The United States informed the government of Niger that it has agreed to its request to withdraw US troops from the West African country, said three US officials.

In a meeting on Friday (April 19), Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerian Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine committed to initiate conversations in Niamey to begin planning an orderly and responsible withdrawal of US troops from Niger.

Over 1,000 US troops were stationed in Niger last year, utilising two bases. One notable base was a $100 million drone facility, Air Base 201, located near Agadez in central Niger.

Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, an al Qaeda affiliate, in the Sahel region.

Last year, Niger's army seized power in a coup. Until the coup, Niger had remained a key security partner of the United States and France.

Niger's recent leadership change has led to a significant shift in alliances. The new governments, like that of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, have&nbsp;severed military ties with Western nations like the US and France.&nbsp;

They've also withdrawn from the regional economic bloc ECOWAS and pursued closer relations with Russia. These developments prompted the US to agree to Niger's request for troop withdrawal.&nbsp;

Last month, Niger's ruling junta said it revoked with immediate effect a military accord that allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the US Department of Defense on its soil.

The Pentagon had said thereafter it was seeking clarification about the way ahead. It added the US&nbsp;government had "direct and frank" conversations in Niger ahead of the junta's announcement, and was continuing to communicate with Niger's ruling military council.

Hundreds took to the streets of Niger's capital last week to demand the departure of U.S. troops, after the ruling junta further shifted its strategy by ending the military accord with the United States and welcoming Russian military instructors.

Eight coups in West and Central Africa over four years, including in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have prompted growing concerns over democracy backsliding in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States informed the government of Niger that it has agreed to its request to withdraw US troops from the West African country, said three US officials.

The United States informed the government of Niger that it has agreed to its request to withdraw US troops from the West African country, said three US officials. In a meeting on Friday (April 19), Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerian Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine committed to initiate conversations in Niamey to begin planning an orderly and responsible withdrawal of US troops from Niger. Over 1,000 US troops were stationed in Niger last year, utilising two bases. One notable base was a $100 million drone facility, Air Base 201, located near Agadez in central Niger. Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen, an al Qaeda affiliate, in the Sahel region. Last year, Niger's army seized power in a coup. Until the coup, Niger had remained a key security partner of the United States and France. Niger's recent leadership change has led to a significant shift in alliances. The new governments, like that of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, have severed military ties with Western nations like the US and France. They've also withdrawn from the regional economic bloc ECOWAS and pursued closer relations with Russia. These developments prompted the US to agree to Niger's request for troop withdrawal. Last month, Niger's ruling junta said it revoked with immediate effect a military accord that allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the US Department of Defense on its soil. The Pentagon had said thereafter it was seeking clarification about the way ahead. It added the US government had "direct and frank" conversations in Niger ahead of the junta's announcement, and was continuing to communicate with Niger's ruling military council. Hundreds took to the streets of Niger's capital last week to demand the departure of U.S. troops, after the ruling junta further shifted its strategy by ending the military accord with the United States and welcoming Russian military instructors. Eight coups in West and Central Africa over four years, including in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have prompted growing concerns over democracy backsliding in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid protests

A full jury of 12 people has been seated in the criminal case against Donald Trump, bringing the first criminal trial of a former president a significant step closer to the beginning. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: First week of Trump's criminal trial ends with full jury selected

The Senate voted on Friday (April 19) to renew surveillance authority bill which according to the US government is important for combating terrorism. Lawmakers voted 60-34 to reauthorise Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was enacted by the House late last week.

The Senate voted on Friday (April 19) to renew surveillance authority bill which according to the US government is important for combating terrorism. Lawmakers voted 60-34 to reauthorise Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was enacted by the House late last week. The House passed the bill when a fresh version was introduced calling for a two-year reauthorisation rather than five years, which helped assuage conservatives who had earlier opposed the proposal. A two-year extension would allow former President Donald Trump to change the law if he wins the 2024 presidential election. The final vote happened after the Senate rejected six amendments from progressive and conservative senators who argued that the surveillance powers were overly wide and wanted protections for Americans' civil liberties and privacy. Also read: US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid protests The Biden administration and FISA advocates had cautioned that even a temporary delay may harm the intelligence-gathering operation. Though senators missed the midnight deadline to reauthorise FISA Section 702, they voted to do so minutes later. “In the nick of time, bipartisanship has prevailed here in the Senate,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY. “It wasn’t easy, people had many different views, but we all know one thing: letting FISA expire would have been dangerous. It’s an important part of our national security to stop acts of terror, drug trafficking, and violent extremism. Thank you to all my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their good work in getting this done,” he added. What is the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)? Under FISA Section 702, the government collects enormous amounts of internet and cell phone data on foreign targets. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans' information is accidentally gathered and accessed without a warrant. Critics argue that the 'backdoor search' violates the privacy of Americans and that the bill's powers are too expansive.

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: US Senate renews surveillance bill despite privacy concerns

Watch in the top headlines of the hour: - IDF raids refugee camps in West Bank - US House advances $95 billion aid package - Blasts rock military base in Iraq - Trump Hush Money Trial: Final jury named - North Korea heads cruise missile warhead

Trump Hush Money Trial: Final jury named | US house advances $95 bn aid package

#Gravitas | An American assessment has revealed that North Korea is using genetic engineering to develop biological weapons. North Korea has access to bacteria and virus that cause Anthrax and Smallpox. Will the Hermit Kingdom use them for biological warfare?

Gravitas: New threat: North Korea owns bioweapons, claims US

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification.

The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial said on Thursday (April 17) that a juror had been excused from Donald Trump's criminal trial because she claimed to be terrified by the disclosure of some details of her identification. Why did the judge excuse the juror? Speaking before the jury, the juror noted that after determining from press reports that she was a member of the jury, her friends, relatives, and coworkers had been in touch with her. "I don't believe at this point that I can be fair and unbiased, and let the outside influences not affect my decision-making in the courtroom," said the juror. Also read: Only one-third of Americans think Trump did something illegal as hush money trial gets underway On Tuesday, April 16, the second day of the jury selection process, the juror was selected along with six other people. The jurors, whose names are withheld from everybody but the attorneys involved in the case, will have to provide a verdict in the nation's first-ever criminal trial of a former president. What is the Trump hush money trial about? Evidence about claims that Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen engaged in a scheme to fabricate documents to conceal payments that Trump made to Cohen will be shown before the jury. The reimbursements were purportedly for a "hush money" payment that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had an affair with Trump years prior, shortly before the 2016 election. In response to the accusations, Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied having an affair with Daniels. Prosecutors, according to him, are pursuing the case for political purposes. Numerous inhabitants of Manhattan are in the pool from which the jurors are selected. After stating that they can serve impartially, candidates are asked to provide information about their personal life, political beliefs, and news consumption patterns. Twelve jurors in all, plus six alternates, will make up the final jury.

