Former US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US next week. Speaking at a campaign event in Michigan, the Republican presidential candidate praised Modi as a "fantastic man" while also describing India as a "very big abuser" of trade relations.

Donald Trump to Meet PM Modi During US Visit, Calls Him 'A Fantastic Man'

<p>The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told <em>The Hindu </em>that&nbsp;the&nbsp;matter “does not pertain to India” altogether.</p>

<p>Notably, the issue was discussed at a meeting between US Embassy officials and the MEA in the past fortnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kanwal Sibal, former Indian ambassador to Russia said banning media organisations showed “double standards” by the Western countries.</p>

<p>“This will be viewed as double standards by the Global South that they are trying to target. India will obviously not be responsive to such American pressure," Sibal told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against RT stating that the&nbsp;Russian state-backed media company was&nbsp;“functioning like a de facto arm" of Moscow's intelligence apparatus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world,” Blinken said. “Russian weaponisation of disinformation to subvert and polarise free and open societies extends to every part of the world.”</p>

<p>“We urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders,” Blinken added, with the UK and Canada launching the 'joint diplomatic campaign&nbsp;alongside.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-russia-summit-pm-modi-calls-russia-indias-all-weather-friend-739394"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Russia Summit: PM Modi calls Russia 'India's all-weather friend'</strong></a></p>

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<p>While New Delhi has seemingly refused to comply, Facebook owner Meta on Monday (Sep 16) said it was banning&nbsp;RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other Russian state media networks from its platforms. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company said these outlets had employed&nbsp;deceptive tactics to carry out covert influence operations online.</p>

<p>"After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity," the social media company said in a written statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-duped-into-joining-russian-army-return-home-says-were-treated-like-slaves-758677"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indians 'duped' into joining Russian army return home, say were 'treated like slaves'</strong></a></p>

<p>Meta added that enforcement of the ban would roll out over the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta's apps include Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. It remains interesting to see if RT is blacklisted on Indian Meta platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;RT criticised the US move and accused the White House of trying to prevent the broadcaster from operating as a journalistic organisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told The Hindu that the matter “does not pertain to India” altogether.

The Indian government is unwilling to heed to USA's request to ban and block Russian state media network RT, formerly known as Russia Today, globally. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to issue an official statement, a government official told The Hindu that the matter “does not pertain to India” altogether. Notably, the issue was discussed at a meeting between US Embassy officials and the MEA in the past fortnight. Kanwal Sibal, former Indian ambassador to Russia said banning media organisations showed “double standards” by the Western countries. “This will be viewed as double standards by the Global South that they are trying to target. India will obviously not be responsive to such American pressure," Sibal told the publication. Last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions against RT stating that the Russian state-backed media company was “functioning like a de facto arm" of Moscow's intelligence apparatus. “Today, we’re exposing how Russia deploys similar tactics around the world,” Blinken said. “Russian weaponisation of disinformation to subvert and polarise free and open societies extends to every part of the world.” “We urge every ally, every partner to start by treating RT’s activities as they do other intelligence activities by Russia within their borders,” Blinken added, with the UK and Canada launching the 'joint diplomatic campaign alongside. Watch | India-Russia Summit: PM Modi calls Russia 'India's all-weather friend' × While New Delhi has seemingly refused to comply, Facebook owner Meta on Monday (Sep 16) said it was banning RT, Rossiya Segodnya and other Russian state media networks from its platforms. The Mark Zuckerberg-owned company said these outlets had employed deceptive tactics to carry out covert influence operations online. "After careful consideration, we expanded our ongoing enforcement against Russian state media outlets. Rossiya Segodnya, RT and other related entities are now banned from our apps globally for foreign interference activity," the social media company said in a written statement. Also read | Indians 'duped' into joining Russian army return home, say were 'treated like slaves' Meta added that enforcement of the ban would roll out over the coming days. In addition to Facebook, Meta's apps include Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. It remains interesting to see if RT is blacklisted on Indian Meta platforms. Meanwhile, RT criticised the US move and accused the White House of trying to prevent the broadcaster from operating as a journalistic organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

India refuses to budge while US, Meta sanction and ban Russian state media network RT

The U.S. has sanctioned a spyware firm led by a former IDF officer, raising concerns about the global reach of spying technology. With this powerful tool being used to target dissidents and journalists, are we all vulnerable to such surveillance? Explore the potential risks and what this means for privacy and security.

US sanctions ex-IDF officer's spyware firm: are we at risk from spying technology?

<p>The US and the UK are worried that Russia may have shared nuclear secrets with Iran in return for the latest reports claiming that Tehran had supplied ballistics missiles to Moscow in its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Joe Biden and UK&nbsp;Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during their meeting in Washington DC, acknowledged that Moscow and Tehran were tightening military cooperation with the latter in the process of enriching enough uranium to complete its long-held goal of developing a nuclear bomb.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A similar sentiment was shared by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during a meeting with his UK counterpart, David Lammy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For its part, Russia is sharing technology that Iran seeks – this is a two-way street – including on nuclear issues as well as some space information,” Blinken said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Iran struck a deal in 2015 to stop making nuclear weapons in exchange for relief from the crushing sanctions. However, the agreement was abandoned in 2018 by the then-US president,&nbsp;Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Tehran has breached agreed limits on the quantity of enriched uranium it can hold with Western countries wary that it was close to developing the ultimate weapon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-transfers-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-amid-war-with-ukraine-756862" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-transfers-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-amid-war-with-ukraine-756862/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Has Iran sent missiles?</strong></h2>

<p>The European Union as well as the US had levelled the allegations last week with the former claiming that it was considering fresh sanctions on Tehran if it was confirmed that Russia received the said missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,"&nbsp;EU spokesman Peter Stano said.</p>

<p>Moscow did not issue a denial when asked about the allegations and instead preferred to comment on the growing relationship with Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true,"&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>

<p>"Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-putin-italys-meloni-says-india-can-help-resolve-russia-ukraine-crisis-756753" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></a></p>

<p>Facing suffocating Western sanctions, Moscow has turned towards North Korea and Iran for weapon&nbsp;supplies to keep the war going against Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un has sent ammunition and missiles, Iran has helped the Kremlin in building a drone-manufacturing factory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has so far refrained from providing Russians with weaponry but has increased sales of machine tools,&nbsp;microelectronics and technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US and the UK are worried that Russia may have shared nuclear secrets with Iran in return for the latest reports claiming that Tehran had supplied ballistics missiles to Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

The US and the UK are worried that Russia may have shared nuclear secrets with Iran in return for the latest reports claiming that Tehran had supplied ballistics missiles to Moscow in its war against Ukraine. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during their meeting in Washington DC, acknowledged that Moscow and Tehran were tightening military cooperation with the latter in the process of enriching enough uranium to complete its long-held goal of developing a nuclear bomb. A similar sentiment was shared by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during a meeting with his UK counterpart, David Lammy. “For its part, Russia is sharing technology that Iran seeks – this is a two-way street – including on nuclear issues as well as some space information,” Blinken said. Notably, Iran struck a deal in 2015 to stop making nuclear weapons in exchange for relief from the crushing sanctions. However, the agreement was abandoned in 2018 by the then-US president, Donald Trump. Since then, Tehran has breached agreed limits on the quantity of enriched uranium it can hold with Western countries wary that it was close to developing the ultimate weapon. Watch | Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine Has Iran sent missiles? The European Union as well as the US had levelled the allegations last week with the former claiming that it was considering fresh sanctions on Tehran if it was confirmed that Russia received the said missiles. "We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," EU spokesman Peter Stano said. Moscow did not issue a denial when asked about the allegations and instead preferred to comment on the growing relationship with Tehran. "We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas." Also read | After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict Facing suffocating Western sanctions, Moscow has turned towards North Korea and Iran for weapon supplies to keep the war going against Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un has sent ammunition and missiles, Iran has helped the Kremlin in building a drone-manufacturing factory. China has so far refrained from providing Russians with weaponry but has increased sales of machine tools, microelectronics and technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry. (With inputs from agencies)

Has Russia shared nuclear secrets with Iran? Britain and US alarmed over 'potential' deal

<p>While publications and think tanks are conducting frequent polls and surveys to gauge the pulse of the US voters regarding who they will bring to power in the November election, a bakery in the swing state of Pennsylvania has come up with a rather novel idea. The bakery is using cookies to predict the winner of the 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lochel’s Bakery, located in Hatboro and run by Katheleen Lochel, is tracking the number of Trump cookies and Harris cookies that customers are buying from all over the US in favour of their preferred candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The butter-based cookies are dressed in either red-and-white or blue-and-white sprinkles with a ‘Trump 2024’ or ‘Harris 2024’ banner running through the centre. As of Friday (Sep 13), the bakery had sold 5,200 Trump cookies compared to just 500 Harris cookies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In Pennsylvania, almost all of the shipping has been red. We have only shipped seven packages of blue in the state of Pennsylvania," the bakery said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We saw this in 2020 as well.&nbsp;A third of that number is being shipped across the United States, we’re seeing people from all over get these cookies now," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third-generation bakery has been running the 'sugary' poll since 2012 - having predicted the outcome of three of the four elections to the tee.</p>

<p>The only time the bakery wrongly predicted the result was in 2020 when Joe Biden managed to upstage Trump. Even then, Lochel's Bakery sold a total of&nbsp;31,804 Trump cookies and only 5,750 Biden cookies.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/harris-trumps-trump-women-win-american-election-debate-757933"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Harris Trumps Trump: Women Win American Election Debate</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump vs Harris debate</strong></h2>

<p>Trump and Harris squared off against each other for the presidential debate on Tuesday (Sep 10) with 67 million viewers tuning in to watch the two leaders spar. Harris was the debate's clear winner despite starting off nervously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 53 per cent&nbsp;of viewers backed Harris's performance compared to 24 power per cent for Trump.&nbsp;The former president&nbsp;was rattled by Harris after she baited him by making a remark about his rallies.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-voters-convinced-not-to-vote-for-harris-after-swifts-endorsement-poll-758760"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;More voters convinced not to vote for Harris after Swift's endorsement: Poll</strong></a></p>

<p>Several post-debate polls and surveys indicate a dramatic shift in favour of Harris, who has gained ground after previously trailing Trump when Biden was still in the race.</p>

<p>Harris is leading Trump by four points across the country, with 50 per cent backing her, compared to 46 per cent for Trump, according to a&nbsp;survey by Data for Progress from September 11 to 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While publications and think tanks are conducting frequent polls and surveys to gauge the pulse of the US voters regarding who they will bring to power in the November election, a bakery in the swing state of Pennsylvania has come up with a rather novel idea.

While publications and think tanks are conducting frequent polls and surveys to gauge the pulse of the US voters regarding who they will bring to power in the November election, a bakery in the swing state of Pennsylvania has come up with a rather novel idea. The bakery is using cookies to predict the winner of the 2024 presidential election. Lochel’s Bakery, located in Hatboro and run by Katheleen Lochel, is tracking the number of Trump cookies and Harris cookies that customers are buying from all over the US in favour of their preferred candidate. The butter-based cookies are dressed in either red-and-white or blue-and-white sprinkles with a ‘Trump 2024’ or ‘Harris 2024’ banner running through the centre. As of Friday (Sep 13), the bakery had sold 5,200 Trump cookies compared to just 500 Harris cookies. "In Pennsylvania, almost all of the shipping has been red. We have only shipped seven packages of blue in the state of Pennsylvania," the bakery said. "We saw this in 2020 as well. A third of that number is being shipped across the United States, we’re seeing people from all over get these cookies now," it added. The third-generation bakery has been running the 'sugary' poll since 2012 - having predicted the outcome of three of the four elections to the tee. The only time the bakery wrongly predicted the result was in 2020 when Joe Biden managed to upstage Trump. Even then, Lochel's Bakery sold a total of 31,804 Trump cookies and only 5,750 Biden cookies. Watch | Harris Trumps Trump: Women Win American Election Debate × Trump vs Harris debate Trump and Harris squared off against each other for the presidential debate on Tuesday (Sep 10) with 67 million viewers tuning in to watch the two leaders spar. Harris was the debate's clear winner despite starting off nervously. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 53 per cent of viewers backed Harris's performance compared to 24 power per cent for Trump. The former president was rattled by Harris after she baited him by making a remark about his rallies. Also read | More voters convinced not to vote for Harris after Swift's endorsement: Poll Several post-debate polls and surveys indicate a dramatic shift in favour of Harris, who has gained ground after previously trailing Trump when Biden was still in the race. Harris is leading Trump by four points across the country, with 50 per cent backing her, compared to 46 per cent for Trump, according to a survey by Data for Progress from September 11 to 12. (With inputs from agencies)

Bakery in Pennsylvania running cookie poll to predict US presidential election result

U.S. economy: Inflation, which many expected to be on the decline, unexpectedly picked up pace in August. This could have significant implications for Federal Reserve policy and impact your wallet.

