The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is a 115-year-old federal organisation in America. It is the world's most powerful regulatory body, with an annual budget of $6.1 billion.

USFDA: Pharma regulator is among world's most powerful bodies

Amid the ongoing border conflict with Ukraine and Russia, Moscow sought security guarantees from the US. However, the US says some of Moscow's demands are unacceptable.

Russia seeks security guarantees from US amid Ukraine conflict

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive.

The ship departed Dec. 11 for a seven-night Caribbean cruise and returned to port in Miami on Saturday, the company said.

The cases were identified because of contact tracing after a guest tested positive, the cruise line said.

“Each person quickly went into quarantine,” the statement said. “Everyone who tested positive was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and we continuously monitored their health.”

The cruise line said that the ship sailed with 95% of its guests aboard fully vaccinated and that 98% of the people who tested positive were fully vaccinated. It was not immediately clear whether any of the people who tested positive had received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-witnesses-rare-anti-government-protest-after-execution-of-kurdish-prisoner-438428">Also read |&nbsp;Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner</a>

Royal Caribbean requires travelers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before boarding the ship. Children who are not yet vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test result before sailing and test negative at the terminal before boarding.

The company said that all its crew members were full vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested weekly.

During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, outbreaks on cruise ships sickened hundreds of people and upended the tourism industry, as officials and companies struggled to keep crews and passengers safe.

For months, cruise ships were barred from sailing to many ports. Even after vaccinations became more widely available in the United States in April, allowing much of the travel industry to ramp up again, cruise ships remained docked in ports, costing the industry billions of dollars each month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">Also read |&nbsp;China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a>

The cruise industry rebounded in the summer, with many companies reporting an increase in bookings and a better handle on COVID-19 protocols.

But a recent spike in COVID cases in parts of the United States and Europe and growing concerns over the omicron variant may hinder that momentum.

This month, at least 17 coronavirus cases were identified on a Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship that docked in New Orleans, including a case of the new omicron variant.

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line. Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive.

Dozens of passengers and crew members aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the cruise line. Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the ship, the Symphony of the Seas, was carrying more than 6,000 guests and crew members when 48 people onboard tested positive. The ship departed Dec. 11 for a seven-night Caribbean cruise and returned to port in Miami on Saturday, the company said. The cases were identified because of contact tracing after a guest tested positive, the cruise line said. “Each person quickly went into quarantine,” the statement said. “Everyone who tested positive was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and we continuously monitored their health.” The cruise line said that the ship sailed with 95% of its guests aboard fully vaccinated and that 98% of the people who tested positive were fully vaccinated. It was not immediately clear whether any of the people who tested positive had received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read | Iran witnesses rare anti-government protest after execution of Kurdish prisoner Royal Caribbean requires travelers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and test negative before boarding the ship. Children who are not yet vaccinated must provide a negative PCR test result before sailing and test negative at the terminal before boarding. The company said that all its crew members were full vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested weekly. During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, outbreaks on cruise ships sickened hundreds of people and upended the tourism industry, as officials and companies struggled to keep crews and passengers safe. For months, cruise ships were barred from sailing to many ports. Even after vaccinations became more widely available in the United States in April, allowing much of the travel industry to ramp up again, cruise ships remained docked in ports, costing the industry billions of dollars each month. Also read | China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever The cruise industry rebounded in the summer, with many companies reporting an increase in bookings and a better handle on COVID-19 protocols. But a recent spike in COVID cases in parts of the United States and Europe and growing concerns over the omicron variant may hinder that momentum. This month, at least 17 coronavirus cases were identified on a Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship that docked in New Orleans, including a case of the new omicron variant.

Cruise ship returns to Miami with 48 cases of COVID-19

Delta variant continues to wreak havoc across USA. Top health experts have also warned of a looming Omicron wave that could sweep across the US.

Omicron variant continues to wreak havoc across US

According to Chief Medical Advisor to US President Dr Anthony Fauci, the initial reports on the Omicron variant of coronavirus indicate that it may be less dangerous than Delta which continues to drive a surge in hospitalisations.

Early indications suggest Omicron may be less dangerous than Delta, says Fauci

US President Joe Biden has announced a pandemic strategy to protect Americans from the newly found Omicron COVID-19 variant over the winter.

Biden lays out winter plan to protect against Omicron COVID-19 variant

The US President Joe Biden laid out a pandemic strategy to fight the spread of the newly found Omicron COVID-19 variant that includes hundreds of vaccination sites, boosters for all adults, new testing requirements for international travellers and free at-home tests.

US President Biden lays out plans to fight spread of Omicron COVID-19 variant

President Joe Biden called the new omicron variant of the coronavirus a cause for concern but “not a cause for panic” and said that he was not considering any widespread US lockdown.

