The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday. It marked the first time that Russia said that the talks concerned exchanging Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," for two-time Olympian Brittney&nbsp;Griner.

"The discussions on the very sensitive topic of an exchange are proceeding via the channels chosen by our presidents," Alexander Datchiev, the head the North America department at the Russian foreign ministry, was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. "Silent diplomacy continues and should bear fruit if Washington, of course, is careful not to fall into propaganda," he said.

Griner&nbsp;was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil. The 31-year-old, who was in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury, was charged with smuggling narcotics and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony in early August.

Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and then extradited to the US, where in 2012 he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts.

He inspired the 2005 arms smuggling movie "Lord of War" starring Nicolas Cage and was dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British minister Peter Hain for supplying weapons to war-torn Angola and Liberia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brittney-griner-trial-russia-says-there-is-no-deal-on-swapping-us-basketballer-for-jailed-arms-trafficker-501438">Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker</a>

Russia has long sought his release. Last weekend, Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the UN&nbsp;who has negotiated the release of several Americans held in other countries, said he was "optimistic" about efforts to negotiate a "two for two" prisoner swap with Russia.

"I think she's going to be freed, I think she has the right strategy of contrition, there's going to be a prisoner swap -- though I think it will be two for two, involving Paul Whelan," he told ABC's "This Week," insisting that he was only a "catalyst" in any negotiations.

Whelan is a former US Marine who was convicted of espionage in June 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has insisted on his innocence.

The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday.

The US and Russia are discussing a prisoner exchange that would involve trading a notorious Russian arms trafficker for an American basketball star, a Russian diplomat said on Saturday. It marked the first time that Russia said that the talks concerned exchanging Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," for two-time Olympian Brittney Griner. "The discussions on the very sensitive topic of an exchange are proceeding via the channels chosen by our presidents," Alexander Datchiev, the head the North America department at the Russian foreign ministry, was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. "Silent diplomacy continues and should bear fruit if Washington, of course, is careful not to fall into propaganda," he said. Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil. The 31-year-old, who was in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury, was charged with smuggling narcotics and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony in early August. Bout was arrested in Thailand in 2008 and then extradited to the US, where in 2012 he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of arming rebels in some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. He inspired the 2005 arms smuggling movie "Lord of War" starring Nicolas Cage and was dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British minister Peter Hain for supplying weapons to war-torn Angola and Liberia. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker Russia has long sought his release. Last weekend, Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the UN who has negotiated the release of several Americans held in other countries, said he was "optimistic" about efforts to negotiate a "two for two" prisoner swap with Russia. "I think she's going to be freed, I think she has the right strategy of contrition, there's going to be a prisoner swap -- though I think it will be two for two, involving Paul Whelan," he told ABC's "This Week," insisting that he was only a "catalyst" in any negotiations. Whelan is a former US Marine who was convicted of espionage in June 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He has insisted on his innocence.

Russia, US in talks over 'Merchant of Death' swap for basketballer Brittney Griner: Moscow

A California Zoo has welcomed the world's smallest deer. Newborn Pudu is yet to be named. Watch this special report to know more.

California Zoo welcomes world's smallest deer; Newborn Pudu is yet to be named

The US House has approved the Inflation reduction act. President Biden lauded the passage of the bill. The bill is aimed at reducing inflation and tackling climate change.

U.S. House approves inflation reduction act; President Biden lauds passage of the bill

The FBI raided former US President Donald Trump's home, it was unprecedented but on Thursday, US attorney general Merrick Garland confirmed that he had personally approved the dramatic search of Mar-A-Lago.

FBI recovers classified documents from Trump, under Espionage Act investigation

The US Senate has passed Democrats' $750 billion health care, tax and climate bill, in a significant victory for President Joe Biden and his party.

US house approves climate and health care bill

The age of the internet leaves behind a digital trail which could be dangerous for women of America. After the overturning of Roe versus Wade, abortion is already illegal in a few states but what's even more concerning is that people could be arrested for even a simple google search about abortions.

US: The future of digital privacy for women, online privacy in a post-roe world

New York City officials have said that they have detected traces of the polio virus in the city's wastewater samples, sparking fears of re-emergence of the virus in the United States. This comes just weeks after a case of polio was identified in the Region's Northern suburb of Rockland County.

