The White House has approved $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict.&nbsp;

According to the Pentagon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million. However, the deliveries of the said equipment would not begin for years.&nbsp;

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US&nbsp;national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the State Department said in a release on the sale.

Notably, the contracts for the f-15 jets will not only include the sale but also upgrade kits for Israel to modify its existing fleet of fighter jets. The first deliveries are expected in 2029.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant thanked the White House officials for the announcement and vowed to remain committed to the US-Israeli relationship.&nbsp;

Since the start of the war, the US has sent Israel more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles - making it the biggest ally weapons supplier.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-tensions-israel-us-expect-iranian-attack-within-days-wion-speed-news-749720">Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News</a>

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<h2>US mobilised warships, submarines and fighter jets</h2>

The US in recent weeks has announced plans to deploy navy warships, guided missile submarines and fighter jets in the Middle East to protect Israel from the triple whammy of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.&nbsp;

According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Llyod Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart earlier this week and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.

Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>

Meanwhile, Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House has approved $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict.

The White House has approved $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict. According to the Pentagon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million. However, the deliveries of the said equipment would not begin for years. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the State Department said in a release on the sale. Notably, the contracts for the f-15 jets will not only include the sale but also upgrade kits for Israel to modify its existing fleet of fighter jets. The first deliveries are expected in 2029. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant thanked the White House officials for the announcement and vowed to remain committed to the US-Israeli relationship. Since the start of the war, the US has sent Israel more than 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles - making it the biggest ally weapons supplier. Watch | West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News × US mobilised warships, submarines and fighter jets The US in recent weeks has announced plans to deploy navy warships, guided missile submarines and fighter jets in the Middle East to protect Israel from the triple whammy of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Llyod Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart earlier this week and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh Meanwhile, Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

White House approves $20 billion weapons package for Israel amid Iran war threat

US President Joe Biden has hinted that Iran could stop its 'avenging' plans against Israel if a Gaza ceasefire deal were to be reached. White House has been bracing for a potential retaliatory attack from Iran after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil, allegedly by the Israeli side.&nbsp;

Addressing&nbsp;reporters on Tuesday (Aug 13) in New Orleans, Biden said "That's my expectation," regarding Tehran skipping the strikes against Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

“We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there is any attack. But I’m not giving up,” Biden added.

Biden's version was reiterated by&nbsp;US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel during a briefing. Patel said a hostage and ceasefire deal would more&nbsp;“broadly, create conditions for diplomacy to get the region out of this cycle of violence".&nbsp;

Patel added that US State Secretary Antony Blinken was working round the clock with all parties involved to chalk out the deal that could end volatility in the region, albeit briefly.&nbsp;

“He [Blinken] has been working the phones for the past number of weeks, continuing to echo the same message, which is, we are close to getting the ceasefire deal across the finish line,” Patel said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-tensions-israel-us-expect-iranian-attack-within-days-wion-speed-news-749720" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News</a>

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<h2>Washington playing double game?</h2>

Though the US remains in favour of a peace deal, the actions of the White House seemingly suggest otherwise.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, it was reported that Blinken would visit the Middle East to further the talks. However, on Tuesday, US media outlets claimed that&nbsp;the trip had been postponed due to 'uncertainty about the situation'.&nbsp;

Additionally, on the same day, Blinken announced&nbsp;$20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel&nbsp;as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>

Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million.&nbsp;

However, the delivery of these weapons would not begin for years. According to reports, the F-15s would only be delivered in 2029, which indicates that the US military-industrial complex was lobbying hard for 'uncertainty' in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has hinted that Iran could stop its 'avenging' plans against Israel if a Gaza ceasefire deal were to be reached. White House has been bracing for a potential retaliatory attack from Iran after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil, allegedly by the Israeli side.

US President Joe Biden has hinted that Iran could stop its 'avenging' plans against Israel if a Gaza ceasefire deal were to be reached. White House has been bracing for a potential retaliatory attack from Iran after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil, allegedly by the Israeli side. Addressing reporters on Tuesday (Aug 13) in New Orleans, Biden said "That's my expectation," regarding Tehran skipping the strikes against Tel Aviv. “We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there is any attack. But I’m not giving up,” Biden added. Biden's version was reiterated by US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel during a briefing. Patel said a hostage and ceasefire deal would more “broadly, create conditions for diplomacy to get the region out of this cycle of violence". Patel added that US State Secretary Antony Blinken was working round the clock with all parties involved to chalk out the deal that could end volatility in the region, albeit briefly. “He [Blinken] has been working the phones for the past number of weeks, continuing to echo the same message, which is, we are close to getting the ceasefire deal across the finish line,” Patel said. Watch | West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News Washington playing double game? Though the US remains in favour of a peace deal, the actions of the White House seemingly suggest otherwise. Earlier this week, it was reported that Blinken would visit the Middle East to further the talks. However, on Tuesday, US media outlets claimed that the trip had been postponed due to 'uncertainty about the situation'. Additionally, on the same day, Blinken announced $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israel as the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million. However, the delivery of these weapons would not begin for years. According to reports, the F-15s would only be delivered in 2029, which indicates that the US military-industrial complex was lobbying hard for 'uncertainty' in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran may not attack Israel for revenge. US President Joe Biden reveals a way out

China delivered their best performance at a Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games on home soil, winning the joint most gold medals with the United States and only missing out on topping the standings on silver medal count.

The 40 golds was an all time high for Games outside China and was achieved despite immense pressure and tightened scrutiny resulting from a doping row involving some of its swimmers.

Chinese athletes strengthened their dominance in diving and table tennis with clean sweeps of all the titles on offer, adding two golds on the badminton court, five on the weightlifting platform and five at the shooting range.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-usa-edge-last-china-to-top-medal-tally-after-winning-last-gold-of-summer-games-749246">Paris Olympics 2024: USA edge past China to top medal tally after winning last gold of Summer Games</a>

Breakthroughs were made with first gold medals in artistic swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, women's boxing and in singles tennis.

Zheng Qinwen, 21, backed up her status and one of the best young talents in women's tennis by winning the singles gold at Roland Garros after a few hardfought wins, including one against world number one Iga Swiatek.

The run-up to the Games was clouded by reports in the New York Times and German broadcaster ARD in April that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2021 but been allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

China's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of using the case, which doping authorities concluded was caused by contamination, to undermine the Chinese swimmers in Paris.

Pan Zhanle, 20, emerged as China's biggest star in the pool with a scorching swim to break the world record in the blue riband 100 metres freestyle.

Pan, who spoke candidly about being cold shouldered by other swimmers, also led China to end U.S. dominance in the men's 4x100 medley relay.

Zhang Yufei, one of the 11 swimmers named in the ARD report, won six medals for a career tally of 10 to become China's most decorated Olympic swimmer.

"We are innocent," Zhang said. "World Aquatics and other parties have already got to the bottom of everything and clarified online. If some people still don't believe it, we are not going to refute any more in vain, because innocence will prevail."

Away from the pool, China also claimed medals in some of the more recent additions to the Olympic programme, including a gold in women's BMX freestyle, two silvers in sport climbing and a bronze in the women's breaking in a total team tally of 91 medals.

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.

China delivered their best performance at a Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games on home soil, winning the joint most gold medals with the United States and only missing out on topping the standings on silver medal count.

China delivered their best performance at a Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games on home soil, winning the joint most gold medals with the United States and only missing out on topping the standings on silver medal count. The 40 golds was an all time high for Games outside China and was achieved despite immense pressure and tightened scrutiny resulting from a doping row involving some of its swimmers. Chinese athletes strengthened their dominance in diving and table tennis with clean sweeps of all the titles on offer, adding two golds on the badminton court, five on the weightlifting platform and five at the shooting range. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: USA edge past China to top medal tally after winning last gold of Summer Games Breakthroughs were made with first gold medals in artistic swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, women's boxing and in singles tennis. Zheng Qinwen, 21, backed up her status and one of the best young talents in women's tennis by winning the singles gold at Roland Garros after a few hardfought wins, including one against world number one Iga Swiatek. The run-up to the Games was clouded by reports in the New York Times and German broadcaster ARD in April that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2021 but been allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. China's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of using the case, which doping authorities concluded was caused by contamination, to undermine the Chinese swimmers in Paris. Pan Zhanle, 20, emerged as China's biggest star in the pool with a scorching swim to break the world record in the blue riband 100 metres freestyle. Pan, who spoke candidly about being cold shouldered by other swimmers, also led China to end U.S. dominance in the men's 4x100 medley relay. Zhang Yufei, one of the 11 swimmers named in the ARD report, won six medals for a career tally of 10 to become China's most decorated Olympic swimmer. "We are innocent," Zhang said. "World Aquatics and other parties have already got to the bottom of everything and clarified online. If some people still don't believe it, we are not going to refute any more in vain, because innocence will prevail." Away from the pool, China also claimed medals in some of the more recent additions to the Olympic programme, including a gold in women's BMX freestyle, two silvers in sport climbing and a bronze in the women's breaking in a total team tally of 91 medals. 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.

Paris Olympics 2024: China attain best tally since Beijing Games but USA ahead overall

It was USA vs. France, Part II, and it did not disappoint. France made it as difficult as possible for Team USA, but the U.S. managed to eke out a 67-66 win to secure their eighth straight gold medal and 61st straight Olympic victory.

Paris Olympics 2024: USA win gold in women's basketball for the 8th time in a row

Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario.

According to the Pentagon, Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.&nbsp;

"Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US&nbsp;military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions," read the Pentagon statement.&nbsp;

The fresh deployment of an important military asset by the White House comes days after&nbsp;additional fighter jets and navy warships were moved to the turbulent region.

US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month and said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments".

"The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982">Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran &amp; proxies</a>&nbsp;

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<h2>Israel anticipates Iranian attack</h2>

Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;

Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>

White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.

However, there is uncertainty that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario.

Amid the possibility of a war between Israel and Iran, the United States has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Llyod Austin gave the green light for the deployment as the White House braces for the worst-case scenario. According to the Pentagon, Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and also told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. "Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions," read the Pentagon statement. The fresh deployment of an important military asset by the White House comes days after additional fighter jets and navy warships were moved to the turbulent region. US President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month and said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments". "The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call. Watch | Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies × Israel anticipates Iranian attack Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, there is uncertainty that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions. (With inputs from agencies)

After navy warships, US orders submarine deployment in Middle East amid Israel-Iran war threat

The USA basketball team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 on August 10, Saturday. The USA defeated hosts France 98-87 in the final to make it 5 gold medals on the trot as Steph Curry starred with 8 3-pointers during the match.

Paris Olympics 2024: USA wins fifth straight gold in men's basketball

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing&nbsp;sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum.&nbsp;

Senator Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee took the lead in bringing the sanctions.&nbsp;Hollen referred to&nbsp;Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina's Awami League Party and&nbsp;Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as the home minister during Hasina's tenure.&nbsp;

"The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said&nbsp;Van Hollen.&nbsp;

Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials.

Notably, Washington had not approved of Hasina's latest tenure when she secured a fourth straight term in January. US State Department said the polls were not free and fair and sided with the opposition parties.&nbsp;

However, the White House has formally welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government without any delay.&nbsp;An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday (Aug 8) to hold elections in the South Asian nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-disappointed-and-disheartened-claims-his-son-joy-747535" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy</a>

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<h2>Did the US revoke Hasina's visa?</h2>

Several media outlets carried the story after Hasina fled to India and waited for some of the Western nations, including the US to accept her asylum request.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed the media reports stating that no one had revoked the visa of the Awami League leader and neither had she applied for asylum anywhere.&nbsp;

"No one has revoked her visa. She has not applied for political asylum anywhere. Those are all rumours," said Joy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerning-vp-dhankhar-condemns-congress-for-bangladesh-could-happen-in-india-remark-749025">Also read |&nbsp;‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark</a>

After the students' quota protest went out of control leading to over 300 deaths, Hasina was forced to resign as the PM.&nbsp;Speaking to WION, Joy&nbsp;said Bangladesh was on its way to becoming the next Pakistan as anarchy was rampant.&nbsp;

"After all she [Hasina] has done, after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan," said Wazed.&nbsp;

"Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. It's anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalising homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy."