US inflation increased by 2.5% from 2023-2024

Hours after meeting in person for the first time, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump crossed paths again as they attend commemoration events marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Joe Biden, Harris, Trump and his running mate, the Ohio senator JD Vance, attended the traditional memorial service in New York City’s Memorial Plaza at Ground Zero. Harris and Trump stood feet apart but were brought together for a handshake.

September 11, 2001: Nearly 3,000 civilians killed in terrorist attack

The United States and India have made a significant move to expand the global semiconductor supply chain. The US Department of State will work with the India Semiconductor Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, to explore opportunities for growing and diversifying the semiconductor ecosystem.

US-India partner to boost semiconductor industry

<p>Heavy rains and strong winds hammered Louisiana early Thursday (Sep 12) as Tropical Storm Francine moved inland, leaving many residents without power while floods threatened the US southern state.</p>

<p>The storm weakened from a hurricane as it moved over land, forecasters said, but it still posed risks and a flash flood emergency was earlier issued for the city of New Orleans.</p>

<p>Local TV stations and footage on social media showed coastal towns battered by the storm, with some streets flooded and locals filling sandbags to protect property from floodwaters.</p>

<p>More than 370,000 customers across Louisiana were without power, according to monitoring website poweroutage.us.</p>

<p>Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on a five-level scale in Terrebonne Parish, on the southern edge of the state, at 5:00 pm local time (2200 GMT), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).</p>

<p>Hours later Francine was downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour, with three to six feet (one to two meters) of storm surge, and up to a foot of rain in some parts of Louisiana, as well as areas of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle, the NHC added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This rainfall could lead to considerable flash, urban, and river flooding," the NHC said in a bulletin at 0600 GMT.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tropical-storm-francine-becomes-a-hurricane-to-hit-louisiana-757768"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tropical storm Francine becomes a hurricane</strong></a></p>

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<p>The National Weather Service's New Orleans office issued a flash flood emergency for the city and nearby districts known as parishes, while New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to shelter in place.</p>

<p>"You need to be inside right now. Time to hunker down," Cantrell said in a video posted on social media.</p>

<p>In the town of Houma, residents filled sandbags, stocked up on supplies and filled their cars with gas ahead of the storm's arrival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're working hard to stay here as long as we can... to take care of our people," a gas station manager who gave her name as Alicia B. told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NHC said the storm is expected to quickly weaken as it moves inland over Louisiana and neighbouring Mississippi.</p>

<p>Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, and on Tuesday requested a federal emergency declaration from President Joe Biden, which he quickly approved.</p>

<p>The Louisiana National Guard said on X that its soldiers were fuelling up vehicles in preparation for the storm. On Tuesday, it said it was mobilizing helicopters, boats and supplies for evacuations and search and rescue.</p>

<p>Schools and universities around the state capital Baton Rouge were preemptively closed until Friday, according to a government website.</p>

<p>Curfews starting as early as 6:00 pm were issued for communities across the Louisiana capital region, local media reported.</p>

<p>Low-lying Louisiana was the site of one of the most devastating storms in US history -- Hurricane Katrina -- which killed more than 1,300 people as it slammed into populous New Orleans in late August 2005.</p>

<p>Katrina overwhelmed the city's levee system and caused extensive flooding.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-debby-kills-five-including-two-teenagers-moves-through-us-southeast-747791"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tropical Storm Debby kills five including two teenagers, moves through US southeast</strong></a></p>

<p>At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana is a major US trade hub with a significant part of its economy linked to the oil and natural gas industry.</p>

<p>The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and will end November 30, was expected to be busy but has seen just three hurricanes so far, reportedly puzzling scientists.</p>

<p>Hurricane Beryl became the earliest highest-level Category 5 storm on record after it formed in late June and plowed through the Caribbean, eventually hitting Texas and Louisiana, with dozens of deaths reported in its wake.</p>

<p>Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of storms, because there is more energy in a warmer ocean for them to feed on.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Heavy rains and strong winds hammered Louisiana early Thursday (Sep 12) as Tropical Storm Francine moved inland, leaving many residents without power while floods threatened the US southern state.

Heavy rains and strong winds hammered Louisiana early Thursday (Sep 12) as Tropical Storm Francine moved inland, leaving many residents without power while floods threatened the US southern state. The storm weakened from a hurricane as it moved over land, forecasters said, but it still posed risks and a flash flood emergency was earlier issued for the city of New Orleans. Local TV stations and footage on social media showed coastal towns battered by the storm, with some streets flooded and locals filling sandbags to protect property from floodwaters. More than 370,000 customers across Louisiana were without power, according to monitoring website poweroutage.us. Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on a five-level scale in Terrebonne Parish, on the southern edge of the state, at 5:00 pm local time (2200 GMT), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Hours later Francine was downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour, with three to six feet (one to two meters) of storm surge, and up to a foot of rain in some parts of Louisiana, as well as areas of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle, the NHC added. "This rainfall could lead to considerable flash, urban, and river flooding," the NHC said in a bulletin at 0600 GMT. Watch | Tropical storm Francine becomes a hurricane × The National Weather Service's New Orleans office issued a flash flood emergency for the city and nearby districts known as parishes, while New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to shelter in place. "You need to be inside right now. Time to hunker down," Cantrell said in a video posted on social media. In the town of Houma, residents filled sandbags, stocked up on supplies and filled their cars with gas ahead of the storm's arrival. "We're working hard to stay here as long as we can... to take care of our people," a gas station manager who gave her name as Alicia B. told AFP. The NHC said the storm is expected to quickly weaken as it moves inland over Louisiana and neighbouring Mississippi. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, and on Tuesday requested a federal emergency declaration from President Joe Biden, which he quickly approved. The Louisiana National Guard said on X that its soldiers were fuelling up vehicles in preparation for the storm. On Tuesday, it said it was mobilizing helicopters, boats and supplies for evacuations and search and rescue. Schools and universities around the state capital Baton Rouge were preemptively closed until Friday, according to a government website. Curfews starting as early as 6:00 pm were issued for communities across the Louisiana capital region, local media reported. Low-lying Louisiana was the site of one of the most devastating storms in US history -- Hurricane Katrina -- which killed more than 1,300 people as it slammed into populous New Orleans in late August 2005. Katrina overwhelmed the city's levee system and caused extensive flooding. Also read | Tropical Storm Debby kills five including two teenagers, moves through US southeast At the mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana is a major US trade hub with a significant part of its economy linked to the oil and natural gas industry. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and will end November 30, was expected to be busy but has seen just three hurricanes so far, reportedly puzzling scientists. Hurricane Beryl became the earliest highest-level Category 5 storm on record after it formed in late June and plowed through the Caribbean, eventually hitting Texas and Louisiana, with dozens of deaths reported in its wake. Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of storms, because there is more energy in a warmer ocean for them to feed on. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US: Tropical Storm Francine batters Louisiana, leaving over 370,000 without power

<p>An investigation has been launched after a Delta Airline plane collided with Endeavor Air flight (a subsidiary of Delta) on the runway at the&nbsp;Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delta Air Lines Flight 295, bound for Tokyo with 221 passengers was taxiing for departure shortly after 10 am local time on Monday (Sep 10) when the incident took place. According to the&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the wingtip of the Delta place struck the tail of&nbsp;Endeavor Air Flight 5526, which was bound for&nbsp;Lafayette, Louisiana.</p>

<p>Both the planes were on alternate taxiways when the collision happened, according to the airliner.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> : Two Delta Airlines planes collide on runway at Georgia airport.<br />
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The crash occurred after Tokyo-bound flight DL295 hit the back of flight DL5526 to Louisiana as it was taxiing for takeoff.<br />
<br />
The wing of the Airbus 350 'made contact' with the tail of an Endeavor Air… <a href="https://t.co/jrleI05gqm">pic.twitter.com/jrleI05gqm</a></p>
— upuknews (@upuknews1) <a href="https://twitter.com/upuknews1/status/1833536544969232488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 BREAKING: TWO DELTA PLANES COLLIDED ON THE TAXIWAY AT HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA AIRPORT<br />
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A Delta A350 clipped the tail off a Delta Connection CRJ-900, per FAA officials. <a href="https://t.co/MgIaoxHb7i">pic.twitter.com/MgIaoxHb7i</a></p>
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<p>"While Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was taxiing for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, its wingtip struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526. The Delta Airbus A350 was headed to Tokyo. The Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 was headed to Lafayette, Louisiana," the FAA said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-all-civilian-polaris-mission-a-new-frontier-in-private-space-exploration-757593"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Invetsigation launched</strong></h2>

<p>Fortunately, nobody was injured in the collision and the Intercontinental flight was able to taxi to the airport concourse on its own as the passengers deplaned at the gate. Meanwhile, the passengers on the regional flight were taken back to the terminal by bus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Photos and videos going viral on social media showed the tail of the&nbsp;Endeavor flight separated from the plane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Was someone on their phone? Or are they that untrained?" one user said commenting on the incident, while another added: "That’s quite a shocking incident. I hope everyone involved is safe and that the investigation sheds light on how this happened."</p>

<p>A third commented: "Human error or the ground collision avoidance system malfunctioned?"</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-airlines-pilot-arrested-30-minutes-before-flight-for-being-drunk-606037"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Delta Airlines pilot arrested 30 minutes before flight for being drunk</strong></a></p>

<p>The FAA said it will investigate the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board added that it will also conduct an investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An investigation has been launched after a Delta Airline plane collided with Endeavor Air flight (a subsidiary of Delta) on the runway at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.

An investigation has been launched after a Delta Airline plane collided with Endeavor Air flight (a subsidiary of Delta) on the runway at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia. Delta Air Lines Flight 295, bound for Tokyo with 221 passengers was taxiing for departure shortly after 10 am local time on Monday (Sep 10) when the incident took place. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the wingtip of the Delta place struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526, which was bound for Lafayette, Louisiana. Both the planes were on alternate taxiways when the collision happened, according to the airliner. #BREAKING : Two Delta Airlines planes collide on runway at Georgia airport. The crash occurred after Tokyo-bound flight DL295 hit the back of flight DL5526 to Louisiana as it was taxiing for takeoff. The wing of the Airbus 350 'made contact' with the tail of an Endeavor Air… pic.twitter.com/jrleI05gqm — upuknews (@upuknews1) September 10, 2024 × 🚨 BREAKING: TWO DELTA PLANES COLLIDED ON THE TAXIWAY AT HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA AIRPORT A Delta A350 clipped the tail off a Delta Connection CRJ-900, per FAA officials. pic.twitter.com/MgIaoxHb7i — World life (@seautocure) September 10, 2024 × "While Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was taxiing for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, its wingtip struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526. The Delta Airbus A350 was headed to Tokyo. The Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 was headed to Lafayette, Louisiana," the FAA said in a statement. Watch | SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration × Invetsigation launched Fortunately, nobody was injured in the collision and the Intercontinental flight was able to taxi to the airport concourse on its own as the passengers deplaned at the gate. Meanwhile, the passengers on the regional flight were taken back to the terminal by bus. Photos and videos going viral on social media showed the tail of the Endeavor flight separated from the plane. "Was someone on their phone? Or are they that untrained?" one user said commenting on the incident, while another added: "That’s quite a shocking incident. I hope everyone involved is safe and that the investigation sheds light on how this happened." A third commented: "Human error or the ground collision avoidance system malfunctioned?" Also read | Delta Airlines pilot arrested 30 minutes before flight for being drunk The FAA said it will investigate the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board added that it will also conduct an investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Two Delta planes collide while taxiing at US airport

America will mark 23 years since the country came under attack. Watch to know more.