NYC: Authorities urge unvaccinated people to get jabbed, primary series provides 99% protection

US top diplomat Antony Blinken is in Africa to woo the nations, which have largely steered clear of backing Washington against Moscow in the Ukraine war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lands in Africa two weeks after Russian FM Lavrov's visit

On August 10, a brush fire in Gorman, California, grew to over 150 acres and required the assistance of over 200 firefighters.

Watch: Aerial footage of 'firenado' amid raging California brush fire

Watch: Video captures 'firenado' amid raging California brush fire

US justice department moves to unseal warrant for search of Trump residence

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and&nbsp;warned them about divulging information to the press. In other news,&nbsp;the FBI noted that its special agents "put their lives on the line every day to protect the public”. In another news,&nbsp;US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said&nbsp;that Russia has been displaying both "implicit and explicit nuclear coercion".&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-tells-officials-if-you-want-victory-for-ukraine-stop-talking-to-press-506073">Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press</a>
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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has warned his troops about divulging information to the press. He instructed government representatives to stop discussing Kyiv's military strategies against Russia with reporters, branding the practice as "frankly irresponsible."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-condemns-threats-against-agency-following-raid-on-trumps-house-506087">FBI condemns threats against agency following raid on Trump’s house</a>
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has condemned the threats made to the law enforcement in the wake of raids on former US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

The statement came hours after Trump and Conservative leaders slammed the FBI as a "corrupt" and "politicised" agency following the Monday raid, in which agents reportedly were searching for classified documents that Trump had retained in violation of rules on official records.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-rewriting-nuclear-deterrence-says-stratcom-chief-amid-china-russia-threat-506079">US military 'rewriting' nuclear deterrence, says STRATCOM chief amid China, Russia threat</a>
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Amid the Ukraine war, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that the military "can start by rewriting deterrence theory".&nbsp;

The US admiral's remarks come as China conducted a series of drills near Taiwan just hours after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation angering the Xi regime.

Gravitas: Threat of nuke disaster: Russian forces fire 80 rockets from nuclear plant site

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and warned them about divulging information to the press.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine addressed his statements to the government, local, and military representatives, as well as other individuals who he claimed, were speculating on what was happening at the front and warned them about divulging information to the press. In other news, the FBI noted that its special agents "put their lives on the line every day to protect the public”. In another news, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that Russia has been displaying both "implicit and explicit nuclear coercion". Click on headlines to read more: Volodymyr Zelensky tells officials, 'if you want victory for Ukraine' stop talking to press Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has warned his troops about divulging information to the press. He instructed government representatives to stop discussing Kyiv's military strategies against Russia with reporters, branding the practice as "frankly irresponsible." FBI condemns threats against agency following raid on Trump’s house The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has condemned the threats made to the law enforcement in the wake of raids on former US president Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. The statement came hours after Trump and Conservative leaders slammed the FBI as a "corrupt" and "politicised" agency following the Monday raid, in which agents reportedly were searching for classified documents that Trump had retained in violation of rules on official records. US military 'rewriting' nuclear deterrence, says STRATCOM chief amid China, Russia threat Amid the Ukraine war, US strategic command chief Navy admiral Chas Richard said that the military "can start by rewriting deterrence theory". The US admiral's remarks come as China conducted a series of drills near Taiwan just hours after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation angering the Xi regime. Gravitas: Threat of nuke disaster: Russian forces fire 80 rockets from nuclear plant site × Kim's sister blames South Korea for spreading COVID-19 in North Korea ×

Morning news brief: Zelensky says stop talking to press, FBI condemns threats, and more

Five major Chinese companies including two of the country’s largest oil producers will delist from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) amid economic and diplomatic tensions with the United States.

WION Dispatch: 5 Chinese firms to delist from NYSE before August 31

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures. Criticisms increased after news reports showed that the firm handed over the texts of a woman charged with assisting her daughter in getting an abortion.

Jessica Burgess, 41, faces five charges, including violation of a 2010 law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks after fertilisation. Burgess’s daughter faces three charges including one for abandoning a corpse.

