In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. &nbsp;

The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck. Kirks lost her boyfriend Lannis Ward in the natural calamity. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-waitress-gets-fired-for-refusing-to-share-4400-tip-with-restaurant-436834" hreflang="en">US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant</a>

The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100 with many still missing as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage. &nbsp;

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the deadliest tornado event in the state's history. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To meet the demands for the Christmas holiday, the candle factory was operating "24/7". &nbsp;

When the tornadoes hit, the woman and three others got trapped in the hallway under a concrete wall before it was lifted by an unidentified man, who brought everyone to safety. Kirks called the unidentified man as "superman". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-choice-ever-time-magazine-faces-backlash-for-naming-elon-musk-person-of-the-year-for-2021-436799" hreflang="en">‘Worst choice ever’: Time magazine faces backlash for naming Elon Musk 'Person of the Year’ for 2021</a>

If not for him, Kirks, said, "I feel like I would probably still be under that wall. I don’t know who he was. I wish I did, so I could thank him. We got to safety because of him." &nbsp;

Kirks gave the account of the incident to Fox News host Neil Cavuto in a touching interview on Monday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck.

In sort of a rerun of a superhero movie, a woman claims that she was saved by a 'superman' when the deadly tornadoes hit the US state of Kentucky. The woman, Autumn Kirks, was working at the Mayfield candle factory, when the tornadoes struck. Kirks lost her boyfriend Lannis Ward in the natural calamity. Also Read: US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100 with many still missing as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the deadliest tornado event in the state's history. To meet the demands for the Christmas holiday, the candle factory was operating "24/7". When the tornadoes hit, the woman and three others got trapped in the hallway under a concrete wall before it was lifted by an unidentified man, who brought everyone to safety. Kirks called the unidentified man as "superman". Also Read: ‘Worst choice ever’: Time magazine faces backlash for naming Elon Musk 'Person of the Year’ for 2021 If not for him, Kirks, said, "I feel like I would probably still be under that wall. I don’t know who he was. I wish I did, so I could thank him. We got to safety because of him." Kirks gave the account of the incident to Fox News host Neil Cavuto in a touching interview on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

When deadly tornadoes hit US state, woman claims 'superman' saved her life

The Joe Biden administration 'censored' Taiwan at the Summit For Democracies. A Taiwanese minister's video was 'cut off' for showing a map with China and Taiwan in different shades. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: US censors Taiwan at Summit for Democracies

A 'monstrous' tornado struck Kentucky over the weekend, destroying everything that stood in its way. More than 80 people have died, thousands have been displaced. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: 'Deadliest' tornado hits Kentucky

Victims of jailed former US national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar are to receive $380 million after reaching a settlement with USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic committee.

Larry Nassar sexual abuse victims reach $380 mn settlement with USA Gymnastics

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in&nbsp;the United States recently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The waitress, Ryan Brandt, was working at Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas when some generous customers at a table gave her the tip or collective gratuity of $4,400, reported KNWA. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-kentucky-tallying-the-grim-scale-of-destruction-436692" hreflang="en">In Kentucky, tallying the grim scale of destruction</a>

Grant Wise, a diner at the eatery, said, “It was an incredible thing to do, and to see her reaction was awesome, to see what that meant to her, the impact that it’s had on her life already.” &nbsp;

Brandt said, “I was told that I have to give the cash over to my shift manager, and I would be taking home 20%.” &nbsp;

In over three years on the job, she said that she was never asked to split tips with others. &nbsp;

“It was devastating. I borrowed a significant amount for student loans. Most of them were turned off because of the pandemic, but they’re turning back on in January, and that’s a harsh reality,” Brandt said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-us-air-force-personnel-removed-for-refusing-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-436725" hreflang="en">27 US Air Force personnel removed for refusing to take COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Finally, Brandt got the tip money but was fired for what the restaurant said was a breach of policy. &nbsp;

In a statement over the incident to KNWA, Oven and Top said that out of respect to employees, they will not discuss the details of a termination. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in the United States recently.

