U.S. President Joe Biden called for unity in a sharply divided Congress as he made a spirited appeal to Republicans to raise the $34.1 trillion debt ceiling in the annual State of the Union speech.

Biden’s 2023 State of the Union: President appeals Republicans to work together on debt ceiling

US President Joe Biden delivered the 2023 State of the Union address. His address comes at a time of conflict at home and abroad, predominantly the war in Ukraine and the growing tensions with China.

Biden's second state of the Union Address

U.S. President Joe Biden has been accused of compromising American national security for belatedly ordering the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon which traversed the entire country. Watch video to know more.

US President Joe Biden defends shooting down 'spy' balloon

<p>Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kristi Nicole Gilley (36) already had an arrest warrant against her in Clay County, Missouri. She was arrested under kidnapping charges. She was caught with the children after police checked the tag on her vehicle to find out that she was a fugitive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adrian and Brooke, the children, were missing since March 5, 2022.</p>

<p>The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) issued an online statement saying that Kristi Nicole Gilley was shopping with Adrian and Brooke after disguising their identities.</p>

<p>As per the police statement, the children were turned over to Florida Department of Children and Families Services. They will be united with their birth family.</p>

<p>Here is the full statement from the police.</p>

<p>"On February 1, 2023, HSPD located two abducted Missouri children and their abductor after a routine vehicle tag check indicated the vehicle owner was a fugitive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officers located the trio shopping in Winn Dixie, after disguising their identities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, DOB 01-01-1987, was detained and arrested on an active &nbsp;kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The children were turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and will be reunited with their birth family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>*MISSING JUVENILES*</p>

<p>Brooke and Adrian Gilley have been missing since 3/15/2022 and may be in the company of their non-custodial mother. We are working with National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children to bring them home safely!"</p>

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Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1.

Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1. Kristi Nicole Gilley (36) already had an arrest warrant against her in Clay County, Missouri. She was arrested under kidnapping charges. She was caught with the children after police checked the tag on her vehicle to find out that she was a fugitive. Adrian and Brooke, the children, were missing since March 5, 2022. The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) issued an online statement saying that Kristi Nicole Gilley was shopping with Adrian and Brooke after disguising their identities. As per the police statement, the children were turned over to Florida Department of Children and Families Services. They will be united with their birth family. Here is the full statement from the police. "On February 1, 2023, HSPD located two abducted Missouri children and their abductor after a routine vehicle tag check indicated the vehicle owner was a fugitive. Officers located the trio shopping in Winn Dixie, after disguising their identities. The non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, DOB 01-01-1987, was detained and arrested on an active kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri. The children were turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and will be reunited with their birth family. *MISSING JUVENILES* Brooke and Adrian Gilley have been missing since 3/15/2022 and may be in the company of their non-custodial mother. We are working with National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to bring them home safely!" 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 ×

Children reported missing year ago found in supermarket thousand miles away

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<p>Hours after US President Joe Biden in his second State of the Union address issued a warning to China, the country has responded. Beijing said it will 'firmly defend' its sovereignty and interest in light of Biden's stern remarks and urged the US to repair the relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will firmly defend China's sovereignty, security, and development interests," said Mao Ning, the foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She urged Washington to 'work with China to push Sino-US relations back to the track of healthy and stable development'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, in his address to Congress, Biden had taken a swipe at Beijing, in an attempt to send a strong message to the voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world," he said, adding, "But make no mistake: as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-no-mistake-us-will-act-if-china-threatens-its-sovereignty-says-joe-biden-559838" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: ‘Make no mistake’, US will act if China threatens its sovereignty, says Joe Biden</strong></a></p>

<p>The tensions have flared between the two sparring countries in recent days after a Chinese spy balloon managed to float across the US airspace for days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was shot down by the US military off the coast of South Carolina last week but not before it had become a major talking point across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the immediate aftermath of the incident, US Secretary of State Antony Blinked cancelled his high-profile visit to Beijing, scheduled this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though China claims it was a civilian balloon meant for meteorological research and not any spying activity, Washington is adamant that Beijing was using it as a surveillance tool</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-balloon-was-200-feet-tall-with-thousands-of-pounds-of-payload-us-air-force-general-559628"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Chinese balloon was 200 feet tall with thousands of pounds of payload: US Air Force General</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden is attempting to run for the 2024 presidential elections. Allowing an allegedly 'Chinese' spy balloon to linger in the US airspace has already dented his falling popularity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, using the joint Congress session as a platform, Biden set out to send a message and improve the optics. During the speech, he evoked China over a dozen times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hours after US President Joe Biden in his second State of the Union address issued a warning to China, the country has responded. Beijing said it will 'firmly defend' its sovereignty and interest in light of Biden's stern remarks and urged the US to repair the relations.

Hours after US President Joe Biden in his second State of the Union address issued a warning to China, the country has responded. Beijing said it will 'firmly defend' its sovereignty and interest in light of Biden's stern remarks and urged the US to repair the relations. "We will firmly defend China's sovereignty, security, and development interests," said Mao Ning, the foreign ministry spokesperson. She urged Washington to 'work with China to push Sino-US relations back to the track of healthy and stable development'. Earlier, in his address to Congress, Biden had taken a swipe at Beijing, in an attempt to send a strong message to the voters. "I am committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world," he said, adding, "But make no mistake: as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did." Read more: ‘Make no mistake’, US will act if China threatens its sovereignty, says Joe Biden The tensions have flared between the two sparring countries in recent days after a Chinese spy balloon managed to float across the US airspace for days. It was shot down by the US military off the coast of South Carolina last week but not before it had become a major talking point across the world. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, US Secretary of State Antony Blinked cancelled his high-profile visit to Beijing, scheduled this week. Though China claims it was a civilian balloon meant for meteorological research and not any spying activity, Washington is adamant that Beijing was using it as a surveillance tool Read more: Chinese balloon was 200 feet tall with thousands of pounds of payload: US Air Force General Biden is attempting to run for the 2024 presidential elections. Allowing an allegedly 'Chinese' spy balloon to linger in the US airspace has already dented his falling popularity. Thus, using the joint Congress session as a platform, Biden set out to send a message and improve the optics. During the speech, he evoked China over a dozen times. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Will firmly defend...': China responds hours after Biden's State of the Union speech

US President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address calling on Republicans to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation. The annual speech comes as the United States struggles with issues at home and abroad — economic uncertainty, Ukraine war, growing tensions with China.

Biden’s 2023 State of the Union: President talks on US unemployment, gun violence and China

After a series of high-profile airline debacles this winter, President Biden dedicated quite a bit of airtime in his State of the Union address to the Junk Fees Prevention Act, a push to limit hidden fees and surcharges in a number of industries.

Biden calls for passage of a bill to stop 'junk fees' in travel and entertainment

A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024. Watch video to know more.

Strategic affairs expert Spencer Critchley talks more on Biden's falling support in the U.S.

U.S. : Democrats feel one term is enough for Biden

A leading conservation research group says that 40% of animals and 34% of plants in the United States are at risk of extinction, while 41% of ecosystems are facing collapse.

40% of plants, animals at risk of extinction in the U.S.

<p>A prosecutor in the Tyre Nichols death case has told CNN that up to 20 hours of video footage related to Nichols' beating by policemen and his subsequent death is yet to be released. Shelby County prosecutor Steven Mulroy said that video footage released till now has the 'relevant parts' of the initial stop and beating but the footage yet unreleased may be useful in the investigation process.</p>

<p>The city of Memphis has already released some of the body-camera and surveillance footage but not all videos have been made public yet, says the report.</p>

<p>Tyre Nichols' funeral ceremony took place on Wednesday (February 1). It was attended by US Vice-President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the funeral, civil rights leaders and family members called for an end to recurring police violence against Black Americans.</p>

<p>As they recalled Nichols as a young man who loved photography and skateboarding, and demanded justice for him, they addressed a congregation that included relatives of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, two African Americans whose deaths at the hands of police had sparked protests in 2020.</p>

<p>"We cannot continue to let these people brutalize our kids," said Rodney Wells, Nichols' stepfather.</p>

<p>"This is a family that lost their son and their brother through an act of violence at the hands and the feet of people who had been charged with keeping them safe," Harris said. "Tyre Nichols should have been safe." The Democrat promised to help pass federal legislation to reduce police misconduct.</p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

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A prosecutor in the Tyre Nichols death case has told CNN that up to 20 hours of video footage related to Nichols' beating by policemen and his subsequent death is yet to be released.