Juror excused from Trump hush money trial due to fear of influence: What you need to know

An Indian national Jaspal Singh, 57, passed away in an Atlanta hospital, while he was in immigration custody awaiting deportation proceedings.&nbsp;

The Indian Consulate and his next of kin have been informed.

Singh died at a hospital in Atlanta on April 15. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death, ICE said.

Jaspal Singh&nbsp;first entered the US legally on October 25, 1992. On January 21, 1998, an immigration judge ordered Singh's removal from the US, and on an unknown date, Singh returned to India voluntarily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-indian-student-dies-in-us-probe-underway-708227" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/another-indian-student-dies-in-us-probe-underway-708227&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3g9G73MqFAxUzamwGHfr4C80QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZQOKTp8GK0CXdeX0k5sCO&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-indian-student-dies-in-us-probe-underway-708227" target="_blank">Indian student dies in&nbsp;US&nbsp;state of Ohio, probe underway</a>

On June 29, 2023, he was arrested by US Border Protection's Border Patrol officers while illegally trying to reenter the United States at the US-Mexico Border.

Border Patrol transferred custody of Singh to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Atlanta. He was detained at a federal processing centre in Atlanta where he continued his immigration proceedings.

To ensure transparency, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is required to notify Congress, relevant NGOs, and the media within two business days of a non-citizen's death in a detention facility. Additionally, a news release with details is posted on their public website.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian national Jaspal Singh, 57, passed away in an Atlanta hospital, while he was in immigration custody awaiting deportation proceedings. The Indian Consulate and his next of kin have been informed.

An Indian national Jaspal Singh, 57, passed away in an Atlanta hospital, while he was in immigration custody awaiting deportation proceedings. The Indian Consulate and his next of kin have been informed. Singh died at a hospital in Atlanta on April 15. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death, ICE said. Jaspal Singh first entered the US legally on October 25, 1992. On January 21, 1998, an immigration judge ordered Singh's removal from the US, and on an unknown date, Singh returned to India voluntarily. Also read: Indian student dies in US state of Ohio, probe underway On June 29, 2023, he was arrested by US Border Protection's Border Patrol officers while illegally trying to reenter the United States at the US-Mexico Border. Border Patrol transferred custody of Singh to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Atlanta. He was detained at a federal processing centre in Atlanta where he continued his immigration proceedings. To ensure transparency, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is required to notify Congress, relevant NGOs, and the media within two business days of a non-citizen's death in a detention facility. Additionally, a news release with details is posted on their public website. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian man awaiting deportation proceedings dies in US hospital

#Gravitas | The US Is boosting its Defence capabilities in the Indo-pacific region. It has deployed a new mid-range missile launcher in the Philippines' Luzon island. Is this a warning for China?

Gravitas: New threat for China: US' new missile launcher in the Indo-Pacific

As the US elections draw closer the chants against Joe Biden are growing louder. In the past 3 days Pro Palestine protesters have taken over several cities in the US. Pro-Palestine protests grow louder against Biden...Will the Israel policy be the end of Biden's political journey? Watch in for more details!

US: How Pro-Palestine protests overshadow Biden's re-election bid | Israel war

Joe Biden is gearing up to welcome Iraqi prime minister Muhammad Shyaa Al Sudani on his first ever visit to Washington later today. However the visit is overshadowed by the threat of a Gaza War spillover looming in the background. Watch in for more details!

US President Biden gearing up to welcome Iraqi Prime Minister

Donald Trump is facing trial related to a hush money payment case. Trump is making history by becoming the first former US president to sit in a courtroom for a criminal trial just months ahead of the US presidential elections. Watch in for more details!

Trump Hush Money Trial: Former US President Trump goes on trial in New York

Policymakers in New York have proposed contraception to reduce the population of rats and other rodents in the city. The city government proposed the idea of distributing rat contraceptives after an escaped zoo owl, known as Flaco, died due to rat poison.

Policymakers in New York have proposed contraception to reduce the population of rats and other rodents in the city. The city government proposed the idea of distributing rat contraceptives after an escaped zoo owl, known as Flaco, died due to rat poison. On Thursday, City Council Member Shaun Abreu, who is the chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, presented a city ordinance to launch a pilot programme for handling millions of rats lurking in subway stations and empty lots by using birth control instead of lethal chemicals used in glue traps and rat poison that lead to a slow, brutal death. He said contraceptives are more ethical and humane than other methods. They plan to use ContraPest, which targets ovarian function in female rats and disrupts sperm cell production in males, The New York Times reported. The current methods to kill rats include snap and glue traps, rat poisons, and carbon monoxide. While rat poisons make them bleed internally, carbon monoxide suffocates them in their burrows. Some non-professionals have even trained their dogs to hunt rats. ALSO READ | A land in Australia, which has drowned, was once Aboriginal hotspot in ice age Some lawmakers in Albany have proposed a statewide ban on snap and glue traps. Rashad Edwards, a film and television actor who runs a pest management company in New York City with his wife, opposes the idea of glue traps and says that carbon monoxide is the most efficient way to deal with rats and rodents. While carbon monoxide kills the rats slowly, putting them to sleep and killing them, Edwards avoids rat poison as it is dangerous and torturous to rodents. "This is not a problem we can kill our way out of," said Jakob Shaw of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "It's time to embrace these more common sense and humane methods." In recent years, two California cities have passed bans on glue traps. "It ends an inhumane practice of managing rat populations. There are more effective and humane ways to deal with rats," said Jabari Brisport, the New York state senator." Last year, New York Mayor Eric Adams hired a "rat czar" to deal with the detested rodents. Last month, New York Coty mandated all businesses to put trash in boxes to reduce the food served to rats. (With inputs from agencies)

New York to use contraceptives instead of glue traps and poison to get rid of rats

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles.

"Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said.&nbsp;

"At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," he added. President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel since the Middle Eastern nation's war with Hamas began.

<h2>MAGA Republicans' reaction to Iran's attack</h2>

Former President Donald Trump&nbsp;claimed on social media that Iran's strike would never have occurred if he were president. "The weakness that we've shown is unbelievable. It would not have happened if we were in office," Trump said. Republicans who support Trump also placed blame for Iran's attack on Biden.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world."

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Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. 
 
Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. 
 
Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. 
 
Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1779281779091775759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid5ad77xm8jQUm" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-to-stay-out-of-israeli-counter-strike-on-iran-joe-biden-tells-netanyahu-711229" target="_blank">West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu</a>

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt wrote that the attack "would have NEVER happened under Trump."&nbsp;

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Emily and I are praying for the people of Israel as they defend themselves against the Islamo-Nazi regime in Tehran. 
 
This would have NEVER happened under Trump. 
 
America, Israel, and the world need strength at the helm now more than ever. 
 
Iran has been emboldened by…
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/WesleyHuntTX/status/1779265776832197014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X, "Biden gave Iran access to $10 BILLION after Hamas attacked Israel. Now Iran has launched an attack on Israel."

<h2>Why did Iran attack Israel?</h2>

Iran fired numerous drones and missiles toward Israel in reaction to an attack on an Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals. The attack, the first time Iran has conducted a direct military attack on Israel, occurred as regional tensions have reached their peak since the Israel-Hamas conflict began six months ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles.

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles. "Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said. "At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," he added. President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel since the Middle Eastern nation's war with Hamas began. MAGA Republicans' reaction to Iran's attack Former President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran's strike would never have occurred if he were president. "The weakness that we've shown is unbelievable. It would not have happened if we were in office," Trump said. Republicans who support Trump also placed blame for Iran's attack on Biden. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world." Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world. — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 13, 2024 × Also read: West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt wrote that the attack "would have NEVER happened under Trump." Emily and I are praying for the people of Israel as they defend themselves against the Islamo-Nazi regime in Tehran. This would have NEVER happened under Trump. America, Israel, and the world need strength at the helm now more than ever. Iran has been emboldened by… — Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) April 13, 2024 × Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X, "Biden gave Iran access to $10 BILLION after Hamas attacked Israel. Now Iran has launched an attack on Israel." Why did Iran attack Israel? Iran fired numerous drones and missiles toward Israel in reaction to an attack on an Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals. The attack, the first time Iran has conducted a direct military attack on Israel, occurred as regional tensions have reached their peak since the Israel-Hamas conflict began six months ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump and MAGA Republicans blame Joe Biden for Iran’s strikes on Israel

In a mass shooting in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighbourhood, one child was killed and 10 others got injured on Saturday (April 13) evening, police said.

Among the injured, there were three children. The shooting happened near West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue at around 9:20 pm,&nbsp;according to the Chicago Police department. There was a family gathering underway at the time of the shooting.

The police said that they responded to a ShotSpotter alert of 18 rounds fired and began providing life-saving care. Unfortunately, an 8-year-old girl was shot in the head and died on the spot.

Injured included a one-year-old boy, an eight-year-old boy, and a nine-year-old boy. The one-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy were each shot multiple times and were in critical condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-serbian-runway-honours-shooting-victim-with-dior-designs-711037" hreflang="en">Serbian runway honours shooting victim with Dior designs</a>

"This was not a random act of violence. It was likely gang-related. The offenders' actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city," police said. &nbsp;

According to sources, the children were playing outside when the shooting happened. "I think a part of Chicago has died. Part of Chicago, like the mothers when I first got here, the families when I first got here tonight, should be screaming, should be running, should be crying. We all should," a&nbsp;pastor told CBS News.

Some witnesses described that the two shooters were on foot while others said that they saw a black sedan drive up, and someone inside fire multiple shots before driving off. Till now, police have not arrested anyone concerning the shooting. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a mass shooting in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighbourhood, one child was killed and 10 others got injured on Saturday (April 13) evening, police said. Among the injured, there were three children.

In a mass shooting in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighbourhood, one child was killed and 10 others got injured on Saturday (April 13) evening, police said. Among the injured, there were three children. The shooting happened near West 52nd Street and South Damen Avenue at around 9:20 pm, according to the Chicago Police department. There was a family gathering underway at the time of the shooting. The police said that they responded to a ShotSpotter alert of 18 rounds fired and began providing life-saving care. Unfortunately, an 8-year-old girl was shot in the head and died on the spot. Injured included a one-year-old boy, an eight-year-old boy, and a nine-year-old boy. The one-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy were each shot multiple times and were in critical condition. Also read: Serbian runway honours shooting victim with Dior designs "This was not a random act of violence. It was likely gang-related. The offenders' actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city," police said. According to sources, the children were playing outside when the shooting happened. "I think a part of Chicago has died. Part of Chicago, like the mothers when I first got here, the families when I first got here tonight, should be screaming, should be running, should be crying. We all should," a pastor told CBS News. Some witnesses described that the two shooters were on foot while others said that they saw a black sedan drive up, and someone inside fire multiple shots before driving off. Till now, police have not arrested anyone concerning the shooting. (With inputs from agencies)

Chicago mass shooting: One child dead, 10 including three kids injured

According to a report, Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours. Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack&nbsp;in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place. Also,&nbsp;United States President Joe Biden said that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad"&nbsp;amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China. In other news from around the world,&nbsp;Russian politician Alexei Navalny's memoir will be released posthumously on October 22.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-commitments-to-japan-and-philippines-are-ironclad-president-joe-biden-710344">Iran likely to launch retaliatory attack on Israel in next two days: Report</a> 
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Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours, as per a report. According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, the attack can happen within the next 24 to 48 hours.&nbsp;Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place and that no hasty decisions will be taken.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-commitments-to-japan-and-philippines-are-ironclad-president-joe-biden-710344">US defence commitments to Japan and Philippines are 'ironclad': President Joe Biden</a>

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United States&nbsp;President Joe Biden said on Thursday (Apr 11) that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pro-democracy-activist-alexei-navalnys-posthumous-memoir-to-release-in-october-710363">Russian pro-democracy activist Alexei Navalny’s posthumous memoir to release in October</a> 
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Late Russian politician Alexei Navalny's memoir will be released on October 22, Alfred A. Knopf, the US publisher of the book announced on Thursday (April 11). Navalny&nbsp;started writing his novel in 2020 after he was poisoned and completed it before passing away in a Russian prison in 2024.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-ridicules-ukraine-peace-talks-without-russias-participation-710332">Putin ridicules Ukraine 'peace' talks without Russia's participation</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/12/424543-putin.png?imwidth=400" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin ridiculed the Ukraine peace talks, a round of which is set to be held in Switzerland, on Thursday (April 11) and said that no enforced plans, which ignore Moscow's interests, will be accepted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-tells-young-soldiers-to-be-more-prepared-for-a-war-710361">Watch:&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong Un tells young soldiers to be more prepared for a war</a>

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&nbsp;

According to a report, Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours. Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place.