US President Joe Biden says Omicron variant is cause for 'concern, not panic'

The new COVID-19 variant, Omicron has triggered alarm in all over the world is now posing new risks for the American people. This comes at a time when the Biden administration is attempting to control the latest strain of the virus.

US brraces for new Omicron COVID-19 variant

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. This time, while delivering a speech at South Carolina State University during its 2021 Fall commencement ceremony, Biden referred to US Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Harris”. &nbsp;

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Ice Cream Brain just said “President Harris.” 
 
😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/VUijnvdWhu">pic.twitter.com/VUijnvdWhu</a>
— Politics 2.0 (@magapolitics2) <a href="https://twitter.com/magapolitics2/status/1471885577469534213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US President said, “… all kidding aside, of course, President Harris, who’s a proud Howard alumn, she might have something to say about Delaware State.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pays-respects-on-first-wife-daughters-graves-on-crashs-49th-anniversary-438161" hreflang="en">Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary</a>

The video of Biden’s speech has gone viral and “President Harris” was also trending on Twitter. Numerous comments, memes and posts have been made over the remark. &nbsp;

Some users mocked Biden while some praised Kamala Harris while others made speculations over 2024 election.

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When nominee Barack Obama selected Joe Biden as his vice president, he introduced him in Springfield, IL as "President Biden." 
 
It wasn't a mistake; it was foretelling. As is "President Harris."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentHarris</a> <a href="https://t.co/cqFYahB84v">pic.twitter.com/cqFYahB84v</a>
— Aarshin Karande (@AarshinKarande) <a href="https://twitter.com/AarshinKarande/status/1471963509810348033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Biden has made the mistake of referring Harris as the president in the past too. He had also made many other mistakes while speaking on different occasions. &nbsp;

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President Harris? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Joebiden?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Joebiden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentHarris</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalaHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalaHarris</a> <a href="https://t.co/Okdna27hCC">pic.twitter.com/Okdna27hCC</a>
— Scoop (@TimScoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimScoop/status/1471930580035981312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The president had mistakenly said that he is going to celebrate his ‘58th’ birthday while it was his ‘79th' on November 20 this year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-fitting-reply-billionaire-elon-musk-announces-to-pay-over-11-bn-in-taxes-this-year-438306" hreflang="en">In fitting reply, billionaire Elon Musk announces to pay over $11 bn in taxes this year</a>

During a menorah lighting celebration at White House for Hanukkah, the president appeared to forget Arab–Israeli history as he got confused between 1967 Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War of 1973. &nbsp;

Not just this, he had also appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. This time, while delivering a speech at South Carolina State University during its 2021 Fall commencement ceremony, Biden referred to US Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Harris”.

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. This time, while delivering a speech at South Carolina State University during its 2021 Fall commencement ceremony, Biden referred to US Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Harris”. Ice Cream Brain just said “President Harris.” 😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/VUijnvdWhu — Politics 2.0 (@magapolitics2) December 17, 2021 × The US President said, “… all kidding aside, of course, President Harris, who’s a proud Howard alumn, she might have something to say about Delaware State.” Also Read: Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary The video of Biden’s speech has gone viral and “President Harris” was also trending on Twitter. Numerous comments, memes and posts have been made over the remark. Some users mocked Biden while some praised Kamala Harris while others made speculations over 2024 election. When nominee Barack Obama selected Joe Biden as his vice president, he introduced him in Springfield, IL as "President Biden." It wasn't a mistake; it was foretelling. As is "President Harris."#PresidentHarris pic.twitter.com/cqFYahB84v — Aarshin Karande (@AarshinKarande) December 17, 2021 × Biden has made the mistake of referring Harris as the president in the past too. He had also made many other mistakes while speaking on different occasions. President Harris? #Joebiden #PresidentHarris #KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/Okdna27hCC — Scoop (@TimScoop) December 17, 2021 × The president had mistakenly said that he is going to celebrate his ‘58th’ birthday while it was his ‘79th' on November 20 this year. Also Read: In fitting reply, billionaire Elon Musk announces to pay over $11 bn in taxes this year During a menorah lighting celebration at White House for Hanukkah, the president appeared to forget Arab–Israeli history as he got confused between 1967 Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War of 1973. Not just this, he had also appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: In new gaffe, US President Joe Biden calls Kamala Harris as ‘President Harris’

As Delta variant continues to wreak havoc across the US, top health experts have now warned of a looming Omicron wave in the country. Experts have warned that the Omicron variant will dominate the newly registered cases in the coming weeks due to its high transmissibility.

US experts say Omicron will dominate new cases in coming weeks

Top health experts warn of looming Omicron wave in United States

CDC warns of looming Omicron wave in US

As the Omicron variant of coronavirus spreads its wings in the US, the number of cases and deaths reported a surge in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, average COVID deaths per day have shot up 28%.

