two years after a 25-year-old black man Ahmaud Arbery was murdered in Georgia, a federal jury has now found three white men guilty on all counts in the hate crime case.

US: Three held guilty in Arbery hate crime case

Data released by the US National Center for Health Statistics on Wednesday showed a rise in pregnancy-related deaths for mothers across America in 2020, with black women three times more likely to die than white women.

The report showed the rate was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than comparable countries, such as Canada, where it was 7.5 per 100,000, according to OECD statistics for the same year.

In 2020, the US witnessed 861 maternal deaths, which the World Health Organisation defines as a death while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of a pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management.

In 2019, the number of deaths per 100,000 live US births was 20.1, while in 2018 it was 17.4.

But the numbers rise even higher when focused solely on non-white mothers. Pregnancy-related deaths for black mothers jumped from 44 per 100,000 births in 2019 to 55 the next year.

For Hispanic mothers, the number climbed from 13 to 18 during the same period.

While maternal mortality dropped across the world in the 20th century with the help of vast improvements in medical care, the United States saw a record plunge since 2000, unlike most other countries.

In fact, the last time the US rate was officially this high was in 1968, though a new reporting methodology was introduced in 2018, reports AFP.

Possible reasons for such disparities and the overall jump in deaths were not mentioned in Wednesday’s report, though researchers believe that the coronavirus may have played some role.

"We observed increases across a broad number of categories, and COVID-19 likely contributed,"&nbsp;Donna Hoyert, author of the report, told AFP about the results.&nbsp;

(With contributions from agencies)

Data released by the US National Center for Health Statistics on Wednesday showed a rise in pregnancy-related deaths for mothers across America in 2020, with black women three times more likely to die than white women.

Data released by the US National Center for Health Statistics on Wednesday showed a rise in pregnancy-related deaths for mothers across America in 2020, with black women three times more likely to die than white women. The report showed the rate was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than comparable countries, such as Canada, where it was 7.5 per 100,000, according to OECD statistics for the same year. In 2020, the US witnessed 861 maternal deaths, which the World Health Organisation defines as a death while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of a pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management. In 2019, the number of deaths per 100,000 live US births was 20.1, while in 2018 it was 17.4. But the numbers rise even higher when focused solely on non-white mothers. Pregnancy-related deaths for black mothers jumped from 44 per 100,000 births in 2019 to 55 the next year. For Hispanic mothers, the number climbed from 13 to 18 during the same period. While maternal mortality dropped across the world in the 20th century with the help of vast improvements in medical care, the United States saw a record plunge since 2000, unlike most other countries. In fact, the last time the US rate was officially this high was in 1968, though a new reporting methodology was introduced in 2018, reports AFP. Possible reasons for such disparities and the overall jump in deaths were not mentioned in Wednesday’s report, though researchers believe that the coronavirus may have played some role. "We observed increases across a broad number of categories, and COVID-19 likely contributed," Donna Hoyert, author of the report, told AFP about the results. (With contributions from agencies)

US maternal mortality rate rises, Black women 3 times more likely to die than White counterparts: Study

The United States has called off high-level meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Moscow’s recognition of Ukraine’s two rebel regions. WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani brings in more on this.

US cancels scheduled diplomatic meets with Russia

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting. Experts have reportedly voiced fears about unintended consequences of such a measure.

The decree, which was implemented on an "emergency" basis and took effect on Friday, includes restrictions on bringing ceramics, paintings, glass, ivory, ancient textiles, tiles and wood pieces, among others into the country, according to a government list.&nbsp;

The restrictions "are intended to prevent illicitly trafficked materials from entering the US art market, thus reducing the incentive for pillage of Afghanistan's cultural heritage and combatting profit from the sale of these cultural objects by terrorists and criminal organizations," the State Department said.&nbsp;

But they come after an April 2021 request from the US-backed Afghan government -- which fell to the Taliban in August.

"Can the State Department act based on a 'request' of a government that no longer exists?" ancient coin collector and advocate Peter Tompa asked in a post on his blog the Cultural Property Observer.

"The real question is how these restrictions are going to be enforced and if any material that may be seized will be repatriated to the Taliban once diplomatic relations (with the United States) are restored," he wrote.&nbsp;

Taliban 'investigating' looting

Restricted archaeological material dates from the year 50,000 BC through 1747, and restricted cultural material includes items from the ninth century through 1920, the government said.

The new regulations could create logistics issues for collectors or curators who already have items on their way to the United States as auction houses prepare to sell pieces during Asia Week New York next month, art publication The Art Newspaper pointed out.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting.

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting. Experts have reportedly voiced fears about unintended consequences of such a measure. The decree, which was implemented on an "emergency" basis and took effect on Friday, includes restrictions on bringing ceramics, paintings, glass, ivory, ancient textiles, tiles and wood pieces, among others into the country, according to a government list. The restrictions "are intended to prevent illicitly trafficked materials from entering the US art market, thus reducing the incentive for pillage of Afghanistan's cultural heritage and combatting profit from the sale of these cultural objects by terrorists and criminal organizations," the State Department said. But they come after an April 2021 request from the US-backed Afghan government -- which fell to the Taliban in August. "Can the State Department act based on a 'request' of a government that no longer exists?" ancient coin collector and advocate Peter Tompa asked in a post on his blog the Cultural Property Observer. "The real question is how these restrictions are going to be enforced and if any material that may be seized will be repatriated to the Taliban once diplomatic relations (with the United States) are restored," he wrote. Taliban 'investigating' looting Restricted archaeological material dates from the year 50,000 BC through 1747, and restricted cultural material includes items from the ninth century through 1920, the government said. The new regulations could create logistics issues for collectors or curators who already have items on their way to the United States as auction houses prepare to sell pieces during Asia Week New York next month, art publication The Art Newspaper pointed out.