During the hearing, the police in Nebraska court&nbsp;asked to not let Burgess’s daughter know about the search warrant as it might lead to&nbsp;destroying&nbsp;of evidence. In court, the police officer said that he began investigating the case in late April when Burgess’s daughter gave birth to a "stillborn" child, which they reportedly buried together.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-mother-and-teen-daughter-charged-after-illegal-abortion-505590">American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion</a>

However, Facebook owner Meta, however, defended itself by saying the Nebraska court order didn’t mention "abortion" at all. It further clarified that it was issued before the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade. The firm, in conversation with AFP, pointed to its policy of granting government demands whenever it is required, when queried about handing over the data.

According to Logan Koepe, a researcher who examines how technology affects criminal justice, the statement seems to indicate that the outcome would have been different if the search warrants mentioned abortion. As per tech observers, the Nebraska case won't be the only case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-map-how-access-to-abortion-has-changed-globally-504642">Data Map: How access to Abortion has changed globally</a>

Alexandra Given, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Technology, said, "This is going to keep happening to companies that have vast amounts of data about people across the country and around the world." She continued that there are many reasons that compel businesses to cooperate with legal requests and should insist on specific and full legal processes.

Advocates pointed out that a sure way to keep users’ information safe&nbsp;can be by automatically encrypting messages from the government. In Meta-owned WhatsApp, the business has a default setting of end-to-end encryption, which means the company doesn’t have access to information. It's not a default option&nbsp;in Facebook Messenger.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures.

By sharing messages involved in a case of teenage abortion in Nebraska, Facebook has sparked outrage and raised concerns by cooperating with US police, implying that it could be used to restrict access to the medical procedures. Criticisms increased after news reports showed that the firm handed over the texts of a woman charged with assisting her daughter in getting an abortion. Jessica Burgess, 41, faces five charges, including violation of a 2010 law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks after fertilisation. Burgess’s daughter faces three charges including one for abandoning a corpse. During the hearing, the police in Nebraska court asked to not let Burgess’s daughter know about the search warrant as it might lead to destroying of evidence. In court, the police officer said that he began investigating the case in late April when Burgess’s daughter gave birth to a "stillborn" child, which they reportedly buried together. Also read | American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion However, Facebook owner Meta, however, defended itself by saying the Nebraska court order didn’t mention "abortion" at all. It further clarified that it was issued before the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v Wade. The firm, in conversation with AFP, pointed to its policy of granting government demands whenever it is required, when queried about handing over the data. According to Logan Koepe, a researcher who examines how technology affects criminal justice, the statement seems to indicate that the outcome would have been different if the search warrants mentioned abortion. As per tech observers, the Nebraska case won't be the only case. Also read | Data Map: How access to Abortion has changed globally Alexandra Given, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Technology, said, "This is going to keep happening to companies that have vast amounts of data about people across the country and around the world." She continued that there are many reasons that compel businesses to cooperate with legal requests and should insist on specific and full legal processes. Advocates pointed out that a sure way to keep users’ information safe can be by automatically encrypting messages from the government. In Meta-owned WhatsApp, the business has a default setting of end-to-end encryption, which means the company doesn’t have access to information. It's not a default option in Facebook Messenger. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Facebook’s cooperation with US police in teen abortion case raises ‘new concerns’

Over 55 distinct strikes by Starbucks employees have taken place in at least 17 different US states in recent months due to the company's vigorous opposition to a wave of unionisation.

As reported by the Guardian,&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-major-brands-who-accept-cryptocurrencies-as-mode-of-payment-505625#gucci-505569">Starbucks</a>&nbsp;has lost more than $375,000 as a result of the strikes, according to an estimate by Starbucks Workers United. To assist Starbucks employees during their strikes, the union established a $1 million strike fund in June 2022. Additional relief funds have also been established for strikes and to assist employees who have lost their employment.

