The remnants of China's biggest rocket crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Maldives on Sunday with no reports of damage, but Beijing was criticised by NASA for its failure to 'meet responsible standards' regarding its space debris.

The bulk of the out-of-control rocket, which had put into orbit the core module of China's planned space station on April 29, was mostly destroyed as it re-entered the atmosphere, China's state media reported.

The Long March-5B vehicle re-entered the atmosphere at 10:24 Beijing time on Sunday, the Chinese Manned Space Engineering office said.

It said debris from the 18-tonne rocket, one of the largest items in decades to have an undirected dive into the atmosphere, landed in the Indian Ocean at a point 72.47 degrees&nbsp;east and 2.65 degrees&nbsp;North. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

There have been intense speculation over where the rocket debris might land, and US officials and other experts warned its return risked potential casualties.

The hurtling debris of the rocket evoked sharp criticism from the US, NASA and international astrophysicists that Beijing has won a reckless gamble the uncontrolled fall of the rocket stroked fears that it may fall into inhabited areas.

The global anxiety over the debris was sparked by remnants of a similar Chinese rocket fell in Ivory Coast last year damaging several homes in villages.

It was the largest craft to crash to Earth since the US space laboratory, Skylab scattered debris over the southern Australian town of Esperance in 1979.

In a statement NASA Administrator Senator Bill Nelson criticised China, saying that it failed to meet responsible standards. "Spacefaring nations must minimise the risks to people and property on Earth of re-entries of space objects and maximise transparency regarding those operations."

US Space Command, meanwhile, simply said the rocket had 're-entered over the Arabian Peninsula'. 
It did not confirm the landing point reported by Chinese media, saying instead that it was 'unknown if the debris [had] impacted land or water'.

State-run Chinese media dismissed the criticism of debris falling in an 'uncontrolled' manner as 'purely false allegation'.

Despite clarification by China's space industry insiders and Foreign Ministry that the probability of the rocket remnants causing harm was extremely low, the Western media outlets and Pentagon, incessantly hyped that the debris was heading back to Earth in an 'uncontrolled'&nbsp;manner, state-run Global Times reported.

It is a 'purely false allegation', it quoted as Chinese analysts as saying.

The so-called "uncontrolled re-entry" of China's rocket debris is a groundless, false accusation, Song Zhongping, an aerospace expert told the Global Times on Sunday.

"It only refers to the loss of propulsion, but in no way means that China has lost track of its flying trajectory and real-time location," Song said.

It is 'completely normal' for rocket debris to return to Earth, and has been a common practice carried out by global participants in the aerospace field, including China, the Global Times report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The remnants of China's biggest rocket crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Maldives on Sunday with no reports of damage, but Beijing was criticised by NASA for its failure to 'meet responsible standards' regarding its space debris.

The remnants of China's biggest rocket crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Maldives on Sunday with no reports of damage, but Beijing was criticised by NASA for its failure to 'meet responsible standards' regarding its space debris. The bulk of the out-of-control rocket, which had put into orbit the core module of China's planned space station on April 29, was mostly destroyed as it re-entered the atmosphere, China's state media reported. The Long March-5B vehicle re-entered the atmosphere at 10:24 Beijing time on Sunday, the Chinese Manned Space Engineering office said. It said debris from the 18-tonne rocket, one of the largest items in decades to have an undirected dive into the atmosphere, landed in the Indian Ocean at a point 72.47 degrees east and 2.65 degrees North. There were no reports of injuries or damage. There have been intense speculation over where the rocket debris might land, and US officials and other experts warned its return risked potential casualties. The hurtling debris of the rocket evoked sharp criticism from the US, NASA and international astrophysicists that Beijing has won a reckless gamble the uncontrolled fall of the rocket stroked fears that it may fall into inhabited areas. The global anxiety over the debris was sparked by remnants of a similar Chinese rocket fell in Ivory Coast last year damaging several homes in villages. It was the largest craft to crash to Earth since the US space laboratory, Skylab scattered debris over the southern Australian town of Esperance in 1979. In a statement NASA Administrator Senator Bill Nelson criticised China, saying that it failed to meet responsible standards. "Spacefaring nations must minimise the risks to people and property on Earth of re-entries of space objects and maximise transparency regarding those operations." US Space Command, meanwhile, simply said the rocket had 're-entered over the Arabian Peninsula'. It did not confirm the landing point reported by Chinese media, saying instead that it was 'unknown if the debris [had] impacted land or water'. State-run Chinese media dismissed the criticism of debris falling in an 'uncontrolled' manner as 'purely false allegation'. Despite clarification by China's space industry insiders and Foreign Ministry that the probability of the rocket remnants causing harm was extremely low, the Western media outlets and Pentagon, incessantly hyped that the debris was heading back to Earth in an 'uncontrolled' manner, state-run Global Times reported. It is a 'purely false allegation', it quoted as Chinese analysts as saying. The so-called "uncontrolled re-entry" of China's rocket debris is a groundless, false accusation, Song Zhongping, an aerospace expert told the Global Times on Sunday. "It only refers to the loss of propulsion, but in no way means that China has lost track of its flying trajectory and real-time location," Song said. It is 'completely normal' for rocket debris to return to Earth, and has been a common practice carried out by global participants in the aerospace field, including China, the Global Times report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Debris from China's biggest rocket crashes into Indian Ocean; NASA criticises Beijing's handling 

Indian-Americans, who constitute the second-largest immigrant group in the US, regularly encounter discrimination and polarisation, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

The report, 'Social Realities of Indian Americans: Results from the 2020 Indian American Attitudes Survey' draws on the Indian-American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), a collaboration between the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Johns Hopkins-SAIS, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/havana-zoo-introduces-cubas-first-yanek-a-rare-white-tiger-390376">Havana Zoo introduces Cuba's first Yanek, a rare white tiger</a>

The findings of the report are based on a nationally representative online survey of 1,200 Indian-American residents in the US, the 2020 IAAS, conducted between September 1 and September 20, 2020, in partnership with the research and analytics firm YouGov, it said in a statement.

Indian-Americans regularly encounter discrimination.

One in two Indian Americans reports being discriminated against in the past year, with discrimination based on skin colour identified as the most common form of bias.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fatigue-ptsd-depression-and-more-heres-how-to-fight-post-covid-problems-390332">Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems</a>

"Somewhat surprisingly, Indian-Americans born in the United States are much more likely to report being victims of discrimination than their foreign-born counterparts,"&nbsp;said the report.

According to the report, Indian-Americans exhibit very high rates of marriage within their community.

While eight out of 10 respondents have a spouse or partner of Indian-origin, US-born Indian-Americans are four times more likely to have a spouse or partner who is of Indian-origin but was born in the United States.

The survey found that religion plays a central role in the lives of Indian-Americans but religious practice varies. 
While nearly three-quarters of Indian-Americans state that religion plays an important role in their lives, religious practice is less pronounced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/loki-episode-1-review-tom-hiddlestons-show-introduces-alternate-narrative-for-marvel-390339">'Loki' episode 1 review: Tom Hiddleston's show introduces alternate narrative for Marvel</a>

Forty per cent of respondents pray at least once a day and 27 per cent attend religious services at least once a week.

The report notes that roughly half of all Hindu Indian-Americans identify with a caste group. Foreign-born respondents are significantly more likely than US-born respondents to espouse a caste identity. The overwhelming majority of Hindus with a caste identity, more than eight in ten,&nbsp;self-identify as belonging to the category of General or upper caste.

'Indian-American'&nbsp;itself is a contested identity. While Indian-American is a commonly used shorthand to describe people of Indian origin, it is not universally embraced. Only four in 10 respondents believe that Indian-American&nbsp;is the term that best captures their background, the report said.

Civic and political engagement varies considerably by one's citizenship status. Across nearly all metrics of civic and political participation, US-born citizens report the highest levels of engagement, followed by foreign-born US citizens, with non-citizens trailing behind.

Indian-Americans' social communities are heavily populated by other people of Indian origin. Indian-Americans, especially members of the first generation, tend to socialise with other Indian-Americans.

Internally, the social networks of Indian-Americans are more homogenous in terms of religion than either Indian region (state) of origin or caste.

The report says that polarisation among Indian-Americans reflects broader trends in American society. 
"While religious polarisation is less pronounced at an individual level, partisan polarisation, linked to political preferences both in India and the United States,&nbsp;is rife. However, this polarisation is asymmetric: Democrats are much less comfortable having close friends who are Republicans than the converse," it said.

The same is true of Congress Party supporters vis-a-vis supporters of the BJP.

"To some extent, divisions in India are being reproduced within the Indian-American community. While only a minority of respondents are concerned about the importation of political divisions from India to the United States, those who identify religion, political leadership and political parties in India as the most common factors," the report added.

Indian-Americans comprise slightly more than 1 per cent of the total US population and less than 1 per cent of all registered voters.

Indian Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the United States. There are 4.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the United States, according to 2018 data.

Indian-Americans, who constitute the second-largest immigrant group in the US, regularly encounter discrimination and polarisation, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Indian-Americans, who constitute the second-largest immigrant group in the US, regularly encounter discrimination and polarisation, according to a survey released on Wednesday. The report, 'Social Realities of Indian Americans: Results from the 2020 Indian American Attitudes Survey' draws on the Indian-American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), a collaboration between the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Johns Hopkins-SAIS, and the University of Pennsylvania. Also Read | Havana Zoo introduces Cuba's first Yanek, a rare white tiger The findings of the report are based on a nationally representative online survey of 1,200 Indian-American residents in the US, the 2020 IAAS, conducted between September 1 and September 20, 2020, in partnership with the research and analytics firm YouGov, it said in a statement. Indian-Americans regularly encounter discrimination. One in two Indian Americans reports being discriminated against in the past year, with discrimination based on skin colour identified as the most common form of bias. Also read | Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems "Somewhat surprisingly, Indian-Americans born in the United States are much more likely to report being victims of discrimination than their foreign-born counterparts," said the report. According to the report, Indian-Americans exhibit very high rates of marriage within their community. While eight out of 10 respondents have a spouse or partner of Indian-origin, US-born Indian-Americans are four times more likely to have a spouse or partner who is of Indian-origin but was born in the United States. The survey found that religion plays a central role in the lives of Indian-Americans but religious practice varies. While nearly three-quarters of Indian-Americans state that religion plays an important role in their lives, religious practice is less pronounced. Also read | 'Loki' episode 1 review: Tom Hiddleston's show introduces alternate narrative for Marvel Forty per cent of respondents pray at least once a day and 27 per cent attend religious services at least once a week. The report notes that roughly half of all Hindu Indian-Americans identify with a caste group. Foreign-born respondents are significantly more likely than US-born respondents to espouse a caste identity. The overwhelming majority of Hindus with a caste identity, more than eight in ten, self-identify as belonging to the category of General or upper caste. 'Indian-American' itself is a contested identity. While Indian-American is a commonly used shorthand to describe people of Indian origin, it is not universally embraced. Only four in 10 respondents believe that Indian-American is the term that best captures their background, the report said. Civic and political engagement varies considerably by one's citizenship status. Across nearly all metrics of civic and political participation, US-born citizens report the highest levels of engagement, followed by foreign-born US citizens, with non-citizens trailing behind. Indian-Americans' social communities are heavily populated by other people of Indian origin. Indian-Americans, especially members of the first generation, tend to socialise with other Indian-Americans. Internally, the social networks of Indian-Americans are more homogenous in terms of religion than either Indian region (state) of origin or caste. The report says that polarisation among Indian-Americans reflects broader trends in American society. "While religious polarisation is less pronounced at an individual level, partisan polarisation, linked to political preferences both in India and the United States, is rife. However, this polarisation is asymmetric: Democrats are much less comfortable having close friends who are Republicans than the converse," it said. The same is true of Congress Party supporters vis-a-vis supporters of the BJP. "To some extent, divisions in India are being reproduced within the Indian-American community. While only a minority of respondents are concerned about the importation of political divisions from India to the United States, those who identify religion, political leadership and political parties in India as the most common factors," the report added. Indian-Americans comprise slightly more than 1 per cent of the total US population and less than 1 per cent of all registered voters. Indian Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the United States. There are 4.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the United States, according to 2018 data.

Indian-Americans regularly encounter discrimination: Survey

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said.

He also said that China is both the most consequential and most complicated relationship the US has. "It (China) is the single nation state that militarily, economically, diplomatically, politically has the ability to try to up the rules-based order that we strongly defend because it's advanced our own security and prosperity for so many years," Blinken told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.

Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee during the hearing on the 2022 Budget Request for the State Department, Blinken said the US-China relationship has increasing adversarial aspects to it.

"It certainly has competitive ones. And it still has some cooperative ones as well. But the common denominator is to approach each of those aspects of the relationship from a position of strength. I think that strength starts with a few things," he said.

Blinken said that it starts with alliances and partnerships. "This is a unique strategic asset for us, something that China does not enjoy. That's why we're working to revitalise those alliances and partnerships. It includes our engagement in international organisations and international life because when we pull back, China fills in and starts to shape the rules and set the norms," he said.

"It absolutely includes our military and our deterrent capability. As you know, better than I, some years ago we started to shift resources to the Asia Pacific, including about 60 per cent of our Navy. Continue to take the steps necessary to make sure we have a strong deterrent," Blinken said.

Finally, it involves making the right investments in ourselves, he said. "Investments in our technology, investments in our workers, investments in innovation and research and development, all of those elements together or how we approach China from a position of strength," Blinken said.