US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items

The United States' Supreme Court has formally rejected former US President Donald Trump's request to block the release of White House records this was asked by the committee investigating last year's attack on US capitol.

US supreme court rejects Trump's legal bid to shield Capitol attack records

US top court has rejected former US President Donald Trump's legal bid. Access to Jan 6 records granted has been granted for the Capitol hill riots probe.

US top court rejects former US President Donald Trump's legal bid, access to Jan 6 records granted

Lawyers for&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;ex-president&nbsp;Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, asked Monday that he be granted&nbsp;house&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;while the&nbsp;extradition&nbsp;case against him proceeds, a spokesperson said.

The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004.

In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US embassy in Tegucigalpa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-meet-hondurass-first-woman-president-xiomara-castro-448320">In Pics: Meet Honduras's first woman president Xiomara Castro</a>

Washington requested on February 14 he be extradited to the United States to face charges.

He was arrested and placed in prison at the Special Forces headquarters, in the east of the capital Tegucigalpa.

A judge ruled Hernandez would stay there in preventative detention until a second hearing next month.

But on Monday, Hernandez's defence team requested "the change of detention measure... to his home, under&nbsp;house&nbsp;arrest," Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said.

The court had said on Twitter the judge had agreed to hear an appeal from the defense team to revoke Hernandez's preventative detention.

The appeal has to be approved by all 15 justices of the Supreme Court.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-ex-president-to-remain-in-custody-as-us-seeks-extradition-454131">Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition</a>

In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in Tegucigalpa by&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;police acting in coordination with US agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration.

While the right-wing politician had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle.

Hernandez's brother, former&nbsp;Honduran&nbsp;congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on February 7 that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns."

Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States.&nbsp;

His wife, Ana Garcia, appeared Monday before the National Commission on Human Rights to protest against the way her husband was arrested.

"You transmitted all the images of the humiliating and degrading way in which my husband was treated," she told reporters. "The authorities who allowed the use of shackles and chains... exhibited him publicly as a trophy."

But deputy security minister Julissa Villanueva said she had checked Hernandez's prison conditions Monday and did not find "any violation of human rights, cruel or degrading treatment."

Lawyers for Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, asked Monday that he be granted house arrest while the extradition case against him proceeds, a spokesperson said.

Lawyers for Honduran ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, wanted on drug trafficking charges in the United States, asked Monday that he be granted house arrest while the extradition case against him proceeds, a spokesperson said. The 53-year-old is accused of having facilitated the smuggling of some 500 tons of drugs -- mainly from Colombia and Venezuela -- to the United States via Honduras since 2004. In turn, he allegedly received "millions of dollars in bribes... from multiple narcotrafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico and other places," according to a document from the US embassy in Tegucigalpa. Also read | In Pics: Meet Honduras's first woman president Xiomara Castro Washington requested on February 14 he be extradited to the United States to face charges. He was arrested and placed in prison at the Special Forces headquarters, in the east of the capital Tegucigalpa. A judge ruled Hernandez would stay there in preventative detention until a second hearing next month. But on Monday, Hernandez's defence team requested "the change of detention measure... to his home, under house arrest," Supreme Court spokesman Melvin Duarte said. The court had said on Twitter the judge had agreed to hear an appeal from the defense team to revoke Hernandez's preventative detention. The appeal has to be approved by all 15 justices of the Supreme Court. Also read | Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition In power for eight years until January 27, when leftist Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras's first woman president, Hernandez was taken from his home in Tegucigalpa by Honduran police acting in coordination with US agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration. While the right-wing politician had portrayed himself as an ally of the US war on drugs during his tenure, traffickers caught in the United States claimed to have paid bribes to the president's inner circle. Hernandez's brother, former Honduran congressman Tony Hernandez, was given a life sentence in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on February 7 that "according to multiple, credible media reports," Hernandez "has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking and using the proceeds of illicit activity to facilitate political campaigns." Hernandez denies the claims, which he said were part of a revenge plot by traffickers that his government had captured or extradited to the United States. His wife, Ana Garcia, appeared Monday before the National Commission on Human Rights to protest against the way her husband was arrested. "You transmitted all the images of the humiliating and degrading way in which my husband was treated," she told reporters. "The authorities who allowed the use of shackles and chains... exhibited him publicly as a trophy." But deputy security minister Julissa Villanueva said she had checked Hernandez's prison conditions Monday and did not find "any violation of human rights, cruel or degrading treatment."

Former Honduran president asks for house arrest while extradition case against him proceeds

Japan&nbsp;on Tuesday said it stood&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to&nbsp;join&nbsp;the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The confirmation by the world's No. 3 economy comes as the crisis in Europe deepens, with the Russian leader on Monday ordering troops into two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine that Russia now recognizes as independent states.

