Personalized smart guns that can be fired only by verified users could soon be available in US markets. Pistols that can read fingerprints and require passcodes before firing may herald a new era of smart guns, they've been developed in an effort to improve gun safety in the US.

Soon: Smart guns up for sales in US Markets

In a major political gamble, President Biden called on Democratic lawmakers to change Senate rules to override Republican opposition so that his government can pass two pending bills in congress that will significantly expand voting rights in the country.

US: President Biden called on lawmakers to change Senate rules to override Republican opposition

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

A total of 458 officers died in the line of duty in the country last year, making it the deadliest year in more than 90 years and a 55% increase from 2020, according to preliminary data compiled by the organization. Of those, it found that 301 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers had died because of COVID-19.

“It has been reported to NLEOMF that these officers have died due to direct exposure to the virus during the commission of their official duties,” the report said.

Felony assaults were responsible for the deaths of 84 officers last year, including 62 officers killed with firearms, the report said. Fifty-eight were killed in traffic-related incidents while working the roadways. Both the number of deaths from firearm assaults and traffic-related fatalities had risen from the previous year.

The remaining deaths were attributed to reasons such as heart attacks, strokes and 9/11-related illnesses, the report said. Other officers were killed in beatings, drownings and stabbings. One officer was killed by floodwaters, and another was killed in a tornado.

In the three decades before the pandemic, the organization’s annual tally of officers killed in the line of duty surpassed 200 only twice, in 2001 and 2007. The last time it went above 300 was in 1930.

While hundreds of COVID-19-related officer deaths were identified, the report is preliminary and its authors expected that agencies had yet to report a significant number of them.

“Law enforcement officers nationwide continue to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the course of their daily assignments,” it said. “Therefore, the number of line-of-duty deaths is sadly ever increasing.”

Last fall, it was reported that more than 460 U.S. law enforcement officers had died from COVID-19 infections tied to their work since the start of the pandemic. With no comprehensive accounting of how many officers had been sickened with the virus, departments from coast to coast reported large outbreaks in the ranks. Vaccinations, which have proven to be effective in preventing severe illness and death, have remained a hard sell for some officers.

In recent months, as local governments began implementing vaccine mandates for workers, some police officers and law enforcement unions have pushed back, threatening resignations and legal action.

In October, New York City’s largest police union sued over the city’s vaccine mandate. The Police Benevolent Association of New York said it opposed a vaccine mandate for officers that does not allow an option of being tested weekly instead of being vaccinated. A federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit filed by several Los Angeles police officers who had sued over the city’s vaccine mandate.

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

For the second year in a row, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for U.S. law enforcement officers, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. A total of 458 officers died in the line of duty in the country last year, making it the deadliest year in more than 90 years and a 55% increase from 2020, according to preliminary data compiled by the organization. Of those, it found that 301 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers had died because of COVID-19. “It has been reported to NLEOMF that these officers have died due to direct exposure to the virus during the commission of their official duties,” the report said. Felony assaults were responsible for the deaths of 84 officers last year, including 62 officers killed with firearms, the report said. Fifty-eight were killed in traffic-related incidents while working the roadways. Both the number of deaths from firearm assaults and traffic-related fatalities had risen from the previous year. The remaining deaths were attributed to reasons such as heart attacks, strokes and 9/11-related illnesses, the report said. Other officers were killed in beatings, drownings and stabbings. One officer was killed by floodwaters, and another was killed in a tornado. In the three decades before the pandemic, the organization’s annual tally of officers killed in the line of duty surpassed 200 only twice, in 2001 and 2007. The last time it went above 300 was in 1930. While hundreds of COVID-19-related officer deaths were identified, the report is preliminary and its authors expected that agencies had yet to report a significant number of them. “Law enforcement officers nationwide continue to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the course of their daily assignments,” it said. “Therefore, the number of line-of-duty deaths is sadly ever increasing.” Last fall, it was reported that more than 460 U.S. law enforcement officers had died from COVID-19 infections tied to their work since the start of the pandemic. With no comprehensive accounting of how many officers had been sickened with the virus, departments from coast to coast reported large outbreaks in the ranks. Vaccinations, which have proven to be effective in preventing severe illness and death, have remained a hard sell for some officers. In recent months, as local governments began implementing vaccine mandates for workers, some police officers and law enforcement unions have pushed back, threatening resignations and legal action. In October, New York City’s largest police union sued over the city’s vaccine mandate. The Police Benevolent Association of New York said it opposed a vaccine mandate for officers that does not allow an option of being tested weekly instead of being vaccinated. A federal judge this week dismissed a lawsuit filed by several Los Angeles police officers who had sued over the city’s vaccine mandate.

