The U.S senate unanimously passed a bill to ban the import of all products from Xinjiang. If signed into law, U.S companies will have to prove that their products are not made using forced labour. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: U.S bans imports from Xinjiang

Russia, China and US are all eyeing the Arctic. They are making investments, striking alliances & deploying military personnel. Palki Sharma tells you how the Arctic is becoming the new battleground for super-powers.

Gravitas: The Arctic: A new battleground?

The ice in the arctic is melting rapidly, for the world this is a climate crisis, for Russia this is an opportunity. It is building a military base there to control the routes & resources near North Pole. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Russia's bid for Arctic dominance

Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in&nbsp;Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday.

Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;is the first large US metropolis to reimpose the use of face masks -- regardless of vaccination status -- in shops, grocery stores, restaurants and workplaces to help contain the pandemic.

The new masking order goes into effect midnight Saturday in the county of&nbsp;Los&nbsp;Angeles.

Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;is "not where we need to be" in terms of numbers of vaccinated people, said county health officer Muntu Davis.

On Thursday the county reported 1,537 new cases of infection -- the highest number since early March, and the seventh straight day of new cases numbers topping 1,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-hospitalised-covid-19-patients-develop-organ-complications-irrespective-of-age-study-398395">Also read |&nbsp;Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study</a>

US health officials announced in mid-May that fully vaccinated Americans could say goodbye to their masks both outdoors and indoors.

However, after peaking in April the US immunization campaign has slowed significantly, even though plenty of vaccines are available.

The increase in Covid-19 cases, mainly due to the spread of the Delta variant, has some officials worried.

The vast majority of people testing positive for Covid-19, some of whom must be hospitalized, have not been vaccinated.

Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in Los Angeles starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday.

Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in Los Angeles starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday. Los Angeles is the first large US metropolis to reimpose the use of face masks -- regardless of vaccination status -- in shops, grocery stores, restaurants and workplaces to help contain the pandemic. The new masking order goes into effect midnight Saturday in the county of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is "not where we need to be" in terms of numbers of vaccinated people, said county health officer Muntu Davis. On Thursday the county reported 1,537 new cases of infection -- the highest number since early March, and the seventh straight day of new cases numbers topping 1,000. Also read | Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study US health officials announced in mid-May that fully vaccinated Americans could say goodbye to their masks both outdoors and indoors. However, after peaking in April the US immunization campaign has slowed significantly, even though plenty of vaccines are available. The increase in Covid-19 cases, mainly due to the spread of the Delta variant, has some officials worried. The vast majority of people testing positive for Covid-19, some of whom must be hospitalized, have not been vaccinated.

Mandatory indoor mask use returns to Los Angeles

General Motors has urged owners of 2017-2019 Bolt EVs that were part of a recent recall not to park their vehicles inside or charge them unattended overnight after two of the vehicles caught fire.

World Business Watch: GM warns some Bolt EV owners to park outside because of fire risks

The Biden administration has announced the plan to evacuate Afghan interpreters and translators who aided the US military effort in the nearly 20 years war. Evacuation will begin during the last week of July that will be available first for special immigrant visa applicants.

Evacuation of Afghan interpreters to begin in late July

Uzbekistan is hosting a two-day high-level meeting in the capital city of Tashkent. Around 250 participants and 40 delegates from different countries will assemble for a conference titled 'The International Conference on Central and South Asia'.

Afghanistan: India's foreign minister meets Ashraf Ghani

A Russian-based hacker group blamed for a massive ransomware attack went offline, sparking speculation about whether the move was the result of a government-led action.

Russian ransomware gang behind JBS and Kaseya attacks goes offline

Former US president George W.&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban.

"I'm afraid Afghan women and girls are going to suffer unspeakable harm... They are going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal people and&nbsp;it breaks my heart,"&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;told German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle.

Asked whether he thought the withdrawal was a mistake,&nbsp;Bush&nbsp;replied: "Yes, I think it is."

"I've spent a lot of time with Afghan women and they're scared. And I think about all the interpreters and people that help not only US troops but NATO troops," he said.

The former Republican president, who sent troops to Afghanistan in autumn 2001 after the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center, said he believed German Chancellor Angela Merkel "feels the same way".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read |&nbsp;Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

Bush&nbsp;said Merkel, who is set to retire from politics later this year after 16 years in power, had brought "class and dignity to a very important position and made very hard decisions".

He recalled talking to Merkel about her childhood in former East Germany.