Responding to a question, the secretary of state said that China is making more investments in its nuclear programme and seeks to build its arsenal. "This is something that I think we need to engage because it presents a growing challenge. So, this is something that we're focused on. We're working on it," he said.

Blinken said that the foundational piece of ties with China has to be approaching it from a position of strength. The elements of that strength are strong alliances and partnerships.

"That is a strategic asset for us that China doesn't have. When we are working and speaking collectively with others who are aggrieved by China's practices in one area or another, we are much stronger. We're much more effective just in the economic realm, to cite one example," he said.

"Alone, we're about 20 per cent, 25 per cent of the world GDP. When we're working in concert with other democracies, we are 50 per cent or 60 per cent of the world GDP. It's a lot harder for China to ignore. So, alliances and partnerships, that's a critical piece," Blinken said.

Second is actually leaning in an engaging in these very imperfect international institutions, he said.&nbsp;"The challenge there is that these institutions tend to set the rules, the standards, the norms. When we pull back, China fills in, and it has a stronger hand in setting the rules on new technologies, for example leaning. We are leaning in, making sure with our allies and partners that we're present," he said.

"Third, what you've just done or are on the verge of doing, I think this afternoon, with this very important legislation that is making the right investments in ourselves, and our technology, in research and development, in our workers, that is fundamentally our greatest source of strength when it comes to competing and dealing effectively with China," Blinken said.

He said, of course, "our military, our deterrent capacity, all of those things have to be married together."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said.

China is the single nation that militarily, economically, diplomatically and politically has the ability to try to disturb the rules-based order that the United States, its friends and allies strongly defend, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said. He also said that China is both the most consequential and most complicated relationship the US has. "It (China) is the single nation state that militarily, economically, diplomatically, politically has the ability to try to up the rules-based order that we strongly defend because it's advanced our own security and prosperity for so many years," Blinken told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee during the hearing on the 2022 Budget Request for the State Department, Blinken said the US-China relationship has increasing adversarial aspects to it. "It certainly has competitive ones. And it still has some cooperative ones as well. But the common denominator is to approach each of those aspects of the relationship from a position of strength. I think that strength starts with a few things," he said. Blinken said that it starts with alliances and partnerships. "This is a unique strategic asset for us, something that China does not enjoy. That's why we're working to revitalise those alliances and partnerships. It includes our engagement in international organisations and international life because when we pull back, China fills in and starts to shape the rules and set the norms," he said. "It absolutely includes our military and our deterrent capability. As you know, better than I, some years ago we started to shift resources to the Asia Pacific, including about 60 per cent of our Navy. Continue to take the steps necessary to make sure we have a strong deterrent," Blinken said. Finally, it involves making the right investments in ourselves, he said. "Investments in our technology, investments in our workers, investments in innovation and research and development, all of those elements together or how we approach China from a position of strength," Blinken said. Responding to a question, the secretary of state said that China is making more investments in its nuclear programme and seeks to build its arsenal. "This is something that I think we need to engage because it presents a growing challenge. So, this is something that we're focused on. We're working on it," he said. Blinken said that the foundational piece of ties with China has to be approaching it from a position of strength. The elements of that strength are strong alliances and partnerships. "That is a strategic asset for us that China doesn't have. When we are working and speaking collectively with others who are aggrieved by China's practices in one area or another, we are much stronger. We're much more effective just in the economic realm, to cite one example," he said. "Alone, we're about 20 per cent, 25 per cent of the world GDP. When we're working in concert with other democracies, we are 50 per cent or 60 per cent of the world GDP. It's a lot harder for China to ignore. So, alliances and partnerships, that's a critical piece," Blinken said. Second is actually leaning in an engaging in these very imperfect international institutions, he said. "The challenge there is that these institutions tend to set the rules, the standards, the norms. When we pull back, China fills in, and it has a stronger hand in setting the rules on new technologies, for example leaning. We are leaning in, making sure with our allies and partners that we're present," he said. "Third, what you've just done or are on the verge of doing, I think this afternoon, with this very important legislation that is making the right investments in ourselves, and our technology, in research and development, in our workers, that is fundamentally our greatest source of strength when it comes to competing and dealing effectively with China," Blinken said. He said, of course, "our military, our deterrent capacity, all of those things have to be married together." (With inputs from agencies)

China has ability to try to disturb rules-based order that US, allies defend: Blinken 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that hundreds of US sanctions will remain on Iran even if the United States rejoins the 2015 nuclear accord. Blinken said the sanctions will remain in place until Iran's behaviour changes.

Antony Blinken says hundreds of sanctions to remain on Iran even if US rejoins nuclear deal

It's a jam-packed schedule for US President Joe Biden as he heads to Europe. This will be Biden's first foreign trip as the President of America. The 8-day trip will conclude on June 16.

US President Biden heads to Europe, meet with Queen & Putin on the cards

US Vice President Kamala Harris declared her two-day trip to Central America a success after extensive discussions with leaders there. Harris defended not visiting the US-Mexico border following criticism.

Harris declares Central America trip 'a success' amid criticism over border

The US Senate has passed a bill to boost its tech industry. The bill aims to invest over $200 billion in American technology and research in the next five years.

US Senate passes massive tech and manufacturing bill to compete with China

The Biden administration announced a series of steps it will take in order to strengthen critical US supply chains, building up domestic manufacturing capabilities for key products. US President Joe Biden in February ordered a 100-day interagency review of domestic supply chains.

Biden administration announces plans to strengthen supply chains

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday.

Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product. He had admitted to intentionally removing the doses manufactured by Moderna from a refrigerator for hours at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, located just north of Milwaukee.

In a statement before receiving his sentence, Brandenburg said he felt 'great shame' and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported he apologised to his co-workers, family and the community.

Aurora destroyed most of the tampered doses, but not before 57 people received inoculations from the supply. Those doses are believed to have still been effective, but weeks of uncertainty created a storm of anger, anxiety and anguish among the recipients, according to court documents.

Prosecutors asked for a sentence of three years and five months. Brandenburg faced a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment at $250,000 in fines for each felony count.

Brandenburg is an admitted conspiracy theorist, who believes he is a prophet and vaccines are a product of the devil. He also professed a belief that the Earth is flat and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were faked.

Brandenburg also secretly substituted saline for flu vaccine that he was mandated to receive and persuaded several co-workers to secretly swap saline for their flu vaccine as well, according to court filings.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday. Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product.

A former pharmacist in Wisconsin, who purposefully ruined more than 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday. Steven Brandenburg, 46, of Grafton, pleaded guilty in February to two felony counts of attempting to tamper with a consumer product. He had admitted to intentionally removing the doses manufactured by Moderna from a refrigerator for hours at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, located just north of Milwaukee. In a statement before receiving his sentence, Brandenburg said he felt 'great shame' and accepted responsibility for his actions. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported he apologised to his co-workers, family and the community. Aurora destroyed most of the tampered doses, but not before 57 people received inoculations from the supply. Those doses are believed to have still been effective, but weeks of uncertainty created a storm of anger, anxiety and anguish among the recipients, according to court documents. Prosecutors asked for a sentence of three years and five months. Brandenburg faced a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment at $250,000 in fines for each felony count. Brandenburg is an admitted conspiracy theorist, who believes he is a prophet and vaccines are a product of the devil. He also professed a belief that the Earth is flat and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were faked. Brandenburg also secretly substituted saline for flu vaccine that he was mandated to receive and persuaded several co-workers to secretly swap saline for their flu vaccine as well, according to court filings. (With inputs from agencies)

Former US pharmacist gets prison for ruining Covid vaccine

The US&nbsp;policy chief for the Indo-Pacific said on Tuesday that Washington aims to work with Japan, New Zealand, Australia and others to assist island nations in the Pacific, a region of increasing strategic competition with China. 
 
Five Pacific island nations announced in February they would start withdrawing from the Pacific Island Forum, the region's main political grouping after a fractious leadership vote.&nbsp; 
 
White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said the United States wanted to work with others to reconvene the forum, after what he termed a 'schism',&nbsp;to enable future bilateral and institutional engagement. 
 
"These are islands which we have enormous historical moral and strategic interests in, and then sometimes we forget that," Campbell told an online event hosted by the Center for a New American Security think thank. 
 
"And increasingly, again this is an arena of competition both in terms of values, their role at the United Nations, their health challenges, climate change their potential role militarily, healthy fishing stocks, just down the list. 
 
"So one of the things that we are looking to do over the course of the next little while, working closely with allies like Australia, New Zealand, Japan and others, is to convene with Pacific island nations to talk about arenas of common purpose," he said. 
 
Campbell said the aim would be to make progress in areas such as fisheries and coastguard activity and in delivery of support and assistance, including vaccines. 
 
He said the region faced enormous challenges dealing with poverty, disease, and climate change and helping to meet those was difficult given their small disparate populations. 
 
"But for the United States, again this is another area where we must step up our game." 
 
The sparsely populated South Pacific island countries have in recent years become battlegrounds for influence between China and the United States and its allies. 
 
Most of the island nation governments have been facing severe economic headwinds due to their heavy reliance on international tourism, an industry that abruptly shut last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The US policy chief for the Indo-Pacific said on Tuesday that Washington aims to work with Japan, New Zealand, Australia and others to assist island nations in the Pacific, a region of increasing strategic competition with China.

The US policy chief for the Indo-Pacific said on Tuesday that Washington aims to work with Japan, New Zealand, Australia and others to assist island nations in the Pacific, a region of increasing strategic competition with China. Five Pacific island nations announced in February they would start withdrawing from the Pacific Island Forum, the region's main political grouping after a fractious leadership vote. White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said the United States wanted to work with others to reconvene the forum, after what he termed a 'schism', to enable future bilateral and institutional engagement. "These are islands which we have enormous historical moral and strategic interests in, and then sometimes we forget that," Campbell told an online event hosted by the Center for a New American Security think thank. "And increasingly, again this is an arena of competition both in terms of values, their role at the United Nations, their health challenges, climate change their potential role militarily, healthy fishing stocks, just down the list. "So one of the things that we are looking to do over the course of the next little while, working closely with allies like Australia, New Zealand, Japan and others, is to convene with Pacific island nations to talk about arenas of common purpose," he said. Campbell said the aim would be to make progress in areas such as fisheries and coastguard activity and in delivery of support and assistance, including vaccines. He said the region faced enormous challenges dealing with poverty, disease, and climate change and helping to meet those was difficult given their small disparate populations. "But for the United States, again this is another area where we must step up our game." The sparsely populated South Pacific island countries have in recent years become battlegrounds for influence between China and the United States and its allies. Most of the island nation governments have been facing severe economic headwinds due to their heavy reliance on international tourism, an industry that abruptly shut last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

US says to work with allies to help Pacific islands amid China rivalry

US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States. 
 
Since President Joe Biden took office in January, the number of migrants taken into custody per month at the US&nbsp;Mexico border has risen to the highest levels in 20 years 
 
"Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders," Harris said at a news conference alongside Giammattei. "If you come to our border, you will be turned back." 
 
Harris also said a US&nbsp;anti-corruption task force would work with local prosecutors to punish corrupt actors in the region. 
 
The Biden administration has identified corruption as an underlying cause of the poverty and violence driving record numbers of Central Americans to go to the United States. 
 
The corruption task force has been previously floated, but Harris gave more details, saying it will combine resources from the Justice, State and Treasury departments. 
 
In the build-up to Harris' visit to Guatemala, her first official overseas trip, differences of opinion emerged about the fight against graft, with corruption fighters feted by Washington being criticised by Giammattei. 
 
"We had a robust, candid and thorough conversation," Harris said at the news conference after a three-hour meeting with Giammattei, who said they had discussed US&nbsp;concerns about developments in Guatemala. 
 
"The president and I discussed the importance of anti-corruption and the importance of an independent judiciary," Harris said. Washington has criticised the removal of a senior judge from Guatemala's top court, in what Giammattei has argued was a legitimate process. 
 
Giammattei defended his own record in fighting malfeasance, saying he had not been accused of wrongdoing and saying graft was not only a problem faced by politicians. The fight against drug trafficking needed to be an integral part of tackling corruption, he said. 
 
On the immigration front, he announced a new processing center for migrants sent back from Mexico and the United States, which could increase capacity. He said the focus of the two countries should be on creating prosperity. 
 
Most Guatemalan migrants leave because of poverty, he said, and come from a few rural municipalities. 
 
Harris, a Democratic former US&nbsp;senator from California, responded to Republican criticism against her for not visiting the US-Mexico border and the administration for ignoring what they say is a crisis there. She said she was working on the ground in Guatemala. 
 
"I'm just focused on that kind of work as opposed to grand gestures," she said. 
 
But she also took flak from fellow Democrats like US&nbsp;Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said on Twitter she was disappointed by Harris's message to migrants. 
 
"Seeking asylum at any US&nbsp;border is a 100% legal method of arrival," she tweeted. She said the United States has contributed to regime change and destabilisation in Latin America for decades. "We can't help set someone's house on fire and then blame them for fleeing." 
 
The United States orchestrated a coup against democratically elected leftist government Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, ushering in decades of military governments and a civil war estimated to have killed more than 200,000 people by the time it ended in 1996. 
 
More recently, the US-financed, UN&nbsp;Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala helped bring down democratically elected conservative President Otto Perez Molina, a former general, who resigned after massive protests triggered by an investigation into corruption in his government.&nbsp; 
 
The Biden administration on Monday also unveiled details of another task force of prosecutors to combat human smuggling in Central America and Mexico. 
 