Amid Omicron threat, COVID-19 cases & deaths surge in US

Who says miracles don’t happen in real world. In what may turn several people into a believer, two babies have survived a tornado in Kentucky state of the US recently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

No, we are not kidding. In the recent tornadoes, 15-month-old Kaden and three-month-old Dallas, who had taken shelter in the bathtub with a blanket, pillow and Bible on last Friday, have miraculously survived the onslaught of the nature. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madrid-thousands-dressed-as-santa-take-part-in-charity-run-for-volcano-hit-la-palma-438222" hreflang="en">Madrid: Thousands dressed as Santa take part in charity run for volcano-hit La Palma</a>

The tornado had ripped the bathtub out of the ground and tossed it into the yard, grandmother of the children said. &nbsp;

When the tornado struck, the house, which is located in Hopkins county, started shaking, said the grandparent, Clara Lutz. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Next thing I knew, the tub had lifted and it was out of my hands. I couldn’t hold on. I just – oh my God. All I could say was, ‘Lord please bring my babies back safely. Please, I beg thee’,” Lutz told WFIE-TV. &nbsp;

Lutz, whose house was stripped to the foundation, got hit in the back of the head by the water tank of the tub. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-typhoon-rai-climbs-to-208-in-philippines-over-50-missing-national-police-438246" hreflang="en">Death toll from Typhoon Rai climbs to 208 in Philippines, over 50 missing: National Police</a>

After the tornado strike, Lutz looked everywhere for her grandchildren, who were found alive underneath an upside-down bathtub in her yard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dallas had got injured on the back of his head but bleeding stopped before reaching Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Who says miracles don’t happen in real world. In what may turn several people into a believer, two babies have survived a tornado in Kentucky state of the US recently.

Who says miracles don’t happen in real world. In what may turn several people into a believer, two babies have survived a tornado in Kentucky state of the US recently. No, we are not kidding. In the recent tornadoes, 15-month-old Kaden and three-month-old Dallas, who had taken shelter in the bathtub with a blanket, pillow and Bible on last Friday, have miraculously survived the onslaught of the nature. Also Read | Madrid: Thousands dressed as Santa take part in charity run for volcano-hit La Palma The tornado had ripped the bathtub out of the ground and tossed it into the yard, grandmother of the children said. When the tornado struck, the house, which is located in Hopkins county, started shaking, said the grandparent, Clara Lutz. “Next thing I knew, the tub had lifted and it was out of my hands. I couldn’t hold on. I just – oh my God. All I could say was, ‘Lord please bring my babies back safely. Please, I beg thee’,” Lutz told WFIE-TV. Lutz, whose house was stripped to the foundation, got hit in the back of the head by the water tank of the tub. Also Read | Death toll from Typhoon Rai climbs to 208 in Philippines, over 50 missing: National Police After the tornado strike, Lutz looked everywhere for her grandchildren, who were found alive underneath an upside-down bathtub in her yard. Dallas had got injured on the back of his head but bleeding stopped before reaching Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, she said. (With inputs from agencies)

In miraculous save, two babies in US survive tornado by sheltering in bathtub

Amid ongoing showdown over Ukraine invasion threats, Russia demands talks with US and NATO alliance to ease tensions.

Russia demands talks with US & NATO amid showdown over Ukraine

In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pays-respects-on-first-wife-daughters-graves-on-crashs-49th-anniversary-438161" hreflang="en">Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary</a>

The memo added, "The use of pronouns (he/him, she/her, or they/them) in an email signature block is authorised but not required." &nbsp;&nbsp;

This development comes as several college campuses and workplaces across the country have been making concerted efforts to adopt the 'gender neutral' pronouns for being politically correct while addressing people. It is done where people don’t want to be identified with a single gender or wish to be addressed by a gender different from their biological sex. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-save-rare-seabirds-us-officials-to-air-drop-3000-pounds-of-rat-poison-on-coastal-islands-438142" hreflang="en">To save rare seabirds, US officials to air drop 3,000 pounds of rat poison on coastal islands</a>

Earlier this year, the State Department was slammed for celebrating ‘International Pronouns Day’ given the challenges it has been facing nowadays.

"Today on International Pronouns Day, we share why many people list pronouns on their email and social media profiles," the department had posted on Twitter. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download.