COVID-19 was leading cause of death among US police officers in 2021, report says

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools.

Around four percent of US schools have already shut with the Omicron variant tearing across the country, infecting pupils and educators and forcing teachers' unions to take a more cautious approach to curb transmission.

The unions' decision to prioritize teachers' health has put them at loggerheads with local authorities, as families and experts remain torn about the wisdom of virtual education when effective vaccines are widely available to everyone aged five and up.

President Joe Biden has made keeping physical classrooms running during the current coronavirus surge a priority, and on Wednesday pledged an additional 10 million Covid-19 tests per month for US schools.

"These additional tests will help schools safely remain open and implement screening testing and test to stay programs," the White House said.

"We know how to keep students and staff safely in school -- including through vaccinations and boosters, implementing universal indoor masking, maintaining physical distancing, improving ventilation, and performing COVID-19 screening testing."

The additional kits will double the amount of testing that took place at schools in November 2021, the White House added.

The government will also deploy "surge testing units" near school grounds to support pupils and staff by creating specific hours for them to get checked, and allocating a greater proportion of resources to these communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools.

The US has announced increase in Covid-19 tests for schools with an aim to keep students in classrooms. Surge in Omicron infections in US threatens closure of schools. Around four percent of US schools have already shut with the Omicron variant tearing across the country, infecting pupils and educators and forcing teachers' unions to take a more cautious approach to curb transmission. The unions' decision to prioritize teachers' health has put them at loggerheads with local authorities, as families and experts remain torn about the wisdom of virtual education when effective vaccines are widely available to everyone aged five and up. President Joe Biden has made keeping physical classrooms running during the current coronavirus surge a priority, and on Wednesday pledged an additional 10 million Covid-19 tests per month for US schools. "These additional tests will help schools safely remain open and implement screening testing and test to stay programs," the White House said. "We know how to keep students and staff safely in school -- including through vaccinations and boosters, implementing universal indoor masking, maintaining physical distancing, improving ventilation, and performing COVID-19 screening testing." The additional kits will double the amount of testing that took place at schools in November 2021, the White House added. The government will also deploy "surge testing units" near school grounds to support pupils and staff by creating specific hours for them to get checked, and allocating a greater proportion of resources to these communities. (With inputs from agencies)

US looks at more Covid tests in schools to keep them open

US and Russian diplomats have wrapped up their first round of high-stakes talks in Geneva with both sides showing no signs of narrowing the differences on Ukraine.

US-Russia wraps up first round of high-stakes talks in Geneva

Hospitalization in the US has reached a record high on Monday, with several states struggling to cope with the spike in cases. Now there were 132,000 hospitalizations for Covid, crossing the record set in January last year. But hospitalizations have been increasing steadily since late December, as the Omicron quickly took over Delta as the dominant version of the virus.

United States break Covid hospitalization record

The United States reported over 1.3 million new COVID-19 cases on Monday, with the daily case rate shattering global records as hospitalisations soared across the country.

US reports over 1.3 million new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

The first round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Russia ended without any evident progress amid the threat of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

First round of US-Russia security talk ends, but no progress made

US: Large parts of Russian proposals are non-starters

According to reports, 163 members of the US military have committed suicide in the third quarter of 2021 which represents a greater total than the number of service members who have died from the COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

Reports: US soldiers dying more of suicide than COVID-19

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region.

Speaking at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, Campbell pointed out that the United States has not done enough despite its “enormous moral, strategic, historical interests” in the Pacific.

“If you look and if you ask me, where are the places where we are most likely to see certain kinds of strategic surprise – basing or certain kinds of agreements or arrangements – it may well be in the Pacific,” he told an Australia-focused panel.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-risk-of-war-as-chinas-power-declines-in-indo-pacific-report-434359">&nbsp;'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report</a>

&nbsp;“And we have a very short amount of time, working with partners like Australia, like New Zealand, like Japan, like France, who have an interest in the Pacific, to step up our game across the board,” Campbell added.