US&nbsp;Attorney General Merrick B&nbsp;Garland said the Joint Task Force Alpha would marshal Justice Department and Homeland Security resources against 'the most prolific and dangerous' human smuggling and trafficking groups in the region, according to a statement. It said the group will complement efforts against corrupt actors. 
 
However, Washington's push to tackle 'root causes' of migration in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have been undermined by a backlash against anti-corruption bodies the United States considers independent but that local elites say are biased. 
 
Harris also met civil society leaders and entrepreneurs in Guatemala. The White House announced a $7.5 million commitment through USAID to support entrepreneurs in Guatemala, as well as millions more in investments in affordable housing, agri-businesses and loans to small businesses. 
 
Harris said she discussed sharing COVID-19 vaccines with Guatemala during Monday's meeting. She confirmed that the United States would supply half a million COVID-19 doses to Guatemala in addition to the $26 million it has given the country to fight the pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States.

US Vice President Kamala Harris said on Monday she had 'robust' talks with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on fighting corruption to deter immigration from Central America and bluntly warned migrants to not come to the United States. Since President Joe Biden took office in January, the number of migrants taken into custody per month at the US Mexico border has risen to the highest levels in 20 years "Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders," Harris said at a news conference alongside Giammattei. "If you come to our border, you will be turned back." Harris also said a US anti-corruption task force would work with local prosecutors to punish corrupt actors in the region. The Biden administration has identified corruption as an underlying cause of the poverty and violence driving record numbers of Central Americans to go to the United States. The corruption task force has been previously floated, but Harris gave more details, saying it will combine resources from the Justice, State and Treasury departments. In the build-up to Harris' visit to Guatemala, her first official overseas trip, differences of opinion emerged about the fight against graft, with corruption fighters feted by Washington being criticised by Giammattei. "We had a robust, candid and thorough conversation," Harris said at the news conference after a three-hour meeting with Giammattei, who said they had discussed US concerns about developments in Guatemala. "The president and I discussed the importance of anti-corruption and the importance of an independent judiciary," Harris said. Washington has criticised the removal of a senior judge from Guatemala's top court, in what Giammattei has argued was a legitimate process. Giammattei defended his own record in fighting malfeasance, saying he had not been accused of wrongdoing and saying graft was not only a problem faced by politicians. The fight against drug trafficking needed to be an integral part of tackling corruption, he said. On the immigration front, he announced a new processing center for migrants sent back from Mexico and the United States, which could increase capacity. He said the focus of the two countries should be on creating prosperity. Most Guatemalan migrants leave because of poverty, he said, and come from a few rural municipalities. Harris, a Democratic former US senator from California, responded to Republican criticism against her for not visiting the US-Mexico border and the administration for ignoring what they say is a crisis there. She said she was working on the ground in Guatemala. "I'm just focused on that kind of work as opposed to grand gestures," she said. But she also took flak from fellow Democrats like US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said on Twitter she was disappointed by Harris's message to migrants. "Seeking asylum at any US border is a 100% legal method of arrival," she tweeted. She said the United States has contributed to regime change and destabilisation in Latin America for decades. "We can't help set someone's house on fire and then blame them for fleeing." The United States orchestrated a coup against democratically elected leftist government Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, ushering in decades of military governments and a civil war estimated to have killed more than 200,000 people by the time it ended in 1996. More recently, the US-financed, UN Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala helped bring down democratically elected conservative President Otto Perez Molina, a former general, who resigned after massive protests triggered by an investigation into corruption in his government. The Biden administration on Monday also unveiled details of another task force of prosecutors to combat human smuggling in Central America and Mexico. US Attorney General Merrick B Garland said the Joint Task Force Alpha would marshal Justice Department and Homeland Security resources against 'the most prolific and dangerous' human smuggling and trafficking groups in the region, according to a statement. It said the group will complement efforts against corrupt actors. However, Washington's push to tackle 'root causes' of migration in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have been undermined by a backlash against anti-corruption bodies the United States considers independent but that local elites say are biased. Harris also met civil society leaders and entrepreneurs in Guatemala. The White House announced a $7.5 million commitment through USAID to support entrepreneurs in Guatemala, as well as millions more in investments in affordable housing, agri-businesses and loans to small businesses. Harris said she discussed sharing COVID-19 vaccines with Guatemala during Monday's meeting. She confirmed that the United States would supply half a million COVID-19 doses to Guatemala in addition to the $26 million it has given the country to fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Harris takes on graft in Guatemala, tells migrants 'do not come'

The US has had constructive discussions in the military intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the Afghan peace process, the White House has said.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also said that the peace process would be an important issued in the upcoming NATO meeting next week.

"We have only had constructive discussions in the military intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan about the future of America's capabilities to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a base from which Al Qaida or ISIS or any other terrorist group can attack the United States," he told a White House news conference.

Sullivan was responding to a question on talks with Pakistan on the Afghan peace process, which would be an important topic of discussion at the NATO summit. However, he refrained from giving specifics of the discussions with Pakistan.

President Joe Biden departs on his maiden official overseas trip to Europe on Wednesday during which he will attend the G-7 summit, the NATO meetings, and finally the US-Russia Summit.

"In terms of the specifics of what that will look that will have to remain in those private channels as we work through them. What I will say that we are talking to a wide range of countries about how we build effective over the horizon capability both from an intelligence and from a defence perspective to be able to suppress the terrorism threat in Afghanistan on a going forward basis," Sullivan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has had constructive discussions in the military intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the Afghan peace process, the White House has said.

The US has had constructive discussions in the military intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the Afghan peace process, the White House has said. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also said that the peace process would be an important issued in the upcoming NATO meeting next week. "We have only had constructive discussions in the military intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan about the future of America's capabilities to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a base from which Al Qaida or ISIS or any other terrorist group can attack the United States," he told a White House news conference. Sullivan was responding to a question on talks with Pakistan on the Afghan peace process, which would be an important topic of discussion at the NATO summit. However, he refrained from giving specifics of the discussions with Pakistan. President Joe Biden departs on his maiden official overseas trip to Europe on Wednesday during which he will attend the G-7 summit, the NATO meetings, and finally the US-Russia Summit. "In terms of the specifics of what that will look that will have to remain in those private channels as we work through them. What I will say that we are talking to a wide range of countries about how we build effective over the horizon capability both from an intelligence and from a defence perspective to be able to suppress the terrorism threat in Afghanistan on a going forward basis," Sullivan said. (With inputs from agencies)

US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands.

Some said they had come ready to risk arrest by lying down in the path of construction. Others said they were here to support tribes that have been battling oil and gas pipelines for years, including the highly contentious Dakota Access Pipeline.

Late Monday, police began making arrests after dozens of activists used an old fishing boat, bamboo and steel cable to blockade the road to a construction site off Highway 71 north of Park Rapids. Several hundred others scaled the&nbsp;fence at the site and occupied it, some climbing atop diggers and transformer boxes or chaining themselves to construction equipment.

Police in riot gear “broke through the steel fences and they just began arresting everyone,” said Tara Houska, a tribal attorney and member of the Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe along the Canadian border. “This is an act of violence on tribal land,” she said.

Police later escalated their attempts to end the protest, using what appeared to be a crowd-dispelling sonic device known as an LRAD, or Long Range Acoustic Device, on the protesters, and using bolt cutters and saws to cut people loose from the equipment they had chained themselves to.

Near midnight, representatives of the legal aid nonprofit National Lawyers Guild, who were present at the protest, said more than 100 people had been arrested. As the last of the police closed in, a core group of protesters made a stand at the boat. A lone voice shouted in the dark, “Water is life.”

Local police had earlier dispatched a helicopter to try to disperse the crowd at the pump station, kicking up clouds of dust.

Earlier in the evening, Cory Aukes, sheriff of Hubbard County, had said that arrests would be continuing through the evening, and that because there would not be enough room at the local county jail to house the detainees, they would be transferred to other counties as well. “We’ve arrested a lot of people,” he said. “And it’s up to them how long this gets drawn out.”

Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. More than 100 protesters pitched tents to settle in for the night at another site near the Mississippi River’s headwaters, and some said they would camp out indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging there.

Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. Near La Salle Lake, a small group of protesters late in the day began setting up about half a dozen tents, saying they would camp there indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging into the Mississippi River’s headwaters nearby.

“Taking care of the water is our responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Winona LaDuke, executive director and a co-founder of Honor the Earth, a Native environmental advocacy organization that is a lead group opposed to the pipeline. “We’ve been at this fight against Enbridge for seven years already. It’s like an invasion.”

Behind the scenes, Native lawyers have been urging the Biden administration to intervene. They are trying to flex a newfound political clout among tribal nations — Native Americans now hold important positions within the Biden administration — and say they intend to hold President Joe Biden to his campaign promises on racial equity, particularly for their communities.

The project, which received its final approvals under President Donald Trump, is a 340-mile rerouting of a wider pipeline network. Once completed, it would carry 760,000 barrels of tar-sands oil a day from Alberta, Canada, across northern Minnesota and into Wisconsin to the tip of Lake Superior.

In April, Enbridge’s CEO, Al Monaco, said Line 3 was on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Native American tribes see the construction as a violation of their tribal sovereignty, an issue that Biden explicitly pledged to prioritize during his campaign.

The pipeline would pass through treaty-protected tribal lands, they stress, including watersheds that support wild rice, a staple food and important cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. And in the event of a spill, the heavy oil traveling through the pipeline could sink to the bottom of rivers and streams, complicating a cleanup, environmental groups warn.

In recent years, protesters in Minnesota and across the country have faced a growing number of local bills, backed by the oil and gas industry, that in many cases would make trespassing on or impeding the operation of pipelines and other infrastructure a felony. Minnesota has not yet passed such a bill, but since construction began at Line 3 in December, the Northern Lights Task Force — a police force funded by Enbridge, as mandated under the state's approval of the pipeline project — have arrested more than 70 protesters since construction began on Dec. 1, according to a task force tally.

The Line 3 expansion also tests the Biden administration’s commitment to climate policy.

In his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order vowing to address climate change, rejoined the Paris climate agreement among the nations of the world, and canceled another pipeline, the Keystone XL, which would also have brought tar-sands oil, one of the dirtiest forms of energy, from Canada. He also recently suspended oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

At the same time, the Biden administration has defended a huge Trump-era drilling project and has taken other actions that could guarantee the drilling and burning of oil and gas for decades. And the president has so far stayed silent on Line 3, which would carry enough oil that, when burned, would add nearly 200 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year during the pipeline’s lifetime, according to the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. That’s the equivalent impact of annual emissions from 45 coal-fired power plants, or 38 million cars.

“Particularly from a climate standpoint, the case for a brand-new, massive tar-sands pipeline is extremely thin and frankly nonexistent,” said Moneen Nasmith, an attorney with the environmental legal organization, EarthJustice, which is challenging the pipeline.

“We respect everyone’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest, but trespass, intimidation, and destruction are unacceptable,” Michael Barnes, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in an email. He said 44 workers had been evacuated from the site, including employees of a Native-owned contractor.

The project employed more than 500 Native workers and had brought more than 5,000 construction jobs to the region overall, he said. “We hoped all parties would come to accept the outcome of the thorough, science-based review and multiple approvals of the project. Line 3 has passed every test through six years of regulatory and permitting review,” he said.

So far, protests have had little effect on construction, which began in December and was 60% complete, he said.

Built in the 1960s, the current crude oil pipeline has been beset with corrosion, leaks and spills, forcing Enbridge in 2008 to reduce its capacity by half, to 390,000 barrels a day. In 2015, Enbridge cited corroding pipes and future oil demand to say it would reroute Line 3, a move that would allow it to restore its original capacity.

Opponents have tried a number of legal challenges. A decision is expected this month in one case, filed in Minnesota state court by tribes and environmental groups, which has focused on whether Enbridge carried out an adequate environmental review.

Two other cases challenge the project’s permits, issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, under the Clean Air Act. Opponents argue that the Army Corps failed to fully consider how an oil spill would affect the Lake Superior watershed.

Native lawyers and lobbyists have also been working their Washington connections. Late last month, Houska, the tribal attorney, pressed top Biden officials on what she saw as policy hypocrisy: Having canceled Keystone XL, how could the administration then allow Line 3 to go forward?

“This is a huge project with huge climate implications,” Houska said she told Gina McCarthy, the White House domestic climate adviser, and David Hayes, who advises Biden on land and water use policy. “You can’t cancel Keystone and then build an almost identical tar sands pipeline,” she said.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting.

Tribal leaders are hoping that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who made history as the first Native American Cabinet member, will also be influential in Biden’s decision on the Enbridge pipeline.

Haaland’s public views on oil pipelines are well known: In 2016, Haaland joined the Standing Rock Sioux protesters in North Dakota who camped out for months in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

A spokesperson for the Interior Department declined to comment on the role that Haaland might play in determining the fate of Line 3.

Meanwhile, one of the most senior officials with authority to determine whether pipeline permits could be reviewed or rescinded is Jaime Pinkham, the Army Corps of Engineers’ acting assistant secretary of civil works, who is a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Nez Perce Tribe. In 2016, Pinkham co-wrote an opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune opposing the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

A spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers said Pinkham is scheduled to meet with tribal members later this month at their request.