The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating hundreds of allegations of misconduct by Starbucks related to the union campaign, including claims of closing stores to dismantle unions, firing employees, and intimidating and threatening workers to prevent them from&nbsp;unionising.&nbsp;

<img alt="Workers at Starbucks, Glencoe Crossing, US, on strike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8f83aff-6f4d-4e3a-953e-9b11384dfeff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FZ4cX5AWIAEjbec.jpg" />

Workers at the Glencoe Crossing branch of Starbucks on strike. Photo credits: Twitter

Employees claim that over 75 workers have been fired in retaliation for union organising this year. All claims have been refuted by Starbucks.

Numerous Starbucks locations are presently awaiting the results of their election polls, but more than 200 locations across the US have already won their union votes.

Sam Amato worked for Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, for 13 years before he was fired on August 5 for his ardent support of unionisation at his store and other Starbucks stores across the country.

As the first Starbucks stores opened in the US and his own store won its union election in early 2022, he first got active in union organising efforts in the Buffalo region in August 2021.

Amato and his coworkers were sent to other locations in June while their own store underwent refurbishment.

Amato claimed that during this time, the store manager closely monitored employees through written warnings and disciplinary actions.

“My store manager pulled me aside and said that due to an incident when I closed the lobby I was being separated,” said Amato. “Any questions I asked, my manager said they were unable to answer and that I would have to call Starbucks corporate to get an answer.”

He explained that there had been a lot of store manager turnover throughout the union organising campaigns in the Buffalo region, along with numerous worker firings and resignations that led to understaffing concerns, which led to the lobby being closed down and operating only the drive-thru on July 3.

His dismissal surprised several coworkers and other union members, who immediately started an ongoing walkout at the Buffalo Starbucks branch to seek his reinstatement.

“I was fired because I’m a union leader and I was very vocal about it,” said Amato. “Starbucks pretends to be an ally and so progressive but they are the opposite and I genuinely have been shocked at how low they’re willing to go.”

Despite pleas from unionised workers to make these changes for them while they press for the firm to negotiate a first contract with the unionised locations, Starbucks has delayed the new pay rises and perks for these workers despite the wave of union elections at the corporation.

A unionised Starbucks location in Jacksonville, Florida, went on strike for one day on August 1 to demand that they be given the new pay raises and benefits on the same day they were made available throughout the firm.

“In the last week of July, I think people in my store were really starting to get really aggravated and pissed off that we weren’t receiving the raises,” said Mason Boykin, a Starbucks worker at the store.

Boykin claimed that when their store unionised, employees had their schedules altered and their hourly pay decreased, which they claim to be unfair labour practises.

“As far as striking goes, I think unionized stores recognize that the only way we’re going to receive what we’re worth is by uniting together and demanding it and that’s through striking,” added Boykin.

While one Boston Starbucks location has been on an indefinite strike since mid-July in protest of allegations of threats and retaliation against employees, several Starbucks locations in Massachusetts also staged a one-day strike over the wage and benefits issue, and two locations have kept up the strike.

As reported by the Guardian, a spokesperson for Starbucks said in an email: “We currently have strikes happening outside store locations in specific locations in the US. Starbucks has great partners and we value their contributions. We respect our partners’ right to engage in any legally protected activity or protest without retaliation.”

(With inputs from the Guardian)

Also watch |&nbsp;Starbucks: Not in formal sales process in UK

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Over 55 distinct strikes by Starbucks employees have taken place in at least 17 different US states in recent months due to the company's vigorous opposition to a wave of unionisation.