In what can open a can of worms, the United States Air Force has approved the usage of gender pronouns in electronic signature boxes for internal communication. On December 9, the US Air Force correspondence, said, "This guidance provides approval for the use of pronouns in electronic signature blocks and expands on written communication by providing official templates posted on e-publishing website available for download." Also Read: Biden pays respects on first wife, daughter’s graves on crash’s 49th anniversary The memo added, "The use of pronouns (he/him, she/her, or they/them) in an email signature block is authorised but not required." This development comes as several college campuses and workplaces across the country have been making concerted efforts to adopt the 'gender neutral' pronouns for being politically correct while addressing people. It is done where people don’t want to be identified with a single gender or wish to be addressed by a gender different from their biological sex. Also Read: To save rare seabirds, US officials to air drop 3,000 pounds of rat poison on coastal islands Earlier this year, the State Department was slammed for celebrating ‘International Pronouns Day’ given the challenges it has been facing nowadays. "Today on International Pronouns Day, we share why many people list pronouns on their email and social media profiles," the department had posted on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

In memo, US Air Force gives green signal to gender pronouns’ use for internal communication

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports &amp; WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs."

He further said that people who are working from the office will require face masks all the time, except for eating and drinking or being in a room alone. As per Zucker, the network made this decision out of an "abundance of caution."

Infections have grown by 40 per cent across the US in the last two weeks, and deaths have soared by more than a third, with more than 1,300 Americans dying every day from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-us-president-warns-of-winter-with-severe-illness-and-death-437546">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron: US President warns of winter with 'severe illness and death'</a>

Not just CNN, but many other organisations can be seen taking precautions. Many colleges have already declared a switch to online classes, while professional sports leagues and Broadway theatres have cancelled games and performances.&nbsp;

Keeping in mind the increasing cases, US President Biden warned of winter of "serious illness and death" for unvaccinated Americans. "For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death... for themselves, their families and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm," Biden said.&nbsp;

He added, "But there's good news. If you're vaccinated, and you have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death, period."

(With inputs from agencies)

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs.

CNN is closing its offices for all the non-essential workers in the United States amid a surge in Covid cases. Network President Jeff Zucker in a memo said, "Given the recent, sudden surge in Covid cases around the country, and within our teams at CNN, Turner Sports & WarnerMedia Studios, as of tonight we are CLOSING our offices to all employees who do not have to be in the office to do their jobs." He further said that people who are working from the office will require face masks all the time, except for eating and drinking or being in a room alone. As per Zucker, the network made this decision out of an "abundance of caution." Infections have grown by 40 per cent across the US in the last two weeks, and deaths have soared by more than a third, with more than 1,300 Americans dying every day from the deadly virus. Also read | Omicron: US President warns of winter with 'severe illness and death' Not just CNN, but many other organisations can be seen taking precautions. Many colleges have already declared a switch to online classes, while professional sports leagues and Broadway theatres have cancelled games and performances. Keeping in mind the increasing cases, US President Biden warned of winter of "serious illness and death" for unvaccinated Americans. "For unvaccinated, we are looking at a winter of severe illness and death... for themselves, their families and the hospitals they’ll soon overwhelm," Biden said. He added, "But there's good news. If you're vaccinated, and you have your booster shot, you’re protected from severe illness and death, period." (With inputs from agencies)

'Abundance of caution': CNN closes US offices for non-essential workers amid a surge in Covid cases

While criticising US President Joe Biden's immigration policies, Texas Governor inaugurated the first stretch of border barrier.

Amid the ongoing migrant crisis, Texas starts constructing its own border wall with Mexico

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It will help in&nbsp;curbing mice population on the islands.&nbsp;

This agency, which regulates coastline of California, approved the idea by voting 5-3 in its favour on Thursday night.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-getting-drugged-with-cocaine-and-flushed-by-owner-pet-monkey-recovers-in-uk-438117" hreflang="en">After getting drugged with cocaine and flushed by owner, pet monkey recovers in UK</a>

According to the plan, around 3,000 pounds of rat poison will be air dropped from helicopters on the rocky islands off San Francisco coast, which are home to innumerable breeding birds. &nbsp;

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The government is planning to drop rat poison onto California islands that are home to vulnerable sea mammal + sea bird populations. 
 
It wants to kill off mice brought to the island by boats, but activists say the poison will also kill any animals that eat them. <a href="https://t.co/NV3IbtKdMz">pic.twitter.com/NV3IbtKdMz</a>
— AJ+ (@ajplus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajplus/status/1149288336646971393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This move, however, will also need approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service regional director. Even then, it may take around two years before the programme actually gets underway, the officials said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The around 300,000-strong breeding seabirds at Farallon Islands refuge are being threatened by mice, which arrived at the island aboard ships over a century ago. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/corals-in-the-great-barrier-reef-could-become-target-of-mass-bleaching-438108" hreflang="en">Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching</a>

In recent years, the population of mouse has exploded, which has attracted burrowing owls. These owls also prey on the ashy storm-petrel, the officials said. &nbsp;