He said it was "amazing" to speak to someone who had been "trapped in a closed society" when they were young but had gone on to become "chancellor of a democratic free country".

US and NATO forces began withdrawing from Afghanistan in early May and are due to completely pull out by September 11, almost 20 years after they arrived.

Most of the 2,500 US and 7,500 NATO troops who were in Afghanistan when US President Joe Biden detailed the final withdrawal in April have now gone, leaving Afghan troops to fight an emboldened Taliban seemingly bent on a military victory.

The country is facing a crisis as the insurgents snap up territory across the countryside, stretching government forces and forcing many to flee their homes.

The United Nations said on Sunday the rising conflict is causing "more suffering" across the violence-wracked country as it called for continuous financial aid.&nbsp;

Biden has insisted, however, that it is time for US involvement in the war to end and for Afghans to chart their own future.

Former US president George W. Bush on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban.

Former US president George W. Bush on Wednesday criticised the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan and said civilians were being left to be "slaughtered" by the Taliban. "I'm afraid Afghan women and girls are going to suffer unspeakable harm... They are going to be left behind to be slaughtered by these very brutal people and it breaks my heart," Bush told German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle. Asked whether he thought the withdrawal was a mistake, Bush replied: "Yes, I think it is." "I've spent a lot of time with Afghan women and they're scared. And I think about all the interpreters and people that help not only US troops but NATO troops," he said. The former Republican president, who sent troops to Afghanistan in autumn 2001 after the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center, said he believed German Chancellor Angela Merkel "feels the same way". Also read | Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north Bush said Merkel, who is set to retire from politics later this year after 16 years in power, had brought "class and dignity to a very important position and made very hard decisions". He recalled talking to Merkel about her childhood in former East Germany. He said it was "amazing" to speak to someone who had been "trapped in a closed society" when they were young but had gone on to become "chancellor of a democratic free country". US and NATO forces began withdrawing from Afghanistan in early May and are due to completely pull out by September 11, almost 20 years after they arrived. Most of the 2,500 US and 7,500 NATO troops who were in Afghanistan when US President Joe Biden detailed the final withdrawal in April have now gone, leaving Afghan troops to fight an emboldened Taliban seemingly bent on a military victory. The country is facing a crisis as the insurgents snap up territory across the countryside, stretching government forces and forcing many to flee their homes. The United Nations said on Sunday the rising conflict is causing "more suffering" across the violence-wracked country as it called for continuous financial aid. Biden has insisted, however, that it is time for US involvement in the war to end and for Afghans to chart their own future.

Afghanistan troop pullout a 'mistake', says George W. Bush

A total of 17 million gallons of untreated sewage was discharged into California’s Santa Monica Bay between Sunday evening and early Monday morning which led to beach closures.&nbsp;

The problems came to a head at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on Sunday evening. Elena Stern, a senior public information director for the city’s department of public works said an “unusual amount of debris” – including construction waste and grease, among other refuse – entered the plant through its sewer lines.&nbsp;

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Stern further said these items which Hyperion is not designed to process, “just inundated and overwhelmed the system”, clogging the screens which, in turn, caused flooding at the plant. She further added, “To avoid having the entire plant shut down, which would have been catastrophic, we had to discharge some of the untreated sewage to alleviate the system".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/honoured-los-angeles-mayor-on-his-nomination-as-us-ambassador-to-india-397117">Also read |&nbsp;‘Honoured’: Los Angeles mayor on his nomination as US ambassador to India&nbsp;</a>

The sewage began to be released at 7.30 pm and ended at 4.30 am on Monday. The discharge included about 6 per cent of Hyperion’s daily flow.

A total of 17 million gallons of untreated sewage was discharged into California’s Santa Monica Bay between Sunday evening and early Monday morning which led to beach closures.

A total of 17 million gallons of untreated sewage was discharged into California’s Santa Monica Bay between Sunday evening and early Monday morning which led to beach closures. The problems came to a head at Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on Sunday evening. Elena Stern, a senior public information director for the city’s department of public works said an “unusual amount of debris” – including construction waste and grease, among other refuse – entered the plant through its sewer lines. Beach Closure Advisory: Avoid Ocean Water in Swim Areas Around Dockweiler State Beach and El Segundo Beach. View https://t.co/0cwWNicNba for more. pic.twitter.com/Fiu094tKzn — LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) July 13, 2021 × Stern further said these items which Hyperion is not designed to process, “just inundated and overwhelmed the system”, clogging the screens which, in turn, caused flooding at the plant. She further added, “To avoid having the entire plant shut down, which would have been catastrophic, we had to discharge some of the untreated sewage to alleviate the system". Also read | ‘Honoured’: Los Angeles mayor on his nomination as US ambassador to India The sewage began to be released at 7.30 pm and ended at 4.30 am on Monday. The discharge included about 6 per cent of Hyperion’s daily flow.