A prosecutor in the Tyre Nichols death case has told CNN that up to 20 hours of video footage related to Nichols' beating by policemen and his subsequent death is yet to be released. Shelby County prosecutor Steven Mulroy said that video footage released till now has the 'relevant parts' of the initial stop and beating but the footage yet unreleased may be useful in the investigation process. The city of Memphis has already released some of the body-camera and surveillance footage but not all videos have been made public yet, says the report. Tyre Nichols' funeral ceremony took place on Wednesday (February 1). It was attended by US Vice-President Kamala Harris. During the funeral, civil rights leaders and family members called for an end to recurring police violence against Black Americans. As they recalled Nichols as a young man who loved photography and skateboarding, and demanded justice for him, they addressed a congregation that included relatives of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, two African Americans whose deaths at the hands of police had sparked protests in 2020. "We cannot continue to let these people brutalize our kids," said Rodney Wells, Nichols' stepfather. "This is a family that lost their son and their brother through an act of violence at the hands and the feet of people who had been charged with keeping them safe," Harris said. "Tyre Nichols should have been safe." The Democrat promised to help pass federal legislation to reduce police misconduct. 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 ×

Tyre Nichols death: More video footage yet to be released, prosecutor tells media

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<p>Amazon threatened workers at its New York City warehouses of consequences if they attempted to unionise, in violation of US labour laws, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge ruled on Monday.</p>

<p>Judge Benjamin Green noted that the Amazon executives illegally threatened the employees that they will miss out on regular hikes and other improved benefits if they voted to unionise or forced the company into union negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under US labour laws, any firm or employer cannot coerce or prohibit employees from unionising.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judge Green also ordered the Jeff Bezos-owned company to post signs across the warehouse that reminded employees that they had the lawful right to engage in bargaining with the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-of-unions-in-america-amazons-first-union-at-a-us-warehouse-468350"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Rise of Unions in America: Amazon's first Union at a US&nbsp;Warehouse</strong></a></p>

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<p>The decision was passed after Amazon was found guilty of removing a post from an internal message board. The message urged the workers to sign a petition that made Juneteenth a paid holiday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Amazon took solace in the fact that the judge dismissed other charges, including one where officials allegedly threatened to reduce wages to pay union dues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're glad that the judge dismissed 19, nearly all of the allegations in this case and correctly called the 3 remaining ones 'not obvious or clear cut'," an Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in March last year, 2,600 Amazon employees at its JFK8 fulfillment centre in Staten Island voted overwhelmingly to join Amazon Labor Union (ALU).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/were-not-robots-amazon-warehouse-workers-go-on-strike-in-uk-555938"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'We're not robots': UK Amazon workers unhappy with minimal raise go on strike&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>in May, Amazon attempted to overturn the unionisation process and submitted a filing to NLRB, suggesting that labour laws were violated to support the union drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, after 24 days of hearing, NLRB upheld the historic union victory. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to maintain that the&nbsp;election process was not fair, legitimate, or representative of the majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-labor-board-backs-employees-in-amazon-union-vote-551754" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: US labour board backs employees in Amazon union vote</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Amazon threatened workers at its New York City warehouses of consequences if they attempted to unionise, in violation of US labour laws, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge ruled on Monday.

Amazon threatened workers at its New York City warehouses of consequences if they attempted to unionise, in violation of US labour laws, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) judge ruled on Monday. Judge Benjamin Green noted that the Amazon executives illegally threatened the employees that they will miss out on regular hikes and other improved benefits if they voted to unionise or forced the company into union negotiations. Under US labour laws, any firm or employer cannot coerce or prohibit employees from unionising. Judge Green also ordered the Jeff Bezos-owned company to post signs across the warehouse that reminded employees that they had the lawful right to engage in bargaining with the company. WATCH | Rise of Unions in America: Amazon's first Union at a US Warehouse × The decision was passed after Amazon was found guilty of removing a post from an internal message board. The message urged the workers to sign a petition that made Juneteenth a paid holiday. Meanwhile, Amazon took solace in the fact that the judge dismissed other charges, including one where officials allegedly threatened to reduce wages to pay union dues. "We're glad that the judge dismissed 19, nearly all of the allegations in this case and correctly called the 3 remaining ones 'not obvious or clear cut'," an Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying by AFP. Notably, in March last year, 2,600 Amazon employees at its JFK8 fulfillment centre in Staten Island voted overwhelmingly to join Amazon Labor Union (ALU). Read more: 'We're not robots': UK Amazon workers unhappy with minimal raise go on strike in May, Amazon attempted to overturn the unionisation process and submitted a filing to NLRB, suggesting that labour laws were violated to support the union drive. However, after 24 days of hearing, NLRB upheld the historic union victory. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to maintain that the election process was not fair, legitimate, or representative of the majority. Read more: US labour board backs employees in Amazon union vote (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon threatened workers and broke labour union laws, rules US judge

<p>Global oil major ExxonMobil Corp on Tuesday informed it reaped a record net profit of $56 billion last year as oil prices touched record highs due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exxon beat its own record of $45.2 billion in profits set way back in 2008 when oil prices hit $142 a barrel. Moreover, the figure was more than double the profit it managed in 2021&nbsp;($23 billion).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Overall earnings and cash flow were up pretty significantly year on year. So that came really from a combination of strong markets, strong throughput, strong production, and really good cost control," Kathryn Mikells, Exxon CFO was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/energy-giant-exxonmobil-sues-european-union-in-a-bid-to-block-new-windfall-tax-547579"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Trcaker: ExxonMobil sowed doubt about climate change?</strong></a></p>

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<p>After Exxon released its earning report, the White House responded and said it was 'outrageous' that a western oil company recorded such profits while ordinary Americans suffered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It’s outrageous that Exxon has posted a new record for Western oil company profits after the American people were forced to pay such high prices at the pump amid Putin’s invasion," said Abdullah Hassan, White House assistant press secretary.</p>

<p>Much of the criticism for oil companies such as Exxon stems from the fact that they use the profits to repurchase the shares, distribute dividends, instead of increasing the production capacity which could bring down the prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The latest earnings reports make clear that oil companies have everything they need, including record profits and thousands of unused but approved permits, to increase production, but they’re instead choosing to plow those profits into padding the pockets of executives and shareholders while House Republicans manufacture excuse after excuse to shield them from any accountability," added&nbsp;Hassan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Exxon managing record profits, the debate regarding levying a windfall tax on the company has once again gained pace as critics demand more scrutiny of oil companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the US is yet to take a call, the European Union imposed a windfall tax on the company in Q4 which reduced its earnings by $1.3 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Texas-based American company is currently suing European Union in a bid to block paying the tax.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/energy-giant-exxonmobil-sues-european-union-in-a-bid-to-block-new-windfall-tax-547579"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Energy giant ExxonMobil sues European Union in a bid to block new windfall tax</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, windfall tax is designed to tax the profits a company makes from an unprecedented event. In this case, the&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to an increase in energy prices which has driven up Exxon's profit numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Global oil major ExxonMobil Corp on Tuesday informed it reaped a record net profit of $56 billion last year as oil prices touched record highs due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Global oil major ExxonMobil Corp on Tuesday informed it reaped a record net profit of $56 billion last year as oil prices touched record highs due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Exxon beat its own record of $45.2 billion in profits set way back in 2008 when oil prices hit $142 a barrel. Moreover, the figure was more than double the profit it managed in 2021 ($23 billion). "Overall earnings and cash flow were up pretty significantly year on year. So that came really from a combination of strong markets, strong throughput, strong production, and really good cost control," Kathryn Mikells, Exxon CFO was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | WION Climate Trcaker: ExxonMobil sowed doubt about climate change? × After Exxon released its earning report, the White House responded and said it was 'outrageous' that a western oil company recorded such profits while ordinary Americans suffered. "It’s outrageous that Exxon has posted a new record for Western oil company profits after the American people were forced to pay such high prices at the pump amid Putin’s invasion," said Abdullah Hassan, White House assistant press secretary. Much of the criticism for oil companies such as Exxon stems from the fact that they use the profits to repurchase the shares, distribute dividends, instead of increasing the production capacity which could bring down the prices. "The latest earnings reports make clear that oil companies have everything they need, including record profits and thousands of unused but approved permits, to increase production, but they’re instead choosing to plow those profits into padding the pockets of executives and shareholders while House Republicans manufacture excuse after excuse to shield them from any accountability," added Hassan. With Exxon managing record profits, the debate regarding levying a windfall tax on the company has once again gained pace as critics demand more scrutiny of oil companies. While the US is yet to take a call, the European Union imposed a windfall tax on the company in Q4 which reduced its earnings by $1.3 billion. The Texas-based American company is currently suing European Union in a bid to block paying the tax. Read more: Energy giant ExxonMobil sues European Union in a bid to block new windfall tax Notably, windfall tax is designed to tax the profits a company makes from an unprecedented event. In this case, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to an increase in energy prices which has driven up Exxon's profit numbers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Exxon posts record profits, White House calls it 'outrageous'

USA winter storm disrupts life as roads become treacherous while flights are cancelled

<p>The superintendent of a Virginia school in the US was fired on Wednesday, weeks after a six-year-old boy shot and wounded his teacher in the classroom. The school board voted 5-1 to oust George Parker, shortly after the victim teacher announced plans to sue the district. 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner was shot in the chest earlier this month by the six-year-old pupil, even after having warned the school administration “three times” before the incident happened. Abigail Zwerner’s lawyer said that the incident was completely avoidable.</p>

<p>Diane Toscano, the teacher’s lawyer, revealed that “the administration could not be bothered” about the concerns that Abigail Zwerner raised. “On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times — three times — school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at school and was threatening people,” said the attorney.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Decoding Gun Violence in America</strong></p>

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<p>Zwerner supported her claims by showing text messages exchanged between her and the school administration. Toscano said that Zwerner requested the school authorities to search the boy and his backpack for the weapon but her calls were ignored. Zwerner also informed an official about the boy putting the gun in his pockets, but the official responded by saying, “Well, he has little pockets."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The parents of the boy claim&nbsp;he suffers from an acute disability and rarely attends school without one of them&nbsp;being present. On January 6, the day of the shooting, the boy was present alone. As per a report by CNN, the boy had brought his mother’s gun to the school.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/only-in-america-an-epidemic-of-gun-violence-without-a-cure-556046">Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure</a></strong></p>

<p>George Parker, the superintendent of the school, was fired as frustrated parents complained in a meeting on January 17 that their kids were facing fear and hysteria since the January 6 gun violence. Earlier, the school’s assistant principal, Dr Ebony Parker, had tendered his resignation following the shooting controversy.</p>

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The superintendent of a Virginia school in the US was fired on Wednesday, weeks after a six-year-old boy shot and wounded his teacher in the classroom. The school board voted 5-1 to oust George Parker, shortly after the victim teacher announced plans to sue the district.

