US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a video call on Tuesday, with the two leaders set to discuss the tense situation in Ukraine.

Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin to hold virtual summit amid tension in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to issue an ultimatum to US President Joe Biden, and seek guarantee that NATO will never expand into Ukraine. The kremlin has said that it wants written guarantees from the United States and other NATO allies that the military alliance will not expand east both in terms of membership and western forces.

Russia to seek guarantee that NATO will not expand east

Biden and Putin set to talk over Russia invading Ukraine on video call

The top financial regulators at the Wall Street are investigating into Donald Trump's new social media venture on the stock market. The blank-cheque acquisition firm Digital World Acquisition Corporation has disclosed in a regulatory filing.

US finance regulators investigate Donald Trump's new social media deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden are scheduled to hold talks by video conference on Tuesday as tensions rise over Ukraine.

Biden and Putin will hold talks amid tensions over Ukraine

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.S. lead. The White House said on Monday U.S. government officials would boycott the Winter Olympics because of China`s human rights "atrocities", although U.S. athletes were free to travel there to compete. The U.S. boycott, encouraged for months by some members of Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise ties between the world`s two largest economies, with a video meeting last month between U.S. President Joe Biden and China`s Xi Jinping.

China opposes the boycott and would take "resolute countermeasures", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics, on Tuesday. "The United States will pay a price for its mistaken acts," he said, without giving details. "Let`s all wait and see."

It was not immediately clear if other nations would join the United States, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said allies&nbsp;were consulted on a "shared approach". Canada`s foreign ministry said it "remains deeply disturbed by the troubling reports of human rights violations in China" and continues to discuss the matter with partners and allies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-2022-china-hits-back-says-us-diplomatic-boycott-violates-olympic-spirit-434807">Beijing 2022: China hits back, says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit</a>

Australia, Britain, the Netherlands and Japan said they were also still considering their positions. New Zealand`s deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson, said the country would not send government officials but that decision was based largely on COVID-19 concerns and preceded the U.S. boycott. Last week, Stefano Sannino, chief of the European Union`s diplomatic service, said boycotts were a matter for individual member states, not common EU foreign policy. The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

`KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SPORT`

Asked if China would consider a diplomatic boycott of Olympic Games in the United States, Zhao said the U.S boycott had "damaged the foundation and atmosphere" of sports exchange and co-operation on the Games, which he likened to "lifting a stone to crush one`s own foot". He called on the United States to keep politics out of sports, saying the boycott went against Olympic principles. Chinese media and scholars criticised the U.S. decision. 
"It is foolish and silly of the United States to do this," Wang Wen, a professor at Renmin University in Beijing, told Reuters, adding that other major powers could do the same to the United States in 2028. 
"For the U.S. politicians, who had not been invited (to the Games) to say they are staging a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, that`s just `proffering unreciprocated love`," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary.

Many Chinese internet users reacted to news of U.S. boycott with expressions of "good riddance". "Please don`t come, don`t bring the COVID virus variant here," a user who calls herself "Thales Beauty" commented online. Biden`s administration highlighted as the reason for its boycott what Washington calls genocide against minority Muslims in China`s far western region of Xinjiang. 
China denies all rights abuses.

"U.S. diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC`s egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply can`t do that," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, referring to the People`s Republic of China. 
&nbsp;

OLYMPIC CHARTER

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long been criticised for awarding the Games to China despite calls from human rights groups and activists to move them from Beijing. But IOC President Thomas Bach said the Games could not be expected to solve longstanding political problems that politicians themselves have failed to clear up. "What is our responsibility and what are our limits?," Bach told German news agency DPA shortly before the U.S. decision on Monday. "Our responsibility is to run the Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter." 
George W. Bush was the last U.S. president to attend a Games opening ceremony, as host at Salt Lake City in 2004.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-biden-putin-virtual-summit-russia-slams-us-move-to-boycott-beijing-winter-olympics-434860">Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is the only leader of a major country who has accepted an invitation. Some political analysts said the U.S. boycott was less a threat to the Games and more of an issue of appearances that was fuelled by Beijing threatening retaliation. "It would have been a non-story if let alone," said Lisa Delpy Neirotti, professor of sport management at George Washington University School of Business. "We typically do not send a large government delegation anyway, especially in COVID times." 
The diplomatic boycott puts corporate Olympic sponsors in "an awkward spot" but caused less concern than a full measure barring athletes, said Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports who has overseen Olympics broadcast rights deals.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the government would not dictate private sector practices, but said firms should be "fully cognizant" of events in Xinjiang. A spokesperson from Comcast-owned NBC Universal said it would broadcast the Games as planned.

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.