According to a report, Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours. Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place. Also, United States President Joe Biden said that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China. In other news from around the world, Russian politician Alexei Navalny's memoir will be released posthumously on October 22. Click on the headlines to read more: Iran likely to launch retaliatory attack on Israel in next two days: Report Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours, as per a report. According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, the attack can happen within the next 24 to 48 hours. Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place and that no hasty decisions will be taken. US defence commitments to Japan and Philippines are 'ironclad': President Joe Biden United States President Joe Biden said on Thursday (Apr 11) that Washington's defence commitments to Japan and the Philippines were "ironclad" as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid the two countries' territorial disputes with China. Russian pro-democracy activist Alexei Navalny’s posthumous memoir to release in October Late Russian politician Alexei Navalny's memoir will be released on October 22, Alfred A. Knopf, the US publisher of the book announced on Thursday (April 11). Navalny started writing his novel in 2020 after he was poisoned and completed it before passing away in a Russian prison in 2024. Putin ridicules Ukraine 'peace' talks without Russia's participation Russian President Vladimir Putin ridiculed the Ukraine peace talks, a round of which is set to be held in Switzerland, on Thursday (April 11) and said that no enforced plans, which ignore Moscow's interests, will be accepted. Watch: North Korea: Kim Jong Un tells young soldiers to be more prepared for a war ×

Morning brief: Iran may avoid 'escalation' in retaliatory attack; Putin ridicules Ukraine 'peace' talks, more

A woman from Texas claimed that she underwent "very intensive" chemotherapy sessions only to discover that she never had cancer in the first place. Lisa Monk went to the hospital in 2022 for stomach pains, assuming they were kidney stones, the New York Post reported.

A woman from Texas claimed that she underwent "very intensive" chemotherapy sessions only to discover that she never had cancer in the first place. Lisa Monk went to the hospital in 2022 for stomach pains, assuming they were kidney stones, the New York Post reported. Tests showed two kidney stones and a mass on her spleen. She underwent surgery in January last year, and doctors removed the spleen successfully, later sent to pathology labs for testing. It tested positive for a rare and terminal form of cancer for the fourth time. Lisa, 39, was diagnosed with clear cell angiosarcoma, which is a type of cancer with a poor prognosis regardless of age and gender, the Mirror reported. Monk said, "It was a blood vessel type of cancer found in the spleen and told me that the most optimistic thing he could say was to give me 15 months." The news left Monk's family, including her two children, distraught. After her second round of "aggressive" chemotherapy sessions, Lisa lost all her hair, and she was left vomiting with silvery skin. She said, "It was a very dark time. I was writing goodbye letters and letters to the grandchildren I would never meet and the weddings I would never attend." ALSO READ | 'Sexual harassment leaves a mark' on humans and statues; German NGO's unique awareness campaign However, doctors revealed that she never had cancer in the first place after a few months of chemotherapy. Monk recalled, "I saw the nurse practitioner first and she just asked me about my symptoms and she was scrolling on the computer while she was talking to me." "She stops talking and has this look on her face. She turned to me and looked horrified and told me she needed to get the doctor and then ran out of the room. She left me alone for about 15 minutes and the doctor came back in. He said a lot of medical lingo to me and then told me I didn't have cancer," she continued. "The doctor then told me that I never had cancer. [At that moment] I looked like I had cancer and I felt like I had cancer as I was vomiting, I was sick and my skin was silvery because of the chemotherapy. The doctor then congratulated me, which bothered me," she said. The correct pathology report, which came in before the second round of chemotherapy began, was a month old by the time Monk found out. A year after the traumatic event, Monk is still struggling to pay hospital bills and is emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. “I grieve for my kids for having to even go through something like this in their lives where they thought they were going to lose their mum. I can't take this away from them. I know on paper it only looks like a few months of my life but it felt like a lifetime," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Texas woman undergoes 'very intense' chemotherapy only to find out she never had cancer

As the Abortion debate kicks up a storm in U.S, can Joe Biden shoulder re-election bid on the pro-choice movement?

US Abortion rights: Can Joe Biden win US Elections on pro-choice?

Xcel Energy, a prominent power company in Colorado is initiating a power shut-off to mitigate wildfire risks amidst powerful winds, reaching up to 100 miles per hour. The power outage can affect over 55,000 people.

The outage will start from 3:00 pm local time, primarily in Boulder County and small sections of Broomfield, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Larimer counties. According to Xcel Energy, the power cut-off is expected to last until at least Sunday (April 7) at noon. The company said in a statement they 'made the decision to proactively de-energize lines'.

“Outages are likely to persist beyond that time frame because crews must physically inspect the power lines. Temporarily shutting power off is intended to prevent our electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition,” Xcel Energy said.

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SATURDAY: Critical fire weather conditions could mean very rapid spread of new or existing wildfires for parts of CO, KS, NM, OK, and TX. Many everyday things can spark wildfires. Keep ignition sources far away from dry vegetation, wood and other fuel. <a href="https://t.co/93Bhknjbnw">https://t.co/93Bhknjbnw</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tq2kJ1XSYV">pic.twitter.com/Tq2kJ1XSYV</a>
— National Weather Service (@NWS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWS/status/1776336712580374590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, Colorado, winds are expected to increase through the afternoon and evening, with the strongest winds coming between 6:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 am on Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-presidency-or-not-cop29-leader-demands-us-uphold-climate-commitments-708449" hreflang="en">Trump presidency or not, COP29 leader demands US uphold climate commitments</a>

Extremely critical fire weather is expected across portions of southeast Colorado into the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas according to US maps.&nbsp;

“Customers who use medical equipment that relies on electrical service should take steps to prepare for extended outages,” the company said.

The National Weather Service shared high wind safety&nbsp;tips&nbsp;on X

Stay aware of your surroundings (or remain indoors if possible).&nbsp; 
Tree limbs may snap quickly. 
Be alert for flying debris during the peak gusts. 
Stay away from downed power lines. 
Avoid parking under trees if possible. 
Avoid travel.

More than 77,000 people live in regions classified under&nbsp;high fire risk, while over 2.9 million live in critical zones. According to the National Weather Service, people in areas affected by high winds should "avoid any activity that may produce a spark," and if possible, people should&nbsp;stay indoors. The winds are predicted to cause power outages, damaged tree limbs, and dust storms, according to forecasts. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Xcel Energy, a prominent power company in Colorado is initiating a power shut-off to mitigate wildfire risks amidst powerful winds, reaching up to 100 miles per hour.