That action was "unacceptable and a violation of international law," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who called&nbsp;Putin on Thursday to urge restraint, told reporters.&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for a strong response that could include&nbsp;sanctions, he added.

Also read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-city-pop-the-soundtrack-to-japans-boom-years-goes-viral-455195">&nbsp;|&nbsp;City Pop: the soundtrack to Japan's boom years goes viral</a>

The White House said late on Monday it would announce new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Russia on Monday "in response to Moscow’s decisions and actions today."

"We are coordinating with allies and partners on that announcement," a White House spokesperson said.

New&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;by&nbsp;Japan, which would add to those imposed on Russia in 2014 after it occupied the Crimea, would include a ban on semiconductor chips and other key technology exports and tighter restrictions on Russian banks, the Yomiuri newspaper reported earlier.

Although&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;is no longer a major exporter of semiconductors, with only a 10% share of the global chip market, it is a key manufacturer of specialised electronic components, such as automotive chips and image sensors, and dominates in other industrial fields, such as high tech manufacturing equipment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a>

Kishida and other government officials who spoke on Tuesday did not say what&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;was mulling.

Japan's toughening stance against Russia contrasts with the softer diplomatic approach to Moscow taken by&nbsp;Japanese administrations in the past. They have courted Putin in an attempt to secure the return of islands occupied by Russian forces at the end of World War Two.

Japan's delicate diplomacy has also been shaped by&nbsp;its&nbsp;reliance on Russia for some of&nbsp;its&nbsp;energy needs. In 2021, Russia provided more than 12% of&nbsp;Japan's thermal coal, and almost a tenth of&nbsp;its&nbsp;liquefied natural gas.

That economic anguish, however, has been overtaken in recent years by growing concern about a revival in Russian military activity in East Asia and Moscow's deepening security cooperation with neighbouring China.

“Ukraine is facing a tense situation now, so we must firmly watch how it could affect&nbsp;Japan’s economy,” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Watch |&nbsp;'No access to financial markets of Russia plans to invade Ukraine,' warns EU

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&nbsp;

Japan on Tuesday said it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping sanctions on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine.

Japan on Tuesday said it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialized nations in slapping sanctions on Russia, should President Vladimir Putin order an invasion of Ukraine. The confirmation by the world's No. 3 economy comes as the crisis in Europe deepens, with the Russian leader on Monday ordering troops into two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine that Russia now recognizes as independent states. That action was "unacceptable and a violation of international law," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who called Putin on Thursday to urge restraint, told reporters. Japan was ready for a strong response that could include sanctions, he added. Also read | City Pop: the soundtrack to Japan's boom years goes viral The White House said late on Monday it would announce new sanctions on Russia on Monday "in response to Moscow’s decisions and actions today." "We are coordinating with allies and partners on that announcement," a White House spokesperson said. New sanctions by Japan, which would add to those imposed on Russia in 2014 after it occupied the Crimea, would include a ban on semiconductor chips and other key technology exports and tighter restrictions on Russian banks, the Yomiuri newspaper reported earlier. Although Japan is no longer a major exporter of semiconductors, with only a 10% share of the global chip market, it is a key manufacturer of specialised electronic components, such as automotive chips and image sensors, and dominates in other industrial fields, such as high tech manufacturing equipment. Also read | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine Kishida and other government officials who spoke on Tuesday did not say what sanctions Japan was mulling. Japan's toughening stance against Russia contrasts with the softer diplomatic approach to Moscow taken by Japanese administrations in the past. They have courted Putin in an attempt to secure the return of islands occupied by Russian forces at the end of World War Two. Japan's delicate diplomacy has also been shaped by its reliance on Russia for some of its energy needs. In 2021, Russia provided more than 12% of Japan's thermal coal, and almost a tenth of its liquefied natural gas. That economic anguish, however, has been overtaken in recent years by growing concern about a revival in Russian military activity in East Asia and Moscow's deepening security cooperation with neighbouring China. “Ukraine is facing a tense situation now, so we must firmly watch how it could affect Japan’s economy,” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said at a briefing on Tuesday. Watch | 'No access to financial markets of Russia plans to invade Ukraine,' warns EU

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow

Israel is caught in the midst of Russia-Ukraine tensions. Officials are worried about the imposition of US sanctions against Russia because Israel believes that the sanctions can harm Tel Aviv's security interests. WION's Jodie Cohen brings you more insights.

Israel worried about US sanctions, fears souring relations with Russia

The United States is considering new sanctions against Russia, proposing to cut some of its top banks from Dollar transactions. UK has already announced sanctions blocking Russian companies access to western currencies.

US to cut Russian banks from Dollar transactions

More than 2,000 ceasefire violations have been reported in eastern Ukraine. Washington believes Putin is using the Donbas hostilities as an excuse to invade. Russia is accusing the West of using Ukraine as a tool of conflict. Is war now inevitable? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: 2,000 ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine

Heavy&nbsp;tug&nbsp;boats&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;sprayed&nbsp;water&nbsp;on a burning&nbsp;ship&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;Porsches&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bentleys&nbsp;adrift off the coast of Portugal's&nbsp;Azores islands, the&nbsp;ship's manager said in a statement.

The Felicity Ace,&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;around 4,000 vehicles including&nbsp;Porsches, Audis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bentleys, some with lithium-ion batteries, caught fire on Wednesday last week.

