According to experts the new missile North Korea put on show at a military parade is an explicit threat to US defences and an implicit challenge to both the current and next American president.

North Korea's explicit threat to US, new ballistic missile unveiled

Under pressure from the federal government, Nevada health officials Friday rescinded a statewide order directing nursing homes to halt the use of two government-issued rapid coronavirus tests that the state had deemed to be inaccurate.

The reversal came shortly after the United States Department of Health and Human Services issued a threatening letter, dated Oct. 8, to Nevada officials. The federal document noted that swift punitive actions could be taken if the state did not promptly revoke its ban, which Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary of Health and Human Services, called “unwise, uninformed and unlawful” and a violation of the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act.

Outside health experts who reviewed the letter, which condemned the state’s actions as “based on a lack of knowledge or bias,” described its tone as “acid.”

In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Ihsan Azzam, Nevada’s chief medical officer, said that he and his colleagues were “very disappointed by the letter received today.” Nevada’s priorities, Azzam said, remained aligned with the federal government’s: to protect “those most vulnerable in our communities from COVID-19.”

The two brands of rapid tests, manufactured by Quidel and Becton, Dickinson and Company, had been shipped en masse to nursing homes around the country in August to address the delays and equipment shortages that for months had stymied laboratory testing. Both tests detect bits of coronavirus protein, or antigens.

In submitting applications to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency clearance, BD and Quidel reported no false positives from their products, and advertised these accuracy rates on their packaging.

But among a sample of 39 positive antigen test results collected from nursing homes across Nevada, 23 were found to be false positives when confirmed by a more accurate laboratory test. The discovery prompted state officials to issue their directive on Oct. 2, urging nursing homes to promptly pivot from antigen tests to other types of tests that look for viral RNA while the discrepancies were being investigated.

Dr. Valerie Fitzhugh, a pathologist at Rutgers University, said the number of false positives the state had reported was “significant” and worthy of scrutiny. “In the meantime, switching to an alternative, accurate method of testing would be the responsible thing to do,” Fitzhugh said. “Nevada was on the right track for trying to fix this issue.” 
&nbsp;

Under pressure from the federal government, Nevada health officials Friday rescinded a statewide order directing nursing homes to halt the use of two government-issued rapid coronavirus tests that the state had deemed to be inaccurate.

Under pressure from the federal government, Nevada health officials Friday rescinded a statewide order directing nursing homes to halt the use of two government-issued rapid coronavirus tests that the state had deemed to be inaccurate. The reversal came shortly after the United States Department of Health and Human Services issued a threatening letter, dated Oct. 8, to Nevada officials. The federal document noted that swift punitive actions could be taken if the state did not promptly revoke its ban, which Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary of Health and Human Services, called “unwise, uninformed and unlawful” and a violation of the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act. Outside health experts who reviewed the letter, which condemned the state’s actions as “based on a lack of knowledge or bias,” described its tone as “acid.” In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Ihsan Azzam, Nevada’s chief medical officer, said that he and his colleagues were “very disappointed by the letter received today.” Nevada’s priorities, Azzam said, remained aligned with the federal government’s: to protect “those most vulnerable in our communities from COVID-19.” The two brands of rapid tests, manufactured by Quidel and Becton, Dickinson and Company, had been shipped en masse to nursing homes around the country in August to address the delays and equipment shortages that for months had stymied laboratory testing. Both tests detect bits of coronavirus protein, or antigens. In submitting applications to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency clearance, BD and Quidel reported no false positives from their products, and advertised these accuracy rates on their packaging. But among a sample of 39 positive antigen test results collected from nursing homes across Nevada, 23 were found to be false positives when confirmed by a more accurate laboratory test. The discovery prompted state officials to issue their directive on Oct. 2, urging nursing homes to promptly pivot from antigen tests to other types of tests that look for viral RNA while the discrepancies were being investigated. Dr. Valerie Fitzhugh, a pathologist at Rutgers University, said the number of false positives the state had reported was “significant” and worthy of scrutiny. “In the meantime, switching to an alternative, accurate method of testing would be the responsible thing to do,” Fitzhugh said. “Nevada was on the right track for trying to fix this issue.”

