From the White House to the county courthouse, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically upended the interest of American voters in 2020 US Presidential elections.

But US politicians are running their political campaign in full swing for the upcoming election.

Vice-president Mike Pence on Wednesday accepted the Republican Party’s re-nomination, calling Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for President, a “Trojan horse” for the radical left-wing of his party, reprising the Trump campaign’s chief argument against the challenger.

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"Joe Biden says that America is systemically racist and that law enforcement in America has and I quote, implicit bias against minorities. When asked whether he'd support cutting funding to law enforcement, Joe Biden replied, 'Yes, absolutely.' Joe Biden would double down on the very policies that are leading to violence in America’s cities. The hard truth is you won't be safe in Joe Biden’s America. Now under President Trump, we will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line, and we're not going to defund the police. Not now, not ever,” Mike Pence said.

“Last week, Joe Biden didn’t say one word about the violence and chaos engulfing cities across this country,” Pence said. On the other hand, he added, “will have law and order on the streets of this country for every American of every race and creed and colour.”

Meanwhile, a blind Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention "Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one-child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression".

Now, all eyes now are on the final day of the convention when Donald Trump will formally accept his nomination from the white house.

(With inputs from agencies)

From the White House to the county courthouse, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically upended the interest of American voters in 2020 US Presidential elections.

From the White House to the county courthouse, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically upended the interest of American voters in 2020 US Presidential elections. But US politicians are running their political campaign in full swing for the upcoming election. Vice-president Mike Pence on Wednesday accepted the Republican Party’s re-nomination, calling Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for President, a “Trojan horse” for the radical left-wing of his party, reprising the Trump campaign’s chief argument against the challenger. "Joe Biden says that America is systemically racist and that law enforcement in America has and I quote, implicit bias against minorities. When asked whether he'd support cutting funding to law enforcement, Joe Biden replied, 'Yes, absolutely.' Joe Biden would double down on the very policies that are leading to violence in America’s cities. The hard truth is you won't be safe in Joe Biden’s America. Now under President Trump, we will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line, and we're not going to defund the police. Not now, not ever,” Mike Pence said. “Last week, Joe Biden didn’t say one word about the violence and chaos engulfing cities across this country,” Pence said. On the other hand, he added, “will have law and order on the streets of this country for every American of every race and creed and colour.” Meanwhile, a blind Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention "Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one-child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression". Now, all eyes now are on the final day of the convention when Donald Trump will formally accept his nomination from the white house. (With inputs from agencies)

All eyes on Trump: US President to formally accept his nomination from the White House

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-as-us-president-would-help-india-get-seat-on-unsc-former-american-diplomat-314422">Also read|&nbsp;Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat</a>

Trump was nominated by a roll call vote of states at a party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500">Also read: I'm not losing, says&nbsp;Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a>

Trump, 74, who faces a formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawns of the White House on August 27.

The once in four-year GOP (Grand Old Party) convention is being held in virtual mode due to the coronavirus pandemic. A small part of the official business of the convention is being held at Charlotte in North Carolina.

Trump was re-nominated following a roll call of votes from elected GOP delegates from all the 50 states. Vice President Mike Pence was re-nominated as the running mate of Trump. Pence made a surprise appearance at the Charlotte where the roll call vote was done. He will deliver his formal acceptance speech on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term.

US President Donald Trump has won an official nomination as the 2020 Republican presidential candidate on Monday, a symbolic moment to open the party’s convention and officially kick off the final stretch of his uphill climb for a second term. Also read| Biden as US president would help India get seat on UNSC: Former American diplomat Trump was nominated by a roll call vote of states at a party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Also read: I'm not losing, says Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated Trump, 74, who faces a formidable challenge from former Democratic vice president Joe Biden, 77, is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawns of the White House on August 27. The once in four-year GOP (Grand Old Party) convention is being held in virtual mode due to the coronavirus pandemic. A small part of the official business of the convention is being held at Charlotte in North Carolina. Trump was re-nominated following a roll call of votes from elected GOP delegates from all the 50 states. Vice President Mike Pence was re-nominated as the running mate of Trump. Pence made a surprise appearance at the Charlotte where the roll call vote was done. He will deliver his formal acceptance speech on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans nominate Donald Trump for second term, to take on Biden in the fall

Kellyanne Conway, a long-serving advisor to US President Donald Trump known for sparring with reporters, has stepped down to focus on her family.

Conway has been at Trump's side since day one, managing his 2016 campaign that catapulted him to victory. But looks like her family was one of the reasons behind her decision.

Her husband, prominent Washington lawyer George Conway, is one of Twitter's most prolific Trump critics, repeatedly and loudly questioning the president's mental fitness for office.

Conway's 15-year-old daughter Claudia wrote on Twitter Saturday that she was "devastated" that her mother would speak at the Republican convention, and pledged to seek legal emancipation "due to years of childhood trauma and abuse".

Less than 24 hours later, Kellyanne Conway on Sunday tweeted a statement that closes by saying: "For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama".

Conway said she would step down by the end of the month and that her husband George would also be making some changes.

"We disagree about plenty but we are united on what matters most: the kids," she wrote.

Conway has become both famous and notorious for sparring with the media, often by finding a way to change the topic, turn the question back on the reporter, or merely complain.

All of which did with a flamboyant fashion sense -- snake-skin pattern dress one day, a bright red one the next -- standing out in an often-gray city.

