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<p>Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first UN special rapporteur granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility has called on the US government to provide rehabilitation treatment to the men it detained in the aftermath of 9/11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with The Guardian, Ní Aoláin said the US, which operated the inhumane facility, had the responsibility to redress the harms it inflicted on its Muslim torture victims. He said the Biden administration needs to repair the detainees' severe physical and psychological injuries and meet commitments under the international law.</p>

<p>She said existing medical treatment was inefficient to deal with multiple problems such as traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, sleep disorders, flashbacks and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</p>

<p>“These men are all survivors of torture, a unique crime under international law, and in urgent need of care," she told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Torture breaks a person, it is intended to render them helpless and powerless so that they cease to function psychologically, and in my conversations both with current and former detainees I observed the harms it caused.”</p>

<p>Ní Aoláin said the failure of the US authorities to provide medical care had a cruel, inhuman and other long-term impact on the prisoners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Without exception, each individual I met exhibits medical conditions relating to the physical harm they experienced from rendition and torture, or profound psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, extreme trauma and suicidal ideation,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The US has some of the best torture treatment facilities and capability in the world, it exports it to others.&nbsp;But regrettably that hasn’t been used for the men currently detained at Guantánamo, and not a single man who has been released from the detention facility has had adequate rehabilitation.”</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Sorry details emerge from the report</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, it was in February that&nbsp;Ní Aoláin was granted access to the detention centre where 30 men are still held today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on her four-day visit, she filed a comprehensive 23-page report and submitted it to the UN Human Rights Council. In the report,&nbsp;Ní Aoláin emphasised that while the 2001 attacks were indeed crimes against humanity, the subsequent use of torture and rendition by the US against alleged perpetrators and their associates constituted a grave breach of international human rights law</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/landmark-visit-reveals-guantanamo-detainees-subjected-to-cruel-treatment-says-first-un-investigator-609058" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | First UN investigator at US detention facility Guantanamo exposes cruel treatment of detainees</strong></a></p>

<p>The report says that in every meeting the UN Special Rapporteur &nbsp;(SR) held with a detainee or a former detainee, she was told "with great regret" that she had arrived "too late" while referring to the systemic torture, "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment inflicted over time".</p>

<p>"The US government is under a continued obligation to ensure accountability, make full reparation for the injuries caused, and offer appropriate guarantees of non-repetition for violations committed post-9/ 11," the UN report said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first UN special rapporteur granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility has called on the US government to provide rehabilitation treatment to the men it detained in the aftermath of 9/11.

Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first UN special rapporteur granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility has called on the US government to provide rehabilitation treatment to the men it detained in the aftermath of 9/11. In an interview with The Guardian, Ní Aoláin said the US, which operated the inhumane facility, had the responsibility to redress the harms it inflicted on its Muslim torture victims. He said the Biden administration needs to repair the detainees' severe physical and psychological injuries and meet commitments under the international law. She said existing medical treatment was inefficient to deal with multiple problems such as traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, sleep disorders, flashbacks and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “These men are all survivors of torture, a unique crime under international law, and in urgent need of care," she told the publication. “Torture breaks a person, it is intended to render them helpless and powerless so that they cease to function psychologically, and in my conversations both with current and former detainees I observed the harms it caused.” Ní Aoláin said the failure of the US authorities to provide medical care had a cruel, inhuman and other long-term impact on the prisoners. “Without exception, each individual I met exhibits medical conditions relating to the physical harm they experienced from rendition and torture, or profound psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, extreme trauma and suicidal ideation,” she added. “The US has some of the best torture treatment facilities and capability in the world, it exports it to others. But regrettably that hasn’t been used for the men currently detained at Guantánamo, and not a single man who has been released from the detention facility has had adequate rehabilitation.” Also watch | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison × Sorry details emerge from the report Notably, it was in February that Ní Aoláin was granted access to the detention centre where 30 men are still held today. Based on her four-day visit, she filed a comprehensive 23-page report and submitted it to the UN Human Rights Council. In the report, Ní Aoláin emphasised that while the 2001 attacks were indeed crimes against humanity, the subsequent use of torture and rendition by the US against alleged perpetrators and their associates constituted a grave breach of international human rights law Also read | First UN investigator at US detention facility Guantanamo exposes cruel treatment of detainees The report says that in every meeting the UN Special Rapporteur (SR) held with a detainee or a former detainee, she was told "with great regret" that she had arrived "too late" while referring to the systemic torture, "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment inflicted over time". "The US government is under a continued obligation to ensure accountability, make full reparation for the injuries caused, and offer appropriate guarantees of non-repetition for violations committed post-9/ 11," the UN report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Treat men tortured at Guantanamo, first UN investigator to detention facility tells US

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has cited 'human concerns' & offered to help India in Manipur. Should foreign diplomats speak on internal affairs? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: US Ambassador lectures India over Manipur

<p>The US government, in a flip-flop on its earlier position, is considering&nbsp; sending&nbsp;cluster munitions to Ukraine. White House had&nbsp;earlier termed the use of it by Russian forces as 'war crimes'. In other news, on the same day as Meta launched its Threads app, Twitter boss Elon Musk filed a legal claim, asserting that Mark Zuckerberg and his aides copied the bird app.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-mulls-giving-ukraine-lethal-weapons-that-white-house-once-described-as-aiding-war-crimes-612905"><strong>Biden mulls giving Ukraine lethal weapons that White House once described as aiding 'war crimes'</strong></a></p>

<p>The Biden administration is reportedly on the brink of providing cluster munitions to Ukraine, the ones whose alleged use by Russia during initial days of war in Ukraine was described by the White House as constituting war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/26/362226-untitled-design-2023-06-26t102312640.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/twitter-threatens-legal-action-against-metas-threads-unraveling-battle-for-social-media-supremacy-612886"><strong>Twitter threatens legal action against Meta's Threads unraveling battle for social media supremacy</strong></a></p>

<p>Twitter gave a legal threat to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, over its recently launched Threads platform, unraveling the battle between the rivals for social media supremacy, media reports suggested.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/07/365111-threads.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-war-us-says-firmly-opposing-chinas-new-restrictions-on-export-of-two-strategic-metals-612900"><strong>Tech War: US says 'firmly opposing' China's new restrictions on export of two strategic metals</strong></a></p>

<p>The US government<strong>&nbsp;</strong>on Thursday said&nbsp;it “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium, which are two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/07/365118-untitled-design-2023-07-07t081613476.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-says-indian-govt-wrong-about-going-soft-on-khalistan-612685"><strong>India blasts Canada for its soft response on terror in name of freedom of expression</strong></a></p>

<p>New Delhi on Thursday blasted Ottawa for its ‘soft’ response on anti-India activities in Canada by unequivocally telling it that 'freedom of expression' cannot be used to legitimise terror.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/06/364989-turdeau.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xi-jinping-sees-red-as-us-aims-to-curtail-technology-investment-in-china-yellen-in-beijing-612917"><strong>Xi Jinping sees red as U.S. aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing</strong></a></p>

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The US government, in a flip-flop on its earlier position, is considering sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. White House had earlier termed the use of it by Russian forces as 'war crimes'.

The US government, in a flip-flop on its earlier position, is considering sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. White House had earlier termed the use of it by Russian forces as 'war crimes'. In other news, on the same day as Meta launched its Threads app, Twitter boss Elon Musk filed a legal claim, asserting that Mark Zuckerberg and his aides copied the bird app. Biden mulls giving Ukraine lethal weapons that White House once described as aiding 'war crimes' The Biden administration is reportedly on the brink of providing cluster munitions to Ukraine, the ones whose alleged use by Russia during initial days of war in Ukraine was described by the White House as constituting war crime. Twitter threatens legal action against Meta's Threads unraveling battle for social media supremacy Twitter gave a legal threat to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, over its recently launched Threads platform, unraveling the battle between the rivals for social media supremacy, media reports suggested. Tech War: US says 'firmly opposing' China's new restrictions on export of two strategic metals The US government on Thursday said it “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium, which are two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors. India blasts Canada for its soft response on terror in name of freedom of expression New Delhi on Thursday blasted Ottawa for its ‘soft’ response on anti-India activities in Canada by unequivocally telling it that 'freedom of expression' cannot be used to legitimise terror. Xi Jinping sees red as U.S. aims to curtail technology investment in China | Yellen in Beijing ×

Morning brief: US to send lethal weapons to Kyiv, Twitter feuds with Threads, and more

<p>US sprint star Sha'Carri Richardson launched her latest bid for a first World Championships berth in style on&nbsp;Thursday, clocking a world-leading 10.71sec to lead the 100m heats at the US athletics championships in Eugene, Oregon.</p>

<p>Richardson delivered a personal best to continue her strong start to a season highlighted by the World Championships in Budapest in August. Richardson clocked a 10.76sec at the Doha Diamond League meeting on May 5 -- a month after a sensational wind-aided 10.57sec at the Miramar Invitational in Florida in April.</p>

<p>On Thursday, she improved on the previous world-leading time of the season of 10.75sec set by Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou at the Bislett Games on June 15.</p>

<p>Richardson was infamously barred from the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for marijuana.&nbsp;She then saw her hopes of challenging for a medal at last year's World Championships vanish when she bombed out of the US trials. The 23-year-old, who said this season she is making up for lost time, opted not to discuss her performance, preferring to remain focused on the semi-finals and final to come on Friday.</p>

<p>Only the top three finishers will secure a World Championships berth.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-legend-cesar-azpilicueta-joins-la-liga-side-atletico-madrid-as-free-agent-612842">Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta joins La Liga side Atletico Madrid as free agent</a></p>

<p>Richardson easily won her heat ahead of Brittany Brown, whose 10.96 was second-fastest overall.</p>

<p>Tamara Clark posted the third-fastest time of 11.02. Aleia Hobbs, who has ducked under 11 seconds half a dozen times this season, safely made it into the semis with a time of 11.11sec.</p>

<p>Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion who missed the Tokyo Olympics after a ban for missed drug tests, topped the times in the men's 100m heats in 9.95sec. Cravont Charleston was second-fastest overall in 10.01 while Kendal Williams and JT Smith both posted times of 10.02.</p>

<p>Last year's 100m world bronze medallist Trayvon Bromell and Noah Lyles finished with identical times of 10.05 as they made it safely into the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Marvin Bracy-Williams, who took silver behind fellow American Fred Kerley at last year's worlds, pulled up with an injury and failed to advance.</p>

<p>"You hit 9.95 in the first round, it seems like a pretty good race," Coleman said. "So just try to clean it up and let it rip tomorrow."</p>

<p>He said he'd put behind him a disappointing third-place finish at the New York Grand Prix last month.</p>

<h2>- Lyles' wild week -</h2>

<p>But while he feels up to the challenge, Coleman knows the competition remains fierce, even with Kerley, who has a bye as defending champion in the event, opting to run the 200m this week.</p>

<p>"Just anybody's game when you get out there on the line," Coleman said. "So I've got to earn it."</p>

<p>Lyles, the reigning 200m world champion who is targeting a 100-200 double in Budapest, recovered from a mediocre start to advance and revealed after the race he had only been cleared to travel on Sunday after a second bout of Covid.</p>

<p>"Very wild week," Lyles said. "I'm still in pretty good shape. My top end (speed) is there, just got to wake my body up."</p>

<p>Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles world record holder and world champion who has turned her attention to the 400 flat this season, led the 400m heats with a time of 49.79sec.</p>

<p>Britton Wilson, in her first race since the US collegiate NCAA championships, won her heat in the second-fastest overall time of 50.08.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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US sprint star Sha'Carri Richardson launched her latest bid for a first World Championships berth in style on Thursday, clocking a world-leading 10.71sec to lead the 100m heats at the US athletics championships in Eugene, Oregon.