In a bizarre incident, a waitress was fired after she refused to share a hefty tip of $4,400 with the restaurant she was working with in the United States recently. The waitress, Ryan Brandt, was working at Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas when some generous customers at a table gave her the tip or collective gratuity of $4,400, reported KNWA. Also Read: In Kentucky, tallying the grim scale of destruction Grant Wise, a diner at the eatery, said, “It was an incredible thing to do, and to see her reaction was awesome, to see what that meant to her, the impact that it’s had on her life already.” Brandt said, “I was told that I have to give the cash over to my shift manager, and I would be taking home 20%.” In over three years on the job, she said that she was never asked to split tips with others. “It was devastating. I borrowed a significant amount for student loans. Most of them were turned off because of the pandemic, but they’re turning back on in January, and that’s a harsh reality,” Brandt said. Also Read: 27 US Air Force personnel removed for refusing to take COVID-19 vaccine Finally, Brandt got the tip money but was fired for what the restaurant said was a breach of policy. In a statement over the incident to KNWA, Oven and Top said that out of respect to employees, they will not discuss the details of a termination. (With inputs from agencies)

US waitress gets fired for refusing to share $4,400 tip with restaurant

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

Blinken stated that the Biden administration is committed to maintaining regional peace and prosperity, and that it will do so by strengthening US alliances, developing new ties, and ensuring that the US military maintains "its competitive advantage."

Blinken urged China to stop "aggressive measures" in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington looks to strengthen allies against Beijing.&nbsp;

"Threats are evolving, our security approach has to evolve with them. To do that, we will lean on our greatest strength: our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said in a speech in Indonesia, outlining the administration’s Indo-Pacific plans.&nbsp;

"We’ll adopt a strategy that more closely weaves together all our instruments of national power – diplomacy, military, intelligence – with those of our allies and partners," he said.

According to him, this will entail connecting US and Asian defence companies, consolidating supply chains, and working on technical innovation.&nbsp;

China claims practically the whole resource-rich South China Sea, with four Southeast Asian states and Taiwan making conflicting claims.

Beijing has been accused of deploying anti-ship and anti-surface-to-air missiles in the area, despite a 2016 international tribunal judgement declaring Beijing's historical claim to most of the waters to be unfounded.

Washington also wants to preserve "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," according to Blinken.

Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US will strengthen its military and economic ties with Asian allies to counter China's growing aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Blinken stated that the Biden administration is committed to maintaining regional peace and prosperity, and that it will do so by strengthening US alliances, developing new ties, and ensuring that the US military maintains "its competitive advantage." Blinken urged China to stop "aggressive measures" in the Indo-Pacific, as Washington looks to strengthen allies against Beijing. "Threats are evolving, our security approach has to evolve with them. To do that, we will lean on our greatest strength: our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said in a speech in Indonesia, outlining the administration’s Indo-Pacific plans. "We’ll adopt a strategy that more closely weaves together all our instruments of national power – diplomacy, military, intelligence – with those of our allies and partners," he said. According to him, this will entail connecting US and Asian defence companies, consolidating supply chains, and working on technical innovation. China claims practically the whole resource-rich South China Sea, with four Southeast Asian states and Taiwan making conflicting claims. Beijing has been accused of deploying anti-ship and anti-surface-to-air missiles in the area, despite a 2016 international tribunal judgement declaring Beijing's historical claim to most of the waters to be unfounded. Washington also wants to preserve "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," according to Blinken. Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China

In the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, USA gymnastics & US Olympic committee reach a settlement with multiple victims of Nassar.

Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal: USA gymnastics & US Olympic committee reach a settlement

Due to COVID19 concerns, the US urges its citizens to avoid travel plans to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius. It has also classified 84 destinations at level 4.

COVID-19: the US urges citizens to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius

With new US sanctions denting Communist Cuba's economy, recovery hopes for the nation seemed grim. Cuba's economy had declined 10.9% in 2020.

Communist-run country Cuba struggling to recover from economic crisis

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi presented state draft budget. Iran is eyeing an increase in oil sales despite sanctions from the US. The draft budget has to be passed by the parliament.

Iran: President Raisi presents draft state budget

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of this year, the US has recorded over 450,000 deaths due to Covid. This is 57 per cent of all US deaths so far.&nbsp;

US government’s leading infectious diseases official, Anthony Fauci urged Americans to get &nbsp;a Covid-19 booster shot. Fauci has said that an extra shot provides “optimal” protection against Omicron.&nbsp;

While speaking on ABC news, he said, "Preliminary data show that when you get a booster, for example a third shot of an mRNA, it raises the level of protection high enough that it then does do well against the Omicron."