Xcel Energy, a prominent power company in Colorado is initiating a power shut-off to mitigate wildfire risks amidst powerful winds, reaching up to 100 miles per hour. The power outage can affect over 55,000 people. The outage will start from 3:00 pm local time, primarily in Boulder County and small sections of Broomfield, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Larimer counties. According to Xcel Energy, the power cut-off is expected to last until at least Sunday (April 7) at noon. The company said in a statement they 'made the decision to proactively de-energize lines'. “Outages are likely to persist beyond that time frame because crews must physically inspect the power lines. Temporarily shutting power off is intended to prevent our electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition,” Xcel Energy said. SATURDAY: Critical fire weather conditions could mean very rapid spread of new or existing wildfires for parts of CO, KS, NM, OK, and TX. Many everyday things can spark wildfires. Keep ignition sources far away from dry vegetation, wood and other fuel. https://t.co/93Bhknjbnw pic.twitter.com/Tq2kJ1XSYV — National Weather Service (@NWS) April 5, 2024 × According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, Colorado, winds are expected to increase through the afternoon and evening, with the strongest winds coming between 6:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 am on Sunday. Also read: Trump presidency or not, COP29 leader demands US uphold climate commitments Extremely critical fire weather is expected across portions of southeast Colorado into the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas according to US maps. “Customers who use medical equipment that relies on electrical service should take steps to prepare for extended outages,” the company said. The National Weather Service shared high wind safety tips on X Stay aware of your surroundings (or remain indoors if possible). Tree limbs may snap quickly. Be alert for flying debris during the peak gusts. Stay away from downed power lines. Avoid parking under trees if possible. Avoid travel. More than 77,000 people live in regions classified under high fire risk, while over 2.9 million live in critical zones. According to the National Weather Service, people in areas affected by high winds should "avoid any activity that may produce a spark," and if possible, people should stay indoors. The winds are predicted to cause power outages, damaged tree limbs, and dust storms, according to forecasts. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Over 55,000 in Colorado will experience power outage to prevent wind-fuelled wildfires. Details here

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang engaged in important discussions on Sunday, during which Yellen told Li that the ability to have such conversations over the past year has helped the US and China come to a 'more stable footing.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang engaged in important discussions on Sunday, during which Yellen told Li that the ability to have such conversations over the past year has helped the US and China come to a 'more stable footing.' Li echoed the sentiment and emphasised the need for mutual respect and partnership between the United States and China. He said that the two countries should be partners and not adversaries and that the US Treasury Secretary's trip has been good for both nations. “While we have more to do, I believe that, over the past year, we have put our bilateral relationship on more stable footing. This has not meant ignoring our differences or avoiding tough conversations. It has meant understanding that we can only make progress if we directly and openly communicate with one another,” Yellen said. Addressing economic concerns - EV surplus Yellen's second visit to China in nine months also aimed to address concerns regarding China's excessive production in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy products. This surplus capacity has affected not only the US producers but also global players. During her visit to Guangzhou, Yellen and Vice Premier He Lifeng agreed to initiate a dialogue focused on achieving balanced growth. Yellen emphasised the need for fair competition to protect American workers and businesses. Also read: Yellen confronts China over excessive production. Here are the details "As the world’s two largest economies, we have a duty to our own countries and to the world to responsibly manage our complex relationship and to cooperate and show leadership on addressing pressing global challenges," Yellen said. Building stability through direct communication Yellen visited Beijing in July 2023 for the first time when there were tensions between the two nations because of trade disputes and COVID origin theories. Her first visit sought to stabilise the relationship between the world's two biggest economies Earlier this week US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. In a nearly two-hour-long call they discussed the South China Sea.

US and China shouldn't 'ignore differences or avoid tough' conversations, Yellen tells Chinese Premier Li

In the United States, a man who is a convicted killer on death row has said that he wants to be executed so the families of the people he killed in 2016 can have justice and get closure. The man, identified as Derrick Dearman, told NBC News that he has sent letters to Gov. Kay Ivey and other officials to inform them that he is dropping his appeals.&nbsp;

In a phone interview from prison, the 36-year-old said, "Now it’s time for the victims and their families to get the justice they rightly deserve to start the closure."&nbsp;

He also said that his decision doesn't mean that other inmates on death row should do the same. "There's guys in the general population that committed way worse crimes than half the guys on death row. There's some guys here on death row, if you would let them go today, they would never commit a crime and be productive members of society," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-prison-inmates-who-sued-department-will-finally-watch-solar-eclipse-708215">New York prison inmates, who sued department, will finally watch solar eclipse</a>&nbsp;

Dearman murdered five people at a home in Citronelle, Alabama, with a gun and an axe in August 2016. He was high on meth when he committed the crime. One of the victims, 22-year-old Chelsea Marie Reed, was five months pregnant, hence, the judges had convicted him on six counts of murder.&nbsp;

Other victims were Shannon Melissa Randall (35), Robert Lee Brown (26), Justin Kaleb Reed (23), and Joseph Adam Turner (26). He had also kidnapped Lester, along with Turner and Randall's three-month-old baby, after the murders. He surrendered after travelling to his father's home, local reports mentioned.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-sues-temple-in-us-over-branding-son-with-hot-iron-rod-708130">Indian-origin man sues temple in US over branding son with hot iron rod</a>

As per reports, he wants to be executed by lethal injection, not by nitrogen gas. Earlier this year, Alabama used nitrogen gas for the first time. It said that it will again use the same method in an execution later this year.&nbsp;

In the United States, a man who is a convicted killer on death row has said that he wants to be executed so the families of the people he killed in 2016 can have justice and get closure.

In the United States, a man who is a convicted killer on death row has said that he wants to be executed so the families of the people he killed in 2016 can have justice and get closure. The man, identified as Derrick Dearman, told NBC News that he has sent letters to Gov. Kay Ivey and other officials to inform them that he is dropping his appeals. In a phone interview from prison, the 36-year-old said, "Now it’s time for the victims and their families to get the justice they rightly deserve to start the closure." He also said that his decision doesn't mean that other inmates on death row should do the same. "There's guys in the general population that committed way worse crimes than half the guys on death row. There's some guys here on death row, if you would let them go today, they would never commit a crime and be productive members of society," he added. Also read: New York prison inmates, who sued department, will finally watch solar eclipse Dearman murdered five people at a home in Citronelle, Alabama, with a gun and an axe in August 2016. He was high on meth when he committed the crime. One of the victims, 22-year-old Chelsea Marie Reed, was five months pregnant, hence, the judges had convicted him on six counts of murder. Other victims were Shannon Melissa Randall (35), Robert Lee Brown (26), Justin Kaleb Reed (23), and Joseph Adam Turner (26). He had also kidnapped Lester, along with Turner and Randall's three-month-old baby, after the murders. He surrendered after travelling to his father's home, local reports mentioned. Also read: Indian-origin man sues temple in US over branding son with hot iron rod As per reports, he wants to be executed by lethal injection, not by nitrogen gas. Earlier this year, Alabama used nitrogen gas for the first time. It said that it will again use the same method in an execution later this year.