“The point has been for a long time to get to at least where we had the ear of those who were making decisions of consequence on tribal sovereignty,” said Julian Brave NoiseCat, a Native activist who played a key role in the campaign urging Biden to nominate Haaland. “Hopefully that means that more of these decisions will be made to the benefit and with respect for tribal sovereignty.”

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands.

The protesters who gathered in the boreal forests of Northern Minnesota came from across the country — Native American tribes and their supporters, environmentalists and religious leaders — all to fight an expansion of Line 3, a $9 billion pipeline operated by Canadian company Enbridge, that would carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil through Minnesota’s delicate watersheds and tribal lands. Some said they had come ready to risk arrest by lying down in the path of construction. Others said they were here to support tribes that have been battling oil and gas pipelines for years, including the highly contentious Dakota Access Pipeline. Late Monday, police began making arrests after dozens of activists used an old fishing boat, bamboo and steel cable to blockade the road to a construction site off Highway 71 north of Park Rapids. Several hundred others scaled the fence at the site and occupied it, some climbing atop diggers and transformer boxes or chaining themselves to construction equipment. Police in riot gear “broke through the steel fences and they just began arresting everyone,” said Tara Houska, a tribal attorney and member of the Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe along the Canadian border. “This is an act of violence on tribal land,” she said. Police later escalated their attempts to end the protest, using what appeared to be a crowd-dispelling sonic device known as an LRAD, or Long Range Acoustic Device, on the protesters, and using bolt cutters and saws to cut people loose from the equipment they had chained themselves to. Near midnight, representatives of the legal aid nonprofit National Lawyers Guild, who were present at the protest, said more than 100 people had been arrested. As the last of the police closed in, a core group of protesters made a stand at the boat. A lone voice shouted in the dark, “Water is life.” Local police had earlier dispatched a helicopter to try to disperse the crowd at the pump station, kicking up clouds of dust. Earlier in the evening, Cory Aukes, sheriff of Hubbard County, had said that arrests would be continuing through the evening, and that because there would not be enough room at the local county jail to house the detainees, they would be transferred to other counties as well. “We’ve arrested a lot of people,” he said. “And it’s up to them how long this gets drawn out.” Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. More than 100 protesters pitched tents to settle in for the night at another site near the Mississippi River’s headwaters, and some said they would camp out indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging there. Over the weekend and into Monday, some 2,000 people took part in drum circles and prayer gatherings, and surveyed the network of construction sites that dot the woods. Near La Salle Lake, a small group of protesters late in the day began setting up about half a dozen tents, saying they would camp there indefinitely to prevent Enbridge from digging into the Mississippi River’s headwaters nearby. “Taking care of the water is our responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Winona LaDuke, executive director and a co-founder of Honor the Earth, a Native environmental advocacy organization that is a lead group opposed to the pipeline. “We’ve been at this fight against Enbridge for seven years already. It’s like an invasion.” Behind the scenes, Native lawyers have been urging the Biden administration to intervene. They are trying to flex a newfound political clout among tribal nations — Native Americans now hold important positions within the Biden administration — and say they intend to hold President Joe Biden to his campaign promises on racial equity, particularly for their communities. The project, which received its final approvals under President Donald Trump, is a 340-mile rerouting of a wider pipeline network. Once completed, it would carry 760,000 barrels of tar-sands oil a day from Alberta, Canada, across northern Minnesota and into Wisconsin to the tip of Lake Superior. In April, Enbridge’s CEO, Al Monaco, said Line 3 was on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Native American tribes see the construction as a violation of their tribal sovereignty, an issue that Biden explicitly pledged to prioritize during his campaign. The pipeline would pass through treaty-protected tribal lands, they stress, including watersheds that support wild rice, a staple food and important cultural heritage of the Ojibwe people. And in the event of a spill, the heavy oil traveling through the pipeline could sink to the bottom of rivers and streams, complicating a cleanup, environmental groups warn. In recent years, protesters in Minnesota and across the country have faced a growing number of local bills, backed by the oil and gas industry, that in many cases would make trespassing on or impeding the operation of pipelines and other infrastructure a felony. Minnesota has not yet passed such a bill, but since construction began at Line 3 in December, the Northern Lights Task Force — a police force funded by Enbridge, as mandated under the state's approval of the pipeline project — have arrested more than 70 protesters since construction began on Dec. 1, according to a task force tally. The Line 3 expansion also tests the Biden administration’s commitment to climate policy. In his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order vowing to address climate change, rejoined the Paris climate agreement among the nations of the world, and canceled another pipeline, the Keystone XL, which would also have brought tar-sands oil, one of the dirtiest forms of energy, from Canada. He also recently suspended oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At the same time, the Biden administration has defended a huge Trump-era drilling project and has taken other actions that could guarantee the drilling and burning of oil and gas for decades. And the president has so far stayed silent on Line 3, which would carry enough oil that, when burned, would add nearly 200 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year during the pipeline’s lifetime, according to the project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement. That’s the equivalent impact of annual emissions from 45 coal-fired power plants, or 38 million cars. “Particularly from a climate standpoint, the case for a brand-new, massive tar-sands pipeline is extremely thin and frankly nonexistent,” said Moneen Nasmith, an attorney with the environmental legal organization, EarthJustice, which is challenging the pipeline. “We respect everyone’s right to peacefully and lawfully protest, but trespass, intimidation, and destruction are unacceptable,” Michael Barnes, a spokesperson for Enbridge, said in an email. He said 44 workers had been evacuated from the site, including employees of a Native-owned contractor. The project employed more than 500 Native workers and had brought more than 5,000 construction jobs to the region overall, he said. “We hoped all parties would come to accept the outcome of the thorough, science-based review and multiple approvals of the project. Line 3 has passed every test through six years of regulatory and permitting review,” he said. So far, protests have had little effect on construction, which began in December and was 60% complete, he said. Built in the 1960s, the current crude oil pipeline has been beset with corrosion, leaks and spills, forcing Enbridge in 2008 to reduce its capacity by half, to 390,000 barrels a day. In 2015, Enbridge cited corroding pipes and future oil demand to say it would reroute Line 3, a move that would allow it to restore its original capacity. Opponents have tried a number of legal challenges. A decision is expected this month in one case, filed in Minnesota state court by tribes and environmental groups, which has focused on whether Enbridge carried out an adequate environmental review. Two other cases challenge the project’s permits, issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, under the Clean Air Act. Opponents argue that the Army Corps failed to fully consider how an oil spill would affect the Lake Superior watershed. Native lawyers and lobbyists have also been working their Washington connections. Late last month, Houska, the tribal attorney, pressed top Biden officials on what she saw as policy hypocrisy: Having canceled Keystone XL, how could the administration then allow Line 3 to go forward? “This is a huge project with huge climate implications,” Houska said she told Gina McCarthy, the White House domestic climate adviser, and David Hayes, who advises Biden on land and water use policy. “You can’t cancel Keystone and then build an almost identical tar sands pipeline,” she said. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting. Tribal leaders are hoping that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who made history as the first Native American Cabinet member, will also be influential in Biden’s decision on the Enbridge pipeline. Haaland’s public views on oil pipelines are well known: In 2016, Haaland joined the Standing Rock Sioux protesters in North Dakota who camped out for months in opposition to the Dakota Access oil pipeline. A spokesperson for the Interior Department declined to comment on the role that Haaland might play in determining the fate of Line 3. Meanwhile, one of the most senior officials with authority to determine whether pipeline permits could be reviewed or rescinded is Jaime Pinkham, the Army Corps of Engineers’ acting assistant secretary of civil works, who is a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Nez Perce Tribe. In 2016, Pinkham co-wrote an opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune opposing the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. A spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers said Pinkham is scheduled to meet with tribal members later this month at their request. “The point has been for a long time to get to at least where we had the ear of those who were making decisions of consequence on tribal sovereignty,” said Julian Brave NoiseCat, a Native activist who played a key role in the campaign urging Biden to nominate Haaland. “Hopefully that means that more of these decisions will be made to the benefit and with respect for tribal sovereignty.”

Police make mass arrests at protest against oil pipeline in US

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen&nbsp;Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said.

The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said.

McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan.

At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'.

McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations.

Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition.

McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'.&nbsp;He said it was 'about halfway finished',&nbsp;but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics.

Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years&nbsp;not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan is more than half done, and US officials say that while it could be completed by July 4, the final exit of equipment and troops more likely will be later in the summer. As early as this week, the top US commander for the Middle East, Gen Frank McKenzie, will give Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin a range of military options for securing the US embassy in Afghanistan and providing counterterrorism support from outside the country once the withdrawal is complete, officials said. The number of American troops needed for the overall security missions inside Afghanistan will depend on a variety of requirements, and could range from roughly a couple hundred to a bit less than 1,000, officials said. McKenzie's deliberations are a reminder that much about US postwar support for Afghanistan remains uncertain, including how to protect Afghans, who worked with the US government from reprisals and how to avoid an intelligence void that could hamper US early warning of extremist threats inside Afghanistan. At stake is not just a political verdict on President Joe Biden's judgment about the risk posed by renewed instability in Afghanistan, but also the legacy of an American war that was launched 20 years ago in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and that imperceptibly morphed into what Biden calls 'this forever war'. McKenzie is expected to provide options on the amount of aerial surveillance and drones needed to keep an eye on any potential resurgence of al-Qaida, Islamic State or other militant groups. Those options will involve US aircraft from ships at sea and air bases in the Gulf region, such as Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates. And they could range from persistent US overwatch to a more minimal presence. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss planning details, said there are no options yet for basing US troops or aircraft in nations neighbouring Afghanistan, because those possibilities require diplomatic negotiations. Any agreements with countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan would be difficult because there would be Russian opposition. McKenzie told reporters on Monday that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is on pace and 'continuing very smoothly'. He said it was 'about halfway finished', but provided no details. Other officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pullout was more than half completed but provided no specifics. Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of the mountain of equipment, gadgetry, aircraft and other war materials that accumulated in Afghanistan over the years not the departure of troops. Officials say the troops, who are needed to secure and execute the withdrawal, will be among the last to leave.

US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain

Long-time Tesla Inc executive Jerome Guillen, who oversaw its Semi electric trucks slated to be launched this year, has left the company, Tesla said on Monday, barely three months after taking over the role. 
 
Guillen, who has been with the company for over a decade since starting as a Model S programme director in 2010, oversaw Tesla's entire vehicles business before being named president of the Tesla Heavy Trucking unit in March. He was one of Tesla's top four leadership members, including then CEO Elon Musk. 
 
Dan Levy, a Credit-Suisse analyst said in a note the departure is 'negative given Guillen previously viewed as central to Tesla' as he was 'arguably key in stabilising auto biz post Model 3 launch' in 2017. 
 
Tesla is yet to begin delivering its battery-powered Semi electric commercial truck, with Musk saying in recent months that battery cell supply constraints could delay its mass production to 2022. 
 
Musk also said in January that Tesla would be able to produce the Semi when its new 4680 cells could be produced in volume, alleviating a battery shortage. 
 
Separately, Musk said on Sunday that Tesla has canceled its longest-range Model S Plaid+, which would use 4680 cells and whose production had been delayed to next year. 
 
"They made a big deal about 4680 ... we are just upset the first (car with) 4680 apparently was abruptly canceled. This just raises more questions that they need to address," Louis Navellier, chief investment officer at Navellier, said. 
 
Tesla shares fell 0.7% in after market trading. 
 
Guillen was one of only a few long-serving executives at Tesla, which is known for the high turnover rate of its executives. 
 
RJ Johnson, who headed Tesla's Energy operations to sell solar and energy storage products, left the company after less than two years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He moved to startup Stealth Mode. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Long-time Tesla Inc executive Jerome Guillen, who oversaw its Semi electric trucks slated to be launched this year, has left the company, Tesla said on Monday, barely three months after taking over the role.

Long-time Tesla Inc executive Jerome Guillen, who oversaw its Semi electric trucks slated to be launched this year, has left the company, Tesla said on Monday, barely three months after taking over the role. Guillen, who has been with the company for over a decade since starting as a Model S programme director in 2010, oversaw Tesla's entire vehicles business before being named president of the Tesla Heavy Trucking unit in March. He was one of Tesla's top four leadership members, including then CEO Elon Musk. Dan Levy, a Credit-Suisse analyst said in a note the departure is 'negative given Guillen previously viewed as central to Tesla' as he was 'arguably key in stabilising auto biz post Model 3 launch' in 2017. Tesla is yet to begin delivering its battery-powered Semi electric commercial truck, with Musk saying in recent months that battery cell supply constraints could delay its mass production to 2022. Musk also said in January that Tesla would be able to produce the Semi when its new 4680 cells could be produced in volume, alleviating a battery shortage. Separately, Musk said on Sunday that Tesla has canceled its longest-range Model S Plaid+, which would use 4680 cells and whose production had been delayed to next year. "They made a big deal about 4680 ... we are just upset the first (car with) 4680 apparently was abruptly canceled. This just raises more questions that they need to address," Louis Navellier, chief investment officer at Navellier, said. Tesla shares fell 0.7% in after market trading. Guillen was one of only a few long-serving executives at Tesla, which is known for the high turnover rate of its executives. RJ Johnson, who headed Tesla's Energy operations to sell solar and energy storage products, left the company after less than two years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He moved to startup Stealth Mode. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla veteran and trucking chief leaves company

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11.