As per health experts, most deaths recorded this year were in unvaccinated people.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerning-situation-covid-cases-surge-in-the-us-and-uk-amid-concerns-of-a-new-wave-436022">Also read |&nbsp;'Deeply concerning situation': Covid cases surge in the US and UK amid concerns of a new wave</a>

US deaths jumped from 600,000 to 700,000 in a little over 100 days. Also, the next 100,000 deaths&nbsp;took just 73 days, reports Reuters.

As of now, the US has the highest number of reported Covid deaths. It is then followed by Brazil and India. Also, the country will soon surpass 50 million cases.

While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases.

Earlier, Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant.

(With inputs from agencies)

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections.

As situation worsens with the coming of new Covid variant, the US on Sunday reached 800,000 deaths due to the deadly virus, says a Reuters tally. The US is also struggling in its fights with Covid as there can be a potential new wave of infections. Since the beginning of this year, the US has recorded over 450,000 deaths due to Covid. This is 57 per cent of all US deaths so far. US government’s leading infectious diseases official, Anthony Fauci urged Americans to get a Covid-19 booster shot. Fauci has said that an extra shot provides “optimal” protection against Omicron. While speaking on ABC news, he said, "Preliminary data show that when you get a booster, for example a third shot of an mRNA, it raises the level of protection high enough that it then does do well against the Omicron." As per health experts, most deaths recorded this year were in unvaccinated people. Also read | 'Deeply concerning situation': Covid cases surge in the US and UK amid concerns of a new wave US deaths jumped from 600,000 to 700,000 in a little over 100 days. Also, the next 100,000 deaths took just 73 days, reports Reuters. As of now, the US has the highest number of reported Covid deaths. It is then followed by Brazil and India. Also, the country will soon surpass 50 million cases. While the newly emerged Omicron variant is taking over the US, the Delta variant still accounts for more than 99 per cent of all US cases. Earlier, Fauci said that there were early indications that the Omicron variant was not more severe than strains encountered before. However, he cautioned that it would take weeks to fully understand the full severity of the Omicron variant. (With inputs from agencies)

As US Covid deaths reach 800,000, Fauci urges people to get booster shots

A 3,500-year-old clay tablet bearing a portion of the Epic of Gilgamesh that was looted from an Iraqi museum 30 years ago and recently recovered from the United States was formally returned to Iraq. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you the story of this tablet.

The West Asia Post: Looted Gilgamesh tablet back in Iraq

Recently, more than 30 tornadoes have ripped across the six US states. WION tells you how are these tornadoes formed and when do they become devastating.

How are tornadoes formed and when do they become devastating?

Multiple tornadoes have ripped across six of the US states in a Stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train, and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

US: Tornadoes hit six state including Kentucky, Illinois

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at&nbsp;vigil at around 6:40 pm.

Nearly 50 people were gathered for a celebration in Baytown, which is about 25 miles west of Houston.&nbsp;

Speaking to the Associated Press, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "Right as they were releasing the balloons up into the air was when the vehicle came. Almost at that exact time is when they opened fire into a crowd."

He further explained that one of the injured person was taken to a hospital by helicopter. One among the injured is also said to be a child.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: "Maybe 20 to 30 shots" 
 
One person is dead and at least 7 others injured after a suspect fires into a crowd in Baytown, according to HCSO. The large crowd was holding a vigil for a man recently murdered. 
 
Hear from a witness on <a href="https://twitter.com/abc13houston?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abc13houston</a> at 10 p.m. <a href="https://t.co/3ABflN1msl">pic.twitter.com/3ABflN1msl</a>
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The police has not disclosed any more information as of now.&nbsp;

Shooting incidents have become too common in Texas. Earlier in October, a Texas deputy was shot dead and two of his colleagues were injured, outside a bar. This happened when they were investigating a disturbance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kentucky-tornadoes-likely-killed-more-than-100-says-governor-andy-beshear-436395">Also read |&nbsp;Kentucky tornadoes likely killed more than 100, says Governor Andy Beshear</a>

Earlier in the same month, the Timberview High School was targeted by an 18-year-old who opened fire in the school premises after a fight broke out in the school.&nbsp;

The shooter was identified as Timothy George Simpkins. The school was immediately put under a lockdown after the horrifying incident took place.

(With inputs from agencies)

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at vigil at around 6:40 pm.