Joy cleared that his mother was neither planning to return to Bangladesh nor foray into the political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum.

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum. Senator Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee took the lead in bringing the sanctions. Hollen referred to Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina's Awami League Party and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as the home minister during Hasina's tenure. "The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said Van Hollen. Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials. Notably, Washington had not approved of Hasina's latest tenure when she secured a fourth straight term in January. US State Department said the polls were not free and fair and sided with the opposition parties. However, the White House has formally welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government without any delay. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday (Aug 8) to hold elections in the South Asian nation. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy Did the US revoke Hasina's visa? Several media outlets carried the story after Hasina fled to India and waited for some of the Western nations, including the US to accept her asylum request. However, Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed the media reports stating that no one had revoked the visa of the Awami League leader and neither had she applied for asylum anywhere. "No one has revoked her visa. She has not applied for political asylum anywhere. Those are all rumours," said Joy. Also read | ‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark After the students' quota protest went out of control leading to over 300 deaths, Hasina was forced to resign as the PM. Speaking to WION, Joy said Bangladesh was on its way to becoming the next Pakistan as anarchy was rampant. "After all she [Hasina] has done, after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan," said Wazed. "Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. It's anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalising homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy." Joy cleared that his mother was neither planning to return to Bangladesh nor foray into the political landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers urge sanctions on ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's officials

Former&nbsp;Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St. Martin&nbsp;Island, which would have given Washington control over the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Located&nbsp;in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, St. Martin Island is just three square kilometres in area, but its geopolitical significance is immense.&nbsp;

"I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership,"&nbsp;Hasina was quoted as saying by an&nbsp;Economic Times report.&nbsp;

"I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals," she added.&nbsp;

"Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left."

As for the student&nbsp;anti-quota protests, Hasina clarified her 'Razakar' remarks. The term is used to refer to a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.&nbsp;

“I have never called you as Razakars. My words were twisted to incite unrest. I urge you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators exploited your innocence to destabilise our nation.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-disappointed-and-disheartened-claims-his-son-joy-747535" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy</a>

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<h2>Hasina-US relations</h2>

This is the first time since Hasina fled to New Delhi after resigning as the PM that she has spoken about the events that forced her to take such a drastic decision.&nbsp;

Washington and Dhaka had been at loggerheads for some time when Hasina was in power. The friction was evident when Hasina won a fourth straight term in January but the US State Department did not accept the results saying the polls were not free and fair.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerning-vp-dhankhar-condemns-congress-for-bangladesh-could-happen-in-india-remark-749025" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark</a>

Earlier on Sunday (Aug 11), reports emerged that several senators in the US Congress were urging the White House to impose sanctions against officials who served under Hasina over humanitarian abuse allegations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said&nbsp;Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.&nbsp;

Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St.

Former Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St. Martin Island, which would have given Washington control over the Bay of Bengal. Located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, St. Martin Island is just three square kilometres in area, but its geopolitical significance is immense. "I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership," Hasina was quoted as saying by an Economic Times report. "I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals," she added. "Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left." As for the student anti-quota protests, Hasina clarified her 'Razakar' remarks. The term is used to refer to a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. “I have never called you as Razakars. My words were twisted to incite unrest. I urge you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators exploited your innocence to destabilise our nation.” Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy Hasina-US relations This is the first time since Hasina fled to New Delhi after resigning as the PM that she has spoken about the events that forced her to take such a drastic decision. Washington and Dhaka had been at loggerheads for some time when Hasina was in power. The friction was evident when Hasina won a fourth straight term in January but the US State Department did not accept the results saying the polls were not free and fair. Also read | ‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark Earlier on Sunday (Aug 11), reports emerged that several senators in the US Congress were urging the White House to impose sanctions against officials who served under Hasina over humanitarian abuse allegations. "The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Hasina blames US for ouster as PM, cites her refusal to surrender St. Martin Island as cause

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish.&nbsp;

The officials had touted the high-tech drones as the superior alternative to the bullhorn, often used to inform about an emergency. However, the video of the drone hovering over NY neighbourhoods showed that the warning was delivered in perfect English via the loudspeakers mounted on the device but the listeners could hardly comprehend the Spanish.&nbsp;

“How is THAT the Spanish version? It’s almost incomprehensible,” one user posted on X, while another commented: “Any Spanish-speaking NYer would do better.”

Watch the video of the drones delivering warning in 'incomprehensible' Spanish:&nbsp;

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NYC Emergency Management just sent me a video of one of the drones warning residents about the storm and potential flooding. <a href="https://t.co/xNL3mzkCTF">pic.twitter.com/xNL3mzkCTF</a>
— Elizabeth Kim (@lizkimtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/lizkimtweets/status/1820907800601751878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After receiving flak online,&nbsp;Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, acknowledged the mistake, adding that it "shouldn't have happened".&nbsp;

"Thanks for flagging this. &nbsp;I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again," Iscol posted on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

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Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
— Zach Iscol 🗽🍎 (@zachiscol) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachiscol/status/1820971525022830882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Afterwards, Iscol's agency explained that the problem was in the recording of the message, not the translation itself. The message was computer generated and went out in the flood-prone areas in four of the city’s five boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-extreme-flooding-prompts-residents-to-evacuate-kills-one-613845">Watch |&nbsp;New York: Extreme flooding prompts residents to evacuate, kills one</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Flash floods warning</h2>

Flash floods have been deadly for New York residents, especially those living in the basement apartments. 11 people died in such homes in 2021 due to incessant rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.&nbsp;

In September last year, a state of emergency was declared by&nbsp;Governor Kathy Hochul as the flash floods disrupted the subway system and turned many of the streets into small lakes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-state-of-emergency-declared-as-strong-storms-bring-flash-flooding-641041">Also read |&nbsp;New York City: State of emergency declared as strong storms bring flash flooding</a>

According to data, approximately 18 million people in the New York metropolitan area and in other major cities along the East Coast were caught in extreme weather conditions as delivering warnings proved to be a difficult task.&nbsp;

Since then, the city has come up with flash flood warning drones. According to Iscol, NY City Mayor Eric Adams came up with the initial idea.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish.

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish. The officials had touted the high-tech drones as the superior alternative to the bullhorn, often used to inform about an emergency. However, the video of the drone hovering over NY neighbourhoods showed that the warning was delivered in perfect English via the loudspeakers mounted on the device but the listeners could hardly comprehend the Spanish. “How is THAT the Spanish version? It’s almost incomprehensible,” one user posted on X, while another commented: “Any Spanish-speaking NYer would do better.” Watch the video of the drones delivering warning in 'incomprehensible' Spanish: NYC Emergency Management just sent me a video of one of the drones warning residents about the storm and potential flooding. pic.twitter.com/xNL3mzkCTF — Elizabeth Kim (@lizkimtweets) August 6, 2024 × After receiving flak online, Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, acknowledged the mistake, adding that it "shouldn't have happened". "Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again," Iscol posted on X (formerly Twitter). Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again. — Zach Iscol 🗽🍎 (@zachiscol) August 6, 2024 × Afterwards, Iscol's agency explained that the problem was in the recording of the message, not the translation itself. The message was computer generated and went out in the flood-prone areas in four of the city’s five boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Watch | New York: Extreme flooding prompts residents to evacuate, kills one × Flash floods warning Flash floods have been deadly for New York residents, especially those living in the basement apartments. 11 people died in such homes in 2021 due to incessant rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. In September last year, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kathy Hochul as the flash floods disrupted the subway system and turned many of the streets into small lakes. Also read | New York City: State of emergency declared as strong storms bring flash flooding According to data, approximately 18 million people in the New York metropolitan area and in other major cities along the East Coast were caught in extreme weather conditions as delivering warnings proved to be a difficult task. Since then, the city has come up with flash flood warning drones. According to Iscol, NY City Mayor Eric Adams came up with the initial idea. (With inputs from agencies)

'How is that Spanish?': New York residents mock flood warning drones for speaking 'gibberish'

BMW has announced a recall of 105,558 crossovers and sedans in the United States. The recall is being issued due to a software issue related to the starter motor, which can potentially overheat if the vehicle experiences repeated attempts to start.

&nbsp;

The affected models include various BMW X5, X7, 3 Series, and 7 Series vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises when the starter motor fails. Repeated attempts to start the vehicle can lead to an electrical overload, causing the starter motor to overheat.

&nbsp;

To address this problem, BMW will be providing a software update to the affected vehicles free of charge. The automaker will be mailing notification letters to vehicle owners later in September, informing them of the recall and the necessary steps to have their vehicles serviced.

&nbsp;

The NHTSA's statement highlights the importance of this recall, as it aims to address a potential safety concern related to the starter motor's functionality. By providing a software update, BMW is taking proactive measures to ensure the continued safe operation of the affected vehicles and prevent any potential issues that could arise from the starter motor overheating.

&nbsp;

It is worth noting that recalls of this nature are not uncommon in the automotive industry, as manufacturers continuously work to identify and address any potential problems with their vehicles. BMW's response to this issue, by initiating a recall and offering a free software update, demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining the safety and reliability of its products.

&nbsp;

In&nbsp;other news, BMW has introduced the newest addition to its lineup in China – the X3 Long Wheelbase (LWB) model. This marks the first time BMW has offered a long-wheelbase version of the popular X3 SUV, and it will be manufactured and sold exclusively in the Chinese market.

&nbsp;

The X3 LWB will be available in two variants – the 25L xDrive and the 30L xDrive. This move follows a similar strategy employed by BMW with the 5 Series LWB, which was first introduced in China before making its way to other markets, including India.

&nbsp;

The decision to offer a long-wheelbase version of the X3 in China reflects the automaker's recognition of the market's preferences. In many parts of Asia, including China, there is a strong demand for larger, more spacious vehicles, particularly among affluent consumers. By introducing the X3 LWB, BMW is catering to this specific need and providing Chinese customers with a more accommodating version of the popular SUV.

&nbsp;

This new model is expected to build upon the success of the standard X3 in China, offering buyers the same premium quality and performance characteristics, but with enhanced interior space and a more commanding presence on the road. The two variants, the 25L xDrive and the 30L xDrive will likely cater to different customer segments, providing options for those seeking a more powerful and feature-rich SUV experience.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Overall, BMW's unveiling of the X3 LWB in China demonstrates the automaker's commitment to understanding and addressing the unique preferences of its global customer base, while leveraging its expertise in creating premium, versatile, and highly desirable vehicles.&nbsp;

BMW has announced a recall of 105,558 crossovers and sedans in the United States. The recall is being issued due to a software issue related to the starter motor, which can potentially overheat if the vehicle experiences repeated attempts to start.

BMW has announced a recall of 105,558 crossovers and sedans in the United States. The recall is being issued due to a software issue related to the starter motor, which can potentially overheat if the vehicle experiences repeated attempts to start. The affected models include various BMW X5, X7, 3 Series, and 7 Series vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises when the starter motor fails. Repeated attempts to start the vehicle can lead to an electrical overload, causing the starter motor to overheat. To address this problem, BMW will be providing a software update to the affected vehicles free of charge. The automaker will be mailing notification letters to vehicle owners later in September, informing them of the recall and the necessary steps to have their vehicles serviced. The NHTSA's statement highlights the importance of this recall, as it aims to address a potential safety concern related to the starter motor's functionality. By providing a software update, BMW is taking proactive measures to ensure the continued safe operation of the affected vehicles and prevent any potential issues that could arise from the starter motor overheating. It is worth noting that recalls of this nature are not uncommon in the automotive industry, as manufacturers continuously work to identify and address any potential problems with their vehicles. BMW's response to this issue, by initiating a recall and offering a free software update, demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining the safety and reliability of its products. In other news, BMW has introduced the newest addition to its lineup in China – the X3 Long Wheelbase (LWB) model. This marks the first time BMW has offered a long-wheelbase version of the popular X3 SUV, and it will be manufactured and sold exclusively in the Chinese market. The X3 LWB will be available in two variants – the 25L xDrive and the 30L xDrive. This move follows a similar strategy employed by BMW with the 5 Series LWB, which was first introduced in China before making its way to other markets, including India. The decision to offer a long-wheelbase version of the X3 in China reflects the automaker's recognition of the market's preferences. In many parts of Asia, including China, there is a strong demand for larger, more spacious vehicles, particularly among affluent consumers. By introducing the X3 LWB, BMW is catering to this specific need and providing Chinese customers with a more accommodating version of the popular SUV. This new model is expected to build upon the success of the standard X3 in China, offering buyers the same premium quality and performance characteristics, but with enhanced interior space and a more commanding presence on the road. The two variants, the 25L xDrive and the 30L xDrive will likely cater to different customer segments, providing options for those seeking a more powerful and feature-rich SUV experience. Overall, BMW's unveiling of the X3 LWB in China demonstrates the automaker's commitment to understanding and addressing the unique preferences of its global customer base, while leveraging its expertise in creating premium, versatile, and highly desirable vehicles.