The superintendent of a Virginia school in the US was fired on Wednesday, weeks after a six-year-old boy shot and wounded his teacher in the classroom. The school board voted 5-1 to oust George Parker, shortly after the victim teacher announced plans to sue the district. 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner was shot in the chest earlier this month by the six-year-old pupil, even after having warned the school administration “three times” before the incident happened. Abigail Zwerner’s lawyer said that the incident was completely avoidable. Diane Toscano, the teacher’s lawyer, revealed that “the administration could not be bothered” about the concerns that Abigail Zwerner raised. “On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times — three times — school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at school and was threatening people,” said the attorney. Watch: Decoding Gun Violence in America × Zwerner supported her claims by showing text messages exchanged between her and the school administration. Toscano said that Zwerner requested the school authorities to search the boy and his backpack for the weapon but her calls were ignored. Zwerner also informed an official about the boy putting the gun in his pockets, but the official responded by saying, “Well, he has little pockets." The parents of the boy claim he suffers from an acute disability and rarely attends school without one of them being present. On January 6, the day of the shooting, the boy was present alone. As per a report by CNN, the boy had brought his mother’s gun to the school. Also Read | Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure George Parker, the superintendent of the school, was fired as frustrated parents complained in a meeting on January 17 that their kids were facing fear and hysteria since the January 6 gun violence. Earlier, the school’s assistant principal, Dr Ebony Parker, had tendered his resignation following the shooting controversy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: Virginia school fires chief superintendent over Jan 6 shooting by boy for neglecting teacher’s alerts

Gabrielle, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas has won the Miss Universe title. Thumping music was in the air when she was crowned with the tiara.

WION Fineprint | Miss Universe 2022: US' R'Bonney Gabriel crowned with the title

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<p>The US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday wrote a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, warning that the country was about to hit its debt ceiling limit and that extraordinary measures were needed to avoid defaulting.&nbsp;"I am writing to inform you that beginning on Thursday, January 19, 2023, the outstanding debt of the United States is projected to reach the statutory limit," wrote Yellen in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Once the limit is reached, Treasury will need to start taking certain extraordinary measures to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations."</p>

<p>In layman's terms, 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 last month 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,&nbsp;Congress may have to engage in a tussle yet again to raise the limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</strong></a></p>

<p>With the Senate under the control of Democrats and the House in Republican hands, it is highly unlikely that a straightforward limit hike will be possible. If the congressional lawmakers cannot make a decision quickly, the world's largest economy could risk defaulting on its debt.</p>

<p>According to Yellen, even the extraordinary measures, if implemented will only buy the government a limited amount of time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is therefore critical that Congress act in a timely manner to increase or suspend the debt limit. Failure to meet the government's obligations would cause irreparable harm to the US economy, the livelihoods of all Americans, and global financial stability," warned Yellen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-us-treasury-secy-janet-yellen-predicts-fall-in-inflation-by-2023-542149" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | World Business Watch | US Treasury Secy Janet Yellen predicts fall in inflation by 2023</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Treasury Department has given two options to reduce debt obligations. Firstly, it has advised the government to redeem existing and suspend new&nbsp;investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund (Postal Fund).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, it has requested to suspend&nbsp;reinvestment of the Government Securities Investment Fund&nbsp;of the Federal Employees Retirement System Thrift Savings Plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Breaching the debt threshold could spell doom for President Joe Biden who is attempting to run for the 2024 presidential election.&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 Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday wrote a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, warning that the country was about to hit its debt ceiling limit and that extraordinary measures were needed to avoid defaulting.

The US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday wrote a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, warning that the country was about to hit its debt ceiling limit and that extraordinary measures were needed to avoid defaulting. "I am writing to inform you that beginning on Thursday, January 19, 2023, the outstanding debt of the United States is projected to reach the statutory limit," wrote Yellen in the letter. "Once the limit is reached, Treasury will need to start taking certain extraordinary measures to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations." In layman's terms, 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 last month 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 may have to engage in a tussle yet again to raise the limit. Read more: US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure With the Senate under the control of Democrats and the House in Republican hands, it is highly unlikely that a straightforward limit hike will be possible. If the congressional lawmakers cannot make a decision quickly, the world's largest economy could risk defaulting on its debt. According to Yellen, even the extraordinary measures, if implemented will only buy the government a limited amount of time. "It is therefore critical that Congress act in a timely manner to increase or suspend the debt limit. Failure to meet the government's obligations would cause irreparable harm to the US economy, the livelihoods of all Americans, and global financial stability," warned Yellen. WATCH | World Business Watch | US Treasury Secy Janet Yellen predicts fall in inflation by 2023 × The Treasury Department has given two options to reduce debt obligations. Firstly, it has advised the government to redeem existing and suspend new investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund (Postal Fund). Additionally, it has requested to suspend reinvestment of the Government Securities Investment Fund of the Federal Employees Retirement System Thrift Savings Plan. Breaching the debt threshold could spell doom for President Joe Biden who is attempting to run for the 2024 presidential election. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US perilously close to hitting debt limit and defaulting, warns treasury secretary Janet Yellen

<p>The US Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the state of New York to enforce its&nbsp;Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) passed in the aftermath of the apex court delivering a&nbsp;landmark ruling expanding gun rights last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court rejected a petition filed by a firearms rights group named Gun Owners of America that wanted to overturn the lower court's decision allowing the&nbsp;Democratic-backed gun control law to be enforced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in June last year, the Supreme Court in its 6-3&nbsp;judgement allowed individuals the right to carry a gun outside the home in public places. However, a week after the decision,&nbsp;Gov. Kathy Hochul signed&nbsp;CCIA.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-us-supreme-court-expands-gun-rights-as-it-strikes-down-the-new-york-gun-law-491180"><strong>WATCH | The US Supreme Court expands gun rights as it strikes down the New York gun law</strong></a></p>

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<p>The new legislation modified the requirements to obtain concealed and carry permits. It also prohibited the possession of firearms in certain areas deemed 'sensitive' or restricted, referring to hospitals and schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, immediately after, the legislation ran into legal challenges and in October, a US district court judge issued a temporary stay on significant portions of CCIA.</p>

<p>Later, an appeals court blocked the ruling pending further litigation. Wednesday's decision by the SC allows&nbsp;CCIA to remain in force while the legal challenge against it continues to be debated in lower courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas in a statement released with the brief order said the decision is not "expressing any view on the merits of the case" and the challengers "should not be deterred."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-terror-why-is-owning-guns-so-important-to-americans-482074"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans?</strong></a></p>

<p>Buoyed by the court's parting statement,&nbsp;&nbsp;Erich Pratt, an official from&nbsp;Gun Owners of America said,&nbsp;"We look forward to continuing the fight against New York's draconian law."</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;New York state Attorney General Letitia James also praised the court for allowing the law to stay in effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Too many New Yorkers are plagued by gun violence, and we know that basic gun laws help save lives every day."</p>

<p>According to a Pew Research Center survey, about four in 10 Americans live in a home with a gun, with 67 per cent of gun owners saying self-protection is a major reason for having a firearm.&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 Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the state of New York to enforce its Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) passed in the aftermath of the apex court delivering a landmark ruling expanding gun rights last year.

