At a time when the world is battling the pandemic a US-based cardiologist termed the latest variant Omicron as nothing more than a seasonal cold virus. In a bid to reduce panic and misinformation that has been circulating around the Omicron variant, the cardiologist has further warned against overreaction and overreach by the government agencies around the world.

'Omicron is a seasonal cold virus, govt's reaction to it is more harmful' claims US-based Doctor

In the United States, the top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has warned of a possible surge in hospitalization rates due to a rise in the number of infections driven by the omicron variant. Listen in to what Dr Fauci has to say.

United States: Early data suggests Omicron is 'less severe' | Covid-19 News

A 2020 trade pact between the United States and China expired. With no signs of revival this is bound to have ramifications.

US and China's trade pact expires, no signs of revival so far

A 2020 trade pact between US and China expired. With no signs of revival this is bound to have ramifications.

Trade pact between United States, China expires

US president Joe Biden has now issued a disaster declaration for Colorado, ordering federal aid to be made available to those affected by the forest fires.

Colorado Wildfires: US President Joe Biden issues a disaster declaration & orders federal aid

For the United States of America, the first day of 2022 brought in some major legal changes. There were restrictions that have been imposed on abortion, minimum wage increase, and also police reforms. These are just a part of a series of new laws that have come into effect across the US.

The first day of 2022 brought in some major legal changes for the United States of America

Supporters of former US President Donald Trump have once again been accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections. According to the latest investigative report by Reuters, more than 850 threatening and hostile messages were aimed at election officials and staff.

Former US President Donald Trump's supporters accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections

When omicron was first detected in South Africa, countries all over the world were swung into action. Travel restrictions were announced. In no time, experts across the world are studying the variant, and several studies highlight various characteristics of omicron.

Making sense of the Omicron: Several studies highlight various characteristics of Omicron

In a measure taken in response to alleged human rights violations and recent coups, the United States on Saturday cut off Mali, Ethiopia and Guinea from access to a duty-free trade programme. &nbsp;

In November, US President Joe Biden had threatened this action by saying that Ethiopia would be removed from the duty-free trading regime provided under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-new-years-party-shooting-in-us-3-dead-4-injured-441693">At New Year's party shooting in US, 3 dead, 4 injured</a>

The president had made the announcement over alleged human rights violations in the Tigray region, while Mali and Guinea were targeted due to the recent coups in these countries. &nbsp;

In a statement, the US Trade Representative’s office, said, "The United States today terminated Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea from the AGOA trade preference programme due to actions taken by each of their governments in violation of the AGOA Statute." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-is-water-on-fire-witness-rare-sea-smoke-emanated-in-us-441625" hreflang="en">Watch: Is water on fire? Witness rare sea smoke emanated in US</a>

The USTR statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply concerned by the unconstitutional change in governments in both Guinea and Mali, and by the gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by the Government of Ethiopia and other parties amid the widening conflict in northern Ethiopia." &nbsp;

Ethiopia's textile industry, which supplies global fashion brands, will be one of the worst sufferers of this suspension.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a measure taken in response to alleged human rights violations and recent coups, the United States on Saturday cut off Mali, Ethiopia and Guinea from access to a duty-free trade programme.

In a measure taken in response to alleged human rights violations and recent coups, the United States on Saturday cut off Mali, Ethiopia and Guinea from access to a duty-free trade programme. In November, US President Joe Biden had threatened this action by saying that Ethiopia would be removed from the duty-free trading regime provided under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Also Read: At New Year's party shooting in US, 3 dead, 4 injured The president had made the announcement over alleged human rights violations in the Tigray region, while Mali and Guinea were targeted due to the recent coups in these countries. In a statement, the US Trade Representative’s office, said, "The United States today terminated Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea from the AGOA trade preference programme due to actions taken by each of their governments in violation of the AGOA Statute." Also Read: Watch: Is water on fire? Witness rare sea smoke emanated in US The USTR statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply concerned by the unconstitutional change in governments in both Guinea and Mali, and by the gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by the Government of Ethiopia and other parties amid the widening conflict in northern Ethiopia." Ethiopia's textile industry, which supplies global fashion brands, will be one of the worst sufferers of this suspension. (With inputs from agencies)

US removes Mali, Ethiopia, Guinea from duty-free trade programme over violations

In a shooting at a party in the US state of Mississippi, three people were killed and four others were injured, the authorities said. &nbsp;