The United States has betrayed Olympic principles and will have to "pay a price" for its diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, China said on Tuesday, as key Western allies hesitated in deciding whether to follow the U.S. lead. The White House said on Monday U.S. government officials would boycott the Winter Olympics because of China`s human rights "atrocities", although U.S. athletes were free to travel there to compete. The U.S. boycott, encouraged for months by some members of Congress and rights groups, comes despite an effort to stabilise ties between the world`s two largest economies, with a video meeting last month between U.S. President Joe Biden and China`s Xi Jinping. China opposes the boycott and would take "resolute countermeasures", foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics, on Tuesday. "The United States will pay a price for its mistaken acts," he said, without giving details. "Let`s all wait and see." It was not immediately clear if other nations would join the United States, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said allies were consulted on a "shared approach". Canada`s foreign ministry said it "remains deeply disturbed by the troubling reports of human rights violations in China" and continues to discuss the matter with partners and allies. ALSO READ | Beijing 2022: China hits back, says US diplomatic boycott violates Olympic spirit Australia, Britain, the Netherlands and Japan said they were also still considering their positions. New Zealand`s deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson, said the country would not send government officials but that decision was based largely on COVID-19 concerns and preceded the U.S. boycott. Last week, Stefano Sannino, chief of the European Union`s diplomatic service, said boycotts were a matter for individual member states, not common EU foreign policy. The United States is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is preparing a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. `KEEP POLITICS OUT OF SPORT` Asked if China would consider a diplomatic boycott of Olympic Games in the United States, Zhao said the U.S boycott had "damaged the foundation and atmosphere" of sports exchange and co-operation on the Games, which he likened to "lifting a stone to crush one`s own foot". He called on the United States to keep politics out of sports, saying the boycott went against Olympic principles. Chinese media and scholars criticised the U.S. decision. "It is foolish and silly of the United States to do this," Wang Wen, a professor at Renmin University in Beijing, told Reuters, adding that other major powers could do the same to the United States in 2028. "For the U.S. politicians, who had not been invited (to the Games) to say they are staging a diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics, that`s just `proffering unreciprocated love`," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary. Many Chinese internet users reacted to news of U.S. boycott with expressions of "good riddance". "Please don`t come, don`t bring the COVID virus variant here," a user who calls herself "Thales Beauty" commented online. Biden`s administration highlighted as the reason for its boycott what Washington calls genocide against minority Muslims in China`s far western region of Xinjiang. China denies all rights abuses. "U.S. diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC`s egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply can`t do that," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, referring to the People`s Republic of China. OLYMPIC CHARTER The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has long been criticised for awarding the Games to China despite calls from human rights groups and activists to move them from Beijing. But IOC President Thomas Bach said the Games could not be expected to solve longstanding political problems that politicians themselves have failed to clear up. "What is our responsibility and what are our limits?," Bach told German news agency DPA shortly before the U.S. decision on Monday. "Our responsibility is to run the Games in accordance with the Olympic Charter." George W. Bush was the last U.S. president to attend a Games opening ceremony, as host at Salt Lake City in 2004. ALSO READ | Ahead of Biden-Putin virtual summit, Russia slams US move to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics Russian President Vladimir Putin is the only leader of a major country who has accepted an invitation. Some political analysts said the U.S. boycott was less a threat to the Games and more of an issue of appearances that was fuelled by Beijing threatening retaliation. "It would have been a non-story if let alone," said Lisa Delpy Neirotti, professor of sport management at George Washington University School of Business. "We typically do not send a large government delegation anyway, especially in COVID times." The diplomatic boycott puts corporate Olympic sponsors in "an awkward spot" but caused less concern than a full measure barring athletes, said Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports who has overseen Olympics broadcast rights deals. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the government would not dictate private sector practices, but said firms should be "fully cognizant" of events in Xinjiang. A spokesperson from Comcast-owned NBC Universal said it would broadcast the Games as planned.

US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, key Western allies remain in two minds

The US announces diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing winter Olympics in a protest against China's Human Rights abuses. There will be no diplomatic or official representation by the United States in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to raise voice against China's tainted human rights record in Xinjiang province. Beijing is also planning countermeasures against the US. However, US athletes will continue to participate in the games.

US to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically in protest against China's Human Rights abuses

US President Joe Biden is all set to dial his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin amid invasion fears by Russia in Ukraine. Through the video call, Biden will bat for a diplomatic route to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia remains in denial about any such invasion plans.

Biden to dial Putin amid Russia's alleged plans to invade Ukraine

The Biden administration has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics. The white house said that no official delegation would be sent to the games because of concerns about China's human rights record.

No official US delegation would be sent to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, says White House

United States is marking the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the US naval base in Pearl Harbor today. A memorial ceremony was held at Pearl Harbor on a rainy Monday evening. The Utah ceremony honored the 58 servicemen who died aboard the battleship USS Utah. Members of the U.S. Navy, veterans, friends, and family were present at the site. Several events will be organised by the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy to mark the day.

United States: 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities. &nbsp;

According to a report, the order seems to have come to check the spread of a bacterial disease brucellosis from bison to cattle during winter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-fossils-of-a-herd-of-11-dinosaurs-found-in-italy-433711" hreflang="en">In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy</a>

If the right number of bison is not achieved later in the winter months, another 200 may be captured or shot, the tribal, state and federal officials added. &nbsp;

The Yellowstone National Park houses around 5,000 bison within its premises. &nbsp;

In the winters, Bison tend to leave Yellowstone and travel to Montana. Here, they risk spreading brucellosis to cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although brucellosis is rare in humans, it can be a big problem for cattle. This disease can cause cows to abort their calves. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stolen-8th-century-indian-goat-headed-deity-found-in-england-soon-to-be-returned-to-india-434240" hreflang="en">Stolen 8th-century Indian goat-headed deity found in England; soon to be returned to India</a>

The park officials are looking to cull the bison as their population is higher according to the recent counts. It could stabilise after spring calving. &nbsp;

Native American tribes and the state of Montana will conduct bison hunts beyond the perimeter of the Yellowstone National Park. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities.

