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<p>A federal court in New York has set the date for a second defamation trial against former president Donald Trump brought by journalist E. Jean Carroll who received $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages last month in a jury verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial will begin on 15 January 2024 and Carroll is seeking at least $10 million in damages this time. The timing is critical as 2024 is when the US goes into presidential polls and Trump's election campaign might be in full swing by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully argued that Carroll shouldn't have been allowed to amend the defamation lawsuit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We maintain that she should not be permitted to retroactively change her legal theory, at the eleventh hour, to avoid the consequences of an adverse finding against her," said Alina Habba, Trump's attorney earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-sexually-abused-writer-e-jean-carroll-us-jury-rules-590929"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Donald Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll, US jury rules</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-sexually-abused-writer-e-jean-carroll-us-jury-rules-590929/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-verdict-is-for-all-women-e-jean-carroll-after-jury-holds-trump-guilty-of-sexually-abusing-her-591074#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Trump's tirade at&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;</strong>town hall</h2>

<p>Trump's recent statements at a CNN town hall triggered Carroll to file another complaint. Notably, a day after a nine-member jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming the Elle magazine writer, he called her a 'whack job'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Carroll was telling a "made-up story" and that he didn't know her, which according to Carroll's lawyers, comes under the category of further "defamatory statements".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Trump’s defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite," the complaint reads.</p>

<p>"This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award in Carroll’s favor both to punish Trump, to deter him from engaging in further defamation, and to deter others from doing the same," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rings-in-his-77th-birthday-with-plethora-of-court-cases-awaiting-him-604618" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Trump rings in his 77th birthday with plethora of court cases awaiting him</strong></a></p>

<p>Previously, Carroll claimed that Trump had raped her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in the spring of 1996.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After receiving the verdict in her favour, Carroll&nbsp;termed it a 'victory' for all women who are victims of sexual assault. Although the jury reached a unanimous decision&nbsp;regarding the defamation and sexual abuse, it&nbsp;did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her.</p>

<p>After the verdict, Carroll termed it&nbsp;a 'victory' for all women who are victims of sexual assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The old view of the perfect victim was a woman who always screamed. A woman who immediately reported. A woman whose life was supposed to fold up and she’s never supposed to experience happiness again,” said Carroll.&nbsp;</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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A federal court in New York has set the date for a second defamation trial against former president Donald Trump brought by journalist E. Jean Carroll who received $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages last month in a jury verdict.

A federal court in New York has set the date for a second defamation trial against former president Donald Trump brought by journalist E. Jean Carroll who received $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages last month in a jury verdict. The trial will begin on 15 January 2024 and Carroll is seeking at least $10 million in damages this time. The timing is critical as 2024 is when the US goes into presidential polls and Trump's election campaign might be in full swing by then. Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully argued that Carroll shouldn't have been allowed to amend the defamation lawsuit. “We maintain that she should not be permitted to retroactively change her legal theory, at the eleventh hour, to avoid the consequences of an adverse finding against her," said Alina Habba, Trump's attorney earlier this week. WATCH | Donald Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll, US jury rules × Trump's tirade at CNN town hall Trump's recent statements at a CNN town hall triggered Carroll to file another complaint. Notably, a day after a nine-member jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming the Elle magazine writer, he called her a 'whack job'. He added that Carroll was telling a "made-up story" and that he didn't know her, which according to Carroll's lawyers, comes under the category of further "defamatory statements". "Trump’s defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite," the complaint reads. "This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award in Carroll’s favor both to punish Trump, to deter him from engaging in further defamation, and to deter others from doing the same," it added. Also read | Trump rings in his 77th birthday with plethora of court cases awaiting him Previously, Carroll claimed that Trump had raped her at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in the spring of 1996. After receiving the verdict in her favour, Carroll termed it a 'victory' for all women who are victims of sexual assault. Although the jury reached a unanimous decision regarding the defamation and sexual abuse, it did not agree with Carroll’s allegation that the former president raped her. After the verdict, Carroll termed it a 'victory' for all women who are victims of sexual assault. “The old view of the perfect victim was a woman who always screamed. A woman who immediately reported. A woman whose life was supposed to fold up and she’s never supposed to experience happiness again,” said Carroll. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Round two of E. Jean Carroll vs Trump defamation trial set for this date

<p>Having pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony counts at a Miami court on Tuesday, former president Donald Trump called the indictment a 'sham' and went on to attack 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>“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>He added that Biden will "forever be remembered as not only the most corrupt president in the history of our country, but perhaps more importantly, the president, together with the band of his closest thugs, misfits and Marxists trying to destroy American democracy, channeling real anger and charging the President of the United States under the Espionage Act of 1917."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indictment-former-us-president-donald-trump-put-national-security-at-risk-604042/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<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>

<p>Trump took shots at Biden as well as Hillary Clinton by repeating his previous unsubstantiated&nbsp;claims that both had broken federal laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hillary Clinton broke the law and she didn't get indicted.&nbsp;Joe Biden broke the law, and in many other ways, we're finding out, and so far has not gotten indicted."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, he also pointed out former president Bill Clinton and George W Bush for losing nuclear codes and 22 million emails respectively. "He [Bill] lost the nuclear codes and absolutely nothing was done."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-37-count-indictment-amid-solid-backing-from-republicans-604151"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 37-count indictment amid solid backing from Republicans</strong></a></p>

<p>Concluding his tirade against the "establishment", Trump called Special Counsel Jack Smith a 'deranged lunatic'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've named him deranged Jack Smith.&nbsp;He does political hit jobs…He looks like a thug," said Trump, adding that Smith was a "raging and uncontrolled Trump hater".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in the court?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump made an appearance at the court&nbsp;with his aide and co-defendant Walt Nauta&nbsp;— marking his second indictment since announcing his 2024 presidential run. This is the first time a former president faces federal charges. He pleaded not guilty to the 37 federal counts and was released on bond on the condition that he will not discuss the case with a list of witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US government alleges that Trump violated the Espionage Act and other laws by taking classified documents with him upon leaving office in 2021 and deliberately withholding them from the National Archives. Authorities assert that he conspired to impede investigators and knowingly shared national security secrets with individuals lacking proper clearance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Having pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony counts at a Miami court on Tuesday, former president Donald Trump called the indictment a 'sham' and went on to attack Joe Biden as well as past presidents.

Having pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony counts at a Miami court on Tuesday, former president Donald Trump called the indictment a 'sham' and went on to attack 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". “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." He added that Biden will "forever be remembered as not only the most corrupt president in the history of our country, but perhaps more importantly, the president, together with the band of his closest thugs, misfits and Marxists trying to destroy American democracy, channeling real anger and charging the President of the United States under the Espionage Act of 1917." Watch: Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk × Trump took shots at Biden as well as Hillary Clinton by repeating his previous unsubstantiated claims that both had broken federal laws. "Hillary Clinton broke the law and she didn't get indicted. Joe Biden broke the law, and in many other ways, we're finding out, and so far has not gotten indicted." Meanwhile, he also pointed out former president Bill Clinton and George W Bush for losing nuclear codes and 22 million emails respectively. "He [Bill] lost the nuclear codes and absolutely nothing was done." Also read | Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 37-count indictment amid solid backing from Republicans Concluding his tirade against the "establishment", Trump called Special Counsel Jack Smith a 'deranged lunatic'. "I've named him deranged Jack Smith. He does political hit jobs…He looks like a thug," said Trump, adding that Smith was a "raging and uncontrolled Trump hater". What happened in the court? Trump made an appearance at the court with his aide and co-defendant Walt Nauta — marking his second indictment since announcing his 2024 presidential run. This is the first time a former president faces federal charges. He pleaded not guilty to the 37 federal counts and was released on bond on the condition that he will not discuss the case with a list of witnesses. The US government alleges that Trump violated the Espionage Act and other laws by taking classified documents with him upon leaving office in 2021 and deliberately withholding them from the National Archives. Authorities assert that he conspired to impede investigators and knowingly shared national security secrets with individuals lacking proper clearance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I will obliterate...': Trump goes on unhinged tirade after Miami court proceedings

<p>Todd Hardwick and Jeff Peterla had to struggle hard after they were called to capture a 10-foot American crocodile that was discovered in the pool of someone's home in the middle of the night&nbsp;in the southeastern US state of Florida.&nbsp;&nbsp;</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. Initially, it was&nbsp;Hardwick that tried to drag the crocodile out of the water on the far end but could not make any breakthrough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards,&nbsp;assistant trapper Peterla stepped in and attempted to haul the crocodile by its head and finally managed to achieve success. One of the men then stepped across and sat on the crocodile's back, stabilising him so that he couldn't move anymore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At 2 am Sunday, June 11, 2023, wildlife officials received a call from a homeowner in Plantation Key at Mile Marker 90 about a MASSIVE 10ft American crocodile in their pool," wrote&nbsp;Pesky Critters Wildlife Control on their Instagram account.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-scientists-race-to-save-one-of-worlds-rarest-crocodiles-513525"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Scientists race to save one of world's rarest crocodiles</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-scientists-race-to-save-one-of-worlds-rarest-crocodiles-513525/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hands-where-we-can-see-them-cops-arrest-9-foot-alligator-loitering-in-the-streets-of-tampa-bay-florida-578322#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>"Expert wildlife trapper Todd Hardwick quickly secured the crocodile, even after it’s massive splashes created a slick and dangerous footing situation on the pool deck," the caption added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Footage shows Todd Hardwick removing it’s restraints once relocated and gently but safely encouraging it back into its habitat."</p>

<p>Notably, under&nbsp;Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule, the American crocodile is protected as a threatened species. They are commonly found around South Florida's coastlines but are greatly outnumbered by the alligators.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>The reptile menace in Florida</strong></h2>

<p>In April, a similar-sized alligator, loitering the streets of Tampa Bay was attested by the police near the&nbsp;Raymond James Stadium where the NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.</p>

<p>According to The New York Post report, when the officers approached the alligator and poked it with a baton, the slithery creature started whipping its tail aggressively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Tape his front legs together … like behind his back, like you’re handcuffing him," one of the officers can be heard saying in the video. “Then you’re gonna do the same thing with his back legs.”</p>

<p>The gator was later handed to&nbsp;Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) to find a more suitable home.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hands-where-we-can-see-them-cops-arrest-9-foot-alligator-loitering-in-the-streets-of-tampa-bay-florida-578322"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Hands where we can see them': Cops arrest 9-foot alligator loitering in the streets of Tampa Bay, Florida</strong></a></p>

<p>According to various estimates, Florida has over 1.3 million alligators and their population has led authorities to establish a statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to capture the troublemaker gators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Todd Hardwick and Jeff Peterla had to struggle hard after they were called to capture a 10-foot American crocodile that was discovered in the pool of someone's home in the middle of the night in the southeastern US state of Florida.

Todd Hardwick and Jeff Peterla had to struggle hard after they were called to capture a 10-foot American crocodile that was discovered in the pool of someone's home in the middle of the night in the southeastern US state of 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. Initially, it was Hardwick that tried to drag the crocodile out of the water on the far end but could not make any breakthrough. Afterwards, assistant trapper Peterla stepped in and attempted to haul the crocodile by its head and finally managed to achieve success. One of the men then stepped across and sat on the crocodile's back, stabilising him so that he couldn't move anymore. "At 2 am Sunday, June 11, 2023, wildlife officials received a call from a homeowner in Plantation Key at Mile Marker 90 about a MASSIVE 10ft American crocodile in their pool," wrote Pesky Critters Wildlife Control on their Instagram account. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | Scientists race to save one of world's rarest crocodiles × "Expert wildlife trapper Todd Hardwick quickly secured the crocodile, even after it’s massive splashes created a slick and dangerous footing situation on the pool deck," the caption added. "Footage shows Todd Hardwick removing it’s restraints once relocated and gently but safely encouraging it back into its habitat." Notably, under Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule, the American crocodile is protected as a threatened species. They are commonly found around South Florida's coastlines but are greatly outnumbered by the alligators. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pesky Critters Wildlife Control (@pesky_critters) × The reptile menace in Florida In April, a similar-sized alligator, loitering the streets of Tampa Bay was attested by the police near the Raymond James Stadium where the NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. According to The New York Post report, when the officers approached the alligator and poked it with a baton, the slithery creature started whipping its tail aggressively. “Tape his front legs together … like behind his back, like you’re handcuffing him," one of the officers can be heard saying in the video. “Then you’re gonna do the same thing with his back legs.” The gator was later handed to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) to find a more suitable home. Also read | 'Hands where we can see them': Cops arrest 9-foot alligator loitering in the streets of Tampa Bay, Florida According to various estimates, Florida has over 1.3 million alligators and their population has led authorities to establish a statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to capture the troublemaker gators. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Huge 10-foot crocodile hauled out of swimming pool in Florida

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<p>Former US Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny who reportedly killed Jordan Neely, a homeless man,&nbsp;has been indicted by a New York court grand jury. The charge or charges levelled against Penny by the grand jury, however, will not be revealed until he appears in court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the indictment, New York Mayor Eric Adams applauded Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for taking the case forward to this point. Despite intense public backlash, Bragg's office filed manslaughter charges against Penny.</p>

<p>“I appreciate DA Bragg conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Neely. Like I said when the DA first brought charges, I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now that the grand jury has indicted Daniel Penny, a trial and justice can move forward," said Adams.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ready to face trial jury: Penny's attorneys&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Penny's lawyers Steven Raiser and Thomas Kenniff said they respected the jury's decision but their client was innocent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing," said Steven Raiser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We’re confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Penny’s actions on that train were fully justified."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-marine-veteran-surrenders-to-police-over-fatal-choking-of-ny-homeless-man-591985"><b>Watch |&nbsp;US Marine veteran surrenders to police over fatal choking of NY homeless man</b></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Jordan Neely’s death&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A video that went viral at the time, showed Penny putting 30-year-old Jordan Neely in a chokehold and pinning him to the floor of an F train in Manhattan. The death of Neely, also known as a Michael Jackson impersonator who often performed in the coaches, sparked outrage and protests across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the video of the incident surfaced and Penny surrendered, he was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter. However, Penny continues to claim that he only wanted to subdue Neely who was being a nuisance while riding the subway car. Penny claimed Neely shouted ï'm gonna kill you" and that he was "ready to die" or go to jail for life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daniel-penny-former-marine-who-put-homeless-man-in-chokehold-defends-action-589656">Daniel Penny: Former Marine who put homeless man in chokehold defends action</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the medical examiner, Neely died from compression of the neck. Furthermore, a freelance journalist who witnessed the incident said Neely&nbsp;had been screaming and begging for money but had not physically attacked anyone.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Former US Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny who reportedly killed Jordan Neely, a homeless man, has been indicted by a New York court grand jury. The charge or charges levelled against Penny by the grand jury, however, will not be revealed until he appears in court.