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the state of New York to enforce its Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) passed in the aftermath of the apex court delivering a landmark ruling expanding gun rights last year. The court rejected a petition filed by a firearms rights group named Gun Owners of America that wanted to overturn the lower court's decision allowing the Democratic-backed gun control law to be enforced. Notably, in June last year, the Supreme Court in its 6-3 judgement allowed individuals the right to carry a gun outside the home in public places. However, a week after the decision, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed CCIA. WATCH | The US Supreme Court expands gun rights as it strikes down the New York gun law × The new legislation modified the requirements to obtain concealed and carry permits. It also prohibited the possession of firearms in certain areas deemed 'sensitive' or restricted, referring to hospitals and schools. However, immediately after, the legislation ran into legal challenges and in October, a US district court judge issued a temporary stay on significant portions of CCIA. Later, an appeals court blocked the ruling pending further litigation. Wednesday's decision by the SC allows CCIA to remain in force while the legal challenge against it continues to be debated in lower courts. Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas in a statement released with the brief order said the decision is not "expressing any view on the merits of the case" and the challengers "should not be deterred." Read more: US gun terror: Why is owning guns so important to Americans? Buoyed by the court's parting statement, Erich Pratt, an official from Gun Owners of America said, "We look forward to continuing the fight against New York's draconian law." Meanwhile, New York state Attorney General Letitia James also praised the court for allowing the law to stay in effect. "Too many New Yorkers are plagued by gun violence, and we know that basic gun laws help save lives every day." According to a Pew Research Center survey, about four in 10 Americans live in a home with a gun, with 67 per cent of gun owners saying self-protection is a major reason for having a firearm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Supreme Court allows New York state to enforce new gun control law

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<p>If reports are to be believed, the Biden administration is mulling a nationwide ban on gas stoves for being a 'hidden hazard'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a Bloomberg report, the US Consumer Product Safety (CPSC) has raised issues over the indoor pollution caused by cooking stoves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is a hidden hazard. Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” said Richard Trumka Jr., CPSC commissioner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stoves used in households typically release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter at a level which has been deemed unsafe by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gas-cookers-as-toxic-as-second-hand-smoke-550784" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Gas cookers as toxic as 'Second hand smoke'</strong></a></p>

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<p>According to research, stove cooking produces double the PM 2.5 particulates than electric cooking. Under improper ventilation conditions, the toxic nature of these gases can cause serious respiratory health issues, cardiovascular problems and even cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There is about 50 years of health studies showing that gas stoves are bad for our health, and the strongest evidence is on children and children’s asthma,” an expert in clean energy was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, over 35 per cent of households in the US use a gas stove. The number is particularly high in states such as California and New Jersey where as many as 70 per cent of households use the said stoves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-people-in-pakistan-store-cooking-gas-in-plastic-bags-amid-economic-crisis-549060" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | People in Pakistan store cooking gas in plastic bags amid economic crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that almost 13 per cent of asthma cases among US children could be attributed to exposure to gas stoves and their toxic fumes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Democrat leaders such as Cory Booker, Don Beyer and Elizabeth Warren have already written to the CPSC, exhorting them to take urgent action on the issue. They argued that the harmful emissions by the cooking stoves particularly affected black, Latino and low-income households.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, critics of the move that banning one of the most affordable forms of cooking will put a dent in the pockets of the citizens as electric homes require expensive retrofits. According to them, more emphasis should be put on improving indoor air ventilation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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If reports are to be believed, the Biden administration is mulling a nationwide ban on gas stoves for being a 'hidden hazard'. According to a Bloomberg report, the US Consumer Product Safety (CPSC) has raised issues over the indoor pollution caused by cooking stoves.

If reports are to be believed, the Biden administration is mulling a nationwide ban on gas stoves for being a 'hidden hazard'. According to a Bloomberg report, the US Consumer Product Safety (CPSC) has raised issues over the indoor pollution caused by cooking stoves. “This is a hidden hazard. Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” said Richard Trumka Jr., CPSC commissioner. The stoves used in households typically release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter at a level which has been deemed unsafe by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). WATCH | Gas cookers as toxic as 'Second hand smoke' × According to research, stove cooking produces double the PM 2.5 particulates than electric cooking. Under improper ventilation conditions, the toxic nature of these gases can cause serious respiratory health issues, cardiovascular problems and even cancer. “There is about 50 years of health studies showing that gas stoves are bad for our health, and the strongest evidence is on children and children’s asthma,” an expert in clean energy was quoted as saying by the publication. Currently, over 35 per cent of households in the US use a gas stove. The number is particularly high in states such as California and New Jersey where as many as 70 per cent of households use the said stoves. WATCH | People in Pakistan store cooking gas in plastic bags amid economic crisis A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that almost 13 per cent of asthma cases among US children could be attributed to exposure to gas stoves and their toxic fumes. Democrat leaders such as Cory Booker, Don Beyer and Elizabeth Warren have already written to the CPSC, exhorting them to take urgent action on the issue. They argued that the harmful emissions by the cooking stoves particularly affected black, Latino and low-income households. However, critics of the move that banning one of the most affordable forms of cooking will put a dent in the pockets of the citizens as electric homes require expensive retrofits. According to them, more emphasis should be put on improving indoor air ventilation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration mulls banning gas stoves due to pollution concerns: Report

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<p>A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar&nbsp;international project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pietro Barabaschi, director general of the multi-billion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project said the previous goal to carry a first operation test to create plasma by 2025 was unrealistic.</p>

<p>The date "wasn't realistic in the first place," even before two major problems surfaced, Barabaschi was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that fixing the problems "is not a question of weeks, but months, even years."</p>

<p>Earlier, the project had the aim to achieve full fusion power by 2035. However, the delay cited by&nbsp;Barabaschi means that it could be pushed around by another few years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ITER is a joint project between the US, India, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Russia. It was started after a summit between US president&nbsp;Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has managed to keep its end of the bargain connected to the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project site is in southern France but the decades-old initiative has been criticised for regularly running into technical challenges and cost overruns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akin to the scientists in the US, the ITER project aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale source of energy for the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-decoding-nuclear-fusion-energy-breakthrough-543107"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Decoding nuclear fusion energy breakthrough</strong></a></p>

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<p>Last month, the scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California said they were successful in generating a fusion reaction between two hydrogen atoms and were also able to maintain the reaction in a controlled environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, the US government patted its own back and said the breakthrough will help towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world replace fossil fuels.</p>

<p>“Today, we tell the world that America has achieved a tremendous scientific breakthrough ... we invested in our national labs and we invested in fundamental research, and tomorrow will continue for a future that is powered, in part by fusion energy,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-belief-us-announces-historic-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-but-what-is-nuclear-fusion-542879" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Beyond belief!: US announces historic nuclear fusion breakthrough, but how is it important for us?</strong></a></p>

<p>Nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the inverse of nuclear fission, which occurs when heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power plants, but the process generates a lot of waste that emits radiation for a long time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project.

A little less than a month after scientists working on a nuclear fusion project in the US made a major breakthrough, some not-so-good news has come for other scientists working on a similar international project. Pietro Barabaschi, director general of the multi-billion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project said the previous goal to carry a first operation test to create plasma by 2025 was unrealistic. The date "wasn't realistic in the first place," even before two major problems surfaced, Barabaschi was quoted as saying by AFP. He added that fixing the problems "is not a question of weeks, but months, even years." Earlier, the project had the aim to achieve full fusion power by 2035. However, the delay cited by Barabaschi means that it could be pushed around by another few years. ITER is a joint project between the US, India, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Russia. It was started after a summit between US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. Despite the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow has managed to keep its end of the bargain connected to the project. The project site is in southern France but the decades-old initiative has been criticised for regularly running into technical challenges and cost overruns. Akin to the scientists in the US, the ITER project aims to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale source of energy for the world. WATCH | Gravitas: Decoding nuclear fusion energy breakthrough × Last month, the scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California said they were successful in generating a fusion reaction between two hydrogen atoms and were also able to maintain the reaction in a controlled environment. At the time, the US government patted its own back and said the breakthrough will help towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world replace fossil fuels. “Today, we tell the world that America has achieved a tremendous scientific breakthrough ... we invested in our national labs and we invested in fundamental research, and tomorrow will continue for a future that is powered, in part by fusion energy,” said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Read more: Beyond belief!: US announces historic nuclear fusion breakthrough, but how is it important for us? Nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun. It is the inverse of nuclear fission, which occurs when heavy atoms are split apart. Fission is the technology currently used in nuclear power plants, but the process generates a lot of waste that emits radiation for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International nuclear fusion energy project faces delays, say scientists

<p>Allied Pilots Association, the union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has raised questions on the latest cockpit protocols that the airline imposed without appropriate training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the union, the carrier enforced new systems for cockpit communications during critical situations like low-visibility landings, reported Reuters news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The operational changes that management is attempting to implement without fulsome training alters how pilots communicate, coordinate, and execute flight safety duties at some of the most high-threat times," APA said on Monday. The APA also mentioned that the carried made the changes over a bulletin.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also Read|&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/world/amazon-forest-cover-four-times-the-size-of-manhattan-destroyed-in-december-2022-report-550171">Amazon forest cover four times the size of Manhattan destroyed in December 2022: Report</a></p>

<p>"This attempt to train by bulletin, while ignoring serious safety concerns and well-established best practices, runs the risk of dramatically eroding safety margins," the post added.</p>

<p>In response to the concerns, American Airlines referred to the changes as the industry's best practices. "They ensure improved crew coordination and consistency across fleet types. These ensure that our pilots can easily transition across different aircraft if they choose," the US-based airline told Reuters in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch|&nbsp;U.S. announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine amid war</strong></p>

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<p>Apart from this, the airline also commented that the new systems were US Federal Aviation Administration-approved. "These updates have been underway since 2021 in a coordinated effort with APA's Training Committee."</p>

<p>On Friday, the airline announced that they would no longer provide services at Long-Beach Island airport. Currently, the airline operates three flights between Long Island Beach and Phoenix.</p>

<p>In the latest trading session, American Airlines Limited closed at $14.18, marking a 1.36 per cent gain from the previous day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Allied Pilots Association, the union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has raised questions on the latest cockpit protocols that the airline imposed without appropriate training.