A look inside 9/11 museum in News York

<p>The United States and China held&nbsp;theatre-level&nbsp;commander talks for the first time on Tuesday (Sep 10), Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea.</p>

<p>Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year.</p>

<p>Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).</p>

<p>The US Indo-Pacific Command's areas of responsibility include the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, two hot spots for regional tension that are also flashpoints in US-China bilateral ties.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-companies-report-insufficient-demand-in-china-world-business-watch-wion-756832"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;U.S. companies report ‘insufficient demand’ in China | World Business Watch</strong></a></p>

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<p>Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout.</p>

<p>Paparo urged the PLA "to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond", the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that described the exchange as "constructive and respectful".</p>

<p>He also stressed the importance of continued talks to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation.</p>

<p>The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, at which the talks were agreed.</p>

<p>US and Chinese troops were also taking part in large-scale military exercises led by the Brazilian Armed Forces this week in the Brazilian city of Formosa in the state of Goiás.</p>

<p>American and Chinese troops had not trained side by side since 2016, when Beijing participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or Rimpac, led by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/indo-pacific-is-regaining-salience-amid-west-asia-crisis-us-china-strategic-contestation-711405"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation</strong></a></p>

<p>Most two-way military engagements between the US and China were suspended for almost two years after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the US House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in August 2022.</p>

<p>"I certainly worry about an unintended conflict between our military forces, an accident, an accidental collision," Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told the magazine Foreign Policy in an online interview.</p>

<p>Later this week, the United States plans to send a senior Pentagon official to a major security forum in China.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday (Sep 10), Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea.

The United States and China held theatre-level commander talks for the first time on Tuesday (Sep 10), Chinese authorities said, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea. Washington seeks to open new channels of regular military communication with Beijing since ties sank to a historic low after the United States downed a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon last year. Admiral Sam Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, held a video telephone call with his counterpart Wu Yanan of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The US Indo-Pacific Command's areas of responsibility include the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, two hot spots for regional tension that are also flashpoints in US-China bilateral ties. Watch | U.S. companies report ‘insufficient demand’ in China | World Business Watch × Both sides had an "in depth exchange of views on issues of common concern," the Chinese defence ministry said in a readout. Paparo urged the PLA "to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond", the Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement that described the exchange as "constructive and respectful". He also stressed the importance of continued talks to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation. The call followed a meeting in Beijing last month between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's leading military adviser, at which the talks were agreed. US and Chinese troops were also taking part in large-scale military exercises led by the Brazilian Armed Forces this week in the Brazilian city of Formosa in the state of Goiás. American and Chinese troops had not trained side by side since 2016, when Beijing participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or Rimpac, led by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Also read | Indo-Pacific is regaining salience amid West Asia crisis, US-China strategic contestation Most two-way military engagements between the US and China were suspended for almost two years after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the US House of Representatives, visited Taiwan in August 2022. "I certainly worry about an unintended conflict between our military forces, an accident, an accidental collision," Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told the magazine Foreign Policy in an online interview. Later this week, the United States plans to send a senior Pentagon official to a major security forum in China. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Top US, Chinese military commanders hold rare call to stabilise ties, avoid 'miscalculation'

<p>Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new head coach of the United States national team, the US Soccer federation announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Espanyol coach replaces American Gregg Berhalter who was fired in July after a disappointing Copa America campaign.</p>

<p>Pochettino is the biggest name coach to take charge of the USA and the first foreigner since German Juergen Klinsmann, who was sacked in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pochettino, 52, has been unemployed since his abrupt departure in May from Chelsea after just a single season in charge.</p>

<p>No detail of the contract length was provided by US Soccer but Pochettino will lead the team in the 2026 World Cup which the USA is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada.</p>

<p>"Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said Matt Crocker, US Soccer's sporting director who led the search for a new coach.</p>

<p>"His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad," he added.</p>

<p>Pochettino has a track record of promoting young talent at Southampton, Tottenham and Spanish side Espanyol earlier in his managerial career.</p>

<p>At Tottenham, Pochettino played a key role in shaping the career of England captain Harry Kane and he turned Spurs into regular top-four finishers while also guiding them to the Champions League final in 2019.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-announce-ben-stokes-led-16-memeber-squad-for-upcoming-pakistan-test-series-757544">England announce Ben Stokes-led 16-member squad for upcoming Pakistan Test series</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Passion for Game</strong></h2>

<p>The Argentine, who coached stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Paris, said he was relishing the chance to progress the US team.</p>

<p>"The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on," Pochettino said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the US men's national team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of," he added.</p>

<p>Pochettino inherits a relatively young team which reached the last-16 at the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, losing to the Netherlands in the knockout phase.</p>

<p>But hopes that a young squad could progress towards 2026 were damaged by a poor Copa America campaign in July, when the team failed to advance out of the group stage finishing with just one win from three games after losses to Panama and Uruguay.</p>

<p>Berhalter, who had been heavily criticised by fans and pundits, was dismissed and the federation took their time in the search for his replacement.</p>

<p>US Soccer chief executive J.T. Batson said he was convinced that Pochettino was the right coach to get the best out of a team which is led by AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic.</p>

<p>"His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup," he said.</p>

<p>The financial package to bring in Pochettino, involved negotations with his former club Chelsea and included help from donations from the business world.</p>

<p>"Pochettino's appointment is supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners," US Soccer said in their statement.</p>

<p>The appointment is the second made by Crocker, a Welshman who previously worked with Pochettino at Southampton.</p>

<p>Crocker brought in another former Chelsea coach, Emma Hayes to lead the women's team who she took to an Olympic gold in the Paris Games last month.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new head coach of the United States national team, the US Soccer federation announced on Tuesday. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Espanyol coach replaces American Gregg Berhalter who was fired in July after a disappointing Copa America campaign.

Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has been named as the new head coach of the United States national team, the US Soccer federation announced on Tuesday. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Espanyol coach replaces American Gregg Berhalter who was fired in July after a disappointing Copa America campaign. Pochettino is the biggest name coach to take charge of the USA and the first foreigner since German Juergen Klinsmann, who was sacked in 2016. Pochettino, 52, has been unemployed since his abrupt departure in May from Chelsea after just a single season in charge. No detail of the contract length was provided by US Soccer but Pochettino will lead the team in the 2026 World Cup which the USA is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. "Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said Matt Crocker, US Soccer's sporting director who led the search for a new coach. "His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad," he added. Pochettino has a track record of promoting young talent at Southampton, Tottenham and Spanish side Espanyol earlier in his managerial career. At Tottenham, Pochettino played a key role in shaping the career of England captain Harry Kane and he turned Spurs into regular top-four finishers while also guiding them to the Champions League final in 2019. ALSO READ | England announce Ben Stokes-led 16-member squad for upcoming Pakistan Test series Passion for Game The Argentine, who coached stars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Paris, said he was relishing the chance to progress the US team. "The decision to join US Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on," Pochettino said. "The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the US men's national team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. "I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of," he added. Pochettino inherits a relatively young team which reached the last-16 at the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, losing to the Netherlands in the knockout phase. But hopes that a young squad could progress towards 2026 were damaged by a poor Copa America campaign in July, when the team failed to advance out of the group stage finishing with just one win from three games after losses to Panama and Uruguay. Berhalter, who had been heavily criticised by fans and pundits, was dismissed and the federation took their time in the search for his replacement. US Soccer chief executive J.T. Batson said he was convinced that Pochettino was the right coach to get the best out of a team which is led by AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic. "His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup," he said. The financial package to bring in Pochettino, involved negotations with his former club Chelsea and included help from donations from the business world. "Pochettino's appointment is supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel and Founder of Griffin Catalyst. Additional support has been provided by Scott Goodwin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Diameter, and several commercial partners," US Soccer said in their statement. The appointment is the second made by Crocker, a Welshman who previously worked with Pochettino at Southampton. Crocker brought in another former Chelsea coach, Emma Hayes to lead the women's team who she took to an Olympic gold in the Paris Games last month. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mauricio Pochettino appointed as new coach of USA national team

<p><strong>Russia-Ukraine War:</strong>&nbsp;Hours after the European Union claimed on Monday (Sep 9) that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, citing intelligence reports from allies, the Kremlin has responded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow did not issue a denial when asked about the allegations and instead preferred to comment on the growing relationship with Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true,"&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>

<p>"Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas."</p>

<h2><strong>What did the EU say?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The European Union said it was considering fresh sanctions on Tehran if it was confirmed that Russia received the said weapons for its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," EU spokesman Peter Stano said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine."</p>

<p>Notably, Iran has provided Russia with hundreds of drones since the war began over two years ago. However,&nbsp;the supply of ballistic missiles represents a deeper level of involvement in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-transfers-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-amid-war-with-ukraine-756862"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>USA's allegations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the EU, it was the US that claimed Iran had transferred the projectiles to President Vladimir Putin's military.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement.</p>

<p>“This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran’s destabilising influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-putin-italys-meloni-says-india-can-help-resolve-russia-ukraine-crisis-756753"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></a></p>

<p>Facing suffocating Western sanctions, Moscow has turned towards North Korea and Iran for weapons supplies to keep the war going against Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un has sent ammunition and missiles, Iran has helped the Kremlin in building a drone-manufacturing factory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has so far refrained from providing Russians with weaponry but has increased sales of machine tools,&nbsp;microelectronics and technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia-Ukraine War: Hours after the European Union claimed on Monday (Sep 9) that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, citing intelligence reports from allies, the Kremlin has responded.

Russia-Ukraine War: Hours after the European Union claimed on Monday (Sep 9) that Iran had supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, citing intelligence reports from allies, the Kremlin has responded. Moscow did not issue a denial when asked about the allegations and instead preferred to comment on the growing relationship with Tehran. "We have seen this report, it is not every time that this kind of information is true," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Iran is our important partner, we are developing our trade and economic relations, we are developing our cooperation and dialogue in all possible areas, including the most sensitive areas." What did the EU say? The European Union said it was considering fresh sanctions on Tehran if it was confirmed that Russia received the said weapons for its war against Ukraine. "We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia," EU spokesman Peter Stano said. "We are looking further into it with our member states and if confirmed, this delivery would represent a substantive material escalation in Iran's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine." Notably, Iran has provided Russia with hundreds of drones since the war began over two years ago. However, the supply of ballistic missiles represents a deeper level of involvement in the conflict. Watch | Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia amid war with Ukraine × USA's allegations Prior to the EU, it was the US that claimed Iran had transferred the projectiles to President Vladimir Putin's military. “Any transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and lead to the killing of more Ukrainian civilians,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement. “This partnership threatens European security and illustrates how Iran’s destabilising influence reaches beyond the Middle East and around the world.” Also read | After Putin, Italy’s Meloni says India can help resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict Facing suffocating Western sanctions, Moscow has turned towards North Korea and Iran for weapons supplies to keep the war going against Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un has sent ammunition and missiles, Iran has helped the Kremlin in building a drone-manufacturing factory. China has so far refrained from providing Russians with weaponry but has increased sales of machine tools, microelectronics and technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine War: Iran supplied missiles to Russia? After US, EU allegations, Moscow issues statement

The latest U.S. jobs numbers are hot of the press, and if you were hoping for clarity on how large the Federal Reserve's September rate cut is likely to be, well, think again. Take a look at this next report to understand what investors will eye in the coming week.