At the party, several people had gathered. The incident occurred just minutes before the end of 2021. &nbsp;

At the Gulfport New Year's party shooting, no arrests have been made till now. The investigators are still going through the chaotic scene. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-gaza-militants-celebrate-new-year-with-exchange-of-rocket-fire-441686" hreflang="en">Israeli military, Gaza militants 'celebrate' New Year with exchange of rocket fire</a>

More than 50 bullets were fired from several guns. The people, who saw the shooting and some of the wounded, aren't talking to officers, said Gulfport Police Chief Chris Ryle. &nbsp;

At a Saturday news conference, Ryle said, "I understand their mentality. They don't want to be seen a snitches in public. But we have a phone line, they are more than welcome to call.” &nbsp;

"Guns, drugs, alcohol, it's a recipe for disaster," Ryle added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experiences-warmest-new-years-day-on-record-441678" hreflang="en">UK experiences warmest New Year's Day on record</a>

According to police, one person is in critical condition. Three others, who were wounded, are expected to recover. The cops had responded to 911 calls at 11:58 pm on Friday. &nbsp;

The investigators are still unclear about what caused the shoving and punching, which quickly turned into shooting, the police chief said. &nbsp;

At the news conference posted on the website of The Sun Herald of Biloxi, Ryle said, "Somebody out there last night saw something with that many people." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a shooting at a party in the US state of Mississippi, three people were killed and four others were injured, the authorities said. At the party, several people had gathered.

In a shooting at a party in the US state of Mississippi, three people were killed and four others were injured, the authorities said. At the party, several people had gathered. The incident occurred just minutes before the end of 2021. At the Gulfport New Year's party shooting, no arrests have been made till now. The investigators are still going through the chaotic scene. Also Read: Israeli military, Gaza militants 'celebrate' New Year with exchange of rocket fire More than 50 bullets were fired from several guns. The people, who saw the shooting and some of the wounded, aren't talking to officers, said Gulfport Police Chief Chris Ryle. At a Saturday news conference, Ryle said, "I understand their mentality. They don't want to be seen a snitches in public. But we have a phone line, they are more than welcome to call.” "Guns, drugs, alcohol, it's a recipe for disaster," Ryle added. Also Read: UK experiences warmest New Year's Day on record According to police, one person is in critical condition. Three others, who were wounded, are expected to recover. The cops had responded to 911 calls at 11:58 pm on Friday. The investigators are still unclear about what caused the shoving and punching, which quickly turned into shooting, the police chief said. At the news conference posted on the website of The Sun Herald of Biloxi, Ryle said, "Somebody out there last night saw something with that many people." (With inputs from agencies)

At New Year's party shooting in US, 3 dead, 4 injured

In an astonishing development, a US man, who went to a local 7-Eleven to buy chocolate milk for his children, exited the store with a $1,000,000 platinum jackpot. &nbsp;

The lucky man in Virginia turned out to be a top prize winner. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-removes-mali-ethiopia-guinea-from-duty-free-trade-programme-over-violations-441704" hreflang="en">US removes Mali, Ethiopia, Guinea from duty-free trade programme over violations</a>

Dennis Willoughby, who resides in North Chesterfield, had visited a local 7-Eleven to shop for chocolate milk for his children. At that time, he also decided to pick up a scratch-off lottery ticket, said Virginia Lottery officials on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The ticket seems to have changed the fate of Willoughby. He is the second player to win the top prize in this game. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the lottery officials, the odds of winning in it are 1 in 1,632,000. There seems to be one more top-prize winning ticket somewhere waiting to be scratched by a lucky guy. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-new-years-party-shooting-in-us-3-dead-4-injured-441693" hreflang="en">At New Year's party shooting in US, 3 dead, 4 injured</a>

The man was offered the choice of taking either the full $1 million prize in annual payments spread over 30 years or get a one-time cash payment of $640,205 before deduction of taxes. Willoughby chose the latter. &nbsp;

Now, he can buy lots of chocolate milk all his life. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an astonishing development, a US man, who went to a local 7-Eleven to buy chocolate milk for his children, exited the store with a $1,000,000 platinum jackpot.