Allied Pilots Association, the union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, has raised questions on the latest cockpit protocols that the airline imposed without appropriate training. According to the union, the carrier enforced new systems for cockpit communications during critical situations like low-visibility landings, reported Reuters news agency. "The operational changes that management is attempting to implement without fulsome training alters how pilots communicate, coordinate, and execute flight safety duties at some of the most high-threat times," APA said on Monday. The APA also mentioned that the carried made the changes over a bulletin. Also Read| Amazon forest cover four times the size of Manhattan destroyed in December 2022: Report "This attempt to train by bulletin, while ignoring serious safety concerns and well-established best practices, runs the risk of dramatically eroding safety margins," the post added. In response to the concerns, American Airlines referred to the changes as the industry's best practices. "They ensure improved crew coordination and consistency across fleet types. These ensure that our pilots can easily transition across different aircraft if they choose," the US-based airline told Reuters in a statement. Watch| U.S. announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine amid war Apart from this, the airline also commented that the new systems were US Federal Aviation Administration-approved. "These updates have been underway since 2021 in a coordinated effort with APA's Training Committee." On Friday, the airline announced that they would no longer provide services at Long-Beach Island airport. Currently, the airline operates three flights between Long Island Beach and Phoenix. In the latest trading session, American Airlines Limited closed at $14.18, marking a 1.36 per cent gain from the previous day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

USA: American Airlines pilots raise concerns over new cockpit protocols

<p>US President Joe Biden on Friday commemorated the second anniversary of the Capitol Hill riots by awarding the "Presidential Citizens Medal" to those that defended the building and lawmakers inside. However, during the speech, he mistakenly claimed the date of the riot to be 'July the 6th'.</p>

<p>"It's not an exaggeration to say that America owes you, owes you all, and I really mean this, a debt of gratitude. One we can never fully repay, unless we live up to what you did," said Biden before taking the misstep,&nbsp;"If I can halt for a second, and just say to you, the impact of what happened on July the 6th had international repercussions beyond what any of you I think can fully understand."</p>

<p>The video clip of Biden's speech has since gone viral on social media platforms with several of his detractors taking a shot&nbsp;at him.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Biden: "What happened on July the 6th had international repercussions beyond what I think any of you can fully understand" <a href="https://t.co/ZxCLhPju9o">pic.twitter.com/ZxCLhPju9o</a></p>
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) <a href="https://twitter.com/greg_price11/status/1611452795542188032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>One netizen poked fun at Biden by jumbling the date of 9/11 and the Pearl harbour attack. Meanwhile, others simply called it embarrassing for the president who has often been ridiculed for his absent-minded statements.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surely an unforgettable date which will live in infamy — just like the attacks on 7/11 and Diamond Harbor. <a href="https://t.co/vjp2qLGjjF">https://t.co/vjp2qLGjjF</a></p>
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) <a href="https://twitter.com/alx/status/1611457862722617344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-wants-republicans-to-get-their-act-together-on-house-speaker-voting-549514"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Biden wants Republicans to get their 'act together' on House speaker voting</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Biden awards the medals</strong></p>

<p>During the ceremony, Biden awarded 14 medals and said America had 'no place' for political violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite our differences in opinion, we must say clearly with a united voice...there's no place, zero, zero place in America for voter intimidation...for political violence."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-biden-renominates-eric-garcetti-as-us-envoy-to-india-549460"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Biden renominates Eric Garcetti as US envoy to India</strong></a></p>

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<p>He also targetted the Republicans and Trump loyalists who attempted to overturn the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">"All of it was fueled by lies about the 2020 election but on this day two years ago our democracy held because we the people...did not flinch."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">"History will remember your names..remember your courage and remember your bravery."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">Notably, three medals were awarded posthumously to police officers who suffered terrible fates&nbsp;after the events of January 6.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">While two officers committed suicide after the riots, one had a stroke the very next day. The latter's girlfriend has filed a suit against two men who have pleaded guilty to the charges and Donald Trump. She is seeking $10 million in damages from each party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US President Joe Biden on Friday commemorated the second anniversary of the Capitol Hill riots by awarding the "Presidential Citizens Medal" to those that defended the building and lawmakers inside.

US President Joe Biden on Friday commemorated the second anniversary of the Capitol Hill riots by awarding the "Presidential Citizens Medal" to those that defended the building and lawmakers inside. However, during the speech, he mistakenly claimed the date of the riot to be 'July the 6th'. "It's not an exaggeration to say that America owes you, owes you all, and I really mean this, a debt of gratitude. One we can never fully repay, unless we live up to what you did," said Biden before taking the misstep, "If I can halt for a second, and just say to you, the impact of what happened on July the 6th had international repercussions beyond what any of you I think can fully understand." The video clip of Biden's speech has since gone viral on social media platforms with several of his detractors taking a shot at him. Biden: "What happened on July the 6th had international repercussions beyond what I think any of you can fully understand" pic.twitter.com/ZxCLhPju9o — Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 6, 2023 × One netizen poked fun at Biden by jumbling the date of 9/11 and the Pearl harbour attack. Meanwhile, others simply called it embarrassing for the president who has often been ridiculed for his absent-minded statements. Surely an unforgettable date which will live in infamy — just like the attacks on 7/11 and Diamond Harbor. https://t.co/vjp2qLGjjF — ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) January 6, 2023 × Read more: Biden wants Republicans to get their 'act together' on House speaker voting Biden awards the medals During the ceremony, Biden awarded 14 medals and said America had 'no place' for political violence. "Despite our differences in opinion, we must say clearly with a united voice...there's no place, zero, zero place in America for voter intimidation...for political violence." WATCH | WION Dispatch: Biden renominates Eric Garcetti as US envoy to India × He also targetted the Republicans and Trump loyalists who attempted to overturn the election. "All of it was fueled by lies about the 2020 election but on this day two years ago our democracy held because we the people...did not flinch." "History will remember your names..remember your courage and remember your bravery." Notably, three medals were awarded posthumously to police officers who suffered terrible fates after the events of January 6. While two officers committed suicide after the riots, one had a stroke the very next day. The latter's girlfriend has filed a suit against two men who have pleaded guilty to the charges and Donald Trump. She is seeking $10 million in damages from each party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Biden's faux pas as he confuses the date of January 6 Capitol Hill riots

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<p>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment.&nbsp;FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only.&nbsp;“Alzheimer’s disease immeasurably incapacitates the lives of those who suffer from it and has devastating effects on their loved ones. This treatment option is the latest therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s, instead of only treating the symptoms of the disease.”</p>

<p>Japan-based Eisai and American company Biogen have jointly developed the medicine. They claim that lecanemab slows down cognitive and functional decline by almost 27 per cent over 18 months.</p>

<p>The medicine will be sold under the name Leqembi and its treatment is expected to cost $26,500 per year in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clinical trials of the medicine were published in November last year. Based on the results, some experts hailed it as the next big breakthrough to treat Alzheimer's patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-breakthrough-in-alzheimers-treatment-538902"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment</strong></a></p>

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<p>“Treatments that deliver tangible benefits to those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s and early Alzheimer’s dementia are as valuable as treatments that extend the lives of those with other terminal diseases," said US-based Alzheimer’s Association whilst welcoming the test results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the approval process for&nbsp;Leqembi was expedited after a US congressional report tore into the&nbsp;regulatory agency for approving another Alzheimer's medicine viz. Aduhelm, without proper due diligence.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/experimental-drug-slows-down-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients-heres-what-you-need-to-know-538818" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite test results showing that Aduhelm carried&nbsp;risks of brain swelling and bleeding when administered to patients, the FDA passed it for&nbsp;monoclonal antibody treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FDA has the authority to fast-track the medicines it believes can help patients suffering from serious conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, over 6.5 million individuals in the US suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The disease destroys memory, and cognitive skills, often rendering the patient incapable of performing simple, day-to-day tasks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though there is no cure for the disease, doctors say that treatment therapies and medicines can slow down the effects.&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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment. FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved an experimental medicine named lecanemab for Alzheimer's treatment. FDA Director Dr Billy Dunn in a statement said the medicine targets the underlying disease process of Alzheimer's instead of treating the symptoms only. “Alzheimer’s disease immeasurably incapacitates the lives of those who suffer from it and has devastating effects on their loved ones. This treatment option is the latest therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s, instead of only treating the symptoms of the disease.” Japan-based Eisai and American company Biogen have jointly developed the medicine. They claim that lecanemab slows down cognitive and functional decline by almost 27 per cent over 18 months. The medicine will be sold under the name Leqembi and its treatment is expected to cost $26,500 per year in the US. The clinical trials of the medicine were published in November last year. Based on the results, some experts hailed it as the next big breakthrough to treat Alzheimer's patients. WATCH | Gravitas: Breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment × “Treatments that deliver tangible benefits to those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s and early Alzheimer’s dementia are as valuable as treatments that extend the lives of those with other terminal diseases," said US-based Alzheimer’s Association whilst welcoming the test results. Notably, the approval process for Leqembi was expedited after a US congressional report tore into the regulatory agency for approving another Alzheimer's medicine viz. Aduhelm, without proper due diligence. Read more: Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know Despite test results showing that Aduhelm carried risks of brain swelling and bleeding when administered to patients, the FDA passed it for monoclonal antibody treatment. The FDA has the authority to fast-track the medicines it believes can help patients suffering from serious conditions. Currently, over 6.5 million individuals in the US suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The disease destroys memory, and cognitive skills, often rendering the patient incapable of performing simple, day-to-day tasks. Though there is no cure for the disease, doctors say that treatment therapies and medicines can slow down the effects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US FDA approves new ‘breakthrough’ medicine for Alzheimer’s. Here’s what it does