US sprint star Sha'Carri Richardson launched her latest bid for a first World Championships berth in style on Thursday, clocking a world-leading 10.71sec to lead the 100m heats at the US athletics championships in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson delivered a personal best to continue her strong start to a season highlighted by the World Championships in Budapest in August. Richardson clocked a 10.76sec at the Doha Diamond League meeting on May 5 -- a month after a sensational wind-aided 10.57sec at the Miramar Invitational in Florida in April. On Thursday, she improved on the previous world-leading time of the season of 10.75sec set by Ivorian Marie-Josee Ta Lou at the Bislett Games on June 15. Richardson was infamously barred from the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for marijuana. She then saw her hopes of challenging for a medal at last year's World Championships vanish when she bombed out of the US trials. The 23-year-old, who said this season she is making up for lost time, opted not to discuss her performance, preferring to remain focused on the semi-finals and final to come on Friday. Only the top three finishers will secure a World Championships berth. ALSO READ: Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta joins La Liga side Atletico Madrid as free agent Richardson easily won her heat ahead of Brittany Brown, whose 10.96 was second-fastest overall. Tamara Clark posted the third-fastest time of 11.02. Aleia Hobbs, who has ducked under 11 seconds half a dozen times this season, safely made it into the semis with a time of 11.11sec. Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion who missed the Tokyo Olympics after a ban for missed drug tests, topped the times in the men's 100m heats in 9.95sec. Cravont Charleston was second-fastest overall in 10.01 while Kendal Williams and JT Smith both posted times of 10.02. Last year's 100m world bronze medallist Trayvon Bromell and Noah Lyles finished with identical times of 10.05 as they made it safely into the semi-finals. Marvin Bracy-Williams, who took silver behind fellow American Fred Kerley at last year's worlds, pulled up with an injury and failed to advance. "You hit 9.95 in the first round, it seems like a pretty good race," Coleman said. "So just try to clean it up and let it rip tomorrow." He said he'd put behind him a disappointing third-place finish at the New York Grand Prix last month. - Lyles' wild week - But while he feels up to the challenge, Coleman knows the competition remains fierce, even with Kerley, who has a bye as defending champion in the event, opting to run the 200m this week. "Just anybody's game when you get out there on the line," Coleman said. "So I've got to earn it." Lyles, the reigning 200m world champion who is targeting a 100-200 double in Budapest, recovered from a mediocre start to advance and revealed after the race he had only been cleared to travel on Sunday after a second bout of Covid. "Very wild week," Lyles said. "I'm still in pretty good shape. My top end (speed) is there, just got to wake my body up." Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles world record holder and world champion who has turned her attention to the 400 flat this season, led the 400m heats with a time of 49.79sec. Britton Wilson, in her first race since the US collegiate NCAA championships, won her heat in the second-fastest overall time of 50.08. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Athletics Championships: Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson clocks personal best 10.71sec to lead 100m heats

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<p>In a massive bust, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Wednesday said it had seized about 70 pounds (32.2 kg) of psychoactive drugs labelled as beauty products from China at the Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two boxes discovered last month (June 26) were&nbsp;destined for Washington DC, according to CBP. Upon closely examining the boxes, officers found multiple vacuum-sealed bags that contained a white, crystallised substance that was tested and later determined to be drugs.</p>

<p>"On June 26, CBP officers intercepted two boxes destined to an address in Washington, DC, that contained about 71 pounds of&nbsp;N,N-Dimethylpentylone (Hydrochloride), a substituted cathinone and a scheduled I controlled substance," the CBP said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seized drugs are being sold in powder and tablet form on the streets as ecstasy and molly since being first identified in 2021, the authorities added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"CBP officers seized the Dimethylpentylone load and turned it over to special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation."</p>

<h2><strong>Fentanyl crisis in US</strong></h2>

<p>The US has been facing a grave drug crisis as counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills from China are being smuggled into the American market. According to research released by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug overdose deaths containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than quadrupled in the United States between 2016 and 2021.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-charges-chinese-companies-with-trafficking-fentanyl-materials-608135" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | US charges Chinese companies with trafficking fentanyl materials</strong></a></p>

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<p>Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and it is increasingly being combined with other illegal substances, frequently with disastrous effects.</p>

<p>According to government estimates, the number of drug-related overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 by 2021, prompting the Biden administration to call for action.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-xylazine-flesh-eating-zombie-medicine-fuelling-overdoses-across-us-595898">Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US</a></strong></p>

<p>The opposition has been targeting the Biden administration for not doing enough to stop the 'drug war' initiated by China. Presidential nomination seeker Nikki Haley in a recent TV interview said economic ties with China should be snapped to nip the drug crisis in the bud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China is much more than a mere ‘competitor.’ Communist China is an enemy. We have to stop wasting time," said Haley, adding that she would put an end to China buying up US farmland. If necessary, she would also end normal economic ties with Beijing so that the flow of fentanyl across the US-Mexico border gets halted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In a massive bust, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Wednesday said it had seized about 70 pounds (32.2 kg) of psychoactive drugs labelled as beauty products from China at the Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia.

In a massive bust, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Wednesday said it had seized about 70 pounds (32.2 kg) of psychoactive drugs labelled as beauty products from China at the Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia. The two boxes discovered last month (June 26) were destined for Washington DC, according to CBP. Upon closely examining the boxes, officers found multiple vacuum-sealed bags that contained a white, crystallised substance that was tested and later determined to be drugs. "On June 26, CBP officers intercepted two boxes destined to an address in Washington, DC, that contained about 71 pounds of N,N-Dimethylpentylone (Hydrochloride), a substituted cathinone and a scheduled I controlled substance," the CBP said in a statement. The seized drugs are being sold in powder and tablet form on the streets as ecstasy and molly since being first identified in 2021, the authorities added. "CBP officers seized the Dimethylpentylone load and turned it over to special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation." Fentanyl crisis in US The US has been facing a grave drug crisis as counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills from China are being smuggled into the American market. According to research released by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug overdose deaths containing the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than quadrupled in the United States between 2016 and 2021. WATCH | US charges Chinese companies with trafficking fentanyl materials × Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and it is increasingly being combined with other illegal substances, frequently with disastrous effects. According to government estimates, the number of drug-related overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 by 2021, prompting the Biden administration to call for action. Also read | Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US The opposition has been targeting the Biden administration for not doing enough to stop the 'drug war' initiated by China. Presidential nomination seeker Nikki Haley in a recent TV interview said economic ties with China should be snapped to nip the drug crisis in the bud. "China is much more than a mere ‘competitor.’ Communist China is an enemy. We have to stop wasting time," said Haley, adding that she would put an end to China buying up US farmland. If necessary, she would also end normal economic ties with Beijing so that the flow of fentanyl across the US-Mexico border gets halted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

70 pounds of psychoactive drugs labelled as beauty products from China, bound for US seized

<p>The usually glitzy and shiny Las Vegas lit up in an unusual style on Tuesday night when a 366-foot-tall orb situated in the heart of the city, was switched on for the first time. Developed at a cost of $2 billion by Sphere Entertainment, the orb was made by using 1.2 million LEDs that were lit up simultaneously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sphere was illuminated to celebrate the Amerian day of Freedom, the Fourth of July. During the show, the 580,000 square foot fully-programmable LED exterior – the largest LED screen on earth shone in its full glory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It displayed a welcome "Hello World" message followed by fireworks and stars-and-stripes animation. As the show continued, the LED canvas showed underwater scenes as well as&nbsp;highly-detailed lunar surfaces, which instantly went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-ai-encouraged-windsor-castle-intruders-plot-was-to-kill-queen-world-news-wion-612647"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK: AI-'encouraged' Windsor Castle intruder's plot was to kill Queen | World News | WION</strong></a></p>

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<p>“The Exosphere is more than a screen or a billboard – it is living architecture, and unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world,” said&nbsp;one of the executives associated with the creative development of the sphere.</p>

<p>“Last night’s show provided a glimpse of the Exosphere’s captivating power, and the possibilities for artists, partners, and brands to create compelling and impactful stories to connect with audiences in new ways.”</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The MSG Sphere is scheduled to officially open September 29, but on the Fourth of July, Las Vegas got a preview of what this next-generation entertainment venue is capable of on its exosphere<br />
<br />
[full video, read more: <a href="https://t.co/ql9mcd0QwV">https://t.co/ql9mcd0QwV</a>]<a href="https://t.co/vhhy4ZrMYu">pic.twitter.com/vhhy4ZrMYu</a></p>
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1676898128593661952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/800-tattoos-and-counting-mother-of-two-barred-from-tattoo-shops-pubs-and-school-due-to-extreme-appearance-612676"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;800 tattoos and counting: Mother of two barred from tattoo shops, pubs, and school due to extreme appearance</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Official opening in September&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Although the sphere is yet to open officially, it will continue to light up on the outside, the sphere’s parent company, MSG Entertainment informed. Pop band U2 will kick off proceedings with the very first show at&nbsp;the venue this September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Formula 1 coming to the Las Vegas strip for the first time, the sphere is expected to be one of the biggest crowd-pullers. According to reports, during the Grand Prix in November, the Exosphere will feature race-related content, activations, and advertising.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/zuckerberg-launches-twitter-copycat-threads-app-to-outfox-elon-musk-at-microblogging-game-612460"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Zuckerberg launches Twitter copycat Threads app to outfox Elon Musk at microblogging game</strong></a></p>

<p>To develop the Exosphere, Sphere Studios partnered with&nbsp;Montreal-based SACO Technologies, to design and manufacture the unique LED display.&nbsp;7thSense, a creative software and technology company specialising in high-profile media-based attractions was roped in to deliver the Exosphere's programming.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The usually glitzy and shiny Las Vegas lit up in an unusual style on Tuesday night when a 366-foot-tall orb situated in the heart of the city, was switched on for the first time.

The usually glitzy and shiny Las Vegas lit up in an unusual style on Tuesday night when a 366-foot-tall orb situated in the heart of the city, was switched on for the first time. Developed at a cost of $2 billion by Sphere Entertainment, the orb was made by using 1.2 million LEDs that were lit up simultaneously. The sphere was illuminated to celebrate the Amerian day of Freedom, the Fourth of July. During the show, the 580,000 square foot fully-programmable LED exterior – the largest LED screen on earth shone in its full glory. It displayed a welcome "Hello World" message followed by fireworks and stars-and-stripes animation. As the show continued, the LED canvas showed underwater scenes as well as highly-detailed lunar surfaces, which instantly went viral on social media platforms. WATCH | UK: AI-'encouraged' Windsor Castle intruder's plot was to kill Queen | World News | WION × “The Exosphere is more than a screen or a billboard – it is living architecture, and unlike anything that exists anywhere in the world,” said one of the executives associated with the creative development of the sphere. “Last night’s show provided a glimpse of the Exosphere’s captivating power, and the possibilities for artists, partners, and brands to create compelling and impactful stories to connect with audiences in new ways.” The MSG Sphere is scheduled to officially open September 29, but on the Fourth of July, Las Vegas got a preview of what this next-generation entertainment venue is capable of on its exosphere [full video, read more: https://t.co/ql9mcd0QwV]pic.twitter.com/vhhy4ZrMYu — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 6, 2023 × Also read | 800 tattoos and counting: Mother of two barred from tattoo shops, pubs, and school due to extreme appearance Official opening in September Although the sphere is yet to open officially, it will continue to light up on the outside, the sphere’s parent company, MSG Entertainment informed. Pop band U2 will kick off proceedings with the very first show at the venue this September. With Formula 1 coming to the Las Vegas strip for the first time, the sphere is expected to be one of the biggest crowd-pullers. According to reports, during the Grand Prix in November, the Exosphere will feature race-related content, activations, and advertising. Also read | Zuckerberg launches Twitter copycat Threads app to outfox Elon Musk at microblogging game To develop the Exosphere, Sphere Studios partnered with Montreal-based SACO Technologies, to design and manufacture the unique LED display. 7thSense, a creative software and technology company specialising in high-profile media-based attractions was roped in to deliver the Exosphere's programming. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Giant sphere with 1.2 million LEDs lights up for first time in Las Vegas

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid0hRTwgCV0IRO" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said Washington was doing 'everything' to ensure the safety of Indians after Khalistani extremists attacked the consulate office in San Francisco over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a diplomat myself, we take any breaches seriously. People cannot be attacked or see acts of arson at places where they work. The US will do everything to protect them and their families with the help of law enforcement agencies. We will have this investigated," said Garcetti, who is currently in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I called the police chief when the attack in San Francisco took place and asked him to take immediate action. We will not leave any stone unturned to avoid future instances of violence," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, the Indian consulate was attacked on Sunday between 1:30 am to 2:30 am local time. Although the damage was limited, and no Indian personnel was injured, the incident drew widespread criticism.&nbsp;Many questioned the Biden administration for not securing an important foreign government office building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-consulate-in-san-francisco-set-on-fire-by-khalistani-extremists-611609"><strong>VIDEO: Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists</strong></a></p>

<p>The incident occurred just months after a similar attack on the consulate in March, which resulted in angry reactions from both the Indian government and the diaspora population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protesters, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, managed to breach the makeshift security barriers set up by the local police and proceeded to place two Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. The flags were promptly removed by consulate personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-committee-suggests-inclusion-of-india-into-a-5-member-grouping-597513"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US committee suggests inclusion of India into a 5-member grouping</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Democracies are difficult: Garcetti&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>During the media interaction, Garcetti also touched upon former president Barack Obama's comments that 'India could fall apart for failing to protect the minorities'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Democracies are difficult. It is not just about establishing democracy, it is also about maintaining democracy. We are here to engage with the nation, empower women and stand for LGBTQ rights," said Garcetti.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eric-garcetti-says-india-and-us-have-future-of-boundless-opportunities-609843" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Eric Garcetti says India and US have future of boundless opportunities</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, during PM Modi's state visit to the US, Obama did an interview with CNN wherein he said New Delhi risks "pulling apart" if the Muslim minority is not respected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, who I know well, part of my argument would be that if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, that there is a strong possibility at some point that India starts pulling apart," Obama said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've seen what happens when you start getting those kinds of large internal conflicts. So that would be contrary to the interests not just of Muslim India but also of Hindu India," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said Washington was doing 'everything' to ensure the safety of Indians after Khalistani extremists attacked the consulate office in San Francisco over the weekend.