Over 55 distinct strikes by Starbucks employees have taken place in at least 17 different US states in recent months due to the company's vigorous opposition to a wave of unionisation. As reported by the Guardian, Starbucks has lost more than $375,000 as a result of the strikes, according to an estimate by Starbucks Workers United. To assist Starbucks employees during their strikes, the union established a $1 million strike fund in June 2022. Additional relief funds have also been established for strikes and to assist employees who have lost their employment. The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating hundreds of allegations of misconduct by Starbucks related to the union campaign, including claims of closing stores to dismantle unions, firing employees, and intimidating and threatening workers to prevent them from unionising. Workers at the Glencoe Crossing branch of Starbucks on strike. Photo credits: Twitter Employees claim that over 75 workers have been fired in retaliation for union organising this year. All claims have been refuted by Starbucks. Numerous Starbucks locations are presently awaiting the results of their election polls, but more than 200 locations across the US have already won their union votes. Sam Amato worked for Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, for 13 years before he was fired on August 5 for his ardent support of unionisation at his store and other Starbucks stores across the country. As the first Starbucks stores opened in the US and his own store won its union election in early 2022, he first got active in union organising efforts in the Buffalo region in August 2021. Amato and his coworkers were sent to other locations in June while their own store underwent refurbishment. Amato claimed that during this time, the store manager closely monitored employees through written warnings and disciplinary actions. “My store manager pulled me aside and said that due to an incident when I closed the lobby I was being separated,” said Amato. “Any questions I asked, my manager said they were unable to answer and that I would have to call Starbucks corporate to get an answer.” He explained that there had been a lot of store manager turnover throughout the union organising campaigns in the Buffalo region, along with numerous worker firings and resignations that led to understaffing concerns, which led to the lobby being closed down and operating only the drive-thru on July 3. His dismissal surprised several coworkers and other union members, who immediately started an ongoing walkout at the Buffalo Starbucks branch to seek his reinstatement. “I was fired because I’m a union leader and I was very vocal about it,” said Amato. “Starbucks pretends to be an ally and so progressive but they are the opposite and I genuinely have been shocked at how low they’re willing to go.” Despite pleas from unionised workers to make these changes for them while they press for the firm to negotiate a first contract with the unionised locations, Starbucks has delayed the new pay rises and perks for these workers despite the wave of union elections at the corporation. A unionised Starbucks location in Jacksonville, Florida, went on strike for one day on August 1 to demand that they be given the new pay raises and benefits on the same day they were made available throughout the firm. “In the last week of July, I think people in my store were really starting to get really aggravated and pissed off that we weren’t receiving the raises,” said Mason Boykin, a Starbucks worker at the store. Boykin claimed that when their store unionised, employees had their schedules altered and their hourly pay decreased, which they claim to be unfair labour practises. “As far as striking goes, I think unionized stores recognize that the only way we’re going to receive what we’re worth is by uniting together and demanding it and that’s through striking,” added Boykin. While one Boston Starbucks location has been on an indefinite strike since mid-July in protest of allegations of threats and retaliation against employees, several Starbucks locations in Massachusetts also staged a one-day strike over the wage and benefits issue, and two locations have kept up the strike. As reported by the Guardian, a spokesperson for Starbucks said in an email: “We currently have strikes happening outside store locations in specific locations in the US. Starbucks has great partners and we value their contributions. We respect our partners’ right to engage in any legally protected activity or protest without retaliation.” (With inputs from the Guardian) Also watch | Starbucks: Not in formal sales process in UK

Starbucks employees strike in at least 17 states amid unionisation efforts in the US

United States says that it has uncovered an Iranian plot to kill former White House National Security Adviser John Bolton. The U.S. Justice Department has charged a member of Iran's elite revolutionary guard corps in the case.

US says it has uncovered an Iranian plot to kill former NSA John Bolton

In a round-up, a lot has been happening in the South Asian region with former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing to Thailand from Singapore. Meanwhile, India witnessed the oath taking ceremony of its 14th Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankar. In the ongoing Ukraine war, Russia has now put fresh accusations of 'Xenophobia' on Latvia. In the economic realm, US gasoline prices seem to have dropped below $4, bringing a sigh of relief to many Americans.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-on-the-run-rajapaksa-exits-singapore-for-thailand-505915">Sri Lanka president on the run: Rajapaksa exits Singapore for Thailand</a>

<img alt="Gotabaya Rajapaksa flees to Thailand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192f6fc1-5f64-4aa7-81a1-66f1cd110dd6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/lvrfesjo_sri-lankan-president-gotabaya-rajapaksareuters_625x300_23_October_20%20%281%29.jpg" />

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his island nation last month after widespread protests, is expected to land in Thailand and spend some time there before moving on to another Southeast Asian nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-since-march-us-gasoline-costs-drop-below-4-505953">For the first time since March, US gasoline costs drop below $4</a>

<img alt="Gasoline prices drop in the US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5483c321-ba61-4f06-923d-2a066d48f0c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/107073778-1654806653860-gettyimages-1401974655-dsc_6513_6b5ab4f8-15b0-4973-9e58-95d1aa1bd5d1.jpeg" />