In the coming months, around 900 bison in Yellowstone National Park in the United States will be allowed to get hunted, quarantined or slaughtered, revealed the authorities. According to a report, the order seems to have come to check the spread of a bacterial disease brucellosis from bison to cattle during winter. Also Read: In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy If the right number of bison is not achieved later in the winter months, another 200 may be captured or shot, the tribal, state and federal officials added. The Yellowstone National Park houses around 5,000 bison within its premises. In the winters, Bison tend to leave Yellowstone and travel to Montana. Here, they risk spreading brucellosis to cattle. Although brucellosis is rare in humans, it can be a big problem for cattle. This disease can cause cows to abort their calves. Also Read: Stolen 8th-century Indian goat-headed deity found in England; soon to be returned to India The park officials are looking to cull the bison as their population is higher according to the recent counts. It could stabilise after spring calving. Native American tribes and the state of Montana will conduct bison hunts beyond the perimeter of the Yellowstone National Park. (With inputs from agencies)

US national park to cull around 900 bison to check spread of bacterial disease brucellosis  

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast.&nbsp;In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said. &nbsp;

Citing intelligence reports, US officials told ‘Wall Street Journal’ that Beijing may be looking for port city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea as the base. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-due-to-human-rights-abuses-in-china-434742" hreflang="en">US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China</a>

Bata already has a deep-water port, which had been upgraded by China Road &amp; Bridge Co between 2009 and 2014, a report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2019, US first learnt about the possibility of the base in the city, the report said. &nbsp;

In an email, Department of Defense spokesman Todd Breasseale told Fox News, "part of US diplomacy to address maritime security issues, the administration has made clear to Equatorial Guinea that certain potential steps involving PRC activity there would raise national security concerns." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bomber-carries-out-mine-laying-exercise-in-south-china-sea-434578" hreflang="en">China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea</a>

To dissuade President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his son from agreeing to the deal, principal deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer visited the country in October, as per the Journal. &nbsp;

In a statement at the time, the White House said that the two discussed "ways to enhance maritime security and end the COVID-19 pandemic." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast. In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said.

If reports are to be believed, China may be looking for its first permanent military base on Africa's Atlantic coast. In order to thwart the idea, the US seems to have already started diplomatic effort, reports said. Citing intelligence reports, US officials told ‘Wall Street Journal’ that Beijing may be looking for port city of Bata in Equatorial Guinea as the base. Also Read: US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China Bata already has a deep-water port, which had been upgraded by China Road & Bridge Co between 2009 and 2014, a report said. In 2019, US first learnt about the possibility of the base in the city, the report said. In an email, Department of Defense spokesman Todd Breasseale told Fox News, "part of US diplomacy to address maritime security issues, the administration has made clear to Equatorial Guinea that certain potential steps involving PRC activity there would raise national security concerns." Also Read: China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea To dissuade President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his son from agreeing to the deal, principal deputy US national security adviser Jon Finer visited the country in October, as per the Journal. In a statement at the time, the White House said that the two discussed "ways to enhance maritime security and end the COVID-19 pandemic." (With inputs from agencies)

China eyes military base on Africa's Atlantic coast, US trying to thwart it, say reports

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. &nbsp;

There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development. &nbsp;

Since its launch in 2018, the Reagan Institute’s national defence survey, for a third year in a row, found the confidence in the military to be declining regularly. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-eyes-military-base-on-africas-atlantic-coast-us-looks-to-dump-idea-say-reports-434751">As China eyes military base on Atlantic Ocean, US looks to dump idea: Reports</a>

Around 2,500 respondents belonging to different gender, age, political and other demographics were included in the survey. &nbsp;

In it, there were questions about confidence in Supreme Court, law enforcement, media, Congress, presidency and other institutions as well. &nbsp;

From 2019, the confidence began to fell in the military. It fell from 70% to 63% in 2019 and then down to 56% earlier this year. In nine months, it dropped to 45%. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-more-troops-to-eastern-europe-if-putin-invades-ukraine-434750">US to send more troops to Eastern Europe, if Putin invades Ukraine</a>

Rachel Hoff, the Reagan Institute’s policy director, said, “... we’ve tested over the last three years a number of public institutions and institutional trust is declining overall in American society.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“That’s perhaps not surprising, but the way that the military is falling so much more quickly than the other institutions, we think is notable, particularly in the light of the real understanding that the American people have about the national security threats we face,” added Hoff. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development.

The citizens of the United States seem to have been continuously losing confidence in the military, a new survey published recently said. There is a need to conduct more research to understand the reasons for the development. Since its launch in 2018, the Reagan Institute’s national defence survey, for a third year in a row, found the confidence in the military to be declining regularly. Also Read | As China eyes military base on Atlantic Ocean, US looks to dump idea: Reports Around 2,500 respondents belonging to different gender, age, political and other demographics were included in the survey. In it, there were questions about confidence in Supreme Court, law enforcement, media, Congress, presidency and other institutions as well. From 2019, the confidence began to fell in the military. It fell from 70% to 63% in 2019 and then down to 56% earlier this year. In nine months, it dropped to 45%. Also Read: US to send more troops to Eastern Europe, if Putin invades Ukraine Rachel Hoff, the Reagan Institute’s policy director, said, “... we’ve tested over the last three years a number of public institutions and institutional trust is declining overall in American society.” “That’s perhaps not surprising, but the way that the military is falling so much more quickly than the other institutions, we think is notable, particularly in the light of the real understanding that the American people have about the national security threats we face,” added Hoff. (With inputs from agencies)

US citizens continuously losing confidence in military, says new survey

Talking to the media after the maiden India-Russia 2+2 dialogue of defence and foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov expressed serious concerns over the United States activity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia foreign minister Lavrov accuses US of undermining security in Indo-Pacific region

US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday to deal with military tensions over Ukraine.

President of US & Russia to hold virtual summit amid Ukraine tension

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling.

The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained.

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The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. <a href="https://t.co/a8BkAU7eCR">pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR</a>
— U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSTokyo/status/1467629914857816065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally.

Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-scare-japan-imposes-strict-quarantine-rules-for-travellers-from-india-434255">&nbsp;Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India</a>

A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports&nbsp;Reuters.

The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/for-nearly-30-years-this-japan-hospital-used-toilet-water-for-drinking-427965">For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking</a>

The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states.

While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News.

The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News.

The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police.