Former US Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny who reportedly killed Jordan Neely, a homeless man, has been indicted by a New York court grand jury. The charge or charges levelled against Penny by the grand jury, however, will not be revealed until he appears in court. After the indictment, New York Mayor Eric Adams applauded Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for taking the case forward to this point. Despite intense public backlash, Bragg's office filed manslaughter charges against Penny. “I appreciate DA Bragg conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Neely. Like I said when the DA first brought charges, I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now that the grand jury has indicted Daniel Penny, a trial and justice can move forward," said Adams. Ready to face trial jury: Penny's attorneys Meanwhile, Penny's lawyers Steven Raiser and Thomas Kenniff said they respected the jury's decision but their client was innocent. “While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing," said Steven Raiser. "We’re confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Penny’s actions on that train were fully justified." Watch | US Marine veteran surrenders to police over fatal choking of NY homeless man × Jordan Neely’s death A video that went viral at the time, showed Penny putting 30-year-old Jordan Neely in a chokehold and pinning him to the floor of an F train in Manhattan. The death of Neely, also known as a Michael Jackson impersonator who often performed in the coaches, sparked outrage and protests across the country. After the video of the incident surfaced and Penny surrendered, he was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter. However, Penny continues to claim that he only wanted to subdue Neely who was being a nuisance while riding the subway car. Penny claimed Neely shouted ï'm gonna kill you" and that he was "ready to die" or go to jail for life. Also read | Daniel Penny: Former Marine who put homeless man in chokehold defends action According to the medical examiner, Neely died from compression of the neck. Furthermore, a freelance journalist who witnessed the incident said Neely had been screaming and begging for money but had not physically attacked anyone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former US Marine Daniel Penny whose chokehold killed Jordan Neely indicted by grand jury

The New York's first woman Police Commissioner also the first woman of color to have been appointed to the post has stepped down after 18 months in the job. The mayor Eric Adams has confirmed this move but the big question of course persists why has Keechant Sewell quit? Was the move voluntary or was it caused? Watch this report to know more.

First woman NYPD Commissioner steps down after 18 months, gives no reason

<p>A&nbsp;Mississippi police officer who shot an 11-year-old Black boy in the chest after he called 911 for help has been suspended without pay effective immediately, an Indianola city official said Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A motion was passed 4-1 at the&nbsp;Indianola Board of Aldermen meeting to suspend&nbsp;Sgt. Greg Capers without any pay. Capers, who is Black, shot and seriously injured Aderrien Murry in late May while responding to a domestic disturbance call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We were not made aware of the meeting or given the opportunity to speak or give our side.&nbsp;Let me be clear; the decision to change Officer Capers’ status from leave with pay to leave without pay is no reflection on the merit of the alleged criminal charges against him," said Capers' attorney&nbsp;Michael Carr.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened with Aderrien?</strong></h2>

<p>On the day of the incident, Aderrien had been instructed by her mother Nakala Murry to call the police around 4 am when the father of one of her children showed up at her home. The man appeared irate and Murry felt the need to have law enforcement officers on the premise to diffuse the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the call, two officers, including Capers, responded and arrived at the house. While one kicked the front door before Nakala could open it, Capers yelled into the home and said anyone inside should come out with their hands up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/24-year-old-masters-student-from-india-shot-dead-in-united-states-ohio-police-release-pics-of-suspect-584744"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;24-year-old masters student from India shot dead in United States' Ohio; police release pics of suspect</strong></a></p>

<p>As&nbsp;Aderrien walked into the living room with nothing in his hands,&nbsp;Capers shot him in the chest unprovoked. Consequently,&nbsp;Aderrien was admitted at the&nbsp;University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he was placed on a ventilator and given a chest tube. The medical bulletin stated the boy suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and a lacerated liver.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Family demands termination</strong></h2>

<p>Despite being suspended&nbsp;without pay, the family is demanding that Capers be terminated from police duty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He needs to be terminated and he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said&nbsp;Carlos Moore, the attorney representing the family of the boy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ohio-police-shoot-unarmed-black-man-another-incident-of-racial-killing-in-united-states-494449"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ohio police shoot 'unarmed' black man, another incident of 'racial killing' in United States?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Incidentally, the entire shooting episode was caught on the police body camera. However, it has not been released to the public yet. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently probing the case and has the footage in its possession.</p>

<p>Capers is expected to appear in a probable cause hearing on 2 October at 10 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A Mississippi police officer who shot an 11-year-old Black boy in the chest after he called 911 for help has been suspended without pay effective immediately, an Indianola city official said Tuesday.

A Mississippi police officer who shot an 11-year-old Black boy in the chest after he called 911 for help has been suspended without pay effective immediately, an Indianola city official said Tuesday. A motion was passed 4-1 at the Indianola Board of Aldermen meeting to suspend Sgt. Greg Capers without any pay. Capers, who is Black, shot and seriously injured Aderrien Murry in late May while responding to a domestic disturbance call. “We were not made aware of the meeting or given the opportunity to speak or give our side. Let me be clear; the decision to change Officer Capers’ status from leave with pay to leave without pay is no reflection on the merit of the alleged criminal charges against him," said Capers' attorney Michael Carr. What happened with Aderrien? On the day of the incident, Aderrien had been instructed by her mother Nakala Murry to call the police around 4 am when the father of one of her children showed up at her home. The man appeared irate and Murry felt the need to have law enforcement officers on the premise to diffuse the situation. After the call, two officers, including Capers, responded and arrived at the house. While one kicked the front door before Nakala could open it, Capers yelled into the home and said anyone inside should come out with their hands up. Also read | 24-year-old masters student from India shot dead in United States' Ohio; police release pics of suspect As Aderrien walked into the living room with nothing in his hands, Capers shot him in the chest unprovoked. Consequently, Aderrien was admitted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he was placed on a ventilator and given a chest tube. The medical bulletin stated the boy suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and a lacerated liver. Family demands termination Despite being suspended without pay, the family is demanding that Capers be terminated from police duty. "He needs to be terminated and he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Carlos Moore, the attorney representing the family of the boy. WATCH | Ohio police shoot 'unarmed' black man, another incident of 'racial killing' in United States? × Incidentally, the entire shooting episode was caught on the police body camera. However, it has not been released to the public yet. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently probing the case and has the footage in its possession. Capers is expected to appear in a probable cause hearing on 2 October at 10 am. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Mississippi officer who shot unarmed 11-year-old boy suspended without pay

<p>Humanity is drifting into one of the most dangerous periods in history. The nuclear weapons stockpile across the globe is at an all-time high as&nbsp;deteriorating international relations give rise to increased nuclear sabre-rattling, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) has revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;12,512 nuclear warheads globally, up 86 from a year ago,&nbsp;of which 9,756 are military stockpiles, ready for potential use at any moment, at the press of a button.&nbsp;The number of deployed warheads, 3,844, was also up from the 3,732 warheads, a year ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and US make up almost 90 per cent of the nuclear warhead arsenal.&nbsp;Moscow currently leads the chart with 4,489&nbsp; warheads while Washington&nbsp;comes behind in second with 3,708&nbsp;warheads. Additionally, the both have more than 1,000 warheads, previously retired from military service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are approaching, or maybe have already reached, the end of a long period of the number of nuclear weapons worldwide declining,” said Sipri Director Dan Smith.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vs-the-west-what-are-tactical-nuclear-weapons-russia-ukraine-war-596707"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war</strong></a></p>

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<p>The numbers, however, may still paint an opaque picture. Nearly every country has reduced their level of transparency, ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rise in nuclear warheads comes despite the UN's five permanent security council members releasing a joint statement in 2021 saying, "nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China increased numbers exponentially&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>60 of the new warheads were being held by China. It increased its stockpile from 350 to 410 warheads within a year. In the backdrop of Taiwan tension, Beijing is preparing to triple its&nbsp;nuclear warheads arsenal to 900 by 2035, according to multiple reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-tactical-nuclear-weapons-and-how-russia-can-use-it-575924">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: What are tactical nuclear weapons, and how Russia may use them?</a></strong></p>

<p>The current plan is to raise the number of nuclear warheads to 550 by 2027, the centenary of the foundation of the armed forces, and later take it to 900 by 2035.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China has started a significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal. It is increasingly difficult to square this trend with China’s declared aim of having only the minimum nuclear forces needed to maintain its national security,"&nbsp;Hans M Kristensen,&nbsp;an associate senior fellow with Sipri’s weapons of mass destruction programme was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-triple-its-nuclear-warheads-by-2025-report-561307"><strong>Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;China to triple its nuclear warheads by 2035: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>The think tank added that after 30 years of the number of nuclear warheads coming down, the process has come to an end now and the trend reversed.</p>

<p>Since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, numerous threats of a nuclear winter have been espoused. Experts believe that humankind sits at a very delicate juncture where one wrong move of starting a nuclear war could wipe out the entire race from the face of the planet.&nbsp;Thus it is necessary that the global nuclear stockpile&nbsp;be&nbsp;regulated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Humanity is drifting into one of the most dangerous periods in history. The nuclear weapons stockpile across the globe is at an all-time high as deteriorating international relations give rise to increased nuclear sabre-rattling, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) has revealed.

Humanity is drifting into one of the most dangerous periods in history. The nuclear weapons stockpile across the globe is at an all-time high as deteriorating international relations give rise to increased nuclear sabre-rattling, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) has revealed. There are an estimated 12,512 nuclear warheads globally, up 86 from a year ago, of which 9,756 are military stockpiles, ready for potential use at any moment, at the press of a button. The number of deployed warheads, 3,844, was also up from the 3,732 warheads, a year ago. Russia and US make up almost 90 per cent of the nuclear warhead arsenal. Moscow currently leads the chart with 4,489 warheads while Washington comes behind in second with 3,708 warheads. Additionally, the both have more than 1,000 warheads, previously retired from military service. “We are approaching, or maybe have already reached, the end of a long period of the number of nuclear weapons worldwide declining,” said Sipri Director Dan Smith. Watch | Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war × The numbers, however, may still paint an opaque picture. Nearly every country has reduced their level of transparency, ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The rise in nuclear warheads comes despite the UN's five permanent security council members releasing a joint statement in 2021 saying, "nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought". China increased numbers exponentially 60 of the new warheads were being held by China. It increased its stockpile from 350 to 410 warheads within a year. In the backdrop of Taiwan tension, Beijing is preparing to triple its nuclear warheads arsenal to 900 by 2035, according to multiple reports. Also read | Explained: What are tactical nuclear weapons, and how Russia may use them? The current plan is to raise the number of nuclear warheads to 550 by 2027, the centenary of the foundation of the armed forces, and later take it to 900 by 2035. “China has started a significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal. It is increasingly difficult to square this trend with China’s declared aim of having only the minimum nuclear forces needed to maintain its national security," Hans M Kristensen, an associate senior fellow with Sipri’s weapons of mass destruction programme was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Also read | China to triple its nuclear warheads by 2035: Report The think tank added that after 30 years of the number of nuclear warheads coming down, the process has come to an end now and the trend reversed. Since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, numerous threats of a nuclear winter have been espoused. Experts believe that humankind sits at a very delicate juncture where one wrong move of starting a nuclear war could wipe out the entire race from the face of the planet. Thus it is necessary that the global nuclear stockpile be regulated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Peace in our time? Nuclear weapons stockpile rising, says thinktank

<p>In what comes as another incident of shooting in the US, at least three persons were killed while several were injured on Sunday night at a house in the state of&nbsp;Maryland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shooting occurred at a private residence on the 1000 block of Paddington Place, between&nbsp;Edgewood Road and Kensington Way around 8 pm. According to&nbsp;Annapolis Police spokesperson Bernie Bennett, the encounter in the southeastern region of the city was a case of "domestic shooting" where multiple people were struck by gunfire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect and the victims appeared to know each other. The Baltimore Sun said it was a domestic dispute that turned awry.</p>

<p>Although the suspect was nabbed by the police, said Bennet and that one person was taken to a trauma centre, he could not confirm the number of fatalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>City Police Chief Ed Jackson hinted there could be rise in the number of fatalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t get very many calls of this nature in this area,” said Jackson, adding that "no area if immune" to the widespread availability of handguns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-shooting-28-year-old-fatally-shoots-three-in-nashville-school-wion-speed-news-576651"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News</strong></a></p>

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<p>"Shooting incident at a private residence in 1000 block of Paddington Road. Suspect in custody. No threat to public. First responders on the scene," said&nbsp;Annapolis Police in a statement after the incident.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-21-year-old-indian-origin-youth-shot-dead-in-philadelphia-598167"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;USA: 21-year-old Indian-origin youth shot dead in Philadelphia</strong></a></p>

<p>Annapolis Sen. Sarah Elfreth took to social media after the shooting and requested the public to keep the first responders in their prayers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our community experienced a tragedy beyond words this evening. Multiple fatalities and injuries are reported. A suspect is in custody and Police are communicating that there is no broader threat to the public," said Elfreth in a message posted on Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Please keep the family and the first responders of the Annapolis Police Department &amp; Annapolis Fire Department in your thoughts tonight," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley expressed surprise at the incident and added that guns were a problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are saddened, saddened for the families, saddened for Annapolis.&nbsp;This sort of thing can happen anywhere, and nothing gets resolved from the use of a gun."</p>

<h2><strong>Gun violence on the rise</strong></h2>

<p>The United States has witnessed over 200 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The statistic becomes all the more damning when one realises there have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. The archive tracked more than 647 mass shootings in 2022 while the number stood at 690 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In what comes as another incident of shooting in the US, at least three persons were killed while several were injured on Sunday night at a house in the state of Maryland.