<meta charset="utf-8" />

For the first time in more than five months, gas prices dropped to slightly under $4 per gallon in the United States. This is wonderful news for consumers who are dealing with high prices for many other necessities.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-chinese-military-excercise-taiwan-conducts-live-fire-drill-with-howitzers-505834">After Chinese military exercise, Taiwan conducts live-fire drills with howitzers</a>

<img alt="Taiwan conducts live-fire drills " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da844f65-1b98-43e0-8e8c-04a3a59af1fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/178263-kskcxgeywm-1660025027.jpg" />

A day after China ended its military drills near Taiwan, the island nation conducted live-fire drills on Thursday as reports claimed the army fired howitzers and flares as part of the defensive exercise.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-beatles-cell-member-held-in-uk-charged-over-terrorism-offences-505877">Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences</a>

<img alt="alleged member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell, Aine Davis." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fad5a4dd-9227-4d64-adbd-f6e128309dbd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126273238_ainedavis.jpg" />

British police on Thursday charged a man alleged to be a&nbsp;member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell nicknamed the "Beatles". Aine Davis, 38,&nbsp;was charged with terrorist offences. Davis reportedly landed at Luton airport on a flight from Turkey after being deported.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-man-demanding-savings-holds-beirut-bank-staff-hostage-505934">Armed man demanding savings holds Beirut bank staff hostage</a>

<img alt=" Lebanese security forces secure the area outside a bank in Beirut, Lebanon. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43e2cfff-dd59-4365-b979-478fd42d9357" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1000%20%281%29_2.jpeg" />

An armed Lebanese man stormed into a bank in Beirut on Thursday, holding staff members hostage and threatening to light himself on fire with gasoline if he didn't receive his trapped savings.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jagdeep-dhankhar-takes-oath-as-indias-14th-vice-president-505853">Jagdeep Dhankhar takes oath as India’s 14th vice president</a>

<img alt="India's 14th Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c529730a-420b-4ad0-a8e0-864e0f6bd367" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jagdeep-Dhankhar.jpeg" />

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Dhankhar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dhankhar's predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu were also present during the swearing-in ceremony.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-prevails-indian-man-beats-railways-in-22-year-old-legal-battle-over-overpriced-ticket-505950">'Justice prevails': Indian man wins 22-year-old legal battle with railways over overpriced ticket</a>

<img alt="Indian man battles over overpriced train ticket" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1b919f-a70b-4914-9e49-c7a68b4556cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rail-ticket-1623823723.jpg" />

In 1999, Chaturvedi bought two railway tickets for which he was charged 20 rupees ($0.25; £0.21) extra at Mathura cantonment railway station in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colossal-waste-australia-deletes-failed-covid-19-app-505829">'Colossal waste': Australia deletes 'failed' COVID-19 app</a>

<img alt="Australia deletes failed COVID-19 app" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20ed9a13-3eeb-4e16-927f-23bc4a96ae11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126271512_ausapp.jpg" />

Australia’s health minister Mark Butler&nbsp;claimed the “former government wasted more than $21 million of taxpayer’s money on this failed app.”

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-israeli-students-accuse-ben-jerrys-of-occupying-us-tribal-land-505796">&nbsp;Now, Israeli students accuse Ben &amp; Jerry’s of occupying US tribal land</a>

<img alt="Israeli students accuse Ben and Jerry's" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a347b52a-22ee-4c00-9533-11fcaa06a3fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F210721FFF019.jpg" />

At least 1,000 Israeli students and academics have accused&nbsp;Ben &amp; Jerry’s of “hypocrisy” while stating in the letter that the land in Vermont once belonged to Abenaki native American tribe.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Anti-fascist groups criticise wine shops for selling wine with Adolf Hitler's face

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-anti-fascist-groups-criticise-wine-shops-for-selling-wine-with-adolf-hitlers-face-506003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In a round-up, a lot has been happening in the South Asian region with former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing to Thailand from Singapore. Meanwhile, India witnessed the oath taking ceremony of its 14th Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankar.