Her work led her at one point to be depicted on the long-running US comedy show Saturday Night Live as "Kellywise", a spoof of the murderous, sewer-dwelling clown from horror novel and film "It".

Conway also stuck out her White House role while a parade of other aides were forced out, quit or left in humiliation.

Conway, a lawyer and pollster by training, said her departure was her call.

"This is completely my choice and my voice. In time, I will announce future plans." 
&nbsp;

Kellyanne Conway, a long-serving advisor to US President Donald Trump known for sparring with reporters, has stepped down to focus on her family. Conway has been at Trump's side since day one, managing his 2016 campaign that catapulted him to victory.

Kellyanne Conway, a long-serving advisor to US President Donald Trump known for sparring with reporters, has stepped down to focus on her family. Conway has been at Trump's side since day one, managing his 2016 campaign that catapulted him to victory. But looks like her family was one of the reasons behind her decision. Her husband, prominent Washington lawyer George Conway, is one of Twitter's most prolific Trump critics, repeatedly and loudly questioning the president's mental fitness for office. Conway's 15-year-old daughter Claudia wrote on Twitter Saturday that she was "devastated" that her mother would speak at the Republican convention, and pledged to seek legal emancipation "due to years of childhood trauma and abuse". Less than 24 hours later, Kellyanne Conway on Sunday tweeted a statement that closes by saying: "For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama". Conway said she would step down by the end of the month and that her husband George would also be making some changes. "We disagree about plenty but we are united on what matters most: the kids," she wrote. Conway has become both famous and notorious for sparring with the media, often by finding a way to change the topic, turn the question back on the reporter, or merely complain. All of which did with a flamboyant fashion sense -- snake-skin pattern dress one day, a bright red one the next -- standing out in an often-gray city. Her work led her at one point to be depicted on the long-running US comedy show Saturday Night Live as "Kellywise", a spoof of the murderous, sewer-dwelling clown from horror novel and film "It". Conway also stuck out her White House role while a parade of other aides were forced out, quit or left in humiliation. Conway, a lawyer and pollster by training, said her departure was her call. "This is completely my choice and my voice. In time, I will announce future plans."

White House counsel to Trump Kellyanne Conway steps down

President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official.

President Trump has prioritised US-India relationship and worked to expand all facets of the partnership over the last three-and-a-half years, the senior administration official from the National Security Council of the White House told PTI on Monday.

"Given the two countries' democratic foundations and their mutual interests in rebuilding the global economy following COVID-19, diversifying global supply chains, and ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open, President Trump will continue to build this critical partnership in the years to come," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-will-protect-the-country-former-senior-trump-administration-official-321383" hreflang="en">'Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official</a>

&nbsp;

"The Trump Administration has elevated the US relationship with India and solidified our growing partnership in ways not seen in any other US administration," the official said, noting that the president has enabled India to become the first non-treaty ally to be offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System.

During President Trump's historic visit to India February 24-26, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi was also one of the first foreign leaders to visit the White House after President Trump took office on June 26, 2017, the senior official said.

The two leaders have also spoken side-by-side at two major events, "Howdy, Modi!" in September 2019 in Houston, Texas, before a crowd of over 55,000 and again at "Namaste, Trump" in February 2020 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to address a crowd of 110,000 people, the official noted.

"These gatherings boosted our people-to-people ties and highlighted the warm personal relationship between the two leaders," the official said.

Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy prioritises closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the official said.

"We have boosted quadrilateral consultations among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, with the four foreign ministers meeting for the first time in September 2019," the official said.

"President Trump has strengthened all aspects of US-India security and defence cooperation to build a comprehensive, enduring, and mutually beneficial defence partnership," the official said.

Under the Trump Administration, the United States has become the second-largest arms supplier to India, growing from virtually no arms sales a decade ago to more than USD 20 billion today, the official said, adding that earlier this year, the US and India concluded USD 3 billion in defence sales, including MH-60R naval helicopters and additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

To bolster India's role as a net provider of security in the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions on the provision of sensitive defence technology, enabling India to become the first non-treaty ally offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System, the official said.

As global leaders with vibrant democracies, the United States and India have cooperated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. US and Indian pharmaceutical companies have collaborated to expand global supplies of critical medicines and are cooperating on vaccine development, the official added.

In a separate statement, Al Mason, co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said Trump has elevated India's stature on the world stage, and asserted that credit also goes to Prime Minister Modi.

"Of course, due credit also goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his skilled policy towards the US.

"The India-US relationship has been rock solid. Kudos to the brilliance of both Trump and Modi for cementing the bond between India and US," Mason told PTI.

His remarks came ahead of the November 3 presidential election where Trump, a Republican will face former vice president Joe Biden.

Biden, the Democratic Party's candidate last week picked Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, a move that could woo the influential Indian diaspora in America. President Trump's running mate will be Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official.