The US embassy in Tokyo has claimed that foreign tourists were being stopped by the Japanese Police in a suspected case of racial profiling. The embassy in a tweet said it had received reports that a number of foreigners were detained and questioned by the police. It asked the US citizens to carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR — U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) December 5, 2021 × The tweet is being perceived as an unusual move from the United States, a key Japanese ally. Reacting to the warning, top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told Reuters that police are questioning suspicious individuals only based on various factors, but that those decisions are not based on a person’s ethnicity or nationality. Also read | Omicron scare: Japan imposes strict quarantine rules for travellers from India A US Embassy spokesperson said the embassy had nothing further to add to the tweet, and the National Police Agency could not immediately comment, reports Reuters. The embassy’s message comes a week after Japan closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners in one of the strongest global measures taken to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19. Also read | For nearly 30 years, this Japan hospital used toilet water for drinking The Japanese government has announced strict quarantine rules for people coming from India, Greece, Romania and four US states. While, foreign residents, as well as Japanese nationals travelling from Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York to Japan, will have to mandatorily spend three days of their two-week quarantine at government-designated facilities, reported Kyodo News. The list for three-day mandatory quarantine at government-designated facilities already includes countries such as Austria, Ecuador and France. While many are being subject to stringent quarantine requirements, such as staying in government-designated facilities for over 10 days, reported Kyodo News. The first Omicron case was reported on Tuesday in Japan, causing it to deny re-entry of all foreigners, including residents with long-term visas, who have recently been to any of 10 African countries likely to have widespread infections of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy claims ‘racial profiling’ of foreigners by Japanese police

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented.

Lavrov, who is in New Delhi for the India-Russia summit and inaugural 2+2 dialogue, said India had made clear that it was a sovereign country, suggesting that it follows an independent foreign policy.

“We witnessed attempts on the part of the United States to undermine this cooperation &amp; to make India obey the American orders, to follow the American vision of how this region should be developed,” Lavrov told news agency ANI.

He said the $5.43-billion S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems deal doesn't have only a symbolic meaning, but also has a practical meaning for Indian defence capability, adding “the deal has been implemented.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-defence-cooperation-important-for-relations-between-the-two-countries-russian-defence-minister-434593">Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister</a>

“Our Indian friends clearly and firmly explained that they are a sovereign country and they will decide whose weapons to buy and who is going to be a partner of India in this and other areas,” Lavrov added.

The deal with Moscow has often been the soring point between India and the US, as a 2017 US law prevents the ally countries from buying Russian military hardware.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed in the US&nbsp;in 2017, on the back of the supposed involvement of Russia in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-pact-for-ak-203-rifles-renew-military-cooperation-for-10-years-434504">India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years&nbsp;</a>

The Act champions sanctions on any country that has defence or intelligence ties with Russia.

The US has already imposed CAATSA on Turkey, a NATO ally, for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, however, it has yet to take a call on India.

Watch |&nbsp;India-Russia hold first 2+2 dialogue, ink defence pacts to expand military ties

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Two days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, the United States on Saturday urged all of its allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that risk triggering sanctions under the CAATSA.

It further said that no decision has been taken on grating a potential waiver to India on purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile system

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented.

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said despite the intervention from US, the deal to supply the S-400 air defence missile system to India was being implemented. Lavrov, who is in New Delhi for the India-Russia summit and inaugural 2+2 dialogue, said India had made clear that it was a sovereign country, suggesting that it follows an independent foreign policy. “We witnessed attempts on the part of the United States to undermine this cooperation & to make India obey the American orders, to follow the American vision of how this region should be developed,” Lavrov told news agency ANI. He said the $5.43-billion S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems deal doesn't have only a symbolic meaning, but also has a practical meaning for Indian defence capability, adding “the deal has been implemented.” Also read | Russia-India defence cooperation important for relations between the two countries: Russian Defence Minister “Our Indian friends clearly and firmly explained that they are a sovereign country and they will decide whose weapons to buy and who is going to be a partner of India in this and other areas,” Lavrov added. The deal with Moscow has often been the soring point between India and the US, as a 2017 US law prevents the ally countries from buying Russian military hardware. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed in the US in 2017, on the back of the supposed involvement of Russia in the 2016 US presidential elections. Also read | India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years The Act champions sanctions on any country that has defence or intelligence ties with Russia. The US has already imposed CAATSA on Turkey, a NATO ally, for the purchase of a batch of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia, however, it has yet to take a call on India. Watch | India-Russia hold first 2+2 dialogue, ink defence pacts to expand military ties Two days before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, the United States on Saturday urged all of its allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that risk triggering sanctions under the CAATSA. It further said that no decision has been taken on grating a potential waiver to India on purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile system (With inputs from agencies)

‘US tried to undermine deal’: Russian foreign minister on S-400 missile system supplies to India

More than 900 employees in the US and India of a mortgage lender company were fired abruptly by the CEO during a three-minute Zoom call.

According to CNN, Better.com CEO Vishal Garg made the announcement on Wednesday saying that about 9 per cent of its workforce have been laid off.

“I come to you with not great news. The market has changed and we have to move with it in order to survive, so that hopefully, we can thrive and hopefully, deliver on our mission,” he said as he began the grim announcement.

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He blamed market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reason behind the firings,

“If you’re on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off," Garg,&nbsp;who founded Better.com in 2016, said on the call.

“Your employment here is terminated effective immediately,” he said, adding that employees could expect an email from HR detailing benefits and severance.

Around 15 per cent of employees of the New York-headquartered company have lost their jobs as part of the cost-cutting exercise.

Garg said that this is the second round of lay-offs Garg has undertaken.

A video of the Zoom call has been widely shared on the internet.