BMW issues recall for over 100,000 US vehicles due to starter motor concern

China's anti-doping agency (CHINADA) on Thursday urged the International Testing Agency (ITA) to intensify testing of U.S. track and field athletes, after American sprinter Erriyon Knighton tested positive for the banned substance trenbolone.

CHINADA accused the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) earlier this week of double standards, saying its U.S. counterpart had been "trying its best" to clear U.S. athletes while accusing CHINADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of cover-ups.

Knighton tested positive for trenbolone this year but was not suspended for the Paris Games after an arbitrator found the result was likely caused by contaminated meat. The USADA chief has been outspoken about 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were allowed to compete.

CHINADA said on Thursday that trenbolone was a common contaminant in the United States, and athletes everywhere including U.S. athletes should pay close attention to meat contamination. Citing a recent WADA statement, it said that 31% of U.S. athletes were inadequately tested in the 12 months prior to the Tokyo Games.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-american-japanese-figure-skaters-receive-long-awaited-beijing-games-medals-at-paris-olympics-2024-748303">American, Japanese figure skaters receive long-awaited Beijing Games medals at Paris Olympics 2024</a>

"In light of the above, we strongly call on the International Testing Agency (ITA) to intensify testing on the U.S. track and field athletes," CHINADA said in a statement on its WeChat account.

"We also strongly recommend that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) strengthen anti-doping supervision of the U.S. track and field, prevent the doping risks and strictly investigate relevant cases, in an endeavour to truly protect the legitimate rights and interests of the clean athletes around the world, and to rebuild the trust of global athletes in fair play."

China's anti-doping agency (CHINADA) on Thursday urged the International Testing Agency (ITA) to intensify testing of U.S. track and field athletes, after American sprinter Erriyon Knighton tested positive for the banned substance trenbolone.

China's anti-doping agency (CHINADA) on Thursday urged the International Testing Agency (ITA) to intensify testing of U.S. track and field athletes, after American sprinter Erriyon Knighton tested positive for the banned substance trenbolone. CHINADA accused the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) earlier this week of double standards, saying its U.S. counterpart had been "trying its best" to clear U.S. athletes while accusing CHINADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of cover-ups. Knighton tested positive for trenbolone this year but was not suspended for the Paris Games after an arbitrator found the result was likely caused by contaminated meat. The USADA chief has been outspoken about 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were allowed to compete. CHINADA said on Thursday that trenbolone was a common contaminant in the United States, and athletes everywhere including U.S. athletes should pay close attention to meat contamination. Citing a recent WADA statement, it said that 31% of U.S. athletes were inadequately tested in the 12 months prior to the Tokyo Games. Also read: American, Japanese figure skaters receive long-awaited Beijing Games medals at Paris Olympics 2024 "In light of the above, we strongly call on the International Testing Agency (ITA) to intensify testing on the U.S. track and field athletes," CHINADA said in a statement on its WeChat account. "We also strongly recommend that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) strengthen anti-doping supervision of the U.S. track and field, prevent the doping risks and strictly investigate relevant cases, in an endeavour to truly protect the legitimate rights and interests of the clean athletes around the world, and to rebuild the trust of global athletes in fair play."

Paris Olympics 2024: China urges ITA to intensify testing of US athletes

Iran could launch an attack on Israel on Monday (Aug 5), US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has warned his counterparts from the G7 countries, according to a report in Axios.

Blinken set up a conference call with the US allies to generate 'last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah' to minimise the threat of an all-out war in the volatile region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Referring to the recent deployment of US warships and fighter jets in the Middle East, Blinken said it was for defensive purposes only.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the G7 ministers released a statement expressing 'deep concern' over the unfolding situation.

"We express our deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region," read the statement.&nbsp;

"We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East," it added.

White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, the scale might be much bigger as other Israeli enemies join forces.&nbsp;

Watch: West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-crisis-iran-and-its-proxies-plan-retaliation-attack-against-israel-746571/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Israel to launch preemptive strike?</h2>

While the situation simmers, Tel Aviv is planning to launch a preemptive strike, according to a report in Times of Israel.&nbsp;Israel's leading intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet and their chiefs met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a meeting, also attended by&nbsp;Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

The strike would only be sanctioned if there is airtight evidence that Tehran had cocked its guns and was ready to engage in the dogfight.&nbsp;

Israel stands on the cusp of another war after it was allegedly linked to back-to-back assassinations&nbsp;of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;

Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said last week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-warships-and-fighters-jets-to-protect-israel-from-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-triple-whammy-746730" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy</a>

According to reports, Mossad hired Iranian agents that planted bombs in the guesthouse where&nbsp;Haniyeh was staying in Tehran. After it was confirmed it was indeed the Hamas chief in one of the rooms, the bomb was detonated from outside while Iranian agents escaped.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran could launch an attack on Israel on Monday (Aug 5), US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has warned his counterparts from the G7 countries, according to a report in Axios.

Iran could launch an attack on Israel on Monday (Aug 5), US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has warned his counterparts from the G7 countries, according to a report in Axios. Blinken set up a conference call with the US allies to generate 'last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah' to minimise the threat of an all-out war in the volatile region. Referring to the recent deployment of US warships and fighter jets in the Middle East, Blinken said it was for defensive purposes only. Meanwhile, the G7 ministers released a statement expressing 'deep concern' over the unfolding situation. "We express our deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region," read the statement. "We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East," it added. White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, the scale might be much bigger as other Israeli enemies join forces. Watch: West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel Israel to launch preemptive strike? While the situation simmers, Tel Aviv is planning to launch a preemptive strike, according to a report in Times of Israel. Israel's leading intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet and their chiefs met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a meeting, also attended by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The strike would only be sanctioned if there is airtight evidence that Tehran had cocked its guns and was ready to engage in the dogfight. Israel stands on the cusp of another war after it was allegedly linked to back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said last week. Also read | US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy According to reports, Mossad hired Iranian agents that planted bombs in the guesthouse where Haniyeh was staying in Tehran. After it was confirmed it was indeed the Hamas chief in one of the rooms, the bomb was detonated from outside while Iranian agents escaped. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Iran could attack Israel on Monday, Blinken warns G7 nations: Report

Iconic Hollywood movie star Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her Los Angeles home at age 36 on this day in history, August 5, 1962.

Gravitas recall: Marilyn Monroe found dead on Aug 5, 1962

The USA’s Bobby Finke smashed the world record as he defended his Olympic title in the men’s 1,500m freestyle, with Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri taking silver and Daniel Wiffen of Ireland claiming the bronze.

Paris Olympics 2024: Finke sets 1,500m freestyle world record

Beachgoers across the globe often stumble upon lost items that wash up on the shore. 49-year-old&nbsp;Amy Smyth Murphy from New Jersey also found one such item when she was strolling through&nbsp;Corson’s Inlet State Park over the Fourth of July weekend.

Murphy discovered an&nbsp;antiquated green corked bottle containing what seemed to be a business card from 1876 and a handwritten note. She believes the bottle may be the oldest ever discovered as it may have been tossed from a vessel, 10 years before the message-holding container found in Australia in 2018 that holds the Guinness World Record.&nbsp;

“It’s just so interesting to be connected to people in this way.&nbsp;I really like the mystery. I love the research," Smyth Murphy was quoted as saying by NJ.com.&nbsp;

“The smell that came out of it was unbelievable. The bay smell times one million. We were not prepared for that," Murphy added.

One of the papers in the bottle refers to “W.G. &amp; J. Klemm,” a pair of brothers, William and John Klemm, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s newspaper archives.&nbsp;

Notably, William Klemm lived in Camden for a half-century and died in 1917, according to an obituary published by the newspaper.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | These high-profile air crash cases were never solved

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The second paper refers to a yacht named "Neptune" which was docked in Atlantic City in the late 1800s and was captained by one Samuel Gale, also known as "Captain Sam".&nbsp;

Gale may have lived in Atlantic City in the late 1800s, according to Smyth Murphy’s own research.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/4000-year-old-structure-in-greece-may-have-been-used-for-ancient-minoan-rituals-731940">Also read |&nbsp;4,000-year-old structure in Greece may have been used for ancient Minoan rituals</a>

The discovery by Murphy took place months after a multibillion-dollar beach fill was performed in the Ocean City area. Experts say it is what may have caused the bottle to break free from the ocean floor.&nbsp;

“They dredge up things, and some of them don’t go into the hopper bar.&nbsp;Some of them just get stirred up and float around the ocean, and I think that’s what happened in her case. Those ocean currents can do some amazing things,"&nbsp;Steve Nagiewicz&nbsp;who teaches maritime history and marine archaeology at Stockton University in Jersey told the publication.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Murphy has documented every step of the discovery, including the unboxing on social media. She is now waiting to hear from the authorities if it indeed is the oldest bottle-in-a-message discovery.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Beachgoers across the globe often stumble upon lost items that wash up on the shore. 49-year-old Amy Smyth Murphy from New Jersey also found one such item when she was strolling through Corson’s Inlet State Park over the Fourth of July weekend.

Beachgoers across the globe often stumble upon lost items that wash up on the shore. 49-year-old Amy Smyth Murphy from New Jersey also found one such item when she was strolling through Corson’s Inlet State Park over the Fourth of July weekend. Murphy discovered an antiquated green corked bottle containing what seemed to be a business card from 1876 and a handwritten note. She believes the bottle may be the oldest ever discovered as it may have been tossed from a vessel, 10 years before the message-holding container found in Australia in 2018 that holds the Guinness World Record. “It’s just so interesting to be connected to people in this way. I really like the mystery. I love the research," Smyth Murphy was quoted as saying by NJ.com. “The smell that came out of it was unbelievable. The bay smell times one million. We were not prepared for that," Murphy added. One of the papers in the bottle refers to “W.G. & J. Klemm,” a pair of brothers, William and John Klemm, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s newspaper archives. Notably, William Klemm lived in Camden for a half-century and died in 1917, according to an obituary published by the newspaper. Watch | Gravitas | These high-profile air crash cases were never solved × The second paper refers to a yacht named "Neptune" which was docked in Atlantic City in the late 1800s and was captained by one Samuel Gale, also known as "Captain Sam". Gale may have lived in Atlantic City in the late 1800s, according to Smyth Murphy’s own research. Also read | 4,000-year-old structure in Greece may have been used for ancient Minoan rituals The discovery by Murphy took place months after a multibillion-dollar beach fill was performed in the Ocean City area. Experts say it is what may have caused the bottle to break free from the ocean floor. “They dredge up things, and some of them don’t go into the hopper bar. Some of them just get stirred up and float around the ocean, and I think that’s what happened in her case. Those ocean currents can do some amazing things," Steve Nagiewicz who teaches maritime history and marine archaeology at Stockton University in Jersey told the publication. Meanwhile, Murphy has documented every step of the discovery, including the unboxing on social media. She is now waiting to hear from the authorities if it indeed is the oldest bottle-in-a-message discovery. (With inputs from agencies)

New Jersey beachgoer may have discovered oldest message in a bottle

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested that the country should honour President Joe Biden by installing his face on Mount Rushmore, a national monument in South Dakota, featuring four US ex-presidents viz. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.&nbsp;

Pelosi made the suggestion during an interview where she was quizzed about claims that she led the coup that forced Biden to drop out of the presidential race.&nbsp;

"He was in a good place to make whatever decision – the top of his game. Such a consequential president of the United States, a Mount Rushmore kind of president of the United States,"&nbsp;Pelosi told CBS News.