President Donald Trump has "elevated and solidified" America's growing and critical partnership with India in ways not seen in any previous US administrations, according to a senior White House official. President Trump has prioritised US-India relationship and worked to expand all facets of the partnership over the last three-and-a-half years, the senior administration official from the National Security Council of the White House told PTI on Monday. "Given the two countries' democratic foundations and their mutual interests in rebuilding the global economy following COVID-19, diversifying global supply chains, and ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open, President Trump will continue to build this critical partnership in the years to come," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also read: 'Biden will protect the country': Former senior Trump administration official "The Trump Administration has elevated the US relationship with India and solidified our growing partnership in ways not seen in any other US administration," the official said, noting that the president has enabled India to become the first non-treaty ally to be offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System. During President Trump's historic visit to India February 24-26, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi was also one of the first foreign leaders to visit the White House after President Trump took office on June 26, 2017, the senior official said. The two leaders have also spoken side-by-side at two major events, "Howdy, Modi!" in September 2019 in Houston, Texas, before a crowd of over 55,000 and again at "Namaste, Trump" in February 2020 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to address a crowd of 110,000 people, the official noted. "These gatherings boosted our people-to-people ties and highlighted the warm personal relationship between the two leaders," the official said. Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy prioritises closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the official said. "We have boosted quadrilateral consultations among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, with the four foreign ministers meeting for the first time in September 2019," the official said. "President Trump has strengthened all aspects of US-India security and defence cooperation to build a comprehensive, enduring, and mutually beneficial defence partnership," the official said. Under the Trump Administration, the United States has become the second-largest arms supplier to India, growing from virtually no arms sales a decade ago to more than USD 20 billion today, the official said, adding that earlier this year, the US and India concluded USD 3 billion in defence sales, including MH-60R naval helicopters and additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. To bolster India's role as a net provider of security in the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions on the provision of sensitive defence technology, enabling India to become the first non-treaty ally offered an armed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System, the official said. As global leaders with vibrant democracies, the United States and India have cooperated to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. US and Indian pharmaceutical companies have collaborated to expand global supplies of critical medicines and are cooperating on vaccine development, the official added. In a separate statement, Al Mason, co-chair for the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, said Trump has elevated India's stature on the world stage, and asserted that credit also goes to Prime Minister Modi. "Of course, due credit also goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his skilled policy towards the US. "The India-US relationship has been rock solid. Kudos to the brilliance of both Trump and Modi for cementing the bond between India and US," Mason told PTI. His remarks came ahead of the November 3 presidential election where Trump, a Republican will face former vice president Joe Biden. Biden, the Democratic Party's candidate last week picked Indian-American Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, a move that could woo the influential Indian diaspora in America. President Trump's running mate will be Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump elevated ties with India like no other US president: White House official

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election.

President Donald Trump's new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, has sparked nationwide outcry over delays, new prices and cutbacks just as millions of Americans will be trying to vote by mail to avoid polling places during the coronavirus outbreak.

"In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central," Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues, who had been expected to be out of session until September.

Voting in the House will highlight the issue after the weeklong convention nominating Joe Biden as the party's presidential pick and pressure the Republican-held Senate to respond.

Earlier Sunday, Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing August 24 on mail delays.

With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the Postal Service is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters.

House Democrats are expected to discuss the lawmakers' schedule details on a conference call on Monday and were likely to be in session next Saturday.

The legislation being prepared for the vote, the "Delivering for America Act", would prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1.

Trump said last week that he was blocking a $25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service, as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $3.6 billion in additional election money to the states. The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection.

The president's critics were not appeased, contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term.

Trump, who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, has derided universal mail-in voting as a "scam" and defended DeJoy as the right person to 'streamline the post office and make it great again.'

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back into session over the crisis at the US Postal Service, setting up a political showdown. This comes ahead of the November presidential election, amid growing concerns that the Trump White House is trying to undermine the agency ahead of the election. President Donald Trump's new postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, has sparked nationwide outcry over delays, new prices and cutbacks just as millions of Americans will be trying to vote by mail to avoid polling places during the coronavirus outbreak. "In a time of a pandemic, the Postal Service is Election Central," Pelosi wrote Sunday in a letter to colleagues, who had been expected to be out of session until September. Voting in the House will highlight the issue after the weeklong convention nominating Joe Biden as the party's presidential pick and pressure the Republican-held Senate to respond. Earlier Sunday, Democratic lawmakers demanded that leaders of the Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing August 24 on mail delays. With heightened scrutiny of its operations, the Postal Service is now requesting a temporary preelection rate increase, from mid-October through Christmas, although not for first-class letters. House Democrats are expected to discuss the lawmakers' schedule details on a conference call on Monday and were likely to be in session next Saturday. The legislation being prepared for the vote, the "Delivering for America Act", would prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1. Trump said last week that he was blocking a $25 billion emergency injection sought by the Postal Service, as well as a Democratic proposal to provide $3.6 billion in additional election money to the states. The Republican president worries that mail-in voting could cost him reelection. The president's critics were not appeased, contending that Trump has made the calculation that a lower voter turnout would improve his chances of winning a second term. Trump, who spent the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, has derided universal mail-in voting as a "scam" and defended DeJoy as the right person to 'streamline the post office and make it great again.'