Campbell also said that the Quad initiative between US, Australia, India and Japan and the so-called the AUKUS pact, under which Washington and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, are causing China “heartburn”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pacific-represents-a-return-of-history-indias-eam-jaishankar-396283">Indo-Pacific represents a return of history: India's EAM Jaishankar</a>

Some Indo-Pacific countries, many of whom have China as their largest trading partner, have been lamenting on the insufficient. economic engagement from the US following former president Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Biden told Asian leaders in October Washington would launch talks on creating an Indo-Pacific economic framework, but few details have emerged, and his administration has avoided moves towards rejoining trade deals critics say threaten US&nbsp;jobs, reports Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region.

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region. Speaking at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, Campbell pointed out that the United States has not done enough despite its “enormous moral, strategic, historical interests” in the Pacific. “If you look and if you ask me, where are the places where we are most likely to see certain kinds of strategic surprise – basing or certain kinds of agreements or arrangements – it may well be in the Pacific,” he told an Australia-focused panel. Also read | 'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report “And we have a very short amount of time, working with partners like Australia, like New Zealand, like Japan, like France, who have an interest in the Pacific, to step up our game across the board,” Campbell added. Campbell also said that the Quad initiative between US, Australia, India and Japan and the so-called the AUKUS pact, under which Washington and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, are causing China “heartburn”. Also read | Indo-Pacific represents a return of history: India's EAM Jaishankar Some Indo-Pacific countries, many of whom have China as their largest trading partner, have been lamenting on the insufficient. economic engagement from the US following former president Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Biden told Asian leaders in October Washington would launch talks on creating an Indo-Pacific economic framework, but few details have emerged, and his administration has avoided moves towards rejoining trade deals critics say threaten US jobs, reports Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

World likely to see ‘strategic surprise’ in Pacific, says US official, referring to China

After a Taco Bell store refused to accept a fake $20 bill from a diner, he opened fire, killing a worker. Alejandro Garcia was working with his son in south Los Angeles when he was shot in the torso.&nbsp;

It all started when his son got into an argument with two men who were trying to pay with a fake bill while ordering drive-thru food. The argument soon escalated and one of the customers began shooting.&nbsp;

Garcia's cousin Nancy Garcia del Sol while speaking to KABC said, "My nephew was close by so he closed the window but the shots..they went in. He got shot in the heart, and that's what killed him, and he died there.. in front of his son's presence."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sales-of-worlds-largest-condom-maker-down-by-almost-40-in-last-two-years-443592">Also read |&nbsp;Sales of world's largest condom maker down by almost 40% in last two years</a>

His son tried to close the window to protect his dad but bullets still got in.

After the incident, Taco Bell released a statement that read, "We are shocked and saddened to hear that this happened,' Taco Bell said in an official statement on the incident. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Garcia in this difficult time."

According to the police, no arrests have been made so far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After a Taco Bell store refused to accept a fake $20 bill from a diner, he opened fire, killing a worker. Alejandro Garcia was working with his son in south Los Angeles when he was shot in the torso.

After a Taco Bell store refused to accept a fake $20 bill from a diner, he opened fire, killing a worker. Alejandro Garcia was working with his son in south Los Angeles when he was shot in the torso. It all started when his son got into an argument with two men who were trying to pay with a fake bill while ordering drive-thru food. The argument soon escalated and one of the customers began shooting. Garcia's cousin Nancy Garcia del Sol while speaking to KABC said, "My nephew was close by so he closed the window but the shots..they went in. He got shot in the heart, and that's what killed him, and he died there.. in front of his son's presence." Also read | Sales of world's largest condom maker down by almost 40% in last two years His son tried to close the window to protect his dad but bullets still got in. After the incident, Taco Bell released a statement that read, "We are shocked and saddened to hear that this happened,' Taco Bell said in an official statement on the incident. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Garcia in this difficult time." According to the police, no arrests have been made so far. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Taco Bell worker shot by customer after an argument

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.

There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January&nbsp;1.

Food-delivery app tips

This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees.

The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry.

Permanent mail-in ballots

All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting.

Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law.

Minimum wage bump

As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly.

The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour.

Mandatory composting

Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation.

The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Publishing arrest photos

Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes.

Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty.

“Spousal rape” elimination

This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists.

Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California. There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January 1. Food-delivery app tips This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees. The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry. Permanent mail-in ballots All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting. Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law. Minimum wage bump As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly. The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour. Mandatory composting Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation. The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Publishing arrest photos Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes. Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty. “Spousal rape” elimination This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists. Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.