Los Angeles beaches close after 17 million gallons of untreated sewage discharged

Some 135 years after the arrival of&nbsp;its&nbsp;big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica&nbsp;Statue&nbsp;of&nbsp;Liberty&nbsp;was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship.

The replica, standing at around 10 feet (three meters) tall -- compared to the famed 300-foot-tall New York version -- was inaugurated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his US counterpart, Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

The bronze&nbsp;statue&nbsp;was erected in the garden of the residence of France's ambassador in&nbsp;Washington.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-report-surge-in-virus-cases-as-vaccinations-lag-398106">Also read |&nbsp;US states report surge in virus cases as vaccinations lag</a>

On&nbsp;its&nbsp;journey from Paris, it travelled via&nbsp;Liberty&nbsp;Island, south of Manhattan, home of the iconic "Liberty&nbsp;Enlightening the World"&nbsp;statue&nbsp;presented by France to the United States in the late 19th century.

"The little sister has arrived," said Philippe Etienne, France's envoy in&nbsp;Washington.

"She spent a week in New York for the American national holiday -- Independence Day -- she was on Ellis Island, she looked at her big sister. And now she is in place for July 14," he added, referring to the French Bastille Day holiday.

On loan from France's National Conservatory of Arts and Trades (Cnam) and cast from the same mold used by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the&nbsp;statue&nbsp;travelled in a specially designed Plexiglas case in a container transported by French shipping company CMA-CGM.

Some 135 years after the arrival of its big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica Statue of Liberty was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship.

Some 135 years after the arrival of its big sister in New York, a relatively diminutive replica Statue of Liberty was unveiled Wednesday in the US capital as a token of American-French friendship. The replica, standing at around 10 feet (three meters) tall -- compared to the famed 300-foot-tall New York version -- was inaugurated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his US counterpart, Antony Blinken. The bronze statue was erected in the garden of the residence of France's ambassador in Washington. Also read | US states report surge in virus cases as vaccinations lag On its journey from Paris, it travelled via Liberty Island, south of Manhattan, home of the iconic "Liberty Enlightening the World" statue presented by France to the United States in the late 19th century. "The little sister has arrived," said Philippe Etienne, France's envoy in Washington. "She spent a week in New York for the American national holiday -- Independence Day -- she was on Ellis Island, she looked at her big sister. And now she is in place for July 14," he added, referring to the French Bastille Day holiday. On loan from France's National Conservatory of Arts and Trades (Cnam) and cast from the same mold used by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the statue travelled in a specially designed Plexiglas case in a container transported by French shipping company CMA-CGM.

US capital gets its own, petite Statue of Liberty

The US Senate&nbsp;passed legislation on Wednesday to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;the import of&nbsp;products&nbsp;from&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US&nbsp;officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs&nbsp;and other muslim groups.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would create a "rebuttable presumption" assuming goods manufactured in&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;are made with forced labor and therefore&nbsp;banned under the 1930 Tariff Act, unless otherwise certified by US authorities.

Passed by unanimous&nbsp;consent, the bipartisan measure would shift the burden of proof to importers. The current rule&nbsp;bans goods if there is reasonable evidence of forced labor.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;must also pass the house of representatives before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. It was not immediately clear when that might take place.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the legislation with Democrat Jeff Merkley, called on the House to act quickly.

"We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP's ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not&nbsp;allow corporations a free pass to profit&nbsp;from&nbsp;those horrific abuses," Rubio said in a statement.

"No American corporation should profit&nbsp;from&nbsp;these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing&nbsp;products&nbsp;from&nbsp;slave labor," Merkley said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senate-confirms-geneticist-lander-as-biden-science-adviser-388190">Also read |&nbsp;Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser</a>

Democratic and Republican aides said they expected the measure would get strong support in the House, noting the House approved a similar measure nearly unanimously last year.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;would go beyond steps already taken to secure U.S. supply chains in the face of&nbsp;allegations of rights abuses in China, including existing&nbsp;bans on&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;tomatoes, cotton and some solar&nbsp;products.