US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said Washington was doing 'everything' to ensure the safety of Indians after Khalistani extremists attacked the consulate office in San Francisco over the weekend. "As a diplomat myself, we take any breaches seriously. People cannot be attacked or see acts of arson at places where they work. The US will do everything to protect them and their families with the help of law enforcement agencies. We will have this investigated," said Garcetti, who is currently in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. "I called the police chief when the attack in San Francisco took place and asked him to take immediate action. We will not leave any stone unturned to avoid future instances of violence," he added. According to media reports, the Indian consulate was attacked on Sunday between 1:30 am to 2:30 am local time. Although the damage was limited, and no Indian personnel was injured, the incident drew widespread criticism. Many questioned the Biden administration for not securing an important foreign government office building. VIDEO: Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistani extremists The incident occurred just months after a similar attack on the consulate in March, which resulted in angry reactions from both the Indian government and the diaspora population. The protesters, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, managed to breach the makeshift security barriers set up by the local police and proceeded to place two Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. The flags were promptly removed by consulate personnel. WATCH | US committee suggests inclusion of India into a 5-member grouping × Democracies are difficult: Garcetti During the media interaction, Garcetti also touched upon former president Barack Obama's comments that 'India could fall apart for failing to protect the minorities'. "Democracies are difficult. It is not just about establishing democracy, it is also about maintaining democracy. We are here to engage with the nation, empower women and stand for LGBTQ rights," said Garcetti. Also read | Eric Garcetti says India and US have future of boundless opportunities Notably, during PM Modi's state visit to the US, Obama did an interview with CNN wherein he said New Delhi risks "pulling apart" if the Muslim minority is not respected. "If I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, who I know well, part of my argument would be that if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, that there is a strong possibility at some point that India starts pulling apart," Obama said. "We've seen what happens when you start getting those kinds of large internal conflicts. So that would be contrary to the interests not just of Muslim India but also of Hindu India," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US doing 'everything' for safety of Indians after consulate attacks, says ambassador Garcetti

<p>A week after US State Department approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taiwan, China has responded saying&nbsp;it 'resolutely' opposes any US arms sales to the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United States has ignored China's core concerns, violently interfered in China's internal affairs and deliberately pushed up tensions in the Taiwan Strait," spokesperson Tan Kefei said in a statement.</p>

<p>Previously, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office urged the US to&nbsp;adhere to the one-China principle and avoid drumming up new controversies in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An increasing number of Taiwan people have come to realise that the US is turning Taiwan into a 'powder keg' and an 'ammunition depot', rather than providing protection," said Zhu.</p>

<p>"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan are spending the hard-earned money of the people to please the US, which will only push the people of Taiwan into a dangerous and volatile situation," she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-top-pentagon-official-610898"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Pentagon announces arms deals</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, the Pentagon announced that the State Department had approved two separate arms deals, valued at up to $440 million, for Taiwan.</p>

<p>Taipei had requested to purchase&nbsp;30mm ammunition, including high-explosive incendiary-tracer rounds, multi-purpose rounds and training rounds, for an estimated cost of $332.2 million, according to the White House. After the approval, Pentagon's Defence Security&nbsp;Cooperation Agency notified Congress of both of the possible sales.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry released a statement thereafter saying the sales will boost the nation's defence against&nbsp;China's "expanding threats of military and grey zone tactics", which it said has posed "severe threats" to Taiwan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-says-beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-610871"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon says Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-says-beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-610871/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<h2><strong>Trade deal between US-Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>The defence deal comes in the backdrop of the two countries signing the first deal under a new trade talks framework last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small businesses.&nbsp;The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>USA's ambivalent stance on Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>Since last year, the US has been ratcheting up the Taiwan issue aggressively. The visit by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last year and the reciprocal visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York earlier this year have antagonised Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing last month where he met with President Xi Jinping and said&nbsp;Washington did not support Taiwan's independence bid.&nbsp;During the meeting the Chinese president urged the US not to "hurt China's legitimate rights and interests", a sign towards potential flashpoints such as Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/china-taiwan-unification-xi-jinping-mark-milley-b2367710.html" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | US, China want to stabilise relationship, says Blinken after meeting Xi</strong></a></p>

<p>However, the potential sale of arms suggests that Washington is still ambivalent on the Taiwan issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A week after US State Department approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taiwan, China has responded saying it 'resolutely' opposes any US arms sales to the island nation.

A week after US State Department approved the potential sale of ammunition and logistics support to Taiwan, China has responded saying it 'resolutely' opposes any US arms sales to the island nation. "The United States has ignored China's core concerns, violently interfered in China's internal affairs and deliberately pushed up tensions in the Taiwan Strait," spokesperson Tan Kefei said in a statement. Previously, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and avoid drumming up new controversies in the region. "An increasing number of Taiwan people have come to realise that the US is turning Taiwan into a 'powder keg' and an 'ammunition depot', rather than providing protection," said Zhu. "The Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan are spending the hard-earned money of the people to please the US, which will only push the people of Taiwan into a dangerous and volatile situation," she added. Also read | Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official Pentagon announces arms deals Last week, the Pentagon announced that the State Department had approved two separate arms deals, valued at up to $440 million, for Taiwan. Taipei had requested to purchase 30mm ammunition, including high-explosive incendiary-tracer rounds, multi-purpose rounds and training rounds, for an estimated cost of $332.2 million, according to the White House. After the approval, Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of both of the possible sales. Taiwan's defence ministry released a statement thereafter saying the sales will boost the nation's defence against China's "expanding threats of military and grey zone tactics", which it said has posed "severe threats" to Taiwan. WATCH | Pentagon says Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification × Trade deal between US-Taiwan The defence deal comes in the backdrop of the two countries signing the first deal under a new trade talks framework last month. The two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small businesses. The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China. USA's ambivalent stance on Taiwan Since last year, the US has been ratcheting up the Taiwan issue aggressively. The visit by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last year and the reciprocal visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to New York earlier this year have antagonised Beijing. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing last month where he met with President Xi Jinping and said Washington did not support Taiwan's independence bid. During the meeting the Chinese president urged the US not to "hurt China's legitimate rights and interests", a sign towards potential flashpoints such as Taiwan. Also read | US, China want to stabilise relationship, says Blinken after meeting Xi However, the potential sale of arms suggests that Washington is still ambivalent on the Taiwan issue. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'United States has ignored...': Enraged China opposes Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidkv5rxaMMVUJR" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Escalating the tit-for-tat battle with China, the US is planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration's new rules, if adopted, would mean that US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The proposed restriction is seen as a means to close a significant loophole. National security analysts have warned that Chinese AI companies might have bypassed the current export controls rules by using cloud services," the publication added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, cloud computing services allow customers to gain powerful computing abilities, without purchasing advanced equipment such as semiconductors. Despite closing doors on advanced A100 and H100 chips from Nvidia, China is able to circumvent the sanctions, using the loophole.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China restricts raw materials for chip manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the proposed restrictions by Washington come on the same day as China decided to impose export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Commerce Department is expected to unveil the restrictions, as early as next week as part of semiconductor export control policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starting August 1, exports of gallium and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced on Monday, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China’s Ministry of Commerce and Administration of Customs took the decision, laying it out that the exporters will have to seek special approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, for the listed items.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why the restrictions?</strong></h2>

<p>The chip wars between the two nations began under the tenure of former president Donald Trump when his administration banned suppliers from selling chips made using US technology to tech giant Huawei without a special license.</p>

<p>For years, the US led the technology battle with China. However, the tips have recently scaled in Beijing's favour. According to a study presented by Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), the US could lose the tech competition to China if it does not take action on the 5G, AI, and microchip core fronts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The report added that the tech race would be going through its critical phase in the 2025-2030 period. During this window, Beijing might be able to edge out the USA if the current trend continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Escalating the tit-for-tat battle with China, the US is planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Escalating the tit-for-tat battle with China, the US is planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation. The Biden administration's new rules, if adopted, would mean that US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers. "The proposed restriction is seen as a means to close a significant loophole. National security analysts have warned that Chinese AI companies might have bypassed the current export controls rules by using cloud services," the publication added. Currently, cloud computing services allow customers to gain powerful computing abilities, without purchasing advanced equipment such as semiconductors. Despite closing doors on advanced A100 and H100 chips from Nvidia, China is able to circumvent the sanctions, using the loophole. China restricts raw materials for chip manufacturing Notably, the proposed restrictions by Washington come on the same day as China decided to impose export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. The Commerce Department is expected to unveil the restrictions, as early as next week as part of semiconductor export control policy. Starting August 1, exports of gallium and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced on Monday, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. China’s Ministry of Commerce and Administration of Customs took the decision, laying it out that the exporters will have to seek special approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, for the listed items. Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Why the restrictions? The chip wars between the two nations began under the tenure of former president Donald Trump when his administration banned suppliers from selling chips made using US technology to tech giant Huawei without a special license. For years, the US led the technology battle with China. However, the tips have recently scaled in Beijing's favour. According to a study presented by Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), the US could lose the tech competition to China if it does not take action on the 5G, AI, and microchip core fronts. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check The report added that the tech race would be going through its critical phase in the 2025-2030 period. During this window, Beijing might be able to edge out the USA if the current trend continues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing

<p>The chip war&nbsp;between the US and China has taken a sensational new turn after the latter imposed export controls on two rare elements essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starting August 1, exports of gallium and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced on Monday, in order to&nbsp;“safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China’s Ministry of Commerce and Administration of Customs took the decision, laying it out that the exporters will have to seek special approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, for the listed items.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both germanium and gallium are byproducts from&nbsp;processing other commodities such as coal and bauxite, the base for aluminium production. According to the US Geological Survey, China is the&nbsp;world’s biggest gallium producer and a leading global producer and exporter of germanium.</p>

<p>Although not difficult or rare to find, China provided the metals for cheap. However, the restrictions mean that prices will rise as production is drawn from elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a time when nations around the globe are working to restore supply chains, especially concerning semiconductors required in most modern technological items, the decision by the Politburo could have serious ramifications, according to experts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China doubles down</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The move comes a few weeks after China's cyberspace regulator, in a&nbsp;precedent-breaking move, banned Micron — the biggest US memory chipmaker, claiming that the&nbsp;US-based company had&nbsp;failed its network security review.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Micron became the first American&nbsp;chipmaker to be targeted by China following a series of export controls by the US on certain American components and chipmaking tools to block them from being used to advance China's military capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-bans-chipmaker-micron-says-it-failed-network-security-review-594970"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;China bans chipmaker Micron, says it failed network security review</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, the decision to impose the curbs comes a day&nbsp;after&nbsp;US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's decision to visit Beijing was made public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with [People’s Republic of China] officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern and work together to address global challenges,” the Treasury Department said on Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the restrictions?</strong></h2>

<p>The chip wars between the two nations began under the tenure of former president Donald Trump when his administration&nbsp;banned suppliers from selling chips made using US technology to tech giant Huawei without a special license.</p>

<p>For years, the US led the technology battle with China. However, the tips have recently scaled in Beijing's favour. According to a study presented by Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), the US could lose the tech competition to China if it does not take action on the 5G, AI, and microchip core fronts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The report added that the tech race would be going through its critical phase in the 2025-2030 period. During this window, Beijing might be able to edge out the USA if the current trend continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The chip war between the US and China has taken a sensational new turn after the latter imposed export controls on two rare elements essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.

The chip war between the US and China has taken a sensational new turn after the latter imposed export controls on two rare elements essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. Starting August 1, exports of gallium and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced on Monday, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. China’s Ministry of Commerce and Administration of Customs took the decision, laying it out that the exporters will have to seek special approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, for the listed items. Both germanium and gallium are byproducts from processing other commodities such as coal and bauxite, the base for aluminium production. According to the US Geological Survey, China is the world’s biggest gallium producer and a leading global producer and exporter of germanium. Although not difficult or rare to find, China provided the metals for cheap. However, the restrictions mean that prices will rise as production is drawn from elsewhere. At a time when nations around the globe are working to restore supply chains, especially concerning semiconductors required in most modern technological items, the decision by the Politburo could have serious ramifications, according to experts. China doubles down The move comes a few weeks after China's cyberspace regulator, in a precedent-breaking move, banned Micron — the biggest US memory chipmaker, claiming that the US-based company had failed its network security review. Micron became the first American chipmaker to be targeted by China following a series of export controls by the US on certain American components and chipmaking tools to block them from being used to advance China's military capabilities. Also read | China bans chipmaker Micron, says it failed network security review Moreover, the decision to impose the curbs comes a day after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's decision to visit Beijing was made public. “While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with [People’s Republic of China] officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern and work together to address global challenges,” the Treasury Department said on Sunday. Why the restrictions? The chip wars between the two nations began under the tenure of former president Donald Trump when his administration banned suppliers from selling chips made using US technology to tech giant Huawei without a special license. For years, the US led the technology battle with China. However, the tips have recently scaled in Beijing's favour. According to a study presented by Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), the US could lose the tech competition to China if it does not take action on the 5G, AI, and microchip core fronts. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check The report added that the tech race would be going through its critical phase in the 2025-2030 period. During this window, Beijing might be able to edge out the USA if the current trend continues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production

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<p>The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions," read the advisory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expanding upon the discretionary advisory, the department said it had determined the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals by the PRC government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“US citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to US consular services or information about their alleged crime...[and] subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law,” the State Department said.</p>

<p>“Security personnel could detain US citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.”</p>

<p>Apart from the mainland, American citizens were also advised to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and Macau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Relations remain frosty between the US, China</strong></h2>

<p>The release of the advisory comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping last month. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the release of the advisory comes after it was announced on Sunday that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was travelling to the mainland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. On Monday, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</strong></a></p>

<p>Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;Under the proposed new rules, US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws".