US man on death row wants to be executed so that families of victims have 'justice'

An Atlanta-area judge, Scott McAfee, dismissed Trump's argument that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were protected by the First Amendment. This means that the criminal indictment against former president Donald Trump in Georgia stands.

Judge McAfee said, "The defence has not presented, nor is the court able to find, any authority that the speech and conduct alleged is protected political speech."

This decision pushes forward the state racketeering case against Trump. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says that she is ready for a trial potentially as soon as August, but till now, no trial date has been set yet for Trump and his 14 co-defendants.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/two-plead-guilty-to-insider-trading-related-to-trump-media-merger-707654" hreflang="en">Two plead guilty to insider trading related to Trump Media merger</a>

This is not the first time Judge McAfee has rejected the First Amendment argument. He has taken similar actions against the pleas of other other defendants in the Georgia case. Other state and federal judges have consistently dismissed claims that Trump's actions were protected political speech.

“After interpreting the indictment’s language liberally in favor of the State as required at this pretrial stage, the Court finds that the Defendants’ expressions and speech are alleged to have been made in furtherance of criminal activity and constitute false statements knowingly and willfully made in matters within a government agency’s jurisdiction which threaten to deceive and harm the government,” McAfee's order read.

Trump's Georgia lawyer, Steve Sadow, said that Trump and other defendants respectfully disagree with the judgment and they will explore further legal options.&nbsp;

“It is significant that the court’s ruling made clear that defendants were not foreclosed from again raising their ‘as-applied challenges at the appropriate time after the establishment of a factual record',” Sadow’s statement said.

During hearings, Sadow contended that Trump's attempts to challenge the Georgia election results were protected political speech. On the other hand, Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford argued that Trump's lies about the election were part of criminal activity with criminal intentions.

An Atlanta-area judge, Scott McAfee, dismissed Trump's argument that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were protected by the First Amendment. This means that the criminal indictment against former president Donald Trump in Georgia stands.

An Atlanta-area judge, Scott McAfee, dismissed Trump's argument that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were protected by the First Amendment. This means that the criminal indictment against former president Donald Trump in Georgia stands. Judge McAfee said, "The defence has not presented, nor is the court able to find, any authority that the speech and conduct alleged is protected political speech." This decision pushes forward the state racketeering case against Trump. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says that she is ready for a trial potentially as soon as August, but till now, no trial date has been set yet for Trump and his 14 co-defendants. Also read: Two plead guilty to insider trading related to Trump Media merger This is not the first time Judge McAfee has rejected the First Amendment argument. He has taken similar actions against the pleas of other other defendants in the Georgia case. Other state and federal judges have consistently dismissed claims that Trump's actions were protected political speech. “After interpreting the indictment’s language liberally in favor of the State as required at this pretrial stage, the Court finds that the Defendants’ expressions and speech are alleged to have been made in furtherance of criminal activity and constitute false statements knowingly and willfully made in matters within a government agency’s jurisdiction which threaten to deceive and harm the government,” McAfee's order read. Trump's Georgia lawyer, Steve Sadow, said that Trump and other defendants respectfully disagree with the judgment and they will explore further legal options. “It is significant that the court’s ruling made clear that defendants were not foreclosed from again raising their ‘as-applied challenges at the appropriate time after the establishment of a factual record',” Sadow’s statement said. During hearings, Sadow contended that Trump's attempts to challenge the Georgia election results were protected political speech. On the other hand, Fulton County prosecutor Donald Wakeford argued that Trump's lies about the election were part of criminal activity with criminal intentions.

Judge denies Trump's bid to dismiss Georgia election subversion case

Joe Biden is set to visit the Baltimore bridge collapse site later today during the visit he will also meet relatives of the six workers who were killed in the collapse. Watch in for more details!

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: President Biden to plan response & recovery efforts in Baltimore

In one of the largest cash heists in Los Angeles history, thieves made off with as much as $30 million in an Easter Sunday burglary at a San Fernando Valley money storage facility, an L.

In one of the largest cash heists in Los Angeles history, thieves made off with as much as $30 million in an Easter Sunday burglary at a San Fernando Valley money storage facility, an L.A. police official revealed Wednesday (April 4). GardaWorld facility, located near the intersection of Roxford Street and San Fernando Road in Sylmar handles and stores cash across the region in LA. This is one of the largest cash heists to ever have happened in Los Angeles in terms of cash. It is still unclear how the burglars gained access to the facility and the safe containing the money. Investigators believe the burglars may have accessed the facility by smashing through the roof. Even from the exterior, there were no traces of a break-in. Also read: 'Little rascals,' aged 11, 12, and 16 pull off bank heist in United States, arrested by police Detectives are investigating the potential of an inside job because few individuals are aware that the safe contains a substantial quantity of cash. Before the Easter Sunday burglary, the biggest cash heist in Los Angeles transpired on September 12, 1997, when $18.9 million was stolen from the old site of the Dunbar Armored facility on Mateo Street. Also read: Diamond heist mastermind arrested in Ibiza 19 years after $75mn Schiphol robbery While there are no suspects in the Easter heist, the LAPD and FBI are working together on the case. Sunday's incident follows almost two years after a multimillion-dollar jewelry robbery from a Brink's big rig at a Grapevine truck stop. Up to $100 million in gems and valuables were stolen from the truck on July 11, 2022.

Easter Sunday burglary: Thieves steal $10 million in biggest cash heist in Los Angeles

Two men pleaded guilty on Wednesday to insider trading in securities in the company that ultimately took former U.S. President Donald Trump's media business public.

Michael Shvartsman, 53, head of Miami-based venture capital firm Rocket One Capital, and his brother Gerald Shvartsman, 46, each pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan.

Rocket One's chief investment officer, Bruce Garelick, is scheduled to face trial on related charges on April 29.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-rejects-bid-to-delay-trial-over-presidential-immunity-claim-707468" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-rejects-bid-to-delay-trial-over-presidential-immunity-claim-707468&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_OLiwKiFAxXTTWwGHfaNDKAQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xZG5U2o3V66VBsO7P4GdI&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-new-york-judge-rejects-bid-to-delay-trial-over-presidential-immunity-claim-707468" target="_blank">Trump&nbsp;hush money case: New York judge rejects bid to delay trial</a>

Prosecutors charged the trio last year with illegally trading on inside information about Trump Media &amp; Technology Group's (TMTG) plan to go public through a merger with a blank-check company. TMTG operates Truth Social, Trump's main social media platform.