Speaker Pelosi to call US House back into session to vote on Postal Service bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offers-to-help-us-with-covid-19-vaccine-america-says-no-320325">Russia offers to help US with COVID-19 vaccine. America says 'no'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/14/154538-trump-putin.jpg?itok=y2ip7_yQ" />

Russian official told CNN that there is a general sense of mistrust of Russia on the American side. The US officials, on the other hand, say the Russian vaccine is considered so half-baked in the United States that it hadn't even piqued their interest in a serious way before the rollout.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-say-coronavirus-vaccine-will-be-free-for-all-citizens-320320">US officials say coronavirus vaccine will be free for all citizens</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/29/151987-vaccine.jpg?itok=qDZnf-Y-" />

The government will bear the expenses of the vaccine doses, but medical professionals who will give these to patients will be paid by insurers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-troubled-ties-us-china-to-resume-talks-on-trade-deal-320335">Amid troubled ties, US, China to resume talks on trade deal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/08/06/105230-yuu1.jpg?itok=K49QhO5_" />

The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-first-covid-19-vaccine-not-in-advanced-test-stages-who-320318">Russia's first Covid-19 vaccine not in advanced test stages: WHO</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/12/154302-vacco.jpg?itok=nHqc9LCs" />

WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-strikes-a-deal-israel-uae-to-normalise-relations-320312">Gravitas: Trump strikes a deal: Israel, UAE to normalise relations</a>

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Russia offers to help US with COVID-19 vaccine. America says 'no' Russian official told CNN that there is a general sense of mistrust of Russia on the American side.

Russia offers to help US with COVID-19 vaccine. America says 'no' Russian official told CNN that there is a general sense of mistrust of Russia on the American side. The US officials, on the other hand, say the Russian vaccine is considered so half-baked in the United States that it hadn't even piqued their interest in a serious way before the rollout. US officials say coronavirus vaccine will be free for all citizens The government will bear the expenses of the vaccine doses, but medical professionals who will give these to patients will be paid by insurers. Amid troubled ties, US, China to resume talks on trade deal The purchases by China according to the deal have been lagging and US President Donald Trump has sharpened his attack towards China at a time when the US is less than 100 days away from the presidential elections. Russia's first Covid-19 vaccine not in advanced test stages: WHO WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility. Gravitas: Trump strikes a deal: Israel, UAE to normalise relations ×

Morning news brief: Israel-UAE deal, US says no to Russia's COVID vaccine and more

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House.

Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month.

Both the Democratic convention, where his challenger Joe Biden, 77, would be formally nominated on August 20, and the Republican convention will be held online. Biden is scheduled to deliver his nomination acceptance speech from Delaware.

"I'll probably be giving my speech at the White House because it is a great place. It's a place that makes me feel good, it makes the country feel good," Trump told The New York Post, on Thursday, and added it would also be easy for law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service.

"We'd do it possibly outside on one of the lawns, we have various lawns, so we could have it outside in terms of the China virus."

When asked if he had formally accepted the Republican nomination for president with a crowd of supporters, he said that "we could have quite a group of people. It's very big, a very big lawn. We could have a big group of people".

The convention was initially scheduled to be held in Charlotte in North Carolina but was later moved to Jacksonville in Florida, only to be cancelled again because of rising cases of the novel coronavirus.

According to The Hill, Trump originally suggested the idea of making the speech at the White House earlier this month, saying that was "probably" where he would give it.

But the announcement sparked a backlash from critics and some Republicans.

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House. Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month.

US President Donald Trump has said he intends to deliver his Republican nomination acceptance speech from the White House. Having won the GOP primaries with historic margins, he will formally be nominated by the party through its virtual convention later this month. Both the Democratic convention, where his challenger Joe Biden, 77, would be formally nominated on August 20, and the Republican convention will be held online. Biden is scheduled to deliver his nomination acceptance speech from Delaware. "I'll probably be giving my speech at the White House because it is a great place. It's a place that makes me feel good, it makes the country feel good," Trump told The New York Post, on Thursday, and added it would also be easy for law enforcement agencies and the Secret Service. "We'd do it possibly outside on one of the lawns, we have various lawns, so we could have it outside in terms of the China virus." When asked if he had formally accepted the Republican nomination for president with a crowd of supporters, he said that "we could have quite a group of people. It's very big, a very big lawn. We could have a big group of people". The convention was initially scheduled to be held in Charlotte in North Carolina but was later moved to Jacksonville in Florida, only to be cancelled again because of rising cases of the novel coronavirus. According to The Hill, Trump originally suggested the idea of making the speech at the White House earlier this month, saying that was "probably" where he would give it. But the announcement sparked a backlash from critics and some Republicans.

Trump plans to give Republican nomination acceptance speech from White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-makes-exception-to-visa-ban-h-1b-holders-can-enter-us-on-this-condition-320068">America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/37797-h1b-20180107122153.jpg?itok=beCg-f5Q" />

The Trump administration has relaxed some rules for H-1B visas allowing visa holders to enter the United States if they are returning to the same jobs they had prior to the proclamation of the visa ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-bible-burning-and-some-sensation-how-a-fake-claim-about-portland-protests-became-a-good-story-320085">A Bible burning, and some sensation: How a fake claim about Portland protests became a good story</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/13/154367-bible-burning.jpg?itok=rfc0vM52" />

Several Conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Sen Ted Cruz, retweeted misleading claims and footage that depicted Portland protesters as having burned a stack of Bible books.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-nuclear-reactor-site-threatened-by-recent-flooding-us-think-tank-says-320098">North Korea nuclear reactor site threatened by recent flooding, US think-tank says</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/13/154373-north-korea-nuclear-site.jpg?itok=C-YqrcfO" />

Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country's main nuclear facility, a US-based think-tank said on Thursday.

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America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition The Trump administration has relaxed some rules for H-1B visas allowing visa holders to enter the United States if they are returning to the same jobs they had prior to the proclamation of the visa ban.