Children held stuffed animals, played under chairs and a few cried at Ochsner Medical Center, just outside New Orleans. Their temperature and blood pressure were checked, their noses swabbed and their blood drawn for tests. Finally, they got a shot of either the vaccine or a placebo.

Ochsner is among 98 facilities in 26 states, the District of Columbia, Finland, Poland and Spain where the tests are taking place or planned. Families won't know for six months whether their children actually were vaccinated. At that point, children who didn't get the vaccine will have the chance to do so.

The Pfizer vaccine was approved on May 10 for children aged 12-15. Adam Bright, whose younger son Tucker, 5, also is participating, said it was worth the chance to be a part of the trial. "I want to do my part and have my kids do their part," he said.

"Both me and my wife are already vaccinated, and so the sooner I can get them vaccinated and to feel comfortable being outside, not having to wear a mask, I thought the easiest way to get it is to go through the trial." Russell, wearing a Spiderman mask, said he longs for a summer vacation that can include the water park or a longer trip&nbsp;and then school without masks and social distancing. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends more and not wearing masks," he said. "You can't see if I'm making a frown or a smile. I don't like to wear them."

Five-year-old Kalil Chaudhry-Halperin held a stuffed toy Bruni 'the lizard-like fire spirit in the movie Frozen 2' as he waited at Ochsner. He was shy and a bit nervous, but his dad, Jason Halperin, says Kalil was excited, because he knows his parents and his 12-year-old sister have all been vaccinated.

"You know how much we've all been through, our entire community, but now we have safe, effective, life-saving vaccines, and it not only helps him but the entire community and anyone vulnerable around our family," Jason Halperin said.

"That's a great lesson to impart to our children." Adam Bright said he's confident the Pfizer vaccine is safe, especially after seeing how smoothly vaccinations seem to be going for the next age group up.

Russell said he hopes that if and when the vaccine is cleared for emergency use for kids his age, they'll take advantage of the chance. "Be brave and do it," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11.

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11. Children held stuffed animals, played under chairs and a few cried at Ochsner Medical Center, just outside New Orleans. Their temperature and blood pressure were checked, their noses swabbed and their blood drawn for tests. Finally, they got a shot of either the vaccine or a placebo. Ochsner is among 98 facilities in 26 states, the District of Columbia, Finland, Poland and Spain where the tests are taking place or planned. Families won't know for six months whether their children actually were vaccinated. At that point, children who didn't get the vaccine will have the chance to do so. The Pfizer vaccine was approved on May 10 for children aged 12-15. Adam Bright, whose younger son Tucker, 5, also is participating, said it was worth the chance to be a part of the trial. "I want to do my part and have my kids do their part," he said. "Both me and my wife are already vaccinated, and so the sooner I can get them vaccinated and to feel comfortable being outside, not having to wear a mask, I thought the easiest way to get it is to go through the trial." Russell, wearing a Spiderman mask, said he longs for a summer vacation that can include the water park or a longer trip and then school without masks and social distancing. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends more and not wearing masks," he said. "You can't see if I'm making a frown or a smile. I don't like to wear them." Five-year-old Kalil Chaudhry-Halperin held a stuffed toy Bruni 'the lizard-like fire spirit in the movie Frozen 2' as he waited at Ochsner. He was shy and a bit nervous, but his dad, Jason Halperin, says Kalil was excited, because he knows his parents and his 12-year-old sister have all been vaccinated. "You know how much we've all been through, our entire community, but now we have safe, effective, life-saving vaccines, and it not only helps him but the entire community and anyone vulnerable around our family," Jason Halperin said. "That's a great lesson to impart to our children." Adam Bright said he's confident the Pfizer vaccine is safe, especially after seeing how smoothly vaccinations seem to be going for the next age group up. Russell said he hopes that if and when the vaccine is cleared for emergency use for kids his age, they'll take advantage of the chance. "Be brave and do it," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kids aged 5 and up get shots in tests for COVID-19 vaccine

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 European and North American countries. Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the allies' freedom and security by political and military means.

A meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government will be held on June 14 in Brussels at NATO headquarters. The meeting will be chaired by Stoltenberg.

Biden, during his meeting with Stoltenberg, expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies to build on NATO's seven decades of success safeguarding transatlantic security and democratic values, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

"The two leaders agreed on the importance of the NATO 2030 initiative to adapt the Alliance to meet the challenges of strategic competition and transnational threats, including climate change and cyberattacks.&nbsp;They also reviewed Allies' progress over the last seven years in boosting defence spending and other contributions to our common defence, underscoring the importance of sharing responsibility equitably within NATO and ensuring NATO is adequately resourced to address the threat environment," Psaki said.

In addition, they discussed NATO's two decades of investment in Afghanistan and continued support for diplomatic peace efforts, she said.

Following the meeting, Stoltenberg told reporters that he discussed with Biden a wide range of issues including Russia and China, global terrorism, cyber threats and also the security consequences of climate change.

"But we spent most of the time on preparing the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels next week where we will agree, forward looking, ambitious agenda on how to further strengthen our alliance. And I thanked the President for his powerful commitment to the transatlantic bond, to Article Five, and his personal leadership on all these issues," he said.

The two, Stoltenberg said, agreed that in a more competitive world, they need to strengthen NATO.&nbsp;"We face security challenges which no ally can face alone. So therefore, we need to stand together in NATO. The NATO 2030 agenda, which NATO leaders will agree when we meet in Brussels at the NATO summit next week, is an ambitious agenda, and this is about strengthening our collective defence. It's about strengthening our resilience. It's about sharpening our technological edge. And it is also about working more closely with like-minded partners," Stoltenberg said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said.

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 European and North American countries. Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the allies' freedom and security by political and military means. A meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government will be held on June 14 in Brussels at NATO headquarters. The meeting will be chaired by Stoltenberg. Biden, during his meeting with Stoltenberg, expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies to build on NATO's seven decades of success safeguarding transatlantic security and democratic values, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "The two leaders agreed on the importance of the NATO 2030 initiative to adapt the Alliance to meet the challenges of strategic competition and transnational threats, including climate change and cyberattacks. They also reviewed Allies' progress over the last seven years in boosting defence spending and other contributions to our common defence, underscoring the importance of sharing responsibility equitably within NATO and ensuring NATO is adequately resourced to address the threat environment," Psaki said. In addition, they discussed NATO's two decades of investment in Afghanistan and continued support for diplomatic peace efforts, she said. Following the meeting, Stoltenberg told reporters that he discussed with Biden a wide range of issues including Russia and China, global terrorism, cyber threats and also the security consequences of climate change. "But we spent most of the time on preparing the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels next week where we will agree, forward looking, ambitious agenda on how to further strengthen our alliance. And I thanked the President for his powerful commitment to the transatlantic bond, to Article Five, and his personal leadership on all these issues," he said. The two, Stoltenberg said, agreed that in a more competitive world, they need to strengthen NATO. "We face security challenges which no ally can face alone. So therefore, we need to stand together in NATO. The NATO 2030 agenda, which NATO leaders will agree when we meet in Brussels at the NATO summit next week, is an ambitious agenda, and this is about strengthening our collective defence. It's about strengthening our resilience. It's about sharpening our technological edge. And it is also about working more closely with like-minded partners," Stoltenberg said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden meets NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of Brussels summit 

US&nbsp;officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat. 
 
The Biden administration is looking at 'all of the options', to defend the country against ransomware criminals, US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview on Sunday, when asked if military action was being considered. 
 
Raimondo did not detail what those options could look like, but said the topic will be on the agenda when the president meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. The rising threat of cyberattacks has pushed the Biden administration into a more aggressive stance against Russia, which is thought to be harboring some of the perpetrators. 
 
"We're not taking anything off the table as we think about possible repercussions, consequences or retaliation," Raimondo said. 
 
Last weekend, the world`s largest meatpacker was targeted by cybercriminals and in May, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States was attacked, stoking fears over supply disruptions of food and fuel. 
 
US&nbsp;adversaries have the ability to shut down the country's entire power grid, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said separately in an interview with CNN, noting 'thousands of attacks on all aspects of the energy sector'. 
 
The recent high-profile attacks have prompted Biden to put the issue of Russia harboring hackers on the agenda for his meeting with Putin. 
 
The White House plans to use the June 16 summit to deliver a clear message to the Russian leader, officials say. A next step could be destabilisation of the computer servers used to carry out such hacks, some cyber experts say. 
 
US&nbsp;officials are asking private companies to be more vigilant and transparent about attacks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said the May attack on Colonial Pipeline, which created temporary gasoline shortages, showed the national implications of a hack on a private company. 
 
"Part of our vulnerability on cybersecurity is you're only as strong as your weakest link," he said in an interview with CBS. 
 
Companies need to alert the federal government when they are targeted, Granholm said, and stop paying attackers. "You shouldn't be paying ransomware attacks, because it only encourages the bad guys," she said. 
 
While she opposes ransomware payments, she said she is uncertain whether Biden or Congress is prepared to outlaw them. 
 
Companies should be required to report ransomware attacks, Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia said on Sunday, though he stopped short of saying he supported making such payments illegal. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat.

US officials on Sunday ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals, and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat. The Biden administration is looking at 'all of the options', to defend the country against ransomware criminals, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in an interview on Sunday, when asked if military action was being considered. Raimondo did not detail what those options could look like, but said the topic will be on the agenda when the president meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. The rising threat of cyberattacks has pushed the Biden administration into a more aggressive stance against Russia, which is thought to be harboring some of the perpetrators. "We're not taking anything off the table as we think about possible repercussions, consequences or retaliation," Raimondo said. Last weekend, the world`s largest meatpacker was targeted by cybercriminals and in May, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States was attacked, stoking fears over supply disruptions of food and fuel. US adversaries have the ability to shut down the country's entire power grid, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said separately in an interview with CNN, noting 'thousands of attacks on all aspects of the energy sector'. The recent high-profile attacks have prompted Biden to put the issue of Russia harboring hackers on the agenda for his meeting with Putin. The White House plans to use the June 16 summit to deliver a clear message to the Russian leader, officials say. A next step could be destabilisation of the computer servers used to carry out such hacks, some cyber experts say. US officials are asking private companies to be more vigilant and transparent about attacks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said the May attack on Colonial Pipeline, which created temporary gasoline shortages, showed the national implications of a hack on a private company. "Part of our vulnerability on cybersecurity is you're only as strong as your weakest link," he said in an interview with CBS. Companies need to alert the federal government when they are targeted, Granholm said, and stop paying attackers. "You shouldn't be paying ransomware attacks, because it only encourages the bad guys," she said. While she opposes ransomware payments, she said she is uncertain whether Biden or Congress is prepared to outlaw them. Companies should be required to report ransomware attacks, Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia said on Sunday, though he stopped short of saying he supported making such payments illegal. (With inputs from agencies)

US officials up pressure on firms, foreign adversaries over cyberattacks

Two people have been arrested in a road-rage shooting on a freeway in Orange County, California, last month in which a 6-year-old boy was killed while his mother was driving him to school, authorities announced Sunday.

Eriz Marcus Anthony, 24, and Lee Wynne, 23, are expected to be charged with the murder of the boy, Aiden Anthony Leos, who was struck by gunfire on May 21 while riding in the back seat of his mother’s car on the 55 Freeway in Orange, California, the California High Patrol said.

The shooting happened after what authorities said was a perceived unsafe lane change, with an occupant of a white Volkswagen station wagon firing at least one round at the vehicle carrying Aiden.

The killing of the boy, who was struck in the torso while riding in a child car seat, has drawn widespread attention. A $500,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest, and the California Highway Patrol released images of the suspects’ vehicle.

“While these arrests will not ease the pain of a mother’s loss, my hope is for the Leos family to have some peace of mind and to rest assured the CHP will work with the Orange County district attorney to bring justice for Aiden,” Amanda Ray, the California Highway Patrol commissioner, said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear if the two suspects, who were taken into custody at their home in Costa Mesa, California, had lawyers.

Authorities did not say which of the two had shot Aiden, who was in kindergarten.

Joanna Cloonan, Aiden’s mother, was driving north on the 55 Freeway when she tried to get out of the carpool lane on the morning of May 21, The Los Angeles Times reported, citing information from another motorist who had stopped to help. Another vehicle cut her off, and she gestured at the people in the car, who opened fire, the newspaper reported.

A memorial service for Aiden was held Saturday.

Two people have been arrested in a road-rage shooting on a freeway in Orange County, California, last month in which a 6-year-old boy was killed while his mother was driving him to school, authorities announced Sunday.

Two people have been arrested in a road-rage shooting on a freeway in Orange County, California, last month in which a 6-year-old boy was killed while his mother was driving him to school, authorities announced Sunday. Eriz Marcus Anthony, 24, and Lee Wynne, 23, are expected to be charged with the murder of the boy, Aiden Anthony Leos, who was struck by gunfire on May 21 while riding in the back seat of his mother’s car on the 55 Freeway in Orange, California, the California High Patrol said. The shooting happened after what authorities said was a perceived unsafe lane change, with an occupant of a white Volkswagen station wagon firing at least one round at the vehicle carrying Aiden. The killing of the boy, who was struck in the torso while riding in a child car seat, has drawn widespread attention. A $500,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest, and the California Highway Patrol released images of the suspects’ vehicle. “While these arrests will not ease the pain of a mother’s loss, my hope is for the Leos family to have some peace of mind and to rest assured the CHP will work with the Orange County district attorney to bring justice for Aiden,” Amanda Ray, the California Highway Patrol commissioner, said in a statement. It was not immediately clear if the two suspects, who were taken into custody at their home in Costa Mesa, California, had lawyers. Authorities did not say which of the two had shot Aiden, who was in kindergarten. Joanna Cloonan, Aiden’s mother, was driving north on the 55 Freeway when she tried to get out of the carpool lane on the morning of May 21, The Los Angeles Times reported, citing information from another motorist who had stopped to help. Another vehicle cut her off, and she gestured at the people in the car, who opened fire, the newspaper reported. A memorial service for Aiden was held Saturday.