6 new California laws you should know about

After getting stranded on a huge chunk of floating ice, around 34 people were rescued off the shore of Point Comfort on Green Bay on Saturday, as per Brown County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin state of the US. &nbsp;

As per a news release from the sheriff's office, a report of numerous people being stranded on a floating chunk of ice was received by Brown County at around 10:15 am. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-apartment-fire-kills-at-least-19-people-including-nine-children-443457" hreflang="en">New York City apartment fire kills at least 19 people, including nine children</a>

The ice had broken off from the shoreline off Point Comfort. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All the people were rescued with no injuries in less than two hours, the release said. &nbsp;

"It is believed a barge that had gone through the Bay shortly before the ice breakage may have contributed to the destabilisation of the ice," the sheriff's office said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-new-york-state-hospitals-that-must-cancel-elective-surgeries-grows-to-40-443440" hreflang="en">Number of New York state hospitals that must cancel elective surgeries grows to 40</a>

Although the floating ice chunk was just a mile away from shore till the rescue’s end, it had floated around three quarters of a mile during the evacuation effort, the office of the sheriff said. &nbsp;

"Although the chunk of ice remained fairly stable, its condition was deteriorating rapidly (and) cracking up as it moved with the open water pounding at the edge of it," the office added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After getting stranded on a huge chunk of floating ice, around 34 people were rescued off the shore of Point Comfort on Green Bay on Saturday, as per Brown County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin state of the US.

After getting stranded on a huge chunk of floating ice, around 34 people were rescued off the shore of Point Comfort on Green Bay on Saturday, as per Brown County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin state of the US. As per a news release from the sheriff's office, a report of numerous people being stranded on a floating chunk of ice was received by Brown County at around 10:15 am. Also Read: New York City apartment fire kills at least 19 people, including nine children The ice had broken off from the shoreline off Point Comfort. All the people were rescued with no injuries in less than two hours, the release said. "It is believed a barge that had gone through the Bay shortly before the ice breakage may have contributed to the destabilisation of the ice," the sheriff's office said. Also Read: Number of New York state hospitals that must cancel elective surgeries grows to 40 Although the floating ice chunk was just a mile away from shore till the rescue’s end, it had floated around three quarters of a mile during the evacuation effort, the office of the sheriff said. "Although the chunk of ice remained fairly stable, its condition was deteriorating rapidly (and) cracking up as it moved with the open water pounding at the edge of it," the office added. (With inputs from agencies)

Stranded on floating chunk of ice, 34 people get rescued off Green Bay in US

Officials from the United States and Russia are currently holding talks to discuss the crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine and also Moscow's demands for security guarantee. The amassing of Russian troops and equipment along the border with Ukraine has caused a lot of worry in Kiev and also in the West. Officials on both sides have expressed pessimism about any concrete breakthrough from the US and Russia security talks that are currently underway.

US, Russia kick-off talks in Geneva, high-stakes meet amid rising tensions

New York state on Saturday added more hospitals to its list of those ordered to postpone elective surgeries for at least two weeks as the surge in COVID-19 cases threatens to overwhelm hospitals.

The list now includes 40 hospitals that have “met the state’s threshold for ‘high risk regions’ or low-capacity facilities,” the Department of Health said in a statement Saturday.

All 31 hospitals in the Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes and Central regions are now included on the list, and the nine others are scattered throughout the state, according to the statement. None are in New York City. The hospitals must cancel procedures starting Thursday.

The size of the list has fluctuated since early December, when an executive order issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul went into effect to limit elective surgeries before another spike in cases. There were 28 hospitals on the list as recently as December 20.

“We will use every available tool to help ensure that hospitals can manage the COVID-19 winter surge,” Dr. Mary T. Bassett, the acting health commissioner, said in a statement Saturday. “I want to remind New Yorkers that getting vaccinated and boosted remain the best way to protect against serious illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19. Vaccination also protects our hospital system. We cannot return to the early months of the pandemic when hospitals were overwhelmed.”

As the Omicron variant of the coronavirus sweeps through New York, many hospitals are being pushed to their limits by the twin challenges of soaring new cases and growing shortages of nurses, doctors and technicians.

New York state reported a record 90,132 daily new cases, Hochul’s office said Saturday. In the past three days, 439 people have died from the virus, an 80% increase from the same period a week earlier. Two hundred of those deaths were in New York City, more than doubling the number from last week.

While the latest virus wave appears to be less deadly than earlier ones, with far fewer patients on ventilators, even large hospitals with empty intensive care unit beds are straining to handle the rise in caseloads because so many workers are out, health care officials said.