Asked if she was serious about Biden being installed at the iconic monument, Pelosi replied,&nbsp;"Well, you got Teddy Roosevelt up there, and he's wonderful.&nbsp;I don't say take him down. But you can add Biden."

Pelosi denied leading any charge to oust Biden, adding that the president was at the "top of his game" when he called it quits.&nbsp;

"No, I wasn’t the leader of any pressure [campaign]. Let me say things that I didn’t do,&nbsp;I didn’t call one person. I did not call one person. I could always say to him, ‘I never called anybody.'"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-president-biden-endorses-kamala-harris-to-be-democrat-nominee-743118">Watch |&nbsp;US Elections: President Biden endorses Kamala Harris to be Democrat nominee</a>

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<h2>Biden quits prez race</h2>

In the days leading up to Biden quitting the presidential race, multiple media reports claimed that it was Pelosi and Barack Obama that allegedly engineered the fall.&nbsp;

Pelosi reportedly held a private conversation with Biden where she told him that he could not bear Donald Trump, come the November elections.&nbsp;

Notably, this phone call marked the second conversation between the California lawmaker and Biden since the president’s disastrous debate on June 27.

Meanwhile, Obama was of the view that there was no path to victory for the&nbsp;81-year-old who should "seriously consider the viability of his candidacy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-endorsing-harris-immediately-was-a-big-fk-you-to-obama-report-744738">Also read |&nbsp;Biden endorsing Harris immediately was a 'big f**k you' to Obama: Report</a>

After Biden contracted COVID-19 and retired to his Delaware home, he made the shocking announcement of dropping his re-election bid. Within minutes of the announcement, he endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee - a choice that was not approved by Pelosi and Obama.

Since President Biden had provided the endorsement, both Democrat heavyweights had to come around the fact and eventually provide their support to Harris' candidature as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested that the country should honour President Joe Biden by installing his face on Mount Rushmore, a national monument in South Dakota, featuring four US ex-presidents viz.

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested that the country should honour President Joe Biden by installing his face on Mount Rushmore, a national monument in South Dakota, featuring four US ex-presidents viz. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Pelosi made the suggestion during an interview where she was quizzed about claims that she led the coup that forced Biden to drop out of the presidential race. "He was in a good place to make whatever decision – the top of his game. Such a consequential president of the United States, a Mount Rushmore kind of president of the United States," Pelosi told CBS News. Asked if she was serious about Biden being installed at the iconic monument, Pelosi replied, "Well, you got Teddy Roosevelt up there, and he's wonderful. I don't say take him down. But you can add Biden." Pelosi denied leading any charge to oust Biden, adding that the president was at the "top of his game" when he called it quits. "No, I wasn’t the leader of any pressure [campaign]. Let me say things that I didn’t do, I didn’t call one person. I did not call one person. I could always say to him, ‘I never called anybody.'" Watch | US Elections: President Biden endorses Kamala Harris to be Democrat nominee × Biden quits prez race In the days leading up to Biden quitting the presidential race, multiple media reports claimed that it was Pelosi and Barack Obama that allegedly engineered the fall. Pelosi reportedly held a private conversation with Biden where she told him that he could not bear Donald Trump, come the November elections. Notably, this phone call marked the second conversation between the California lawmaker and Biden since the president’s disastrous debate on June 27. Meanwhile, Obama was of the view that there was no path to victory for the 81-year-old who should "seriously consider the viability of his candidacy". Also read | Biden endorsing Harris immediately was a 'big f**k you' to Obama: Report After Biden contracted COVID-19 and retired to his Delaware home, he made the shocking announcement of dropping his re-election bid. Within minutes of the announcement, he endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democrat nominee - a choice that was not approved by Pelosi and Obama. Since President Biden had provided the endorsement, both Democrat heavyweights had to come around the fact and eventually provide their support to Harris' candidature as well. (With inputs from agencies)

Pelosi wants US to add Biden to Mount Rushmore amid claims she sabotaged president's reelection bid

Tropical storm Debby formed late Saturday (Aug 3) and was expected to surge up into a hurricane before it slams into Florida’s northern Gulf Coast shoreline on Monday, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm turned into a tropical storm after days of spinning as a broad, sloppy system in the Atlantic, finally shoving off Cuba’s northern coast on Saturday evening, when it was about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida, forecasters said.

“It’s become clearer and clearer that Debby will become a hurricane before it makes landfall,” said Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the NHC, urging people to heed evacuation orders.

The storm was crawling at 14 mph (23 kph) into the Gulf Coast about 240 miles (386 km) south of Tampa, where its winds were expected to grow from 40 mph up to 70 mph or more as it gains strength overnight.

“This is a life threatening situation,” the NHC said in a late Saturday report.

Debby was already whipping up rain squalls, winds of 40 mph and surging tides in Key West, Florida on Saturday night.

“There are a host of hazards, not just the wind,” Rhome said.

He warned of storm surges up to 7 feet (2 m) along Florida’s Big Bend area where it is expected to hit just southeast of Florida’s Panhandle.

“Now, I stand at six feet tall,” Rhome said. “So that’s over my head,” he said.

He added that heavy rains of 10 inches (25 cm) with spots of 15 inches of rain could be expected, more if the storm slows down or stalls over land.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-removed-from-florida-laws-722428" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Climate change removed from Florida laws</a>

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Debby is expected to cut across Central Florida out to the Atlantic coast and crawl up to Savannah, Georgia, and then toward Charleston, South Carolina.

Ocean surges are forecast for Bonita Beach northward to Tampa Bay. Those surges could send sea waves further inland than normal, damaging structures and endangering anyone in their path.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for extreme southern Florida and stretching as far north as the Fort Myers area, which was crushed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Governor Ron DeSantis has called up 3,000 National Guardsmen and put most of the state’s cities and counties under emergency orders ahead of the expected landfall.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-90-chance-of-tropical-storm-hitting-florida-governor-desantis-declares-state-of-emergency-746809">Also read |&nbsp;US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency</a>

US forecasters expect a large number of Atlantic hurricanes to form in the 2024 season, which began June 1, with four to seven major hurricanes forming out of 25 named storms. That is more than the record-breaking 2005 season that spawned hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Only one hurricane, Beryl, has formed in the Atlantic so far this year. The earliest Category 5 storm on record, it ravaged the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before rolling up the Gulf Coast of Texas as a Category 1 storm, with winds up to 95 mph.

Debby is expected to follow a similar track as the deadly 2022 Hurricane Ian, which killed at least 103 people in Florida and caused billions of dollars in damage as it made its way along the Gulf Coast.

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.

Tropical storm Debby formed late Saturday (Aug 3) and was expected to surge up into a hurricane before it slams into Florida’s northern Gulf Coast shoreline on Monday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical storm Debby formed late Saturday (Aug 3) and was expected to surge up into a hurricane before it slams into Florida’s northern Gulf Coast shoreline on Monday, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm turned into a tropical storm after days of spinning as a broad, sloppy system in the Atlantic, finally shoving off Cuba’s northern coast on Saturday evening, when it was about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida, forecasters said. “It’s become clearer and clearer that Debby will become a hurricane before it makes landfall,” said Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the NHC, urging people to heed evacuation orders. The storm was crawling at 14 mph (23 kph) into the Gulf Coast about 240 miles (386 km) south of Tampa, where its winds were expected to grow from 40 mph up to 70 mph or more as it gains strength overnight. “This is a life threatening situation,” the NHC said in a late Saturday report. Debby was already whipping up rain squalls, winds of 40 mph and surging tides in Key West, Florida on Saturday night. “There are a host of hazards, not just the wind,” Rhome said. He warned of storm surges up to 7 feet (2 m) along Florida’s Big Bend area where it is expected to hit just southeast of Florida’s Panhandle. “Now, I stand at six feet tall,” Rhome said. “So that’s over my head,” he said. He added that heavy rains of 10 inches (25 cm) with spots of 15 inches of rain could be expected, more if the storm slows down or stalls over land. Watch | Climate change removed from Florida laws Debby is expected to cut across Central Florida out to the Atlantic coast and crawl up to Savannah, Georgia, and then toward Charleston, South Carolina. Ocean surges are forecast for Bonita Beach northward to Tampa Bay. Those surges could send sea waves further inland than normal, damaging structures and endangering anyone in their path. A tropical storm warning is in effect for extreme southern Florida and stretching as far north as the Fort Myers area, which was crushed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Governor Ron DeSantis has called up 3,000 National Guardsmen and put most of the state’s cities and counties under emergency orders ahead of the expected landfall. Also read | US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency US forecasters expect a large number of Atlantic hurricanes to form in the 2024 season, which began June 1, with four to seven major hurricanes forming out of 25 named storms. That is more than the record-breaking 2005 season that spawned hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Only one hurricane, Beryl, has formed in the Atlantic so far this year. The earliest Category 5 storm on record, it ravaged the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before rolling up the Gulf Coast of Texas as a Category 1 storm, with winds up to 95 mph. Debby is expected to follow a similar track as the deadly 2022 Hurricane Ian, which killed at least 103 people in Florida and caused billions of dollars in damage as it made its way along the Gulf Coast. 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.

Tropical storm Debby to turn into hurricane; Expected to hit Florida's shoreline by Monday

The body of an Indian techie who drowned in the famous Glacier National Park in the US state of Montana&nbsp;has been recovered by the rangers.&nbsp;

Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India, fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6 when he was hiking at the park with his friends.&nbsp;

"After weeks of searching, rangers at Glacier National Park believe they have recovered the body of 26-year-old Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India today. Patil fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6, 2024, and drowned," the Glacier National Park officials informed on Saturday (Aug 3).

The rangers also found clothing and gear similar to what Patil was wearing at the time of the incident.&nbsp;

"Around 10:30 am on Saturday, a park visitor reported seeing a body in Avalanche Creek below the gorge. Rangers immediately began recovery efforts. The Flathead County coroner is working to confirm the identity through DNA or dental records."

Watch: Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US?

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<h2>Treacherous terrain delayed search operation</h2>

Friends who were with Patil saw him go underwater and resurface before being swept up by the current into the gorge.

The rangers also corroborated the same chain of events, adding that submerged obstacles such as fallen trees or rocks may have limited Patil's ability to get out of the gorge.&nbsp;

Explaining why it took nearly a month for the search operation to finish, the rangers attributed the water depth and whitewater conditions during spring and summer runoff as the reason for the delay.

They could only investigate the large portions of the gorge after the water level had dropped. However, they still were not able to reach the deepest and most dangerous areas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-origin-man-dies-after-facing-assault-on-streets-of-washington-688837">Also read |&nbsp;US: Indian-origin man dies after being assaulted on streets of Washington</a>

Patil's uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, has been informed by the officials about the recovered body.&nbsp;

"We were informed by the US ranger officials that Siddhant's body was found. As we are grappling with this grief, we also like to thank the rangers for carrying out this search," Chaudhari was quoted as saying by news wire agency ANI.

"A special mention to Prem Bhandari who has been in constant touch with us for the last 27 days and supporting us. We have authorized Bhandari to arrange for Siddhant's remains to be sent to Pune and complete the formalities," he added, referring to Bhandari, a prominent Indian diaspora leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, Patil was working at at Cadence Design Systems in San Jose, California at the time of the accident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The body of an Indian techie who drowned in the famous Glacier National Park in the US state of Montana has been recovered by the rangers. Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India, fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6 when he was hiking at the park with his friends.