The Biden administration has increased sanctions, and on Tuesday issued an advisory warning businesses they could be in violation of US&nbsp;law if operations are linked even indirectly to surveillance networks in&nbsp;Xinjiang.

Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some Western lawmakers and officials say&nbsp;Xinjiang&nbsp;authorities have facilitated forced labor by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities since 2016.

The US Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to ban the import of products from China's Xinjiang region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other muslim groups.

The US Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to ban the import of products from China's Xinjiang region, the latest effort in Washington to punish Beijing for what US officials say is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other muslim groups. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would create a "rebuttable presumption" assuming goods manufactured in Xinjiang are made with forced labor and therefore banned under the 1930 Tariff Act, unless otherwise certified by US authorities. Passed by unanimous consent, the bipartisan measure would shift the burden of proof to importers. The current rule bans goods if there is reasonable evidence of forced labor. The bill must also pass the house of representatives before it can be sent to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. It was not immediately clear when that might take place. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who introduced the legislation with Democrat Jeff Merkley, called on the House to act quickly. "We will not turn a blind eye to the CCP's ongoing crimes against humanity, and we will not allow corporations a free pass to profit from those horrific abuses," Rubio said in a statement. "No American corporation should profit from these abuses. No American consumers should be inadvertently purchasing products from slave labor," Merkley said. Also read | Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser Democratic and Republican aides said they expected the measure would get strong support in the House, noting the House approved a similar measure nearly unanimously last year. The bill would go beyond steps already taken to secure U.S. supply chains in the face of allegations of rights abuses in China, including existing bans on Xinjiang tomatoes, cotton and some solar products. The Biden administration has increased sanctions, and on Tuesday issued an advisory warning businesses they could be in violation of US law if operations are linked even indirectly to surveillance networks in Xinjiang. Rights groups, researchers, former residents and some Western lawmakers and officials say Xinjiang authorities have facilitated forced labor by detaining around a million Uyghurs and other primarily Muslim minorities since 2016.

US Senate passes bill to ban all products from China's Xinjiang

Reports suggest that nobody from the entire US administration has asked for the military bases in Pakistan and western diplomats in the country are now claiming that it was indeed a request that was never made.

Reports suggest US never asked for military bases in Pakistan

Taliban has warned Turkey of severe "consequences" after Ankara offered to provide troops to guard the Kabul international airport. Taliban has said that the move will be a violation of its deal with the United States.

Taliban warn Of 'consequences' over Turkey's offer to run Kabul airport

US President Joe Biden delivered a passionate speech on preserving voting rights and condemning the "big lie" of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Criticizing Donald Trump and his allies for failing to accept the results of a fair election, Biden said that, “The big lie is just that: a big lie.”

Biden targets Trump for false accusations of election fraud, decries 'big lie'

The US&nbsp;general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort.

President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US&nbsp;military mission for August&nbsp;31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

About 2,400 US&nbsp;service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded.

Addressing a small group of US&nbsp;and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. 
"What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said.

US&nbsp;Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US&nbsp;forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas.

"You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address.

Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government.

"We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said.

"We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan.

"If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said.

Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most."

McKenzie will be able to authorise US&nbsp;air strikes against the Taliban through August&nbsp;31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government.&nbsp;But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US&nbsp;strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum.