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<p>A day after weather forecasters warned that California may face 'brutal' weather conditions, a bomb cyclone smashed into the western US state on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cyclone brought with it torrential rains that could drown the region, already battered with consecutive storms on New Year's Eve, that caused power outages and roadways to flood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The powerful winds blew around 70 kilometres an hour and could very well continue into Thursday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State authorities have requested the residents to avoid any kind of non-essential travel on Wednesday night and Thursday morning as the storm reaches its peak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residents, however,&nbsp;remain fearful of the storm. "We had a similar flood just last October... they call it a 100-year storm, but sounds like we might have two of those in one week," Deepak Srivastava, a San Francisco citizen was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-4400-flights-cancelled-on-friday-as-travellers-face-harrowing-christmas-week-546192" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Bomb cyclone brings sub-zero chills in US: 12 killed, 4,400 flights cancelled day ahead of Christmas</strong></a></p>

<p>Accessing the gravity of the situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to pool resources for 'response and recovery efforts'.</p>

<p>An emergency operations centre has also been established in the city of San Francisco to oversee the entire operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residents are being offered thousands of sandbags in case there is flooding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've been working very hard to source sandbags from wherever we can in northern California," said a Public Works department official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is a bomb cyclone?</strong></p>

<p>A bomb cyclone occurs when atmospheric pressure plummets to low levels. A cyclone is categorised as a bomb cyclone when the pressure drop is 24 millibars (a unit of pressure) within 24 hours.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-4400-flights-cancelled-on-friday-as-travellers-face-harrowing-christmas-week-546192" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change will make 'bomb cyclones' more frequent</strong></a></p>

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<p>Frigid temperatures and destructive winds have accompanied the winter storms in the US, much before the holiday season began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Americans are experiencing huge power outages amid the blizzard circumstances. The bone-chilling weather forced thousands to cancel holiday get-togethers as airlines could not operate the planes during the inclement weather.&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 weather forecasters warned that California may face 'brutal' weather conditions, a bomb cyclone smashed into the western US state on Wednesday. The cyclone brought with it torrential rains that could drown the region, already battered with consecutive storms on New Year's Eve, that caused power outages and roadways to flood.

A day after weather forecasters warned that California may face 'brutal' weather conditions, a bomb cyclone smashed into the western US state on Wednesday. The cyclone brought with it torrential rains that could drown the region, already battered with consecutive storms on New Year's Eve, that caused power outages and roadways to flood. The powerful winds blew around 70 kilometres an hour and could very well continue into Thursday morning. State authorities have requested the residents to avoid any kind of non-essential travel on Wednesday night and Thursday morning as the storm reaches its peak. The residents, however, remain fearful of the storm. "We had a similar flood just last October... they call it a 100-year storm, but sounds like we might have two of those in one week," Deepak Srivastava, a San Francisco citizen was quoted as saying by AFP. Read more: Bomb cyclone brings sub-zero chills in US: 12 killed, 4,400 flights cancelled day ahead of Christmas Accessing the gravity of the situation, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to pool resources for 'response and recovery efforts'. An emergency operations centre has also been established in the city of San Francisco to oversee the entire operation. The residents are being offered thousands of sandbags in case there is flooding. "We've been working very hard to source sandbags from wherever we can in northern California," said a Public Works department official. What is a bomb cyclone? A bomb cyclone occurs when atmospheric pressure plummets to low levels. A cyclone is categorised as a bomb cyclone when the pressure drop is 24 millibars (a unit of pressure) within 24 hours. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change will make 'bomb cyclones' more frequent × Frigid temperatures and destructive winds have accompanied the winter storms in the US, much before the holiday season began. Americans are experiencing huge power outages amid the blizzard circumstances. The bone-chilling weather forced thousands to cancel holiday get-togethers as airlines could not operate the planes during the inclement weather. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bomb cyclone smashes into California; state of emergency declared by the governor

<p>US national football coach&nbsp;Gregg&nbsp;Berhalter, his future uncertain after a last-16 World Cup run, admitted Tuesday kicking his girlfriend in a 1991 incident that US Soccer is investigating. After the US Soccer Federation was contacted during the World Cup by "an individual" looking to "bring about the end of my relationship with US Soccer,"&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;released a statement with his now-wife Rosalind detailing the matter. "It was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day,"&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said. "There are zero excuses for my actions that night."&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said he was 18 and a college freshman and had dated Rosalind for four months when they were drinking at a bar.</p>

<p>"Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside,"&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said. "It became physical and I kicked her in the legs."&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said the incident from more than three decades ago made a lasting impact. "While the authorities were never involved in this matter, I voluntarily sought out counseling to help learn, grow and improve -- one of the most valuable decisions that I ever made," he said. "To this day, that type of behavior has never been repeated."</p>

<p>US Soccer said in a statement that it began an investigation into the matter after learning of the allegation against&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;on December 11, more than a week after the Americans were eliminated by the Netherlands in Qatar. "We appreciate&nbsp;Gregg&nbsp;and Rosalind coming forward to speak openly about this incident," the statement said. "US Soccer condemns violence of any kind and takes such allegations very seriously." US Soccer said it is also looking into "potential inappropriate behavior towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organization. "We take such behavior seriously and have expanded our investigation to include those allegations."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-king-pele-gets-resting-place-in-worlds-tallest-vertical-cemetery-549295">Soccer king Pele gets resting place in world's tallest vertical cemetery</a></strong></p>

<h2>- 'Doesn't define me' -</h2>

<p>Berhalter&nbsp;said that seven months after the physical violence, Rosalind called him and they "decided to rebuild our relationship," which saw a 25th wedding anniversary last weekend. "It was an event that shaped me but doesn't define me,"&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said. "It was a single, isolated event over three decades ago and a terrible decision made in a bad moment by an 18-year-old."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Berhalter&nbsp;said it was a "difficult step" he and Rosalind made to "share the truth," adding, "This is a story that belongs to us" and he was thankful for her forgiveness. "The intention of this statement is to provide transparency and to reinforce that a single bad decision made by a teenager does not necessarily define him for the rest of his life,"&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;said. "We will not hide from this. We didn't then and we won't now."</p>

<p>The sordid matter became public as US Soccer's leadership is undergoing a full technical review of the national team, deciding whether or not&nbsp;Berhalter&nbsp;will be retained as US coach. The American squad's next four-year cycle culminates with sharing host duties for the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. It kicks off with a training camp later this month and home matches against Serbia on January 25 and Colombia three days later. "US Soccer will announce who will lead the January men's national team camp in the coming days," the group's statement said. "We look forward to building off the performance in Qatar and preparing for the journey towards 2026."</p>


US national football coach Gregg Berhalter, his future uncertain after a last-16 World Cup run, admitted Tuesday kicking his girlfriend in a 1991 incident that US Soccer is investigating.

US national football coach Gregg Berhalter, his future uncertain after a last-16 World Cup run, admitted Tuesday kicking his girlfriend in a 1991 incident that US Soccer is investigating. After the US Soccer Federation was contacted during the World Cup by "an individual" looking to "bring about the end of my relationship with US Soccer," Berhalter released a statement with his now-wife Rosalind detailing the matter. "It was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day," Berhalter said. "There are zero excuses for my actions that night." Berhalter said he was 18 and a college freshman and had dated Rosalind for four months when they were drinking at a bar. "Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside," Berhalter said. "It became physical and I kicked her in the legs." Berhalter said the incident from more than three decades ago made a lasting impact. "While the authorities were never involved in this matter, I voluntarily sought out counseling to help learn, grow and improve -- one of the most valuable decisions that I ever made," he said. "To this day, that type of behavior has never been repeated." US Soccer said in a statement that it began an investigation into the matter after learning of the allegation against Berhalter on December 11, more than a week after the Americans were eliminated by the Netherlands in Qatar. "We appreciate Gregg and Rosalind coming forward to speak openly about this incident," the statement said. "US Soccer condemns violence of any kind and takes such allegations very seriously." US Soccer said it is also looking into "potential inappropriate behavior towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organization. "We take such behavior seriously and have expanded our investigation to include those allegations." Also read: Soccer king Pele gets resting place in world's tallest vertical cemetery - 'Doesn't define me' - Berhalter said that seven months after the physical violence, Rosalind called him and they "decided to rebuild our relationship," which saw a 25th wedding anniversary last weekend. "It was an event that shaped me but doesn't define me," Berhalter said. "It was a single, isolated event over three decades ago and a terrible decision made in a bad moment by an 18-year-old." Berhalter said it was a "difficult step" he and Rosalind made to "share the truth," adding, "This is a story that belongs to us" and he was thankful for her forgiveness. "The intention of this statement is to provide transparency and to reinforce that a single bad decision made by a teenager does not necessarily define him for the rest of his life," Berhalter said. "We will not hide from this. We didn't then and we won't now." The sordid matter became public as US Soccer's leadership is undergoing a full technical review of the national team, deciding whether or not Berhalter will be retained as US coach. The American squad's next four-year cycle culminates with sharing host duties for the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. It kicks off with a training camp later this month and home matches against Serbia on January 25 and Colombia three days later. "US Soccer will announce who will lead the January men's national team camp in the coming days," the group's statement said. "We look forward to building off the performance in Qatar and preparing for the journey towards 2026."