Nevada revokes halt on rapid antigen testing in nursing homes

What looks like an extraordinary situation for the U.S. Politics, is just a temporary set up to hold election duties during a crisis. From running parliaments to educating children- World has adapted to the new 'virtual' norm. In fact, U.S. had its first 'virtual' debate in 1960s. WION reports

US Election 2020: Was Nixon & Kennedy debate virtual?

Uncertainty over upcoming #PresidentialDebates as Donald Trump & Joe Biden's campaign teams offer duelling proposals. Commission on Presidential debates has refused to change updated format & trump backed out from debating virtually. What now?

US Election 2020: Fate of Presidential debates hangs loose

Donald Trump wants to hold an in-person rally in Arizona & dodges the questions on his COVID-19, again. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden & Mike pence take their campaigns to the battleground state of Arizona. WION reports.

US Election 2020: Campaign rallies on full swing

A city that never sleeps is facing the biggest economic blow in decades. After surviving the high crimes of 1970s, the aftermaths of 9/11 & the recession of 2007, Times Square is facing the biggest economic blow of COVID-19.

US Election 2020: New York City waits for a lifeline

U.S. facing political blows, almost every day now. With the election day inching closer, the battle for the White House is getting murkier. Here's a quick wrap on the last 2 weeks of political storms.

US Election 2020: Range of political storms in a span of 2 weeks

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands.

"We demand the U.S. immediately stop such provocative actions, (and) strictly control and restrict military operations in the sea and air," the spokesperson said in a post on an official WeChat account.

The spokesperson also said it would take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China has extensive claims in the South China Sea. It cites historical references to claim the entire sea. Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area.

Chinese claims have created tension in the region as other nations have counterclaims that come in conflict.

Countries like Japan have often stood up to China. US also asserts freedom of navigation in international waters in South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Japan's Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Friday (October 9).

deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry.

The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills.

The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said.

The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment.

(With Reuters inputs)

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands.

China on Friday said that US destroyer John McCain had entered waters around disputed island in South China Sea without its permission. The US destroyer had entered waters around the disputed Paracel islands. "We demand the U.S. immediately stop such provocative actions, (and) strictly control and restrict military operations in the sea and air," the spokesperson said in a post on an official WeChat account. The spokesperson also said it would take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has extensive claims in the South China Sea. It cites historical references to claim the entire sea. Nearly all of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea are claimed by China, which has established military outposts on artificial islands in the area. Chinese claims have created tension in the region as other nations have counterclaims that come in conflict. Countries like Japan have often stood up to China. US also asserts freedom of navigation in international waters in South China Sea. Meanwhile, Japan's Maritime Self-defense Force conducted anti-submarine drills in the South China Sea on Friday (October 9). deploying three vessels including a helicopter aircraft carrier and a submarine, according to the Japanese defence ministry. The purpose of the exercise was "to boost their tactical capability", the ministry said in a statement, without giving more details on the geographical location of the drills. The three vessels will stop at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam over the weekend to replenish supplies, the statement said. The ministry could not be immediately reached for further comment. (With Reuters inputs)

China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday said a new $1.8 trillion economic stimulus proposal from the Trump administration "amounted to one step forward, two steps back" and would need changes to get support from congressional Democrats.

In a weekly letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the Trump administration`s proposal lacked a "strategic plan to crush the virus" and gave President Donald Trump too much discretion to decide how funds were allocated.

"At this point, we still have disagreement on many priorities, and Democrats are awaiting language from the Administration on several provisions as the negotiations on the overall funding amount continue," Pelosi`s letter said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raises-stimulus-offer-to-usd-18-trillion-days-after-halting-negotiations-334269">Also read:&nbsp;Trump raises stimulus offer to USD 1.8 trillion days after halting negotiations</a>

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin floated the $1.8 trillion proposal in a 30-minute Friday afternoon phone conversation, according to the White House.

The new White House package was higher than an earlier $1.6 trillion Mnuchin offer and closer to the $2.2 trillion that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed last week.

White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said the administration wanted to keep spending below $2 trillion but was eager to enact a fresh round of direct payments to individuals as well as aid small businesses and airlines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/election-less-than-a-month-away-trump-leans-on-barr-and-pompeo-for-a-lift-334254">Also read:&nbsp;Election less than a month away, Trump leans on Barr and Pompeo for a lift</a>

Friday marked the third straight day of talks between Pelosi and Mnuchin.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, said on Friday he doubted lawmakers would pass a package before the Nov. 3 election, although he has not directly participated in the talks.