Cues to watch in the week ahead | World Business Watch | WION

<p>Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden,&nbsp;offered a guilty plea to charges in his federal tax evasion case on Thursday (Sep 5) just as jury selection was about to begin. The plea, if accepted, would allow Hunter to maintain his innocence but he will have to accept&nbsp;punishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hunter has been involved in the&nbsp;lengthy case where he pleaded not guilty in January this year after the collapse of a previous 'sweetheart deal'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hunter's counsel said the US president's son was prepared to enter the plea.&nbsp;“I think this can be resolved today,” Hunter's&nbsp;attorney Abbe Lowell informed.</p>

<p>US District Judge Mark Scarsi, sitting in Los Angeles, called a recess to allow prosecutors to discuss the move.</p>

<p>If the agreement is reached, Hunter&nbsp;would plead guilty to some charges in exchange for the other charges being dropped.&nbsp;The trial, scheduled to start next month, may unravel salacious details about Hunter's partying and spending during the peak of his addiction. However, the 'plead guilty' deal may allow him to avoid the ugliness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-trouble-for-hunter-biden-hunter-biden-sought-help-from-us-govt-for-burisma-project-report-750120"><strong>Watch | More trouble for Hunter Biden? | Hunter Biden sought help from US govt for Burisma project: Report</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What are the charges?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The charges include nine felony and misdemeanour tax offences. Federal prosecutors have claimed that Hunter avoided&nbsp;$1.4 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by executing a tax evasion scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors allege that the money was used to fund Hunter's extravagant lifestyle. Hunter has previously admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.</p>

<p>The investigation began in 2018 when Special Counsel David Weiss was the former President Donald Trump-appointed US attorney for Delaware. Weiss closely scrutinised Hunter's finances, his business deals, gun purchases, and potential violations of lobbying laws and managed to build a strong case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-tax-charges-a-day-after-contempt-of-congress-hearing-679161"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal tax charges a day after contempt of Congress hearing</strong></a></p>

<p>However, all seemed to be heading down a hunky-dory ending last year when parties announced a plea deal. Under the deal, Hunter would have admitted to two tax misdemeanours, resolved the gun matter and likely avoided jail time. But the deal imploded under scrutiny from a judge.</p>

<p>Hunter's defence team has consistently argued that the non-payment of taxes was an oversight in a life wrought chaos by a spiralling drug addiction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Hunter has already spent the majority of 2024 in courtrooms - having been convicted of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden, offered a guilty plea to charges in his federal tax evasion case on Thursday (Sep 5) just as jury selection was about to begin.

Hunter Biden, son of United States President Joe Biden, offered a guilty plea to charges in his federal tax evasion case on Thursday (Sep 5) just as jury selection was about to begin. The plea, if accepted, would allow Hunter to maintain his innocence but he will have to accept punishment. Hunter has been involved in the lengthy case where he pleaded not guilty in January this year after the collapse of a previous 'sweetheart deal'. Hunter's counsel said the US president's son was prepared to enter the plea. “I think this can be resolved today,” Hunter's attorney Abbe Lowell informed. US District Judge Mark Scarsi, sitting in Los Angeles, called a recess to allow prosecutors to discuss the move. If the agreement is reached, Hunter would plead guilty to some charges in exchange for the other charges being dropped. The trial, scheduled to start next month, may unravel salacious details about Hunter's partying and spending during the peak of his addiction. However, the 'plead guilty' deal may allow him to avoid the ugliness. Watch | More trouble for Hunter Biden? | Hunter Biden sought help from US govt for Burisma project: Report × What are the charges? The charges include nine felony and misdemeanour tax offences. Federal prosecutors have claimed that Hunter avoided $1.4 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by executing a tax evasion scheme. The prosecutors allege that the money was used to fund Hunter's extravagant lifestyle. Hunter has previously admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. The investigation began in 2018 when Special Counsel David Weiss was the former President Donald Trump-appointed US attorney for Delaware. Weiss closely scrutinised Hunter's finances, his business deals, gun purchases, and potential violations of lobbying laws and managed to build a strong case. Also read | Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal tax charges a day after contempt of Congress hearing However, all seemed to be heading down a hunky-dory ending last year when parties announced a plea deal. Under the deal, Hunter would have admitted to two tax misdemeanours, resolved the gun matter and likely avoided jail time. But the deal imploded under scrutiny from a judge. Hunter's defence team has consistently argued that the non-payment of taxes was an oversight in a life wrought chaos by a spiralling drug addiction. Notably, Hunter has already spent the majority of 2024 in courtrooms - having been convicted of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun. (With inputs from agencies)

Hunter Biden to change not-guilty plea in $1.4mn federal tax case

<p>The US has expelled China's consul general in New York, a&nbsp;day after&nbsp;Governor Kathy Hochul's former aide was charged with acting as a foreign agent, according to a <em>CNN </em>report.</p>

<p>Hochul informed that the consul general had been expelled after she made a request.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have conveyed my desire to have the counsel general from the People’s Republic of China and the New York mission expelled, and I’ve been informed that the counsel general is no longer in the New York mission,” said Hochul during a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to expel the envoy comes after Linda Sun&nbsp;and her husband,&nbsp;Christopher Hu, were indicted on Tuesday (Sep 2) of being Chinese agents. Sun held a series of positions within the New York State government from 2012 to 2023 - including deputy chief of staff to Hochul for a year, beginning in September 2021.</p>

<p>According to court documents, Sun furthered Chinese interests during her tenure in the state government. She blocked&nbsp;representatives of the Taiwanese government from meeting with officials and attempted to arrange for a New York state official to visit China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Acting at the request of PRC government officials and the [Communist Party of China] representative, Sun engaged in numerous political activities in the interests of the PRC and the CCP," the indictment noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federal prosecutors added that Sun and Hu used the money received from Chinese overlords to buy multi-million dollar mansions on Long Island and Honolulu, as well as a Ferrari Roma sports car.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Chinese government representatives also facilitated millions of dollars in transactions for Hu, who had business activities in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sun has been charged with&nbsp;violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. Both Sun and her husband have pleaded not guilty to the charges.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-governor-former-aide-linda-sun-charged-with-espionage-755864"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;New York 'governor' former aide Linda Sun charged with espionage</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Hochul's office issues clarification</strong></h2>

<p>Hochul's office released a statement after Sun's indictment stating that her employment was terminated in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process,” said&nbsp;Hochul’s press secretary Avi Small.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-hochuls-ex-aide-indicted-for-being-chinese-foreign-agent-755634"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;New York Governor Hochul’s ex-aide indicted for being Chinese agent former aide Linda Sun charged with espionage</strong></a></p>

<p>Even after her employment was terminated, Sun attended public and professional Asian community events purporting to represent the Department of Labor while claiming to be the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Labor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US has expelled China's consul general in New York, a day after Governor Kathy Hochul's former aide was charged with acting as a foreign agent, according to a CNN report.

The US has expelled China's consul general in New York, a day after Governor Kathy Hochul's former aide was charged with acting as a foreign agent, according to a CNN report. Hochul informed that the consul general had been expelled after she made a request. “I have conveyed my desire to have the counsel general from the People’s Republic of China and the New York mission expelled, and I’ve been informed that the counsel general is no longer in the New York mission,” said Hochul during a press conference. The decision to expel the envoy comes after Linda Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, were indicted on Tuesday (Sep 2) of being Chinese agents. Sun held a series of positions within the New York State government from 2012 to 2023 - including deputy chief of staff to Hochul for a year, beginning in September 2021. According to court documents, Sun furthered Chinese interests during her tenure in the state government. She blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from meeting with officials and attempted to arrange for a New York state official to visit China. "Acting at the request of PRC government officials and the [Communist Party of China] representative, Sun engaged in numerous political activities in the interests of the PRC and the CCP," the indictment noted. Federal prosecutors added that Sun and Hu used the money received from Chinese overlords to buy multi-million dollar mansions on Long Island and Honolulu, as well as a Ferrari Roma sports car. The Chinese government representatives also facilitated millions of dollars in transactions for Hu, who had business activities in China. Sun has been charged with violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. Both Sun and her husband have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Watch | New York 'governor' former aide Linda Sun charged with espionage × Hochul's office issues clarification Hochul's office released a statement after Sun's indictment stating that her employment was terminated in 2023. “We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process,” said Hochul’s press secretary Avi Small. Also read | New York Governor Hochul’s ex-aide indicted for being Chinese agent former aide Linda Sun charged with espionage Even after her employment was terminated, Sun attended public and professional Asian community events purporting to represent the Department of Labor while claiming to be the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Labor. (With inputs from agencies)

China's consul general in New York expelled after governor Hochul's ex-aide indicted for being foreign agent

<p>Tim Walz has come under heavy scrutiny after a video went viral on social media, showing the Democrat vice presidential candidate making a swift dash for the exit when quizzed about the discovery of six Israeli hostages killed in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Minnesota governor was posed the question at his home state's state fair in St. Paul, hours after the bodies had been discovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What's your reaction to the six hostages being found in Gaza?," the Democrat leader was asked as he thanked everybody and left the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although it is difficult to ascertain from the footage if Walz heard the question but as soon as it was asked, he left the gathering.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reporter: "What's your reaction to the six hostages being found in Gaza?"<br />
<br />
Walz: Goodbye<br />
<a href="https://t.co/ceIHYU1QMw">pic.twitter.com/ceIHYU1QMw</a></p>
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) <a href="https://twitter.com/greg_price11/status/1830309290101686695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The netizens were surprised by Walz's reaction and questioned him for not condemning the killings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is one of the worst "pretend like he didn't hear the question" acting jobs I've seen in recent years," said one user, while another added: "He’s following the example set by Biden and Kamala. Lay low and don’t answer any questions."</p>

<p>A third commented: "That is who he is, he turns his back and walks away. Just like he did when he was in service. How can people not see this?"</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the controversy snowballed, Walz's campaign issued a statement, late on Sunday (Sep 1), condemning Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organisation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The anguish of losing a child is something no family should have to endure. Gwen and I send our deepest condolences to the Goldberg-Polin family, after Hamas' murder of their son Hersh," read&nbsp;a post on Walz's X (formerly Twitter)&nbsp;account.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-massive-protests-hit-israel-after-six-hostages-killed-in-gaza-755212"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Massive protests hit Israel after six hostages killed in Gaza</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Gaza?</strong></h2>

<p>The bodies of six hostages were recovered from a tunnel in the Gazan city of Rafah on Sunday. The hostages were killed before they could be rescued,&nbsp;according to the Israeli military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hersh Goldberg-Polin (23),&nbsp;Ori Danino (25), Eden Yerushalmi (24), Almog Sarusi (27), Alexander Lobanov (33) and Carmel Gat (40) have been identified as the hostages killed by Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blood-on-their-hands-donald-trump-blames-crooked-biden-comrade-harris-for-gaza-hostage-killings-755205"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Blood on their hands': Donald Trump blames 'crooked' Biden, 'comrade' Harris for Gaza hostage killings</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably,&nbsp;Israeli-American hostage Goldberg-Polin's parents had made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), held in Chicago last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agncies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Tim Walz has come under heavy scrutiny after a video went viral on social media, showing the Democrat vice presidential candidate making a swift dash for the exit when quizzed about the discovery of six Israeli hostages killed in the Gaza Strip.