In a round-up, a lot has been happening in the South Asian region with former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing to Thailand from Singapore. Meanwhile, India witnessed the oath taking ceremony of its 14th Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankar. In the ongoing Ukraine war, Russia has now put fresh accusations of 'Xenophobia' on Latvia. In the economic realm, US gasoline prices seem to have dropped below $4, bringing a sigh of relief to many Americans. Click on the headlines to read more: Sri Lanka president on the run: Rajapaksa exits Singapore for Thailand Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his island nation last month after widespread protests, is expected to land in Thailand and spend some time there before moving on to another Southeast Asian nation. For the first time since March, US gasoline costs drop below $4 For the first time in more than five months, gas prices dropped to slightly under $4 per gallon in the United States. This is wonderful news for consumers who are dealing with high prices for many other necessities. After Chinese military exercise, Taiwan conducts live-fire drills with howitzers A day after China ended its military drills near Taiwan, the island nation conducted live-fire drills on Thursday as reports claimed the army fired howitzers and flares as part of the defensive exercise. Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences British police on Thursday charged a man alleged to be a member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell nicknamed the "Beatles". Aine Davis, 38, was charged with terrorist offences. Davis reportedly landed at Luton airport on a flight from Turkey after being deported. Armed man demanding savings holds Beirut bank staff hostage An armed Lebanese man stormed into a bank in Beirut on Thursday, holding staff members hostage and threatening to light himself on fire with gasoline if he didn't receive his trapped savings. Jagdeep Dhankhar takes oath as India’s 14th vice president President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Dhankhar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dhankhar's predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu were also present during the swearing-in ceremony. 'Justice prevails': Indian man wins 22-year-old legal battle with railways over overpriced ticket In 1999, Chaturvedi bought two railway tickets for which he was charged 20 rupees ($0.25; £0.21) extra at Mathura cantonment railway station in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. 'Colossal waste': Australia deletes 'failed' COVID-19 app Australia’s health minister Mark Butler claimed the “former government wasted more than $21 million of taxpayer’s money on this failed app.” Now, Israeli students accuse Ben & Jerry’s of occupying US tribal land At least 1,000 Israeli students and academics have accused Ben & Jerry’s of “hypocrisy” while stating in the letter that the land in Vermont once belonged to Abenaki native American tribe. WATCH | Anti-fascist groups criticise wine shops for selling wine with Adolf Hitler's face

Top 10 news: Sri Lanka's former President on the run, Russia accusing Latvia of 'Xenophobia' and more

For the first time in more than five months, gas prices dropped to slightly under $4 per gallon in the United States. This is wonderful news for consumers who are dealing with high prices for many other necessities.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average price for a gallon of gasoline on Thursday was USD 3.99.

According to the auto club, prices have decreased by 68 cents over the previous month and by 15 cents over the last week.

The national average had already dropped to USD 3.98 on Wednesday, according to the shopping app GasBuddy.

Consumers are feeling a little better thanks to lower gas, airline, and clothing prices, yet <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-global-economy-updates-recession-cost-of-living-crisis-inflation-market-developments-497530">inflation</a>&nbsp;is still very near a four-decade high.

Oil prices had started rising midway through 2020, as economies were beginning to recover from the pandemic's first shock.

When the US and its allies declared sanctions against Russian oil due to Russia's war against Ukraine, the fuel&nbsp;prices soared once more.

However, recently, oil prices have decreased due to worries about global economic development slowing down. Furthermore, expensive prices might be making US drivers drive less.

The demand for gasoline decreased by 3.3% in the first week of August compared to the same week last year after initially matching more closely with 2021 figures.

Prior to the mid-term elections in November, gas prices are sure to be a significant concern.

Republicans point to President Joe Biden's choices to revoke a permit for a significant pipeline and halt new oil and gas leases on federal lands as evidence that he is responsible for the high cost of fuel.

A family with two cars can save $100 a month thanks to lower rates since mid-June, according to Biden's remarks over the weekend.

He tweeted, "That's breathing room." And we won't be stopping any time soon.

Biden has also engaged in verbal combat with the oil industry, charging them with underproducing oil and gasoline despite reporting enormous profits. He said in June that Exxon had earned more money this year than God.