"The proximity to the election and the differences of opinion over what is needed at this particular juncture are pretty vast," McConnell told a news conference in his home state of Kentucky.

There was no immediate comment on Saturday from the Treasury, White House, or McConnell`s office.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday said a new $1.8 trillion economic stimulus proposal from the Trump administration "amounted to one step forward, two steps back" and would need changes to get support from congressional Democrats.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Saturday said a new $1.8 trillion economic stimulus proposal from the Trump administration "amounted to one step forward, two steps back" and would need changes to get support from congressional Democrats. In a weekly letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the Trump administration`s proposal lacked a "strategic plan to crush the virus" and gave President Donald Trump too much discretion to decide how funds were allocated. "At this point, we still have disagreement on many priorities, and Democrats are awaiting language from the Administration on several provisions as the negotiations on the overall funding amount continue," Pelosi`s letter said. Also read: Trump raises stimulus offer to USD 1.8 trillion days after halting negotiations Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin floated the $1.8 trillion proposal in a 30-minute Friday afternoon phone conversation, according to the White House. The new White House package was higher than an earlier $1.6 trillion Mnuchin offer and closer to the $2.2 trillion that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed last week. White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said the administration wanted to keep spending below $2 trillion but was eager to enact a fresh round of direct payments to individuals as well as aid small businesses and airlines. Also read: Election less than a month away, Trump leans on Barr and Pompeo for a lift Friday marked the third straight day of talks between Pelosi and Mnuchin. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, said on Friday he doubted lawmakers would pass a package before the Nov. 3 election, although he has not directly participated in the talks. "The proximity to the election and the differences of opinion over what is needed at this particular juncture are pretty vast," McConnell told a news conference in his home state of Kentucky. There was no immediate comment on Saturday from the Treasury, White House, or McConnell`s office.

Pelosi says Trump stimulus proposal is 'one step forward, two steps back'

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged closer ties with India as he warned of China's growing might on its doorstep, amid a flurry of diplomacy between the world's two largest democracies. Watch report.

Mike Pompeo: India needs US as its ally

US vice-presidential Debate&nbsp; 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation. The broadcast came back when Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris criticised Trump government for its approach to China. Harris said during the debate that Trump's approach to China resulted in 'loss of American lives, American jobs, and America's standing'.

The broadcast block affected a small number of viewers in China who had access to CNN. The channel is available in some hotels in China.

Fox News reported that a screen featuring colour bars with all-caps message 'NO SIGNAL PLEASE STAND BY' flashed as the broadcast was censored.

"The censorship offered a vivid example of Beijing`s willingness to excise information it cannot control, even when it involves potentially important insights into relations with the country`s largest trading partner," Fox News was quoted as saying by ANI.

"Censors in China are moving quickly to block criticism of the country`s leaders, discussion of historical events like the Tiananmen Square massacre or any conversation that could involve organizing resistance to the government," Fox News added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-goes-berserk-after-errant-housefly-on-pences-head-photobombs-vp-debate-333508">Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate</a>

US vice-presidential Debate on Wednesday (local time) witnessed sharp exchange of words between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence.

Though the debate did not see exchanges as heated as those seen in the first Presidential Debate, some memorable moments included Kamala Harris asking Mike Pence to stop talking by saying "Mr Vice President, I'm (still) speaking".

Both debaters overshot the time limit several times during the debate but Mike Pence was observed to do this more than Kamala Harris. The moderator of the debate had to step in many times and had to remind Pence to conclude his argument.

(With ANI inputs)

US vice-presidential Debate 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation.