In an astonishing development, a US man, who went to a local 7-Eleven to buy chocolate milk for his children, exited the store with a $1,000,000 platinum jackpot. The lucky man in Virginia turned out to be a top prize winner. Also Read: US removes Mali, Ethiopia, Guinea from duty-free trade programme over violations Dennis Willoughby, who resides in North Chesterfield, had visited a local 7-Eleven to shop for chocolate milk for his children. At that time, he also decided to pick up a scratch-off lottery ticket, said Virginia Lottery officials on Wednesday. The ticket seems to have changed the fate of Willoughby. He is the second player to win the top prize in this game. According to the lottery officials, the odds of winning in it are 1 in 1,632,000. There seems to be one more top-prize winning ticket somewhere waiting to be scratched by a lucky guy. Also Read: At New Year's party shooting in US, 3 dead, 4 injured The man was offered the choice of taking either the full $1 million prize in annual payments spread over 30 years or get a one-time cash payment of $640,205 before deduction of taxes. Willoughby chose the latter. Now, he can buy lots of chocolate milk all his life. (With inputs from agencies)

US man enters 7-Eleven for chocolate milk, exits with $1 million platinum jackpot

A recent study has predicted that the US COVID-19 cases, that are surging because of the Omicron mutant variant could top during the week of Jan 9th.

The US COVID-19 cases that are driven by the Omicron variant to hit a peak soon

A fierce wildfire has engulfed the US state of Colorado, injuring at least half a dozen people with more than 500 homes that are feared to have been destroyed.

Colorado Wildfire: Heavy snow is expected to douse remaining embers

Russia has announced a new meeting between Russia, the United States, China, and Pakistan under the extended Troika format of talks.

Russia announces extended Troika talks between the US, Russia, China, and Pakistan

The Presidents of the United States and Russia held a telephonic conversation that lasted about 50 minutes. This is the second such conversation between the world leaders within 3 weeks.

US President Joe Biden warns his Russian Counterpart Vladimir Putin of heavy price over Ukraine

The United States remains the hardest-hit country in the world by the Coronavirus, and the Omicron variant has already started to overwhelm some hospitals in the US.

The US reports almost half a million cases per day as Omicron variant starts to overwhelm hospitals

In a bid to tackle homelessness in Los Angeles, Authorities have come up with tiny villages. They also offer mental health support for them.

US: Los Angeles creates tiny villages for the homeless

Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co (BA.N) KC-46 refuelling planes, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion.The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel's air force capabilities and includes an option to buy six additional helicopters.

Israel signs deal with US to buy helicopters to upgrade capabilities of its air force

A war of words erupted between business mogul Warren Buffett and US Senator Bernie Sanders over a strike carried out by 450 steelworkers at a company owned by the billionaire.

The workers at Special Metals, an aviation parts plant owned by Precision Castparts, went on strike in October over issues such as health care and compensation.

Sanders wrote to Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, requesting him to intervene in a United Steelworkers union strike.

“At a time when this company and&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway&nbsp;are both doing very well, there is no reason why workers employed by you should be worrying about whether they will be able to feed their children or have health care,” Sanders wrote.

"There is no reason why the standard of living of these hard-working Americans should decline. I know that you and Berkshire Hathaway can do better than that," he said.

But Buffett rebuffed Sanders saying that he would not involve himself in the ongoing negotiations.

The billionaire noted a longstanding policy that Berkshire Hathaway’s companies “deal individually with their own labour and personnel decisions”.

“I’m passing along your letter to the CEO of Precision Castparts but making no recommendation to him as to any action,” Buffett wrote&nbsp;in a letter to Sanders. “He is responsible for his business.”

Buffett asserted Berkshire has had extensive dealings with union employees and has “never purchased or sold a company because of its union or non-union status.”

According to reports, the labour negotiations between the steelworkers and Precision Castparts are expected to resume next week.

Buffett is one of the world’s richest individuals, with a personal net worth of more than $109 billion, according to Forbes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A war of words erupted between business mogul Warren Buffett and US Senator Bernie Sanders over a strike carried out by 450 steelworkers at a company owned by the billionaire.