The US State Department has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to "reconsider travel" to China, if they do not want to get stuck in the Communist nation “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws". "Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions," read the advisory. Expanding upon the discretionary advisory, the department said it had determined the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals by the PRC government. “US citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to US consular services or information about their alleged crime...[and] subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law,” the State Department said. “Security personnel could detain US citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.” Apart from the mainland, American citizens were also advised to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and Macau. "Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when travelling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws." Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Relations remain frosty between the US, China The release of the advisory comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping last month. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence. Moreover, the release of the advisory comes after it was announced on Sunday that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was travelling to the mainland. The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. On Monday, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. Also read | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check Under the proposed new rules, US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US issues advisory requesting citizens to 'reconsider' China travel. Know why

<p>Starting this weekend, thousands of flights across the US were forecast to&nbsp;face disruptions due to new 5G systems near major airports. Aviation groups were&nbsp;worried that flight disruptions and possible disasters could be on the menu due to 5G signal interference with aircraft systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But on July 1, it emerged that most of the major US airlines had made the changes needed to adapt to 5G. American, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier and United said all of their planes have radio altimeters that are protected against 5G interference.</p>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had warned that potential interference could affect sensitive aeroplane instruments such as altimeters and significantly hamper low-visibility operations.</p>

<p>Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a similar warning that bumpy rides could be around the corner. He added that at least 20 per cent of the aircraft fleet in the country did not have the equipment to brave the signal interference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"More than 80 per cent of the US fleet had been retrofitted, but a significant number of planes, including many operated by foreign airlines, have not been upgraded," said&nbsp;Buttigieg.</p>

<p>"There's a real risk of delays or cancellations.&nbsp;This represents one of the biggest—probably the biggest—foreseeable problems affecting performance this summer," he told The Washington Journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-us-airlines-warn-of-a-calamity-against-5g-rollout-near-airports-445771"><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Major US airlines warn of a 'calamity' against 5G rollout near airports</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Airlines having troubles</strong></h2>

<p>Airlines earlier&nbsp;conveyed to the government that they are having trouble getting the equipment needed to retrofit planes due to supply-chain constraints, &nbsp;</p>

<p>Delta Air Lines said about 190 of its more than 900 planes had not received the new update and could face restrictions operating in bad weather but disruptions due to 5G were not specified. To avoid any untoward situation, the company said it was carefully rerouting the 190-odd planes to limit the cancellations where visibility is low because of fog or low clouds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, all of Delta's A220 fleet, most of the A319s, A320s and some of the A321s are yet to be retrofitted with modern tech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under pressure from the Biden administration, the wireless companies agreed to delay the full rollout of their new networks around major airports until July 1.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/united-states-travel-air-summer-holiday-july-1-5g-rollout-deadline-588597"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US: Airlines warn of travel disruption as 5G rollout deadline looms</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why aviation officials were&nbsp;worried?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, telecom operations such as Verizon and AT&amp;T use part of the radio spectrum called C-Band (3,700 MHz and 3,980 MHz frequencies) for their new 5G devices which is close to frequencies used by radio altimeters&nbsp;(4,200 MHz – 4,400 MHz). However, because the frequencies are incredibly close, experts as well as FAA officials argue that such interference can cause problems during flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which granted spectrum rights to telecom companies, has been at loggerheads with the FAA for a long time over the issue. Last year, after another round of bitter arguments, the rollout was postponed till 1 July&nbsp;2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing more than 100 airlines that fly in and out of the US, has said the decision not to extend the deadline makes summer disruptions more likely.</p>

<p>"Supply chain issues make it unlikely that all aircraft can be upgraded by the 1 July deadline, threatening operational disruptions during the peak northern summer travel season," the organisation said, adding that the estimated cost to upgrade planes is $638 million.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Starting this weekend, thousands of flights across the US were forecast to face disruptions due to new 5G systems near major airports. Aviation groups were worried that flight disruptions and possible disasters could be on the menu due to 5G signal interference with aircraft systems.

Starting this weekend, thousands of flights across the US were forecast to face disruptions due to new 5G systems near major airports. Aviation groups were worried that flight disruptions and possible disasters could be on the menu due to 5G signal interference with aircraft systems. But on July 1, it emerged that most of the major US airlines had made the changes needed to adapt to 5G. American, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier and United said all of their planes have radio altimeters that are protected against 5G interference. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had warned that potential interference could affect sensitive aeroplane instruments such as altimeters and significantly hamper low-visibility operations. Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a similar warning that bumpy rides could be around the corner. He added that at least 20 per cent of the aircraft fleet in the country did not have the equipment to brave the signal interference. "More than 80 per cent of the US fleet had been retrofitted, but a significant number of planes, including many operated by foreign airlines, have not been upgraded," said Buttigieg. "There's a real risk of delays or cancellations. This represents one of the biggest—probably the biggest—foreseeable problems affecting performance this summer," he told The Washington Journal. ALSO WATCH | Major US airlines warn of a 'calamity' against 5G rollout near airports × Airlines having troubles Airlines earlier conveyed to the government that they are having trouble getting the equipment needed to retrofit planes due to supply-chain constraints, Delta Air Lines said about 190 of its more than 900 planes had not received the new update and could face restrictions operating in bad weather but disruptions due to 5G were not specified. To avoid any untoward situation, the company said it was carefully rerouting the 190-odd planes to limit the cancellations where visibility is low because of fog or low clouds. According to reports, all of Delta's A220 fleet, most of the A319s, A320s and some of the A321s are yet to be retrofitted with modern tech. Under pressure from the Biden administration, the wireless companies agreed to delay the full rollout of their new networks around major airports until July 1. Also read | US: Airlines warn of travel disruption as 5G rollout deadline looms Why aviation officials were worried? Notably, telecom operations such as Verizon and AT&T use part of the radio spectrum called C-Band (3,700 MHz and 3,980 MHz frequencies) for their new 5G devices which is close to frequencies used by radio altimeters (4,200 MHz – 4,400 MHz). However, because the frequencies are incredibly close, experts as well as FAA officials argue that such interference can cause problems during flights. Notably, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which granted spectrum rights to telecom companies, has been at loggerheads with the FAA for a long time over the issue. Last year, after another round of bitter arguments, the rollout was postponed till 1 July 2023. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing more than 100 airlines that fly in and out of the US, has said the decision not to extend the deadline makes summer disruptions more likely. "Supply chain issues make it unlikely that all aircraft can be upgraded by the 1 July deadline, threatening operational disruptions during the peak northern summer travel season," the organisation said, adding that the estimated cost to upgrade planes is $638 million. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Major fight disruptions avoided despite deployment of new 5G technology

<p>The US is all set to rejoin the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after a decade-old dispute stemming from the inclusion of Palestine as a member. The US, along with Israel, boycotted UNESCO in 2011 after it voted to make Palestine a member. Then, in 2017, the former administration of Donald Trump withdrew from the agency altogether citing its alleged anti-Israel bias.</p>

<p>193 members of UNESCO will gather on Thursday in Paris to vote on USA’s return. The process largely seems a formality as no member has raised an objection, given the US has been the largest donor of the organisation for years. Until 2017, funds from Washington DC accounted for 22 per cent of the agency’s total annual budget.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has already requested Congress to earmark $150 million for the 2024 annual budget of the UN agency. The plan foresees similar requests for the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million is paid off.</p>

<h2><strong>The threat of China</strong></h2>

<p>The US over the past few years has grown concerned over the rising role of China at the agency, which might put it at the driving seat in policymaking over important global issues such as artificial intelligence and education. “When we’re not at the table shaping that conversation and so actually helping to shape those norms and standards, well, someone else is. And that someone else is probably China,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last April.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;SISI's construction plan: UNESCO World Heritage site Cario under threat</strong></p>

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<p>The US also aims to run for a seat on the body’s executive board in the upcoming November elections.</p>

<h2><strong>UNESCO’s anti-Israel ‘bias’</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has made consistent allegations against the United Nations, claiming that the organisation harbours a bias against Israel. One significant point of contention arose in 2012 when the UN General Assembly recognised the state of Palestine as a non-member observer state, despite objections from Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This decision was met with particular anger from Israel, as it included the recognition of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, located in the West Bank, as a Palestinian world heritage site in need of protection. The Tomb of the Patriarchs holds great significance as the reputed burial place of the Jewish patriarchs and matriarchs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-italian-cuisine-to-get-unesco-world-heritage-tag-by-december-2025-589227"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Italian cuisine to get UNESCO world heritage tag by December 2025</strong></a></p>

<p>The Palestinians assert their claim to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip—territories that Israel captured during the 1967 Middle East war—as the basis for establishing an independent state. Israel, however, stresses that the Palestinians' pursuit of recognition at the UN serves as a means to bypass negotiations and exert pressure on Israel to make concessions.</p>

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The US is all set to rejoin the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after a decade-old dispute stemming from the inclusion of Palestine as a member.

The US is all set to rejoin the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after a decade-old dispute stemming from the inclusion of Palestine as a member. The US, along with Israel, boycotted UNESCO in 2011 after it voted to make Palestine a member. Then, in 2017, the former administration of Donald Trump withdrew from the agency altogether citing its alleged anti-Israel bias. 193 members of UNESCO will gather on Thursday in Paris to vote on USA’s return. The process largely seems a formality as no member has raised an objection, given the US has been the largest donor of the organisation for years. Until 2017, funds from Washington DC accounted for 22 per cent of the agency’s total annual budget. The Biden administration has already requested Congress to earmark $150 million for the 2024 annual budget of the UN agency. The plan foresees similar requests for the ensuing years until the full debt of $619 million is paid off. The threat of China The US over the past few years has grown concerned over the rising role of China at the agency, which might put it at the driving seat in policymaking over important global issues such as artificial intelligence and education. “When we’re not at the table shaping that conversation and so actually helping to shape those norms and standards, well, someone else is. And that someone else is probably China,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last April. Watch: SISI's construction plan: UNESCO World Heritage site Cario under threat × The US also aims to run for a seat on the body’s executive board in the upcoming November elections. UNESCO’s anti-Israel ‘bias’ Israel has made consistent allegations against the United Nations, claiming that the organisation harbours a bias against Israel. One significant point of contention arose in 2012 when the UN General Assembly recognised the state of Palestine as a non-member observer state, despite objections from Israel. This decision was met with particular anger from Israel, as it included the recognition of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, located in the West Bank, as a Palestinian world heritage site in need of protection. The Tomb of the Patriarchs holds great significance as the reputed burial place of the Jewish patriarchs and matriarchs. Also read: Italian cuisine to get UNESCO world heritage tag by December 2025 The Palestinians assert their claim to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip—territories that Israel captured during the 1967 Middle East war—as the basis for establishing an independent state. Israel, however, stresses that the Palestinians' pursuit of recognition at the UN serves as a means to bypass negotiations and exert pressure on Israel to make concessions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US all set to rejoin UNESCO six years after Trump withdrew from it

<p>The US Supreme Court on Thursday, in a monumental decision, struck down affirmative action that took race/ethnicity into consideration before granting students admission to premier educational institutions. The decision left the bench divided with&nbsp;two ideologically opposed Black justices taking swipe at each other,&nbsp;in unusually sharp language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Clarence Thomas tore into the arguments posited by liberal&nbsp;Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to join the court, who penned her own fiery dissent in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">“As she sees things, we are all inexorably trapped in a fundamentally racist society, with the original sin of slavery and the historical subjugation of Black Americans still determining our lives today,” wrote Thomas.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">“Worse still, Justice Jackson uses her broad observations about statistical relationships between race and select measures of health, wealth, and well-being to label all blacks as victims,” he wrote, before adding, “Her desire to do so is unfathomable to me.”</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">Justice Thomas did not appreciate Justice Jackson's continued assessment that Black people were the victims.&nbsp;Justice Jackson’s viewpoint, he said, would keep Black people locked into “a seemingly perpetual inferior caste.”&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">“Even in the segregated South where I grew up, individuals were not the sum of their skin color," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-era-in-the-us-education-system-top-court-bans-affirmative-action-610263"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;New era in the US education system: Top court bans affirmative action</strong></a></p>