The body of an Indian techie who drowned in the famous Glacier National Park in the US state of Montana has been recovered by the rangers. Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India, fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6 when he was hiking at the park with his friends. "After weeks of searching, rangers at Glacier National Park believe they have recovered the body of 26-year-old Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India today. Patil fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6, 2024, and drowned," the Glacier National Park officials informed on Saturday (Aug 3). The rangers also found clothing and gear similar to what Patil was wearing at the time of the incident. "Around 10:30 am on Saturday, a park visitor reported seeing a body in Avalanche Creek below the gorge. Rangers immediately began recovery efforts. The Flathead County coroner is working to confirm the identity through DNA or dental records." Watch: Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US? Treacherous terrain delayed search operation Friends who were with Patil saw him go underwater and resurface before being swept up by the current into the gorge. The rangers also corroborated the same chain of events, adding that submerged obstacles such as fallen trees or rocks may have limited Patil's ability to get out of the gorge. Explaining why it took nearly a month for the search operation to finish, the rangers attributed the water depth and whitewater conditions during spring and summer runoff as the reason for the delay. They could only investigate the large portions of the gorge after the water level had dropped. However, they still were not able to reach the deepest and most dangerous areas. Also read | US: Indian-origin man dies after being assaulted on streets of Washington Patil's uncle, Pritesh Chaudhari, has been informed by the officials about the recovered body. "We were informed by the US ranger officials that Siddhant's body was found. As we are grappling with this grief, we also like to thank the rangers for carrying out this search," Chaudhari was quoted as saying by news wire agency ANI. "A special mention to Prem Bhandari who has been in constant touch with us for the last 27 days and supporting us. We have authorized Bhandari to arrange for Siddhant's remains to be sent to Pune and complete the formalities," he added, referring to Bhandari, a prominent Indian diaspora leader. Notably, Patil was working at at Cadence Design Systems in San Jose, California at the time of the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Body of Indian techie recovered who drowned in Montana's Glacier National Park

US Vice President Kamala Harris's husband Doug&nbsp;Emhoff on Sunday (Aug 4) admitted to having an extramarital affair during his first marriage. The Second Gentleman's admission came after a Daily Mail report&nbsp;claimed that&nbsp;he had gotten his children's nanny pregnant.&nbsp;

Emhoff had a fling with a nanny named Najen Naylor who taught at the private school, attended by his two children. The incident took place more than 15 years ago when he was still married to his then-wife Kerstin.&nbsp;

"During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side," Emhoff said in a statement provided&nbsp;to CNN.

According to the British tabloid, Naylor did not keep the baby, a close friend with knowledge of the pregnancy revealed. However, it is not clear what exactly the friend meant by 'not keeping the baby'.&nbsp;

Emhoff got married to Harris in 2014 but his relationship with&nbsp;Kerstin had ended years ago before he even started dating the future vice president.&nbsp;

Notably, the news about the relationship and the infidelity were known to Joe Biden's vetting committee four years ago when Harris was undergoing the running mate process before being picked as the VP nominee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the news breaking out in the public domain may have caused concerns in the Harris' camp, especially ahead of the hotly-anticipated debate against Donald Trump, tentatively scheduled for next month.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris' campaign raises $310 million in July

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&nbsp;

<h2>Harris selected as Democrat nominee</h2>

Harris officially secured the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Friday (Aug 2), much ahead of the party's national convention where the picks are usually formalised.&nbsp;

“I am honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Kamala Harris, said on a phone-in to a party celebration after securing enough votes by the second day of the marathon vote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-dares-donald-trump-to-debate-say-it-to-my-face-745852" target="_blank">Kamala Harris dares Donald Trump to debate: 'Say it to my face!'</a>

In the two weeks since US President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, Harris has gained full control of the party - bringing in over $300 million in donations to her campaign.

She is currently in the last stage of picking a VP nominee and is expected to make her&nbsp;first public appearance with the running mate on Tuesday (Aug 6) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President Kamala Harris's husband Doug Emhoff on Sunday (Aug 4) admitted to having an extramarital affair during his first marriage. The Second Gentleman's admission came after a Daily Mail report claimed that he had gotten his children's nanny pregnant.

US Vice President Kamala Harris's husband Doug Emhoff on Sunday (Aug 4) admitted to having an extramarital affair during his first marriage. The Second Gentleman's admission came after a Daily Mail report claimed that he had gotten his children's nanny pregnant. Emhoff had a fling with a nanny named Najen Naylor who taught at the private school, attended by his two children. The incident took place more than 15 years ago when he was still married to his then-wife Kerstin. "During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions. I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side," Emhoff said in a statement provided to CNN. According to the British tabloid, Naylor did not keep the baby, a close friend with knowledge of the pregnancy revealed. However, it is not clear what exactly the friend meant by 'not keeping the baby'. Emhoff got married to Harris in 2014 but his relationship with Kerstin had ended years ago before he even started dating the future vice president. Notably, the news about the relationship and the infidelity were known to Joe Biden's vetting committee four years ago when Harris was undergoing the running mate process before being picked as the VP nominee. However, the news breaking out in the public domain may have caused concerns in the Harris' camp, especially ahead of the hotly-anticipated debate against Donald Trump, tentatively scheduled for next month. Watch | US: Kamala Harris' campaign raises $310 million in July × Harris selected as Democrat nominee Harris officially secured the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Friday (Aug 2), much ahead of the party's national convention where the picks are usually formalised. “I am honoured to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States," Kamala Harris, said on a phone-in to a party celebration after securing enough votes by the second day of the marathon vote. Also read | Kamala Harris dares Donald Trump to debate: 'Say it to my face!' In the two weeks since US President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid, Harris has gained full control of the party - bringing in over $300 million in donations to her campaign. She is currently in the last stage of picking a VP nominee and is expected to make her first public appearance with the running mate on Tuesday (Aug 6) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a crucial swing state. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff admits to cheating during first marriage

US President Joe Biden&nbsp;told his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu to "stop bullshi**ing" him during a telephone conversation as talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse, according to a report in Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Biden scolded the Israeli PM&nbsp;during their conversation on Thursday (Aug 1) as he believes that Netanyahu was intentionally stalling the truce talks to benefit his position in the country's internal politics.&nbsp;

At the end of Thursday’s conversation, Biden also reportedly said,&nbsp;“Don’t take the president for granted."

The truce and hostage talks have been ongoing for months but no breakthrough has been made so far. However, after Biden's push, a high-level Israeli delegation visited Cairo on Saturday (Aug 3) for indirect talks with American and Egyptian negotiations on reaching a hostage-truce deal.&nbsp;

According to Israeli media reports, the bone of contention remains Netanyahu's position in the talks. There will be no real progress if the Israeli PM does not ease up a bit, Channel 12 said, quoting sources.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-claims-hamas-leader-killed-by-short-range-projectile-746923">Watch |&nbsp;Iran claims Hamas leader killed by 'short-range projectile'</a>

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<h2>All out war in the region?</h2>

To make matters worse, the entire Middle East region is on the brink of an all-out war after Israel was allegedly linked to back-to-back assassinations&nbsp;of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;

Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-warships-and-fighters-jets-to-protect-israel-from-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-triple-whammy-746730">Also read |&nbsp;US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy</a>

As a precautionary measure, the Pentagon confirmed that the US military had deployed fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East to protect Israel from the triple whammy.&nbsp;

“Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said.

White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, the scale might be much bigger as other Israeli enemies join forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

US President Joe Biden told his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu to "stop bullshi**ing" him during a telephone conversation as talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse, according to a report in Times of Israel.

US President Joe Biden told his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu to "stop bullshi**ing" him during a telephone conversation as talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse, according to a report in Times of Israel. Biden scolded the Israeli PM during their conversation on Thursday (Aug 1) as he believes that Netanyahu was intentionally stalling the truce talks to benefit his position in the country's internal politics. At the end of Thursday’s conversation, Biden also reportedly said, “Don’t take the president for granted." The truce and hostage talks have been ongoing for months but no breakthrough has been made so far. However, after Biden's push, a high-level Israeli delegation visited Cairo on Saturday (Aug 3) for indirect talks with American and Egyptian negotiations on reaching a hostage-truce deal. According to Israeli media reports, the bone of contention remains Netanyahu's position in the talks. There will be no real progress if the Israeli PM does not ease up a bit, Channel 12 said, quoting sources. Watch | Iran claims Hamas leader killed by 'short-range projectile' × All out war in the region? To make matters worse, the entire Middle East region is on the brink of an all-out war after Israel was allegedly linked to back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. Also read | US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy As a precautionary measure, the Pentagon confirmed that the US military had deployed fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East to protect Israel from the triple whammy. “Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said. White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, the scale might be much bigger as other Israeli enemies join forces. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Stop bullshi**ing': Biden scolds Netanyahu as hostage deal talks stall

After much criticism, the US government has revoked a pre-trial agreement reached with three men accused of plotting the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.&nbsp;US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a memo to Susan Escallier - the official overseeing the war court proceedings.&nbsp;

Austin said given the gravity of the case, the final decision regarding the fate of the accused persons should 'rest with' him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have determined that in light of the significance of the decision to enter into pre-trial agreements with the accused…responsibility for such a decision should rest with me as the superior authority," wrote Austin in the memo.&nbsp;

"I hereby withdraw your authority. Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pre-trial agreements," added&nbsp;Austin referring to&nbsp;Escallier.&nbsp;

The three accused, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi have been held at the US Navy base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for years without going to trial.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;Escallier announced she had signed a deal with Khalid, the alleged mastermind of the attack and his accomplices. In exchange for the trio's guilty pleas, they would have&nbsp;been sentenced to life in prison - sparing them the death penalty, according to the original deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-happened-on-september-11-2001-911-attacks-326755">Watch |&nbsp;What happened on September 11, 2001? | 9/11 attacks</a>

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<h2>Criticism pours in&nbsp;</h2>

The decision immediately drew criticism from all quarters with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell leading the pack.&nbsp;

"The only thing worse than negotiating with terrorists is negotiating with them after they are in custody," said McConnell at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-mastermind-and-accomplices-reach-plea-agreement-746070">Also read |&nbsp;US reaches plea agreement with men accused as main plotters of 9/11</a>

Additionally, some of the victims' families were also distraught that the men accused of killing their loved ones had made a plea with the US government and effectively sidestepped the death penalty.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The three men have been accused of a litany of charges, including attacking civilians, murder in violation of the laws of war, hijacking and terrorism.

Notably, Pentagon officials claimed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not involved in Austin's decision to rescind the controversial deal.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Biden administration had reportedly rejected the terms of a plea in September last year. The 9/11 attack was the deadliest assault on the US since the World War II when the Japanese attacked the Pearl Harbour in Hawaii in 1941, killing 2,400 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After much criticism, the US government has revoked a pre-trial agreement reached with three men accused of plotting the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a memo to Susan Escallier - the official overseeing the war court proceedings.

After much criticism, the US government has revoked a pre-trial agreement reached with three men accused of plotting the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a memo to Susan Escallier - the official overseeing the war court proceedings. Austin said given the gravity of the case, the final decision regarding the fate of the accused persons should 'rest with' him. "I have determined that in light of the significance of the decision to enter into pre-trial agreements with the accused…responsibility for such a decision should rest with me as the superior authority," wrote Austin in the memo. "I hereby withdraw your authority. Effective immediately, in the exercise of my authority, I hereby withdraw from the three pre-trial agreements," added Austin referring to Escallier. The three accused, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi have been held at the US Navy base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for years without going to trial. Earlier this week, Escallier announced she had signed a deal with Khalid, the alleged mastermind of the attack and his accomplices. In exchange for the trio's guilty pleas, they would have been sentenced to life in prison - sparing them the death penalty, according to the original deal. Watch | What happened on September 11, 2001? | 9/11 attacks × Criticism pours in The decision immediately drew criticism from all quarters with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell leading the pack. "The only thing worse than negotiating with terrorists is negotiating with them after they are in custody," said McConnell at the time. Also read | US reaches plea agreement with men accused as main plotters of 9/11 Additionally, some of the victims' families were also distraught that the men accused of killing their loved ones had made a plea with the US government and effectively sidestepped the death penalty. The three men have been accused of a litany of charges, including attacking civilians, murder in violation of the laws of war, hijacking and terrorism. Notably, Pentagon officials claimed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not involved in Austin's decision to rescind the controversial deal. According to reports, the Biden administration had reportedly rejected the terms of a plea in September last year. The 9/11 attack was the deadliest assault on the US since the World War II when the Japanese attacked the Pearl Harbour in Hawaii in 1941, killing 2,400 people. (With inputs from agencies)

US revokes plea deal made with three accused 9/11 plotters

The Pentagon on Friday (Aug 2) confirmed that the US military will deploy additional fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East as Israel faces the triple threat of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah in light of recent events.&nbsp;

US Secretary of Defense, Llyod Austin, approved the decision to send Navy cruisers and destroyers that can shoot down ballistic missiles, to the region. Washington will also be sending an additional squadron of fighters jets to the Middle East.&nbsp;

“Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said in a statement, adding that its commitment to defend Israel was "ironclad".&nbsp;

Israel has been bracing for an impact after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut were linked to it.&nbsp;

Watch:West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel

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Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;

Both Hamas and Tehran have claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination but Tel Aviv is yet to acknowledge or rejected the claims.&nbsp;However, a New York Times report claimed that Israel had briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath.