In what comes as another incident of shooting in the US, at least three persons were killed while several were injured on Sunday night at a house in the state of Maryland. The shooting occurred at a private residence on the 1000 block of Paddington Place, between Edgewood Road and Kensington Way around 8 pm. According to Annapolis Police spokesperson Bernie Bennett, the encounter in the southeastern region of the city was a case of "domestic shooting" where multiple people were struck by gunfire. The suspect and the victims appeared to know each other. The Baltimore Sun said it was a domestic dispute that turned awry. Although the suspect was nabbed by the police, said Bennet and that one person was taken to a trauma centre, he could not confirm the number of fatalities. City Police Chief Ed Jackson hinted there could be rise in the number of fatalities. “We don’t get very many calls of this nature in this area,” said Jackson, adding that "no area if immune" to the widespread availability of handguns. WATCH | Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News × "Shooting incident at a private residence in 1000 block of Paddington Road. Suspect in custody. No threat to public. First responders on the scene," said Annapolis Police in a statement after the incident. Also read | USA: 21-year-old Indian-origin youth shot dead in Philadelphia Annapolis Sen. Sarah Elfreth took to social media after the shooting and requested the public to keep the first responders in their prayers. "Our community experienced a tragedy beyond words this evening. Multiple fatalities and injuries are reported. A suspect is in custody and Police are communicating that there is no broader threat to the public," said Elfreth in a message posted on Facebook. "Please keep the family and the first responders of the Annapolis Police Department & Annapolis Fire Department in your thoughts tonight," she added. Meanwhile, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley expressed surprise at the incident and added that guns were a problem. “We are saddened, saddened for the families, saddened for Annapolis. This sort of thing can happen anywhere, and nothing gets resolved from the use of a gun." Gun violence on the rise The United States has witnessed over 200 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The statistic becomes all the more damning when one realises there have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. The archive tracked more than 647 mass shootings in 2022 while the number stood at 690 in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: 3 dead, several wounded after domestic dispute turns into shooting episode at Maryland home

As per reports, President Joe Biden was allegedly paid $5 million by an executive of the Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings, where his son Hunter Biden sat on the board, a confidential human source told the FBI during a June 2020 interview, sources familiar.

Joe Biden accused of taking $5m bribe, according to FBI document

US President Joe Biden on Thursday called British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace "very qualified" to lead NATO but said a consensus was needed on the alliance's next secretary general.

Biden calls UK candidate for NATO chief 'very qualified'

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has been indicted in the probe over his handling of classified documents after leaving the office, a development&nbsp;that makes him the first former president to face federal criminal charges.</p>

<p>"The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social as he broke what would be bombshell news that he has been charged criminally for the second time.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>No immediate confirmation&nbsp;was forthcoming from the Department of Justice. However, a CNN report states that the Republican leader has been indicted on seven counts. He has been charged under the Espionage Act,&nbsp;as well as charges of obstruction of justice, destruction or falsification of records, conspiracy and willful retention of documents and false statements, according to people familiar with the indictment.<br />
<br />
The Associated Press reported that two people familiar with the situation, but not authorised to discuss it publicly, said that the indictment included seven criminal counts. One of them said Trump’s lawyers were contacted by prosecutors shortly before he announced on his Truth Social platform that he had been indicted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | The growing legal woes for Donald Trump | Classified documents probe</strong></p>

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<p>Trump said he has been summoned to appear in federal court in Miami on Tuesday at 3 p.m. A seven-count indictment has been filed in federal court naming the former president as a criminal defendant, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to describe a case that has yet to be unsealed.</p>

<p>"I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States," he wrote.</p>

<p>Trump has declared that he would run for president again in US Presidential Election 2024. He is currently the frontrunner among presidential hopefuls who are vying to get Republican Party nomination.</p>

<p>Trump's announcement came a day after US media said federal prosecutors informed the former president's lawyers that he is the target of the probe into his handling of classified documents.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-president-trump-asks-for-new-trial-in-e-jean-carroll-sexual-abuse-case-602320">Former US president Trump asks for new trial in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump who has been first US president to have been impeached twice while in office also has the tag of first former of sitting president to be charged with a crime. This was over election-eve hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels who said she had an affair with him. That indictment came in March.</p>

<h2><strong>‘I am innocent’</strong></h2>

<p>About half an hour after his initial post on Truth Social. Trump took to Truth Social again. This time with a video.</p>

<p>"I am innocent," he stressed.</p>

<p>In a statement after his initial online posts, the Trump campaign lashed out at what it called an "unprecedented abuse of power" and called for the indictment to be thrown out.</p>

<p>Trump "has long been the biggest threat and the top political target for Joe Biden and the corrupt Democrat Party," his campaign said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Today's act of open legal 'warfare' by the highly politicized and partisan Department of Injustice, has taken things to a new level, and set a dangerous precedent."</p>

<h2><strong>The classified documents probe</strong></h2>

<p>US Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith who has been looking into cache of secret documents which were stored by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence even after leaving the presidential office.</p>

<p>In August last year, the FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago and carted away about 11,000 documents. Trump had spent months resisting efforts by the authorities to recover the documents. This means that Trump can also face obstruction-of-justice charges.</p>

<p>Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.</p>

<p>There is a possibility that he will be indicted in two more cases. These have to do with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia and his role in inciting attack on US Capitol building in 2021.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has been indicted in the probe over his handling of classified documents after leaving the office, a development that makes him the first former president to face federal criminal charges.

Former US president Donald Trump has said that he has been indicted in the probe over his handling of classified documents after leaving the office, a development that makes him the first former president to face federal criminal charges. "The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social as he broke what would be bombshell news that he has been charged criminally for the second time. No immediate confirmation was forthcoming from the Department of Justice. However, a CNN report states that the Republican leader has been indicted on seven counts. He has been charged under the Espionage Act, as well as charges of obstruction of justice, destruction or falsification of records, conspiracy and willful retention of documents and false statements, according to people familiar with the indictment. The Associated Press reported that two people familiar with the situation, but not authorised to discuss it publicly, said that the indictment included seven criminal counts. One of them said Trump’s lawyers were contacted by prosecutors shortly before he announced on his Truth Social platform that he had been indicted. Watch | The growing legal woes for Donald Trump | Classified documents probe × Trump said he has been summoned to appear in federal court in Miami on Tuesday at 3 p.m. A seven-count indictment has been filed in federal court naming the former president as a criminal defendant, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity to describe a case that has yet to be unsealed. "I never thought it possible that such a thing could happen to a former President of the United States," he wrote. Trump has declared that he would run for president again in US Presidential Election 2024. He is currently the frontrunner among presidential hopefuls who are vying to get Republican Party nomination. Trump's announcement came a day after US media said federal prosecutors informed the former president's lawyers that he is the target of the probe into his handling of classified documents. Also Read | Former US president Trump asks for new trial in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case Trump who has been first US president to have been impeached twice while in office also has the tag of first former of sitting president to be charged with a crime. This was over election-eve hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels who said she had an affair with him. That indictment came in March. ‘I am innocent’ About half an hour after his initial post on Truth Social. Trump took to Truth Social again. This time with a video. "I am innocent," he stressed. In a statement after his initial online posts, the Trump campaign lashed out at what it called an "unprecedented abuse of power" and called for the indictment to be thrown out. Trump "has long been the biggest threat and the top political target for Joe Biden and the corrupt Democrat Party," his campaign said in a statement. "Today's act of open legal 'warfare' by the highly politicized and partisan Department of Injustice, has taken things to a new level, and set a dangerous precedent." The classified documents probe US Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith who has been looking into cache of secret documents which were stored by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence even after leaving the presidential office. In August last year, the FBI executed a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago and carted away about 11,000 documents. Trump had spent months resisting efforts by the authorities to recover the documents. This means that Trump can also face obstruction-of-justice charges. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. There is a possibility that he will be indicted in two more cases. These have to do with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia and his role in inciting attack on US Capitol building in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

Donald Trump indicted on 7 counts, including Espionage Act in classified documents case

<p>Health officials in Australia have issued a public warning advising men to avoid "Big Penis USA" pills after discovering they contained&nbsp;sildenafil —&nbsp;the erectile dysfunction medication sold under the brand name Viagra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released a public service announcement, cautioning men to avoid taking the pill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Big Penis USA tablets pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken,” the TGA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil.&nbsp;It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," it added, declaring the supply of the pill as illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sildenafil is a prescription-only drug, used to treat erectile dysfunction.&nbsp;If&nbsp;combined with certain prescription medicines, the dosage can be potentially fatal, the public health watchdog said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>TGA joins forces with ABF</strong></h2>

<p>The TGA has joined forces with the&nbsp;Australian Border Force (ABF) to stop future shipments of Big Penis USA tables from entering the Down Under country.</p>

<p>"Big Penis USA tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nuts-woodpeckers-stash-300-kg-of-acorns-in-a-california-home-559844"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NUTS! Woodpeckers stash 300 kg of acorns in a California home</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the pill is not sold in Australian stores. However, owing to its wild internet popularity, Australian men had been purchasing the product online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites and has produced a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online."</p>

<p>The ABF will be seizing and destroying any Big Penis USA products that are intercepted at the border.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US FDA issued similar warning</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, the US&nbsp;Federal Drug Administration had also issued a similar warning advisory about the Big Penis USA pills for the exact same reason. After examining the international mail shipments of the product, FDA found&nbsp;high, undisclosed amount of&nbsp;sildenafil in the pills.</p>

<p>"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use Big Penis Male Sexual Stimulant, a product promoted for sexual enhancement. This product was identified by FDA during an examination of international mail shipments," the health watchdog said in 2016.&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>"Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Health officials in Australia have issued a public warning advising men to avoid "Big Penis USA" pills after discovering they contained sildenafil — the erectile dysfunction medication sold under the brand name Viagra.

Health officials in Australia have issued a public warning advising men to avoid "Big Penis USA" pills after discovering they contained sildenafil — the erectile dysfunction medication sold under the brand name Viagra. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released a public service announcement, cautioning men to avoid taking the pill. “Big Penis USA tablets pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken,” the TGA said. "The tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil. It may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," it added, declaring the supply of the pill as illegal. Sildenafil is a prescription-only drug, used to treat erectile dysfunction. If combined with certain prescription medicines, the dosage can be potentially fatal, the public health watchdog said. TGA joins forces with ABF The TGA has joined forces with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to stop future shipments of Big Penis USA tables from entering the Down Under country. "Big Penis USA tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA." Also read | NUTS! Woodpeckers stash 300 kg of acorns in a California home Notably, the pill is not sold in Australian stores. However, owing to its wild internet popularity, Australian men had been purchasing the product online. "The TGA is advising consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas Internet sites and has produced a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online." The ABF will be seizing and destroying any Big Penis USA products that are intercepted at the border. US FDA issued similar warning Previously, the US Federal Drug Administration had also issued a similar warning advisory about the Big Penis USA pills for the exact same reason. After examining the international mail shipments of the product, FDA found high, undisclosed amount of sildenafil in the pills. "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use Big Penis Male Sexual Stimulant, a product promoted for sexual enhancement. This product was identified by FDA during an examination of international mail shipments," the health watchdog said in 2016. WATCH | Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos | Trending on WION × "Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Big Penis USA' pills banned in Australia for containing hidden drug ingredient

<p>The White House fears that China's "growing aggressiveness" in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea may soon lead to casualties. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted the "unsafe" and "unprofessional" intercepts by China in recent days, and issued the warning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It won't be long before somebody gets hurt," the White House spokesperson told reporters. "That's the concern with these unsafe and unprofessional intercepts."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">Kirby added that Washington&nbsp;would continue to stand up for the freedom of navigation in the air and sea.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">"I sure would like to hear Beijing justify what they're doing," Kirby said. "Air and maritime intercepts happen all the time. Heck, we do it. The difference is...when we feel like we need to do it, it's done professionally."</p>

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-4"><strong>US military's allegations</strong></h2>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">The US Navy on Sunday released a video titled "Unsafe interaction" in the Taiwan Strait. The video showed a Chinese warship crossing in front of a US destroyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military alleged that the Chinese Navy knowingly carried out “unsafe manoeuvres” near the destroyer transiting the sensitive Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the two nations locked horns when a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane could be seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>China says war with the US would be an 'unbearable disaster'</strong></h2>

<p>The statements by Kirby come a couple of days after&nbsp;Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu said any conflict with the US&nbsp;would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world, during the&nbsp;Shangri-La security summit in Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," said Li who was giving his first major speech since taking on the role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-war-with-us-would-be-unbearable-disaster-seeks-dialogue-600646"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue</strong></a></p>

<p>"It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world."</p>

<p>Despite both sides talking of caution, it was Beijing that declined an invitation for a meeting between the country's defence ministers along the sidelines of Asia's top security summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The White House fears that China's "growing aggressiveness" in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea may soon lead to casualties. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted the "unsafe" and "unprofessional" intercepts by China in recent days, and issued the warning.

The White House fears that China's "growing aggressiveness" in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea may soon lead to casualties. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted the "unsafe" and "unprofessional" intercepts by China in recent days, and issued the warning. "It won't be long before somebody gets hurt," the White House spokesperson told reporters. "That's the concern with these unsafe and unprofessional intercepts." Kirby added that Washington would continue to stand up for the freedom of navigation in the air and sea. "I sure would like to hear Beijing justify what they're doing," Kirby said. "Air and maritime intercepts happen all the time. Heck, we do it. The difference is...when we feel like we need to do it, it's done professionally." US military's allegations The US Navy on Sunday released a video titled "Unsafe interaction" in the Taiwan Strait. The video showed a Chinese warship crossing in front of a US destroyer. The US military alleged that the Chinese Navy knowingly carried out “unsafe manoeuvres” near the destroyer transiting the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Previously, the two nations locked horns when a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence". In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane could be seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence. WATCH | Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties China says war with the US would be an 'unbearable disaster' The statements by Kirby come a couple of days after Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu said any conflict with the US would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world, during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore. "China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," said Li who was giving his first major speech since taking on the role. "However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said. Also read | Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue "It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world." Despite both sides talking of caution, it was Beijing that declined an invitation for a meeting between the country's defence ministers along the sidelines of Asia's top security summit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White House warns someone may get 'hurt' by Chinese military's 'aggressiveness'

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<p>The US state of Oklahoma on Monday approved the country's first publicly&nbsp;funded religious charter school where Catholic teachings will be imparted into lessons. The Oklahoma State Virtual Charter School Board passed the proposal by 3-2 in a vote, setting the stage for a constitutional battle on whether taxpayers' money can be used to directly fund such schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa will run the charter school named St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The curriculum would have religious teachings embedded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, a charter school is a type of public school that is independently managed but funded by taxpayer dollars. They comprise a small fraction (8 per cent) of the US school system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision was not welcomed by the state attorney general who called the approval 'unconstitutional' and warned of legal action as it was "contrary to Oklahoma law".</p>

<p>"It's extremely disappointing that board members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars. In doing so, these members have exposed themselves and the state to potential legal action that could be costly," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-pulse-seattle-schools-file-lawsuit-against-four-tech-giants-550840"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Pulse: Seattle schools file lawsuit against four tech giants</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Prepared for legal battle: Catholic Church</strong></h2>

<p>However, St. Isidore’s administration said they were prepared for the legal challenges coming their way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are elated that the board agreed with our argument and application for the nation's first religious charter school," said Brett Farley, the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma which represents the Church on policy issues and is behind the proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We invite the challenge, for the sake of the country and answering that question,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt who had made the appointments for the school board celebrated the approval, calling it "a win for religious liberty and education freedom in our great state".</p>

<p>"Oklahomans support religious liberty for all and support an increasingly innovative educational system that expands choice," he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/propaganda-vs-bullying-groups-of-parents-clash-at-anti-lgbtq-protest-outside-los-angeles-school-599920" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | 'Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The US Supreme Court's position on religious schools</strong></h2>

<p>The proposal will most certainly be challenged in the courts but shows an increasing trend across the US where conservatives are batting for more religious schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Supreme Court, which now has a 6-to-3 conservative majority has already thrown its weight behind directing taxpayer money to religious schools. In separate rulings in 2020 and 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the states of Montana and Maine could not exclude religious schools from state programmes that allowed parents to use government-financed scholarships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the court's rulings did not mean states had to support religious education but if a state was issuing subsidies to any private schools, the religious ones may not be discriminated against.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The US state of Oklahoma on Monday approved the country's first publicly funded religious charter school where Catholic teachings will be imparted into lessons. The Oklahoma State Virtual Charter School Board passed the proposal by 3-2 in a vote, setting the stage for a constitutional battle on whether taxpayers' money can be used to directly fund such schools.