“Having to conduct layoffs is gut-wrenching, especially this time of year," CFO Kevin Ryan said in a statement to CNN Business.

“However, a fortress balance sheet and a reduced and focused workforce together set us up to play offence going into a radically evolving homeownership market.”

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 900 employees in the US and India of a mortgage lender company were fired abruptly by the CEO during a three-minute Zoom call. According to CNN, Better.

More than 900 employees in the US and India of a mortgage lender company were fired abruptly by the CEO during a three-minute Zoom call. According to CNN, Better.com CEO Vishal Garg made the announcement on Wednesday saying that about 9 per cent of its workforce have been laid off. “I come to you with not great news. The market has changed and we have to move with it in order to survive, so that hopefully, we can thrive and hopefully, deliver on our mission,” he said as he began the grim announcement. × He blamed market efficiency, performance and productivity as the reason behind the firings, “If you’re on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off," Garg, who founded Better.com in 2016, said on the call. “Your employment here is terminated effective immediately,” he said, adding that employees could expect an email from HR detailing benefits and severance. Around 15 per cent of employees of the New York-headquartered company have lost their jobs as part of the cost-cutting exercise. Garg said that this is the second round of lay-offs Garg has undertaken. A video of the Zoom call has been widely shared on the internet. “Having to conduct layoffs is gut-wrenching, especially this time of year," CFO Kevin Ryan said in a statement to CNN Business. “However, a fortress balance sheet and a reduced and focused workforce together set us up to play offence going into a radically evolving homeownership market.” (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | CEO abruptly terminates over 900 employees in US and India over Zoom call

Creating a world record for a unique thing is memorable but breaking your own world record again is passion to be way better. This holds true for the Gay family, who are from Hudson Valley, New York. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With a display of 687,000 lights, this family broke own world record for most Christmas lights on a residential property. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmaker-posts-family-picture-with-several-guns-faces-backlash-434259" hreflang="en">US lawmaker posts family picture with several guns, faces backlash</a>

For the first time, this family held the Guinness World Record for the same in 2014 with 601,736 bulbs. &nbsp;

They have been continuously making concerted efforts to break the record since. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The family also hopes to raise $500,000 for the fire department and local charities from the visitors to the drive-through display they have set up this year, the Albany Times-Union reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-donald-trumps-social-media-company-gets-agreements-for-1-billion-in-capital-434233">Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital</a>

The family, which includes Tim Gay, Grace Gay, and their three grown children, develop the massive displays. It first started gaining attention from visitors in 2007 after the addition of animation. &nbsp;

“It always felt pretty cool being a part of something so big. It’s really been a gift to see that happen over time, to start something small where it felt more personal and intimate as our family tradition, and then grow it into a tradition for so many people in the community,” said daughter Emily Gay. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Creating a world record for a unique thing is memorable but breaking your own world record again is passion to be way better. This holds true for the Gay family, who are from Hudson Valley, New York.

Creating a world record for a unique thing is memorable but breaking your own world record again is passion to be way better. This holds true for the Gay family, who are from Hudson Valley, New York. With a display of 687,000 lights, this family broke own world record for most Christmas lights on a residential property. Also Read: US lawmaker posts family picture with several guns, faces backlash For the first time, this family held the Guinness World Record for the same in 2014 with 601,736 bulbs. They have been continuously making concerted efforts to break the record since. The family also hopes to raise $500,000 for the fire department and local charities from the visitors to the drive-through display they have set up this year, the Albany Times-Union reported. Also Read: Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital The family, which includes Tim Gay, Grace Gay, and their three grown children, develop the massive displays. It first started gaining attention from visitors in 2007 after the addition of animation. “It always felt pretty cool being a part of something so big. It’s really been a gift to see that happen over time, to start something small where it felt more personal and intimate as our family tradition, and then grow it into a tradition for so many people in the community,” said daughter Emily Gay. (With inputs from agencies)

With display of 687,000 Christmas lights, family breaks own world record in US

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said.

The stresses on the US&nbsp;vaccination program are worsened by the broader labor shortage that is affecting many sectors, including health care.

“What the public needs to keep in mind is that we’ve got a stressed and strained health care delivery system,” said Mitchel Rothholz, the lead for immunisation policy at the American Pharmacists Association.

Vaccine demand has more than doubled since the beginning of October, especially for boosters and first doses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rothholz said he has noticed that pharmacies are moving more to an appointment-based model with the uptick in demand, similar to when vaccines were first rolled out and there was a crush to get them. This means that people wanting a vaccine may need to plan ahead and could have to wait a few more days.

<a href="wionews.com/world/19-year-old-man-arrested-for-threatening-to-release-sexually-explicit-photos-of-florida-state-senator-434145">Also read |&nbsp;19-year-old man arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of Florida state senator</a>

“We’ve got to go to a system where we can manage expectations,” he said.

The Biden administration is trying to make getting vaccinated easier. In announcing actions Thursday to protect against delta and omicron, President Joe Biden said the government would create hundreds of family vaccination clinics, one-stop shops for first shots to boosters. Partners in a federal pharmacy program, including major chains such as CVS and Rite Aid, will also make “family-based scheduling” available in the months ahead, according to the White House.

Since the emergence of the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot, six months after a Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after a Johnson &amp; Johnson shot.

Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, said there are some pockets of the country where vaccines are expiring because demand is low and others where lines are longer than a month ago because of greater demand.

But, she said, demand will likely ease in a few weeks.

“Whenever there is a new recommendation, there are the early adopters who are extremely eager to want to get that booster right now,” she said, adding that “supply and demand will equilibrate in short order.”