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In April, radio-collared mountain lion P-47 was discovered dead in California after exposure to rat poison. Using indiscriminate control, such as poisons, causes undue suffering + devastation to our wild community. 
Protect our wildlife. Skip the poison. <a href="https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9">https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9</a> <a href="https://t.co/RiJLQ0wtWs">pic.twitter.com/RiJLQ0wtWs</a>
— Wolf Conservation Center (@nywolforg) <a href="https://twitter.com/nywolforg/status/1153691294054658054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At the meeting, Gerry McChesney, manager, wildlife refuge, said, "This project is necessary and is the right thing to do to stop the ecosystem carnage done by mice: A human-caused problem." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

In an attempt to save rare seabirds, the California Coastal Commission in the United States has given a go ahead to a plan for air dropping rat poison on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It will help in curbing mice population on the islands. This agency, which regulates coastline of California, approved the idea by voting 5-3 in its favour on Thursday night. Also Read: After getting drugged with cocaine and flushed by owner, pet monkey recovers in UK According to the plan, around 3,000 pounds of rat poison will be air dropped from helicopters on the rocky islands off San Francisco coast, which are home to innumerable breeding birds. The government is planning to drop rat poison onto California islands that are home to vulnerable sea mammal + sea bird populations. It wants to kill off mice brought to the island by boats, but activists say the poison will also kill any animals that eat them. pic.twitter.com/NV3IbtKdMz — AJ+ (@ajplus) July 11, 2019 × This move, however, will also need approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service regional director. Even then, it may take around two years before the programme actually gets underway, the officials said. The around 300,000-strong breeding seabirds at Farallon Islands refuge are being threatened by mice, which arrived at the island aboard ships over a century ago. Also Read: Corals in the Great Barrier Reef could become target of mass bleaching In recent years, the population of mouse has exploded, which has attracted burrowing owls. These owls also prey on the ashy storm-petrel, the officials said. In April, radio-collared mountain lion P-47 was discovered dead in California after exposure to rat poison. Using indiscriminate control, such as poisons, causes undue suffering + devastation to our wild community. Protect our wildlife. Skip the poison. https://t.co/BUAzsVczB9 pic.twitter.com/RiJLQ0wtWs — Wolf Conservation Center (@nywolforg) July 23, 2019 × At the meeting, Gerry McChesney, manager, wildlife refuge, said, "This project is necessary and is the right thing to do to stop the ecosystem carnage done by mice: A human-caused problem." (With inputs from agencies)

To save rare seabirds, US officials to air drop 3,000 pounds of rat poison on coastal islands

In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding. A signed contract followed days later. Then they were removed from the calendar, and their deposit was returned.

“I got an email telling me we had been bumped because they double booked,” said Davis, 29, a supply chain consultant for ArganoArbela, a technology consulting firm based in Irvine, California. “There was panic and anger. I thought, ‘This can’t be right, this can’t be real.’”

The couple’s search for a replacement site proved challenging. “Ninety-five percent of everything we looked at after we got the email was booked,” Davis said.

They then turned to a nontraditional option: a cigar factory.

Pandemic postponements paired with post-pandemic engagements have made finding availability at typical spaces — hotels, wineries, upscale restaurants and resorts — increasingly difficult.

As a result, many couples have been forced to get creative in their searches, considering everything from bowling alleys and movie theaters to bookstores and libraries. Here are four outside-the-box venues that can host nuptials.

Factories

The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in Tampa, where Davis and Gray booked their wedding, is one of the country’s oldest family-owned cigar makers. Last year, the facility, which makes 50,000 to 60,000 machine-rolled cigars and 300 hand-rolled cigars daily, added events to their list.

“We didn’t realize it would be such a wanted experience,” said Karissa DiPillo, the company’s event and community partnership coordinator. “We thought we’d only get a few couples. We already have 23 weddings booked in 2022 with every Saturday in October and November taken.”

Aside from a lack of availability at more traditional venues, DiPillo attributed the upswing in interest to couples wanting distinctive spaces and experiences. “We do the cocktail hour on the first floor, which is where the store and museum are; our reception desk doubles as a bar, and cigar rolling machines are used as tables,” DiPillo said. “The second floor is the hospitality room where we do dinner and dancing. The third floor is where we have the ceremony.”

The space can accommodate 150 guests. The cost to rent one floor is $4,500; each additional floor is $500. The space is available for rent from 10 a.m. to midnight. Tables, chairs, parking and security are included. Catering is extra.

Bookstores

For bibliophiles, shops like Manhattan’s Housing Works Bookstore and the Strand offer nostalgic, romantic and cozy settings. The Strand hosts weddings in its rare book room; for events at Housing Works Bookstore, the lighting on its mahogany bookshelves is dimmed and votive candles are added to its spiral staircases. Ceremonies there usually happen in one of the nooks under the balconies, while sit-down dinners, cocktails and dancing occur on the main floor.

“Over the past four or five months we’ve seen a 40% increase in inquiries,” said Elizabeth Koke, creative director at Housing Works, a New York City-based nonprofit group with a focus on fighting AIDS and homelessness.