The US general leading the war in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, relinquished command at a ceremony on Monday and quietly left the country, a symbolic end to America's longest conflict while Taliban insurgents gain momentum. Miller, America's last four-star commander to serve on the ground in Afghanistan, climbed aboard a helicopter and lifted off from the military base in Kabul that long had been the nerve center for the two-decade-old war effort. President Joe Biden has set a formal end to the US military mission for August 31 as he looks to disengage from a conflict triggered by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. About 2,400 US service members have been killed in Afghanistan and many thousands have been wounded. Addressing a small group of US and Afghan officials, Miller vowed to remember lives lost in the fighting and called on the Taliban to halt attacks that have given them control of more territory than at any time since the conflict began. "What I tell the Taliban is they're responsible too. The violence that's going on is against the will of the Afghan people, and it needs to stop," Miller said. US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, whose Florida-based Central Command oversees US forces in hot spots including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, flew into Kabul to underscore America's future assistance to Afghan security forces, albeit mostly from overseas. "You can count on our support in the dangerous and difficult days ahead. We will be with you," McKenzie said in his address. Speaking separately to a small group of reporters, McKenzie cautioned that the Taliban, in his view, were seeking 'a military solution' to a war that the United States has unsuccessfully tried to end with a peace agreement between the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government. "We need to see some gesture from the Taliban here that they're not just completely intent on winning the military victory," McKenzie said. "We're at a crossroads period right now in the history of Afghanistan." He said provincial capitals were at risk and added the Taliban appeared interested in taking Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the Taliban birthplace. While voicing confidence in Afghan forces, he also warned of the consequences a Taliban victory could have for the people of Afghanistan. "If this government is overthrown, if the Taliban prevail, I think we're going to expect a return to medieval standards here in Afghanistan, particularly in the domain of women's rights, human rights, education and so many other things," he said. Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib acknowledged problems resupplying over-stretched Afghan troops but told reporters that planning was under way to focus the war effort on "where we needed to defend the most." McKenzie will be able to authorise US air strikes against the Taliban through August 31 in support of Ghani's Western-backed government. But after that, the Marine general said that when it comes to US strikes in Afghanistan, his focus will shift squarely to counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and Islamic State.

In symbolic end to war, US general departs Afghanistan

Democratic legislators in Texas are fleeing the state in a bid to block Republicans from passing an elections bill that would impose new restrictions on voting.

Texas Democrats flee to Washington to oppose Republican voting bill

In a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, the European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the US administration, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.

World Business Watch: After US push, EU pauses tax plan but Ireland sticks to its guns

US climate envoy John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow to discuss climate change. The two leaders said they will cooperate on the issues of common concern despite strangulations.

Lavrov-Kerry Meet: Leaders say they will cooperate on climate crisis

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship.

Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remains-of-43-people-killed-by-heatwave-found-along-us-mexico-border-in-arizona-report-397790">Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report</a>

After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006.

His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest.

This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance.

As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-claims-to-have-70-of-global-5g-stations-amid-international-security-concerns-397786" hreflang="en">China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns</a>

The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression".

"The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power."

Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China.

A blind Chinese dissident, who had escaped from his home country to the United States in 2012, has finally received American citizenship. Born in China in 1971, Chen Guangcheng is a civil rights activist who gained the spotlight after he started raising issues related to poor human rights in the rural areas of China. Popularly known as a "barefoot lawyer", Chen gained international recognition when he exposed China’s forced abortions and harassment of parents against China’s controversial 'one-child policy'. Also read | Remains of 43 people found along US-Mexico border in Arizona: Report After he organised a class-action lawsuit against the officials in Linyi, Shandong province, he was prosecuted for several weeks and was then placed under house arrest from September 2005 to March 2006. His house arrest was followed by a prison sentence of four years. However, after serving his full time, he was once again put on ‘soft detention’, which was yet another house arrest. This time, however, reports started emerging of him and his wife being beaten up by authorities, a little after some human rights activists released a video online of his house being managed under police surveillance. As the torture, reportedly, increased, Chen escaped house arrest in 2012 and took shelter in the Embassy of the United States in Beijing. He was allowed to leave the embassy for medical treatment in May 2012, and a few days later his wife and children were also allowed to leave for the US. Also read | China claims to have 70% of world's 5G stations amid global security concerns The 49-year-old has been vocal in raising concerns about the poor human rights in the country. He has also supported former US President Donald Trump in his fight to "stop China's aggression". "The human rights situation is getting worse and worse," he said. "As people in China are more aware of their rights as they get more information online, and have more demand for their rights, the Communist Party is becoming more and more worried about losing their control and power, and that results in them using more and more force to suppress the people to protect the control of the power." Now, after almost 15 years of citizenship battle, Chen has managed to become a permanent resident and citizen of the United States. Chen said he is "very grateful that America, this free country, has welcomed us".

Blind human rights activist who escaped China in 2012 gets American citizenship

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause.

The group left Austin, Texas, in midafternoon on a pair of chartered flights that arrived at Dulles International Airport just before sunset. Fifty-one of the 67 state House Democrats flew on the planes, leaders of the delegation said, and several others arrived separately in Washington; that’s enough to prevent Texas Republicans from attaining a quorum, which is required to conduct state business.

The hastily arranged departure added a cinematic element to the partisan wrangling in a state with a colorful political history. Democrats have fled to neighboring states in the past to try to block legislation, including in 2003, when they traveled to New Mexico and Oklahoma in an effort to avoid Republican attempts to redraw congressional districts.