One person has been killed and at least 13 have been injured after another shooting incident took place in Texas, US. The incident took place when a gunman inside a vehicle started firing on a crowd gathered at vigil at around 6:40 pm. Nearly 50 people were gathered for a celebration in Baytown, which is about 25 miles west of Houston. Speaking to the Associated Press, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, "Right as they were releasing the balloons up into the air was when the vehicle came. Almost at that exact time is when they opened fire into a crowd." He further explained that one of the injured person was taken to a hospital by helicopter. One among the injured is also said to be a child. #BREAKING: "Maybe 20 to 30 shots" One person is dead and at least 7 others injured after a suspect fires into a crowd in Baytown, according to HCSO. The large crowd was holding a vigil for a man recently murdered. Hear from a witness on @abc13houston at 10 p.m. pic.twitter.com/3ABflN1msl — Brooke Taylor (@ABC13Brooke) December 13, 2021 × The police has not disclosed any more information as of now. Shooting incidents have become too common in Texas. Earlier in October, a Texas deputy was shot dead and two of his colleagues were injured, outside a bar. This happened when they were investigating a disturbance. Also read | Kentucky tornadoes likely killed more than 100, says Governor Andy Beshear Earlier in the same month, the Timberview High School was targeted by an 18-year-old who opened fire in the school premises after a fight broke out in the school. The shooter was identified as Timothy George Simpkins. The school was immediately put under a lockdown after the horrifying incident took place. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 1 dead, 13 injured after gunman opens fire at vigil in Texas

Visuals from the aftermath of Tornadoes emerge. A trail of destruction that battered several US states have now claimed over 100 lives.

Tornadoes leave a trail of destruction in US states as fatalities rise over 100

In a protest against China's human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region, Top Japanese officials are likely to skip Beijing Winter Olympics.

Japan likely to join US, Australia, UK & Canada in boycotting Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy. It will be now called 'Jamal Kashaoggi Way.'

The council bill stated, "Through his journalism, Jamal Khashoggi was a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By designating the street fronting the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi, the District is creating a memorial in his honor that cannot be covered up or repressed."

The decision came after the council voted unanimously. As a part of the process, the bill from the council will be signed by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. Also, it is not expected to see any sort of objection US Congress, which reviews all legislation from the US capital city government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-the-suspects-of-jamal-khashoggis-murder-arrested-in-france-reports-434932">Also read |&nbsp;One of the suspects of Jamal Khashoggi's murder arrested in France: Reports</a>

Khashoggi was a prominent journalist who was based in the US in self-exile. He was strangled to death by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and his body was later dismembered.&nbsp;

His body was never retrieved.

He had gone to the consulate on October 2, 2018, to finish up paperwork that was required to marry his fiancee. Since then, the authorities have been hunting for his murderers.&nbsp;

In the latest development, a key suspect in the murder was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Khalid Alotaibi was arrested at the airport while he was, reportedly, gearing up to fly to Saudi Arabia. However, it was later declared that it was a case of mistaken identity.

(With inputs from agencies)

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy.

To honour the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington city council has decided to change the name of the street in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy. It will be now called 'Jamal Kashaoggi Way.' The council bill stated, "Through his journalism, Jamal Khashoggi was a fierce advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By designating the street fronting the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia after Jamal Khashoggi, the District is creating a memorial in his honor that cannot be covered up or repressed." The decision came after the council voted unanimously. As a part of the process, the bill from the council will be signed by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. Also, it is not expected to see any sort of objection US Congress, which reviews all legislation from the US capital city government. Also read | One of the suspects of Jamal Khashoggi's murder arrested in France: Reports Khashoggi was a prominent journalist who was based in the US in self-exile. He was strangled to death by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and his body was later dismembered. His body was never retrieved. He had gone to the consulate on October 2, 2018, to finish up paperwork that was required to marry his fiancee. Since then, the authorities have been hunting for his murderers. In the latest development, a key suspect in the murder was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Khalid Alotaibi was arrested at the airport while he was, reportedly, gearing up to fly to Saudi Arabia. However, it was later declared that it was a case of mistaken identity. (With inputs from agencies)

US to change name of street in front of Saudi embassy to 'Jamal Khashoggi Way'

A 48-year-old mother from Missouri, Laura Oglesby, has pleaded guilty after she was found stealing her daughter's identity. Laura adopted the identity of her estranged daughter Lauren Ashleigh Hays in 2016 to enroll in university and get a driver's license. She is now facing up to five years in prison without parole for Social Security fraud.

She lived as her daughter for a period of two years, fooling the government and locals.