White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of&nbsp;ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.&nbsp;However, there is anticipation that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-us-greenlighted-israels-killing-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-746705">Also read |&nbsp;Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh</a>

Reports emerged on Friday that&nbsp;Khamenei had held a conversation with the regional allies about the potential combined attack. Tisha B’Av, the day when Jews lament the destruction of the first and second Temples is being designated as the day of the launch of the attacks against Tel Aviv.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon on Friday (Aug 2) confirmed that the US military will deploy additional fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East as Israel faces the triple threat of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah in light of recent events.

The Pentagon on Friday (Aug 2) confirmed that the US military will deploy additional fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East as Israel faces the triple threat of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah in light of recent events. US Secretary of Defense, Llyod Austin, approved the decision to send Navy cruisers and destroyers that can shoot down ballistic missiles, to the region. Washington will also be sending an additional squadron of fighters jets to the Middle East. “Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said in a statement, adding that its commitment to defend Israel was "ironclad". Israel has been bracing for an impact after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut were linked to it. Watch:West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. Both Hamas and Tehran have claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination but Tel Aviv is yet to acknowledge or rejected the claims. However, a New York Times report claimed that Israel had briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath. White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, there is anticipation that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions. Also read | Iran claims US greenlighted Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh Reports emerged on Friday that Khamenei had held a conversation with the regional allies about the potential combined attack. Tisha B’Av, the day when Jews lament the destruction of the first and second Temples is being designated as the day of the launch of the attacks against Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies)

US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy

A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend.&nbsp;

Experts say if the disturbance turns into a storm, it would be called Debby. Irrespective of how big the storm becomes, Florida is expected to receive six to eight inches of rain, at least on its west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast, the Met department said.&nbsp;

On Friday (Aug 2), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 counties by issuing Executive Order 24-156.&nbsp;

"As of 11 am&nbsp;ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days," read the warning.&nbsp;

"Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households," it added.

The Florida National Guard has put approximately 3,000 service members on standby for immediate response if the storm hits the region. Meanwhile, Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations</li>
	<li>Nine&nbsp;shallow water vessels staged for deployment</li>
	<li>10 Utility Terrain Vehicles&nbsp;(UTV) staged for deployment</li>
	<li>Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment</li>
	<li>Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deployed from Camp Blanding</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-removed-from-florida-laws-722428">Watch |&nbsp;Climate change removed from Florida laws</a>

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<h2>What is the path of the storm?</h2>

Current predictions suggest that the system would become a tropical depressing by Saturday morning and move across Cuba to reach South Florida.&nbsp;

The outer bands will bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpour and gusty winds. The storm will continue to&nbsp;strengthen and close in on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday&nbsp;with flash flooding anticipated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-florida-braces-for-new-storm-as-tropical-wave-brews-in-the-central-atlantic-745694">Also read |&nbsp;US: Florida braces for new storm as tropical wave brews in the central Atlantic</a>

By Monday morning, the storm will move to the Atlantic Ocean - bringing rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. However, this forecast might change, depending on a host of other weather conditions.&nbsp;

The National Oceanic and Atmosphetric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season this year in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend.

A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend. Experts say if the disturbance turns into a storm, it would be called Debby. Irrespective of how big the storm becomes, Florida is expected to receive six to eight inches of rain, at least on its west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast, the Met department said. On Friday (Aug 2), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 counties by issuing Executive Order 24-156. "As of 11 am ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days," read the warning. "Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households," it added. The Florida National Guard has put approximately 3,000 service members on standby for immediate response if the storm hits the region. Meanwhile, Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated: 70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment 10 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) staged for deployment Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deployed from Camp Blanding Watch | Climate change removed from Florida laws × What is the path of the storm? Current predictions suggest that the system would become a tropical depressing by Saturday morning and move across Cuba to reach South Florida. The outer bands will bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpour and gusty winds. The storm will continue to strengthen and close in on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday with flash flooding anticipated. Also read | US: Florida braces for new storm as tropical wave brews in the central Atlantic By Monday morning, the storm will move to the Atlantic Ocean - bringing rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. However, this forecast might change, depending on a host of other weather conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmosphetric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season this year in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency

US President Joe Biden is considering sending more defences for Israel as the Middle Eastern nation faces the triple threat of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, according to a CNN report.

Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Aug 1) where he said the US would&nbsp;“support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments".&nbsp;

"President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call.&nbsp;

Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call as the duo called on Tel Aviv to de-escalate "broader tensions" in the region.&nbsp;

The statement did not detail what new deployments would be made but according to reports, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group which includes&nbsp;the aircraft carrier, destroyers and other warships, could be moved into the&nbsp;Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-haniyeh-was-killed-by-bomb-hidden-two-months-ago-in-tehran-guesthouse-746338">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report</a>

Notably, both Hamas and Tehran have claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination. Tel Aviv has neither acknowledged nor rejected Iran or Hamas' claims. However, a New York Times report claimed that Israel had&nbsp;briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel remained on "very high alert" after its attacks against the adversaries sparked fears of a wider war on multiple fronts.&nbsp;

“Israel is on a very high alert for all scenarios, both in defence and offence,” he said in an update released by the prime minister’s office, adding that Israeli forces will “exact a very high price for any act of aggression against us from any arena.”

Washington expects the Iranian attack to be similar to the barrage of&nbsp;ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.&nbsp;However, there is anticipation that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is considering sending more defences for Israel as the Middle Eastern nation faces the triple threat of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, according to a CNN report.

US President Joe Biden is considering sending more defences for Israel as the Middle Eastern nation faces the triple threat of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, according to a CNN report. Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Aug 1) where he said the US would “support Israel’s defence against threats,” which would include “new defensive US military deployments". "President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. The President reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," read the readout of the call. Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call as the duo called on Tel Aviv to de-escalate "broader tensions" in the region. The statement did not detail what new deployments would be made but according to reports, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group which includes the aircraft carrier, destroyers and other warships, could be moved into the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea. Watch | Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. Also read | Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report Notably, both Hamas and Tehran have claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination. Tel Aviv has neither acknowledged nor rejected Iran or Hamas' claims. However, a New York Times report claimed that Israel had briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel remained on "very high alert" after its attacks against the adversaries sparked fears of a wider war on multiple fronts. “Israel is on a very high alert for all scenarios, both in defence and offence,” he said in an update released by the prime minister’s office, adding that Israeli forces will “exact a very high price for any act of aggression against us from any arena.” Washington expects the Iranian attack to be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, there is anticipation that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions. (With inputs from agencies)

US to provide more arms to Israel amid triple threat of Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah ?

A passenger aboard an American Airlines flight has been arrested and charged after he ate too many marijuana edibles and attempted to have sex with a flight attendant. The man, identified as 26-year-old Eric Nicholas Gapco, a New Jersey resident, also tried to open the plane's door mid-flight multiple times.&nbsp;

Gapco was on flight 2101 bound for Dallas from Seattle on July 18 when he began going off the rails. According to the criminal complaint filed,&nbsp; Gapco removed his shirt, took a hit from his vape pen, and started yelling and hitting on a crew member before propositioning sex to her while allegedly assaulting another.&nbsp;

In one of the video footage of the incident, Gapco could be seen bare-chested and shouting "I&nbsp;am sane!" as the crew members tried to sober him up near the plane's lavatory.&nbsp;

However, after the&nbsp;Delanco man refused to take his seat, flight attendants shackled his hands and feet with restraints — while the captain made an emergency landing in Salt Lake City.&nbsp;After the plane landed, the police arrested Gacpo around 11 am local time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mia-bound-american-airlines-flight-evacuated-passengers-jostle-up-for-baggage-as-fire-breaks-out-740799">Watch |&nbsp;MIA-bound American Airlines flight evacuated: Passengers jostle up for baggage as fire breaks out</a>

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<h2>10 marijuana pills&nbsp;</h2>

The complaint added that Gapco allegedly tried to slip another passenger a bag of unidentified pills.&nbsp;

When quizzed about the illegal drugs, Gacpo initially refused to have taken any before confiding in the arresting officer that he ate "approximately 10 marijuana edibles" without having any idea how strong they were.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-american-airlines-flight-forced-to-land-after-engine-gets-engulfed-in-flames-585482">Also read |&nbsp;American Airlines flight forced to land after engine gets engulfed in flames</a>&nbsp;

A federal grand jury has indicted Gapco on charges of interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

"A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an alleged unruly passenger onboard an American Airlines flight after engaging in disruptive and life-threatening behaviour, including attempting to open the aircraft exterior doors mid-flight." said the US Attorney's Office.&nbsp;

The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A passenger aboard an American Airlines flight has been arrested and charged after he ate too many marijuana edibles and attempted to have sex with a flight attendant.

A passenger aboard an American Airlines flight has been arrested and charged after he ate too many marijuana edibles and attempted to have sex with a flight attendant. The man, identified as 26-year-old Eric Nicholas Gapco, a New Jersey resident, also tried to open the plane's door mid-flight multiple times. Gapco was on flight 2101 bound for Dallas from Seattle on July 18 when he began going off the rails. According to the criminal complaint filed, Gapco removed his shirt, took a hit from his vape pen, and started yelling and hitting on a crew member before propositioning sex to her while allegedly assaulting another. In one of the video footage of the incident, Gapco could be seen bare-chested and shouting "I am sane!" as the crew members tried to sober him up near the plane's lavatory. However, after the Delanco man refused to take his seat, flight attendants shackled his hands and feet with restraints — while the captain made an emergency landing in Salt Lake City. After the plane landed, the police arrested Gacpo around 11 am local time. Watch | MIA-bound American Airlines flight evacuated: Passengers jostle up for baggage as fire breaks out × 10 marijuana pills The complaint added that Gapco allegedly tried to slip another passenger a bag of unidentified pills. When quizzed about the illegal drugs, Gacpo initially refused to have taken any before confiding in the arresting officer that he ate "approximately 10 marijuana edibles" without having any idea how strong they were. Also read | American Airlines flight forced to land after engine gets engulfed in flames A federal grand jury has indicted Gapco on charges of interference with a flight crew and attempted damage to an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. "A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an alleged unruly passenger onboard an American Airlines flight after engaging in disruptive and life-threatening behaviour, including attempting to open the aircraft exterior doors mid-flight." said the US Attorney's Office. The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Salt Lake City Police Department. (With inputs from agencies)

US man gets high on edibles, attempts sex with flight attendant, opens door mid-air

JD Vance has courted controversy yet again for his old statements after US gymnast Simone Biles won a record eighth Olympics gold in Paris on Tuesday (Jul 31). Vance, the Republican vice president nominee had criticised Biles in 2021, when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics citing mental health issues.&nbsp;

In the interview&nbsp;with Fox News dated July 2021, Vance called out the media for supporting Biles and making a hero out of her on quitting the biggest sporting tournament in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s understandable that she was going through an incredible amount of pressure,” the Ohio senator said at the time.&nbsp;

“What I find so weird about this – and it reflects on the media more than it does on Simone Biles – is that we’ve tried to turn a very tragic moment, Simone Biles quitting the Olympic team, into this act of heroism,” he added.

Vance, the VP pick by Trump, suggested that instead of praising people for their strength and heroic moments, we are instead celebrating their weakest moments.

“Being an athlete at that level is incredibly tough. A normal response at this moment would be to say, ‘It’s just a shame that she’s going through this. It’s a shame that she quit,’ but instead, what our press has done, I think, is turn this into this weird therapeutic moment. ‘Let’s praise her for doing this.’ And I think that’s really where the problem herein lies,” said Vance.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Remember when JD Vance called Simone Biles weak when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics? 
 