Two arrested in California road-rage shooting that killed a six-year-old

The United States officials ratcheted up pressure on companies and foreign adversaries to fight cybercriminals and said President Joe Biden is considering all options, including a military response, to counter the growing threat.

US asks firms, foreign adversaries to be transparent about cyberattacks

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom.

The New York Times this week reported that under Donald Trump's administration and continuing under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department fought a covert legal battle to access email logs of four of its reporters in a hunt for leak sources.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/major-us-tech-firms-press-congress-for-internet-surveillance-reforms-16104">Major US tech firms press Congress for internet surveillance reforms</a>

The Department of Justice said in a statement that "in a change to its longstanding practice,&nbsp;(it) will not seek compulsory legal process in leak investigations to obtain source information from members of the news media."

It added that it had "completed a review to determine all instances in which the Department had pending compulsory requests from reporters in leak investigations.

"All reporters involved have now been notified."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miles-taylor-a-former-homeland-security-official-reveals-he-was-anonymous-338692">Miles Taylor, a former Homeland security official, reveals he was ‘anonymous’</a>

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said "the issuing of subpoenas for the records of reporters in leak investigations is not consistent with the president's policy direction."

Among other media outlets, CNN&nbsp;reported last month that the Trump administration had secretly sought and obtained phone and email records of one of its correspondents.

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom.

The US government said on Saturday it would stop secretly obtaining reporters' phone and email records during investigations into political leaks, ending a practice that was often criticised as undermining press freedom. The New York Times this week reported that under Donald Trump's administration and continuing under President Joe Biden, the Justice Department fought a covert legal battle to access email logs of four of its reporters in a hunt for leak sources. Also Read | Major US tech firms press Congress for internet surveillance reforms The Department of Justice said in a statement that "in a change to its longstanding practice, (it) will not seek compulsory legal process in leak investigations to obtain source information from members of the news media." It added that it had "completed a review to determine all instances in which the Department had pending compulsory requests from reporters in leak investigations. "All reporters involved have now been notified." Also Read | Miles Taylor, a former Homeland security official, reveals he was ‘anonymous’ White House press secretary Jen Psaki said "the issuing of subpoenas for the records of reporters in leak investigations is not consistent with the president's policy direction." Among other media outlets, CNN reported last month that the Trump administration had secretly sought and obtained phone and email records of one of its correspondents.

US says it will no longer seize reporters' records in leak probes

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US&nbsp;Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic. 
 
Taiwan is dealing with a spike in domestic cases but has been affected like many places by global vaccines shortages. Only around 3% of its 23.5 million people have been vaccinated, with most getting only the first shot of two needed. 
 
Speaking at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport after arriving on a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would be getting 750,000 doses as part of the first tranche of US&nbsp;donations. 
 
"It was critical to the United States that Taiwan be included in the first group to receive vaccines because we recognise your urgent need and we value this partnership," she said at a news conference. She did not give details of which vaccines Taiwan would get or when. 
 
Taiwan has complained about China, which claims the democratically-ruled island as its own, trying to block the island from accessing vaccines internationally, which Beijing has denied. 
 
Standing by Duckworth's side, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation. 
 
"While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome obstacles to ensure that these life-saving medicines are delivered free from trouble from Beijing," he said. 
 
China has offered Taiwan Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concern about their safety, and in any case cannot import them without changing Taiwanese law, which bans their import. 
 
The senators will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and other issues. 
 
US&nbsp;senators and congressmen visit Taiwan routinely in normal times, but coming in the middle of an upswing in infections on the island when its borders remain largely closed to visitors is a strong show of support. 
 
Unusually, they also arrived on a US&nbsp;Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter, rather than a private jet as is generally the case for senior US&nbsp;visitors. 
 
Taiwan's vaccine arrivals have been gathering pace. 
 
Japan delivered to Taiwan 1.24 million doses of AstraZeneca PLC's coronavirus vaccine on Friday for free, in a gesture that more than doubled the amount of shots the island has received to date. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic.

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic. Taiwan is dealing with a spike in domestic cases but has been affected like many places by global vaccines shortages. Only around 3% of its 23.5 million people have been vaccinated, with most getting only the first shot of two needed. Speaking at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport after arriving on a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would be getting 750,000 doses as part of the first tranche of US donations. "It was critical to the United States that Taiwan be included in the first group to receive vaccines because we recognise your urgent need and we value this partnership," she said at a news conference. She did not give details of which vaccines Taiwan would get or when. Taiwan has complained about China, which claims the democratically-ruled island as its own, trying to block the island from accessing vaccines internationally, which Beijing has denied. Standing by Duckworth's side, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation. "While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome obstacles to ensure that these life-saving medicines are delivered free from trouble from Beijing," he said. China has offered Taiwan Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concern about their safety, and in any case cannot import them without changing Taiwanese law, which bans their import. The senators will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and other issues. US senators and congressmen visit Taiwan routinely in normal times, but coming in the middle of an upswing in infections on the island when its borders remain largely closed to visitors is a strong show of support. Unusually, they also arrived on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter, rather than a private jet as is generally the case for senior US visitors. Taiwan's vaccine arrivals have been gathering pace. Japan delivered to Taiwan 1.24 million doses of AstraZeneca PLC's coronavirus vaccine on Friday for free, in a gesture that more than doubled the amount of shots the island has received to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US

Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump tried to make a comeback to the political stage on Saturday&nbsp;with a major speech to southern Republicans.

Trump's speech to an enthusiastic audience at the North Carolina GOP convention dinner in Greenville was his first high profile public appearance outside of his Florida compound, and his first major speech, since leaving office in January.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-i-was-right-about-wuhan-lab-leak-demands-10-trillion-penalty-from-china-389378">Trump&nbsp;says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China</a>

The former Republican president repeated his previous barbs at President Joe Biden, the Democrats, undocumented migrants, Dr Anthony Fauci, and others

But the bulk of his attack for the first hour of his lengthy speech was directed at China, with Trump calling on nations to cancel their debt to China as Beijing's "down payment" for restitution over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID pandemic</a>.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-says-i-was-right-about-wuhan-lab-leak-389509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dark-day-mike-pence-says-trump-and-him-can-never-see-eye-to-eye-on-capitol-riots-389478">'Dark day': Mike Pence says Trump and him can never see eye-to-eye on Capitol riots</a>

"The time has come for America and the world to demand reparations and accountability from the Communist Party of China... All nations should work together to present China a bill for a minimum of 10 trillion dollars to compensate for the damage they've caused," Trump said to applause.

Trump's first major speech as a private citizen again comes one day after Facebook announced it would suspend him for two years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insult-to-75-million-voters-donald-trump-banned-for-two-years-from-facebook-389539">'Insult to 75 million voters': Donald Trump banned for two years from Facebook</a>

The timeline denies Trump a major social media megaphone ahead of the November 2022 congressional elections. However, it means he may be able to return to Facebook well before the next presidential election in late 2024.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-suspends-trumps-account-until-2023-389559/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A year that I look very much forward to, 2024," Trump said in his speech to wide applause.

Former US President Donald Trump tried to make a comeback to the political stage on Saturday with a major speech to southern Republicans. Trump's speech to an enthusiastic audience at the North Carolina GOP convention dinner in Greenville was his first high profile public appearance outside of his Florida compound, and his first major speech, since leaving office in January.

Former US President Donald Trump tried to make a comeback to the political stage on Saturday with a major speech to southern Republicans. Trump's speech to an enthusiastic audience at the North Carolina GOP convention dinner in Greenville was his first high profile public appearance outside of his Florida compound, and his first major speech, since leaving office in January. Also Read | Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China The former Republican president repeated his previous barbs at President Joe Biden, the Democrats, undocumented migrants, Dr Anthony Fauci, and others But the bulk of his attack for the first hour of his lengthy speech was directed at China, with Trump calling on nations to cancel their debt to China as Beijing's "down payment" for restitution over the COVID pandemic. Also Read | 'Dark day': Mike Pence says Trump and him can never see eye-to-eye on Capitol riots "The time has come for America and the world to demand reparations and accountability from the Communist Party of China... All nations should work together to present China a bill for a minimum of 10 trillion dollars to compensate for the damage they've caused," Trump said to applause. Trump's first major speech as a private citizen again comes one day after Facebook announced it would suspend him for two years. Also Read | 'Insult to 75 million voters': Donald Trump banned for two years from Facebook The timeline denies Trump a major social media megaphone ahead of the November 2022 congressional elections. However, it means he may be able to return to Facebook well before the next presidential election in late 2024. "A year that I look very much forward to, 2024," Trump said in his speech to wide applause.

Trump hints at comeback in major speech, calls on nations to cancel their China debt

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups

Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari.&nbsp;

The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban.

"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said.

"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."&nbsp;

"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added.

More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria.

The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year.

On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest.

The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter.

The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely.

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari. The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. "Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. "Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic." "The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria. The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research. 
 
At a US Senate hearing on May 11, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) said that scientists in the US have long known how to mutate animal viruses to infect humans.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-lab-leak-theory-389670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
"For years, Dr Ralph Baric, a virologist in the US, has been collaborating with Dr Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Virology Institute, sharing his discoveries about how to create super viruses. This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH. Dr Fauci, do you still support funding of the NIH funding of the lab in Wuhan?," he said at&nbsp;the hearing. 
 
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, replied: "Senator Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not never and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology." 
 
However, according to documents obtained by Daily Mail last year, the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology in China undertook coronavirus experiments on bats and other wild animals which were funded by a $3.4 million grant from the US government.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-i-was-right-about-wuhan-lab-leak-demands-10-trillion-penalty-from-china-389378">Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China</a> 
 
Zhengli, also known as the 'Bat Woman'&nbsp;is back in the limelight as the conversation around the gain-of-function research has once again started to dominate the headlines. 
 
In 2014, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the NIH arm that Fauci heads, awarded a $3.4 million grant to the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, which aims to protect people from viruses that jump from species to species. 
 
The group hired the virology lab in Wuhan to conduct genetic analyses of bat coronaviruses collected in Yunnan province, about 800 miles southwest of Wuhan, Tampa Bay Times reported last month. 
 
"The research was considered crucial in part because coronaviruses had previously emerged in China and begun to spread among humans. EcoHealth Alliance paid the lab $598,500 over five years. The lab had secured approval from both the US&nbsp;State Department and the NIH," the report mentioned. 
 
All parties involved in the grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology have denied that it involved gain-of-function research.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-the-wuhan-lab-take-a-database-of-22000-virus-samples-offline-389547/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
In Wuhan, China, where the first cases of the coronavirus emerged in late 2019, at least two labs studied coronaviruses that originate in bats,&nbsp;the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention (WHCDC). 
 
"Both are close to the seafood market that was originally deemed the source of the outbreak. The WIV is about eight miles (nearly 13 km) away. The WHCDC is right around the corner," according to a report in the Washington Post. 
 
The WIV is where Zhengli works. The WIV has a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, the most secure, where researchers wear protective suits. 
 
"But some of WIV`s more controversial experiments on bat coronaviruses are believed to have been done at BSL-2 labs, where researchers wear white lab coats and gloves, as in a dental office," the report mentioned. 
 
Many experts have until recently denied the lab-leak theory and claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> originated as a natural infection leaping from animals to humans. But now, there has been a shift. 
 
A team of 18 scientists from Universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Switzerland have signed a letter in the journal Science arguing the need to determine the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
Various other studies have hinted at COVID-19 as a result of the Wuhan lab leak. 
 
"There is some smoke here," said the Washington Post report.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research.

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research. At a US Senate hearing on May 11, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) said that scientists in the US have long known how to mutate animal viruses to infect humans. "For years, Dr Ralph Baric, a virologist in the US, has been collaborating with Dr Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Virology Institute, sharing his discoveries about how to create super viruses. This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH. Dr Fauci, do you still support funding of the NIH funding of the lab in Wuhan?," he said at the hearing. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, replied: "Senator Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not never and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology." However, according to documents obtained by Daily Mail last year, the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology in China undertook coronavirus experiments on bats and other wild animals which were funded by a $3.4 million grant from the US government. Also Read | Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China Zhengli, also known as the 'Bat Woman' is back in the limelight as the conversation around the gain-of-function research has once again started to dominate the headlines. In 2014, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the NIH arm that Fauci heads, awarded a $3.4 million grant to the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, which aims to protect people from viruses that jump from species to species. The group hired the virology lab in Wuhan to conduct genetic analyses of bat coronaviruses collected in Yunnan province, about 800 miles southwest of Wuhan, Tampa Bay Times reported last month. "The research was considered crucial in part because coronaviruses had previously emerged in China and begun to spread among humans. EcoHealth Alliance paid the lab $598,500 over five years. The lab had secured approval from both the US State Department and the NIH," the report mentioned. All parties involved in the grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology have denied that it involved gain-of-function research. In Wuhan, China, where the first cases of the coronavirus emerged in late 2019, at least two labs studied coronaviruses that originate in bats, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention (WHCDC). "Both are close to the seafood market that was originally deemed the source of the outbreak. The WIV is about eight miles (nearly 13 km) away. The WHCDC is right around the corner," according to a report in the Washington Post. The WIV is where Zhengli works. The WIV has a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, the most secure, where researchers wear protective suits. "But some of WIV`s more controversial experiments on bat coronaviruses are believed to have been done at BSL-2 labs, where researchers wear white lab coats and gloves, as in a dental office," the report mentioned. Many experts have until recently denied the lab-leak theory and claimed that COVID-19 originated as a natural infection leaping from animals to humans. But now, there has been a shift. A team of 18 scientists from Universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Switzerland have signed a letter in the journal Science arguing the need to determine the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. Various other studies have hinted at COVID-19 as a result of the Wuhan lab leak. "There is some smoke here," said the Washington Post report.