The 22 crew members on board were evacuated the same day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-pm-antonio-costa-indian-connection-of-gandhi-of-lisbon-who-won-polls-again-449090">Portugal PM Antonio Costa: Indian connection of 'Gandhi of Lisbon' who won polls again</a>

Ship&nbsp;manager Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL) said in a statement the vessel was still on fire but stable,&nbsp;and&nbsp;that no oil leak had been reported so far. It also said the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;was drifting further from the&nbsp;Azores islands in the Atlantic ocean.

Two large&nbsp;tug&nbsp;boats&nbsp;equipped with firefighting gear arrived from Gibraltar on Monday,&nbsp;and&nbsp;were working with another patrol boat to&nbsp;spray&nbsp;water&nbsp;at the Felicity Ace&nbsp;and&nbsp;cool it down, MOL said.

The arrival of two other&nbsp;tug&nbsp;boats&nbsp;with more firefighting equipment is scheduled for Feb. 23&nbsp;and&nbsp;Feb. 26.

"Together with the all relevant parties, MOL is making every effort to contain the damage&nbsp;and&nbsp;resolve the situation as soon as possible," MOL said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-snap-polls-portugals-pm-costa-makes-stunning-victory-bags-majority-449094">In snap polls, Portugal's PM Costa makes stunning victory, bags majority&nbsp;</a>

João Mendes Cabeças, the captain of the&nbsp;nearest port on the&nbsp;Azorean island&nbsp;of Faial, said on Sunday the fire had lost its intensity, probably because there was little left to burn.

Cabeças said as the fire subsides&nbsp;and&nbsp;the structure cools down, firefighting teams&nbsp;and&nbsp;technicians might be able to board the vessel to prepare to tow it either to Europe or the Bahamas.

"When conditions are safe the salvage team will board the Felicity Ace for an initial assessment," MOL added.

Cabeças told Reuters over the weekend the lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicles were "keeping the fire alive." It was not clear whether the batteries had caused the fire.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Canada's violent crackdown on protesters

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MOL did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the cause of the fire.

Volkswagen, which owns the car brands, said on Monday it did not have any further information to share.

Heavy tug boats on Tuesday sprayed water on a burning ship carrying thousands of Porsches and Bentleys adrift off the coast of Portugal's Azores islands, the ship's manager said in a statement.

Heavy tug boats on Tuesday sprayed water on a burning ship carrying thousands of Porsches and Bentleys adrift off the coast of Portugal's Azores islands, the ship's manager said in a statement. The Felicity Ace, carrying around 4,000 vehicles including Porsches, Audis and Bentleys, some with lithium-ion batteries, caught fire on Wednesday last week. The 22 crew members on board were evacuated the same day. Also read | Portugal PM Antonio Costa: Indian connection of 'Gandhi of Lisbon' who won polls again Ship manager Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd (MOL) said in a statement the vessel was still on fire but stable, and that no oil leak had been reported so far. It also said the ship was drifting further from the Azores islands in the Atlantic ocean. Two large tug boats equipped with firefighting gear arrived from Gibraltar on Monday, and were working with another patrol boat to spray water at the Felicity Ace and cool it down, MOL said. The arrival of two other tug boats with more firefighting equipment is scheduled for Feb. 23 and Feb. 26. "Together with the all relevant parties, MOL is making every effort to contain the damage and resolve the situation as soon as possible," MOL said. Also read | In snap polls, Portugal's PM Costa makes stunning victory, bags majority João Mendes Cabeças, the captain of the nearest port on the Azorean island of Faial, said on Sunday the fire had lost its intensity, probably because there was little left to burn. Cabeças said as the fire subsides and the structure cools down, firefighting teams and technicians might be able to board the vessel to prepare to tow it either to Europe or the Bahamas. "When conditions are safe the salvage team will board the Felicity Ace for an initial assessment," MOL added. Cabeças told Reuters over the weekend the lithium-ion batteries in the electric vehicles were "keeping the fire alive." It was not clear whether the batteries had caused the fire. Watch | Gravitas: Canada's violent crackdown on protesters MOL did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the cause of the fire. Volkswagen, which owns the car brands, said on Monday it did not have any further information to share.

Tug boats spray water on blazing ship carrying Porsches and Bentleys near Azores

The United States and the European Union are expected to impose sanctions on Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions of Ukraine.

US, EU set to impose sanctions on Russia after Putin orders troops into two rebel regions of Ukraine

After weeks of warnings to de-escalate military maneuvers in eastern Ukraine, US has now imposed a series of limited sanctions on the two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region. The move came after Putin signed a presidential decree recognizing the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

United States announces new sanction as Russia backs Ukraine's rebel regions

Eating leftovers can be risky. Well, we are not kidding as a 19-year-old college student from New England region in the US had to undergo amputation of both legs after savouring the same. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This strange case has come to fore after a video about it went viral recently. On February 16, the clip was posted on YouTube by channel 'Chubbyemu’, which is run by Dr Bernard Hsu, a licensed toxicologist. It has now got nearly one million views. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/75-people-worldwide-want-ban-on-single-use-plastics-finds-global-survey-455244" hreflang="en">75% people worldwide want ban on single-use plastics, finds global survey</a>