It started in 2016 when Laura applied for a social security card in her daughter's name. After this, she used the card to obtain a Missouri driver's license.&nbsp;

She did not stop there. She used her social security card again to enroll at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri. Here, she even applied for financial aid.

As a result of that, she received $9,400 in federal student loans, $5,920 in Pell Grants, $337 for books from the University bookstore, and $1,863 in finance charges.

Now, she needs to pay $17,521 to the university. Also, she will be paying restitution to her daughter Lauren for identity theft. The fraudster even dated men who had no idea that she was way older than them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/roh-johnon-says-mouthwash-can-help-prevent-covid-listerine-denies-claims-435703">Also read |&nbsp;Roh Johnon says mouthwash can help prevent Covid; Listerine denies claims</a>

Laura had moved in with local couple Avery and Wendy Parker, who believed she was a young woman running away from a domestic violence situation.

After the couple noticed red flags, they got in touch with a family member &nbsp;who lived in the same town Laura said she was from. Meanwhile, the investigators came out with the truth.

Chief Jamie Perkins of the Mountain View Police Department while speaking to The New York Times said, "Everyone believed it. She even had boyfriends that believed that she was that age: 22 years old."

Several pictures obtained by Missouri news station KY3 show Laura's snapchat account where she pretended to be her daughter.

Detective Stetson Schwien while speaking to the ABC outlet said, "She had completely adopted a younger lifestyle: clothing, makeup and personality. She had completely assumed becoming a younger person in her early 20s."

(With inputs from agencies)

A 48-year-old mother from Missouri, Laura Oglesby, has pleaded guilty after she was found stealing her daughter's identity. Laura adopted the identity of her estranged daughter Lauren Ashleigh Hays in 2016 to enroll in university and get a driver's license.

A 48-year-old mother from Missouri, Laura Oglesby, has pleaded guilty after she was found stealing her daughter's identity. Laura adopted the identity of her estranged daughter Lauren Ashleigh Hays in 2016 to enroll in university and get a driver's license. She is now facing up to five years in prison without parole for Social Security fraud. She lived as her daughter for a period of two years, fooling the government and locals. It started in 2016 when Laura applied for a social security card in her daughter's name. After this, she used the card to obtain a Missouri driver's license. She did not stop there. She used her social security card again to enroll at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri. Here, she even applied for financial aid. As a result of that, she received $9,400 in federal student loans, $5,920 in Pell Grants, $337 for books from the University bookstore, and $1,863 in finance charges. Now, she needs to pay $17,521 to the university. Also, she will be paying restitution to her daughter Lauren for identity theft. The fraudster even dated men who had no idea that she was way older than them. Also read | Roh Johnon says mouthwash can help prevent Covid; Listerine denies claims Laura had moved in with local couple Avery and Wendy Parker, who believed she was a young woman running away from a domestic violence situation. After the couple noticed red flags, they got in touch with a family member who lived in the same town Laura said she was from. Meanwhile, the investigators came out with the truth. Chief Jamie Perkins of the Mountain View Police Department while speaking to The New York Times said, "Everyone believed it. She even had boyfriends that believed that she was that age: 22 years old." Several pictures obtained by Missouri news station KY3 show Laura's snapchat account where she pretended to be her daughter. Detective Stetson Schwien while speaking to the ABC outlet said, "She had completely adopted a younger lifestyle: clothing, makeup and personality. She had completely assumed becoming a younger person in her early 20s." (With inputs from agencies)

Mother pleads guilty for stealing daughter's identity to enroll in college and date younger men

A swarm of tornadoes has ravaged 6 US states, with over 100 people feared dead. US President Joe Biden has approved the emergency declaration of aids for the affected states.

Over 100 feared dead as multiple tornadoes rip through 6 US states

Amid the ongoing nuclear deal talks involving world leaders, Iran issues a strict warning to US and Israel from holding military drills to prepare for military action on Iran's nuclear and military facilities.

Iran issues a warning to US & Israel from attacking its nuclear facilities amid Vienna talks

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs.

The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible</a>

The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region.

"The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said.

The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">Also see |&nbsp;A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a>

“Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-rights-groups-report-on-xinjiang-and-uighur-muslims-366040">Also read |&nbsp;China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims</a>

Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations.

Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region. The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs. The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs. Also read | Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region. "The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said. The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday. Also see | A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community “Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.” Also read | China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations. Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

US blacklists Chinese firm, sanctions political leaders over human rights violations of Uyghurs

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