Why do these Republican men hate women so much?<a href="https://t.co/WRClQiRe7k">pic.twitter.com/WRClQiRe7k</a>
— Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) <a href="https://twitter.com/acnewsitics/status/1818621967441760355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Biles' comeback story&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, Biles had pulled out of the Olympics as she was suffering from a condition known as the "twisties" under which her spatial awareness while performing the death-defying routines up in air took a hit. Gymnasts usually suffer from the condition which creates a high-risk and dangerous situation when they are attempting to stick landings.&nbsp;

Despite the setback, Biles bounced back in style in Paris and secured an eighth gold medal in the women's team event on Tuesday - becoming the most decorated gymnast in the US and fifth-most decorated female Olympic gymnast. She still has four more events on her schedule -- and four more opportunities to add to her medal collection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-defends-childless-cat-ladies-remark-amid-backlash-744618">Also read |&nbsp;JD Vance defends 'childless cat ladies' remark amid backlash</a>

As for Vance, he recently came under heavy scrutiny after another old video surfaced where he could be heard&nbsp;referring to&nbsp;Democratic politicians as a "bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives".

Vance’s remark, made in 2021, has been criticised, with Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston among those to have hit out at the Republican.

(With inputs from agencies)

JD Vance has courted controversy yet again for his old statements after US gymnast Simone Biles won a record eighth Olympics gold in Paris on Tuesday (Jul 31). Vance, the Republican vice president nominee had criticised Biles in 2021, when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics citing mental health issues.

JD Vance has courted controversy yet again for his old statements after US gymnast Simone Biles won a record eighth Olympics gold in Paris on Tuesday (Jul 31). Vance, the Republican vice president nominee had criticised Biles in 2021, when she pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics citing mental health issues. In the interview with Fox News dated July 2021, Vance called out the media for supporting Biles and making a hero out of her on quitting the biggest sporting tournament in the world. “It’s understandable that she was going through an incredible amount of pressure,” the Ohio senator said at the time. “What I find so weird about this – and it reflects on the media more than it does on Simone Biles – is that we’ve tried to turn a very tragic moment, Simone Biles quitting the Olympic team, into this act of heroism,” he added. Vance, the VP pick by Trump, suggested that instead of praising people for their strength and heroic moments, we are instead celebrating their weakest moments. “Being an athlete at that level is incredibly tough. A normal response at this moment would be to say, ‘It’s just a shame that she’s going through this. It’s a shame that she quit,’ but instead, what our press has done, I think, is turn this into this weird therapeutic moment. ‘Let’s praise her for doing this.’ And I think that’s really where the problem herein lies,” said Vance. Remember when JD Vance called Simone Biles weak when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics? Why do these Republican men hate women so much?pic.twitter.com/WRClQiRe7k — Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) July 31, 2024 × Biles' comeback story Notably, Biles had pulled out of the Olympics as she was suffering from a condition known as the "twisties" under which her spatial awareness while performing the death-defying routines up in air took a hit. Gymnasts usually suffer from the condition which creates a high-risk and dangerous situation when they are attempting to stick landings. Despite the setback, Biles bounced back in style in Paris and secured an eighth gold medal in the women's team event on Tuesday - becoming the most decorated gymnast in the US and fifth-most decorated female Olympic gymnast. She still has four more events on her schedule -- and four more opportunities to add to her medal collection. Also read | JD Vance defends 'childless cat ladies' remark amid backlash As for Vance, he recently came under heavy scrutiny after another old video surfaced where he could be heard referring to Democratic politicians as a "bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives". Vance’s remark, made in 2021, has been criticised, with Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston among those to have hit out at the Republican. (With inputs from agencies)

JD Vance courts controversy after old clip slating Simone Biles for quitting Olympic surfaces

Simon Biles led the United States to victory in the women's artistic gymnastics team final. Kicking off a redemption tour with her fifth Olympic gold medal. Watch in for more details!

Olympics 2024: Simone Biles and US Gymnastics team reclaim Olympic Gold

Simone Biles won the fifth Olympic gold of her legendary career as she led the United States to an emphatic victory in the women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday, as Daniel Wiffen made Irish history in swimming.

On a sweltering day in Paris where temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), the hottest ticket in town was at the Bercy Arena where Biles was attempting to lay the ghosts of Tokyo 2021 to rest.

The 27-year-old American -- considered the greatest gymnast of all time -- and her team did just that to add to her four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Games.

Three years ago in Tokyo Biles battled a disorientating mental block that gymnasts call the "twisties", and without her the USA had to settle for silver.

But with Biles back to her brilliant best, she and teammates Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Sunisa Lee led wire-to-wire to reclaim gold ahead of Italy, with Brazil taking bronze.

For Biles it marks a return to the Olympic summit after a two-year break as she focused on her mental health. Lee, the all-around champion in Tokyo, has since dealt with two career-threatening kidney ailments.

Biles said her second team gold -- eight years after her first -- felt different.

"It was just like we were a little young and naive," she said of 2016. "So it didn't hit the way that it does now.

"Now that I'm much older, we have so much more experience and we're out here really having fun and enjoying what we're doing."

Once again the stars were out for Biles.&nbsp;

Serena Williams, Nicole Kidman and Bill Gates were in attendance, as was Biles's husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, in a T-shirt emblazoned with his wife's name and picture.

<h2>Irish history</h2>

Wiffen was in tears on the podium at La Defense Arena after becoming the first Irishman ever to win an Olympic swimming gold.

"I don't normally cry, so I really hope that nobody's gonna see that," he said.

The 23-year-old powered home in the 800m freestyle in 7min 38.19sec, the fifth-fastest time ever, ahead of American defending champion Bobby Finke and Tokyo silver medallist Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy.

Wiffen, who was born in England and is the world champion, will also contest the 1,500m freestyle and 10km open water swim in Paris.

Kaylee McKeown retained her crown in the women's 100m backstroke, producing a blistering second lap to beat world record-holder Regan Smith of the USA.

It was Australia's fourth gold in the pool in Paris.

Britain triumphed in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay.

In punishing heat at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal kept alive his dream of a third Olympic gold as he powered into the men's doubles quarter-finals alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Andy Murray, who has said he will quit tennis after the Games, delayed his retirement with another thrilling doubles win with Dan Evans, saving two match points.

But women's world number two Coco Gauff crashed out of the singles in a stormy defeat to Croatian Donna Vekic.

Vekic won 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals after Gauff claimed she was "getting cheated" in an argument with the chair umpire over a line call.

New Zealand's women defended their Olympic rugby sevens title after roaring back to beat Canada 19-12 in front of a near-capacity 69,000 crowd at the Stade de France.

In men's football, Thierry Henry's France set up a potentially explosive quarter-final showdown with Argentina.

And NBA star Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help France scrape past Japan 94-90 and into the quarter-finals in the men's basketball.

Japan ended day four top of the overall medals table with seven golds, with China and Australia on six, and France and South Korea on five.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;

<h2>More Seine doubts</h2>

Earlier, in a massive blow to Olympic organisers who have repeatedly vowed that the River Seine would be safe to swim in, Tuesday's men's triathlon race was called off hours before the start after last-minute water-quality tests.

A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon blamed the spike in pollution levels on the heavy rain that drenched Paris on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;

The men's triathlon has been rescheduled to Wednesday, immediately after the women's event, leaving Games chiefs keeping their fingers crossed.

After the intense heat of the day, a major storm was forecast late on, raising fresh doubts over whether Wednesday's rescheduled events could go ahead.

Heavy downpours still overwhelm the city's underground drains and sewage system, leading to untreated effluent being released into the waterway.

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.

Simone Biles won the fifth Olympic gold of her legendary career as she led the United States to an emphatic victory in the women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday, as Daniel Wiffen made Irish history in swimming.

Simone Biles won the fifth Olympic gold of her legendary career as she led the United States to an emphatic victory in the women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday, as Daniel Wiffen made Irish history in swimming. On a sweltering day in Paris where temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), the hottest ticket in town was at the Bercy Arena where Biles was attempting to lay the ghosts of Tokyo 2021 to rest. The 27-year-old American -- considered the greatest gymnast of all time -- and her team did just that to add to her four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Games. Three years ago in Tokyo Biles battled a disorientating mental block that gymnasts call the "twisties", and without her the USA had to settle for silver. But with Biles back to her brilliant best, she and teammates Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Sunisa Lee led wire-to-wire to reclaim gold ahead of Italy, with Brazil taking bronze. For Biles it marks a return to the Olympic summit after a two-year break as she focused on her mental health. Lee, the all-around champion in Tokyo, has since dealt with two career-threatening kidney ailments. Biles said her second team gold -- eight years after her first -- felt different. "It was just like we were a little young and naive," she said of 2016. "So it didn't hit the way that it does now. "Now that I'm much older, we have so much more experience and we're out here really having fun and enjoying what we're doing." Once again the stars were out for Biles. Serena Williams, Nicole Kidman and Bill Gates were in attendance, as was Biles's husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, in a T-shirt emblazoned with his wife's name and picture. Irish history Wiffen was in tears on the podium at La Defense Arena after becoming the first Irishman ever to win an Olympic swimming gold. "I don't normally cry, so I really hope that nobody's gonna see that," he said. The 23-year-old powered home in the 800m freestyle in 7min 38.19sec, the fifth-fastest time ever, ahead of American defending champion Bobby Finke and Tokyo silver medallist Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy. Wiffen, who was born in England and is the world champion, will also contest the 1,500m freestyle and 10km open water swim in Paris. Kaylee McKeown retained her crown in the women's 100m backstroke, producing a blistering second lap to beat world record-holder Regan Smith of the USA. It was Australia's fourth gold in the pool in Paris. Britain triumphed in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay. In punishing heat at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal kept alive his dream of a third Olympic gold as he powered into the men's doubles quarter-finals alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Andy Murray, who has said he will quit tennis after the Games, delayed his retirement with another thrilling doubles win with Dan Evans, saving two match points. But women's world number two Coco Gauff crashed out of the singles in a stormy defeat to Croatian Donna Vekic. Vekic won 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals after Gauff claimed she was "getting cheated" in an argument with the chair umpire over a line call. New Zealand's women defended their Olympic rugby sevens title after roaring back to beat Canada 19-12 in front of a near-capacity 69,000 crowd at the Stade de France. In men's football, Thierry Henry's France set up a potentially explosive quarter-final showdown with Argentina. And NBA star Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help France scrape past Japan 94-90 and into the quarter-finals in the men's basketball. Japan ended day four top of the overall medals table with seven golds, with China and Australia on six, and France and South Korea on five. ALSO READ | More Seine doubts Earlier, in a massive blow to Olympic organisers who have repeatedly vowed that the River Seine would be safe to swim in, Tuesday's men's triathlon race was called off hours before the start after last-minute water-quality tests. A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon blamed the spike in pollution levels on the heavy rain that drenched Paris on Friday and Saturday. The men's triathlon has been rescheduled to Wednesday, immediately after the women's event, leaving Games chiefs keeping their fingers crossed. After the intense heat of the day, a major storm was forecast late on, raising fresh doubts over whether Wednesday's rescheduled events could go ahead. Heavy downpours still overwhelm the city's underground drains and sewage system, leading to untreated effluent being released into the waterway. 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.

Paris Olympics 2024: Simone Biles inspires USA to Olympic gold as Irish swimmer makes history

The USA Men's basketball team began their quest fifth straight Olympic Gold medal in style. The star started American team beat Serbia 110 for 84 at the Paris Olympics games.

USA Ease past Serbia in opener, Kevin Durant stars with 23 points

Here are a few numbers that help understand how rapidly America’s political landscape has changed since President Joe Biden gave up his bid to run for a second term just 107 days before the November elections and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris.

She hit the ground running with a speed and efficiency few in her Democratic Party would have predicted and left many in the Republican Party awed and bewildered.

The de-facto presidential nominee of the Democrats set a string of records. Within 24 hours after Biden’s announcement, the Harris campaign netted the largest fund-raising haul ever in that time period: $81 million. By the end of the week, contributions totalled $200&nbsp;million, from 1.4 million donors, according to the campaign.