As per a March 2021 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, the student was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Massachusetts General Hospital as a result of "shock, multiple organ failure, and rash."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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On eating leftovers of a restaurant meal, the student felt abdominal pain and nausea. He also started vomiting and experiencing chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, neck stiffness and blurry vision, as per the journal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

His skin also developed a purplish discoloration. He was taken to hospital. The temperature of the person peaked at 105 degrees and heart rate was 166 beats per minute. His breathing worsened and was given oxygen. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-of-first-ear-surgery-found-in-5300-year-old-skull-say-archaeologists-454953" hreflang="en">Evidence of first ear surgery found in 5,300-year-old skull, say archaeologists</a>

Tests showed the person had Neisseria meningitidis. According to Dr Bernard, "when bacteria are present in the blood, the entire body’s blood vessels dilate, dropping the blood pressure preventing oxygen from getting to the organs." &nbsp;&nbsp;

He faced many complications and had to undergo the amputation of parts of all 10 fingers and below his knees. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Eating leftovers can be risky. Well, we are not kidding as a 19-year-old college student from New England region in the US had to undergo amputation of both legs after savouring the same.

Eating leftovers can be risky. Well, we are not kidding as a 19-year-old college student from New England region in the US had to undergo amputation of both legs after savouring the same. This strange case has come to fore after a video about it went viral recently. On February 16, the clip was posted on YouTube by channel 'Chubbyemu’, which is run by Dr Bernard Hsu, a licensed toxicologist. It has now got nearly one million views. Also Read: 75% people worldwide want ban on single-use plastics, finds global survey As per a March 2021 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, the student was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Massachusetts General Hospital as a result of "shock, multiple organ failure, and rash." × On eating leftovers of a restaurant meal, the student felt abdominal pain and nausea. He also started vomiting and experiencing chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, neck stiffness and blurry vision, as per the journal. His skin also developed a purplish discoloration. He was taken to hospital. The temperature of the person peaked at 105 degrees and heart rate was 166 beats per minute. His breathing worsened and was given oxygen. Also Read: Evidence of first ear surgery found in 5,300-year-old skull, say archaeologists Tests showed the person had Neisseria meningitidis. According to Dr Bernard, "when bacteria are present in the blood, the entire body’s blood vessels dilate, dropping the blood pressure preventing oxygen from getting to the organs." He faced many complications and had to undergo the amputation of parts of all 10 fingers and below his knees. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Eating leftovers lands US student in hospital to face worst nightmare

Tensions have ratcheted in eastern Ukraine following Russian recognition of independence of separatist regions, fears of an invasion are now growing in the countries. Recognition of the rebel-held territory's independence will effectively shatter the Minsk peace agreements. John Blaxland , International Affairs expert shares his views on the same.

Russia recognizes independence of Ukraine separatist regions, US condemns move

Tensions have been escalating in Ukraine as the country remains on the brink of war. According to the US, the war is just hours away. Pentagon has said that 'Russia could attack Ukraine today'.

Pentagon says Russia could attack on Ukraine today

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The director of US-based Maxar Technologies has said that the new activity indicated increased military readiness. &nbsp;

The firm, which has also released the images, has been tracking the buildup of Russian forces for weeks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-meet-russian-counterpart-vladimir-putin-till-he-halts-ukraine-invasion-454912" hreflang="en">Biden to meet Putin till he halts Ukraine invasion</a>

In a release, Maxar on Sunday said, "This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment)." &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d87ee8-67f8-4e23-a11d-5c2a51257e65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%202.jpg" />

According to satellite images, many large deployments of battle groups have been observed around the military garrison at Soloti, Russia, as of February 13, Maxar said. &nbsp;

On Sunday, the images showed that most combat units and support equipment at Soloti had departed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-must-be-protected-china-454860">Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected: China</a>

Throughout the area, vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment were witnessed, the company said. &nbsp;

On the basis of the tracks and the snow, the activity looked to be recent, Stephen Wood, senior director, Maxar News Bureau, told Reuters. &nbsp;

"To me, it indicates an increased state of readiness," Wood said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday.

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday. The director of US-based Maxar Technologies has said that the new activity indicated increased military readiness. The firm, which has also released the images, has been tracking the buildup of Russian forces for weeks. Also Read: Biden to meet Putin till he halts Ukraine invasion In a release, Maxar on Sunday said, "This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment)." According to satellite images, many large deployments of battle groups have been observed around the military garrison at Soloti, Russia, as of February 13, Maxar said. On Sunday, the images showed that most combat units and support equipment at Soloti had departed. Also Read | Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected: China Throughout the area, vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment were witnessed, the company said. On the basis of the tracks and the snow, the activity looked to be recent, Stephen Wood, senior director, Maxar News Bureau, told Reuters. "To me, it indicates an increased state of readiness," Wood said. (With inputs from agencies)

Satellite images indicate new Russian deployments near Ukraine border, says US company

Emmanuel Macron called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a decision on meeting US counterpart Joe Biden in a summit proposed by France to ease soaring tensions over Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Macron proposes Biden-Putin summit to help defuse tensions

U.S President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin may finally meet amid the ongoing tensions with Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron helped in brokering potential talks. Will the potential meeting between two leaders resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

Will Joe Biden & Vladimir Putin meeting resolve Russia-Ukraine issue?

The United States has warned the United Nations it has information that Russia has lists of Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps in the event of an invasion.