The US state of Oklahoma on Monday approved the country's first publicly funded religious charter school where Catholic teachings will be imparted into lessons. The Oklahoma State Virtual Charter School Board passed the proposal by 3-2 in a vote, setting the stage for a constitutional battle on whether taxpayers' money can be used to directly fund such schools. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa will run the charter school named St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. The curriculum would have religious teachings embedded. Notably, a charter school is a type of public school that is independently managed but funded by taxpayer dollars. They comprise a small fraction (8 per cent) of the US school system. The decision was not welcomed by the state attorney general who called the approval 'unconstitutional' and warned of legal action as it was "contrary to Oklahoma law". "It's extremely disappointing that board members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars. In doing so, these members have exposed themselves and the state to potential legal action that could be costly," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. WATCH | WION Pulse: Seattle schools file lawsuit against four tech giants × Prepared for legal battle: Catholic Church However, St. Isidore’s administration said they were prepared for the legal challenges coming their way. "We are elated that the board agreed with our argument and application for the nation's first religious charter school," said Brett Farley, the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma which represents the Church on policy issues and is behind the proposal. “We invite the challenge, for the sake of the country and answering that question,” she added. Meanwhile, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt who had made the appointments for the school board celebrated the approval, calling it "a win for religious liberty and education freedom in our great state". "Oklahomans support religious liberty for all and support an increasingly innovative educational system that expands choice," he said. Also read | 'Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school The US Supreme Court's position on religious schools The proposal will most certainly be challenged in the courts but shows an increasing trend across the US where conservatives are batting for more religious schools. The US Supreme Court, which now has a 6-to-3 conservative majority has already thrown its weight behind directing taxpayer money to religious schools. In separate rulings in 2020 and 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the states of Montana and Maine could not exclude religious schools from state programmes that allowed parents to use government-financed scholarships. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said the court's rulings did not mean states had to support religious education but if a state was issuing subsidies to any private schools, the religious ones may not be discriminated against. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

USA: First taxpayer-funded religious charter school approved in Oklahoma in controversial move

<p>Italian bodybuilder and actor Franco Columbu's native town of Ollolai, located in the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia is using his connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger to increase the population level and 'revitalise' the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>10 American professionals are moving to the small town, paying a token rent of &nbsp;€1 (86p) a month, under the project named Work from Ollolai, launched by the local council in collaboration with the Sa Mata association.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Columbu, whom Schwarzenegger called his “best friend", moved to the US state of California in the late 1960s after spending his initial years in the rural town. The shepherd-turned-boxer then went on to win Mr Europe and Mr Universe titles. He met Schwarzenegger in the mid-60s and the duo instantly forged a brotherly relationship that became a lifetime bond.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/action-stars-never-retire-says-arnold-schwarzenegger-on-bruce-willis-retirement-597733"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Action stars never retire' says Arnold Schwarzenegger on Bruce Willis’ retirement</strong></a></p>

<p>Columbu appeared alongside Schwarzenegger in <em>The Terminator</em>, the <em>Running Man</em> and <em>Conan the Barbarian</em>. He died in hospital in his native Sardinia in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, the actor and former governor of California penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute wherein he said his life was “more fun, more colourful, and more complete” thanks to Columbu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way," wrote&nbsp;Schwarzenegger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arnold-schwarzenegger-repairs-potholes-on-los-angeles-says-you-have-to-do-it-yourself-581961"><strong>WATCH | Arnold Schwarzenegger repairs potholes on Los Angeles, says, 'you have to do it yourself'</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Other nationalities may be invited later</strong></h2>

<p>According to Francesco Columbu, mayor of Ollolai, the motive behind the new initiative is to revitalise the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Revitalising the town, improving the life of inhabitants and curbing depopulation are our objectives. We believe ours is a nice place to live and work remotely, offering a lifestyle made up of nature, tranquillity, healthy food and traditions," said the mayor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first group of American professionals will live and work alongside roughly 1,300 people that reside in the town. Americans were purely picked due to the town's link to the country. If the initial project is successful, other nationalities will be eligible as well and a website for the applications will be established.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Italy's population crisis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Italy has been facing a population crisis in recent times. A report presented by National Statistics Bureau ISTAT in April stated that the birth rate in the European country touched a historic low in 2022 with less than seven newborns for every 1,000 inhabitants. The population shrank by 179,000 to 58.85 million, added the agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-may-cease-to-exist-warns-pm-fumio-kishida-aide-as-birthrate-plummets-to-record-levels-569234" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels</strong></a></p>

<p>The Italian population has been on a downward slope since 2008 but it was for the first time that the number sunk below the 400,000 mark. Italy recorded only 392,600 births in 2022, down from 400,249 recorded in the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Italian bodybuilder and actor Franco Columbu's native town of Ollolai, located in the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia is using his connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger to increase the population level and 'revitalise' the town.

Italian bodybuilder and actor Franco Columbu's native town of Ollolai, located in the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia is using his connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger to increase the population level and 'revitalise' the town. 10 American professionals are moving to the small town, paying a token rent of €1 (86p) a month, under the project named Work from Ollolai, launched by the local council in collaboration with the Sa Mata association. Columbu, whom Schwarzenegger called his “best friend", moved to the US state of California in the late 1960s after spending his initial years in the rural town. The shepherd-turned-boxer then went on to win Mr Europe and Mr Universe titles. He met Schwarzenegger in the mid-60s and the duo instantly forged a brotherly relationship that became a lifetime bond. Also read | 'Action stars never retire' says Arnold Schwarzenegger on Bruce Willis’ retirement Columbu appeared alongside Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, the Running Man and Conan the Barbarian. He died in hospital in his native Sardinia in 2019. Afterwards, the actor and former governor of California penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute wherein he said his life was “more fun, more colourful, and more complete” thanks to Columbu. “From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime. We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way," wrote Schwarzenegger. “I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind. So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but I couldn’t thrive without you.” WATCH | Arnold Schwarzenegger repairs potholes on Los Angeles, says, 'you have to do it yourself' × Other nationalities may be invited later According to Francesco Columbu, mayor of Ollolai, the motive behind the new initiative is to revitalise the town. “Revitalising the town, improving the life of inhabitants and curbing depopulation are our objectives. We believe ours is a nice place to live and work remotely, offering a lifestyle made up of nature, tranquillity, healthy food and traditions," said the mayor. The first group of American professionals will live and work alongside roughly 1,300 people that reside in the town. Americans were purely picked due to the town's link to the country. If the initial project is successful, other nationalities will be eligible as well and a website for the applications will be established. Italy's population crisis Notably, Italy has been facing a population crisis in recent times. A report presented by National Statistics Bureau ISTAT in April stated that the birth rate in the European country touched a historic low in 2022 with less than seven newborns for every 1,000 inhabitants. The population shrank by 179,000 to 58.85 million, added the agency. Also read | Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels The Italian population has been on a downward slope since 2008 but it was for the first time that the number sunk below the 400,000 mark. Italy recorded only 392,600 births in 2022, down from 400,249 recorded in the previous year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

This Italian town is using its Arnold Schwarzenegger link to give population a boost

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<p>Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has said a conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world. Li made the comment during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore over the weekend, adding that Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," said Li who was giving his first major speech since taking on the role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Beijing blames Washington&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The statement by Li comes after he declined an invitation to meet with his US counterpart Llyod Austin, along the sidelines of Asia’s top security summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing shot down the plans and blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting as 'unfortunate', adding that without dialogue, any small incident could "spiral out of control".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-chief-calls-cancellation-of-talks-with-chinese-counterpart-unfortunate-599005"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US defence secretary terms cancellation of talks with Chinese counterpart as ‘unfortunate’</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Tensions rise between the two nations</strong></h2>

<p>Both China and US have been at each other's case over myriad issues, ranging from Taiwan to territorial disputes in the South China Sea to US President's heavy-handedness on semiconductor chip exports to Beiji.ng.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the recent flare-up in relations came last week when the US military alleged that the Chinese navy carried out “unsafe manoeuvres” near a US destroyer transiting the sensitive Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the two nations locked horns when a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane could be seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has said a conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world. Li made the comment during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore over the weekend, adding that Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has said a conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world. Li made the comment during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore over the weekend, adding that Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation. "China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," said Li who was giving his first major speech since taking on the role. "However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said. "It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world." WATCH | Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties Beijing blames Washington The statement by Li comes after he declined an invitation to meet with his US counterpart Llyod Austin, along the sidelines of Asia’s top security summit. Beijing shot down the plans and blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries". Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting as 'unfortunate', adding that without dialogue, any small incident could "spiral out of control". "You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," he said. "We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control." Also read | US defence secretary terms cancellation of talks with Chinese counterpart as ‘unfortunate’ Tensions rise between the two nations Both China and US have been at each other's case over myriad issues, ranging from Taiwan to territorial disputes in the South China Sea to US President's heavy-handedness on semiconductor chip exports to Beiji.ng. However, the recent flare-up in relations came last week when the US military alleged that the Chinese navy carried out “unsafe manoeuvres” near a US destroyer transiting the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Previously, the two nations locked horns when a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence". In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane could be seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue

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<p>Months of back-and-forth and drama over whether the US will raise the debt ceiling or not are seemingly coming to an end. The US House of Representatives as well as the Senate voted in favour of raising the debt ceiling. After receiving what was largely a bipartisan approval, the&nbsp;legislation is now headed to US President Joe Biden. It is expected that the bill would be approved before the June 5 deadline, also known as the 'X-date'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But what is the language of the deal? What are the compromises made by both parties and most importantly, what is the debt limit and how did the US come so close to plunging the entire globe into an economic crisis with the spillover effect?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the debt limit?</strong></h2>

<p>A debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations, such as social security, military salaries and Medicare benefits payments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress, earlier this year, extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures meant that the US reached precariously close to breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress was engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to achieving a breakthrough, even the White House conceded that an actual breach of the US debt ceiling was likely to cause severe damage to the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the US government were to default on its obligations - whether to creditors, contractors, or citizens - the economy would quickly shift into reverse, with the depth of the losses a function of how long the breach lasted," said the White House in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-avert-default-passes-debt-ceiling-bill-598957" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | US House passes debt ceiling deal to prevent default, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What is the text of the bill?</strong></h2>

<p>The deal ensures that USA's borrowing cap is extended till January 2025, which means that&nbsp;it will be a non-issue, at least during the hotly contested US presidential elections&nbsp;scheduled in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the bill would reduce budget deficits by about $1.5 trillion over the next decade.</p>

<h2><strong>Non-defence spending capped</strong></h2>

<p>The bill has capped spending in non-defence areas, such as<strong>&nbsp;</strong>public education and transportation in 2024, before increasing it by one per cent in 2025. According to a CNN report, non-defence discretionary spending for fiscal 2024 will be approximately $704 billion, of which $121 billion would be for veterans' medical care.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards will receive support under the PACT Act. Though Biden sought $20.3 billion for the toxic exposure fund in his budget, the bill brings it down to nearly $15 billion for fiscal year 2024.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-senators-fist-bump-after-tanking-a-healthcare-bill-for-military-veterans-502061"><strong>WATCH: Republican senators fist-bump after tanking a healthcare bill for military veterans</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Covid-related fundings rescinded</strong></h2>

<p>According to House GOP lawmakers, the deal ensures that $28 billion in unobligated funds from COVID-19 relief packages, approved by Congress, is rescinded. However, $5 billion in funding would be retained to focus on the development of COVID-19 vaccines and funding for other vaccines and treatments for the uninsured, as well as the Indian Health Service.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-house-passes-debt-ceiling-deal-bill-heads-to-senate-for-nod-before-june-5-deadline-598960"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US House passes debt ceiling deal, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>IRS money</strong></h2>

<p>One of the biggest demands of Republicans was to cut down the money allotted to IRS last year by the Democrats to crack down on tax fraud. The bill language states that $1.4 billion in funding has been rescinded. Moreover, over the next two years, $20 billion will be taken away from the IRS and used for funding other non-defence programmes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some experts, however, are of the view that the change would increase deficits by $900 million because fewer IRS officers mean less revenue coming into the Treasury.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Environmental projects&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>For the first time in nearly four decades, a single lead agency has been designated to develop and schedule environmental reviews in hopes that it will streamline the lengthy regulatory process. The biggest beneficiary has been the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline project, brought forward by Senators&nbsp;Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito. Under the bill, all outstanding permit requests&nbsp;concerning the project have been approved.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Student loans</strong></h2>

<p>Republicans wanting to stop the Biden administration from waiving $10,000 to $20,000 in debt for nearly all student borrowers could not get their way in the bill. Biden, however, agreed to put an end to the pause on student loan repayment. The true test of Biden's resolve regarding the policy will be tested in the Supreme Court where a decision is expected before the end of June.</p>

<p>GOP lawmakers could not get their way to repeal many of the clean energy tax credits Democrats passed in party-line votes last year to boost the production and consumption of clean energy.</p>

<h2><strong>So what's next for the US?</strong></h2>

<p>Congress must ensure that the approved deal reaches President Biden's desk before June 5. After Bidens signs it, the limit is raised and it is business as usual before the cycle repeats in roughly two years' time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Months of back-and-forth and drama over whether the US will raise the debt ceiling or not are seemingly coming to an end. The US House of Representatives as well as the Senate voted in favour of raising the debt ceiling.