The organization’s mission, she added, “is appealing to folks who want to spend their special day giving back. All the proceeds go to Housing Works services: housing, health care and advocacy for social justice.”

At Housing Works Bookstore, Koke said that “the rate of bookings hasn’t changed, so we are still doing 40 to 50 weddings a year.” But, she said, “We are booking further in advance, especially since so many people want a Saturday.”

Capacity for a seated dinner is 135; for cocktails, it is 175. Costs for a five-hour event include a $5,000 tax-deductible membership fee, plus another $5,000 to $10,000 for bar pricing, rentals and staffing. Catering is additional.

Drive-In Movie Theaters

In 2016, Four Brothers Drive-In, and its adjacent restaurant in Amenia, New York, in Dutchess County, added weddings to their offerings. John Stefanopoulos, an owner of Four Brothers, along with the nearby Millerton Inn, in Millerton, New York, said bookings have increased since the start of the pandemic.

“Once COVID happened, people went nuts. It amplified the movement to do nontraditional weddings,” he said. “Couples are going to local places rather than franchises.”

Stefanopoulos cited the desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor options as attractions. Plus, couples have the opportunity to play their favorite film in the background. “We usually do the reception and cocktail party on our patio,” he said. “The ceremony takes place under the tents, and dinner and dancing happen in front of the big screen so you can watch while you’re eating.”

An eight-hour event for up to 200 people at Four Brothers costs $30,000 to $45,000 for the space, movie, food and service. Add-ons like tents, tables, chairs, DJ, photographer and flowers, or any other arrangements that Four Brothers can provide, such as shuttle buses, will increase the cost by another $10,000 to $15,000.

Floral Studios

FlowerSchool New York is a floral design school by day and a venue space, known as ILA Penthouse, at night. Everything from designing, staffing, planning and executing the plant-focused menu happens in-house at its more than 4,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of a building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

“The amount of venues and staffing has decreased while people getting married has increased,” said Calvert Crary, the school’s executive director, who estimates the space will host 100 weddings next year.

Crary said flowers are part of life’s celebratory occasions and speak to all guests. “A floral design studio makes sense to host a wedding because we have a strong aesthetic and tons of flowers,” he said. “Setting them up is really easy because they’re all here as opposed to moving them to another location.”

The space, which starts at $4,000 for a six-hour rental and costs $500 per hour after that, can accommodate 200 guests for cocktails or 150 for cocktails and dinner, and includes flowers and tables with décor, linens and chairs. In-house catering and botanically infused cocktails are priced per person in addition.

All of the décor, Crary added, “is either composted or reused by us. We have a strict no-single-use-plastics décor policy.”

In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding.