America makes exception to visa ban; H-1B holders can enter US on this condition The Trump administration has relaxed some rules for H-1B visas allowing visa holders to enter the United States if they are returning to the same jobs they had prior to the proclamation of the visa ban. A Bible burning, and some sensation: How a fake claim about Portland protests became a good story Several Conservatives, including Donald Trump Jr and Sen Ted Cruz, retweeted misleading claims and footage that depicted Portland protesters as having burned a stack of Bible books. North Korea nuclear reactor site threatened by recent flooding, US think-tank says Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country's main nuclear facility, a US-based think-tank said on Thursday.

Morning news brief: H-1B visa, US elections, and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-candidate-joe-biden-picks-indian-origin-senator-kamala-harris-for-us-vice-presidential-candidate-319835">US Presidential candidate Joe Biden picks Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris for US vice presidential candidate</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/12/154191-kamala.JPG?itok=vrFnruw2" />

Harris, 55, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman elected to the US Senate from California.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-known-data-on-quality-safety-of-russian-vaccine-german-health-ministry-319818">No known data on quality, safety of Russian vaccine: German health ministry</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/11/154147-russiav1.jpg?itok=dWiLV13p" />

After President Putin announced that Russia had launched the world's first coronavirus vaccine, Germany's health ministry said that "there is no known data on the quality, efficacy and safety of the Russian vaccine."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removed-seven-million-posts-in-second-quarter-for-false-coronavirus-information-319836">Facebook removed seven million posts in second quarter for false coronavirus information</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/05/143490-untitled-design-68.jpg?itok=hJy3hOYI" />

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it removed 7 million posts in the second quarter for sharing false information about the novel coronavirus, including content that promoted fake preventative measures and exaggerated cures. 
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US Presidential candidate Joe Biden picks Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris for US vice presidential candidate Harris, 55, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman elected to the US Senate from California.

US Presidential candidate Joe Biden picks Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris for US vice presidential candidate Harris, 55, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman elected to the US Senate from California. No known data on quality, safety of Russian vaccine: German health ministry After President Putin announced that Russia had launched the world's first coronavirus vaccine, Germany's health ministry said that "there is no known data on the quality, efficacy and safety of the Russian vaccine." Facebook removed seven million posts in second quarter for false coronavirus information Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it removed 7 million posts in the second quarter for sharing false information about the novel coronavirus, including content that promoted fake preventative measures and exaggerated cures.

Morning news brief: Biden picks Kamala, Russian vaccine, Facebook and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-briefly-evacuated-during-press-conference-after-shooting-outside-white-house-319589">Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/07/148578-0001u152p-2.jpg?itok=C02pO9ku" />

The president was abruptly ushered out of the press event and black-clad secret service agents with automatic rifles rushed across the lawn north of the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-leaders-were-informed-of-risk-posed-by-explosives-at-port-in-july-reports-319592">Lebanese leaders were informed of risk posed by explosives at port in July: Reports</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/08/153600-beirut-explosion-img.jpg?itok=vE6InQmz" />

Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab, 61, on August 10 announced the resignation of his government after four cabinet ministers quit amid street protests in the aftermath of the Beirut blasts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-targets-convoy-carrying-us-military-equipment-near-iraq-kuwait-crossing-319587">Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/44210-us%25252520military1-20180321025037.jpg?itok=dWzBZhVS" />

It was not immediately clear if there were any US troops in the convoy or if anyone had been injured in the explosion, which went off just before 9 pm Baghdad time (1800 GMT).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-weighs-blocking-us-citizens-coming-home-if-coronavirus-infection-feared-319609">Trump weighs blocking US citizens coming home if coronavirus infection feared</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/22/150902-trump-ru.jpg?itok=w1IN7deF" />

The official said a draft regulation, which has not been finalized and could change, would give the government authorization to block individuals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-beat-up-pakistanis-saudi-shuts-oil-tap-319579">Gravitas: Chinese beat up Pakistanis, Saudi shuts oil tap</a>

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Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House The president was abruptly ushered out of the press event and black-clad secret service agents with automatic rifles rushed across the lawn north of the White House.

Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House The president was abruptly ushered out of the press event and black-clad secret service agents with automatic rifles rushed across the lawn north of the White House. Lebanese leaders were informed of risk posed by explosives at port in July: Reports Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab, 61, on August 10 announced the resignation of his government after four cabinet ministers quit amid street protests in the aftermath of the Beirut blasts. Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing It was not immediately clear if there were any US troops in the convoy or if anyone had been injured in the explosion, which went off just before 9 pm Baghdad time (1800 GMT). Trump weighs blocking US citizens coming home if coronavirus infection feared The official said a draft regulation, which has not been finalized and could change, would give the government authorization to block individuals. Gravitas: Chinese beat up Pakistanis, Saudi shuts oil tap ×

Morning news brief: Shooting outside White House, Beirut blasts were predicted and more

Secret Service guards shot a person, who was apparently armed, outside the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump said just after being briefly evacuated in the middle of a press conference. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ends-press-conference-after-being-fact-checked-by-a-reporter-319326">Also read: Trump ends press conference after being fact-checked by a reporter</a> 
 
The president was abruptly ushered out of the press event and black-clad secret service agents with automatic rifles rushed across the lawn north of the White House.