Tim Walz has come under heavy scrutiny after a video went viral on social media, showing the Democrat vice presidential candidate making a swift dash for the exit when quizzed about the discovery of six Israeli hostages killed in the Gaza Strip. The Minnesota governor was posed the question at his home state's state fair in St. Paul, hours after the bodies had been discovered. "What's your reaction to the six hostages being found in Gaza?," the Democrat leader was asked as he thanked everybody and left the scene. Although it is difficult to ascertain from the footage if Walz heard the question but as soon as it was asked, he left the gathering. Reporter: "What's your reaction to the six hostages being found in Gaza?" Walz: Goodbye pic.twitter.com/ceIHYU1QMw — Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 1, 2024 × The netizens were surprised by Walz's reaction and questioned him for not condemning the killings. "This is one of the worst "pretend like he didn't hear the question" acting jobs I've seen in recent years," said one user, while another added: "He’s following the example set by Biden and Kamala. Lay low and don’t answer any questions." A third commented: "That is who he is, he turns his back and walks away. Just like he did when he was in service. How can people not see this?" × As the controversy snowballed, Walz's campaign issued a statement, late on Sunday (Sep 1), condemning Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organisation". "The anguish of losing a child is something no family should have to endure. Gwen and I send our deepest condolences to the Goldberg-Polin family, after Hamas' murder of their son Hersh," read a post on Walz's X (formerly Twitter) account. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Massive protests hit Israel after six hostages killed in Gaza What happened in Gaza? The bodies of six hostages were recovered from a tunnel in the Gazan city of Rafah on Sunday. The hostages were killed before they could be rescued, according to the Israeli military. Hersh Goldberg-Polin (23), Ori Danino (25), Eden Yerushalmi (24), Almog Sarusi (27), Alexander Lobanov (33) and Carmel Gat (40) have been identified as the hostages killed by Hamas. Also read | 'Blood on their hands': Donald Trump blames 'crooked' Biden, 'comrade' Harris for Gaza hostage killings Notably, Israeli-American hostage Goldberg-Polin's parents had made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), held in Chicago last week. (With inputs from agncies)

Watch | Tim Walz’s shocking reaction when questioned about Israeli hostages found dead in Gaza

Let's us now look at China's new rescue plan to support the property market after dolling out Billions of Dollars in stimulus. To help millions of households cut borrowing costs and increase spending, China is thinking about letting homeowners refinance up to 5.4 trillion dollars in mortgages.

Fading US inflation keeps the fed on the path of rate cuts | World Business Watch | WION News

<p>A Ukrainian MP has claimed that the US-supplied F-16 fighter jet that crashed along with its pilot on Monday (Aug 26) may have been downed by friendly fire. The jet was involved in repelling a major Russian aerial attack when it crashed, according to the Ukrainian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lawmaker Mariana Bezuglaya said&nbsp;Patriot anti-aircraft missiles used by the Ukrainian forces to thwart Russian threats may have destroyed the jet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“According to my information, the F-16 piloted by Aleksey ‘Moonfish’ Mes was hit by a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system due to discoordination between units,” wrote&nbsp;Bezuglaya on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bezuglaya called out the culture of lies that had infested the Ukrainian military where such incidents were being swept under the rug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“War is war, such episodes are possible. But a culture of lies&nbsp;leads to a management system for military decisions that does not improve based on truthful, consistently collected analytics, but worsens and even collapses, as seen in the Pokrovsk direction,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-reports-ukraines-top-pilot-killed-in-f-16-crash-754465"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Reports: Ukraine's top pilot killed in F-16 crash</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What did Kyiv say?</strong></h2>

<p>In the aftermath of the incident, the Ukrainian Army said&nbsp;communication with the F-16 was lost as the planes approached their next target.</p>

<p>“As it turned out later, the aircraft crashed, killing the pilot,” the military said.</p>

<p>Ukraine’s Western air command unit later revealed the name of the pilot, identified as&nbsp;Oleksiy Mes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“On 26 August, while repelling a Russian massive combined missile and air strike, Oleksiy destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone."</p>

<p>“Oleksiy saved Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. Unfortunately, at the cost of his own life,” it added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-newly-acquired-american-made-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-reason-unknown-754424"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine's newly acquired American made F-16 fighter jet crashes; one pilot dead</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>US statement on F-16 crash</strong></h2>

<p>Quizzed about the incident and if there was friendly fire involved, Washington refused to comment saying it was not part of the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just can't confirm it. I don't have that level of fidelity right now. So in terms of if this pilot was killed and it was brought down by friendly fire - that I just can't speak to, that'd really be something for the Ukrainians to speak to," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United States has not been asked to participate in any type of investigation to look into this incident," she added.</p>

<p>The incident transpired just weeks after Kyiv began taking delivery of the planes. As many as six F-16 jets are currently in Ukraine's command and as per President Volodymyr Zelensky, they had shown good results in repelling the Russian attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:632,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2472}">Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos&nbsp;and&nbsp;videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Ukrainian MP has claimed that the US-supplied F-16 fighter jet that crashed along with its pilot on Monday (Aug 26) may have been downed by friendly fire. The jet was involved in repelling a major Russian aerial attack when it crashed, according to the Ukrainian Army.

A Ukrainian MP has claimed that the US-supplied F-16 fighter jet that crashed along with its pilot on Monday (Aug 26) may have been downed by friendly fire. The jet was involved in repelling a major Russian aerial attack when it crashed, according to the Ukrainian Army. Lawmaker Mariana Bezuglaya said Patriot anti-aircraft missiles used by the Ukrainian forces to thwart Russian threats may have destroyed the jet. “According to my information, the F-16 piloted by Aleksey ‘Moonfish’ Mes was hit by a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system due to discoordination between units,” wrote Bezuglaya on Telegram. Bezuglaya called out the culture of lies that had infested the Ukrainian military where such incidents were being swept under the rug. “War is war, such episodes are possible. But a culture of lies leads to a management system for military decisions that does not improve based on truthful, consistently collected analytics, but worsens and even collapses, as seen in the Pokrovsk direction,” she added. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war | Reports: Ukraine's top pilot killed in F-16 crash × What did Kyiv say? In the aftermath of the incident, the Ukrainian Army said communication with the F-16 was lost as the planes approached their next target. “As it turned out later, the aircraft crashed, killing the pilot,” the military said. Ukraine’s Western air command unit later revealed the name of the pilot, identified as Oleksiy Mes. “On 26 August, while repelling a Russian massive combined missile and air strike, Oleksiy destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone." “Oleksiy saved Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles. Unfortunately, at the cost of his own life,” it added. Also read | Ukraine's newly acquired American made F-16 fighter jet crashes; one pilot dead US statement on F-16 crash Quizzed about the incident and if there was friendly fire involved, Washington refused to comment saying it was not part of the investigation. "I just can't confirm it. I don't have that level of fidelity right now. So in terms of if this pilot was killed and it was brought down by friendly fire - that I just can't speak to, that'd really be something for the Ukrainians to speak to," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters. "The United States has not been asked to participate in any type of investigation to look into this incident," she added. The incident transpired just weeks after Kyiv began taking delivery of the planes. As many as six F-16 jets are currently in Ukraine's command and as per President Volodymyr Zelensky, they had shown good results in repelling the Russian attacks. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Was Ukraine's F-16 jet downed by friendly fire? Kyiv lawmaker makes SHOCKING claim

<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;(FBI) on Wednesday (Aug 28) released the first photos of the weapon used by Thomas Crooks for the failed assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crooks was killed by the US Secret Service (SS) after he fired multiple rounds from an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.&nbsp;The former president was saved by mere inches as the bullet meant for his head, just grazed the top portion of his right ear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 20-year-old shooter fired from a building, only 130 metres away from the Republican leader despite being well inside the security perimeter of Secret Service, FBI and local law enforcement agencies.</p>

<p>The FBI revealed that Crooks broke down the semi-automatic&nbsp;DPMS DR-15 rifle into two pieces and carried it in a black SwissGear backpack as he made his way through the rally.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Thomas Crooks’ rifle as recovered at shooting site" data-caption="Thomas Crooks’ rifle as recovered at the shooting site." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="268e44ce-c75b-4aaf-9b01-554d2dbc3020" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-29%20074325.png" />
<p>A separate photo showed the rifle fully assembled and positioned next to a ruler, which pegs its length at around 36 inches from stock to barrel.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Thomas Crooks’ rifle broken down as was likely done for transport and the backpack recovered onsite" data-caption="Thomas Crooks’ rifle broken down as was likely done for transport and the backpack recovered onsite." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fbabfa2a-214e-489b-97bf-0cddc0bc77ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-29%20074348.png" />
<p>The premier security agency also revealed the trunk of Crooks' car where he had left two improvised explosive devices. The receiver of the explosives that enabled remote detonation was set in the “off” position. The bureau said the devices had “several problems with the way they were constructed.”</p>
<img alt="Two improvised explosive devices as initially discovered in Thomas Crooks’ car trunk." data-caption="Two improvised explosive devices as initially discovered in Thomas Crooks’ car trunk." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd0014e9-1c3c-4210-92c7-69655618d86a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-29%20074900.png" />
<p>A photo of an air-conditioning unit outside the AGR building that Crooks used to climb and settle himself in position for the attack was also disclosed by the FBI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The subject accessed the roof by climbing on the tan machine on the far right side of the photo," FBI said.&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="The air conditioning unit Thomas Crooks’ used to access the roof " data-caption="The air conditioning unit Thomas Crooks used to access the roof&amp;nbsp;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43d1675b-3a91-47c7-a5e2-9a725ac1e04e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-29%20080355.png" />
<p>During the briefing on Wednesday, FBI officials stated that the motive for the assassination attempt remains unknown as Crooks had a "mixture of ideologies". His social media footprint gave little to no inclination regarding his right-wing or left-wing ideologies, as per the FBI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-shooting-new-bodycam-video-shows-failed-assassin-thomas-crooks-in-pool-of-blood-on-roof-watch-743681" target="_blank"><strong>Trump shooting new bodycam video shows failed assassin Thomas Crooks in pool of blood on roof: WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, after the incident, it was revealed that Crooks was a registered Republican but had donated to Progressive Turnout Project - a liberal voter turnout group, through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue.</p>

<p>Previously, the FBI had confirmed that Crooks&nbsp;searched for Trump as well as Biden in the lead-up to the events of July 13.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday (Aug 28) released the first photos of the weapon used by Thomas Crooks for the failed assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, last month.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday (Aug 28) released the first photos of the weapon used by Thomas Crooks for the failed assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, last month. Crooks was killed by the US Secret Service (SS) after he fired multiple rounds from an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. The former president was saved by mere inches as the bullet meant for his head, just grazed the top portion of his right ear. The 20-year-old shooter fired from a building, only 130 metres away from the Republican leader despite being well inside the security perimeter of Secret Service, FBI and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI revealed that Crooks broke down the semi-automatic DPMS DR-15 rifle into two pieces and carried it in a black SwissGear backpack as he made his way through the rally. A separate photo showed the rifle fully assembled and positioned next to a ruler, which pegs its length at around 36 inches from stock to barrel. The premier security agency also revealed the trunk of Crooks' car where he had left two improvised explosive devices. The receiver of the explosives that enabled remote detonation was set in the “off” position. The bureau said the devices had “several problems with the way they were constructed.” A photo of an air-conditioning unit outside the AGR building that Crooks used to climb and settle himself in position for the attack was also disclosed by the FBI. "The subject accessed the roof by climbing on the tan machine on the far right side of the photo," FBI said. During the briefing on Wednesday, FBI officials stated that the motive for the assassination attempt remains unknown as Crooks had a "mixture of ideologies". His social media footprint gave little to no inclination regarding his right-wing or left-wing ideologies, as per the FBI. Trump shooting new bodycam video shows failed assassin Thomas Crooks in pool of blood on roof: WATCH Notably, after the incident, it was revealed that Crooks was a registered Republican but had donated to Progressive Turnout Project - a liberal voter turnout group, through the Democratic donation platform ActBlue. Previously, the FBI had confirmed that Crooks searched for Trump as well as Biden in the lead-up to the events of July 13. (With inputs from agencies)

Revealed: FBI releases first pics of weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump

<p>The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>"Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said.</p>

<p>The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank</strong></a></p>

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<p>Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move.</p>

<p>"Israel views with utmost severity&nbsp;the imposition of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion&nbsp;with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime."</p>

<p>The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.</p>

<p>The State Department also imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians.</p>

<p>Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making.</p>

<p>Last month, the United States imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions.</p>

<p>The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on government ministers leading the settlement policy.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.