Did China's 'Bat Woman' receive $600K from US for coronavirus work?

When the sun rises over Omaha Beach, revealing vast stretches of wet sand extending toward distant cliffs, one starts to grasp the immensity of the task faced by Allied soldiers on June 6, 1944, landing on the Nazi-occupied Normandy shore.

Several ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi control, and honor those who fell.

On D-Day, more than 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword and Gold, carried by 7,000 boats.

This year on June 6, the beaches stood vast and empty as the sun rose, exactly 77 years since the dawn invasion. For the second year in a row, anniversary commemorations are marked by virus travel restrictions that have prevented veterans or families of fallen soldiers from the US, Britain, Canada and other Allied countries making the trip to France.

Only a few officials were allowed exceptions. Most public events have been cancelled, and the official ceremonies are limited to a small number of selected guests and dignitaries.

Denis van den Brink, a WWII expert working for the town of Carentan, site of a strategic battle near Utah Beach, acknowledged the 'big loss, the big absence is all the veterans who couldn't travel'.&nbsp;"That really hurts us very much because they are all around 95, 100 years old, and we hope they're going to last forever. But, you know..." he said.

"At least we remain in a certain spirit of commemoration, which is the most important," he said. Over the anniversary weekend, many local residents have come out to visit the monuments marking the key moments of the fight and show their gratitude to the soldiers.

Dozens of French World War II history enthusiasts, and a few travellers from neighbouring European countries, could also be seen in jeeps and military vehicles on the small roads of Normandy.

Some reenactors came to Omaha Beach in the early hours of the day to pay tribute to those who fell that day, bringing flowers and American flags.

On D-Day, 4,414 Allied troops lost their lives, 2,501 of them Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded. On the German side, several thousand were killed or wounded.

A few kilometers (miles) away from Omaha Beach, the British Normandy Memorial is to be inaugurated on Sunday outside the village of Ver-sur-Mer. Visitors stand in awe at the solemnity and serenity of the place providing a spectacular view over Gold Beach and the English Channel.

The monument, built under a project launched in 2016, pays tribute to those under British command who died on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy. The names of more than 22,000 men and women, mostly British soldiers, are written on its stone columns.

Later on Sunday, another ceremony will take place at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, on a bluff overseeing Omaha Beach. Charles Shay, 96, a Penobscot Native American, who now lives in Normandy, is expected to be the only veteran present in person. Some other veterans, and families of soldiers, will be able to watch the broadcast on social media.

The cemetery contains 9,380 graves, most of them for servicemen, who lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. Another 1,557 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing. Normandy has more than 20 military cemeteries holding mostly Americans, Germans, French, British, Canadians and Polish troops, who took part in the historic battle.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

When the sun rises over Omaha Beach, revealing vast stretches of wet sand extending toward distant cliffs, one starts to grasp the immensity of the task faced by Allied soldiers on June 6, 1944, landing on the Nazi-occupied Normandy shore.

When the sun rises over Omaha Beach, revealing vast stretches of wet sand extending toward distant cliffs, one starts to grasp the immensity of the task faced by Allied soldiers on June 6, 1944, landing on the Nazi-occupied Normandy shore. Several ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi control, and honor those who fell. On D-Day, more than 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword and Gold, carried by 7,000 boats. This year on June 6, the beaches stood vast and empty as the sun rose, exactly 77 years since the dawn invasion. For the second year in a row, anniversary commemorations are marked by virus travel restrictions that have prevented veterans or families of fallen soldiers from the US, Britain, Canada and other Allied countries making the trip to France. Only a few officials were allowed exceptions. Most public events have been cancelled, and the official ceremonies are limited to a small number of selected guests and dignitaries. Denis van den Brink, a WWII expert working for the town of Carentan, site of a strategic battle near Utah Beach, acknowledged the 'big loss, the big absence is all the veterans who couldn't travel'. "That really hurts us very much because they are all around 95, 100 years old, and we hope they're going to last forever. But, you know..." he said. "At least we remain in a certain spirit of commemoration, which is the most important," he said. Over the anniversary weekend, many local residents have come out to visit the monuments marking the key moments of the fight and show their gratitude to the soldiers. Dozens of French World War II history enthusiasts, and a few travellers from neighbouring European countries, could also be seen in jeeps and military vehicles on the small roads of Normandy. Some reenactors came to Omaha Beach in the early hours of the day to pay tribute to those who fell that day, bringing flowers and American flags. On D-Day, 4,414 Allied troops lost their lives, 2,501 of them Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded. On the German side, several thousand were killed or wounded. A few kilometers (miles) away from Omaha Beach, the British Normandy Memorial is to be inaugurated on Sunday outside the village of Ver-sur-Mer. Visitors stand in awe at the solemnity and serenity of the place providing a spectacular view over Gold Beach and the English Channel. The monument, built under a project launched in 2016, pays tribute to those under British command who died on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy. The names of more than 22,000 men and women, mostly British soldiers, are written on its stone columns. Later on Sunday, another ceremony will take place at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, on a bluff overseeing Omaha Beach. Charles Shay, 96, a Penobscot Native American, who now lives in Normandy, is expected to be the only veteran present in person. Some other veterans, and families of soldiers, will be able to watch the broadcast on social media. The cemetery contains 9,380 graves, most of them for servicemen, who lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. Another 1,557 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing. Normandy has more than 20 military cemeteries holding mostly Americans, Germans, French, British, Canadians and Polish troops, who took part in the historic battle. (With inputs from agencies)

Normandy commemorates D-Day with small crowds, but big heart

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

"As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lot-of-fear-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-on-troop-pullout-in-afghanistan-389538">'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan</a>

"We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve."

The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-troops-leave-afghanistan-lawmakers-fear-dark-future-for-women-380965">As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women</a>

The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million.

Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/first-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-arrive-in-afghanistan-from-india-361940">First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India</a>

Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-who-helped-us-fear-being-left-behind-and-reprisals-by-taiwan-385647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter.

No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters.

"We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country.

The United States announced on Friday, more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for its COVID-19 response, as foreign troops continue their withdrawal from the country. "As the United States withdraws military forces from Afghanistan, our enduring commitment is clear," top US diplomat Antony Blinken said. Also Read | 'Lot of fear' in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan on troop pullout in Afghanistan "We remain engaged through our full diplomatic, economic and assistance toolkit to support the peaceful, stable future the Afghan people want and deserve." The aid is intended for areas such as protective equipment, shelter, food and health and hygiene services related to the Covid pandemic. It also provides for "protection needs for the most vulnerable Afghans," including at-risk women and girls. Also Read | As US troops leave Afghanistan, lawmakers fear dark future for women The $266.5 million, made up of $157.5 million from American aid agency USAID and $109 million from the State Department, brings total US humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to $543 million. Washington has still not made a decision on whether to evacuate Afghan interpreters, who worked with the US military, now fearing for their lives as foreign troops pull out. Also Read | First doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Afghanistan from India Twenty members of Congress on Friday appealed to President Joe Biden in an open letter on Friday to "immediately" evacuate the more than 18,000 interpreters and their families, who have filed for visas to come to the United States. Each application "takes an average of 800+ days, and we plan to withdraw in less than 100 days," the bipartisan elected officials say in the letter. No American entity "has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government." Also Read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday the White House had not ordered the military to evacuate the interpreters. "We're aware of some congressional interest in this," he said, "but nothing has changed since last time we talked about this."

US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response

Forty years ago this month the first men began dying of a mysterious disease in California that would later be identified as&nbsp;AIDS.

It would go on to claim millions of lives across the world.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surge-in-deaths-due-to-hiv-tuberculosis-and-malaria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-study-313145">Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study</a>

Here is a look at the discovery and the fight against the deadly condition.

1981: First alert&nbsp;

In June 1981 US epidemiologists report five cases of a rare form of pneumonia in gay men from California, some of whom have died. Unusual versions of skin cancer are identified in others.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hivaids-vaccine-why-dont-we-have-one-after-37-years-when-we-have-several-for-covid-19-after-a-few-months-385776">HIV/AIDS vaccine: Why don’t we have one after 37 years, when we have several for COVID-19 after a few months?</a>

It is the first alert about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), still unknown and unnamed.&nbsp;

Doctors identify "opportunistic infections" among injected drug users late in the year and in haemophiliacs and Haitian residents in the United States (mid-1982).

The term&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;appears for the first time in 1982.

1983: Identifying&nbsp;HIV

In January 1983 researchers in France, Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Jean-Claude Chermann, working under Luc Montagnier, identify the virus that "might be" responsible for&nbsp;AIDS.&nbsp;It is dubbed LAV.

The following year, US specialist Robert Gallo is said to have found the "probable" cause of&nbsp;AIDS, the retrovirus HTLV-III.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-second-person-known-to-be-naturally-cured-of-hiv-raises-hopes-for-millions-370742">Argentina: Second person known to be naturally cured of HIV raises hopes for millions</a>

The two viruses turn out to be one and the same, and in May 1986 it becomes officially known as the human immunodeficiency virus or&nbsp;HIV.

Barre-Sinoussi and Montagnier win a Nobel prize in 2008 for their discovery.

1987: Anti-retroviral treatment&nbsp;

In March 1987, the first anti-retroviral treatment known as AZT is authorized in the US. It is expensive and has many side effects.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-trials-for-potential-hiv-vaccine-show-optimistic-results-375864">New trials for potential HIV vaccine show optimistic results</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) declares December 1, 1988, the first World&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;Day, to raise awareness. By June the following year, the number of&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;cases worldwide is estimated at more than 150,000.

The early 1990s: Falling stars

US actor Rock Hudson is the first high-profile&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;death in October 1985. A host of other stars succumb to the disease, including British singer and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (November 1991) and the legendary Russian dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev (January 1993).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiv-self-test-prices-to-be-slashed-in-half-in-135-countries-381086">HIV self-test prices to be slashed in half in 135 countries</a>

In 1994,&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;becomes the leading cause of death among Americans aged between 25 and 44.&nbsp;

1995-96: New approach&nbsp;

A new class of drugs signals the start of combinations of different anti-retroviral therapies.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-in-tell-all-interview-billy-porter-reveals-hes-had-hiv-since-14-years-386150">In tell-all interview, Billy Porter reveals he's had HIV since 14 years</a>

Called tri-therapies, they provide the first effective treatment for&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;although they are not a cure and remain costly.

1996 is the first year in which the number of&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;deaths declines in the US.

1999: 50 million infections&nbsp;

A report released by WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;(UNAIDS) in November 1999 estimates the number of people infected with&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;since it first appeared at 50 million, of whom 16 million have died.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-can-she-have-hiv-pakistan-town-struggles-with-surge-in-infections-223487">'How can she have HIV?': Pakistan town struggles with surge in infections</a>

Africa is the hardest-hit continent, with 12.2 million cases.

2003: Life-saving PEPFAR

In February 2003, US President George W. Bush launches the President's Emergency Plan for&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;Relief, or PEPFAR, to combat the spread of&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;in 15 of the hardest-hit areas of Africa and the Caribbean.

With an initial budget of $15 billion over its first five years, PEPFAR had by 2018 committed $70 billion to the&nbsp;AIDS&nbsp;response.

2009: The 'Berlin Patient'

The first known patient cured of&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;is announced. The "Berlin Patient," later named American Timothy Brown, underwent two transplants of bone marrow containing a mutation of a gene that blocks&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;from attacking host cells.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-berlin-patient-first-person-to-be-cured-of-hiv-dies-due-to-cancer-331454">'The Berlin patient' - First person to be cured of HIV dies due to cancer</a>

He underwent total body irradiation to treat leukaemia and nearly did not survive the process.

2012:&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;'shield'

In July 2012 the first-ever daily pill to help prevent&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;infection is approved by US regulators. Truvada is pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, taken by high-risk people who are&nbsp;HIV-negative in order to prevent them from being infected.

2017: Treatment spreads

For the first time ever, more than half of the global population living with&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;are receiving antiretroviral treatment, UNAIDS reports.

2019: The 'London Patient'

The second patient with sustained&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;suppression is reported after undergoing a transplant of stem cells with the same mutation as in the Berlin case.&nbsp;

Regular testing has confirmed that the patient's viral load remained undetectable for 19 months and counting.

2021: Vaccine hopes

Success in producing an anti-Covid vaccine in 2020 fuels hopes that a breakthrough in securing a shot against&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;might finally be in the offing.

Moderna in January announced it has started phase one clinical trials of flu and&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;vaccines using its messenger RNA technique.