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<p>In response, Justice Jackson denounced the remarks of her colleague as a “prolonged attack”, full of strawmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">“Justice Thomas ignites too many more straw men to list, or fully extinguish, here. The takeaway is that those who demand that no one think about race (a classic pink-elephant paradox) refuse to see, much less solve for, the elephant in the room – the race-linked disparities that continue to impede achievement of our great Nation’s full potential," she wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">"Justice Thomas is somehow persuaded that these realities have no bearing on a fair assessment of ‘individual achievement'," she continued the criticism,</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-verdict-on-race-quotas-in-education-raises-serious-questions-on-affirmative-action-610444"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US verdict on race quotas in education raises serious questions on affirmative action</strong></a></p>

<h2 data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_D39C54D4-EAC6-6038-2195-081245BAFFE5@published">What happens after the ruling?</h2>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_8A95DABA-4B34-1123-79E8-07C0698906A6@published">After the court ruling, colleges and universities across the US may have to alter their admission process. Apart from making the uptake process 'merit-based', the institutions will have to find new ways to ensure diversity on the campus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President has expressed his displeasure at the decision to end affirmative action. &nbsp;He said USA's powerful top court was no longer in step with American norms.</p>

<p>"The court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions and I strongly, strongly disagree with the court's decision," he said in remarks broadcast live.</p>

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The US Supreme Court on Thursday, in a monumental decision, struck down affirmative action that took race/ethnicity into consideration before granting students admission to premier educational institutions.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday, in a monumental decision, struck down affirmative action that took race/ethnicity into consideration before granting students admission to premier educational institutions. The decision left the bench divided with two ideologically opposed Black justices taking swipe at each other, in unusually sharp language. Justice Clarence Thomas tore into the arguments posited by liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to join the court, who penned her own fiery dissent in the case. “As she sees things, we are all inexorably trapped in a fundamentally racist society, with the original sin of slavery and the historical subjugation of Black Americans still determining our lives today,” wrote Thomas. “Worse still, Justice Jackson uses her broad observations about statistical relationships between race and select measures of health, wealth, and well-being to label all blacks as victims,” he wrote, before adding, “Her desire to do so is unfathomable to me.” Justice Thomas did not appreciate Justice Jackson's continued assessment that Black people were the victims. Justice Jackson’s viewpoint, he said, would keep Black people locked into “a seemingly perpetual inferior caste.” “Even in the segregated South where I grew up, individuals were not the sum of their skin color," he added. WATCH | New era in the US education system: Top court bans affirmative action × In response, Justice Jackson denounced the remarks of her colleague as a “prolonged attack”, full of strawmen. “Justice Thomas ignites too many more straw men to list, or fully extinguish, here. The takeaway is that those who demand that no one think about race (a classic pink-elephant paradox) refuse to see, much less solve for, the elephant in the room – the race-linked disparities that continue to impede achievement of our great Nation’s full potential," she wrote. "Justice Thomas is somehow persuaded that these realities have no bearing on a fair assessment of ‘individual achievement'," she continued the criticism, Also read | US verdict on race quotas in education raises serious questions on affirmative action What happens after the ruling? After the court ruling, colleges and universities across the US may have to alter their admission process. Apart from making the uptake process 'merit-based', the institutions will have to find new ways to ensure diversity on the campus. US President has expressed his displeasure at the decision to end affirmative action. He said USA's powerful top court was no longer in step with American norms. "The court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions and I strongly, strongly disagree with the court's decision," he said in remarks broadcast live. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Black justices take swipe at each other in affirmative action case

<p>Shocking video footage has emerged showing a child rapist, with his pants down, with six children in his car after being pulled over for drunk driving. The incident transpired last year in the US city of&nbsp;Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico but the footage has emerged only recently.</p>

<p>In the video clip, a New Mexico state police officer can be seen approaching 42-year-old Jeremy Guthrie after he was found dangerously driving in and out of the lanes of&nbsp;Albuquerque. However, what should have been a routine DUI arrest, soon took a dark turn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pulled over around 1 am by the officer, a slurry&nbsp;Guthrie is seen claiming that six children in his vehicle are his friends. After being asked to pull over, Guthrie says, "Sorry, just a little bit nervous."</p>

<p>"So was I, with the way you're driving," says the cop, before noticing the vehicle is packed with children. "Who are these kids to you?" the officer asks.</p>

<p>"This is my friend," Guthrie says about the girl sitting in the passenger seat. When the paedophile claims the child is 18, the police officer hits back saying the girl is not 18, "trust me, she don't look 18", before asking him to exit the vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once out,&nbsp;Guthrie continues to deny that he has had anything to drink and sticks with the ''these are my friends" version when further questioned.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A minor attracted pedophile Jeremy Guthrie, 42, arrested for drunk driving with 6 counts of child abuse after found with 6 children and pants unbuttoned,<br />
<br />
Following the arrest pedophile was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl and sister for more than a year getting 1 pregnant. <a href="https://t.co/Wsahk2DCSo">pic.twitter.com/Wsahk2DCSo</a></p>
— 🇺🇸RealRobert🇺🇸 (@Real_RobN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Real_RobN/status/1674094588951404544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-to-ban-kids-from-social-media-platforms-586781"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US to ban kids from social media platforms?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Raping a teen for over a year</strong></h2>

<p>Following the arrest, more skeletons tumbled out of&nbsp;Guthrie's closet. Later in the day, a woman called the police and informed them that Guthrie had been raping her granddaughter. Subsequently, he was charged with raping a&nbsp;13-year-old girl and her twin sister for more than a year - and getting one of them pregnant.</p>

<p>“It makes me sick. I’m livid at what he did to my granddaughters. And he’s just a very, very sick person,” said the grandmother.</p>

<p>According to Albuquerque Journal, the predator picked his targets using Snapchat and other social media platforms where teenagers are frequently active. One of the twins informed the police that&nbsp;Guthrie&nbsp;had numerous guns and used&nbsp;methamphetamine and cocaine when the girls were in his company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-admits-reddit-blackout-affected-search-experience-as-users-were-unhappy-609981"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Google admits Reddit blackout affected search experience as users were 'unhappy'</strong></a></p>

<p>Even after being arrested,&nbsp;Guthrie did not let go of his perverse tendencies and texted the minors. The Instagram messages showed&nbsp;Guthrie&nbsp;asking for money. When quizzed about how he was able to text from prison, he claimed to be using a guard's phone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was over where one of my granddaughters was and she told my other granddaughter that he had contacted her,” said the grandmother.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Shocking video footage has emerged showing a child rapist, with his pants down, with six children in his car after being pulled over for drunk driving. The incident transpired last year in the US city of Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico but the footage has emerged only recently.

Shocking video footage has emerged showing a child rapist, with his pants down, with six children in his car after being pulled over for drunk driving. The incident transpired last year in the US city of Albuquerque in the state of New Mexico but the footage has emerged only recently. In the video clip, a New Mexico state police officer can be seen approaching 42-year-old Jeremy Guthrie after he was found dangerously driving in and out of the lanes of Albuquerque. However, what should have been a routine DUI arrest, soon took a dark turn. Pulled over around 1 am by the officer, a slurry Guthrie is seen claiming that six children in his vehicle are his friends. After being asked to pull over, Guthrie says, "Sorry, just a little bit nervous." "So was I, with the way you're driving," says the cop, before noticing the vehicle is packed with children. "Who are these kids to you?" the officer asks. "This is my friend," Guthrie says about the girl sitting in the passenger seat. When the paedophile claims the child is 18, the police officer hits back saying the girl is not 18, "trust me, she don't look 18", before asking him to exit the vehicle. Once out, Guthrie continues to deny that he has had anything to drink and sticks with the ''these are my friends" version when further questioned. A minor attracted pedophile Jeremy Guthrie, 42, arrested for drunk driving with 6 counts of child abuse after found with 6 children and pants unbuttoned, Following the arrest pedophile was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl and sister for more than a year getting 1 pregnant. pic.twitter.com/Wsahk2DCSo — 🇺🇸RealRobert🇺🇸 (@Real_RobN) June 28, 2023 × WATCH | Gravitas: US to ban kids from social media platforms? × Raping a teen for over a year Following the arrest, more skeletons tumbled out of Guthrie's closet. Later in the day, a woman called the police and informed them that Guthrie had been raping her granddaughter. Subsequently, he was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl and her twin sister for more than a year - and getting one of them pregnant. “It makes me sick. I’m livid at what he did to my granddaughters. And he’s just a very, very sick person,” said the grandmother. According to Albuquerque Journal, the predator picked his targets using Snapchat and other social media platforms where teenagers are frequently active. One of the twins informed the police that Guthrie had numerous guns and used methamphetamine and cocaine when the girls were in his company. Also read | Google admits Reddit blackout affected search experience as users were 'unhappy' Even after being arrested, Guthrie did not let go of his perverse tendencies and texted the minors. The Instagram messages showed Guthrie asking for money. When quizzed about how he was able to text from prison, he claimed to be using a guard's phone. “I was over where one of my granddaughters was and she told my other granddaughter that he had contacted her,” said the grandmother. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Shocking moment drunk paedophile is caught with pants unzipped and 6 children in car

<p>Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US&nbsp;rivals a will to protect US&nbsp;interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.</p>

<p>The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll.</p>

<p>Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine,&nbsp;according to the latest poll.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead</strong></p>

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<p>The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago.</p>

<p>"This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace.</p>

<p>"The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US&nbsp;military support for Ukraine.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022.</p>

<p>The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction.</p>

<p>The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves."</p>

<p>In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance.</p>

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Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.

Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll. Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine, according to the latest poll. Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead × The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine. Also Read | Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago. "This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace. "The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US military support for Ukraine. The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022. The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction. The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves." In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Most Americans support US arming Ukraine -Reuters/Ipsos

<p>A woman aboard one of Royal Caribbean cruise ships had a lucky escape after she fell down the 10th deck of the ship and into the water, roughly&nbsp;27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 42-year-old unnamed passenger, a US resident, plunged into the water but managed to survive, following a dramatic hour-long rescue operation where the cruise ship 'Mariner of the Seas' rescue crew quickly jumped into service.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew quickly dispatched a small rescue boat and managed to locate the woman in the vast ocean and safely brought her back on board. The entire incident was caught on camera by the passengers who cheered the woman and the safety crew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, after the woman fell into the water, passengers used binoculars to help the ship's crew locate the woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After we saw the life rafts or the life preservers and the smoke – I was like, someone just died," said Matthew Kuhn who was on the cruise with his family. and posted the live updates on Twitter</p>

<p>"I think it was amazing to see everyone was on their balcony. Everyone was trying to help, and the crew was very receptive to everyone."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They found her. Can’t believe and she is alive and well. People were out spotting and yelling that they saw her. Crew was on the spot in minutes <a href="https://t.co/zRqqTL3rwc">pic.twitter.com/zRqqTL3rwc</a></p>
— Matt Kuhn (@matthew_kuhn) <a href="https://twitter.com/matthew_kuhn/status/1673091747960741889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Fortunately, the woman was unscathed as well and required no medical attention. Although, she was later brought to the hospital for a routine evaluation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/20-ukrainians-find-safe-refuge-in-an-indian-cruise-ship-460313"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;20 Ukrainians find safe refuge in an Indian cruise ship</strong></a></p>

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<p>The US Coast Guard confirmed the woman was safe and presented a brief of the entire incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a report from the Cruise Ship Mariner of the Seas at approximately 5:44 pm Sunday that the ship’s crew had rescued a female passenger, 42, US citizen, who had gone overboard," read the&nbsp;statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The cruise ship was transiting approximately 27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic when the incident occurred and was en route to Willemstad, Curaçao."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/smoking-guests-on-cruise-ships-could-be-confined-to-cabins-566749"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Smoking guests on cruise ships could be 'confined to cabins'</strong></a></p>

<h2><b>Situation could have turned pear-shaped</b></h2>

<p>While the woman was lucky to be alive, Cameron Robins, an 18-year-old boy from Louisiana did not have the same fate. Last month, the Robins jumped off a cruise ship on a dare during a high school graduation trip to the Bahamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was&nbsp;celebrating with students from University High Lab School in Baton Rouge when he fell from the Blackbeard’s Revenge sunset cruise at about 11.30 pm. After two days of intense search-and-rescue operations, the US Coast Guard ultimately suspended the search for the teenager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A chilling video footage of the incident went viral where Robins can be seen splashing down before mysteriously disappearing moments later. Some netizens speculated that he may have been eaten by the sharks while others said he drowned in the strong current of the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A woman aboard one of Royal Caribbean cruise ships had a lucky escape after she fell down the 10th deck of the ship and into the water, roughly 27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday.