The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move. The sanctions were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza. "Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said. The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills. Watch | Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank × Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move. "Israel views with utmost severity the imposition of sanctions on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime." The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. The State Department also imposed sanctions against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians. Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures. The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel." US sanctions generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions. The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing sanctions on government ministers leading the settlement policy. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidiW8hvMz6MjZJ" /></p>

<p>Tim Walz formally accepted his nomination to be the Democratic Party's vice presidential candidate in a keynote address Wednesday (Aug 21), professing his love for his country.</p>

<p>"It's the honour of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States. What all we're all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country," Walz told the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.</p>

<p>The relatively unknown Minnesota governor brings an earthy, Midwestern vibe to Harris's surging campaign against Donald Trump that was expected to be central to his speech at Chicago's United Center.</p>

<p>Taking the stage ahead of Harris's big night on Thursday, the former teacher and National Guard soldier Walz began outlining his life story in a speech that was expected to focus on safeguarding Americans' freedoms and building for the future.</p>

<p>A highlight of the undercard was former president Bill Clinton, who delighted the crowd with his 12th appearance at the Democratic convention and said Harris had "knocked it out of the park" by picking Walz as her running mate.</p>

<p>"Two leaders with all-American but still improbable life stories -- it could only happen here," Clinton said.</p>

<p>"If you vote for this team, if you can get them elected, and let them bring in this breath of fresh air, you will be proud of it for the rest of your life."</p>

<p>In a moment that brought the audience to its feet, former students marched onstage to introduce Walz -- a football coach in his teaching days -- for the biggest speech of his political career, after a musical interlude by Grammy Award-winning musician John Legend.</p>

<p>A rousing rendition of "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder warmed up the crowd for the main event, alongside turns from comic actors Mindy Kaling and Keenan Thompson.</p>

<p>Walz will tee up Harris's Thursday speech and the climax of a convention that has defied predictions of disunity or even chaos in the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid on July 21.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, it was Democratic superstars Michelle and former president Barack Obama who spoke, following up on Biden's emotional speech Monday, where he passed the torch to his vice president.</p>

<p>Biden left Chicago after his address for a break that turned into a working vacation in California, as he pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas as talks on a truce faltered.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-is-tim-walz-chinas-man-in-america-gravitas-748160"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Is Tim Walz China’s man in America? | Gravitas</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Intense enthusiasm</h2>

<p>The American and Israeli leaders spoke hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended a tour of the Middle East aimed at reaching an accord as tensions rise in the region.</p>

<p>In a statement on X, Biden said he "made clear that we must bring the ceasefire and hostage release deal to closure and discussed upcoming talks in Cairo to remove any remaining obstacles."</p>

<p>Back in Illinois, the convention has seen intense enthusiasm, buoyed by Walz's appearances at sideline events, where he has been mobbed by supporters seeking selfies and chanting, "Tim! Tim! Tim!"</p>

<p>He has made a name for himself as an able communicator and is credited with coming up with one of the sharpest attack lines on Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, whom he labelled "weird."</p>

<p>As a folksy, white Midwesterner, Walz balances Harris's California background and barrier-breaking status as the first Black woman nominee.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-tim-walz-minnesota-governor-now-kamala-harriss-vp-pick-747785"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Teacher, politician and gay rights champion: All about Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s VP pick</strong></a></p>

<p>The 60-year-old will speak of his upbringing in small-town Nebraska, where he worked on the family farm, and describe his military service, his experiences as a teacher and his record in politics.</p>

<p>The chemistry between 59-year-old Harris and Walz and the noisy energy generated at their rallies is helping to fuel Democratic hopes that they can defeat Trump, 78, in November.</p>

<p>Polls show the race remains close, but Harris is moving slightly ahead, a remarkable turn of events, given that only a month ago Trump seemed to be gaining a steadily tightening grip over Biden.</p>

<p>Exhibit number one in that shift has been Harris's ability to pack arenas in a way that for years Trump had touted as evidence of his seemingly unique political strength.</p>

<p>In a dramatic gesture, Harris and Walz held a mass rally on Tuesday in Milwaukee at the same time as the convention crowd jammed into the Chicago venue.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Tim Walz formally accepted his nomination to be the Democratic Party's vice presidential candidate in a keynote address Wednesday (Aug 21), professing his love for his country.

Tim Walz formally accepted his nomination to be the Democratic Party's vice presidential candidate in a keynote address Wednesday (Aug 21), professing his love for his country. "It's the honour of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States. What all we're all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country," Walz told the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The relatively unknown Minnesota governor brings an earthy, Midwestern vibe to Harris's surging campaign against Donald Trump that was expected to be central to his speech at Chicago's United Center. Taking the stage ahead of Harris's big night on Thursday, the former teacher and National Guard soldier Walz began outlining his life story in a speech that was expected to focus on safeguarding Americans' freedoms and building for the future. A highlight of the undercard was former president Bill Clinton, who delighted the crowd with his 12th appearance at the Democratic convention and said Harris had "knocked it out of the park" by picking Walz as her running mate. "Two leaders with all-American but still improbable life stories -- it could only happen here," Clinton said. "If you vote for this team, if you can get them elected, and let them bring in this breath of fresh air, you will be proud of it for the rest of your life." In a moment that brought the audience to its feet, former students marched onstage to introduce Walz -- a football coach in his teaching days -- for the biggest speech of his political career, after a musical interlude by Grammy Award-winning musician John Legend. A rousing rendition of "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder warmed up the crowd for the main event, alongside turns from comic actors Mindy Kaling and Keenan Thompson. Walz will tee up Harris's Thursday speech and the climax of a convention that has defied predictions of disunity or even chaos in the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid on July 21. On Tuesday, it was Democratic superstars Michelle and former president Barack Obama who spoke, following up on Biden's emotional speech Monday, where he passed the torch to his vice president. Biden left Chicago after his address for a break that turned into a working vacation in California, as he pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas as talks on a truce faltered. Watch | US Elections 2024: Is Tim Walz China’s man in America? | Gravitas × Intense enthusiasm The American and Israeli leaders spoke hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended a tour of the Middle East aimed at reaching an accord as tensions rise in the region. In a statement on X, Biden said he "made clear that we must bring the ceasefire and hostage release deal to closure and discussed upcoming talks in Cairo to remove any remaining obstacles." Back in Illinois, the convention has seen intense enthusiasm, buoyed by Walz's appearances at sideline events, where he has been mobbed by supporters seeking selfies and chanting, "Tim! Tim! Tim!" He has made a name for himself as an able communicator and is credited with coming up with one of the sharpest attack lines on Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, whom he labelled "weird." As a folksy, white Midwesterner, Walz balances Harris's California background and barrier-breaking status as the first Black woman nominee. Also read | Teacher, politician and gay rights champion: All about Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’s VP pick The 60-year-old will speak of his upbringing in small-town Nebraska, where he worked on the family farm, and describe his military service, his experiences as a teacher and his record in politics. The chemistry between 59-year-old Harris and Walz and the noisy energy generated at their rallies is helping to fuel Democratic hopes that they can defeat Trump, 78, in November. Polls show the race remains close, but Harris is moving slightly ahead, a remarkable turn of events, given that only a month ago Trump seemed to be gaining a steadily tightening grip over Biden. Exhibit number one in that shift has been Harris's ability to pack arenas in a way that for years Trump had touted as evidence of his seemingly unique political strength. In a dramatic gesture, Harris and Walz held a mass rally on Tuesday in Milwaukee at the same time as the convention crowd jammed into the Chicago venue. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tim Walz officially accepts nomination as VP at Democratic National Convention

<p>A US resident has been charged and arrested for allegedly spying for China on pro-Democracy activists and dissidents whilst making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DoJ) said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused, identified as 67-year-old Yuanjun Tang, is a resident of Queens, New York. He acted as a Chinese agent between 2019 and 2023 under the direction of China's&nbsp;Ministry of State Security (MSS), its principal intelligence agency. Among either things, MSS is also responsible for espionage and political security functions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tang targeted US-based Chinese dissidents that Beijing views as potentially adverse. After collecting information on such individuals and groups, the data was delivered to the Politburo. Notably, he also helped MSS infiltrate a group chat on a messaging platform that was used by these dissidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tang used an email account where he received regular instructions from his Chinese overlords regarding the targets to be tailed. He also travelled abroad three times for face-to-face meetings&nbsp;with MSS intelligence officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After arresting Tang, the law enforcement agencies recovered the numerous electronic devices and accounts that he used to communicate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tang also made materially false statements to the FBI. He falsely claimed that he was no longer able to access an email account through which he had communicated with his MSS handler through draft emails," DoJ added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-spy-balloon-chinese-companies-hit-with-us-trade-restrictions-720176"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Chinese spy balloon: Chinese companies hit with US trade restrictions</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What has Tang been charged with?</strong></h2>

<p>The NY resident has been charged with one count of conspiring to act as&nbsp;an agent of a foreign government without notifying the attorney general, which carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has also been charged with&nbsp;one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government and one count of&nbsp;making false statements, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-10-former-and-current-soldiers-charged-with-spying-for-china-663306"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan: 10 former and current soldiers charged with spying for China</strong></a></p>

<p>A federal district court will hear his case and if convicted, he will be handed a sentence, considering the US&nbsp;Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case.</p>

<p>The authorities informed that Tang previously had Chinese citizenship and was imprisoned in the country for&nbsp;his activities as a dissident opposing the one-party authoritarian political system of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US resident has been charged and arrested for allegedly spying for China on pro-Democracy activists and dissidents whilst making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DoJ) said.