Some states and counties have hosted mass-vaccination clinics to alleviate the burden on pharmacies and meet demand from residents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-may-have-acquired-a-mutation-from-common-cold-virus-say-researchers-434118">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron may have acquired a mutation from common cold virus, say researchers</a>

Richard Clark, director of emergency management for Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, New Mexico, said the county had been running vaccination clinics that would attract about 300 or 400 people each time. Clark said he kept hearing comments about people driving from counties an hour away to get their vaccine, because they were worried about the upcoming holidays and virus variants.

“We decided, let’s just do a large one,” he said, “and our 1,000 slots were filled within probably a day and a half.”

Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts said this past week that demand for vaccines skyrocketed after boosters became widely available.

“We are doing over 50,000 shots per day,” Baker said, according to a Boston 25 News story published Tuesday, “and if we can find a way to work with our local colleagues in local government, we will come up with ways to put more shots on the table.”

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said.

Many vaccination clinics and local officials are reporting long lines and delays in booking vaccination appointments recently, the product of expanded eligibility on booster shots and fears of the omicron variant, experts said. The stresses on the US vaccination program are worsened by the broader labor shortage that is affecting many sectors, including health care. “What the public needs to keep in mind is that we’ve got a stressed and strained health care delivery system,” said Mitchel Rothholz, the lead for immunisation policy at the American Pharmacists Association. Vaccine demand has more than doubled since the beginning of October, especially for boosters and first doses, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rothholz said he has noticed that pharmacies are moving more to an appointment-based model with the uptick in demand, similar to when vaccines were first rolled out and there was a crush to get them. This means that people wanting a vaccine may need to plan ahead and could have to wait a few more days. Also read | 19-year-old man arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of Florida state senator “We’ve got to go to a system where we can manage expectations,” he said. The Biden administration is trying to make getting vaccinated easier. In announcing actions Thursday to protect against delta and omicron, President Joe Biden said the government would create hundreds of family vaccination clinics, one-stop shops for first shots to boosters. Partners in a federal pharmacy program, including major chains such as CVS and Rite Aid, will also make “family-based scheduling” available in the months ahead, according to the White House. Since the emergence of the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot, six months after a Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after a Johnson & Johnson shot. Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University, said there are some pockets of the country where vaccines are expiring because demand is low and others where lines are longer than a month ago because of greater demand. But, she said, demand will likely ease in a few weeks. “Whenever there is a new recommendation, there are the early adopters who are extremely eager to want to get that booster right now,” she said, adding that “supply and demand will equilibrate in short order.” Some states and counties have hosted mass-vaccination clinics to alleviate the burden on pharmacies and meet demand from residents. Also read | Omicron may have acquired a mutation from common cold virus, say researchers Richard Clark, director of emergency management for Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, New Mexico, said the county had been running vaccination clinics that would attract about 300 or 400 people each time. Clark said he kept hearing comments about people driving from counties an hour away to get their vaccine, because they were worried about the upcoming holidays and virus variants. “We decided, let’s just do a large one,” he said, “and our 1,000 slots were filled within probably a day and a half.” Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts said this past week that demand for vaccines skyrocketed after boosters became widely available. “We are doing over 50,000 shots per day,” Baker said, according to a Boston 25 News story published Tuesday, “and if we can find a way to work with our local colleagues in local government, we will come up with ways to put more shots on the table.”

Vaccine demand grows in the US and so do wait times

Gun violence seems to have become an everyday affair in the United States. The situation is grim to an extent that just days after four teenagers died in a shooting at a high school in Michigan, a US congressman posted a picture for Christmas on Saturday with him and his family, what it appears to be, smiling while holding several guns. &nbsp;

Along with the picture, US Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, tweeted, "Merry Christmas! ps Santa, please bring ammo." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-donald-trumps-social-media-company-gets-agreements-for-1-billion-in-capital-434233">Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital</a>

In the photo, Massie and six others can be seen posing while holding firearms, which resemble an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, M60 machine gun and Thompson submachine gun. &nbsp;

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Merry Christmas! 🎄 
ps. Santa, please bring ammo. 🎁 <a href="https://t.co/NVawULhCNr">pic.twitter.com/NVawULhCNr</a>
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie/status/1467197523127422979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The country has already been marred by a long slew of deadly shooting incidents. They have prompted fierce debates over gun control, gun rights and school safety. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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And once again, wishing all your loved ones (who haven't been shot) a VERY Merry Christmas from the Massies!<a href="https://twitter.com/RepThomasMassie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepThomasMassie</a> <a href="https://t.co/WtC1tNZbUc">pic.twitter.com/WtC1tNZbUc</a>
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The posing of the family with an assortment of guns has not been well received in the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cnn-prime-time-anchor-chris-cuomo-terminated-for-helping-his-brother-in-sexual-harassment-scandal-434238" hreflang="en">CNN prime time anchor Chris Cuomo terminated for helping his brother in sexual harassment scandal</a>

Democratic US Representative John Yarmuth, who also chairs the US House of Representatives Budget Committee, has criticised Massie’s post. &nbsp;

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Thomas Massie, U.S. congressman posts family Christmas picture with guns, days after school shooting where 4 Students DIED! Merry Christmas to the families of the deceased. <a href="https://t.co/qvP00AgseE">pic.twitter.com/qvP00AgseE</a>
— Jason (@Politics4ever1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Politics4ever1/status/1467404523748487175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Under US law, weapons, such as machine guns, can be used by only law enforcement, military and civilians, who have special licenses for weapons made before May 1986. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gun violence seems to have become an everyday affair in the United States. The situation is grim to an extent that just days after four teenagers died in a shooting at a high school in Michigan, a US congressman posted a picture for Christmas on Saturday with him and his family, what it appears to be, smiling while holding several guns.