US vice-presidential Debate 2020 - Live coverage of US vice-presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation. The broadcast came back when Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris criticised Trump government for its approach to China. Harris said during the debate that Trump's approach to China resulted in 'loss of American lives, American jobs, and America's standing'. The broadcast block affected a small number of viewers in China who had access to CNN. The channel is available in some hotels in China. Fox News reported that a screen featuring colour bars with all-caps message 'NO SIGNAL PLEASE STAND BY' flashed as the broadcast was censored. "The censorship offered a vivid example of Beijing`s willingness to excise information it cannot control, even when it involves potentially important insights into relations with the country`s largest trading partner," Fox News was quoted as saying by ANI. "Censors in China are moving quickly to block criticism of the country`s leaders, discussion of historical events like the Tiananmen Square massacre or any conversation that could involve organizing resistance to the government," Fox News added. Also Read | Internet goes berserk after errant housefly on Pence's head photobombs VP debate US vice-presidential Debate on Wednesday (local time) witnessed sharp exchange of words between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. Though the debate did not see exchanges as heated as those seen in the first Presidential Debate, some memorable moments included Kamala Harris asking Mike Pence to stop talking by saying "Mr Vice President, I'm (still) speaking". Both debaters overshot the time limit several times during the debate but Mike Pence was observed to do this more than Kamala Harris. The moderator of the debate had to step in many times and had to remind Pence to conclude his argument. (With ANI inputs)

China censors US vice-presidential debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation

Tech giant Google faces worldwide criticism over displaying news content without paying for it. Watch this video to get more details on this.

Google faces worldwide criticism over displaying news content without paying for it

The United States on Thursday slapped fresh sanctions on Iran's financial sector, targeting 18 banks in an effort to further choke off Iranian revenues as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran weeks ahead of the U.S. election.

United States sanctions 18 major Iranian banks

Thirteen men, seven of them associated with an anti-government militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen, have been arrested on charges of conspiring to kidnap the Michigan governor, attack the state legislature and threaten law enforcement.

13 held in plot to kidnap Michigan Governor | World News

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph.

"I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP.

"I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said.

Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast.

The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths.

Battered US Gulf

Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals.

Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday.&nbsp;

"To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this."&nbsp;

In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris.

Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura.

"The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails."

Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee.&nbsp; 
Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles.

On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city.

Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again.

"It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks."

Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season.

In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred.

As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes.

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph. "I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP. "I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said. Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast. The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths. Battered US Gulf Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals. Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday. "To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this." In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris. Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura. "The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails." Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee. Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles. On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city. Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again. "It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks." Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season. In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred. As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

Hurricane Delta heads towards Louisiana

The Lockdowns have led to a rise in domestic violence across the world. In the US, more than 500 domestic violence cases involved firearms. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: More than 500 domestic violence cases in US involve firearms

US department of homeland security has concluded its first ever homeland security threat assessment. A comprehensive report has been designed to educate the public on the largest threat the country facing.

WION Fineprint: US Homeland threat assessment report claims China, Russia as major threats

With over 210,000 lives lost & more than 7.4 million affected, Donald Trump's 'DON'T BE AFRAID OF COVID' tweet comes as a hurtful & insensitive remark. WION tells you how some of the Affected families reacted to the tweet.

US Election 2020: Americans react to 'Don't be afraid' tweet

Kamala Harris & Mike Pence prepare for a historical Vice Presidential Debate at University of Utah, Salt lake. Here are some memorable moments from the past Vice Presidential Debates.

US Election 2020: Best Vice Presidential debate moments

The QAnon conspiracy theories have spread across the social media rapidly this year. Especially after Donald Trump acknowledged it. The movement is now facing a global crackdown with blanket bans everywhere. What is QAnon & Where did it come from?

US Election 2020: Global crackdown on QAnon content

With millions out of work, small businesses & airlines struggling to survive & mounting layoffs, Donald Trump halts stimulus talks. The federal help might not reach millions of waiting Americans till elections or even after. How dangerous is the delay for U.S. Economy?

US Election 2020: Dangerous tipping point for U.S Economy?

Although the #VPDebate was more composed & civil than last week's shout-fest, it was no less viral. A few moments created a BUZZ across social media platforms even before the debate was over.

US Election 2020: A polite phrase, evasive rhetoric & the fly

In latest news, Donald Trump refuses to debate Joe Biden in a virtual setup, after commission of Presidential debates announced the updated format. Earlier, Trump returned to Oval office claiming that he is cured. The 'back to work' video follows new claims & promises.

US Election 2020: Blessing in disguise & free drugs

Much to viewers surprise, Kamala Harris & Mike Pence seized the #VPDebate opportunity to offer clear views on all major issues. From Donald Trump's COVID-19 response to foreign policies & racism. WION gives you the big takeaways from the CIVIL Vice Presidential Debate.

US Election 2020: Verbal clash with clarity of opinions

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