In late March, Heather Davis and her then-fiancé, Nick Gray, gave a deposit to a nonprofit garden club venue in the Tampa, Florida, area for their Dec. 3 wedding. A signed contract followed days later. Then they were removed from the calendar, and their deposit was returned. “I got an email telling me we had been bumped because they double booked,” said Davis, 29, a supply chain consultant for ArganoArbela, a technology consulting firm based in Irvine, California. “There was panic and anger. I thought, ‘This can’t be right, this can’t be real.’” The couple’s search for a replacement site proved challenging. “Ninety-five percent of everything we looked at after we got the email was booked,” Davis said. They then turned to a nontraditional option: a cigar factory. Pandemic postponements paired with post-pandemic engagements have made finding availability at typical spaces — hotels, wineries, upscale restaurants and resorts — increasingly difficult. As a result, many couples have been forced to get creative in their searches, considering everything from bowling alleys and movie theaters to bookstores and libraries. Here are four outside-the-box venues that can host nuptials. Factories The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in Tampa, where Davis and Gray booked their wedding, is one of the country’s oldest family-owned cigar makers. Last year, the facility, which makes 50,000 to 60,000 machine-rolled cigars and 300 hand-rolled cigars daily, added events to their list. “We didn’t realize it would be such a wanted experience,” said Karissa DiPillo, the company’s event and community partnership coordinator. “We thought we’d only get a few couples. We already have 23 weddings booked in 2022 with every Saturday in October and November taken.” Aside from a lack of availability at more traditional venues, DiPillo attributed the upswing in interest to couples wanting distinctive spaces and experiences. “We do the cocktail hour on the first floor, which is where the store and museum are; our reception desk doubles as a bar, and cigar rolling machines are used as tables,” DiPillo said. “The second floor is the hospitality room where we do dinner and dancing. The third floor is where we have the ceremony.” The space can accommodate 150 guests. The cost to rent one floor is $4,500; each additional floor is $500. The space is available for rent from 10 a.m. to midnight. Tables, chairs, parking and security are included. Catering is extra. Bookstores For bibliophiles, shops like Manhattan’s Housing Works Bookstore and the Strand offer nostalgic, romantic and cozy settings. The Strand hosts weddings in its rare book room; for events at Housing Works Bookstore, the lighting on its mahogany bookshelves is dimmed and votive candles are added to its spiral staircases. Ceremonies there usually happen in one of the nooks under the balconies, while sit-down dinners, cocktails and dancing occur on the main floor. “Over the past four or five months we’ve seen a 40% increase in inquiries,” said Elizabeth Koke, creative director at Housing Works, a New York City-based nonprofit group with a focus on fighting AIDS and homelessness. The organization’s mission, she added, “is appealing to folks who want to spend their special day giving back. All the proceeds go to Housing Works services: housing, health care and advocacy for social justice.” At Housing Works Bookstore, Koke said that “the rate of bookings hasn’t changed, so we are still doing 40 to 50 weddings a year.” But, she said, “We are booking further in advance, especially since so many people want a Saturday.” Capacity for a seated dinner is 135; for cocktails, it is 175. Costs for a five-hour event include a $5,000 tax-deductible membership fee, plus another $5,000 to $10,000 for bar pricing, rentals and staffing. Catering is additional. Drive-In Movie Theaters In 2016, Four Brothers Drive-In, and its adjacent restaurant in Amenia, New York, in Dutchess County, added weddings to their offerings. John Stefanopoulos, an owner of Four Brothers, along with the nearby Millerton Inn, in Millerton, New York, said bookings have increased since the start of the pandemic. “Once COVID happened, people went nuts. It amplified the movement to do nontraditional weddings,” he said. “Couples are going to local places rather than franchises.” Stefanopoulos cited the desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor options as attractions. Plus, couples have the opportunity to play their favorite film in the background. “We usually do the reception and cocktail party on our patio,” he said. “The ceremony takes place under the tents, and dinner and dancing happen in front of the big screen so you can watch while you’re eating.” An eight-hour event for up to 200 people at Four Brothers costs $30,000 to $45,000 for the space, movie, food and service. Add-ons like tents, tables, chairs, DJ, photographer and flowers, or any other arrangements that Four Brothers can provide, such as shuttle buses, will increase the cost by another $10,000 to $15,000. Floral Studios FlowerSchool New York is a floral design school by day and a venue space, known as ILA Penthouse, at night. Everything from designing, staffing, planning and executing the plant-focused menu happens in-house at its more than 4,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of a building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. “The amount of venues and staffing has decreased while people getting married has increased,” said Calvert Crary, the school’s executive director, who estimates the space will host 100 weddings next year. Crary said flowers are part of life’s celebratory occasions and speak to all guests. “A floral design studio makes sense to host a wedding because we have a strong aesthetic and tons of flowers,” he said. “Setting them up is really easy because they’re all here as opposed to moving them to another location.” The space, which starts at $4,000 for a six-hour rental and costs $500 per hour after that, can accommodate 200 guests for cocktails or 150 for cocktails and dinner, and includes flowers and tables with décor, linens and chairs. In-house catering and botanically infused cocktails are priced per person in addition. All of the décor, Crary added, “is either composted or reused by us. We have a strict no-single-use-plastics décor policy.”

Wedding venues that go beyond the ballroom

Several school districts across the US were shut after there were shooting threats made using the social media platform TikTok. The social media company said that it has found no evidence of such and is working to remove videos.&nbsp;

Schools in states including California, Missouri, Texas and Minnesota cancelled classes while schools in Arizona, New York, Illinois, Connecticut and Pennsylvania increased police presence.&nbsp;

A statement issued by Tooele country district school said, "We have been made aware of another nation-wide trend, where students post a threat regarding gun violence in schools on social media. The school district is taking each threat that has been reported seriously and is involving law enforcement to help investigate each situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-school-shooting-15-year-old-student-ethan-crumbley-charged-as-an-adult-433393">Also read |&nbsp;Michigan school shooting: 15-year-old student, Ethan Crumbley, charged as an adult</a>

These threats come at a time when US school have been a target of such shootings. According to a report by Education Week, there have been 32 shootings on school campuses in 2021. Such threats have been a major cause of anxiety among parents, students and educators.&nbsp;

In order to ensure safety and keep the people updated, TikTok took to its official Twitter handle and said, "Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there's no credible threat, so we're working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy. If we did find promotion of violence on our platform, we'd remove and report it to law enforcement."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we're working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok.
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) <a href="https://twitter.com/TikTokComms/status/1471572096111239175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Several school districts across the US were shut after there were shooting threats made using the social media platform TikTok. The social media company said that it has found no evidence of such and is working to remove videos.