US warns: Russia readying list of Ukrainian targets

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring&nbsp;U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian&nbsp;banks, three people familiar with the matter said.

The measures, which would only be implemented if Russia invades&nbsp;Ukraine, aim to hurt the Russian economy by&nbsp;cutting the "correspondent" banking relationships between targeted Russian banks and US banks that enable international payments.

While&nbsp;US&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;have said banking restrictions would be part of a package of possible sanctions, the administration's plan to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;correspondent banking&nbsp;ties&nbsp;- which underpin global money flows - has not previously been reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-ready-to-meet-putin-until-the-moment-ukraine-invasion-begins-454912">Biden ready to meet Putin 'until the moment' Ukraine invasion begins</a>

The United States will also wield its most powerful sanctioning tool against certain Russian individuals and companies by placing them on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, effectively kicking them out of the&nbsp;U.S. banking system, banning their trade with Americans and freezing their&nbsp;U.S. assets, the same&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

The White House and Treasury Department declined to comment.

The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said the package could change up to the last minute and it was unclear who the targets would be. However, they believe top Russian financial institutions including VTB Bank, Sberbank, VEB, and Gazprombank are possible targets.

Experts consulted by Reuters said that while the correspondent banking tool lacks the punch of an SDN designation, which freezes a bank's assets, they could still deal a meaningful blow to the target&nbsp;banks&nbsp;by making it difficult to transact in&nbsp;US&nbsp;dollars, the global reserve currency.

Much of global trade is transacted in dollars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-to-visit-taiwan-next-week-454945">Former US&nbsp;Secretary of State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week</a>

It is unclear whether Russian&nbsp;banks&nbsp;would be added to the SDN list, but both types of sanctions could hit Russia hard.

"Since a significant number of global trade transactions are in&nbsp;U.S. dollars this is a sanction with bite, but without the more complicated and deadly sanction of being placed on the SDN list and having all assets in the&nbsp;U.S. or in the hands of&nbsp;U.S. persons frozen," said Washington lawyer Kay Georgi, who specializes in international trade.

Sources&nbsp;noted that the administration could exempt certain transactions from the restrictions if deemed necessary.

'UPFRONT COSTS'

The Biden administration has been threatening tough banking sanctions against Russia for weeks in a bid to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading&nbsp;Ukraine. Moscow has amassed upwards of 150,000 troops on&nbsp;Ukraine's borders, but Putin has denied&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to launch an attack.

Peter Harrell, who sits on the National Security Council, said last month that "heavy hitting financial sanctions" were part of a strategy to hurt Russia's economy but spare its citizens.

"The goal of the financial sanctions is really to have short term upfront costs on Russia, to trigger capital flight, to trigger inflation, to make the Russian central bank provide bailouts&nbsp;to its&nbsp;banks," he said in a speech late last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russia-give-orders-to-attack-ukraine-us-media-cites-intel-inputs-that-were-apparently-known-to-biden-454927">Did Russia give orders to 'attack' Ukraine? US media cites intel inputs that were apparently known to Biden</a>

The tough warnings have put some&nbsp;U.S. financial firms on edge. Members of the financial services and payment industries have been in touch in recent days with the&nbsp;U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which administers sanctions,&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Tensions grew over the weekend as Russia extended military drills in Belarus, heightening fears among Western powers of an imminent Russian invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-explained-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-454859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden and Putin on Sunday agreed in principle to a summit, France said, offering hope conflict could be avoided.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United States and Britain would&nbsp;cut&nbsp;off Russian companies' access to&nbsp;U.S. dollars and British pounds if the Kremlin orders an invasion.

The Biden administration has been similarly aggressive in its rhetoric. In a briefing on Friday, Deputy National Security advisor Daleep Singh told reporters that the cost to Russia of an invasion would be "immense, both to its economy and its strategic position in the world."

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks, three people familiar with the matter said.