Months of back-and-forth and drama over whether the US will raise the debt ceiling or not are seemingly coming to an end. The US House of Representatives as well as the Senate voted in favour of raising the debt ceiling. After receiving what was largely a bipartisan approval, the legislation is now headed to US President Joe Biden. It is expected that the bill would be approved before the June 5 deadline, also known as the 'X-date'. But what is the language of the deal? What are the compromises made by both parties and most importantly, what is the debt limit and how did the US come so close to plunging the entire globe into an economic crisis with the spillover effect? What is the debt limit? A debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations, such as social security, military salaries and Medicare benefits payments. Congress, earlier this year, extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures meant that the US reached precariously close to breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress was engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit. Prior to achieving a breakthrough, even the White House conceded that an actual breach of the US debt ceiling was likely to cause severe damage to the economy. "If the US government were to default on its obligations - whether to creditors, contractors, or citizens - the economy would quickly shift into reverse, with the depth of the losses a function of how long the breach lasted," said the White House in a statement. Also read | US House passes debt ceiling deal to prevent default, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline What is the text of the bill? The deal ensures that USA's borrowing cap is extended till January 2025, which means that it will be a non-issue, at least during the hotly contested US presidential elections scheduled in 2024. Overall, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the bill would reduce budget deficits by about $1.5 trillion over the next decade. Non-defence spending capped The bill has capped spending in non-defence areas, such as public education and transportation in 2024, before increasing it by one per cent in 2025. According to a CNN report, non-defence discretionary spending for fiscal 2024 will be approximately $704 billion, of which $121 billion would be for veterans' medical care. Notably, veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards will receive support under the PACT Act. Though Biden sought $20.3 billion for the toxic exposure fund in his budget, the bill brings it down to nearly $15 billion for fiscal year 2024. WATCH: Republican senators fist-bump after tanking a healthcare bill for military veterans Covid-related fundings rescinded According to House GOP lawmakers, the deal ensures that $28 billion in unobligated funds from COVID-19 relief packages, approved by Congress, is rescinded. However, $5 billion in funding would be retained to focus on the development of COVID-19 vaccines and funding for other vaccines and treatments for the uninsured, as well as the Indian Health Service. WATCH | US House passes debt ceiling deal, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline × IRS money One of the biggest demands of Republicans was to cut down the money allotted to IRS last year by the Democrats to crack down on tax fraud. The bill language states that $1.4 billion in funding has been rescinded. Moreover, over the next two years, $20 billion will be taken away from the IRS and used for funding other non-defence programmes. Some experts, however, are of the view that the change would increase deficits by $900 million because fewer IRS officers mean less revenue coming into the Treasury. Environmental projects For the first time in nearly four decades, a single lead agency has been designated to develop and schedule environmental reviews in hopes that it will streamline the lengthy regulatory process. The biggest beneficiary has been the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline project, brought forward by Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito. Under the bill, all outstanding permit requests concerning the project have been approved. Student loans Republicans wanting to stop the Biden administration from waiving $10,000 to $20,000 in debt for nearly all student borrowers could not get their way in the bill. Biden, however, agreed to put an end to the pause on student loan repayment. The true test of Biden's resolve regarding the policy will be tested in the Supreme Court where a decision is expected before the end of June. GOP lawmakers could not get their way to repeal many of the clean energy tax credits Democrats passed in party-line votes last year to boost the production and consumption of clean energy. So what's next for the US? Congress must ensure that the approved deal reaches President Biden's desk before June 5. After Bidens signs it, the limit is raised and it is business as usual before the cycle repeats in roughly two years' time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: What is in the debt ceiling bill passed by US Congress?

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<p>Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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>21st century trade initiative</strong></h2>

<p>The trade talks, named&nbsp;US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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 business.</p>

<p>Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-and-its-challenges-with-china-will-us-support-taiwan-like-ukraine-593382"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>China remains antagonised</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times'&nbsp;in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade'&nbsp;are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-not-cross-the-red-line-on-taiwan-question-569441"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question</strong></a></p>

<p>"Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card'&nbsp;to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,'&nbsp;any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.

Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday. In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event. 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. 21st century trade initiative The trade talks, named US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic 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 business. Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed. WATCH | Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine? × China remains antagonised Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times' in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China". "The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade' are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed. ALSO READ | China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question "Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card' to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,' any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added. The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Much to China's chagrin, Taiwan and US sign first deal under new trade framework

<p>Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its&nbsp;Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female&nbsp;customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FTC in its complaint stated the employee&nbsp;viewed videos made by at least 81 female customers and Ring employees using Ring products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Undetected by Ring, the employee continued spying for months," the FTC said, adding,&nbsp;"Ring's disregard for privacy and security exposed consumers to spying and harassment."</p>

<p>It was only after a colleague noticed the misconduct that the lid was blown over the scandal and the employee was terminated from the job.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amazon-to-pay-over-30-million-for-violating-privacy-598982"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Amazon to pay over $30 million for violating privacy</strong></a></p>

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<p>The US regulator stated Amazon had given unrestricted access to customers' sensitive video data to its Ring employees which allowed the situation to spiral out of control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result of this dangerously overbroad access and lax attitude toward privacy and security, employees and third-party contractors were able to view, download, and transfer customers' sensitive video data."</p>

<p>It added that hackers were able to lay their hands on the sensitive media. Not only were they able to access video streams but also take control of cameras to exploit minors, threaten&nbsp;families and demand ransom if they didn't want private images, or videos leaked.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Amazon will pay an additional $25 million</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from the $5.8 million settlement, Amazon also agreed to pay $25 million after Alexa (virtual assistant technology) was found violating the privacy rights of children. FTC found that Alexa failed to delete&nbsp;recordings at the request of parents and kept them longer than necessary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The unlawfully retained voice recordings provided Amazon with a valuable database for training the Alexa algorithm to understand children, benefiting its bottom line at the expense of children's privacy," the FTC said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-you-shouldnt-put-alexa-in-your-bedroom-549051"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-acquires-roomba-vacuum-makers-for-17-billion-504121">W</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-you-shouldnt-put-alexa-in-your-bedroom-549051"><strong>ATCH |&nbsp;Why you shouldn't put Alexa in your bedroom</strong></a></p>

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<p>Commenting on the settlement, Amazon said it disagreed with FTC's claims but was glad to close out the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While we disagree with the FTC's claims regarding both Alexa and Ring and deny violating the law, these settlements put these matters behind us."</p>

<p>Despite a cumulative fine of $30 million, the sum pales in comparison to Amazon's $3.2 billion first-quarter profit. However, FTC's stern stance and action on a multinational company are expected to send a message to the big tech companies who have been running away from accountability for a long time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms. The FTC in its complaint stated the employee viewed videos made by at least 81 female customers and Ring employees using Ring products. "Undetected by Ring, the employee continued spying for months," the FTC said, adding, "Ring's disregard for privacy and security exposed consumers to spying and harassment." It was only after a colleague noticed the misconduct that the lid was blown over the scandal and the employee was terminated from the job. WATCH | Amazon to pay over $30 million for violating privacy × The US regulator stated Amazon had given unrestricted access to customers' sensitive video data to its Ring employees which allowed the situation to spiral out of control. "As a result of this dangerously overbroad access and lax attitude toward privacy and security, employees and third-party contractors were able to view, download, and transfer customers' sensitive video data." It added that hackers were able to lay their hands on the sensitive media. Not only were they able to access video streams but also take control of cameras to exploit minors, threaten families and demand ransom if they didn't want private images, or videos leaked. Amazon will pay an additional $25 million Apart from the $5.8 million settlement, Amazon also agreed to pay $25 million after Alexa (virtual assistant technology) was found violating the privacy rights of children. FTC found that Alexa failed to delete recordings at the request of parents and kept them longer than necessary. "The unlawfully retained voice recordings provided Amazon with a valuable database for training the Alexa algorithm to understand children, benefiting its bottom line at the expense of children's privacy," the FTC said. WATCH | Why you shouldn't put Alexa in your bedroom × Commenting on the settlement, Amazon said it disagreed with FTC's claims but was glad to close out the matter. "While we disagree with the FTC's claims regarding both Alexa and Ring and deny violating the law, these settlements put these matters behind us." Despite a cumulative fine of $30 million, the sum pales in comparison to Amazon's $3.2 billion first-quarter profit. However, FTC's stern stance and action on a multinational company are expected to send a message to the big tech companies who have been running away from accountability for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon settles Ring camera spying scandal, to pay this amount as settlement

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation&nbsp;of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate".&nbsp;Washington had&nbsp;reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," said Austin, who is currently in Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," he added.</p>

<p>Austin was referring to the recent "provocative" manoeuvre in front of a US aircraft by China and called it a "very concerning" development. Both Austin and Li are expected to address the Shangri-La dialogue on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Beijing blames Washington&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Though Beijing didn't officially snub the meet invite,&nbsp;Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should&nbsp; “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The aircraft incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, last week, a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence".&nbsp;In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane is seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence.</p>

<p>A senior US defence official stated that there has been an “alarming increase in the number of risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea” by Chinese aircraft and ships – actions that “have the potential to create an unsafe incident or miscalculation”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinese-fighter-plane-performs-unnecessarily-aggressive-manoeuvre-near-us-jet-598545"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US 'provocation' led to South China Sea fighter jet incident, says Beijing</strong></a></p>

<h2><b>Relations at an all-time low</b></h2>

<p>Despite the cancellation, experts are of the view that the meeting would have been a futile attempt to bridge any tension between the two countries.&nbsp;Last year, Austin met Li's predecessor Wei Fenge at Shangri-La Dialogue privately but the meeting did little to mend the deteriorating ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the spy balloon incident earlier this year and the subsequent cancellation of&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, the relations have remained frosty. Declining the US invite is being seen as an attempt by Beijing to even the scales.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate". Washington had reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate". Washington had reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week. "You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," said Austin, who is currently in Tokyo. "We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," he added. Austin was referring to the recent "provocative" manoeuvre in front of a US aircraft by China and called it a "very concerning" development. Both Austin and Li are expected to address the Shangri-La dialogue on Saturday. WATCH | Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties Beijing blames Washington Though Beijing didn't officially snub the meet invite, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries". The aircraft incident Notably, last week, a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence". In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane is seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence. A senior US defence official stated that there has been an “alarming increase in the number of risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea” by Chinese aircraft and ships – actions that “have the potential to create an unsafe incident or miscalculation”. ALSO READ | US 'provocation' led to South China Sea fighter jet incident, says Beijing Relations at an all-time low Despite the cancellation, experts are of the view that the meeting would have been a futile attempt to bridge any tension between the two countries. Last year, Austin met Li's predecessor Wei Fenge at Shangri-La Dialogue privately but the meeting did little to mend the deteriorating ties. Since the spy balloon incident earlier this year and the subsequent cancellation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, the relations have remained frosty. Declining the US invite is being seen as an attempt by Beijing to even the scales. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US defence secretary terms cancellation of talks with Chinese counterpart as ‘unfortunate’

<p>After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars.</p>

<p>Those involved on the side of corporate America are some of the biggest and best-known brands, from Disney, owners of the world’s most popular entertainment parks, to Budweiser, makers of America’s most popular beer, to BlackRock, the multi-national investment firm which is the world’s largest asset manager.</p>

<p>On the opposite front are right-wing Republicans, including three aspirants to the US presidency, who object to corporate policies best known by their acronyms: ESG and DEI. That stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.</p>

<p>How willing Republicans are to break with their traditional allies on Wall Street was thrown into sharp focus in March with the adoption of a bill to prevent retirement fund managers from basing decisions on factors like climate change, the “E” in ESG. The US Senate passed the measure with a 50-46 vote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-mickey-mouse-was-drawn-into-americas-culture-wars-591151"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;How Mickey Mouse was drawn into America’s culture wars</strong></a></p>

<p>One critic, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, saw the bill as evidence that Republicans, once champions of the free market, had become inspired by Soviet economic planners.</p>

<p>“Republican lawmakers are now telling which businesses they can and can’t invest in – and which investment criteria they will be permitted to consider."</p>

<p>The bill prompted President Joe Biden to issue the first veto of his presidency. “I signed this veto because the legislation passed by Congress would put at risk the retirement savings of individuals across the country,” he explained.</p>

<p>The response, from the speaker of the Republican-dominated House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy: “President Biden wants to use your hard-earned money not to grow your savings but to fund a far-left political agenda.”</p>

<p>Winning a battle, as Biden did with his veto, does not mean winning the culture wars that go far beyond investment strategies and cover issues as diverse as abortion, education, voting rights, gun laws, school libraries, immigration, and the LGBT community. As far as ESG investment goes, the dark views of hard-line Republicans were spelt out at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee in May by Steve Marshall, the Alabama attorney general and one of two “expert” witnesses.</p>

<p>“An unelected cabal of global elites,” he told the hearing, “have formed alliances to coordinate together to implement woke climate policy….unelected elites are making policy decisions outside of democratic processes.”</p>

<p>That brought to mind a conspiracy theory dating back to the 1970s according to which a cabal of elites are secretly working on a plan to turn the United Nations into the seat of a world government, taking away US sovereignty and enforcing its rule with a fleet of black helicopters.</p>

<p>In the lexicon of right-wing Republicans, “woke” is a pejorative umbrella term that covers a variety of topics - from climate change and social programmes to support for minorities. “Unelected elites” are the kind of people who converge on Davos once a year to exchange ideas on global problems.</p>

<p>US corporate leaders who incur the displeasure of powerful politicians also count as unelected elites, of course. Such as Disney CEO Bob Chapek who, under pressure from angry employees, criticised Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis for legislation to limit school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>