A war of words erupted between business mogul Warren Buffett and US Senator Bernie Sanders over a strike carried out by 450 steelworkers at a company owned by the billionaire. The workers at Special Metals, an aviation parts plant owned by Precision Castparts, went on strike in October over issues such as health care and compensation. Sanders wrote to Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, requesting him to intervene in a United Steelworkers union strike. “At a time when this company and Berkshire Hathaway are both doing very well, there is no reason why workers employed by you should be worrying about whether they will be able to feed their children or have health care,” Sanders wrote. "There is no reason why the standard of living of these hard-working Americans should decline. I know that you and Berkshire Hathaway can do better than that," he said. But Buffett rebuffed Sanders saying that he would not involve himself in the ongoing negotiations. The billionaire noted a longstanding policy that Berkshire Hathaway’s companies “deal individually with their own labour and personnel decisions”. “I’m passing along your letter to the CEO of Precision Castparts but making no recommendation to him as to any action,” Buffett wrote in a letter to Sanders. “He is responsible for his business.” Buffett asserted Berkshire has had extensive dealings with union employees and has “never purchased or sold a company because of its union or non-union status.” According to reports, the labour negotiations between the steelworkers and Precision Castparts are expected to resume next week. Buffett is one of the world’s richest individuals, with a personal net worth of more than $109 billion, according to Forbes. (With inputs from agencies)

Buffet, Sanders spar over aiding US steelworkers to end strike

US might be staring at a massive shortage of wine this new year as experts have warned of massive supply chain issues affecting the global market.

Senior editor of Wine Spectator Alison Napjus told Fox Business that combined factors of logistical disruptions, shipments backlogged at US ports and a lack of delivery drivers have created a “perfect storm” ahead of one of their busiest holidays.

“It’s not even just that basic transportation issue. We’re also looking at things like shortages of the cage that goes on top of your bottle, labels, boxes to put wine in,” Napjus said.

Fox Business reported that multiple companies have reported “higher logistics-related costs and disruptions” to their normal business.

Vineyards have also been impacted as they are dealing with a shortage of truck drivers and backlog at the ports, according to reports.

Earlier this month, a report from Wine Enthusiast Magazine&nbsp;predicted that the impact of the champagne shortage may last for years in the country.&nbsp;

According to the outlet, Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) – the French region’s trade organisation—reported that demand for Champagne dropped 18 per cent by volume in 2020. In response, the CICV capped production limits for the year at 25 percent less than its 2019 limits.

However, towards the end of 2020 during the holiday season and in 2021, demand increased once again.

Throughout 2021, champagne’s harvest was marred with horrible weather issues, including out-of-season heat waves, frost, and torrential summer rains, according to Wine Enthusiast.

(With inputs from agencies)

US might be staring at a massive shortage of wine this new year as experts have warned of massive supply chain issues affecting the global market. Senior editor of Wine Spectator Alison Napjus told Fox Business that combined factors of logistical disruptions, shipments backlogged at US ports and a lack of delivery drivers have created a “perfect storm” ahead of one of their busiest holidays.

US might be staring at a massive shortage of wine this new year as experts have warned of massive supply chain issues affecting the global market. Senior editor of Wine Spectator Alison Napjus told Fox Business that combined factors of logistical disruptions, shipments backlogged at US ports and a lack of delivery drivers have created a “perfect storm” ahead of one of their busiest holidays. “It’s not even just that basic transportation issue. We’re also looking at things like shortages of the cage that goes on top of your bottle, labels, boxes to put wine in,” Napjus said. Fox Business reported that multiple companies have reported “higher logistics-related costs and disruptions” to their normal business. Vineyards have also been impacted as they are dealing with a shortage of truck drivers and backlog at the ports, according to reports. Earlier this month, a report from Wine Enthusiast Magazine predicted that the impact of the champagne shortage may last for years in the country. According to the outlet, Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) – the French region’s trade organisation—reported that demand for Champagne dropped 18 per cent by volume in 2020. In response, the CICV capped production limits for the year at 25 percent less than its 2019 limits. However, towards the end of 2020 during the holiday season and in 2021, demand increased once again. Throughout 2021, champagne’s harvest was marred with horrible weather issues, including out-of-season heat waves, frost, and torrential summer rains, according to Wine Enthusiast. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of 2022, US may face shortage of champagne owing to supply chain issues: Report

US remains hardest-hit by COVID as Omicron variant starts to overwhelm some hospitals

US President Joe Biden came into office nearly a year ago with the message “America is back,” and he promised that diplomacy would replace military power as the main instrument of US foreign policy. VOA’s chief White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara has this recap of the President’s policies abroad in his first year in office.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Looking back at Biden's foreign policy

Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

A new meeting of the United States, Russia, China and Pakistan under Extended Troika format is scheduled for January next year in Kabul. The date for talks is yet to be decided.

Extended Troika talks to be held in last week of January, date yet to be fixed

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