Gun violence seems to have become an everyday affair in the United States. The situation is grim to an extent that just days after four teenagers died in a shooting at a high school in Michigan, a US congressman posted a picture for Christmas on Saturday with him and his family, what it appears to be, smiling while holding several guns. Along with the picture, US Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, tweeted, "Merry Christmas! ps Santa, please bring ammo." Also Read: Trump's social media company gets agreements for $1 billion in capital In the photo, Massie and six others can be seen posing while holding firearms, which resemble an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, M60 machine gun and Thompson submachine gun. Merry Christmas! 🎄 ps. Santa, please bring ammo. 🎁 pic.twitter.com/NVawULhCNr — Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 4, 2021 × The country has already been marred by a long slew of deadly shooting incidents. They have prompted fierce debates over gun control, gun rights and school safety. And once again, wishing all your loved ones (who haven't been shot) a VERY Merry Christmas from the Massies!@RepThomasMassie pic.twitter.com/WtC1tNZbUc — Paul Lee Teeks (@PaulLeeTeeks) December 5, 2021 × The posing of the family with an assortment of guns has not been well received in the country. Also Read: CNN prime time anchor Chris Cuomo terminated for helping his brother in sexual harassment scandal Democratic US Representative John Yarmuth, who also chairs the US House of Representatives Budget Committee, has criticised Massie’s post. Thomas Massie, U.S. congressman posts family Christmas picture with guns, days after school shooting where 4 Students DIED! Merry Christmas to the families of the deceased. pic.twitter.com/qvP00AgseE — Jason (@Politics4ever1) December 5, 2021 × Under US law, weapons, such as machine guns, can be used by only law enforcement, military and civilians, who have special licenses for weapons made before May 1986. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmaker posts family picture with several guns, faces backlash

US says it supports the suspension of women's tennis events in China. Peng Shuai was not seen in public for three weeks after she posted a message in social media in November accusing China's former vice premier of sexually assaulting her.

US applauds women's tennis association over suspension of women's tennis events in China

If reports are to be believed, the phones of around 11 employees of US State Department were hacked with the help of NSO Group’s technology. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The spyware of the Israel's most infamous hacker-for-hire company was used against employees, who are located in Uganda. These include some foreign service officers, said reports, citing a person familiar with the matter on Friday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-be-prepared-of-terrible-consequences-if-it-precipitates-crisis-in-taiwan-says-blinken-433986">Blinken warns China over increasing incursions in Taiwan</a>

The disclosure was made by the person, who was not authorised to speak about an ongoing investigation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first time the spyware, which is called Pegasus, seems to have been used against US government personnel. &nbsp;

The iPhones of US State Department employees were hacked, the reports said. &nbsp;

At a briefing on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki, said, "We have been acutely concerned that commercial spyware like NSO Group software poses a serious counterintelligence and security risk to US personnel." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-county-school-admin-charges-36000-from-woman-to-give-info-on-sexual-assault-rape-433995">US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘rape’</a>

The identity of the individuals or the information sought was not disclosed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This development comes a month after the US Commerce Department blacklisted NSO Group. It barred US technology from being used by the company in any form. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, the phones of around 11 employees of US State Department were hacked with the help of NSO Group’s technology. The spyware of the Israel's most infamous hacker-for-hire company was used against employees, who are located in Uganda.

If reports are to be believed, the phones of around 11 employees of US State Department were hacked with the help of NSO Group’s technology. The spyware of the Israel's most infamous hacker-for-hire company was used against employees, who are located in Uganda. These include some foreign service officers, said reports, citing a person familiar with the matter on Friday. Also Read: Blinken warns China over increasing incursions in Taiwan The disclosure was made by the person, who was not authorised to speak about an ongoing investigation. This is the first time the spyware, which is called Pegasus, seems to have been used against US government personnel. The iPhones of US State Department employees were hacked, the reports said. At a briefing on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki, said, "We have been acutely concerned that commercial spyware like NSO Group software poses a serious counterintelligence and security risk to US personnel." Also Read: US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘rape’ The identity of the individuals or the information sought was not disclosed. This development comes a month after the US Commerce Department blacklisted NSO Group. It barred US technology from being used by the company in any form. (With inputs from agencies)

11 US govt employees’ phones hacked using NSO Group’s spyware, say reports

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. &nbsp;

Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/changing-with-times-us-creditors-can-now-dm-loan-defaulters-433925" hreflang="en">Changing with times: US creditors can now DM loan defaulters</a>

In the district, the mother wanted to search for any kind of communication, such as press releases, statements or emails, that used the words "sexual assault" or "rape" from May 1 to October 18 this year. &nbsp;

According to an official of the school, the exorbitant fee needed to review documents derived from the hourly rate of around $72.15. &nbsp;

In an email reviewed by the ‘Daily Caller', Loudoun County Public Schools public information officer Wayde Byard, said, "Retrieving these documents would take a half hour’s work by the supervisor of information technology at a cost of $36.08. Review of these documents – at the rate of 200 per hour – is estimated to take 500 hours." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-shooting-suspects-parents-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-433972" hreflang="en">Michigan shooting suspect’s parents charged with involuntary manslaughter</a>

"This work would be performed by the public information officer at the rate of $72.15 per hour. Loudoun County Public Schools estimates it would cost $36,111.68 to fulfill this request," he explained. &nbsp;

There may be a little over 100,000 documents, which could possibly relate to the request, claimed Byard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District.