A US resident has been charged and arrested for allegedly spying for China on pro-Democracy activists and dissidents whilst making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DoJ) said. The accused, identified as 67-year-old Yuanjun Tang, is a resident of Queens, New York. He acted as a Chinese agent between 2019 and 2023 under the direction of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), its principal intelligence agency. Among either things, MSS is also responsible for espionage and political security functions. Tang targeted US-based Chinese dissidents that Beijing views as potentially adverse. After collecting information on such individuals and groups, the data was delivered to the Politburo. Notably, he also helped MSS infiltrate a group chat on a messaging platform that was used by these dissidents. Tang used an email account where he received regular instructions from his Chinese overlords regarding the targets to be tailed. He also travelled abroad three times for face-to-face meetings with MSS intelligence officers. After arresting Tang, the law enforcement agencies recovered the numerous electronic devices and accounts that he used to communicate. "Tang also made materially false statements to the FBI. He falsely claimed that he was no longer able to access an email account through which he had communicated with his MSS handler through draft emails," DoJ added. Watch | Chinese spy balloon: Chinese companies hit with US trade restrictions × What has Tang been charged with? The NY resident has been charged with one count of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the attorney general, which carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He has also been charged with one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government and one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Also read | Taiwan: 10 former and current soldiers charged with spying for China A federal district court will hear his case and if convicted, he will be handed a sentence, considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. The authorities informed that Tang previously had Chinese citizenship and was imprisoned in the country for his activities as a dissident opposing the one-party authoritarian political system of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). (With inputs from agencies)

New York resident arrested for spying for China, misleading FBI

<p>A US man and his wife are suing a hospital for negligence after the staff lost a piece of his skull and later charged him more than $19,000 for a synthetic replacement when they could not find it, according to a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post.</em></p>

<p>The man, identified as Fernando Cluster, had checked in to Emory University Hospital in September 2022 after he was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage. Cluster underwent a successful procedure where a part of his skull (4.7-by-5.9-inch) was removed by the doctors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cluster was supposed to have the nearly 28-square-inch piece of his skull&nbsp;reimplanted&nbsp;about a month and a half later when the swelling had subsided.&nbsp;However, when Cluster arrived at the hospital in November for the procedure, the staff could not identify the section of his skull.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We inspected the freezer where bone flaps are stored and could not find a bone flap with Mr Cluster’s patient identification,” read Cluster’s medical file.</p>

<p>“There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification, but we could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr&nbsp;Cluster.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-doctor-operates-on-childs-tongue-instead-of-her-finger-722612"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kerala doctor operates on child's tongue instead of her finger</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ordeal for Cluster&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Rather than have his own bone implanted, Clsuter was told that he needed a synthetic implant which had to be manufactured. By the end of the month, the newly fabricated bone had been placed in Cluster's head but not before he was charged $19,000 by the hospital staff for what they had allegedly lost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Cluster's problems did not go away with the cyborg implant. He contracted an infection afterwards and needed additional surgery which left him unable to walk for some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Mr Cluster subsequently suffered an infection in the synthetic flap, thereby necessitating an additional surgery,” the complaint noted.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fake-medical-racket-shocks-capital-as-patients-die-of-botched-up-surgeries-659319"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Delhi fake medical racket shocks Indian capital as patients die of botched surgeries</strong></a></p>

<p>By the end of the ordeal, Custer's total hospital bill had climbed to $146,800. Interestingly, the hospital never offered him and his wife any discounts for the treatment, especially after making the huge blunder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While my clients are obviously upset that they and their insurance company were billed for the costs related to Emory’s negligence, I’m sure you can understand that their focus is on the egregiousness of Emory losing a part of his body and then having a flippant attitude about it afterwards,” Cluster’s attorney Chloe Dallair said.</p>

<p>Cluster has demanded that the hospital compensate him for the damages after a jury trial.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US man and his wife are suing a hospital for negligence after the staff lost a piece of his skull and later charged him more than $19,000 for a synthetic replacement when they could not find it, according to a report in the NY Post.

A US man and his wife are suing a hospital for negligence after the staff lost a piece of his skull and later charged him more than $19,000 for a synthetic replacement when they could not find it, according to a report in the NY Post. The man, identified as Fernando Cluster, had checked in to Emory University Hospital in September 2022 after he was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage. Cluster underwent a successful procedure where a part of his skull (4.7-by-5.9-inch) was removed by the doctors. Cluster was supposed to have the nearly 28-square-inch piece of his skull reimplanted about a month and a half later when the swelling had subsided. However, when Cluster arrived at the hospital in November for the procedure, the staff could not identify the section of his skull. “We inspected the freezer where bone flaps are stored and could not find a bone flap with Mr Cluster’s patient identification,” read Cluster’s medical file. “There were several bone flaps with incomplete or missing patient identification, but we could not be certain which if any of these belonged to Mr Cluster.” Watch | Kerala doctor operates on child's tongue instead of her finger × Ordeal for Cluster Rather than have his own bone implanted, Clsuter was told that he needed a synthetic implant which had to be manufactured. By the end of the month, the newly fabricated bone had been placed in Cluster's head but not before he was charged $19,000 by the hospital staff for what they had allegedly lost. However, Cluster's problems did not go away with the cyborg implant. He contracted an infection afterwards and needed additional surgery which left him unable to walk for some time. “Mr Cluster subsequently suffered an infection in the synthetic flap, thereby necessitating an additional surgery,” the complaint noted. Also read | Delhi fake medical racket shocks Indian capital as patients die of botched surgeries By the end of the ordeal, Custer's total hospital bill had climbed to $146,800. Interestingly, the hospital never offered him and his wife any discounts for the treatment, especially after making the huge blunder. “While my clients are obviously upset that they and their insurance company were billed for the costs related to Emory’s negligence, I’m sure you can understand that their focus is on the egregiousness of Emory losing a part of his body and then having a flippant attitude about it afterwards,” Cluster’s attorney Chloe Dallair said. Cluster has demanded that the hospital compensate him for the damages after a jury trial. (With inputs from agencies)

US man sues hospital for losing part of his skull and charging $19k

<p>A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe &amp; Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf&nbsp;cart and injured herself, according to a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post</em>.</p>

<p>The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the&nbsp;hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-employees-sue-apple-over-pay-bias-731872"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Women employees sue Apple over pay bias</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous incidents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns&nbsp;when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doesnt-pay-his-bills-former-twitter-executives-sue-elon-musk-for-withholding-130mn-in-unpaid-benefits-696613"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits</strong></a></p>

<p>The incident took place in August 2019&nbsp;when&nbsp;Philana Holmes&nbsp;took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away.</p>

<p>Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes&nbsp;noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post.

A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post. The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court. O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages. The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300. The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here. Watch | Women employees sue Apple over pay bias × Previous incidents Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019. The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future. Also read | Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits The incident took place in August 2019 when Philana Holmes took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away. Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh. Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

US resident sues Hard Rock Hotel for $500,000 after falling out of golf cart

Two American lawmakers want the Biden administration to probe China's TP-Link Technology Co and its affiliates for potential national security risks from their widely used WiFi routers over fears they could be used in cyber attacks against the US. Watch in for more details!

Chinese hackers exploiting Wifi routers?

<p>Columbia&nbsp;University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike.</p>

<p>Shafik, who cited the toll the campus turmoil took on her family, becomes the third president of an Ivy League university to step down in the wake of campus protests over Gaza.</p>

<p>She said she made the announcement now so new leadership could be in place before the new term begins on Sept. 3, when student protesters have vowed to resume protests.</p>

<p>"It has...been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community," Shafik said in a statement.</p>

<p>The university announced Katrina Armstrong, dean of&nbsp;Columbia's medical school, would serve as interim president. Armstrong said in a statement she was "acutely aware of the trials the University has faced over the past year."</p>

<p>Columbia&nbsp;was rocked in April and May as protesters occupied parts of the New York City campus in opposition to Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The demonstrators denounced Shafik for calling police onto campus to halt the demonstrations, while pro-Israel supporters castigated her for failing to crack down sufficiently.</p>

<p>Students with&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;University Apartheid Divest, a group behind the protests, welcomed the resignation but said it should not become a distraction from their efforts to have&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;divest from companies that support Israel's military and its occupation of Palestinian territories.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-white-house-condemns-antisemitism-at-columbia-university-protests-713997"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hope that&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;will finally appoint a president that will hear the students and faculty rather than appeasing Congress and donors," said Mahmoud Khalil, one of the group's lead negotiators with the school's administration.</p>

<p>Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a critic of university leaders in congressional hearings over Gaza protests nationwide, called Shafik's resignation "overdue" on X because of what she called failure to protect Jewish students.</p>

<p>Two other Ivy League presidents have resigned after facing congressional critics. Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania stepped down in December 2023 and Claudine Gay of Harvard quit a month later.</p>

<p>Shafik, an Egyptian-born economist who holds British and US nationality, was previously deputy governor of the Bank of England, president of the London School of Economics and deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund.</p>

<p>After leading&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;for little more than a year, Shafik said she would return to the British House of Lords and chair a review of the government's approach to international development.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-shifts-to-virtual-classes-following-on-campus-arrests-amid-anti-israel-protests-713938">Also read |&nbsp;Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests</a></strong></p>

<p>Her position at&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;was undermined when pro-Palestinian protesters set up dozens of tents on the main lawn.</p>

<p>On April 18 she took the unusual step of asking New York police to enter campus, angering rights groups, students and faculty, after encampments were not cleared voluntarily.</p>

<p>More than 100 people were arrested and the tents removed, but within days the encampment was back in place. The university called police back in on April 30, when they arrested 300 people at and near&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;and the City College of New York. Some protesters were injured in the arrests.</p>

<p>The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Palestinian fighters from Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p>Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike. Shafik, who cited the toll the campus turmoil took on her family, becomes the third president of an Ivy League university to step down in the wake of campus protests over Gaza. She said she made the announcement now so new leadership could be in place before the new term begins on Sept. 3, when student protesters have vowed to resume protests. "It has...been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community," Shafik said in a statement. The university announced Katrina Armstrong, dean of Columbia's medical school, would serve as interim president. Armstrong said in a statement she was "acutely aware of the trials the University has faced over the past year." Columbia was rocked in April and May as protesters occupied parts of the New York City campus in opposition to Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The demonstrators denounced Shafik for calling police onto campus to halt the demonstrations, while pro-Israel supporters castigated her for failing to crack down sufficiently. Students with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a group behind the protests, welcomed the resignation but said it should not become a distraction from their efforts to have Columbia divest from companies that support Israel's military and its occupation of Palestinian territories. Watch | US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests × "We hope that Columbia will finally appoint a president that will hear the students and faculty rather than appeasing Congress and donors," said Mahmoud Khalil, one of the group's lead negotiators with the school's administration. Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a critic of university leaders in congressional hearings over Gaza protests nationwide, called Shafik's resignation "overdue" on X because of what she called failure to protect Jewish students. Two other Ivy League presidents have resigned after facing congressional critics. Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania stepped down in December 2023 and Claudine Gay of Harvard quit a month later. Shafik, an Egyptian-born economist who holds British and US nationality, was previously deputy governor of the Bank of England, president of the London School of Economics and deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund. After leading Columbia for little more than a year, Shafik said she would return to the British House of Lords and chair a review of the government's approach to international development. Also read | Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests Her position at Columbia was undermined when pro-Palestinian protesters set up dozens of tents on the main lawn. On April 18 she took the unusual step of asking New York police to enter campus, angering rights groups, students and faculty, after encampments were not cleared voluntarily. More than 100 people were arrested and the tents removed, but within days the encampment was back in place. The university called police back in on April 30, when they arrested 300 people at and near Columbia and the City College of New York. Some protesters were injured in the arrests. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Palestinian fighters from Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Columbia University president resigns after antisemitic protests on campus

<p>Republican presidential candidate Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Aug 14) and discussed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Axios reported, citing two US&nbsp;sources.</p>

<p>One source told Axios that Trump's call was intended to encourage Netanyahu to take the deal, but stressed he did not know if this was indeed what the former president told Netanyahu. The&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Late last month, Netanyahu visited the US&nbsp;and met President Joe Biden, Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican former President&nbsp;Trump.</p>

<p>Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations for Thursday.</p>

<p>Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.</p>

<p>Hamas said on Wednesday it would not take part in a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks slated for Thursday in Qatar, but an official briefed on the talks said mediators expected to consult with the Palestinian Islamist group afterwards.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-not-attack-israel-for-revenge-us-president-joe-biden-reveals-a-way-out-749972"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Iran may not attack Israel for revenge. US President Joe Biden reveals a way out</strong></a></p>

<p>Washington, Israel's most important ally, has said that a ceasefire in Gaza will reduce the rising threat of a wider war in the Middle East.</p>

<p>There has been an increased risk of a broader war after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation against Israel.</p>