Under Hochul’s executive order, hospitals must stop elective procedures when certain metrics are reached, including:

At least 90% of the beds in a region’s hospital system are filled based on the seven-day average.

The seven-day average hits 85% to 90% and the COVID-19 admission rate for the region is greater than 4%.

While none of the hospitals on the state’s list are in New York City, the Greater New York Hospital Association said that five of the teaching hospitals in the area will increase support to independent hospitals and safety net facilities that are overwhelmed. They include Montefiore Health System, Mount Sinai Health System, NewYork-Presbyterian, Northwell Health and NYU Langone Health.

New York state on Saturday added more hospitals to its list of those ordered to postpone elective surgeries for at least two weeks as the surge in COVID-19 cases threatens to overwhelm hospitals.

New York state on Saturday added more hospitals to its list of those ordered to postpone elective surgeries for at least two weeks as the surge in COVID-19 cases threatens to overwhelm hospitals. The list now includes 40 hospitals that have “met the state’s threshold for ‘high risk regions’ or low-capacity facilities,” the Department of Health said in a statement Saturday. All 31 hospitals in the Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes and Central regions are now included on the list, and the nine others are scattered throughout the state, according to the statement. None are in New York City. The hospitals must cancel procedures starting Thursday. The size of the list has fluctuated since early December, when an executive order issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul went into effect to limit elective surgeries before another spike in cases. There were 28 hospitals on the list as recently as December 20. “We will use every available tool to help ensure that hospitals can manage the COVID-19 winter surge,” Dr. Mary T. Bassett, the acting health commissioner, said in a statement Saturday. “I want to remind New Yorkers that getting vaccinated and boosted remain the best way to protect against serious illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19. Vaccination also protects our hospital system. We cannot return to the early months of the pandemic when hospitals were overwhelmed.” As the Omicron variant of the coronavirus sweeps through New York, many hospitals are being pushed to their limits by the twin challenges of soaring new cases and growing shortages of nurses, doctors and technicians. New York state reported a record 90,132 daily new cases, Hochul’s office said Saturday. In the past three days, 439 people have died from the virus, an 80% increase from the same period a week earlier. Two hundred of those deaths were in New York City, more than doubling the number from last week. While the latest virus wave appears to be less deadly than earlier ones, with far fewer patients on ventilators, even large hospitals with empty intensive care unit beds are straining to handle the rise in caseloads because so many workers are out, health care officials said. Under Hochul’s executive order, hospitals must stop elective procedures when certain metrics are reached, including: At least 90% of the beds in a region’s hospital system are filled based on the seven-day average. The seven-day average hits 85% to 90% and the COVID-19 admission rate for the region is greater than 4%. While none of the hospitals on the state’s list are in New York City, the Greater New York Hospital Association said that five of the teaching hospitals in the area will increase support to independent hospitals and safety net facilities that are overwhelmed. They include Montefiore Health System, Mount Sinai Health System, NewYork-Presbyterian, Northwell Health and NYU Langone Health.

Number of New York state hospitals that must cancel elective surgeries grows to 40

An Asian man named Yao Pan Ma, who was brutally attacked in New York last year has now died. The man was attacked from behind when he was collecting returnable bottles and cans in Harlem in order to raise money to buy food amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

The incident took place on April 23, 2021.

As per the police, Yao fell on the ground and the suspect allegedly kicked him multiple times in the head before fleeing. Yao, however, was rushed to the hospital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://news.sky.com/story/new-york-city-chinese-man-brutally-attacked-in-anti-asian-hate-crime-dies-in-hospital-eight-months-later-12512100">Also read |&nbsp;White House confirms Joe Biden will deliver first State of the Union address on March 1</a>

He never regained consciousness and remained there until his death.&nbsp;

The suspect, Jarrod Powell, was arrested four days later. He was then charged with attempted murder and two counts of assault. The exact charges have not yet been revealed.&nbsp;

The attack came at a time when anti-Asian hate crimes were at a rise in the US. Thousands of people also took part in protests across the US in wake of a surge in violence against Asian Americans. A study found out that reports of anti-Asian hate crimes rose by nearly 150 per cent in 2020, even as hate crimes fell overall by 7 per cent. New York saw a massive surge in reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Asian man named Yao Pan Ma, who was brutally attacked in New York last year has now died. The man was attacked from behind when he was collecting returnable bottles and cans in Harlem in order to raise money to buy food amid the pandemic.