In a bizarre move, a US county school admin seems to have charged an exorbitant fee of $36,000 from a woman to provide information on sexual assault and rape. Now, the parent, Michelle Mege, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Loudon County Public School District. Also Read | Changing with times: US creditors can now DM loan defaulters In the district, the mother wanted to search for any kind of communication, such as press releases, statements or emails, that used the words "sexual assault" or "rape" from May 1 to October 18 this year. According to an official of the school, the exorbitant fee needed to review documents derived from the hourly rate of around $72.15. In an email reviewed by the ‘Daily Caller', Loudoun County Public Schools public information officer Wayde Byard, said, "Retrieving these documents would take a half hour’s work by the supervisor of information technology at a cost of $36.08. Review of these documents – at the rate of 200 per hour – is estimated to take 500 hours." Also Read: Michigan shooting suspect’s parents charged with involuntary manslaughter "This work would be performed by the public information officer at the rate of $72.15 per hour. Loudoun County Public Schools estimates it would cost $36,111.68 to fulfill this request," he explained. There may be a little over 100,000 documents, which could possibly relate to the request, claimed Byard. (With inputs from agencies)

US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘sexual assault,’ ‘rape’

A 19-year-old man from Florida was arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of a politician online in exchange for cash.

Jeremy Kamperveen, a plantation worker, was arrested last month and charged with extortion and cyberstalking Florida state senator Lauren Book from the Democratic party.

Kamperveen also allegedly texted sexually explicit photos and asked for $5,000 in gift cards in exchange for destroying the photos.

At that time, the identity of the victim wasn’t revealed, until Book released a statement on Thursday saying that she was the one who received the threatening messages.

“Three weeks ago, I became the victim of ongoing sexual harassment and extortion,” Book said.

“I immediately notified law enforcement and began working closely with them to track those responsible for sending threatening and disturbing images and messages to my phone, including distorted, fake and stolen images created in an effort to intimidate, threaten, and extort me.”

Book had complained to the police on November 12, claiming a cyberstalker had sent her two photos of her exposed breasts that she "had taken of herself and only shared with a close friend.”

She is chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and a longtime advocate for victims of child abuse and sexual abuse. She leads a group called Lauren’s Kids.

According to police, Kamperveen, who lives in Book’s district and is a registered Democrat, does not have a criminal record.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 19-year-old man from Florida was arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of a politician online in exchange for cash. Jeremy Kamperveen, a plantation worker, was arrested last month and charged with extortion and cyberstalking Florida state senator Lauren Book from the Democratic party.

A 19-year-old man from Florida was arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of a politician online in exchange for cash. Jeremy Kamperveen, a plantation worker, was arrested last month and charged with extortion and cyberstalking Florida state senator Lauren Book from the Democratic party. Kamperveen also allegedly texted sexually explicit photos and asked for $5,000 in gift cards in exchange for destroying the photos. At that time, the identity of the victim wasn’t revealed, until Book released a statement on Thursday saying that she was the one who received the threatening messages. “Three weeks ago, I became the victim of ongoing sexual harassment and extortion,” Book said. “I immediately notified law enforcement and began working closely with them to track those responsible for sending threatening and disturbing images and messages to my phone, including distorted, fake and stolen images created in an effort to intimidate, threaten, and extort me.” Book had complained to the police on November 12, claiming a cyberstalker had sent her two photos of her exposed breasts that she "had taken of herself and only shared with a close friend.” She is chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and a longtime advocate for victims of child abuse and sexual abuse. She leads a group called Lauren’s Kids. According to police, Kamperveen, who lives in Book’s district and is a registered Democrat, does not have a criminal record. (With inputs from agencies)

19-year-old man arrested for threatening to release sexually explicit photos of Florida state senator

If reports are to be believed, a US billionaire has recently bought a small town in Texas. The town, which is named Mustang, has a population of just about two dozen people. &nbsp;

Although the estimated price for the town is unclear, it was put up for sale in 2017 for $4 million. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-us-govt-employees-phones-hacked-using-nso-groups-spyware-say-reports-434000">11 US govt employees’ phones hacked using NSO Group’s spyware, say reports</a>

US billionaire Mark Cuban, who is also Dallas Mavericks owner, said he has bought the town to help a friend. &nbsp;

“I don’t know what, if anything, I will do with it,” the billionaire told the Dallas Morning News. &nbsp;

The town is roughly spread in 77 acres and is about an hour’s distance away from Dallas. &nbsp;

Mustang features several amenities like a closed down strip club. It also has a neighbourhood alligator, which resides in a pond. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-county-school-admin-charges-36000-from-woman-to-give-info-on-sexual-assault-rape-433995">US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘rape’</a>

In 2008, someone was killed at the strip club, which is known as Whispers. Since then, the club has been closed, as per the Houston Chronicle. &nbsp;

In a nutshell, Mustang is actually a ghost town. The town was founded in 1970s and used to thrive by selling alcohol while most of Navarro County, Texas, had restricted its sale. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, a US billionaire has recently bought a small town in Texas. The town, which is named Mustang, has a population of just about two dozen people.

If reports are to be believed, a US billionaire has recently bought a small town in Texas. The town, which is named Mustang, has a population of just about two dozen people. Although the estimated price for the town is unclear, it was put up for sale in 2017 for $4 million. Also Read: 11 US govt employees’ phones hacked using NSO Group’s spyware, say reports US billionaire Mark Cuban, who is also Dallas Mavericks owner, said he has bought the town to help a friend. “I don’t know what, if anything, I will do with it,” the billionaire told the Dallas Morning News. The town is roughly spread in 77 acres and is about an hour’s distance away from Dallas. Mustang features several amenities like a closed down strip club. It also has a neighbourhood alligator, which resides in a pond. Also Read: US county school admin charges $36,000 from woman to give info on ‘rape’ In 2008, someone was killed at the strip club, which is known as Whispers. Since then, the club has been closed, as per the Houston Chronicle. In a nutshell, Mustang is actually a ghost town. The town was founded in 1970s and used to thrive by selling alcohol while most of Navarro County, Texas, had restricted its sale. (With inputs from agencies)

US billionaire Mark Cuban buys small town named Mustang in Texas

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