<p>DeSantis retaliated by cutting tax and other privileges Disney had enjoyed since 1967. Chapek’s successor as CEO, Bob Iger, hit back by cancelling a $2 billion expansion project around Orlando that would have resulted in 2,000 new jobs.</p>

<p>Another example of how carefully an American company must tread in the culture wars – often discussed with more passion on social media as real wars, i.e. Ukraine – was provided by Bud Light, the country’s most popular beer.</p>

<p>Its drinkers are mostly men and its market share is highest in conservative parts of the country, where diversity is not a major concern and there is little or no sympathy for people who change their gender. Despite a stable consumer base, Bud Light’s sales have been falling steadily across the country.</p>

<p>To stop the decline, caused by greater demand for craft beers, Anheuser Busch, Bud’s brewer, attempted to attract a wider and more diverse range of consumers, including women.</p>

<p>To achieve that goal, the woman in charge of Bud Light’s marketing, Alissa Heinerscheid, launched a promotion that featured a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. To mark the anniversary of her transition from man to woman, she was given a special gift -- a Bud Light can adorned with her picture.</p>

<p>Mulvaney displayed it proudly on TikTok, where she has almost 11 million followers, and Instagram, where she has 1.8 million. It was a personalised once-only can but conservative social media commenters gave the impression that the can was mass-produced and available in all stores.</p>

<p>That prompted furious social media criticism and so much rage that the country singer Kid Rock produced a video of him shooting Bud Light cans with a submachine gun.</p>

<p>The beer episode illuminates the passion aroused by subjects anathema to the political right but it is no more than a sideshow to the wider issue of the cooling relations between corporate America and the Republican Party in its present configuration.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/desantis-ends-disney-worlds-corporate-kingdom-company-loses-self-governing-status-with-new-law-566942"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;DeSantis ends Disney World's 'corporate kingdom', company loses self-governing status with new law</strong></a></p>

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<p>There is no unanimity of views of what soured relations between Big Business and the Republican Party but Larry Fink, the hugely successful CEO of BlackRock often comes up in discussions of the estrangement.</p>

<p>In 2020 and 2021, Fink sent letters to dozens of influential CEOs arguing that the financial industry must act against climate change. The letters were effective: they sparked a wave of climate-conscious investing as well as intense lobbying against the idea from oil and other fossil-fuel companies.</p>

<p>At the latest meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Fink deplored harsh right-wing attacks on him and his strategy proposals. “The narrative is ugly,” he told the meeting. “The narrative has created this huge polarisation…They are trying to demonise the issues.”</p>

<p>Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire whose mass production of electric cars has been good for the environment, also attended the Davos meeting but had a different take on ESG. “The S in ESG stands for Satanic,” he said in a tweet.</p>

<p>No end is in sight for the controversy. ESG and DEI are certain to be part of the debates in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></em></p>

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After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars.

After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars. Those involved on the side of corporate America are some of the biggest and best-known brands, from Disney, owners of the world’s most popular entertainment parks, to Budweiser, makers of America’s most popular beer, to BlackRock, the multi-national investment firm which is the world’s largest asset manager. On the opposite front are right-wing Republicans, including three aspirants to the US presidency, who object to corporate policies best known by their acronyms: ESG and DEI. That stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. How willing Republicans are to break with their traditional allies on Wall Street was thrown into sharp focus in March with the adoption of a bill to prevent retirement fund managers from basing decisions on factors like climate change, the “E” in ESG. The US Senate passed the measure with a 50-46 vote. ALSO READ | How Mickey Mouse was drawn into America’s culture wars One critic, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, saw the bill as evidence that Republicans, once champions of the free market, had become inspired by Soviet economic planners. “Republican lawmakers are now telling which businesses they can and can’t invest in – and which investment criteria they will be permitted to consider." The bill prompted President Joe Biden to issue the first veto of his presidency. “I signed this veto because the legislation passed by Congress would put at risk the retirement savings of individuals across the country,” he explained. The response, from the speaker of the Republican-dominated House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy: “President Biden wants to use your hard-earned money not to grow your savings but to fund a far-left political agenda.” Winning a battle, as Biden did with his veto, does not mean winning the culture wars that go far beyond investment strategies and cover issues as diverse as abortion, education, voting rights, gun laws, school libraries, immigration, and the LGBT community. As far as ESG investment goes, the dark views of hard-line Republicans were spelt out at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee in May by Steve Marshall, the Alabama attorney general and one of two “expert” witnesses. “An unelected cabal of global elites,” he told the hearing, “have formed alliances to coordinate together to implement woke climate policy….unelected elites are making policy decisions outside of democratic processes.” That brought to mind a conspiracy theory dating back to the 1970s according to which a cabal of elites are secretly working on a plan to turn the United Nations into the seat of a world government, taking away US sovereignty and enforcing its rule with a fleet of black helicopters. In the lexicon of right-wing Republicans, “woke” is a pejorative umbrella term that covers a variety of topics - from climate change and social programmes to support for minorities. “Unelected elites” are the kind of people who converge on Davos once a year to exchange ideas on global problems. US corporate leaders who incur the displeasure of powerful politicians also count as unelected elites, of course. Such as Disney CEO Bob Chapek who, under pressure from angry employees, criticised Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis for legislation to limit school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity. DeSantis retaliated by cutting tax and other privileges Disney had enjoyed since 1967. Chapek’s successor as CEO, Bob Iger, hit back by cancelling a $2 billion expansion project around Orlando that would have resulted in 2,000 new jobs. Another example of how carefully an American company must tread in the culture wars – often discussed with more passion on social media as real wars, i.e. Ukraine – was provided by Bud Light, the country’s most popular beer. Its drinkers are mostly men and its market share is highest in conservative parts of the country, where diversity is not a major concern and there is little or no sympathy for people who change their gender. Despite a stable consumer base, Bud Light’s sales have been falling steadily across the country. To stop the decline, caused by greater demand for craft beers, Anheuser Busch, Bud’s brewer, attempted to attract a wider and more diverse range of consumers, including women. To achieve that goal, the woman in charge of Bud Light’s marketing, Alissa Heinerscheid, launched a promotion that featured a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. To mark the anniversary of her transition from man to woman, she was given a special gift -- a Bud Light can adorned with her picture. Mulvaney displayed it proudly on TikTok, where she has almost 11 million followers, and Instagram, where she has 1.8 million. It was a personalised once-only can but conservative social media commenters gave the impression that the can was mass-produced and available in all stores. That prompted furious social media criticism and so much rage that the country singer Kid Rock produced a video of him shooting Bud Light cans with a submachine gun. The beer episode illuminates the passion aroused by subjects anathema to the political right but it is no more than a sideshow to the wider issue of the cooling relations between corporate America and the Republican Party in its present configuration. WATCH | DeSantis ends Disney World's 'corporate kingdom', company loses self-governing status with new law × There is no unanimity of views of what soured relations between Big Business and the Republican Party but Larry Fink, the hugely successful CEO of BlackRock often comes up in discussions of the estrangement. In 2020 and 2021, Fink sent letters to dozens of influential CEOs arguing that the financial industry must act against climate change. The letters were effective: they sparked a wave of climate-conscious investing as well as intense lobbying against the idea from oil and other fossil-fuel companies. At the latest meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Fink deplored harsh right-wing attacks on him and his strategy proposals. “The narrative is ugly,” he told the meeting. “The narrative has created this huge polarisation…They are trying to demonise the issues.” Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire whose mass production of electric cars has been good for the environment, also attended the Davos meeting but had a different take on ESG. “The S in ESG stands for Satanic,” he said in a tweet. No end is in sight for the controversy. ESG and DEI are certain to be part of the debates in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How Big Business ended up in the trenches of America’s culture wars

<p>A 21-year-old Indian-origin&nbsp;youth&nbsp;was shot dead by unknown assailants in Philadelphia, United States on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Jude Chacko and he was shot while returning from work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim's parents migrated to the US almost three decades ago from the Kollam district of&nbsp;south&nbsp;India's Kerala.&nbsp;Chacko was reportedly ambushed by two men who shot him when the robbery attempt went wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Philadelphia - an urban hellhole</strong></h2>

<p>Major parts of&nbsp;Philadelphia have become an urban living hellhole - giving rise to gun crimes.&nbsp;The scale of ‘tranq’ epidemic infesting the streets of Philadelphia was revealed through horrific footage of drug addicts that went viral on social media platforms the last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets. The clip was first shared by a user on TokTok, and then on Twitter.</p>

<p>In a statement last month, Philadelphia health officials said that the city has been massively impacted by the epidemic.</p>

<p>“Xylazine has hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing increased overdose deaths as well as severe wounds that can lead to sepsis and amputation,” the Philadelphia Department of Health and Board of Health said, according to New York Post outlet.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nashville-shooting-28-year-old-fatally-shoots-three-in-nashville-school-wion-speed-news-576651"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Other Indians killed in gun violence&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when an Indian-origin person has been shot by assailants in the US.&nbsp;In April, a 24-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh was also shot dead at a fuel station. The victim, Saiesh Veera had been working at the petrol station when the unknown assailants shot him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in January,&nbsp;23-year-old&nbsp;Devsish Nandepu was killed after&nbsp;armed robbers shot him&nbsp;at Princeton Park in Chicago.&nbsp;Nandepu, alongside his friend, was taking a stroll in the park in the evening&nbsp;when a dark-coloured vehicle approached them. The armed robbers first asked them to surrender their valuables, and then both were shot at.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gun-violence-rocks-chicago-23-year-old-indian-dies-after-armed-robbers-shot-him-in-the-chest-555842"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Gun violence rocks Chicago: 23-year-old Indian dies after armed robbers shot him in the chest</strong></a></p>

<p>Chacko's death came on the same day as when a mass shooting incident transpired along the beach boardwalk in&nbsp;Hollywood, Florida. The incident left&nbsp;nine&nbsp;people&nbsp;injured and several others scrambling for cover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Preliminary investigation suggests that a confrontation between two groups resulted in firing. One suspect has been arrested, while another is still on the large.</p>

<p>The United States has witnessed over 200 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The statistic becomes all the more damning when one realises there have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. The archive tracked more than 647 mass shootings in 2022 while the number stood at 690 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A 21-year-old Indian-origin youth was shot dead by unknown assailants in Philadelphia, United States on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Jude Chacko and he was shot while returning from work.

A 21-year-old Indian-origin youth was shot dead by unknown assailants in Philadelphia, United States on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Jude Chacko and he was shot while returning from work. The victim's parents migrated to the US almost three decades ago from the Kollam district of south India's Kerala. Chacko was reportedly ambushed by two men who shot him when the robbery attempt went wrong. Philadelphia - an urban hellhole Major parts of Philadelphia have become an urban living hellhole - giving rise to gun crimes. The scale of ‘tranq’ epidemic infesting the streets of Philadelphia was revealed through horrific footage of drug addicts that went viral on social media platforms the last week. The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets. The clip was first shared by a user on TokTok, and then on Twitter. In a statement last month, Philadelphia health officials said that the city has been massively impacted by the epidemic. “Xylazine has hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing increased overdose deaths as well as severe wounds that can lead to sepsis and amputation,” the Philadelphia Department of Health and Board of Health said, according to New York Post outlet. WATCH | Nashville Shooting: 28-year-old fatally shoots three in Nashville school | WION Speed News × Other Indians killed in gun violence This is not the first instance when an Indian-origin person has been shot by assailants in the US. In April, a 24-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh was also shot dead at a fuel station. The victim, Saiesh Veera had been working at the petrol station when the unknown assailants shot him. Earlier in January, 23-year-old Devsish Nandepu was killed after armed robbers shot him at Princeton Park in Chicago. Nandepu, alongside his friend, was taking a stroll in the park in the evening when a dark-coloured vehicle approached them. The armed robbers first asked them to surrender their valuables, and then both were shot at. ALSO READ | Gun violence rocks Chicago: 23-year-old Indian dies after armed robbers shot him in the chest Chacko's death came on the same day as when a mass shooting incident transpired along the beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida. The incident left nine people injured and several others scrambling for cover. Preliminary investigation suggests that a confrontation between two groups resulted in firing. One suspect has been arrested, while another is still on the large. The United States has witnessed over 200 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The statistic becomes all the more damning when one realises there have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. The archive tracked more than 647 mass shootings in 2022 while the number stood at 690 in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

USA: 21-year-old Indian-origin youth shot dead in Philadelphia

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<p>Two women in the US state of Georgia have claimed they were fired by their employers when they called the police to report a robbery at the store.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The peculiar incident took place at Lululemon's store in metro Atlanta and has invited global attention after the former staffers claimed their decision to ring 911 was deemed as "breaking the company policy". Jennifer Ferguson and Rachel Rogers said they did not feel protected when the robbers barged into the store and called law enforcement to seek help.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We didn't really feel very protected or know what else to do," Rogers was quoted as saying by local media outlets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/melbourne-club-slammed-for-use-of-live-reptiles-at-relaunch-party-597857"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Melbourne club slammed for use of live reptiles at relaunch party</strong></a></p>

<p>A video of the incident has gone viral which shows the moment thieves entered the store earlier this month. They could be seen grabbing fistfuls of athletic clothing as Ferguson - the assistant manager of the store at the time, is heard shouting: “No, no, no, you can march back out."</p>

<p>The robbers, who had previously looted the store almost a dozen times, momentarily looked at Ferguson before getting on with their business of looting more clothes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Seriously? Get out,” a frustrated Ferguson says to the men. “Chill, b–tch, shut your ass up,” one of the thieves can be heard responding.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-woman-survives-five-days-in-bush-drinking-only-wine-trending-on-wion-590535"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Australia woman survives five days in bush drinking only wine | Trending on WION</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>We're not supposed to talk: Ferguson</strong></h2>

<p>Ferguson informed that store policy dictates that they are not supposed to stop the thieves and should allow them to do whatever they are doing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are not supposed to get in the way. You kind of clear path for whatever they’re going to do. And then, after it’s over, you scan a QR code. And that’s that. We’ve been told not to put it in any notes, because that might scare other people. We’re not supposed to call the police, not really supposed to talk about it," said Ferguson.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pencil-purported-to-have-belonged-to-hitler-to-be-auctioned-next-month-report-597721" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Pencil given to Hitler by partner could fetch nearly $99,000 in auction: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Netizens were confused as to why the store had implemented such a policy, even if it had good insurance coverage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One user said, "I understand why a company implement a zero-tolerance policy on chasing or physically engaging with a thief as it would be too dangerous to do so. However, it is so odd if a company doesn't want its staff to call the police. If they don't call the police, how can the company claim insurance? Strange!!"</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another added, "This company is contributing to the breakdown of civil society. Until retailers stand up, the problem will continue to grow. Shopping on line will replace brick-and-mortar stores complete."</p>

<p>Several US states have been facing the menace of increased store robberies. Video clips of Walmart, Walgreens, Target and other retail franchises being looted by thieves without any repercussion continue to do the rounds of the internet every few weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Two women in the US state of Georgia have claimed they were fired by their employers when they called the police to report a robbery at the store. The peculiar incident took place at Lululemon's store in metro Atlanta and has invited global attention after the former staffers claimed their decision to ring 911 was deemed as "breaking the company policy".