The move could paralyze the Legislature for weeks if Democrats remain out of state until this special session ends in August. Still, it lays bare their limited options long term in a Legislature where the Republicans hold the majority in both chambers. Parliamentary procedures and efforts to add amendments can delay the process but not derail it. Republicans said Monday the Democrats’ gambit would ultimately fail.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, said Democrats’ departure “slows things down” but would not prevent Republicans from prevailing.

“It’s just delaying the inevitable,” said State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee. He described the move as “political theater.”

“We will eventually get it done, this special or another,” he added.

Nevertheless, by traveling en masse to Washington, the Texas Democrats were hoping to apply pressure to Democrats in the U.S. Senate who so far have been unable to pass federal legislation to address the issue.

On Monday night, members of the Texas delegation reiterated their resolve in a 15-minute news conference from an airport parking lot, which concluded with members singing the chorus of “We Shall Overcome.”

The group has scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Capitol, but has no concrete plans in Washington beyond that.

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause.

Texas Democrats fled the state Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent the passage of a restrictive new voting law by the Republican-controlled Legislature, heading to Washington to draw national attention to their cause. The group left Austin, Texas, in midafternoon on a pair of chartered flights that arrived at Dulles International Airport just before sunset. Fifty-one of the 67 state House Democrats flew on the planes, leaders of the delegation said, and several others arrived separately in Washington; that’s enough to prevent Texas Republicans from attaining a quorum, which is required to conduct state business. The hastily arranged departure added a cinematic element to the partisan wrangling in a state with a colorful political history. Democrats have fled to neighboring states in the past to try to block legislation, including in 2003, when they traveled to New Mexico and Oklahoma in an effort to avoid Republican attempts to redraw congressional districts. The move could paralyze the Legislature for weeks if Democrats remain out of state until this special session ends in August. Still, it lays bare their limited options long term in a Legislature where the Republicans hold the majority in both chambers. Parliamentary procedures and efforts to add amendments can delay the process but not derail it. Republicans said Monday the Democrats’ gambit would ultimately fail. State Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee, said Democrats’ departure “slows things down” but would not prevent Republicans from prevailing. “It’s just delaying the inevitable,” said State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Houston-area Republican who chairs the House Elections Committee. He described the move as “political theater.” “We will eventually get it done, this special or another,” he added. Nevertheless, by traveling en masse to Washington, the Texas Democrats were hoping to apply pressure to Democrats in the U.S. Senate who so far have been unable to pass federal legislation to address the issue. On Monday night, members of the Texas delegation reiterated their resolve in a 15-minute news conference from an airport parking lot, which concluded with members singing the chorus of “We Shall Overcome.” The group has scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Capitol, but has no concrete plans in Washington beyond that.

Texas Democrats flee state to block voting restriction legislation

The top US general in Afghanistan stepped down as the United States military withdrawal from the country nears completion. General Austin Scott Miller transferred his command authorities to General Kenneth McKenzie, the leader of US Central Command, in a ceremony in Kabul.

Top US general in Afghanistan steps down as troops withdrawal nears completion

A wildfire in Northern California that continues to grow overnight on Sunday has now partly being contained by the firefighters. The US National weather service has issued heat warnings that will remain in place through Tuesday evening.

California wildfire partly contained by firefighters, mandatory evacuations ordered

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs.

Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.&nbsp;

Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-riddled-him-with-bullets-didnt-let-him-say-a-word-haiti-presidents-widow-speaks-up-on-his-assassination-397263">They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination</a>

Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US&nbsp;assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed.&nbsp;

Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back.

According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward."

No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN.

As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-assassination-aftermath-haitian-first-lady-martine-moise-recounts-the-attack-397307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator&nbsp;have shocked the already struggling country.&nbsp;

A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead.

Haitian police are yet to make a comment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gang-boss-wades-into-haiti-turmoil-sees-conspiracy-behind-presidents-killing-397310">Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing</a>

Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday.&nbsp;He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise.&nbsp;

Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil. Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers reportedly gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process. Also read | They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed. Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back. According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward." No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN. As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him. The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator have shocked the already struggling country. A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead. Haitian police are yet to make a comment. Also read | Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday. He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise. Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

As Moise’s suspected assassins plead innocence, US agrees to tentatively aid Haiti

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