Minutes later, Trump reappeared at the press conference, where journalists had been locked in, and announced that someone had been shot outside the White House grounds. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-americans-are-relinquishing-their-us-citizenship-than-ever-before-319312" hreflang="en">More Americans are relinquishing their US citizenship than ever before</a>

The Secret Service tweeted that it "can confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave."

"Law enforcement shot someone, it seems to be, the suspect. And the suspect is on the way to the hospital," he said.

Trump said he knew nothing about the identity or motives of the person shot, but when asked if the person had been armed, he answered: "From what I understand, the answer is yes."

"It might not have had anything to do with me," Trump added, saying the incident took place "on the outside" of the White House perimeter.

"I don't believe anything was breached, they were relatively far away," he added.

Outside the White House, the situation was calm, but a portion of the surrounding streets had been blocked off, with a number of police and other official vehicles converging towards the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Philipos Melaku, a protester who has been camping in front of the White House for years, said he had heard a shot fired at around 5:50 pm (2150 GMT).

"I heard a gunshot and before that I heard screaming," he told AFP.

"It was a male voice," he said. "After that immediately, pointing their AR-15s, at least eight or nine men came in running."

Following the security scare, Trump returned almost immediately to the White House podium where he resumed his scheduled press conference.

Asked if he was rattled by the incident, he replied: "The world's always been a dangerous place. It's not something that's unique."

Trump went onto praise the Secret Service as "fantastic people, the best of the best."

"I feel very safe with Secret Service," he said. "A lot of terrific looking people ready to go if something was necessary."

Secret Service guards shot a person, who was apparently armed, outside the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump said just after being briefly evacuated in the middle of a press conference.

Secret Service guards shot a person, who was apparently armed, outside the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump said just after being briefly evacuated in the middle of a press conference. Also read: Trump ends press conference after being fact-checked by a reporter The president was abruptly ushered out of the press event and black-clad secret service agents with automatic rifles rushed across the lawn north of the White House. Minutes later, Trump reappeared at the press conference, where journalists had been locked in, and announced that someone had been shot outside the White House grounds. Also read: More Americans are relinquishing their US citizenship than ever before The Secret Service tweeted that it "can confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave." "Law enforcement shot someone, it seems to be, the suspect. And the suspect is on the way to the hospital," he said. Trump said he knew nothing about the identity or motives of the person shot, but when asked if the person had been armed, he answered: "From what I understand, the answer is yes." "It might not have had anything to do with me," Trump added, saying the incident took place "on the outside" of the White House perimeter. "I don't believe anything was breached, they were relatively far away," he added. Outside the White House, the situation was calm, but a portion of the surrounding streets had been blocked off, with a number of police and other official vehicles converging towards the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Philipos Melaku, a protester who has been camping in front of the White House for years, said he had heard a shot fired at around 5:50 pm (2150 GMT). "I heard a gunshot and before that I heard screaming," he told AFP. "It was a male voice," he said. "After that immediately, pointing their AR-15s, at least eight or nine men came in running." Following the security scare, Trump returned almost immediately to the White House podium where he resumed his scheduled press conference. Asked if he was rattled by the incident, he replied: "The world's always been a dangerous place. It's not something that's unique." Trump went onto praise the Secret Service as "fantastic people, the best of the best." "I feel very safe with Secret Service," he said. "A lot of terrific looking people ready to go if something was necessary."

Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House

US secret service agents shot and wounded a man who was apparently armed outside the White House. This comes after US President Donald Trump was seen briefly evacuating in the middle of a press conference. Watch report.

Security alert at White House | Trump briefly leaves a press conference in the middle

It all happened pretty fast. The New York Times reported that White House aides reached out to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem last year about the process of adding faces to Mount Rushmore. The report was aggregated by other news outlets, including CNN.

The incumbent US president, Donald Trump, was very quick to react to this. He said while this did not happen at all, it was not a bad idea.

Trump, retweeting CNN's headline, called the reports "fake news," though he added that it "sounds like a good idea".

"This is Fake News by the failing @nytimes &amp; bad ratings @CNN. Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me!" he posted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is Fake News by the failing <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> &amp; bad ratings <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a>. Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me! <a href="https://t.co/EHrA9yUsAw">https://t.co/EHrA9yUsAw</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1292628590425759747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Noem, then a congresswoman, said in 2018 that Trump had told her he aspired to have his image on the monument and clarified to her that he was “totally serious".

Trump had, in 2017, at a Youngstown, Ohio, rally, said, "I'd ask whether or not you think I will someday be on Mount Rushmore, but here's the problem: If I did it joking, totally joking, having fun, the fake news media will say 'he believes he should be on Mount Rushmore,’ so I won’t say it, okay? I won’t say it.”

Noem, reportedly, had then greeted Trump when he arrived in the state for his July Fourth celebrations at the monument with a four-foot replica of Mount Rushmore that included his face.

The only response to the Times about the story from the White House was to note that Mount Rushmore is a federal, not a state, monument.

p.s. If at all this is true, Twitterverse had a lot to pacify Trump.

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So, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainFanta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainFanta</a> wants to be on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MountRushmore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MountRushmore</a>.... 
 