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks, three people familiar with the matter said. The measures, which would only be implemented if Russia invades Ukraine, aim to hurt the Russian economy by cutting the "correspondent" banking relationships between targeted Russian banks and US banks that enable international payments. While US authorities have said banking restrictions would be part of a package of possible sanctions, the administration's plan to cut correspondent banking ties - which underpin global money flows - has not previously been reported. Also read | Biden ready to meet Putin 'until the moment' Ukraine invasion begins The United States will also wield its most powerful sanctioning tool against certain Russian individuals and companies by placing them on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, effectively kicking them out of the U.S. banking system, banning their trade with Americans and freezing their U.S. assets, the same sources said. The White House and Treasury Department declined to comment. The sources said the package could change up to the last minute and it was unclear who the targets would be. However, they believe top Russian financial institutions including VTB Bank, Sberbank, VEB, and Gazprombank are possible targets. Experts consulted by Reuters said that while the correspondent banking tool lacks the punch of an SDN designation, which freezes a bank's assets, they could still deal a meaningful blow to the target banks by making it difficult to transact in US dollars, the global reserve currency. Much of global trade is transacted in dollars. Also read | Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week It is unclear whether Russian banks would be added to the SDN list, but both types of sanctions could hit Russia hard. "Since a significant number of global trade transactions are in U.S. dollars this is a sanction with bite, but without the more complicated and deadly sanction of being placed on the SDN list and having all assets in the U.S. or in the hands of U.S. persons frozen," said Washington lawyer Kay Georgi, who specializes in international trade. Sources noted that the administration could exempt certain transactions from the restrictions if deemed necessary. 'UPFRONT COSTS' The Biden administration has been threatening tough banking sanctions against Russia for weeks in a bid to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine. Moscow has amassed upwards of 150,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, but Putin has denied plans to launch an attack. Peter Harrell, who sits on the National Security Council, said last month that "heavy hitting financial sanctions" were part of a strategy to hurt Russia's economy but spare its citizens. "The goal of the financial sanctions is really to have short term upfront costs on Russia, to trigger capital flight, to trigger inflation, to make the Russian central bank provide bailouts to its banks," he said in a speech late last month. Also read | Did Russia give orders to 'attack' Ukraine? US media cites intel inputs that were apparently known to Biden The tough warnings have put some U.S. financial firms on edge. Members of the financial services and payment industries have been in touch in recent days with the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which administers sanctions, sources said. Tensions grew over the weekend as Russia extended military drills in Belarus, heightening fears among Western powers of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis Biden and Putin on Sunday agreed in principle to a summit, France said, offering hope conflict could be avoided. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United States and Britain would cut off Russian companies' access to U.S. dollars and British pounds if the Kremlin orders an invasion. The Biden administration has been similarly aggressive in its rhetoric. In a briefing on Friday, Deputy National Security advisor Daleep Singh told reporters that the cost to Russia of an invasion would be "immense, both to its economy and its strategic position in the world."

US plans to cut ties with targeted Russian banks if Ukraine is invaded: Sources

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.&nbsp;

Pompeo&nbsp;served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;and his wife would&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-takes-on-biden-in-his-cpac-speech-366815">Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech</a>

"Former Secretary of State&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;is a long-term and staunch friend of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and made outstanding contributions to promoting&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in&nbsp;office," the ministry said in a statement.

His&nbsp;visit&nbsp;shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the close&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added.

The Trump administration gave strong backing to&nbsp;Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and&nbsp;visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party.

China&nbsp;has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday. Pompeo served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Pompeo and his wife would visit the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank. Also read | Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech "Former Secretary of State Pompeo is a long-term and staunch friend of Taiwan and made outstanding contributions to promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in office," the ministry said in a statement. His visit shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for Taiwan and the close Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added. The Trump administration gave strong backing to Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Pompeo particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party. China has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty. Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu.

Nepal: MCC grant tabled in Parliament

The US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Munich security conference warns of a possible war as tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis.

US Vice President Harris at Munich conference: 'We believe Putin has decided'

Police&nbsp;in Kathmandu&nbsp;fired&nbsp;teargas&nbsp;and&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;to&nbsp;disperse&nbsp;protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded&nbsp;infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in&nbsp;Nepal's capital said.

Some&nbsp;protesters were injured in the clashes, they said.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in&nbsp;Nepal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mcc-ratification-nepals-sovereign-decision-us-454675">MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US&nbsp;</a>

Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine&nbsp;Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.

Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money.

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and improve the lives of&nbsp;Nepalis."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-says-us-and-british-spies-cant-be-trusted-on-ukraine-454775">Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine</a>

"This project was requested by the&nbsp;Nepali government and the&nbsp;Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of&nbsp;Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday.

"Whether&nbsp;Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and&nbsp;Nepal's decision alone," it added.

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-deuba-fails-to-garner-consent-for-mcc-as-coalition-divided-over-the-grant-454229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nepal&nbsp;relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said. Some protesters were injured in the clashes, they said. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal. Also read | MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project. Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis." Also read | Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine "This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday. "Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone," it added. Watch | Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant Nepal relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the Nepal Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water.&nbsp;

As per MPBD, two out of the three helicopter passengers were taken to Jackson memorial hospital, where they were given treatment. Following the treatment, they were declared to be in ‘stable’ condition.&nbsp;

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This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiBeachFire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiBeachFire</a> responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. 
 
1/2 <a href="https://t.co/heSIqnQtle">pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle</a>
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiBeachPD/status/1495118271498145796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The tweet says that MBPD received a call at 1:10pm local time. Miami police, Miami beach fire department, and several other partner agencies rushed to the scene to respond.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-human-rights-chief-can-visit-xinjiang-but-beijing-doesnt-welcome-any-probe-says-chinas-foreign-minister-454717">Also read |&nbsp;UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister</a>

The Federal aviation administration (FAA) also ​responded to the scene. As per FAA, the helicopter is a Robinson R44. "The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates," the statement reads.

The crash occurred under "unknown circumstances," reports CNN.&nbsp;

As per NBC Miami, Miami beach fire rescue chief Linares described the incident as a "control crash."

The fire department also stated, “if this crash has happened 50 yards more inland, we would have had a mass casualty event on our hands.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water.