A woman aboard one of Royal Caribbean cruise ships had a lucky escape after she fell down the 10th deck of the ship and into the water, roughly 27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday. The 42-year-old unnamed passenger, a US resident, plunged into the water but managed to survive, following a dramatic hour-long rescue operation where the cruise ship 'Mariner of the Seas' rescue crew quickly jumped into service. The crew quickly dispatched a small rescue boat and managed to locate the woman in the vast ocean and safely brought her back on board. The entire incident was caught on camera by the passengers who cheered the woman and the safety crew. According to reports, after the woman fell into the water, passengers used binoculars to help the ship's crew locate the woman. "After we saw the life rafts or the life preservers and the smoke – I was like, someone just died," said Matthew Kuhn who was on the cruise with his family. and posted the live updates on Twitter "I think it was amazing to see everyone was on their balcony. Everyone was trying to help, and the crew was very receptive to everyone." They found her. Can’t believe and she is alive and well. People were out spotting and yelling that they saw her. Crew was on the spot in minutes pic.twitter.com/zRqqTL3rwc — Matt Kuhn (@matthew_kuhn) June 25, 2023 × Fortunately, the woman was unscathed as well and required no medical attention. Although, she was later brought to the hospital for a routine evaluation. WATCH | 20 Ukrainians find safe refuge in an Indian cruise ship × The US Coast Guard confirmed the woman was safe and presented a brief of the entire incident. "Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a report from the Cruise Ship Mariner of the Seas at approximately 5:44 pm Sunday that the ship’s crew had rescued a female passenger, 42, US citizen, who had gone overboard," read the statement. "The cruise ship was transiting approximately 27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic when the incident occurred and was en route to Willemstad, Curaçao." Also read | Smoking guests on cruise ships could be 'confined to cabins' Situation could have turned pear-shaped While the woman was lucky to be alive, Cameron Robins, an 18-year-old boy from Louisiana did not have the same fate. Last month, the Robins jumped off a cruise ship on a dare during a high school graduation trip to the Bahamas. He was celebrating with students from University High Lab School in Baton Rouge when he fell from the Blackbeard’s Revenge sunset cruise at about 11.30 pm. After two days of intense search-and-rescue operations, the US Coast Guard ultimately suspended the search for the teenager. A chilling video footage of the incident went viral where Robins can be seen splashing down before mysteriously disappearing moments later. Some netizens speculated that he may have been eaten by the sharks while others said he drowned in the strong current of the water. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US woman passenger falls overboard from 10th deck of cruise ship

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<p>A Florida couple that sued Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, the company that operated the fateful Titan submersible, has announced they are dropping the lawsuit. Rush was among the five men who died aboard Titan after the vehicle imploded catastrophically&nbsp;due to immense pressure deep underwater.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marc and Sharon Hagle sued Rush in 2018 after he refused to refund them over $210,000. According to the court documents, the couple had spent the said money on the expedition, supposed to happen in June 2018, to view the Titanic wreckage. However, after last week's tragedy, the couple took the humanitarian route.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Like most around the world, we have watched the coverage of the OceanGate Titan capsule with great concern and an enormous amount of sadness and compassion for the families of those who lost their lives. We honour their zest for life, as well as their commitment to the exploration of our oceans," the couple said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As has been reported, we have been involved in a legal dispute with Stockton Rush, CEO/Founder of OceanGate. In light of these tragic events, we have informed our attorneys to withdraw all legal actions against Stockton,” they said, adding that "honour, respect and dignity" were far more important than money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hagle's were one of the early adopters of the technology. They paid a $20,000 deposit to participate in the expedition dive when the sub was named 'Cyclops 2'. However, the dive never took place. In 2018, the couple received new contracts requiring them to pay the full amount for the expedition, totalling nearly $200,000. It was during this time that the expedition's name was changed to "Titan".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-pour-in-for-men-killed-in-catastrophic-implosion-of-titan-submersible-607753" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Tributes pour in for men killed in ‘catastrophic implosion’ of Titan submersible</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What next for OceanGate?</strong></h2>

<p>While the Hagles&nbsp;have withdrawn the lawsuit, the troubles seemingly do not end for OceanGate. It is unclear what remains of the company in the absence of its CEO. According to reports, OceanGate has closed its headquarters in Everett, Washington State. The leasing agent informed the media that the company was closing indefinitely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are trying to ascertain if the case warrants a criminal investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Such an investigation will proceed only if our examination of the circumstances indicate criminal, federal or provincial laws may possibly have been broken,” said Superintendent Kent Osmond, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/titan-submersible-found-in-pieces-after-imploding-in-north-atlantic-607683"><b>WATCH |&nbsp;Titan Submersible found in pieces after imploding in North Atlantic</b></a></p>

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<p>Apart from Stockton,&nbsp;British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman were killed in the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Florida couple that sued Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, the company that operated the fateful Titan submersible, has announced they are dropping the lawsuit.

A Florida couple that sued Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, the company that operated the fateful Titan submersible, has announced they are dropping the lawsuit. Rush was among the five men who died aboard Titan after the vehicle imploded catastrophically due to immense pressure deep underwater. Marc and Sharon Hagle sued Rush in 2018 after he refused to refund them over $210,000. According to the court documents, the couple had spent the said money on the expedition, supposed to happen in June 2018, to view the Titanic wreckage. However, after last week's tragedy, the couple took the humanitarian route. “Like most around the world, we have watched the coverage of the OceanGate Titan capsule with great concern and an enormous amount of sadness and compassion for the families of those who lost their lives. We honour their zest for life, as well as their commitment to the exploration of our oceans," the couple said in a statement. "As has been reported, we have been involved in a legal dispute with Stockton Rush, CEO/Founder of OceanGate. In light of these tragic events, we have informed our attorneys to withdraw all legal actions against Stockton,” they said, adding that "honour, respect and dignity" were far more important than money. Hagle's were one of the early adopters of the technology. They paid a $20,000 deposit to participate in the expedition dive when the sub was named 'Cyclops 2'. However, the dive never took place. In 2018, the couple received new contracts requiring them to pay the full amount for the expedition, totalling nearly $200,000. It was during this time that the expedition's name was changed to "Titan". Also read | Tributes pour in for men killed in ‘catastrophic implosion’ of Titan submersible What next for OceanGate? While the Hagles have withdrawn the lawsuit, the troubles seemingly do not end for OceanGate. It is unclear what remains of the company in the absence of its CEO. According to reports, OceanGate has closed its headquarters in Everett, Washington State. The leasing agent informed the media that the company was closing indefinitely. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities are trying to ascertain if the case warrants a criminal investigation. “Such an investigation will proceed only if our examination of the circumstances indicate criminal, federal or provincial laws may possibly have been broken,” said Superintendent Kent Osmond, Royal Canadian Mounted Police. WATCH | Titan Submersible found in pieces after imploding in North Atlantic × Apart from Stockton, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman were killed in the accident. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'In light of...': Florida couple drops lawsuit against Titan sub owner after 'catastrophic implosion'

If everything goes as per the White House's plan, over 300 million people in the US Will be able to enjoy universal internet facilities by 2030.

Big US Push for universal internet

<p>Sales of new U.S. single-family homes surged to the highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in May, benefiting from a dearth of previously owned homes available for sale.<br />
New home sales jumped 12.2 per cent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 763,000 units last month, the highest level since February 2022, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>April's sales pace was revised down to 680,000 units from<br />
the previously reported 683,000. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new home sales, which account for a small share of U.S. home sales, slipping to a rate of 675,000 units.</p>

<p>Sales shot up 20 per cent on a year-on-year basis in May. New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading indicator of the housing market. They, however, can be volatile on a month-to-month basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The housing market has likely found a floor and could be even improving. Data last week showed homebuilder confidence rising into positive territory in June for the first time in 11 months. Housing starts surged in May as supply remains tight, while home resales edged up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Economists say the signs of revival in the housing market suggested the Federal Reserve would need to keep raising interest rates. The housing market has been the biggest causality of the US central bank's fastest rate hiking cycle since the 1980s. The Fed, which has raised its policy rate by 500 basis points since March 2022, has signalled two more rate increases this year to cool demand in the overall economy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/is-trouble-brewing-in-the-us-housing-markets-565042"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Is trouble brewing in the US housing markets?</strong></a></p>

<p>The increase in sales last month was despite mortgage rates resuming their upward trend. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage was higher in May relative to April, rising to 6.57 per cent by the last week of the month, according to data from mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac. New home sales posted double-digit growth in the Northeast, South and West. They rose 4.1 per cent in the Midwest.</p>

<p>The median new house price in May was $416,300, a 7.6 per cent drop from a year ago. There were 428,000 new homes on the market at the end of last month, down from 432,000 in April. At May's sales pace, it would take 6.7 months to clear the supply of houses on the market, down from 7.6 months in April.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Sales of new U.S. single-family homes surged to the highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in May, benefiting from a dearth of previously owned homes available for sale.

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes surged to the highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in May, benefiting from a dearth of previously owned homes available for sale. New home sales jumped 12.2 per cent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 763,000 units last month, the highest level since February 2022, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. April's sales pace was revised down to 680,000 units from the previously reported 683,000. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new home sales, which account for a small share of U.S. home sales, slipping to a rate of 675,000 units. Sales shot up 20 per cent on a year-on-year basis in May. New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading indicator of the housing market. They, however, can be volatile on a month-to-month basis. The housing market has likely found a floor and could be even improving. Data last week showed homebuilder confidence rising into positive territory in June for the first time in 11 months. Housing starts surged in May as supply remains tight, while home resales edged up. Economists say the signs of revival in the housing market suggested the Federal Reserve would need to keep raising interest rates. The housing market has been the biggest causality of the US central bank's fastest rate hiking cycle since the 1980s. The Fed, which has raised its policy rate by 500 basis points since March 2022, has signalled two more rate increases this year to cool demand in the overall economy. Also read | Is trouble brewing in the US housing markets? The increase in sales last month was despite mortgage rates resuming their upward trend. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage was higher in May relative to April, rising to 6.57 per cent by the last week of the month, according to data from mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac. New home sales posted double-digit growth in the Northeast, South and West. They rose 4.1 per cent in the Midwest. The median new house price in May was $416,300, a 7.6 per cent drop from a year ago. There were 428,000 new homes on the market at the end of last month, down from 432,000 in April. At May's sales pace, it would take 6.7 months to clear the supply of houses on the market, down from 7.6 months in April. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US new home sales jump in May; median house price falls

US President Joe Biden raises a toast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the State dinner hosted at the White House in his honour. "I want to thank US President Joe Biden for this wonderful dinner today. I would also like to thank First Lady Jill Biden for taking care of my visit to make it successful. Yesterday evening you opened the doors of your house for me," said PM Modi during the official State Dinner at The White House.

PM Modi's US Visit : Indian PM thanks Biden and First Lady for hosting State Dinner at White House

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<p>US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden will formally plead guilty to tax and gun charges during a July 26 court hearing in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US District Judge Maryellen Noreika will oversee the case and will hold a “combined initial appearance and plea hearing” at 10 am on Wednesday, July 26. Despite Noreika being a nominee of former President Donald Trump, it is highly unlikely that Hunter will get a jail term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to most estimates, the president's son is expected to be sentenced to probation, leading to allegations of double standards and favourable treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hunter Biden to plead guilty: What are the charges? </strong></h2>

<p>Hunter has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges. He did not file his tax returns on time, for the years 2017 and 2018, on earnings of more than $1.5 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hunter-biden-to-plead-guilty-to-tax-crimes-607090"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hunter Biden to plead guilty to tax crimes</strong></a></p>

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<p>In both years, he owed more than $100,000 in taxes on those earnings, as per news agency AFP. Each count brings up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 or double.</p>

<p>As for a separate gun charge, Hunter was found in possession of a firearm which he purchases in 2018. He lied about his drug use on a federal gun-purchase form. The gun charge will be expunged after two years of probation, according to the deal cut between the prosecutor and defendant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life," said Christopher Clark, Hunter Biden's lawyer. "He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward."</p>

<h2><strong>White House statement on Hunter Biden</strong></h2>

<p>After it was announced Hunter was pleading guilty, the White House, the POTUS and the First Lady released a statement saying they love and support their son and will have no further comment over this.</p>

<p>"The President and First Lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life. We will have no further comment," the White House said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-bidens-son-hunter-agrees-to-plead-guilty-to-tax-offenses-606568" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | US President Joe Biden's son Hunter agrees to plead guilty to tax offenses</strong></a></p>

<p>Hunter Biden’s business dealings and consultancies in Ukraine and China have been the subject of scrutiny for a long time, besides inviting questions about the ethics of his connections to foreign businesses, given his father’s political influence.</p>

<p>Trump was impeached by the US House of Representatives in 2019 for trying to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into digging up what he alleged was compromising information on Hunter Biden.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden will formally plead guilty to tax and gun charges during a July 26 court hearing in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. US District Judge Maryellen Noreika will oversee the case and will hold a “combined initial appearance and plea hearing” at 10 am on Wednesday, July 26.