Two women in the US state of Georgia have claimed they were fired by their employers when they called the police to report a robbery at the store. The peculiar incident took place at Lululemon's store in metro Atlanta and has invited global attention after the former staffers claimed their decision to ring 911 was deemed as "breaking the company policy". Jennifer Ferguson and Rachel Rogers said they did not feel protected when the robbers barged into the store and called law enforcement to seek help. "We didn't really feel very protected or know what else to do," Rogers was quoted as saying by local media outlets. ALSO READ | Melbourne club slammed for use of live reptiles at relaunch party A video of the incident has gone viral which shows the moment thieves entered the store earlier this month. They could be seen grabbing fistfuls of athletic clothing as Ferguson - the assistant manager of the store at the time, is heard shouting: “No, no, no, you can march back out." The robbers, who had previously looted the store almost a dozen times, momentarily looked at Ferguson before getting on with their business of looting more clothes. “Seriously? Get out,” a frustrated Ferguson says to the men. “Chill, b–tch, shut your ass up,” one of the thieves can be heard responding. WATCH | Australia woman survives five days in bush drinking only wine | Trending on WION × We're not supposed to talk: Ferguson Ferguson informed that store policy dictates that they are not supposed to stop the thieves and should allow them to do whatever they are doing. “We are not supposed to get in the way. You kind of clear path for whatever they’re going to do. And then, after it’s over, you scan a QR code. And that’s that. We’ve been told not to put it in any notes, because that might scare other people. We’re not supposed to call the police, not really supposed to talk about it," said Ferguson. ALSO READ | Pencil given to Hitler by partner could fetch nearly $99,000 in auction: Report Netizens were confused as to why the store had implemented such a policy, even if it had good insurance coverage. One user said, "I understand why a company implement a zero-tolerance policy on chasing or physically engaging with a thief as it would be too dangerous to do so. However, it is so odd if a company doesn't want its staff to call the police. If they don't call the police, how can the company claim insurance? Strange!!" Meanwhile, another added, "This company is contributing to the breakdown of civil society. Until retailers stand up, the problem will continue to grow. Shopping on line will replace brick-and-mortar stores complete." Several US states have been facing the menace of increased store robberies. Video clips of Walmart, Walgreens, Target and other retail franchises being looted by thieves without any repercussion continue to do the rounds of the internet every few weeks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bizarre! Two US employees fired for reporting store robbery to police

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<p>With the US debt default deadline precariously close, President Joe Biden said his administration was close to achieving a breakthrough. For the first time in many weeks, Biden seemed upbeat about the prospect of getting the deal done and raising the debt ceiling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's very close and I'm optimistic," said Biden as he left for the Memorial Day weekend at Camp David.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden's team at the White House was busy chalking out a deal with the Republicans at the Capitol via a conference call. Biden reflected on the same and said, “There’s a negotiation going on. I’m hopeful we’ll know by tonight whether we’re going to be able to have a deal."</p>

<p>Republican Representative Patrick McHenry, one of the lead negotiators of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy concurred with the president's statement and added, "I'm hopeful. But we have to make sure we have a line on tax, we have a line on agreement — there’s significant challenges ahead."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen&nbsp;said the government will now run out of money on June 5, instead of the earlier projected date of June 1. She, however, warned that waiting till the eleventh hour to raise the ceiling could cause more harm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States," she said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US Treasury Secretary warns country running out of cash</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is the debt limit?</strong></h2>

<p>The debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations such as social security, military salaries and medicare benefits payments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress earlier this year extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures mean that the US will be breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress has been engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-is-running-out-of-cash-know-what-is-debt-ceiling-and-current-crisis-595534" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Explained | US is 'running out of cash'. What is the debt ceiling crisis?</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, to raise the limit, any agreement reached will have to pass the scrutiny of&nbsp;the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate before Biden could sign it into law — a process that could take more than a week.</p>

<p>So far, the&nbsp;Republicans have been adamant that the Biden administration implement big spending cuts if the debt ceiling was to be raised. According to reports, if Republicans and Democrats arrive at a happy place, the limit could be potentially raised for two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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With the US debt default deadline precariously close, President Joe Biden said his administration was close to achieving a breakthrough. For the first time in many weeks, Biden seemed upbeat about the prospect of getting the deal done and raising the debt ceiling.

With the US debt default deadline precariously close, President Joe Biden said his administration was close to achieving a breakthrough. For the first time in many weeks, Biden seemed upbeat about the prospect of getting the deal done and raising the debt ceiling. "It's very close and I'm optimistic," said Biden as he left for the Memorial Day weekend at Camp David. Biden's team at the White House was busy chalking out a deal with the Republicans at the Capitol via a conference call. Biden reflected on the same and said, “There’s a negotiation going on. I’m hopeful we’ll know by tonight whether we’re going to be able to have a deal." Republican Representative Patrick McHenry, one of the lead negotiators of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy concurred with the president's statement and added, "I'm hopeful. But we have to make sure we have a line on tax, we have a line on agreement — there’s significant challenges ahead." Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the government will now run out of money on June 5, instead of the earlier projected date of June 1. She, however, warned that waiting till the eleventh hour to raise the ceiling could cause more harm. "Waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States," she said. Watch | US Treasury Secretary warns country running out of cash What is the debt limit? The debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations such as social security, military salaries and medicare benefits payments. Congress earlier this year extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures mean that the US will be breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress has been engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit. ALSO READ | Explained | US is 'running out of cash'. What is the debt ceiling crisis? Notably, to raise the limit, any agreement reached will have to pass the scrutiny of the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate before Biden could sign it into law — a process that could take more than a week. So far, the Republicans have been adamant that the Biden administration implement big spending cuts if the debt ceiling was to be raised. According to reports, if Republicans and Democrats arrive at a happy place, the limit could be potentially raised for two years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'It's very close...': Biden sounds optimistic on breakthrough in debt ceiling talks

<p>A surveillance video of a bus driver and a passenger firing&nbsp;at each other on a moving bus in the US state of North Carolina has surfaced. The incident took place earlier this month on a Charlotte transit bus and left both injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the passenger can be seen taking out the gun and checking if it is loaded before standing near the driver. As soon as the passenger clocks and aims his gun, the driver also pulls out a gun and both fire a few rounds at each other in "rapid succession". The glass window between the duo also gets shattered as the passenger sinks to the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The remaining passengers are forced to the back of the bus by the driver who continues to wave his gun before firing another round at the suspect, according to a CNN report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to authorities, the passenger has been identified as Omarri Shariff Tobias&nbsp;and he had&nbsp;asked the driver to let him off between the designated bus stops. However, the driver,&nbsp;David Fullard told Tobias that he would have to wait until the next stop to deboard the bus. After a heated two-minute back-and-forth, the altercation culminated with the gunfight.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Charlotte, North Carolina: Newly released surveillance footage shows a dramatic shootout between a North Carolina public bus driver and passenger while the bus was in motion.<br />
<br />
The shooting occurred on May 18 on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus, after the passenger asked… <a href="https://t.co/DNf9h8c8N7">pic.twitter.com/DNf9h8c8N7</a></p>
— Dr. PMS (@ps1ack) <a href="https://twitter.com/ps1ack/status/1662859654051819520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drivers-with-guns-us-former-bodyguard-launches-ride-sharing-app-black-wolf-amid-mass-shootings-595487"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;'Drivers with guns': Former bodyguard launches ride-sharing app Black Wolf amid mass shootings</strong></a></p>

<p>Reports state that while Fullard was struck in the arm, Tobias was in the abdomen. They were admitted to hospital and are believed to be in stable condition and expected to recover soon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Fullard fired by his employer</strong></h2>

<p>The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department&nbsp;said they had charged Tobias with assault using a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats and carrying a concealed firearm. It is unclear if charges will be levelled against&nbsp;Fullard. Although, he was fired by his employer,&nbsp;RATP Dev which hires the transit system's bus operators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the company’s workplace policy states&nbsp;that possession of firearm or other weapons while on duty is prohibited and that employees can be fired when found in violation of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gun-violence-in-us-at-least-160-shooting-incidents-in-2023-as-mass-shootings-on-rise-583703"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gun violence in US: At least 160 shooting incidents in 2023 as mass shootings on rise</strong></a></p>

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<p>“It would have been reasonable for the operator to attempt to de-escalate the situation by allowing the suspect/passenger to exit the bus before arriving at the next bus stop,” the&nbsp;Charlotte Area Transit System was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ken Harris, Fullard's attorney said his client was a dedicated employee who treasured his employment and that security measures should be enhanced to protect the drivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_104D5D25-5DBD-AC47-B5DA-6395D70B10FD@published">“I have represented a substantial number of CATS drivers over the years. Some of whom who have been assaulted, shot at or shot during their work activity,” said Harris.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_F942FDD3-45C1-01ED-BFA5-63917218597C@published">“They consider themselves public servants. In light of their commitment, dedication and the workplace dangers that they encounter, we have continuously encouraged the CATS system to enhance security measures for drivers," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A surveillance video of a bus driver and a passenger firing at each other on a moving bus in the US state of North Carolina has surfaced. The incident took place earlier this month on a Charlotte transit bus and left both injured.

A surveillance video of a bus driver and a passenger firing at each other on a moving bus in the US state of North Carolina has surfaced. The incident took place earlier this month on a Charlotte transit bus and left both injured. In the video, the passenger can be seen taking out the gun and checking if it is loaded before standing near the driver. As soon as the passenger clocks and aims his gun, the driver also pulls out a gun and both fire a few rounds at each other in "rapid succession". The glass window between the duo also gets shattered as the passenger sinks to the ground. The remaining passengers are forced to the back of the bus by the driver who continues to wave his gun before firing another round at the suspect, according to a CNN report. According to authorities, the passenger has been identified as Omarri Shariff Tobias and he had asked the driver to let him off between the designated bus stops. However, the driver, David Fullard told Tobias that he would have to wait until the next stop to deboard the bus. After a heated two-minute back-and-forth, the altercation culminated with the gunfight. Charlotte, North Carolina: Newly released surveillance footage shows a dramatic shootout between a North Carolina public bus driver and passenger while the bus was in motion. The shooting occurred on May 18 on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus, after the passenger asked… pic.twitter.com/DNf9h8c8N7 — Dr. PMS (@ps1ack) May 28, 2023 × ALSO READ | 'Drivers with guns': Former bodyguard launches ride-sharing app Black Wolf amid mass shootings Reports state that while Fullard was struck in the arm, Tobias was in the abdomen. They were admitted to hospital and are believed to be in stable condition and expected to recover soon. Fullard fired by his employer The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said they had charged Tobias with assault using a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats and carrying a concealed firearm. It is unclear if charges will be levelled against Fullard. Although, he was fired by his employer, RATP Dev which hires the transit system's bus operators. Notably, the company’s workplace policy states that possession of firearm or other weapons while on duty is prohibited and that employees can be fired when found in violation of it. WATCH | Gun violence in US: At least 160 shooting incidents in 2023 as mass shootings on rise × “It would have been reasonable for the operator to attempt to de-escalate the situation by allowing the suspect/passenger to exit the bus before arriving at the next bus stop,” the Charlotte Area Transit System was quoted as saying by CNN. Meanwhile, Ken Harris, Fullard's attorney said his client was a dedicated employee who treasured his employment and that security measures should be enhanced to protect the drivers. “I have represented a substantial number of CATS drivers over the years. Some of whom who have been assaulted, shot at or shot during their work activity,” said Harris. “They consider themselves public servants. In light of their commitment, dedication and the workplace dangers that they encounter, we have continuously encouraged the CATS system to enhance security measures for drivers," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

VIDEO: Bus driver and passenger open fire at each other on moving bus

<p>The U.S. has hit back at China over its ban on&nbsp;purchase&nbsp;of Micron Technology&nbsp;memory chips. US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Saturday said Washington 'won't tolerate' the pressure tactics of China and that it will work closely with allies to address 'economic coercion' measures taken by Beijing in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking after a meeting of trade ministers at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks,&nbsp;Raimondo said the US 'firmly opposed' China's actions against Micron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These [Chinese sanctions] target a single US company without any basis in fact, and we see it as plain and simple economic coercion and we won't tolerate it, nor do we think it will be successful," said&nbsp;Raimondo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Micron poses security risk: China</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, China's cyberspace regulator, in a 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>The Cybersecurity Administration (CAC) in a statement said Micron's products&nbsp;"have relatively serious potential network security issues, which pose a major security risk to China's critical information infrastructure supply chain and affect China's national security."</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>As the decision came a day after the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan,&nbsp;Raimondo evoked the language adopted by the powerful grouping in its joint communique.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As we said at the G7, and as we have said consistently, we are closely engaging with partners addressing this specific challenge and all challenges related to China's non-market practices."</p>

<p>Notably, Micron became the first American&nbsp;chipmaker to be targetted 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/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>US lawmakers demand reaction</strong></h2>

<p>After the ban, US lawmakers raised their voice, arguing for retaliatory attacks on Chinese companies.&nbsp;US Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs a Congressional committee focusing on China&nbsp;proposed adding Changxin Memory Technologies to a "blacklist" that would prevent it from doing business with American companies.</p>

<p>Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also slammed Beijing and called for a response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I urge the administration to use the many authorities Congress has given it to hold the CCP accountable," he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chip-war-intensifies-lawmakers-want-us-to-blacklist-chinese-firm-after-micron-ban-596235"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Chip war intensifies: Lawmakers want US to 'blacklist' Chinese firm after Micron ban</strong></a></p>

<p>China's move was an unprecedented step that has already sparked charges of overreach. Tensions over technology have been rising amid dueling claims of "economic coercion" since the US put broad export restrictions on semiconductor equipment to China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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The U.S. has hit back at China over its ban on purchase of Micron Technology memory chips. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Saturday said Washington 'won't tolerate' the pressure tactics of China and that it will work closely with allies to address 'economic coercion' measures taken by Beijing in recent times.