An Asian man named Yao Pan Ma, who was brutally attacked in New York last year has now died. The man was attacked from behind when he was collecting returnable bottles and cans in Harlem in order to raise money to buy food amid the pandemic. The incident took place on April 23, 2021. As per the police, Yao fell on the ground and the suspect allegedly kicked him multiple times in the head before fleeing. Yao, however, was rushed to the hospital. Also read | White House confirms Joe Biden will deliver first State of the Union address on March 1 He never regained consciousness and remained there until his death. The suspect, Jarrod Powell, was arrested four days later. He was then charged with attempted murder and two counts of assault. The exact charges have not yet been revealed. The attack came at a time when anti-Asian hate crimes were at a rise in the US. Thousands of people also took part in protests across the US in wake of a surge in violence against Asian Americans. A study found out that reports of anti-Asian hate crimes rose by nearly 150 per cent in 2020, even as hate crimes fell overall by 7 per cent. New York saw a massive surge in reports. (With inputs from agencies)

In another case of anti-Asian hate crimes, man brutally attacked last year in US dies after 8 months

After heavy snowfall pounded US North East on Friday, catastrophic flooding has now hit parts of Western US. Flood alerts are in place across many coastal regions in the Pacific winter storm warnings have also remained intact for much of the Eastern parts.

After heavy snowfall catastrophic floods hit parts of Western United States

An Indian-origin Sikh taxi driver in the US has been assaulted by an unidentified man, who knocked off his turban and also used expletives against him outside the JFK International Airport.

Indian-origin Sikh taxi driver assaulted in US, turban knocked off at JFK Airport

Amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the US is seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases among children and young adults and a rise in pediatric hospitalisations.

Covid hospitalisations soar for kids under five in US due to Omicron variant

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned that there is still a 'real risk' of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also added that the US would not take decisions on European security without Europe at the table.

NATO warns of 'real' risk of fresh Russian invasion of Ukraine

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With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire&nbsp;ravaged some parts of the state. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill. &nbsp;

The residents of the state have to rebuild homes and businesses, which were destroyed last week in a rare wind-whipped, winter fire. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-release-footage-where-man-bursts-into-flames-on-being-tased-by-police-after-using-sanitizer-443052" hreflang="en">US officials release footage where man bursts into flames on being tased by police after using sanitizer</a>

The wildfire had burned through heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder. &nbsp;

Around 35,000 people were forced to leave their homes. One victim has been identified on Friday, while one person is still missing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="015f73d2-eb76-4b42-bea6-2f5424d6ad08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US2.jpg" />

Biden, who arrived in the Harper Lake neighbourhood of Louisville on Friday afternoon, passed the burned remnants of several homes next to damaged structures, which were still standing. &nbsp;

The leader also met residents and local officials, who were overseeing the response operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-discussed-shipping-stinger-missiles-to-ukraine-report-443055">US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report</a>

Biden, before heading to the White House, described the situation as 'god-awful'. &nbsp;

Around 1,100 buildings have been destroyed. It seems to have also caused a loss of USD 513 million. &nbsp;

The cause of the fire is, however, still under investigation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, federal and local agencies and non-profits are offering housing assistance, food, stipends, counselling and other aid to residents. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire ravaged some parts of the state. The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill.

With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire ravaged some parts of the state. The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill. The residents of the state have to rebuild homes and businesses, which were destroyed last week in a rare wind-whipped, winter fire. Also Read: US officials release footage where man bursts into flames on being tased by police after using sanitizer The wildfire had burned through heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder. Around 35,000 people were forced to leave their homes. One victim has been identified on Friday, while one person is still missing. Biden, who arrived in the Harper Lake neighbourhood of Louisville on Friday afternoon, passed the burned remnants of several homes next to damaged structures, which were still standing. The leader also met residents and local officials, who were overseeing the response operation. Also Read | US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report Biden, before heading to the White House, described the situation as 'god-awful'. Around 1,100 buildings have been destroyed. It seems to have also caused a loss of USD 513 million. The cause of the fire is, however, still under investigation. The state, federal and local agencies and non-profits are offering housing assistance, food, stipends, counselling and other aid to residents. (With inputs from agencies)

To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado

Offering hugs and humour U.S president Joe Biden comforted Coloradans who are grappling with rebuilding homes and businesses that were destroyed last week by a rare wind-whipped winter fire that ripped through two towns in Colorado.

U.S president Joe Biden comforts Coloradans grappling with rebuilding homes, businesses

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