&lt;sigh&gt; <a href="https://t.co/2NW5bUdtcG">pic.twitter.com/2NW5bUdtcG</a>
— 🌊Mr Bungle's Spleen🌊 (Venting Since 1977) 😈 (@Darkfurmatte) <a href="https://twitter.com/Darkfurmatte/status/1292509642115944448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Grifters seems to be a popular reply for some reason. <a href="https://t.co/34pTAXx7Z5">pic.twitter.com/34pTAXx7Z5</a>
— D Villella ❄️ (@dvillella) <a href="https://twitter.com/dvillella/status/1290085679527948289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It all happened pretty fast. The New York Times reported that White House aides reached out to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem last year about the process of adding faces to Mount Rushmore.

It all happened pretty fast. The New York Times reported that White House aides reached out to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem last year about the process of adding faces to Mount Rushmore. The report was aggregated by other news outlets, including CNN. The incumbent US president, Donald Trump, was very quick to react to this. He said while this did not happen at all, it was not a bad idea. Trump, retweeting CNN's headline, called the reports "fake news," though he added that it "sounds like a good idea". "This is Fake News by the failing @nytimes & bad ratings @CNN. Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me!" he posted. This is Fake News by the failing @nytimes & bad ratings @CNN. Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me! https://t.co/EHrA9yUsAw — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2020 × Noem, then a congresswoman, said in 2018 that Trump had told her he aspired to have his image on the monument and clarified to her that he was “totally serious". Trump had, in 2017, at a Youngstown, Ohio, rally, said, "I'd ask whether or not you think I will someday be on Mount Rushmore, but here's the problem: If I did it joking, totally joking, having fun, the fake news media will say 'he believes he should be on Mount Rushmore,’ so I won’t say it, okay? I won’t say it.” Noem, reportedly, had then greeted Trump when he arrived in the state for his July Fourth celebrations at the monument with a four-foot replica of Mount Rushmore that included his face. The only response to the Times about the story from the White House was to note that Mount Rushmore is a federal, not a state, monument. p.s. If at all this is true, Twitterverse had a lot to pacify Trump. So, #CaptainFanta wants to be on #MountRushmore.... <sigh> pic.twitter.com/2NW5bUdtcG — 🌊Mr Bungle's Spleen🌊 (Venting Since 1977) 😈 (@Darkfurmatte) August 9, 2020 × The Grifters seems to be a popular reply for some reason. pic.twitter.com/34pTAXx7Z5 — D Villella ❄️ (@dvillella) August 3, 2020 ×

Did White House pitch Trump for Mount Rushmore? Sounds like a good idea, says the president

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program.

The contracts are for launch service orders beginning in 2022 and allocate $337 million to ULA, a joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp, and $316 million to SpaceX for the first missions of roughly 34 total that the two rocket firms will support through 2027.

ULA will receive a contract for approximately 60 per cent of those launch service orders using its next-generation Vulcan rocket while Musk's SpaceX, using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, will receive approximately 40 per cent, the Air Force`s acquisition chief Will Roper told reporters on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-starship-prototype-takes-first-big-step-towards-mars-completes-test-flight-318273">Also read:&nbsp;SpaceX Starship prototype takes first big step towards Mars; completes test flight</a>

The awards are part of the Pentagon's 2014 mandate from Congress to curb its dependency on rockets using Russia’s RD-180 engine and transition to US-made rockets for launching Washington's most sensitive national security payloads to space.

The program, called National Security Space Launch Phase 2, is aimed at "building a competitive industry base that we hope doesn't just help military and national security missions, but that helps our nation continue to compete and dominate in space," Roper added.

"Today’s awards mark a new epoch of space launch that will finally transition the Department off Russian RD-180 engines," Roper said in a statement.

The two companies lay claim to billions of dollars in lucrative military contracts for a span of five years that competitors Blue Origin, the space company of Amazon.com Inc owner Jeff Bezos, and Northrop Grumman also competed for.

Blue Origin Chief Executive Bob Smith said in a statement he was "disappointed" in the Pentagon's decision, adding that the company will continue to develop its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket "to fulfill our current commercial contracts, pursue a large and growing commercial market, and enter into new civil space launch contracts."

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program.

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program. The contracts are for launch service orders beginning in 2022 and allocate $337 million to ULA, a joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp, and $316 million to SpaceX for the first missions of roughly 34 total that the two rocket firms will support through 2027. ULA will receive a contract for approximately 60 per cent of those launch service orders using its next-generation Vulcan rocket while Musk's SpaceX, using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, will receive approximately 40 per cent, the Air Force`s acquisition chief Will Roper told reporters on Friday. Also read: SpaceX Starship prototype takes first big step towards Mars; completes test flight The awards are part of the Pentagon's 2014 mandate from Congress to curb its dependency on rockets using Russia’s RD-180 engine and transition to US-made rockets for launching Washington's most sensitive national security payloads to space. The program, called National Security Space Launch Phase 2, is aimed at "building a competitive industry base that we hope doesn't just help military and national security missions, but that helps our nation continue to compete and dominate in space," Roper added. "Today’s awards mark a new epoch of space launch that will finally transition the Department off Russian RD-180 engines," Roper said in a statement. The two companies lay claim to billions of dollars in lucrative military contracts for a span of five years that competitors Blue Origin, the space company of Amazon.com Inc owner Jeff Bezos, and Northrop Grumman also competed for. Blue Origin Chief Executive Bob Smith said in a statement he was "disappointed" in the Pentagon's decision, adding that the company will continue to develop its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket "to fulfill our current commercial contracts, pursue a large and growing commercial market, and enter into new civil space launch contracts."