Roughly two-thirds of those who opened their wallets did so for the first time in the 2024 election cycle – a sign of enthusiasm and hope from voters who had feared the 81-year-old Biden could not lead the Democrats to victory.

On the Sunday (Jul 28) after Biden’s announcement, a group called Win With Black Women hosted a video call to support Harris and was joined by 44,000 people who pledged more than $1.5 million to her campaign. Four days later, a similar call aimed at white women attracted 160,000 participants and brought in $8.5 million.

“Kamala Broke Zoom,” proclaimed the headline over a cable news story which described the event as a world record.

Determined to keep the momentum, Harris wasted no time to hit the campaign trail. Her first stop was in Milwaukee, just a week after the end of the Republican National Convention at which former president Donald Trump formally accepted his party’s nomination as its presidential candidate.

The mood at the RNC was joyous. Trump had survived an assassination attempt a few days before the convention and he and most of his followers ascribed his survival – a bullet nicked his ear – to divine intervention. Party faithful and many political analysts predicted that election victory was all but certain.

Few could have imagined that boisterous crowds of fired-up Democrats would chant for a Harris victory in the same city a few days later.

While she is not the official Democratic nominee yet – that will happen at next month’s Democratic National Convention – she has been endorsed by every single party heavyweight, from former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-raised-200-million-in-first-week-of-presidential-campaign-744981">Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris raised $200 million in first week of presidential campaign</a>

Unlike Trump, Harris has yet to pick a running mate for the campaign. With just over 100 days to go, time is of the essence but so is thorough vetting and careful consideration. That has become obvious with Trump’s choice of his running mate, JD Vance.

His controversial statements on the role of women and the size of families have made headlines around the country and the world, creating cartoons and social network memes.

The most damaging comment came from an interview with the right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson while he was running for the Ohio Senate seat in 2021. The video clip surfaced a few weeks ago and has circulated dozens of times. Vance said: “We’re effectively run in this country – via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs – by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices they have made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.”

As statements causing offence to millions of potential voters go, this ranks very high on the list. About a third of all households in the US&nbsp;own at least one cat and their number is estimated at 93 million. There are no statistics on how many cat owners are childless women but one angry woman reacted with a social network posting of a photograph of music superstar Taylor Swift with her cat draped around her neck.

If Kamala Harris were to beat Trump in the elections, she would follow up her “firsts” in Zoom calls and fundraising with more firsts. She would be the first female and bi-racial president – her mother is Indian and her father is Jamaican.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-presidential-race-trump-harris-renew-attacks-at-weekend-campaign-events-race-enters-new-phase-745113">Watch |&nbsp;US Presidential Race: Trump &amp; Harris renew attacks at weekend campaign events, race enters new phase</a>

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The Trump campaign no longer scoffs at the idea of a Harris victory and neither do conservative pundits or even the Wall Street Journal, America’s most widely circulated conservative newspaper. Its Sunday edition carried a front-page story headlined Harris Erases Trump’s Lead. Sub-headline: WSJ poll shows race effectively tied with three months to go after Biden’s exit.

On the opinion page of the same issue (July 27), veteran columnist Peggy Noonan, whose insightful writing is widely respected across the political spectrum, headlined her piece The Kamala Harris Surprise and wrote “I had long thought Kamala Harris couldn’t beat Donald Trump. That’s wrong. She can. We’re a 50-50 country, each side gets 40 going in, you fight for the rest but it can always go either way.”

In the Democrats’ favour in the rhetorical battle over the next few month is an argument the Republicans have used endlessly to attack Biden: his age. At 81, so the chorus went, he was too old to serve another four years. Now, Trump, at 78, will be the oldest person in US history to run for the presidency. Kamala Harris is 59.

(Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

Here are a few numbers that help understand how rapidly America’s political landscape has changed since President Joe Biden gave up his bid to run for a second term just 107 days before the November elections and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris.

Here are a few numbers that help understand how rapidly America’s political landscape has changed since President Joe Biden gave up his bid to run for a second term just 107 days before the November elections and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris. She hit the ground running with a speed and efficiency few in her Democratic Party would have predicted and left many in the Republican Party awed and bewildered. The de-facto presidential nominee of the Democrats set a string of records. Within 24 hours after Biden’s announcement, the Harris campaign netted the largest fund-raising haul ever in that time period: $81 million. By the end of the week, contributions totalled $200 million, from 1.4 million donors, according to the campaign. Roughly two-thirds of those who opened their wallets did so for the first time in the 2024 election cycle – a sign of enthusiasm and hope from voters who had feared the 81-year-old Biden could not lead the Democrats to victory. On the Sunday (Jul 28) after Biden’s announcement, a group called Win With Black Women hosted a video call to support Harris and was joined by 44,000 people who pledged more than $1.5 million to her campaign. Four days later, a similar call aimed at white women attracted 160,000 participants and brought in $8.5 million. “Kamala Broke Zoom,” proclaimed the headline over a cable news story which described the event as a world record. Determined to keep the momentum, Harris wasted no time to hit the campaign trail. Her first stop was in Milwaukee, just a week after the end of the Republican National Convention at which former president Donald Trump formally accepted his party’s nomination as its presidential candidate. The mood at the RNC was joyous. Trump had survived an assassination attempt a few days before the convention and he and most of his followers ascribed his survival – a bullet nicked his ear – to divine intervention. Party faithful and many political analysts predicted that election victory was all but certain. Few could have imagined that boisterous crowds of fired-up Democrats would chant for a Harris victory in the same city a few days later. While she is not the official Democratic nominee yet – that will happen at next month’s Democratic National Convention – she has been endorsed by every single party heavyweight, from former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Also read | Kamala Harris raised $200 million in first week of presidential campaign Unlike Trump, Harris has yet to pick a running mate for the campaign. With just over 100 days to go, time is of the essence but so is thorough vetting and careful consideration. That has become obvious with Trump’s choice of his running mate, JD Vance. His controversial statements on the role of women and the size of families have made headlines around the country and the world, creating cartoons and social network memes. The most damaging comment came from an interview with the right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson while he was running for the Ohio Senate seat in 2021. The video clip surfaced a few weeks ago and has circulated dozens of times. Vance said: “We’re effectively run in this country – via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs – by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices they have made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.” As statements causing offence to millions of potential voters go, this ranks very high on the list. About a third of all households in the US own at least one cat and their number is estimated at 93 million. There are no statistics on how many cat owners are childless women but one angry woman reacted with a social network posting of a photograph of music superstar Taylor Swift with her cat draped around her neck. If Kamala Harris were to beat Trump in the elections, she would follow up her “firsts” in Zoom calls and fundraising with more firsts. She would be the first female and bi-racial president – her mother is Indian and her father is Jamaican. Watch | US Presidential Race: Trump & Harris renew attacks at weekend campaign events, race enters new phase × The Trump campaign no longer scoffs at the idea of a Harris victory and neither do conservative pundits or even the Wall Street Journal, America’s most widely circulated conservative newspaper. Its Sunday edition carried a front-page story headlined Harris Erases Trump’s Lead. Sub-headline: WSJ poll shows race effectively tied with three months to go after Biden’s exit. On the opinion page of the same issue (July 27), veteran columnist Peggy Noonan, whose insightful writing is widely respected across the political spectrum, headlined her piece The Kamala Harris Surprise and wrote “I had long thought Kamala Harris couldn’t beat Donald Trump. That’s wrong. She can. We’re a 50-50 country, each side gets 40 going in, you fight for the rest but it can always go either way.” In the Democrats’ favour in the rhetorical battle over the next few month is an argument the Republicans have used endlessly to attack Biden: his age. At 81, so the chorus went, he was too old to serve another four years. Now, Trump, at 78, will be the oldest person in US history to run for the presidency. Kamala Harris is 59. (Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In run-up to elections, Kamala Harris is changing America’s political landscape

The Supreme Court in the US state of Ohio has ruled that consumers cannot expect boneless chicken wings to actually be free of bones. The court was hearing a case filed by a restaurant patron who suffered medical issues after getting a bone stuck in his throat.&nbsp;

The court delivering the 4-3 judgement gave an amusing analogy stating that diners know they are not being served 'fingers' when they order 'chicken fingers'.&nbsp;

“A diner reading ‘boneless wings’ on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating ‘chicken fingers’ would know that he had not been served fingers,” Justice Joseph T&nbsp;Deters wrote for the majority.

"The food item's label on the menu described a cooking style; it was not a guarantee," he added.&nbsp;

The judges who did not agree with the majority view described it as&nbsp;“utter jabberwocky" and said a jury should be allowed to decide whether the restaurant the negligent or not.&nbsp;

"Jurors likely have eaten boneless wings, some will have fed boneless wings to their children, and jurors have common sense.&nbsp;They will be able to determine, better than any court, what a consumer reasonably expects when ordering boneless wings," said dissenting&nbsp;Justice Michael P&nbsp;Donnelly.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mcdonalds-temporarily-shuts-us-offices-to-announce-layoffs-578446" target="_blank">WATCH |&nbsp;McDonald's temporarily shuts US offices, to announce layoffs</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mcdonalds-temporarily-shuts-us-offices-to-announce-layoffs-578446/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>What is the case about?</h2>

Michael Berkheimer, an Ohio resident, was dining with his wife and friends in 2016 at 'Wings on Brookwood'&nbsp;&nbsp;when he ordered boneless wings with parmesan garlic sauce. However, after eating the chicken piece, he felt somewhat uncomfortable.&nbsp;

Three days later,&nbsp;Berkheimer went to the emergency room after feeling feverish and unable to get food down his throat. The doctors diagnosing him discovered a long, thin bone down in his throat that had reportedly torn his oesophagus, causing the reaction.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mcdonalds-found-liable-for-scalding-chicken-mcnugget-that-burned-girl-rules-jury-591862">Also read |&nbsp;McDonald's found liable for scalding Chicken McNugget that burned girl, rules jury</a>

Having suffered,&nbsp;Berkheimer&nbsp;took the restaurant to court and argued that the menu had no warning to indicate that its boneless wings could actually contain bones. He sued the restaurant for&nbsp;negligence and breach of warranty, among other claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court in the US state of Ohio has ruled that consumers cannot expect boneless chicken wings to actually be free of bones. The court was hearing a case filed by a restaurant patron who suffered medical issues after getting a bone stuck in his throat.

The Supreme Court in the US state of Ohio has ruled that consumers cannot expect boneless chicken wings to actually be free of bones. The court was hearing a case filed by a restaurant patron who suffered medical issues after getting a bone stuck in his throat. The court delivering the 4-3 judgement gave an amusing analogy stating that diners know they are not being served 'fingers' when they order 'chicken fingers'. “A diner reading ‘boneless wings’ on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating ‘chicken fingers’ would know that he had not been served fingers,” Justice Joseph T Deters wrote for the majority. "The food item's label on the menu described a cooking style; it was not a guarantee," he added. The judges who did not agree with the majority view described it as “utter jabberwocky" and said a jury should be allowed to decide whether the restaurant the negligent or not. "Jurors likely have eaten boneless wings, some will have fed boneless wings to their children, and jurors have common sense. They will be able to determine, better than any court, what a consumer reasonably expects when ordering boneless wings," said dissenting Justice Michael P Donnelly. WATCH | McDonald's temporarily shuts US offices, to announce layoffs What is the case about? Michael Berkheimer, an Ohio resident, was dining with his wife and friends in 2016 at 'Wings on Brookwood' when he ordered boneless wings with parmesan garlic sauce. However, after eating the chicken piece, he felt somewhat uncomfortable. Three days later, Berkheimer went to the emergency room after feeling feverish and unable to get food down his throat. The doctors diagnosing him discovered a long, thin bone down in his throat that had reportedly torn his oesophagus, causing the reaction. Also read | McDonald's found liable for scalding Chicken McNugget that burned girl, rules jury Having suffered, Berkheimer took the restaurant to court and argued that the menu had no warning to indicate that its boneless wings could actually contain bones. He sued the restaurant for negligence and breach of warranty, among other claims. (With inputs from agencies)

'Boneless chicken wings can have bones': Ohio Supreme Court declares

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