'It was a shameful moment': US coach Gregg Berhalter admits kicking future wife in 1991 incident

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<p>Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Chinese short-video app has been banned from all federal government devices across the US. The only exception is for law enforcement and national security agencies who can use the app in special cases for&nbsp;security research purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision essentially means that nearly four million government employees will have to mandatorily remove TikTok from the mobile devices and other gadgets issued to them.&nbsp;Biden's recently signed $1.7 trillion spending bill contains a provision that outlaws the ByteDance-owned app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices - a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests - rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review,” said&nbsp;Brooke Oberwetter, TikTok spokesperson regarding the ban.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-says-disappointed-over-the-ban-in-us-545332"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, the decision comes in the backdrop of several states across the country coming out with their policies banning the app. It was South Dakota governor Kristi Noem that set the ball rolling last month by issuing an executive order and banning the use of the app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“South Dakota will have no part in the intelligence gathering operations of nations who hate us," said Noem in a statement posted on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, it was North Dakota, Alabama, Utah Maryland and Texas that followed the suit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray told a House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”.</p>

<p>Wray added that ByteDance embeds specific application programming interfaces (APIs) in the app which gives Beijing access to “control data collection of millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-governor-of-south-dakota-bans-tiktok-on-state-owned-devices-538747" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Wary of China, US state of South Dakota bans TikTok on state-owned devices</strong></a></p>

<p>The crusade against the Chinese app was started by former president Donald Trump. However, after Biden came to power,&nbsp;he withdrew Trump's executive orders that sought to ban the downloads.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Chinese short-video app has been banned from all federal government devices across the US. The only exception is for law enforcement and national security agencies who can use the app in special cases for security research purposes.

Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Chinese short-video app has been banned from all federal government devices across the US. The only exception is for law enforcement and national security agencies who can use the app in special cases for security research purposes. The decision essentially means that nearly four million government employees will have to mandatorily remove TikTok from the mobile devices and other gadgets issued to them. Biden's recently signed $1.7 trillion spending bill contains a provision that outlaws the ByteDance-owned app. “We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices - a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests - rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review,” said Brooke Oberwetter, TikTok spokesperson regarding the ban. WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × Notably, the decision comes in the backdrop of several states across the country coming out with their policies banning the app. It was South Dakota governor Kristi Noem that set the ball rolling last month by issuing an executive order and banning the use of the app. “South Dakota will have no part in the intelligence gathering operations of nations who hate us," said Noem in a statement posted on Twitter. Afterwards, it was North Dakota, Alabama, Utah Maryland and Texas that followed the suit. Previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray told a House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. Wray added that ByteDance embeds specific application programming interfaces (APIs) in the app which gives Beijing access to “control data collection of millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm". Read more: Wary of China, US state of South Dakota bans TikTok on state-owned devices The crusade against the Chinese app was started by former president Donald Trump. However, after Biden came to power, he withdrew Trump's executive orders that sought to ban the downloads. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US

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<p>If reports are to be believed, pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Bristol Myers Squibb may be gearing up to increase the price of over 350 medicines in the US in early January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rise in price has been anticipated following the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the Biden administration. Under the act, the government will negotiate prices directly for some medicines.</p>

<p>Medicines are extremely expensive in the USA, compared to other countries because the pharma companies are allowed to set prices without any interference from the government or any related agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-approves-most-expensive-drug-ever-costs-35-million-per-dose-537186" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: US: FDA approves most expensive drug ever, costs $3.5 million per dose</strong></a></p>

<p>However, IRA attempts to change the status quo and thus pharma companies are attempting to get ahead of the curve, according to healthcare research firm 3 Axis Advisors which made the prediction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pharma companies are expected to swing hard at the beginning; meaning the launch prices of the medicines will be kept high so as to offset inflation and avoid unnecessary press by the annual price increases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Drug makers have to take a harder look at calibrating those launch prices out of the gate...so they don't box themselves into the point where in the future, they can't price increase their way back into profitability," Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fda-approves-life-changing-therapy-for-diabetes-535448"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: FDA approves life-changing therapy for Diabetes</strong></a></p>

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<p>The price increase comes on the back of pharma giants raising the price of over 1,400 medicines in 2022. Pfizer has increased the price of 89 medicines while GSK has increased the price of 26 unique medicines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the median medicine price increase hovered around 4.9 per cent while the average increase stood at 6.4 per cent. This is the highest increase in the price of medicines since 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While most pharmaceutical companies keep the price hike under 10 per cent, the frequent hikes throughout the year manage to take the price beyond the reach of the users.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-looking-at-indian-market-for-approved-covid-19-drugs-as-demand-increases-547447" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: China looking at Indian market for approved Covid-19 drugs as demand increases</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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If reports are to be believed, pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Bristol Myers Squibb may be gearing up to increase the price of over 350 medicines in the US in early January.

If reports are to be believed, pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Bristol Myers Squibb may be gearing up to increase the price of over 350 medicines in the US in early January. The rise in price has been anticipated following the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the Biden administration. Under the act, the government will negotiate prices directly for some medicines. Medicines are extremely expensive in the USA, compared to other countries because the pharma companies are allowed to set prices without any interference from the government or any related agency. Read more: US: FDA approves most expensive drug ever, costs $3.5 million per dose However, IRA attempts to change the status quo and thus pharma companies are attempting to get ahead of the curve, according to healthcare research firm 3 Axis Advisors which made the prediction. The pharma companies are expected to swing hard at the beginning; meaning the launch prices of the medicines will be kept high so as to offset inflation and avoid unnecessary press by the annual price increases. "Drug makers have to take a harder look at calibrating those launch prices out of the gate...so they don't box themselves into the point where in the future, they can't price increase their way back into profitability," Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | Gravitas: FDA approves life-changing therapy for Diabetes × The price increase comes on the back of pharma giants raising the price of over 1,400 medicines in 2022. Pfizer has increased the price of 89 medicines while GSK has increased the price of 26 unique medicines. According to reports, the median medicine price increase hovered around 4.9 per cent while the average increase stood at 6.4 per cent. This is the highest increase in the price of medicines since 2015. While most pharmaceutical companies keep the price hike under 10 per cent, the frequent hikes throughout the year manage to take the price beyond the reach of the users. Read more: China looking at Indian market for approved Covid-19 drugs as demand increases (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pharma companies to increase price of at least 350 medicines in the US from next year: Report

<p>Chinese tech giant Huawei on Friday (December 30) estimated that its 2022 revenue remained flat. This indicates that decline in company's sales due to US sanctions had come to a halt. The company's sales have registered a meagre increase of 0.02 per cent. In spite of this, rotating chairman Eric Xu sounded upbeat in company's annual New Year's letter.</p>

<p>"US restrictions are now our new normal, and we're back to business as usual," Xu wrote in the letter that was addressed to staff and released to media.</p>

<p>As per Xu, the revenue for the year is expected to be 636.9 billion yuan ($91.53 billion). Huawei's revenue has increased by a small percentage than what it was in 2021 (636.8 billion yuan).</p>

<p>Xu's letter did not mention Huawei's profitability. The company typically discloses its full annual results in the following year's first quarter.</p>

<p>In 2019, Huawei's revenue had his a record USD 122 billion. At the time the company was at its peak as the top Android smartphone vendor globally.</p>

<p>In 2019, the US&nbsp;Trump administration imposed a trade ban on Huawei, citing national security concerns, which barred the company from using Alphabet Inc's Android for its new smartphones, among other critical US-origin technologies.</p>

<p>The sanctions caused its handset device sales to plummet. It also lost access to critical components that barred it from designing its line of processors for smartphones under its HiSilicon chip division.</p>

<p>The company continues to generate revenue via its networking equipment division, which competes with Nokia and Ericsson. It also operates a cloud computing division.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese tech giant Huawei on Friday (December 30) estimated that its 2022 revenue remained flat. This indicates that decline in company's sales due to US sanctions had come to a halt.