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water. As per MPBD, two out of the three helicopter passengers were taken to Jackson memorial hospital, where they were given treatment. Following the treatment, they were declared to be in ‘stable’ condition. This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and @MiamiBeachFire responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) February 19, 2022 × The tweet says that MBPD received a call at 1:10pm local time. Miami police, Miami beach fire department, and several other partner agencies rushed to the scene to respond. Also read | UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister The Federal aviation administration (FAA) also responded to the scene. As per FAA, the helicopter is a Robinson R44. "The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates," the statement reads. The crash occurred under "unknown circumstances," reports CNN. As per NBC Miami, Miami beach fire rescue chief Linares described the incident as a "control crash." The fire department also stated, “if this crash has happened 50 yards more inland, we would have had a mass casualty event on our hands.” (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Helicopter crashes near crowd at Miami beach, two people injured

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;can be&nbsp;prosecuted&nbsp;for his&nbsp;role&nbsp;in the attack on the US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;by his supporters, a&nbsp;judge&nbsp;decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case.

The former president is the target of several lawsuits by elected officials and police who accuse him of being directly responsible for the violence perpetrated by his supports when they stormed the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;on January 6, 2021.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-legal-blow-to-donald-trump-us-judge-orders-him-to-testify-in-fraud-probe-454168">&nbsp;Latest legal blow to Donald Trump: US judge orders him to testify in fraud probe</a>

A&nbsp;judge&nbsp;in Washington, DC, ruled that these complaints were admissible on the grounds that&nbsp;Trump's actions that day were "unofficial acts" that "entirely concern his efforts to remain in office for a second term," which the&nbsp;judge&nbsp;said does not fall within the scope of presidential immunity.

"To deny a President immunity from civil damages is no small step,"&nbsp;judge&nbsp;Amit Mehta wrote in findings that ran to 112 pages. "The court well understands the gravity of its decision."

The&nbsp;judge&nbsp;also said&nbsp;Trump's speech to thousands of supporters gathered in Washington before the assault could "reasonably" be perceived as a "call for collective action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-rejects-trumps-claim-of-privilege-for-white-house-visitor-logs-454297">Biden rejects Trump’s claim of privilege for White House visitor logs</a>&nbsp;

Shortly after&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;addressed his supporters, a crowd waving "TRUMP&nbsp;2020" flags marched down the Mall to the seat of the US Congress, with hundreds forcing their way into the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;building.&nbsp;

At the same time,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;took to Twitter to criticize his vice president Mike Pence for not blocking certification of Joe Biden's election victory, an act the&nbsp;judge&nbsp;said constituted "tacit agreement" with those who stormed the&nbsp;Capitol.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump, his children ordered to testify in NY fraud probe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-us-president-donald-trump-his-children-ordered-to-testify-in-ny-fraud-probe-454176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The former president is the subject of three lawsuits accusing him of responsibility in the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;riot.&nbsp;

His&nbsp;role&nbsp;on that day is also being examined by a House of Representatives select committee, which has in its possession hundreds of pages of documents, text messages and testimonies, some of which the head of the probe said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had sought to keep hidden.

The billionaire former president has slammed the investigation as a "witch hunt."

Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his role in the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters, a judge decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case.

Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his role in the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters, a judge decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case. The former president is the target of several lawsuits by elected officials and police who accuse him of being directly responsible for the violence perpetrated by his supports when they stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Also read | Latest legal blow to Donald Trump: US judge orders him to testify in fraud probe A judge in Washington, DC, ruled that these complaints were admissible on the grounds that Trump's actions that day were "unofficial acts" that "entirely concern his efforts to remain in office for a second term," which the judge said does not fall within the scope of presidential immunity. "To deny a President immunity from civil damages is no small step," judge Amit Mehta wrote in findings that ran to 112 pages. "The court well understands the gravity of its decision." The judge also said Trump's speech to thousands of supporters gathered in Washington before the assault could "reasonably" be perceived as a "call for collective action." Also read | Biden rejects Trump’s claim of privilege for White House visitor logs Shortly after Trump addressed his supporters, a crowd waving "TRUMP 2020" flags marched down the Mall to the seat of the US Congress, with hundreds forcing their way into the Capitol building. At the same time, Trump took to Twitter to criticize his vice president Mike Pence for not blocking certification of Joe Biden's election victory, an act the judge said constituted "tacit agreement" with those who stormed the Capitol. Watch | Former US President Donald Trump, his children ordered to testify in NY fraud probe The former president is the subject of three lawsuits accusing him of responsibility in the Capitol riot. His role on that day is also being examined by a House of Representatives select committee, which has in its possession hundreds of pages of documents, text messages and testimonies, some of which the head of the probe said Trump had sought to keep hidden. The billionaire former president has slammed the investigation as a "witch hunt."

Trump can be prosecuted for role in US Capitol riot, judge rules

Iran's top negotiator says that a nuclear deal is 'closer than ever'. But Tehran is holding out until the US Congress releases a political statement backing the agreement. Will Republicans sink Joe Biden's west Asian project? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever'

US report called China the top source of counterfeit products in the world. US list identified 42 online markets and 35 physical markets around the world.

China top source of counterfeit products in the world, says US report

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said.

Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine.

Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said.

Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said.

“By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/know-more-about-smartwater-a-forensic-spray-which-is-helping-uk-police-with-women-safety-454510">Also read |&nbsp;Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety</a>

Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison.

Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges.

“The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.”

Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information.

Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said.

As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said.

Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said.

At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said.

Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.”

Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday. The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said. Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine. Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said. Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said. “By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. Also read | Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison. Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges. “The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.” Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information. Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said. As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said. Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said. At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said. Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.” Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

Man charged in Jan 6, 2021, riot sold forged vaccination cards, US says

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