<p>The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-tensions-israel-us-expect-iranian-attack-within-days-wion-speed-news-749720" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-tensions-israel-us-expect-iranian-attack-within-days-wion-speed-news-749720/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Aug 14) and discussed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Axios reported, citing two US sources.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Aug 14) and discussed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, Axios reported, citing two US sources. One source told Axios that Trump's call was intended to encourage Netanyahu to take the deal, but stressed he did not know if this was indeed what the former president told Netanyahu. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Late last month, Netanyahu visited the US and met President Joe Biden, Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican former President Trump. Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations for Thursday. Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles. Hamas said on Wednesday it would not take part in a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks slated for Thursday in Qatar, but an official briefed on the talks said mediators expected to consult with the Palestinian Islamist group afterwards. Also read | Iran may not attack Israel for revenge. US President Joe Biden reveals a way out Washington, Israel's most important ally, has said that a ceasefire in Gaza will reduce the rising threat of a wider war in the Middle East. There has been an increased risk of a broader war after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Both drew threats of retaliation against Israel. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Watch | West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump and Netanyahu hold talks amid hostage-truce deal in Gaza

<p>US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad."</p>

<p>Omar defeated former Minneapolis city council member Don Samuels in Minnesota's 5th District Democratic primary.</p>

<p>With 216 of 217 precincts reporting results, Omar was leading Samuels 56.2 per cent-42.9 per cent, according to Minnesota Secretary of State tallies.</p>

<p>At the end of a spirited campaign, Samuels acknowledged Omar's victory in a telephone interview, but said the results showed "there are still people who are feeling left out of the congresswoman's leadership."</p>

<p>Omar's robust campaign fundraising likely played a significant role in her victory.</p>

<p>She collected $6.8 million since the 2022 election, more than double the typical House member's reelection campaign and well over Samuels' $1.4 million, according to federal campaign disclosures.</p>

<p>"Because Omar had a tough primary last cycle (the 2022 election), she was prepared this time around with a strong ground game and excellent fundraising numbers that far outpaced Samuels," said Ryan Dawkins, a political science professor at Minnesota's Carleton College.</p>

<p>The Minnesota lawmaker, one of four progressive women whose 2018 election created The Squad, is expected to easily win the Nov. 5 election. Control of Congress will be up for grabs as Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump seek the presidency.</p>

<p>Fellow Squad members Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri lost their party primaries over the past few months, facing opponents who had won substantial support from the pro-Israel fundraising group AIPAC.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-republicans-oust-ilhan-omar-from-high-profile-house-committee-558434"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Republicans oust Ilhan Omar from high-profile House committee</strong></a></p>

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<p>Bowman, Bush and Omar had all expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas militants in Gaza, but AIPAC as of mid-July had given just $25 to Samuels' campaign, according to data collected by Open Secrets. Bowman and Bush's losses will whittle away The Squad's ranks from its peak of nine members.</p>

<p>They also reflect a Democratic Party that has backed away from some of its furthest-left causes, like calls for providing government-backed healthcare for all Americans or talk of defunding police, which came to the fore during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before Biden secured the nomination.</p>

<p>The absence of a significant 2024 Democratic primary before Biden ended his candidacy last month, passing the torch to Harris, meant that further-left candidates such as independent Senator Bernie Sanders did not drive the debate.</p>

<p>"I understood going into this election cycle that the progressive movement was going to be burdened because of the absence of somebody carrying the banner on the centre stage of American politics," said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, he argued that progressive priorities, such as making prescription drugs and childcare more affordable still resonate with voters.</p>

<p>Omar and some fellow Squad members voted against some Biden priorities including the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021. They mainly objected because it did not move in tandem with a bill to expand social programs, including childcare, as had been promised.</p>

<p>Unlike the Republican House Freedom Caucus, whose roughly three dozen members have repeatedly blocked their own party's priorities, members of The Squad have generally voted in step with fellow Democrats on legislation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-congresswoman-ilhan-omars-controversial-visit-to-pok-sponsored-by-islamabad-626645"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan</strong></a></p>

<p>Omar, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia, describes her politics as "visionary, bold and loud" and says she has delivered millions of dollars in federal funds for community development in her district.</p>

<p>She argued she has paid close attention to her district's large immigrant population - including Somalis - in part by probing whether large banks discriminate against Muslim Americans.</p>

<p>She has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks, with House Republicans in 2023 voting to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee over a 2019 social media post suggesting that Israel's supporters were motivated by money rather than principle. Omar has apologized for that post.</p>

<p>Jamaica-born Samuels, a former toy developer and leader of a non-profit organization, had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative, saying he agreed with many of Omar's policy stances, but not what he called her divisive governing style.</p>


US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad.

US Representative Ilhan Omar clinched the Democratic Party nomination for a fourth term on Tuesday (Aug 13), in a victory for progressives after losses in party primaries by two fellow members of the group nicknamed "The Squad." Omar defeated former Minneapolis city council member Don Samuels in Minnesota's 5th District Democratic primary. With 216 of 217 precincts reporting results, Omar was leading Samuels 56.2 per cent-42.9 per cent, according to Minnesota Secretary of State tallies. At the end of a spirited campaign, Samuels acknowledged Omar's victory in a telephone interview, but said the results showed "there are still people who are feeling left out of the congresswoman's leadership." Omar's robust campaign fundraising likely played a significant role in her victory. She collected $6.8 million since the 2022 election, more than double the typical House member's reelection campaign and well over Samuels' $1.4 million, according to federal campaign disclosures. "Because Omar had a tough primary last cycle (the 2022 election), she was prepared this time around with a strong ground game and excellent fundraising numbers that far outpaced Samuels," said Ryan Dawkins, a political science professor at Minnesota's Carleton College. The Minnesota lawmaker, one of four progressive women whose 2018 election created The Squad, is expected to easily win the Nov. 5 election. Control of Congress will be up for grabs as Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump seek the presidency. Fellow Squad members Representatives Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri lost their party primaries over the past few months, facing opponents who had won substantial support from the pro-Israel fundraising group AIPAC. Watch | US: Republicans oust Ilhan Omar from high-profile House committee × Bowman, Bush and Omar had all expressed opposition to President Joe Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas militants in Gaza, but AIPAC as of mid-July had given just $25 to Samuels' campaign, according to data collected by Open Secrets. Bowman and Bush's losses will whittle away The Squad's ranks from its peak of nine members. They also reflect a Democratic Party that has backed away from some of its furthest-left causes, like calls for providing government-backed healthcare for all Americans or talk of defunding police, which came to the fore during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before Biden secured the nomination. The absence of a significant 2024 Democratic primary before Biden ended his candidacy last month, passing the torch to Harris, meant that further-left candidates such as independent Senator Bernie Sanders did not drive the debate. "I understood going into this election cycle that the progressive movement was going to be burdened because of the absence of somebody carrying the banner on the centre stage of American politics," said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America. Nevertheless, he argued that progressive priorities, such as making prescription drugs and childcare more affordable still resonate with voters. Omar and some fellow Squad members voted against some Biden priorities including the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021. They mainly objected because it did not move in tandem with a bill to expand social programs, including childcare, as had been promised. Unlike the Republican House Freedom Caucus, whose roughly three dozen members have repeatedly blocked their own party's priorities, members of The Squad have generally voted in step with fellow Democrats on legislation. Also read | US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's controversial visit to PoK was sponsored by Pakistan Omar, who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia, describes her politics as "visionary, bold and loud" and says she has delivered millions of dollars in federal funds for community development in her district. She argued she has paid close attention to her district's large immigrant population - including Somalis - in part by probing whether large banks discriminate against Muslim Americans. She has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks, with House Republicans in 2023 voting to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee over a 2019 social media post suggesting that Israel's supporters were motivated by money rather than principle. Omar has apologized for that post. Jamaica-born Samuels, a former toy developer and leader of a non-profit organization, had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative, saying he agreed with many of Omar's policy stances, but not what he called her divisive governing style.

Controversial Democrat leader Ilhan Omar wins primary in Minnesota

<p>Embattled Hunter Biden sought help from the US government for a lucrative energy project in Italy when his father, Joe Biden, was serving as the vice president, a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post&nbsp;</em>has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hunter wanted to use his father's influence to land the deal for Burisma - the Ukrainian gas giant that he sat on the board for. He wrote at least one letter to the US ambassador in Italy in 2016 and sought assistance for the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Biden Jr. received a lukewarm response from the embassy officials who were hesitant to help with the request.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a Ukrainian company and, purely to protect ourselves, the US government&nbsp;should not be actively advocating with the government of Italy without the company going through the Department of Commerce Advocacy Center," an official wrote.</p>

<p>“I want to be careful about promising too much,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hunter also asked several officials if they could set up a meeting between Burisma and the president of the Tuscany region of Italy where the Ukrainian company was pursuing a geothermal project.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The information has only come to light after State Department records were released to US media after Joe Biden ended his re-election bid for the president's post. The revelation puts Hunter on an even stickier wicket as it links to violations of the&nbsp;Foreign Agents Registration Act through his work for Burisma.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunter-biden-sues-fox-news-over-miniseries-737206"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hunter Biden sues Fox News over miniseries</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first instance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last year,&nbsp;House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer revealed that&nbsp;Hunter and his business associate received millions in payments from Russian and Kazakhstani oligarchs when Biden Sr served as the country's Veep.</p>

<p>"Then-Vice President Biden joined approximately 20 phone calls on speakerphone with Hunter Biden’s foreign business associates and attended dinners with foreign oligarchs who paid huge sums of money to Hunter Biden," the memo stated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunter-biden-indicted-on-federal-firearms-charges-636052"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hunter Biden indicted on federal firearms charges for lying about addiction</strong></a></p>

<p>Comer said Hunter sold his father and his position as 'the brand' to reap millions from oligarchs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“During Joe Biden’s vice presidency, Hunter Biden sold him as ‘the brand’ to reap millions from oligarchs in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. It appears no real services were provided other than access to the Biden network, including Joe Biden himself," said Comer.</p>

<p>The White House refuted the claims saying Comer had produced the memo for petty political gains only.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Embattled Hunter Biden sought help from the US government for a lucrative energy project in Italy when his father, Joe Biden, was serving as the vice president, a report in the NY Post has claimed.

Embattled Hunter Biden sought help from the US government for a lucrative energy project in Italy when his father, Joe Biden, was serving as the vice president, a report in the NY Post has claimed. Hunter wanted to use his father's influence to land the deal for Burisma - the Ukrainian gas giant that he sat on the board for. He wrote at least one letter to the US ambassador in Italy in 2016 and sought assistance for the deal. However, Biden Jr. received a lukewarm response from the embassy officials who were hesitant to help with the request. "This is a Ukrainian company and, purely to protect ourselves, the US government should not be actively advocating with the government of Italy without the company going through the Department of Commerce Advocacy Center," an official wrote. “I want to be careful about promising too much,” it added. Hunter also asked several officials if they could set up a meeting between Burisma and the president of the Tuscany region of Italy where the Ukrainian company was pursuing a geothermal project. The information has only come to light after State Department records were released to US media after Joe Biden ended his re-election bid for the president's post. The revelation puts Hunter on an even stickier wicket as it links to violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act through his work for Burisma. Watch | Hunter Biden sues Fox News over miniseries × Not the first instance Last year, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer revealed that Hunter and his business associate received millions in payments from Russian and Kazakhstani oligarchs when Biden Sr served as the country's Veep. "Then-Vice President Biden joined approximately 20 phone calls on speakerphone with Hunter Biden’s foreign business associates and attended dinners with foreign oligarchs who paid huge sums of money to Hunter Biden," the memo stated. Also read | Hunter Biden indicted on federal firearms charges for lying about addiction Comer said Hunter sold his father and his position as 'the brand' to reap millions from oligarchs. “During Joe Biden’s vice presidency, Hunter Biden sold him as ‘the brand’ to reap millions from oligarchs in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. It appears no real services were provided other than access to the Biden network, including Joe Biden himself," said Comer. The White House refuted the claims saying Comer had produced the memo for petty political gains only. (With inputs from agencies)

Hunter Biden sought father Joe Biden's influence to help land 'lucrative' energy deal: Report

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