Several school districts across the US were shut after there were shooting threats made using the social media platform TikTok. The social media company said that it has found no evidence of such and is working to remove videos. Schools in states including California, Missouri, Texas and Minnesota cancelled classes while schools in Arizona, New York, Illinois, Connecticut and Pennsylvania increased police presence. A statement issued by Tooele country district school said, "We have been made aware of another nation-wide trend, where students post a threat regarding gun violence in schools on social media. The school district is taking each threat that has been reported seriously and is involving law enforcement to help investigate each situation." Also read | Michigan school shooting: 15-year-old student, Ethan Crumbley, charged as an adult These threats come at a time when US school have been a target of such shootings. According to a report by Education Week, there have been 32 shootings on school campuses in 2021. Such threats have been a major cause of anxiety among parents, students and educators. In order to ensure safety and keep the people updated, TikTok took to its official Twitter handle and said, "Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there's no credible threat, so we're working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy. If we did find promotion of violence on our platform, we'd remove and report it to law enforcement." We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we're working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok. — TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) December 16, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

US schools cancel classes due to shooting threats on TikTok

In another bizarre dictatorial decision, North Korea forces civilians to mourn the death of former Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il by banning laughing, drinking and shopping for 11 days.

North Korea: A ban on laughing, drinking & shopping for 11 days

A congressional report has recently revealed that the Trump administration made several attempts to sabotage the US' response to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. This was done for political purposes.

The report has been divided into three parts. The first part elaborates on how the Trump administration was responsible for a series of critical failures that undermined the US' ability to respond effectively to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The second part highlights the companies that profited during the pandemic while endangering public health. Lastly, the third part focuses on the administration's questionable management of the pandemic.

As per the report, the White House completely overruled public health and testing guidance coming from the nation’s top infectious disease experts.&nbsp;

In order to promote then-President Donald Trump's political agenda, several officials were silenced.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-testifies-at-manslaughter-trial-for-killing-daunte-wright-437812">Also read |&nbsp;US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright</a>

"Trump White House officials in the Office of Management and Budget sought to sidestep CDC when finalising coronavirus guidance for faith communities, after CDC declined to accept edits to the guidance proposed by officials outside of the agency," read the report.&nbsp;

Not only this but the report further states that Trump political appointees tried to pressure the Food and Drug Administration to authorise ineffective Covid treatments that the president was in favoured.&nbsp;This included hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma.

Also, the administration was involved in weakening the CDC's coronavirus testing guidance in August 2020. This was done to conceal the spreading pace of the cases.

A CDC official, in a transcribed interview, confirmed that she was instructed to destroy evidence of political interference by a Trump Administration political appointee. "The CDC official told the Select Subcommittee that she understood this instruction—which “seemed unusual” and made her “uncomfortable”—came from then-CDC Director Redfield," read the report.

Former senior Trump Administration officials have spoken in detail about a &nbsp;series of missteps that led to the "ineffectual early response to the coronavirus outbreak" in the US.&nbsp;

For instance, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House Covid response coordinator, revealed in a transcribed interview that nobody from the federal government had contacted the largest diagnostic companies operating in the US until she arrived in early March 2020.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A congressional report has recently revealed that the Trump administration made several attempts to sabotage the US' response to the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

A congressional report has recently revealed that the Trump administration made several attempts to sabotage the US' response to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. This was done for political purposes. The report has been divided into three parts. The first part elaborates on how the Trump administration was responsible for a series of critical failures that undermined the US' ability to respond effectively to the pandemic. The second part highlights the companies that profited during the pandemic while endangering public health. Lastly, the third part focuses on the administration's questionable management of the pandemic. As per the report, the White House completely overruled public health and testing guidance coming from the nation’s top infectious disease experts. In order to promote then-President Donald Trump's political agenda, several officials were silenced. Also read | US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright "Trump White House officials in the Office of Management and Budget sought to sidestep CDC when finalising coronavirus guidance for faith communities, after CDC declined to accept edits to the guidance proposed by officials outside of the agency," read the report. Not only this but the report further states that Trump political appointees tried to pressure the Food and Drug Administration to authorise ineffective Covid treatments that the president was in favoured. This included hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma. Also, the administration was involved in weakening the CDC's coronavirus testing guidance in August 2020. This was done to conceal the spreading pace of the cases. A CDC official, in a transcribed interview, confirmed that she was instructed to destroy evidence of political interference by a Trump Administration political appointee. "The CDC official told the Select Subcommittee that she understood this instruction—which “seemed unusual” and made her “uncomfortable”—came from then-CDC Director Redfield," read the report. Former senior Trump Administration officials have spoken in detail about a series of missteps that led to the "ineffectual early response to the coronavirus outbreak" in the US. For instance, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House Covid response coordinator, revealed in a transcribed interview that nobody from the federal government had contacted the largest diagnostic companies operating in the US until she arrived in early March 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Report states Trump administration voluntarily sabotaged Covid response

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