Exxon claimed that oil production had increased. Chevron's CEO said that Biden was attempting to disparage his sector.

Since early March, the national average for gas has never been below USD 4. According to AAA, prices peaked on June 14 at USD 5.02 a gallon. The rest of June saw a gradual decline before they started to fall more quickly.

Drivers in California, Hawaii, and other western states continue to spend more than $5 a gallon of gas. Texas and a number of other states in the south and midwest have the cheapest gas prices.

The national average price per gallon was approximately USD 3.20 a year ago (3.78 litres).

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in more than five months, gas prices dropped to slightly under $4 per gallon in the United States. This is wonderful news for consumers who are dealing with high prices for many other necessities.

For the first time in more than five months, gas prices dropped to slightly under $4 per gallon in the United States. This is wonderful news for consumers who are dealing with high prices for many other necessities. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average price for a gallon of gasoline on Thursday was USD 3.99. According to the auto club, prices have decreased by 68 cents over the previous month and by 15 cents over the last week. The national average had already dropped to USD 3.98 on Wednesday, according to the shopping app GasBuddy. Consumers are feeling a little better thanks to lower gas, airline, and clothing prices, yet inflation is still very near a four-decade high. Oil prices had started rising midway through 2020, as economies were beginning to recover from the pandemic's first shock. When the US and its allies declared sanctions against Russian oil due to Russia's war against Ukraine, the fuel prices soared once more. However, recently, oil prices have decreased due to worries about global economic development slowing down. Furthermore, expensive prices might be making US drivers drive less. The demand for gasoline decreased by 3.3% in the first week of August compared to the same week last year after initially matching more closely with 2021 figures. Prior to the mid-term elections in November, gas prices are sure to be a significant concern. Republicans point to President Joe Biden's choices to revoke a permit for a significant pipeline and halt new oil and gas leases on federal lands as evidence that he is responsible for the high cost of fuel. A family with two cars can save $100 a month thanks to lower rates since mid-June, according to Biden's remarks over the weekend. He tweeted, "That's breathing room." And we won't be stopping any time soon. Biden has also engaged in verbal combat with the oil industry, charging them with underproducing oil and gasoline despite reporting enormous profits. He said in June that Exxon had earned more money this year than God. Exxon claimed that oil production had increased. Chevron's CEO said that Biden was attempting to disparage his sector. Since early March, the national average for gas has never been below USD 4. According to AAA, prices peaked on June 14 at USD 5.02 a gallon. The rest of June saw a gradual decline before they started to fall more quickly. Drivers in California, Hawaii, and other western states continue to spend more than $5 a gallon of gas. Texas and a number of other states in the south and midwest have the cheapest gas prices. The national average price per gallon was approximately USD 3.20 a year ago (3.78 litres). (With inputs from agencies)

For the first time since March, US gasoline price drops below $4

The US Department of Justice charged an Iranian man on Wednesday with plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump’s national security advisor John Bolton.

US charges Iranian man for trying to assassinate John Bolton

The US inflation has eased more than expected but still towering 400 percent higher than the Fed's annual inflation target. The consumer prices in July slowed down to 8.5 percent from 9.1 percent.

US inflation slows from 40-year peak, consumer prices ease to 8.5%

Overnight strikes in central Ukraine have resulted in killing 13 people while 11 others are reported to being injured. According to the Ukrainian authorities, 5 of them are reported to be in a pretty serious condition.

Russian shelling near Ukraine nuke plant kill 14; UNSC to hold meet

The US Department of Justice charged an Iranian military operative on Wednesday with plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump’s national security advisor John Bolton.

US charges Iranian military operative in plot to assassinate former Trump advisor John Bolton

The US has announced a $1 billion military package for Ukraine. The latest package brings total US commitments to almost $10 billion. Reports claim only 30% of these weapons are making it to the front lines. What about the rest? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US announces largest military package yet for Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to not dictate Africa's choices during a three-nation tour of the continent. Blinken's trip comes two weeks after Russia's foreign minister visited Africa. Palki Sharma decodes the new race for the continent.

Gravitas: Blinken vows to not dictate Africa's choices

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