US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden will formally plead guilty to tax and gun charges during a July 26 court hearing in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. US District Judge Maryellen Noreika will oversee the case and will hold a “combined initial appearance and plea hearing” at 10 am on Wednesday, July 26. Despite Noreika being a nominee of former President Donald Trump, it is highly unlikely that Hunter will get a jail term. According to most estimates, the president's son is expected to be sentenced to probation, leading to allegations of double standards and favourable treatment. Hunter Biden to plead guilty: What are the charges? Hunter has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges. He did not file his tax returns on time, for the years 2017 and 2018, on earnings of more than $1.5 million. WATCH | Gravitas: Hunter Biden to plead guilty to tax crimes × In both years, he owed more than $100,000 in taxes on those earnings, as per news agency AFP. Each count brings up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 or double. As for a separate gun charge, Hunter was found in possession of a firearm which he purchases in 2018. He lied about his drug use on a federal gun-purchase form. The gun charge will be expunged after two years of probation, according to the deal cut between the prosecutor and defendant. "I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life," said Christopher Clark, Hunter Biden's lawyer. "He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward." White House statement on Hunter Biden After it was announced Hunter was pleading guilty, the White House, the POTUS and the First Lady released a statement saying they love and support their son and will have no further comment over this. "The President and First Lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life. We will have no further comment," the White House said in a statement. Also read | US President Joe Biden's son Hunter agrees to plead guilty to tax offenses Hunter Biden’s business dealings and consultancies in Ukraine and China have been the subject of scrutiny for a long time, besides inviting questions about the ethics of his connections to foreign businesses, given his father’s political influence. Trump was impeached by the US House of Representatives in 2019 for trying to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into digging up what he alleged was compromising information on Hunter Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hunter Biden to make court apperance on July 26 to plead guilty on misdemeanor charges

China has once again slammed the US. Remarks come amid Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark state visit to the United States. China has attacked the US for "pushing India & ramping up its efforts to harass China's economic progress". China's top diplomat, Wang Yi pointed out that the US’ geopolitical calculations are 'doomed to fail'. Through an opinion piece in Global Times, Wang Yi expressed his views over PM Modi's state visit to the US.

China asks India to abandon joining the US' selfish game amid PM Modi's first state visit to the US

U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes and to enter into an agreement that could avert a conviction on a gun-related charge, according to a court filing on Tuesday.

Hunter Biden to plead guilty to tax crimes, reaches deal on gun charge

<p>Twitter boss Elon Musk after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the&nbsp;New York Palace Hotel in New York City on Tuesday commented on the recent statements made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey. Twitter founder and&nbsp;former CEO Dorsey had recently claimed that the social media platform received threats of being booted out of India&nbsp;after not accepting the request to block certain accounts at the peak of the farmers' protest by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Twitter doesn't have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don't obey local government laws then we will get shut down," Musk told the reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The best we can do is to follow the laws in any given country," the billionaire said, adding that it is impossible for "us to do more than that".<br />
<br />
"We will do the best to revive the freest speech possible under the law," he concluded.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-i-am-a-fan-of-modi-says-elon-musk-after-meeting-pm-in-new-york-606705"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi’s US visit: ‘I am a fan of Modi’, says Elon Musk after meeting PM in New York</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did Dorsey say?</strong></h2>

<p>“India for example, India is one of the countries which had many requests around farmers protests, around particular journalists which were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as ‘we will shut Twitter down in India’… ‘we would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; ‘we will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit’. And this is India, a democratic country," said Dorsey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dorsey, who left Twitter last year after&nbsp;Musk took over the company, added that Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan behaved in a similar way to India. Ankara reportedly threatened to shut down Twitter and later got embroiled in a legal battle with the microblogging platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Turkey is very similar (to India), like we had so many requests from Turkey. We fought Turkey in their courts and often won, but they threatened to shut us down constantly,”&nbsp;said Dorsey.</p>

<p>He added that Twitter could not put its employees on the ground in Nigeria, out of fear what the government might do to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-govt-calls-dorseys-claims-about-farmers-protests-outright-lies-603694"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian govt calls Dorsey's claims about 'pressure' during farmers' protest 'outright lies'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>How did India respond?</strong></h2>

<p>Union Minister of State for&nbsp;Electronics &amp; Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted a rebuttal where he said Dorsey was attempting to "brush out a very dubious period of Twitter's history".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Twitter under Dorsey and&nbsp;his team were in repeated and continuous violations of Indian laws. As a matter of fact, they were in non-compliance with law repeatedly from 2020 to 2022 and it was only June 2022 when they finally complied," said Chandrasekhar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"During the protests in January 2021, there was a lot of misinformation and even reports of genocide which were definitely fake. GoI was obligated to remove misinformation from the platform because it had the potential to further inflame the situation based on fake news," the minister added.</p>

<p>The farmers' protests started after the Modi government brought three controversial farm laws. Thousands of farmers from across the country camped in and around the capital city of Delhi for nearly a year, forcing the government to repeal the laws in November 2021.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Twitter boss Elon Musk after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the New York Palace Hotel in New York City on Tuesday commented on the recent statements made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey.

Twitter boss Elon Musk after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the New York Palace Hotel in New York City on Tuesday commented on the recent statements made by his predecessor Jack Dorsey. Twitter founder and former CEO Dorsey had recently claimed that the social media platform received threats of being booted out of India after not accepting the request to block certain accounts at the peak of the farmers' protest by the government. “Twitter doesn't have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don't obey local government laws then we will get shut down," Musk told the reporters. "The best we can do is to follow the laws in any given country," the billionaire said, adding that it is impossible for "us to do more than that". "We will do the best to revive the freest speech possible under the law," he concluded. WATCH | PM Modi’s US visit: ‘I am a fan of Modi’, says Elon Musk after meeting PM in New York × What did Dorsey say? “India for example, India is one of the countries which had many requests around farmers protests, around particular journalists which were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as ‘we will shut Twitter down in India’… ‘we would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; ‘we will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit’. And this is India, a democratic country," said Dorsey. Dorsey, who left Twitter last year after Musk took over the company, added that Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan behaved in a similar way to India. Ankara reportedly threatened to shut down Twitter and later got embroiled in a legal battle with the microblogging platform. “Turkey is very similar (to India), like we had so many requests from Turkey. We fought Turkey in their courts and often won, but they threatened to shut us down constantly,” said Dorsey. He added that Twitter could not put its employees on the ground in Nigeria, out of fear what the government might do to them. Also read | Indian govt calls Dorsey's claims about 'pressure' during farmers' protest 'outright lies' How did India respond? Union Minister of State for Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted a rebuttal where he said Dorsey was attempting to "brush out a very dubious period of Twitter's history". "Twitter under Dorsey and his team were in repeated and continuous violations of Indian laws. As a matter of fact, they were in non-compliance with law repeatedly from 2020 to 2022 and it was only June 2022 when they finally complied," said Chandrasekhar. "During the protests in January 2021, there was a lot of misinformation and even reports of genocide which were definitely fake. GoI was obligated to remove misinformation from the platform because it had the potential to further inflame the situation based on fake news," the minister added. The farmers' protests started after the Modi government brought three controversial farm laws. Thousands of farmers from across the country camped in and around the capital city of Delhi for nearly a year, forcing the government to repeal the laws in November 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Elon Musk responds to Jack Dorsey’s claim that India threatened to boot out Twitter

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<p>A hungry bear broke into a house, ate the owner's pork chops and got stuck trying to escape through a first-floor window. The incident took place in Steamboat Springs, a town in the US state of Colorado.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A neighbour filmed the entire episode which showed the bear easing itself out the window, bum-first, from the window before dangling dangerously on the ledge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It took several attempts to make an exit but the drop seemed too steep&nbsp;even for the apex predator to take a plunge. After a couple of minutes of callisthenics outside the window, the bear decided it was best to go out the way it came in and that is through the ground floor window.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-scientists-conducting-studies-on-bears-metabolism-526193"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Scientists conducting studies on bears' metabolism</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A respectful guest: Homeowner&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ryan MacFarlane, the homeowner, told Fox31 News that he was out for dinner when the incident took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He got his nails in there and just ripped that window right open, and got inside and helped himself to my pork chops I had out for dinner that night, got some snacks out of the pantry and knocked over the plants — nothing too crazy," said MacFarlane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The officer went in and actually opened the door to the bedroom so that the bear could go out,” MacFarlane said.</p>

<p>He added that the bear was a 'respectful guest' who did not do a whole lot of damage to his property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I was definitely anxious to get there, and the thought was going through my mind that there were going to be thousands and thousands of dollars in damage. And that wasn’t the case this time. Grateful that he was a respectful house guest."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Curious bear climbs into the house in Colorado <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#breaking</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwkOaKCBkw">pic.twitter.com/AwkOaKCBkw</a></p>
— KASİDE (@zakkumec) <a href="https://twitter.com/zakkumec/status/1670431566646919168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident's video went viral, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued an advisory saying bears were starting to come out during this time of the year, looking to pack pounds, before going underground for hibernation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Starting those practices now, locking up your trash, closing windows and doors — again, doing our part to not teach bears bad habits, because once they learn bad habits, they’re going to keep doing that bad habit,” said Rachael Gonzales with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.</p>

<h2><strong>Frightening guests making an appearance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first time that a US house owner got an unplanned visit from an unwelcome guest. Earlier this month, a 10-foot crocodile entered a home in the middle of the night in the southeastern state of Florida.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-huge-10-foot-crocodile-hauled-out-of-swimming-pool-in-florida-603813" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Huge 10-foot crocodile hauled out of swimming pool in Florida</strong></a></p>

<p>The apex predator had slipped into the pool and started making thrashing sounds and waves before the owners called upon expert wildlife trappers to diffuse the situation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A hungry bear broke into a house, ate the owner's pork chops and got stuck trying to escape through a first-floor window. The incident took place in Steamboat Springs, a town in the US state of Colorado.

A hungry bear broke into a house, ate the owner's pork chops and got stuck trying to escape through a first-floor window. The incident took place in Steamboat Springs, a town in the US state of Colorado. A neighbour filmed the entire episode which showed the bear easing itself out the window, bum-first, from the window before dangling dangerously on the ledge. It took several attempts to make an exit but the drop seemed too steep even for the apex predator to take a plunge. After a couple of minutes of callisthenics outside the window, the bear decided it was best to go out the way it came in and that is through the ground floor window. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Scientists conducting studies on bears' metabolism × A respectful guest: Homeowner Ryan MacFarlane, the homeowner, told Fox31 News that he was out for dinner when the incident took place. "He got his nails in there and just ripped that window right open, and got inside and helped himself to my pork chops I had out for dinner that night, got some snacks out of the pantry and knocked over the plants — nothing too crazy," said MacFarlane. “The officer went in and actually opened the door to the bedroom so that the bear could go out,” MacFarlane said. He added that the bear was a 'respectful guest' who did not do a whole lot of damage to his property. “I was definitely anxious to get there, and the thought was going through my mind that there were going to be thousands and thousands of dollars in damage. And that wasn’t the case this time. Grateful that he was a respectful house guest." Curious bear climbs into the house in Colorado #breaking pic.twitter.com/AwkOaKCBkw — KASİDE (@zakkumec) June 18, 2023 × After the incident's video went viral, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued an advisory saying bears were starting to come out during this time of the year, looking to pack pounds, before going underground for hibernation. “Starting those practices now, locking up your trash, closing windows and doors — again, doing our part to not teach bears bad habits, because once they learn bad habits, they’re going to keep doing that bad habit,” said Rachael Gonzales with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Frightening guests making an appearance This is not the first time that a US house owner got an unplanned visit from an unwelcome guest. Earlier this month, a 10-foot crocodile entered a home in the middle of the night in the southeastern state of Florida. WATCH | Huge 10-foot crocodile hauled out of swimming pool in Florida The apex predator had slipped into the pool and started making thrashing sounds and waves before the owners called upon expert wildlife trappers to diffuse the situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Bear enters house, eats pork chops but gets stuck while exiting

<p>In a bizarre incident, the owner of&nbsp;a restaurant chain in California, USA hired a fake priest to take confessions from workers, with the 'father' urging them to "get the sins out", according to the US Department of Labor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Che Garibaldi, the restaurant owner, operates two&nbsp;Taqueria Garibaldi restaurants in Sacramento and one in Roseville. He reportedly hired the phoney priest who asked workers if they harboured bad intentions towards their employer or if they had done anything to harm the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Department of Labor was as flabbergasted as anyone. In the official report, the department said its federal workers had seen all kinds of antics from corrupt employers over the years, but the trick pulled by&nbsp;Garibaldi was perhaps the "most shameless".&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the employees revealed the shoddy practices used by Garibaldi to the Department of&nbsp;Labor. The employee added that the company&nbsp;paid managers from the employee tip pool illegally, threatened employees with retaliation and adverse immigration consequences for cooperating with the department, and fired one worker who they believed had complained to the department.</p>

<p>“Under oath, an employee of Taqueria Garibaldi explained how the restaurant offered a supposed priest to hear their workplace ‘sins’ while other employees reported that a manager falsely claimed that immigration issues would be raised by the department’s investigation,"&nbsp;&nbsp;said the Regional Solicitor of Labor Marc Pilotin in a release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stop-putting-up-big-penis-usa-pills-banned-in-australia-for-containing-hidden-drug-ingredient-602425"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Big Penis USA' pills banned in Australia for containing hidden drug ingredient</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Court announces verdict</strong></h2>

<p>Afterwards, the case was taken to the&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of California where&nbsp;Judge William B. Shubb ordered&nbsp;Che Garibaldi&nbsp;and operators Eduardo Hernandez, Hector Manual Martinez Galindo and Alejandro Rodriguez to pay $140,000 in back wages and damages to 35 employees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maria Parra, a server at the restaurant testified in court that her conversation with the bogus priest was unlike normal confessions. Instead of confessing what she wanted, the priest told her that he would&nbsp;ask questions to get the 'sins out'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He asked if I had ever got pulled over for speeding, if I drank alcohol or if I had stolen anything.&nbsp;The priest asked if I had stolen anything at work, if I was late to my employment, if I did anything to harm my employer and if I had any bad intentions toward my employment," said Parra, according to court documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-ban-recording-upskirting-non-consensual-sexual-videos-trending-on-wion-588258"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Japan to ban recording upskirting &amp; non-consensual sexual videos | Trending on WION</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stop-putting-up-big-penis-usa-pills-banned-in-australia-for-containing-hidden-drug-ingredient-602425#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Catholic Diocese of Sacramento released a statement confirming the fake priest had no connection to their diocese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While we don’t know who the person in question was, we are completely confident he was not a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento,” a diocese spokesman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a bizarre incident, the owner of a restaurant chain in California, USA hired a fake priest to take confessions from workers, with the 'father' urging them to "get the sins out", according to the US Department of Labor.