The U.S. has hit back at China over its ban on purchase of Micron Technology memory chips. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Saturday said Washington 'won't tolerate' the pressure tactics of China and that it will work closely with allies to address 'economic coercion' measures taken by Beijing in recent times. Speaking after a meeting of trade ministers at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks, Raimondo said the US 'firmly opposed' China's actions against Micron. "These [Chinese sanctions] target a single US company without any basis in fact, and we see it as plain and simple economic coercion and we won't tolerate it, nor do we think it will be successful," said Raimondo. Micron poses security risk: China Last week, 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. The Cybersecurity Administration (CAC) in a statement said Micron's products "have relatively serious potential network security issues, which pose a major security risk to China's critical information infrastructure supply chain and affect China's national security." ALSO READ | China bans chipmaker Micron, says it failed network security review As the decision came a day after the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Raimondo evoked the language adopted by the powerful grouping in its joint communique. "As we said at the G7, and as we have said consistently, we are closely engaging with partners addressing this specific challenge and all challenges related to China's non-market practices." Notably, Micron became the first American chipmaker to be targetted 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. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check × US lawmakers demand reaction After the ban, US lawmakers raised their voice, arguing for retaliatory attacks on Chinese companies. US Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs a Congressional committee focusing on China proposed adding Changxin Memory Technologies to a "blacklist" that would prevent it from doing business with American companies. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also slammed Beijing and called for a response. "I urge the administration to use the many authorities Congress has given it to hold the CCP accountable," he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. ALSO READ | Chip war intensifies: Lawmakers want US to 'blacklist' Chinese firm after Micron ban China's move was an unprecedented step that has already sparked charges of overreach. Tensions over technology have been rising amid dueling claims of "economic coercion" since the US put broad export restrictions on semiconductor equipment to China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Won't tolerate', says USA after China's ban on chipmaker Micron

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<p>In what comes as a bizarre incident, a high school in the US state of Texas postponed its graduation after the majority of the senior class failed to earn their diplomas, according to a NY Post report.</p>

<p>Twenty-eight&nbsp;students of Marlin High School situated in Waco, Texas failed to clear the class owing to low attendance and bad academic performance. Cumulatively, only five of 33 students managed to meet the requirements set for commencement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The school released a statement saying it had rescheduled the graduation for sometime in June so students would have more time to qualify.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Marlin High School has announced that high school graduation will be rescheduled for June. The decision by the high school to postpone graduation will provide more time for students to meet necessary requirements for graduation, many of whom did not meet requirements due to attendance or grades," read the Facebook post by the school.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>School holds parent-teacher meeting</strong></h2>

<p>The school held a mandatory parent-teacher meeting on May 24 to discuss the future of the kids and chart a path for them to graduate without any other major hiccups. However, the parents protested against the school saying their children were told they were on track to graduate, only to be told otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, school Superintendent Darryl Henson said he was confident that his students will be able to graduate and fulfil their potential.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our commitment to excellence remains unshaken. We hold firm to our belief that every student in Marlin ISD can and will achieve their potential," said Henson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Let this be a lesson learned for all. As we continue to go through our annual graduation audit, it’s our obligation to ensure that all students have met all requirements. Support, accountability, &amp; integrity will remain at the forefront," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missouri-miracle-tourists-flock-to-see-nuns-body-intact-four-years-after-death-597409"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Missouri miracle | Tourists flock to see nun’s body intact four years after death</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>17 students have qualified now</strong></h2>

<p>In an attempt to increase attendance at the school, the authorities had recently moved to a four-day school week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our shift to a four-day school week is part of our effort to increase bell-to-bell instruction, increase student engagement during days school is in session, and keep absences from infringing on instructional time," said Nikisha Edwards, the chief academic officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-big-a-fan-are-you-of-taylor-swift-597300"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How big a fan are you of Taylor Swift?</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, after the first list where only 15 per cent of the class was eligible for graduation, several additional students have now met the standards, according to a DailyMail report.</p>

<p>As of the last update, 17 students out of 38, still less than half, had managed to graduate. The authorities maintained that the rest of the class will soon catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what comes as a bizarre incident, a high school in the US state of Texas postponed its graduation after the majority of the senior class failed to earn their diplomas, according to a NY Post report.

In what comes as a bizarre incident, a high school in the US state of Texas postponed its graduation after the majority of the senior class failed to earn their diplomas, according to a NY Post report. Twenty-eight students of Marlin High School situated in Waco, Texas failed to clear the class owing to low attendance and bad academic performance. Cumulatively, only five of 33 students managed to meet the requirements set for commencement. The school released a statement saying it had rescheduled the graduation for sometime in June so students would have more time to qualify. "Marlin High School has announced that high school graduation will be rescheduled for June. The decision by the high school to postpone graduation will provide more time for students to meet necessary requirements for graduation, many of whom did not meet requirements due to attendance or grades," read the Facebook post by the school. School holds parent-teacher meeting The school held a mandatory parent-teacher meeting on May 24 to discuss the future of the kids and chart a path for them to graduate without any other major hiccups. However, the parents protested against the school saying their children were told they were on track to graduate, only to be told otherwise. Meanwhile, school Superintendent Darryl Henson said he was confident that his students will be able to graduate and fulfil their potential. “Our commitment to excellence remains unshaken. We hold firm to our belief that every student in Marlin ISD can and will achieve their potential," said Henson. “Let this be a lesson learned for all. As we continue to go through our annual graduation audit, it’s our obligation to ensure that all students have met all requirements. Support, accountability, & integrity will remain at the forefront," he added. ALSO READ | Missouri miracle | Tourists flock to see nun’s body intact four years after death 17 students have qualified now In an attempt to increase attendance at the school, the authorities had recently moved to a four-day school week. "Our shift to a four-day school week is part of our effort to increase bell-to-bell instruction, increase student engagement during days school is in session, and keep absences from infringing on instructional time," said Nikisha Edwards, the chief academic officer. WATCH | How big a fan are you of Taylor Swift? × Notably, after the first list where only 15 per cent of the class was eligible for graduation, several additional students have now met the standards, according to a DailyMail report. As of the last update, 17 students out of 38, still less than half, had managed to graduate. The authorities maintained that the rest of the class will soon catch up. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Texas high school postpones graduation after majority of students fail

<p>Owing to a deadly fungal outbreak, the authorities in the US and Mexico have requested the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern. The request was conveyed after the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed that two people&nbsp;who underwent surgeries involving epidural anaesthesia, died of meningitis.</p>

<p>Recruiters reportedly lured patients from multiple countries and 24 US states to two facilities named&nbsp;River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Mexico for cosmetic operations that may have exposed them to the fungus. Both facilities have been shut down by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CDC is currently monitoring over 400 people who may have visited the facilitirs&nbsp;to avail the services. They have also requested others who had surgeries at either of the two facilities to get evaluated, even if they are currently asymptomatic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All have been notified, and are under evaluation, and we were working with transplant centers and other partners to properly manage these patients who had these organs transplanted into their bodies," CDC's Dallas Smith was quoted as saying by CBS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-is-no-longer-a-global-health-emergency-who-591470"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;MPox is no longer a global health emergency: World Health Organization</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Anaesthesia may have been contaminated: CDC</strong></h2>

<p>According to Smith, the medications used during anaesthesia may have been contaminated in the&nbsp;epidural itself or in other medications such as morphine that are added in&nbsp;conjunction with the surgeries.</p>

<p>"There's these agents that act as recruiters in the U.S. for patients, they link US patients to these clinics to receive certain care, and certain procedures like cosmetic procedures," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Because patients in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Colombia were on the exposed list, we wanted to make sure these countries were aware, and provide such situational awareness, through a public health emergency of international concern."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-declares-covid-19-pandemic-is-over-restrictions-lifted-globally-589326"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WHO declares Covid-19 pandemic is over; restrictions lifted globally</strong></a></p>

<p>Although fungal&nbsp;meningitis is not contagious and can be treated with antifungal medicines - allowing the symptoms to simmer can quickly induce life-threatening conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>WHO cannot immediately approve the request</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the requests from the two countries, WHO cannot immediately declare&nbsp;a public health emergency. To do so, a WHO committee will have to convene and decide on the severity of the outbreak and if it is necessary&nbsp;to sound the bugle. Notably, the global health body receives such alerts in abundance every day but not all end up reaching that stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"[We] are notified of hundreds of events every day and assess each one," WHO spokesperson Margaret Ann Haris said in an email.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Owing to a deadly fungal outbreak, the authorities in the US and Mexico have requested the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

Owing to a deadly fungal outbreak, the authorities in the US and Mexico have requested the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern. The request was conveyed after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed that two people who underwent surgeries involving epidural anaesthesia, died of meningitis. Recruiters reportedly lured patients from multiple countries and 24 US states to two facilities named River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Mexico for cosmetic operations that may have exposed them to the fungus. Both facilities have been shut down by the authorities. The CDC is currently monitoring over 400 people who may have visited the facilitirs to avail the services. They have also requested others who had surgeries at either of the two facilities to get evaluated, even if they are currently asymptomatic. "All have been notified, and are under evaluation, and we were working with transplant centers and other partners to properly manage these patients who had these organs transplanted into their bodies," CDC's Dallas Smith was quoted as saying by CBS. ALSO READ | MPox is no longer a global health emergency: World Health Organization Anaesthesia may have been contaminated: CDC According to Smith, the medications used during anaesthesia may have been contaminated in the epidural itself or in other medications such as morphine that are added in conjunction with the surgeries. "There's these agents that act as recruiters in the U.S. for patients, they link US patients to these clinics to receive certain care, and certain procedures like cosmetic procedures," he said. "Because patients in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Colombia were on the exposed list, we wanted to make sure these countries were aware, and provide such situational awareness, through a public health emergency of international concern." WATCH | WHO declares Covid-19 pandemic is over; restrictions lifted globally Although fungal meningitis is not contagious and can be treated with antifungal medicines - allowing the symptoms to simmer can quickly induce life-threatening conditions. WHO cannot immediately approve the request Despite the requests from the two countries, WHO cannot immediately declare a public health emergency. To do so, a WHO committee will have to convene and decide on the severity of the outbreak and if it is necessary to sound the bugle. Notably, the global health body receives such alerts in abundance every day but not all end up reaching that stage. "[We] are notified of hundreds of events every day and assess each one," WHO spokesperson Margaret Ann Haris said in an email. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US, Mexico request WHO to declare public health emergency over deadly fungal outbreak

<p>A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus,&nbsp;Moscow has responded.&nbsp;Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the sovereign right of Russia and Belarus to ensure their security by means we deem necessary amidst of a large-scale hybrid war unleashed by Washington against us," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations."</p>

<p>The consulate called out the USA for its hypocrisy as Washington had deployed hoards of nuclear weapons in Europe&nbsp;to keep enemies in check.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United States has been for decades maintaining a large arsenal of its nuclear weapons in Europe. Together with its NATO allies, it participates in nuclear sharing arrangements and trains for scenarios of nuclear weapons use against our country," the embassy added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tactical nuclear arms are battlefield weapons that, while devastating, have a smaller yield compared to long-range strategic weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-why-is-russia-sending-nuclear-arms-to-belarus-596926"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Why is Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden not enthused by the deployment</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, on Friday, Biden said he felt&nbsp;"extremely negative" about the prospect of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Extremely negative is my reaction," Biden told reporters before he left Washington for Camp David.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lukashenko announces the deployment</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday,&nbsp;Belarus President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko announced Russia has started moving tactical nuclear weapons to his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The transfer of nuclear munitions has begun," Lukashenko told reporters during a visit to Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We had to prepare storage areas and stuff. We have done this, so the movement of nuclear weapons has already begun," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-begun-moving-nuclear-weapons-to-belarus-says-lukashenko-596528"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia has started moving nuclear weapons to Belarus, says Lukashenko</strong></a></p>

<p>It was in March earlier this year that&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced plans to move Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.&nbsp;Putin's announcement had spurred fears of nuclear conflict, but experts and governments said it was unlikely that the move would change the course of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this is the first time since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed that Russia is deploying such bombs outside Russia. Interestingly, after the balkanisation of the Soviet Union,&nbsp;Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However,&nbsp;the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Moscow has responded. Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment.

A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Moscow has responded. Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment. "It is the sovereign right of Russia and Belarus to ensure their security by means we deem necessary amidst of a large-scale hybrid war unleashed by Washington against us," read the statement. "The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations." The consulate called out the USA for its hypocrisy as Washington had deployed hoards of nuclear weapons in Europe to keep enemies in check. "The United States has been for decades maintaining a large arsenal of its nuclear weapons in Europe. Together with its NATO allies, it participates in nuclear sharing arrangements and trains for scenarios of nuclear weapons use against our country," the embassy added. Tactical nuclear arms are battlefield weapons that, while devastating, have a smaller yield compared to long-range strategic weapons. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Why is Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus? × Biden not enthused by the deployment Notably, on Friday, Biden said he felt "extremely negative" about the prospect of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. ''Extremely negative is my reaction," Biden told reporters before he left Washington for Camp David. Lukashenko announces the deployment On Thursday, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced Russia has started moving tactical nuclear weapons to his country. "The transfer of nuclear munitions has begun," Lukashenko told reporters during a visit to Moscow. “We had to prepare storage areas and stuff. We have done this, so the movement of nuclear weapons has already begun," he added. ALSO READ | Russia has started moving nuclear weapons to Belarus, says Lukashenko It was in March earlier this year that Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced plans to move Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. Putin's announcement had spurred fears of nuclear conflict, but experts and governments said it was unlikely that the move would change the course of the conflict. Notably, this is the first time since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed that Russia is deploying such bombs outside Russia. Interestingly, after the balkanisation of the Soviet Union, Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However, the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Elon Musk's startup Neuralink said on Thursday that it has got an approval from the US Food and Administration to test its brain implants in people.

Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said it’s now ‘highly likely’ that her department will run out of sufficient cash in early June, and repeated her warning that the moment could come as soon as June 1. Here's all you need to know about the US debt crisis.

Will US run out of cash after June 1? Here's what you need to know

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