Chinese tech giant Huawei on Friday (December 30) estimated that its 2022 revenue remained flat. This indicates that decline in company's sales due to US sanctions had come to a halt. The company's sales have registered a meagre increase of 0.02 per cent. In spite of this, rotating chairman Eric Xu sounded upbeat in company's annual New Year's letter. "US restrictions are now our new normal, and we're back to business as usual," Xu wrote in the letter that was addressed to staff and released to media. As per Xu, the revenue for the year is expected to be 636.9 billion yuan ($91.53 billion). Huawei's revenue has increased by a small percentage than what it was in 2021 (636.8 billion yuan). Xu's letter did not mention Huawei's profitability. The company typically discloses its full annual results in the following year's first quarter. In 2019, Huawei's revenue had his a record USD 122 billion. At the time the company was at its peak as the top Android smartphone vendor globally. In 2019, the US Trump administration imposed a trade ban on Huawei, citing national security concerns, which barred the company from using Alphabet Inc's Android for its new smartphones, among other critical US-origin technologies. The sanctions caused its handset device sales to plummet. It also lost access to critical components that barred it from designing its line of processors for smartphones under its HiSilicon chip division. The company continues to generate revenue via its networking equipment division, which competes with Nokia and Ericsson. It also operates a cloud computing division. (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 ×

Huawei registers plateaued revenue growth, US sanctions impact wanes

<p>Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP.</p>

<p>There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state.</p>

<p>"In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant.</p>

<p>Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000&nbsp;for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>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>.</em></p>

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Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory.

Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP. There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state. "In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant. Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua. The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island. The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000 for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157.  Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami. From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck. But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey.  "My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said.  (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 ×

Illegal migration from Cuba to the United States hits an all-time high

<p>American department store chain giant Target has been forced to recall over 204,000 blankets sold across the US after two girls died due to suffocation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)&nbsp;announced the recall decision stating the move was necessitated as the product posed a risk of death by asphyxiation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are announcing the recall of about 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets, where a young child can become entrapped by unzipping and entering the blanket, posing a risk of death by asphyxiation," read the notification published by CPSC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Target in a statement extended its condolences to the family of the bereaved and that it was working closely with the Commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We send our deepest condolences and support to the family that lost their loved ones. As soon as we became aware of the situation, we acted quickly to begin removing Pillowfort Weighted Blankets from our assortment and have pulled all of these items from sale," a Target spokesperson was quoted as saying by Fox.</p>

<p>"In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the product manufacturer, we are also initiating a full product recall and are in the process of alerting consumers."</p>

<p>Notably, a four-year-old girl and a six-year-old girl in the state of North Carolina died in April, earlier this year after becoming entrapped in the cover of the blanket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-to-stop-selling-its-cancer-causing-talc-based-baby-powder-globally-in-2023-506072"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Johnson &amp; Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount</strong></a></p>

<p>Target is now urging customers, who had already bought the blanket to stop using it and contact their respective stores for a refund.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This product is deadly, and today's action to immediately recall the product and offer a refund to consumers is the only acceptable path forward," said&nbsp;Richard Trumka, CPSC commissioner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blankets were manufactured in China and had been sold across Target stores from as early as December 2018 till September this year.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;blanket weighed nearly three kilogrammes and measured 60 inches long and 40 inches wide. It came in eight prints and weighed almost three kilogrammes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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American department store chain giant Target has been forced to recall over 204,000 blankets sold across the US after two girls died due to suffocation. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall decision stating the move was necessitated as the product posed a risk of death by asphyxiation.

American department store chain giant Target has been forced to recall over 204,000 blankets sold across the US after two girls died due to suffocation. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall decision stating the move was necessitated as the product posed a risk of death by asphyxiation. "The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are announcing the recall of about 204,000 Pillowfort Weighted Blankets, where a young child can become entrapped by unzipping and entering the blanket, posing a risk of death by asphyxiation," read the notification published by CPSC. Meanwhile, Target in a statement extended its condolences to the family of the bereaved and that it was working closely with the Commission. "We send our deepest condolences and support to the family that lost their loved ones. As soon as we became aware of the situation, we acted quickly to begin removing Pillowfort Weighted Blankets from our assortment and have pulled all of these items from sale," a Target spokesperson was quoted as saying by Fox. "In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the product manufacturer, we are also initiating a full product recall and are in the process of alerting consumers." Notably, a four-year-old girl and a six-year-old girl in the state of North Carolina died in April, earlier this year after becoming entrapped in the cover of the blanket. Read more: Johnson & Johnson to stop selling its talc-based baby powder globally in 2023 as lawsuits mount Target is now urging customers, who had already bought the blanket to stop using it and contact their respective stores for a refund. "This product is deadly, and today's action to immediately recall the product and offer a refund to consumers is the only acceptable path forward," said Richard Trumka, CPSC commissioner. The blankets were manufactured in China and had been sold across Target stores from as early as December 2018 till September this year. The blanket weighed nearly three kilogrammes and measured 60 inches long and 40 inches wide. It came in eight prints and weighed almost three kilogrammes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Target recalls over 200,000 'made-in-China' weighted blankets after two kids die due to asphyxiation

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<p>Mikey Hothi has become the first-ever Sikh mayor of a Californian city after receiving keys to the city of Lodi. Hothi was unanimously elected as the 117th mayor of the city on Wednesday to a rousing standing ovation from his colleagues.</p>

<p>Hothi will serve a two-year term as the city's mayor. He will preside over the meetings of the Common Council and serve as the city's executive officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has previously served as the vice mayor of the council's fifth district. The newly-crowned mayor was endorsed by councilwoman Lisa Craig for the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hothi took to Twitter to accept the congratulatory messages after the oath-taking ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Honored to be sworn in as the 117th Mayor of the City of Lodi," tweeted Hothi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honored to be sworn in as the 117th Mayor of the City of Lodi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lodica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lodica</a> #209 <a href="https://t.co/dgmrYyz5gk">pic.twitter.com/dgmrYyz5gk</a></p>
— Mikey Hothi (@mikey_hothi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikey_hothi/status/1606093792699854850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to a local news agency, Hothi reflected upon his family making the journey to Lodi and how he was proud to be one of the community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone came to Lodi because they realised it was a safe family town. (It has) great education, great people, great culture, great values, and just hard-working people in this town. I'm just proud to represent this community as its next mayor," Hothi was quoted as saying by Lodinews.com.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our experience is similar to that of the Hispanic community that came before us, the Greek community, the Germans," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-nominates-indian-american-richard-verma-to-top-diplomatic-post-in-state-department-546275" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: US President nominates Indian-American Richard Verma to top diplomatic post in State Department</strong></a></p>

<p>Hothi's parents hail from the northern Indian state of Punjab. According to the newly-elected mayor, the family, upon migrating to Lodi, not only survived but thrived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hothi graduated from Tokay High School in 2008 and has had the experience of facing discrimination, especially post 9/11 when Muslims and Sikhs were subjected to routine harassment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to census data, Lodi is a city located in San Joaquin County, California with an estimated population of 67,021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Mikey Hothi has become the first-ever Sikh mayor of a Californian city after receiving keys to the city of Lodi. Hothi was unanimously elected as the 117th mayor of the city on Wednesday to a rousing standing ovation from his colleagues.

Mikey Hothi has become the first-ever Sikh mayor of a Californian city after receiving keys to the city of Lodi. Hothi was unanimously elected as the 117th mayor of the city on Wednesday to a rousing standing ovation from his colleagues. Hothi will serve a two-year term as the city's mayor. He will preside over the meetings of the Common Council and serve as the city's executive officer. He has previously served as the vice mayor of the council's fifth district. The newly-crowned mayor was endorsed by councilwoman Lisa Craig for the post. Hothi took to Twitter to accept the congratulatory messages after the oath-taking ceremony. "Honored to be sworn in as the 117th Mayor of the City of Lodi," tweeted Hothi. Honored to be sworn in as the 117th Mayor of the City of Lodi #lodica #209 pic.twitter.com/dgmrYyz5gk — Mikey Hothi (@mikey_hothi) December 23, 2022 × Speaking to a local news agency, Hothi reflected upon his family making the journey to Lodi and how he was proud to be one of the community. "Everyone came to Lodi because they realised it was a safe family town. (It has) great education, great people, great culture, great values, and just hard-working people in this town. I'm just proud to represent this community as its next mayor," Hothi was quoted as saying by Lodinews.com. "Our experience is similar to that of the Hispanic community that came before us, the Greek community, the Germans," he added. Read more: US President nominates Indian-American Richard Verma to top diplomatic post in State Department Hothi's parents hail from the northern Indian state of Punjab. According to the newly-elected mayor, the family, upon migrating to Lodi, not only survived but thrived. Hothi graduated from Tokay High School in 2008 and has had the experience of facing discrimination, especially post 9/11 when Muslims and Sikhs were subjected to routine harassment. According to census data, Lodi is a city located in San Joaquin County, California with an estimated population of 67,021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Milestone: This US city has got its first-ever Sikh mayor

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