Prosecutors said the trio signed confidentiality agreements in June 2021 when they were approached to become early investors in Digital World Acquisition, the blank-check company. The agreements required them to keep information they learned confidential and not trade the company's securities in the open market, prosecutors said.

After hearing the company was in merger talks with TMTG, prosecutors said the trio tipped others and bought Digital World securities, selling them after the deal was announced on Oct. 20, 2021, to make a total of $22 million in illegal profit.

Michael and Gerald Shvartsman said in court that they knew what they were doing was wrong when they traded on nonpublic information.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-truth-social-faces-4-billion-plunge-in-value-as-losses-mount-706841" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-truth-social-faces-4-billion-plunge-in-value-as-losses-mount-706841&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_OLiwKiFAxXTTWwGHfaNDKAQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GZ1QeOmImpLtO-OMgsGU0&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-truth-social-faces-4-billion-plunge-in-value-as-losses-mount-706841" target="_blank">Trump's&nbsp;Truth Social faces $4 billion plunge in value as losses mount</a>

"I've made a terrible mistake," Gerald Shvartsman said at the hearing.

"Insider trading is cheating, plain and simple," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement after the pleas.

The Shvartsmans are scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. Securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but any sentence would be imposed by the judge based on a range of factors. The average prison sentence in federal fraud cases in the U.S. last year was around two years.

TMTG was publicly listed in late March, and its shares have been on a wild ride fueled by speculators betting on enthusiasm for Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in November's election.

The stock shed early gains this week as Truth Social's parent company disclosed it had lost more than $58 million in 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-posts-175-mn-bond-in-ny-civil-fraud-case-averts-seizure-of-assets-706693" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-posts-175-mn-bond-in-ny-civil-fraud-case-averts-seizure-of-assets-706693&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_OLiwKiFAxXTTWwGHfaNDKAQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ptcCINXWyAP_ygXLgfYoE&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-posts-175-mn-bond-in-ny-civil-fraud-case-averts-seizure-of-assets-706693" target="_blank">Trump&nbsp;posts $175mn bond in NY civil fraud case</a>

TMTG shares finished trading at $48.81 on Wednesday, making Trump's stake worth about $3.8 billion, though he is not allowed to sell or borrow against it for six months.

Trump Media is also embroiled in legal battles in Delaware and Florida with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, who have accused the company of trying to improperly dilute their stake. Trump Media has argued they failed to earn their shares and seeks to strip them of their ownership.

Two men pleaded guilty on Wednesday to insider trading in securities in the company that ultimately took former U.S. President Donald Trump's media business public.

Two men pleaded guilty on Wednesday to insider trading in securities in the company that ultimately took former U.S. President Donald Trump's media business public. Michael Shvartsman, 53, head of Miami-based venture capital firm Rocket One Capital, and his brother Gerald Shvartsman, 46, each pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan. Rocket One's chief investment officer, Bruce Garelick, is scheduled to face trial on related charges on April 29. Also read: Trump hush money case: New York judge rejects bid to delay trial Prosecutors charged the trio last year with illegally trading on inside information about Trump Media & Technology Group's (TMTG) plan to go public through a merger with a blank-check company. TMTG operates Truth Social, Trump's main social media platform. Prosecutors said the trio signed confidentiality agreements in June 2021 when they were approached to become early investors in Digital World Acquisition, the blank-check company. The agreements required them to keep information they learned confidential and not trade the company's securities in the open market, prosecutors said. After hearing the company was in merger talks with TMTG, prosecutors said the trio tipped others and bought Digital World securities, selling them after the deal was announced on Oct. 20, 2021, to make a total of $22 million in illegal profit. Michael and Gerald Shvartsman said in court that they knew what they were doing was wrong when they traded on nonpublic information. Also read: Trump's Truth Social faces $4 billion plunge in value as losses mount "I've made a terrible mistake," Gerald Shvartsman said at the hearing. "Insider trading is cheating, plain and simple," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement after the pleas. The Shvartsmans are scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. Securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but any sentence would be imposed by the judge based on a range of factors. The average prison sentence in federal fraud cases in the U.S. last year was around two years. TMTG was publicly listed in late March, and its shares have been on a wild ride fueled by speculators betting on enthusiasm for Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in November's election. The stock shed early gains this week as Truth Social's parent company disclosed it had lost more than $58 million in 2023. Also read: Trump posts $175mn bond in NY civil fraud case TMTG shares finished trading at $48.81 on Wednesday, making Trump's stake worth about $3.8 billion, though he is not allowed to sell or borrow against it for six months. Trump Media is also embroiled in legal battles in Delaware and Florida with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, who have accused the company of trying to improperly dilute their stake. Trump Media has argued they failed to earn their shares and seeks to strip them of their ownership.

Two plead guilty to insider trading related to Trump Media merger

In a first, US President Joe Biden wrote a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (March 29). In the letter, President Biden assured the newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan that his government fully backs Shehbaz Sharif's government and that the ties between the two nations are important for bilateral and regional peace and security.

In a first, US President Joe Biden wrote a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (March 29). In the letter, President Biden assured the newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan that his government fully backs Shehbaz Sharif's government and that the ties between the two nations are important for bilateral and regional peace and security. "The enduring partnership between our nations remains critical to ensuring the security of our people—and people around the world—and the United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time," Biden wrote according to the contents of the letter shared by the US Embassy. Since Biden assumed office in 2021, there has been no communication between the US President and any of Pakistan's PMs. He neither congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan after his victory nor called Shehbaz Sharif when he won over Imran Khan in April 2022. What did Joe Biden write in the letter? "That includes advancing our shared vision for a future of greater health security, economic growth, and access to education for all. Through our U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, we will also continue to strengthen our climate resilience, support sustainable agriculture and water management, and assist with Pakistan’s recovery from the devastating floods in 2022. And, the United States remains committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote progress," President Biden's letter read. "Together, we will continue to forge a strong partnership between our nations, and a close bond between our people," the letter concluded. Why is this letter important for Pakistan? Considering how Islamabad's relations with the White House have strained, this letter holds significance for Pakistan's government. The US-Pak ties have had multiple ups and downs following the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan. During his tenure, former Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed Washington for conspiring, in collaboration with Pakistan’s military to remove him from office through a vote of no-confidence.

'Committed to working with Pakistan,' US President Joe Biden writes to Pakistan PM for the first time

The Biden administration has approved 60 million dollars for rebuilding Baltimore's Francis Scott key bridge, which collapsed on Tuesday. However, Maryland governor Wes Moore has warned of a “very long road ahead” to recover from the loss.

Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse: Biden administration approves $60 mn for rebuilding bridge

A US woman claims she was asked to get off the Delta Airlines plane for not wearing a bra. Calling this a discriminatory policy, the woman, Lisa Archbold, is demanding a meeting with Delta Airlines' president.

Archbold, who wore baggy jeans and a loose white T-shirt without a bra, was asked to cover up by a female flight agent who called her attire “offensive” and temporarily escorted her off a flight. The agent told her that airline policy was not to allow passengers dressed in a "revealing” way to travel. The agent said she would let Lisa travel aboard the plane if she wore a jacket over her T-shirt.

Lisa said she had to put on a jacket even though her breasts were not visible. “It felt like a scarlet letter was being attached to me,” she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-plane-bound-for-japan-forced-to-return-to-gate-after-engine-trouble-702162">United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble</a>

The incident happened in January when Lisa was flying from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. “I felt it was a spectacle aimed at punishing me for not being a woman in the way she thought I should be a woman as she scolded me outside of the plane,” Lisa Archbold, who is a DJ by profession, told reporters in Los Angeles.

Lisa's lawyer, Gloria Allred, said that she had written to Delta on behalf of her client demanding a meeting with the company’s president to discuss the discriminatory policy.

“Male passengers are not required to cover up their T-shirts with a shirt or a jacket. They also do not have to wear a bra to board or remain on a plane, and women should not have to wear one either. Last I checked, the Taliban are not in charge of Delta,” Allred said.

“Neither her breasts nor any other woman’s breasts have ever tried to take over a plane. Breasts are not weapons of war, and it’s not a crime for a woman or girl to have them,” she added.

A US woman claims she was asked to get off the Delta Airlines plane for not wearing a bra. Calling this a discriminatory policy, the woman, Lisa Archbold, is demanding a meeting with Delta Airlines' president.

A US woman claims she was asked to get off the Delta Airlines plane for not wearing a bra. Calling this a discriminatory policy, the woman, Lisa Archbold, is demanding a meeting with Delta Airlines' president. Archbold, who wore baggy jeans and a loose white T-shirt without a bra, was asked to cover up by a female flight agent who called her attire “offensive” and temporarily escorted her off a flight. The agent told her that airline policy was not to allow passengers dressed in a "revealing” way to travel. The agent said she would let Lisa travel aboard the plane if she wore a jacket over her T-shirt. Lisa said she had to put on a jacket even though her breasts were not visible. “It felt like a scarlet letter was being attached to me,” she said. Also read | United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble The incident happened in January when Lisa was flying from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. “I felt it was a spectacle aimed at punishing me for not being a woman in the way she thought I should be a woman as she scolded me outside of the plane,” Lisa Archbold, who is a DJ by profession, told reporters in Los Angeles. Lisa's lawyer, Gloria Allred, said that she had written to Delta on behalf of her client demanding a meeting with the company’s president to discuss the discriminatory policy. “Male passengers are not required to cover up their T-shirts with a shirt or a jacket. They also do not have to wear a bra to board or remain on a plane, and women should not have to wear one either. Last I checked, the Taliban are not in charge of Delta,” Allred said. “Neither her breasts nor any other woman’s breasts have ever tried to take over a plane. Breasts are not weapons of war, and it’s not a crime for a woman or girl to have them,” she added.

Woman calls out Delta Airlines for asking her to cover up 'offensive' attire

Divers have recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers, the development comes a day after cargo ship smashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge. Watch in for more details!

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Divers recover two bodies from harbor after bridge collaps

In a tragic incident, a major bridge in the American city of Baltimore collapsed after it was hit by a large cargo ship. The bridge collapse crisis is likely to have significant impact on automakers. Watch in for more details!

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Ford & Stellantis face supply chain crisis

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 26) after being struck by a container ship, plunging into the Patapsco River.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 26) after being struck by a container ship, plunging into the Patapsco River. The entire incident was captured on various live streams, although no audio of the collapse was recorded. Video evidence suggests that several vehicles fell into the river. However, there's uncertainty about whether people were on the bridge during the collapse. Baltimore bridge collapse conspiracy theories and White House response Despite initial reports attributing the collapse to the ship's collision, conspiracy theories have emerged on social media platforms like X, with claims of deliberate intent. The White House asserted that it was 'closely monitoring' the situation and that there was no indication of 'any nefarious intent' behind the Baltimore ship collapse. A White House official said, "Our hearts go out to the families of those who remain missing as a result of this horrific incident." Meanwhile, controversial social media personality, businessman, and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate made some serious claims about the incident on social media platform X. "This ship was cyber-attacked. Lights go off and it deliberately steers towards the bridge supports. Foreign agents of the USA attack digital infrastructures. Nothing is safe. Black Swan event imminent," he tweeted on X along with a live stream clip. This ship was cyber-attacked. Lights go off and it deliberately steers towards the bridge supports. Foreign agents of the USA attack digital infrastructures. Nothing is safe. Black Swan event imminent. pic.twitter.com/14SBqK8tJA — Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) March 26, 2024 × Another user on X wrote, "The Baltimore Maryland bridge collapsed this morning. This looks pretty deliberate to me. It rammed straight into one of the supports." FBI Baltimore also posted on X, "Francis Scott Key Bridge: There is no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time. The investigation is ongoing." Who owns the ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge? The involved vessel, the 948-foot-long Dali, a Singaporean-flagged container, departed Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal at around 12:30 am. The 9-year-old ship slowed and diverted off its path. The ship is chartered by Maersk and managed by Synergy Marine Group, Singapore, and owned by Grace Ocean, Singapore. Rescue operations are underway; 6 missing, 1 hospitalised Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving multiple agencies and volunteers, including Coast Guard ships and local fire departments. Six people are missing and two individuals were rescued from the river; one was unharmed while the other was hospitalised in serious condition. Synergy Marine Group, the company operating the Dali ship, confirmed the collision and assured that all crew members, including pilots, were safe. While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, initial reports suggest a collision with a bridge pillar, causing containers and diesel to flood into the river. (With inputs from agencies)

Baltimore bridge collapse: Andrew Tate says ship was ‘cyber-attacked’; White House rejects rumours

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: In a tragic incident, a major bridge in the American city of Baltimore collapsed after it was hit by a large cargo ship. Israeli strike kills Hamas' deputy commander. India replaces Germany as biggest Pharma supplier to Russia. Watch in for more details!

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: US President hails Indian crew for sounding SOS call

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