There are 37.6 million people living with&nbsp;HIV&nbsp;globally, according to UNAIDS in its latest annual figures for 2020. Since the start of the epidemic 34.7 million have died from&nbsp;AIDS-related illnesses.&nbsp;

Forty years ago this month the first men began dying of a mysterious disease in California that would later be identified as AIDS. It would go on to claim millions of lives across the world.

Forty years ago this month the first men began dying of a mysterious disease in California that would later be identified as AIDS. It would go on to claim millions of lives across the world. Also Read | Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study Here is a look at the discovery and the fight against the deadly condition. 1981: First alert In June 1981 US epidemiologists report five cases of a rare form of pneumonia in gay men from California, some of whom have died. Unusual versions of skin cancer are identified in others. Also Read | HIV/AIDS vaccine: Why don’t we have one after 37 years, when we have several for COVID-19 after a few months? It is the first alert about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), still unknown and unnamed. Doctors identify "opportunistic infections" among injected drug users late in the year and in haemophiliacs and Haitian residents in the United States (mid-1982). The term AIDS appears for the first time in 1982. 1983: Identifying HIV In January 1983 researchers in France, Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Jean-Claude Chermann, working under Luc Montagnier, identify the virus that "might be" responsible for AIDS. It is dubbed LAV. The following year, US specialist Robert Gallo is said to have found the "probable" cause of AIDS, the retrovirus HTLV-III. Also Read | Argentina: Second person known to be naturally cured of HIV raises hopes for millions The two viruses turn out to be one and the same, and in May 1986 it becomes officially known as the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. Barre-Sinoussi and Montagnier win a Nobel prize in 2008 for their discovery. 1987: Anti-retroviral treatment In March 1987, the first anti-retroviral treatment known as AZT is authorized in the US. It is expensive and has many side effects. Also Read | New trials for potential HIV vaccine show optimistic results The World Health Organization (WHO) declares December 1, 1988, the first World AIDS Day, to raise awareness. By June the following year, the number of AIDS cases worldwide is estimated at more than 150,000. The early 1990s: Falling stars US actor Rock Hudson is the first high-profile AIDS death in October 1985. A host of other stars succumb to the disease, including British singer and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (November 1991) and the legendary Russian dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev (January 1993). Also Read | HIV self-test prices to be slashed in half in 135 countries In 1994, AIDS becomes the leading cause of death among Americans aged between 25 and 44. 1995-96: New approach A new class of drugs signals the start of combinations of different anti-retroviral therapies. Also Read | In tell-all interview, Billy Porter reveals he's had HIV since 14 years Called tri-therapies, they provide the first effective treatment for HIV although they are not a cure and remain costly. 1996 is the first year in which the number of AIDS deaths declines in the US. 1999: 50 million infections A report released by WHO and the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) in November 1999 estimates the number of people infected with HIV since it first appeared at 50 million, of whom 16 million have died. Also Read | 'How can she have HIV?': Pakistan town struggles with surge in infections Africa is the hardest-hit continent, with 12.2 million cases. 2003: Life-saving PEPFAR In February 2003, US President George W. Bush launches the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, to combat the spread of AIDS in 15 of the hardest-hit areas of Africa and the Caribbean. With an initial budget of $15 billion over its first five years, PEPFAR had by 2018 committed $70 billion to the AIDS response. 2009: The 'Berlin Patient' The first known patient cured of HIV is announced. The "Berlin Patient," later named American Timothy Brown, underwent two transplants of bone marrow containing a mutation of a gene that blocks HIV from attacking host cells. Also Read | 'The Berlin patient' - First person to be cured of HIV dies due to cancer He underwent total body irradiation to treat leukaemia and nearly did not survive the process. 2012: HIV 'shield' In July 2012 the first-ever daily pill to help prevent HIV infection is approved by US regulators. Truvada is pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, taken by high-risk people who are HIV-negative in order to prevent them from being infected. 2017: Treatment spreads For the first time ever, more than half of the global population living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral treatment, UNAIDS reports. 2019: The 'London Patient' The second patient with sustained HIV suppression is reported after undergoing a transplant of stem cells with the same mutation as in the Berlin case. Regular testing has confirmed that the patient's viral load remained undetectable for 19 months and counting. 2021: Vaccine hopes Success in producing an anti-Covid vaccine in 2020 fuels hopes that a breakthrough in securing a shot against HIV might finally be in the offing. Moderna in January announced it has started phase one clinical trials of flu and HIV vaccines using its messenger RNA technique. There are 37.6 million people living with HIV globally, according to UNAIDS in its latest annual figures for 2020. Since the start of the epidemic 34.7 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Four decades of AIDS: A Timeline

A US judge overturned California's three-decade-old ban on assault weapons Friday in a move swiftly condemned by the state's governor Gavin Newsom as gun-related homicides surge across America.

In a 94-page decision, federal Judge Roger T Benitez described California's assault weapons ban,&nbsp;in place in 1989, as unconstitutional&nbsp;and defended the right of Americans to own semi-automatic rifles.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rinse-and-repeat-what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-us-asks-california-governor-after-yet-another-mass-shooting-387807">Rinse and repeat, what the hell is wrong with us, asks California governor after yet another mass shooting</a>

"Like the Swiss Army Knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment," he wrote.

"Guns and ammunition in the hands of criminals, tyrants and terrorists are dangerous; guns in the hands of lawabiding responsible citizens are better," he argued.

Benitez said he would give the state 30 days to appeal the decision, which Governor Newson said posed a "direct threat to public safety" and which he vowed to challenge.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-do-we-stop-the-parade-of-gun-deaths-375309">How do we stop the parade of gun deaths?</a>

"We're not backing down from this fight, and we'll continue pushing for common sense gun laws that will save lives," he said in a statement.

The decision comes as gun violence surges across the United States, and just over a week after a disgruntled, heavily-armed California public transit worker shot and killed nine people.

A search this week of the shooter's home, which was set ablaze shortly before the attack, turned up 12 guns, around 22,000 rounds of ammunition and suspected Molotov cocktails.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-school-shooter-used-kit-gun-authorities-263791">California school shooter used 'kit gun': Authorities</a>

Mass shootings have also taken place in Florida, Indiana, California, Colorado and Georgia, in a surge in violence that President Joe Biden has branded an "epidemic."

The US Supreme Court is also due to hear a challenge backed by the gun lobby to a New York law that restricts the carrying of firearms outside the home.

It will be the first major case involving the Second Amendment constitutional right to bear arms heard by the nation's highest court in more than a decade.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justice-barretts-vote-could-tilt-the-supreme-court-on-gun-rights-346526">Justice Barrett’s vote could tilt the Supreme Court on gun rights</a>

While the coronavirus pandemic slowed workplace violence as more people stayed home, it also saw record gun sales.

In March last year, the number of weekly federal background checks on gun buyers surpassed one million for the first time, The New York Times reported.

A US judge overturned California's three-decade-old ban on assault weapons Friday in a move swiftly condemned by the state's governor Gavin Newsom as gun-related homicides surge across America.

A US judge overturned California's three-decade-old ban on assault weapons Friday in a move swiftly condemned by the state's governor Gavin Newsom as gun-related homicides surge across America. In a 94-page decision, federal Judge Roger T Benitez described California's assault weapons ban, in place in 1989, as unconstitutional and defended the right of Americans to own semi-automatic rifles. Also Read | Rinse and repeat, what the hell is wrong with us, asks California governor after yet another mass shooting "Like the Swiss Army Knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment," he wrote. "Guns and ammunition in the hands of criminals, tyrants and terrorists are dangerous; guns in the hands of lawabiding responsible citizens are better," he argued. Benitez said he would give the state 30 days to appeal the decision, which Governor Newson said posed a "direct threat to public safety" and which he vowed to challenge. Also Read | How do we stop the parade of gun deaths? "We're not backing down from this fight, and we'll continue pushing for common sense gun laws that will save lives," he said in a statement. The decision comes as gun violence surges across the United States, and just over a week after a disgruntled, heavily-armed California public transit worker shot and killed nine people. A search this week of the shooter's home, which was set ablaze shortly before the attack, turned up 12 guns, around 22,000 rounds of ammunition and suspected Molotov cocktails. Also Read | California school shooter used 'kit gun': Authorities Mass shootings have also taken place in Florida, Indiana, California, Colorado and Georgia, in a surge in violence that President Joe Biden has branded an "epidemic." The US Supreme Court is also due to hear a challenge backed by the gun lobby to a New York law that restricts the carrying of firearms outside the home. It will be the first major case involving the Second Amendment constitutional right to bear arms heard by the nation's highest court in more than a decade. Also Read | Justice Barrett’s vote could tilt the Supreme Court on gun rights While the coronavirus pandemic slowed workplace violence as more people stayed home, it also saw record gun sales. In March last year, the number of weekly federal background checks on gun buyers surpassed one million for the first time, The New York Times reported.

US judge overturns California assault weapons ban

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday. 
 
The United States this week blocked assets and cut off access to its financial system to former lawmaker and media mogul Delyan Peevski, government official Ilko Zhelyazkov and fugitive gambling tycoon Vassil Bozhkov. 
 
The interim government, in office until a July 11 parliamentary election, is setting up a group of financial and interior ministry officials as well as tax and intelligence officers to identify and list people and entities associated with those under US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
State administrations and companies with state or municipal ownership will have to cut links with those on that list, the government said in a statement. 
 
"State structures and state companies need to stop any transactions with the people and their associates on the US&nbsp;sanction list, because otherwise they could potentially end up in that list themselves," Finance Minister Assen Vassilev said. 
 
Peevski, whom many in Bulgaria see as a powerful behind-the-scenes power broker with strong influence on judiciary and political elites, has denied wrongdoing. Zhelyazkov, currently on paid leave, has not commented on the US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Bozhkov, who faces over 18 charges at home, including for fax fraud and influence peddling, has said the sanctions ignored his own status as a victim of extortion. 
 
Many Bulgarians, who protested last year for months against endemic graft, welcomed the US&nbsp;sanctions in hopes that the move will prompt a action against high-level corruption at home. 
 
Bulgaria is the poorest member of the European Union and is ranked as the bloc's most corrupt member by Transparency International. Despite a declared will to root out graft, it has not jailed a single high-level official on corruption charges. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday.

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday. The United States this week blocked assets and cut off access to its financial system to former lawmaker and media mogul Delyan Peevski, government official Ilko Zhelyazkov and fugitive gambling tycoon Vassil Bozhkov. The interim government, in office until a July 11 parliamentary election, is setting up a group of financial and interior ministry officials as well as tax and intelligence officers to identify and list people and entities associated with those under US sanctions. State administrations and companies with state or municipal ownership will have to cut links with those on that list, the government said in a statement. "State structures and state companies need to stop any transactions with the people and their associates on the US sanction list, because otherwise they could potentially end up in that list themselves," Finance Minister Assen Vassilev said. Peevski, whom many in Bulgaria see as a powerful behind-the-scenes power broker with strong influence on judiciary and political elites, has denied wrongdoing. Zhelyazkov, currently on paid leave, has not commented on the US sanctions. Bozhkov, who faces over 18 charges at home, including for fax fraud and influence peddling, has said the sanctions ignored his own status as a victim of extortion. Many Bulgarians, who protested last year for months against endemic graft, welcomed the US sanctions in hopes that the move will prompt a action against high-level corruption at home. Bulgaria is the poorest member of the European Union and is ranked as the bloc's most corrupt member by Transparency International. Despite a declared will to root out graft, it has not jailed a single high-level official on corruption charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulgaria to set up its own 'blacklist' after US graft sanctions

Experts are investigating after the computer systems of two central Florida hospitals showed signs of unusual activity, an official said.

The Villages Regional Hospital and the UF Health Leesburg Hospital shut down multiple systems to protect patient information during the event on Monday night, switching to pen and paper to document patient visits, news outlets report.

"We have since learned that the activity was related to a cybersecurity event," Frank Faust, a spokesman for the University of Florida's Health Central Florida, told the Orlando Sentinel.

"With regard to protected information, at this time we do not believe any patient or personnel records have been compromised or shared." Faust said information technology teams from the University of Florida were investigating.

"These types of situations take time to fully resolve," Faust said. "We are continuing to methodically investigate to delicately and precisely understand what happened, and are taking the appropriate actions to resolve any and all issues." The Villages is one of the country's largest retirement communities, with a population of more than 130,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

Experts are investigating after the computer systems of two central Florida hospitals showed signs of unusual activity, an official said. The Villages Regional Hospital and the UF Health Leesburg Hospital shut down multiple systems to protect patient information during the event on Monday night, switching to pen and paper to document patient visits, news outlets report.

Experts are investigating after the computer systems of two central Florida hospitals showed signs of unusual activity, an official said. The Villages Regional Hospital and the UF Health Leesburg Hospital shut down multiple systems to protect patient information during the event on Monday night, switching to pen and paper to document patient visits, news outlets report. "We have since learned that the activity was related to a cybersecurity event," Frank Faust, a spokesman for the University of Florida's Health Central Florida, told the Orlando Sentinel. "With regard to protected information, at this time we do not believe any patient or personnel records have been compromised or shared." Faust said information technology teams from the University of Florida were investigating. "These types of situations take time to fully resolve," Faust said. "We are continuing to methodically investigate to delicately and precisely understand what happened, and are taking the appropriate actions to resolve any and all issues." The Villages is one of the country's largest retirement communities, with a population of more than 130,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Experts look into possible cyberattack at Florida hospitals

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1