In a bizarre incident, the owner of a restaurant chain in California, USA hired a fake priest to take confessions from workers, with the 'father' urging them to "get the sins out", according to the US Department of Labor. Che Garibaldi, the restaurant owner, operates two Taqueria Garibaldi restaurants in Sacramento and one in Roseville. He reportedly hired the phoney priest who asked workers if they harboured bad intentions towards their employer or if they had done anything to harm the company. The Department of Labor was as flabbergasted as anyone. In the official report, the department said its federal workers had seen all kinds of antics from corrupt employers over the years, but the trick pulled by Garibaldi was perhaps the "most shameless". One of the employees revealed the shoddy practices used by Garibaldi to the Department of Labor. The employee added that the company paid managers from the employee tip pool illegally, threatened employees with retaliation and adverse immigration consequences for cooperating with the department, and fired one worker who they believed had complained to the department. “Under oath, an employee of Taqueria Garibaldi explained how the restaurant offered a supposed priest to hear their workplace ‘sins’ while other employees reported that a manager falsely claimed that immigration issues would be raised by the department’s investigation," said the Regional Solicitor of Labor Marc Pilotin in a release. Also read | 'Big Penis USA' pills banned in Australia for containing hidden drug ingredient Court announces verdict Afterwards, the case was taken to the District Court for the Eastern District of California where Judge William B. Shubb ordered Che Garibaldi and operators Eduardo Hernandez, Hector Manual Martinez Galindo and Alejandro Rodriguez to pay $140,000 in back wages and damages to 35 employees. Maria Parra, a server at the restaurant testified in court that her conversation with the bogus priest was unlike normal confessions. Instead of confessing what she wanted, the priest told her that he would ask questions to get the 'sins out'. “He asked if I had ever got pulled over for speeding, if I drank alcohol or if I had stolen anything. The priest asked if I had stolen anything at work, if I was late to my employment, if I did anything to harm my employer and if I had any bad intentions toward my employment," said Parra, according to court documents. WATCH | Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos | Trending on WION × Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento released a statement confirming the fake priest had no connection to their diocese. “While we don’t know who the person in question was, we are completely confident he was not a priest of the Diocese of Sacramento,” a diocese spokesman said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Restaurant hires fake priest to extract confessions of workers’ ‘sins’, ordered to pay $14k in fines

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<p>Former US president Donald Trump in a recent Fox interview has given reasons for his rather callous handling of the alleged classified documents. When quizzed about why he failed to comply with the request from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to return the documents, Trump said he had personal items mixed with the official items.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The only way NARA could ever get this stuff, this back would be [to say] ‘Please, please, please could we have it back,’” Trump said during a sit-down interview with Bret Baier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I want to go through the boxes and get all my personal things out. I don’t want to hand that over to (National Archives) yet. And I was very busy, as you’ve sort of seen,” he said.</p>

<p>“Before I send boxes over, I have to take all of my things out. These boxes were interspersed with all sorts of things," added Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk</strong></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-37-count-indictment-amid-solid-backing-from-republicans-604151#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>No secret documents: Trump</strong></h2>

<p>When questioned about the July 2021 meeting recording where Trump could be heard describing the secret documents at his residence, the Republican leader said he was simply referring to news clippings and magazine pieces.</p>

<p>“There was no document. That was a massive amount of papers and everything else talking about Iran and other things. And it may have been held up or may not, but that was not a document. I didn’t have a document per se. There was nothing to declassify. These were newspaper stories, magazine stories and articles.”</p>

<h2><strong>What happened to Trump?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump was indicted on 37 counts, including under the .Espionage Act for carrying confidential and classified documents to his Florida Mar-a-Lago residence. It was his second indictment since announcing a run for the 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He faces allegations of mishandling sensitive government secrets and engaging in scheming to prevent their recovery and return.&nbsp;Authorities assert that he conspired to impede investigators and knowingly shared national security secrets with individuals lacking proper clearance.</p>

<p>Upon making an appearance at the Miami Court, earlie.r this month, Trump pleaded not guilty on all 37 charges and later went on an unhinged tirade to attack President Joe Biden as well as past presidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Making his first speech from the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey after the hearing, the Republican leader said he will go after the "Biden crime family" if he comes to power.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Name a special prosecutor," said Trump as the crowd chanted slogans of "lock him up".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-set-arrest-what-future-looks-like-for-donald-trump-after-indictment-in-classified-documents-row-602391" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Get, set, arrest? Will Donald Trump be arrested in classified documents row?</strong></a></p>

<p>“I will totally obliterate the deep state.&nbsp;We know who they are. I know exactly who they are. They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former US president Donald Trump in a recent Fox interview has given reasons for his rather callous handling of the alleged classified documents. When quizzed about why he failed to comply with the request from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to return the documents, Trump said he had personal items mixed with the official items.

Former US president Donald Trump in a recent Fox interview has given reasons for his rather callous handling of the alleged classified documents. When quizzed about why he failed to comply with the request from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to return the documents, Trump said he had personal items mixed with the official items. “The only way NARA could ever get this stuff, this back would be [to say] ‘Please, please, please could we have it back,’” Trump said during a sit-down interview with Bret Baier. “I want to go through the boxes and get all my personal things out. I don’t want to hand that over to (National Archives) yet. And I was very busy, as you’ve sort of seen,” he said. “Before I send boxes over, I have to take all of my things out. These boxes were interspersed with all sorts of things," added Trump. Watch: Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk × No secret documents: Trump When questioned about the July 2021 meeting recording where Trump could be heard describing the secret documents at his residence, the Republican leader said he was simply referring to news clippings and magazine pieces. “There was no document. That was a massive amount of papers and everything else talking about Iran and other things. And it may have been held up or may not, but that was not a document. I didn’t have a document per se. There was nothing to declassify. These were newspaper stories, magazine stories and articles.” What happened to Trump? Trump was indicted on 37 counts, including under the .Espionage Act for carrying confidential and classified documents to his Florida Mar-a-Lago residence. It was his second indictment since announcing a run for the 2024 presidential election. He faces allegations of mishandling sensitive government secrets and engaging in scheming to prevent their recovery and return. Authorities assert that he conspired to impede investigators and knowingly shared national security secrets with individuals lacking proper clearance. Upon making an appearance at the Miami Court, earlie.r this month, Trump pleaded not guilty on all 37 charges and later went on an unhinged tirade to attack President Joe Biden as well as past presidents. Making his first speech from the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey after the hearing, the Republican leader said he will go after the "Biden crime family" if he comes to power. “I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Name a special prosecutor," said Trump as the crowd chanted slogans of "lock him up". Also read | Get, set, arrest? Will Donald Trump be arrested in classified documents row? “I will totally obliterate the deep state. We know who they are. I know exactly who they are. They want to take away my freedom because I will never let them take away your freedom." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trump defends not returning classified documents as it had 'personal' items

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<p>A Delta Airlines pilot was arrested by the police on suspicion of consuming too much alcohol just before he was scheduled to chauffeur a flight from Scotland to New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 61-year-old pilot was arrested at Edinburgh Airport around 10 am on Friday, 30 minutes before the Boeing 767 was scheduled to take off. The plane was to undertake a seven-hour journey to John F. Kennedy International Airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Delta confirms that one of its crew was taken into custody this morning at EDI Airport. Delta is assisting the authorities with their ongoing enquiries," said an airline spokesperson, confirming the arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the pilot was arrested after his blood alcohol level was found above the legal limit of 0.02, set under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. After the arrest, the flight to New York was cancelled and the passengers re-accommodated.</p>

<p>“We apologise to customers impacted by this cancellation,” the spokesperson added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pilots getting arrested for being inebriated is not new news. In 2019, a 38-year-old Delta Airlines pilot from Rosemount was arrested and later pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanour count of operating or attempting to operate an aircraft under the influence of alcohol. The pilot had a blood alcohol level between 0.04 per cent and 0.08 per cent when detectives arrested him on a plane at the Minneapolis airport</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-passenger-arrested-for-opening-emergency-door-deploying-exit-slide-at-lax-airport-576082#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>He received a sentence of 30 days of electric home monitoring and work release. A jail sentence of 335 days was stayed for two years, provided the pilot followed the guidelines of his sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly in 2016, a United Airlines pilot was arrested at Glasgow Airport for being intoxicated. He was later sentenced to 10 months in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Delta Airlines remains in the news</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Delta Airlines has made the news headlines this year. In March, a passenger aboard Delta Flight 1714 from Los Angeles to Seattle was arrested after opening one of the aircraft&nbsp;doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The Delta staff nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-passenger-arrested-for-opening-emergency-door-deploying-exit-slide-at-lax-airport-576082" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport</strong></a></p>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement and apologised for the inconvenience whilst adding that the rest of the passengers were escorted and moved to a new plane.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A Delta Airlines pilot was arrested by the police on suspicion of consuming too much alcohol just before he was scheduled to chauffeur a flight from Scotland to New York.

A Delta Airlines pilot was arrested by the police on suspicion of consuming too much alcohol just before he was scheduled to chauffeur a flight from Scotland to New York. The 61-year-old pilot was arrested at Edinburgh Airport around 10 am on Friday, 30 minutes before the Boeing 767 was scheduled to take off. The plane was to undertake a seven-hour journey to John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Delta confirms that one of its crew was taken into custody this morning at EDI Airport. Delta is assisting the authorities with their ongoing enquiries," said an airline spokesperson, confirming the arrest. According to reports, the pilot was arrested after his blood alcohol level was found above the legal limit of 0.02, set under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. After the arrest, the flight to New York was cancelled and the passengers re-accommodated. “We apologise to customers impacted by this cancellation,” the spokesperson added. Pilots getting arrested for being inebriated is not new news. In 2019, a 38-year-old Delta Airlines pilot from Rosemount was arrested and later pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanour count of operating or attempting to operate an aircraft under the influence of alcohol. The pilot had a blood alcohol level between 0.04 per cent and 0.08 per cent when detectives arrested him on a plane at the Minneapolis airport WATCH | WION Business News | US company debuts all-electric aircraft × He received a sentence of 30 days of electric home monitoring and work release. A jail sentence of 335 days was stayed for two years, provided the pilot followed the guidelines of his sentence. Similarly in 2016, a United Airlines pilot was arrested at Glasgow Airport for being intoxicated. He was later sentenced to 10 months in prison. Delta Airlines remains in the news Notably, this is not the first instance when Delta Airlines has made the news headlines this year. In March, a passenger aboard Delta Flight 1714 from Los Angeles to Seattle was arrested after opening one of the aircraft doors and sliding down the emergency exit slide. The plane was immediately stopped by the pilots as the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The Delta staff nabbed the passenger before handing him over to the LAX Police. Also read | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement and apologised for the inconvenience whilst adding that the rest of the passengers were escorted and moved to a new plane. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Delta Airlines pilot arrested 30 minutes before flight for being drunk

Joe Biden left Americans scratching their heads with an off-the-cuff remark royally unusual for a US President - god saves the queen, man! No one could immediately tell what he meant, which queen he was referring to, and why he threw in what sounded like the traditional patriotic British cry. Biden had just completed an impassioned speech in Connecticut on getting Congress to toughen gun ownership laws. Uk's queen elizabeth ii, who Biden met, died in September 2022 and was replaced by a king, her son Charles. The pool journalist is responsible for following the president all day on his travels couldn't help. He messaged the worldwide group of outlets receiving pool reports and said, I have no idea why he might have said that. Later, the white house principal deputy press secretary somewhat cleared up the mystery. Olivia Dalton told reporters that Biden had been commenting to someone in the crowd.

Biden ends speech with 'God Save the Queen, man!' | Unusual off-the-cuff remark

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Joe Biden on Friday left Americans scratching their heads with an off-the-cuff remark that was, well, royally unusual for a US president: “God save the queen, man!"

'God Save the Queen': Biden Baffles Supporters With an Off-the-Cuff Remark

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