Pentagon awards United Launch Alliance, SpaceX launch contracts

White House officials on Tuesday could not say how the US&nbsp;government would receive a portion of the proceeds from any sale of TikTok's US&nbsp;operations, one day after President Donald Trump called for a cut of the money.

"There's no specific blueprint here," White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Fox Business Network on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"It may be that the president was thinking, because the Treasury has had to do so much work on this, there are a lot of options here. I'm not sure it's a specific concept that will be followed through ... Regarding fees or anything like that, all that remains to be seen," Kudlow said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/bytedance-founder-defends-tiktoks-us-strategy-in-staff-letter-318168" hreflang="en">ByteDance founder defends TikTok's US strategy in staff letter</a>

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, speaking to reporters at a separate briefing, also gave no other details and said she did not want to get ahead of Trump on the issue. She reiterated that the United States planned to take some action on Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, in coming days but gave no details. She twice declined to say how legally the United States could take a cut of the sale proceeds.

On Monday, Trump said he would ban the popular Chinese-owned short-video app on Sept. 15 without a sale to another company outside of China. Microsoft Corp has said it is in talks to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations.

Experts have said the U.S. government generally does not have the authority to take a cut of private business sales. But Trump, a real estate developer and former reality television star who has touted his "art of the deal," on Monday said "a very substantial portion" of any TikTok sale must go to the U.S. Treasury "because we’re making it possible for this deal to happen."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/it-goes-against-wto-principles-china-accuses-us-of-outright-bullying-over-tiktok-318088" hreflang="en">'It goes against WTO principles': China accuses US of 'outright bullying' over TikTok</a>

The president reiterated the call on Tuesday, saying at a news conference that he had told Microsoft that "whatever the price is, a very big proportion of that price would have to go to the Treasury of the United States."

Kudlow told Fox Business Network that such a provision may not be "a key stipulation."

White House officials on Tuesday could not say how the US government would receive a portion of the proceeds from any sale of TikTok's US operations, one day after President Donald Trump called for a cut of the money.

White House officials on Tuesday could not say how the US government would receive a portion of the proceeds from any sale of TikTok's US operations, one day after President Donald Trump called for a cut of the money. "There's no specific blueprint here," White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Fox Business Network on Tuesday. "It may be that the president was thinking, because the Treasury has had to do so much work on this, there are a lot of options here. I'm not sure it's a specific concept that will be followed through ... Regarding fees or anything like that, all that remains to be seen," Kudlow said. Also read: ByteDance founder defends TikTok's US strategy in staff letter White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, speaking to reporters at a separate briefing, also gave no other details and said she did not want to get ahead of Trump on the issue. She reiterated that the United States planned to take some action on Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, in coming days but gave no details. She twice declined to say how legally the United States could take a cut of the sale proceeds. On Monday, Trump said he would ban the popular Chinese-owned short-video app on Sept. 15 without a sale to another company outside of China. Microsoft Corp has said it is in talks to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations. Experts have said the U.S. government generally does not have the authority to take a cut of private business sales. But Trump, a real estate developer and former reality television star who has touted his "art of the deal," on Monday said "a very substantial portion" of any TikTok sale must go to the U.S. Treasury "because we’re making it possible for this deal to happen." Also read: 'It goes against WTO principles': China accuses US of 'outright bullying' over TikTok The president reiterated the call on Tuesday, saying at a news conference that he had told Microsoft that "whatever the price is, a very big proportion of that price would have to go to the Treasury of the United States." Kudlow told Fox Business Network that such a provision may not be "a key stipulation."

White House says unclear whether US government will get cut of TikTok sale

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he might give his acceptance speech for the second term nomination from the White House. It is seen as a breach of longtime tradition.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he might give his acceptance speech for the second term nomination from the White House. It is seen as a breach of longtime tradition. Also read: China says US cabinet visit to Taiwan 'endangering peace' In an interview with the Fox News, Trump said: "We're thinking about it. It would be the easiest from the standpoint of security." The speech is set to be held on August 27. This will be the biggest formal moment in Trump's campaign for a second term in office. Initially, the event was to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina which was to witness mass gatherings of Republic Party members. But the plan was scrapped due to surge in coronavirus in the state resulting in a lockdown. The bid to restage the event at a new location in Florida also met with the same fate. According to the rule, incumbent presidents are required to separate their campaigning from taxpayer-funded governing and holding the acceptance speech in the White House will breach the code. Trump said on Fox News that logistics and costs were his primary concern. "It's a very big operation," he said. "We're thinking about doing it from the White House because there's no movement. It's easy. And I think it's a beautiful setting." It's "by far the least expensive from the country standpoint," he said. Trump, however, added that "if for some reason if someone had difficulty with it, I could go somewhere else." Republican delegates are set to meet in a scaled-back session in Charlotte to nominate Trump on August 24. (Inputs from AFP)

Donald Trump might give his acceptance speech for second term nomination from the White House

The United States is in a new phase of the novel coronavirus outbreak with infections "extraordinarily widespread" in rural areas as well as cities, White House coronavirus experts said on Sunday.

Coronavirus cases continue to surge in some parts of the country and the public health officials are trying to work with governors to tailor responses for each state.

"We are in a new phase," said Dr. Deborah Birx. "What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread" in rural as well as urban areas.

"To everybody who lives in a rural area: You are not immune or protected from this virus," Birx said on CNN`s "State of the Union."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-due-to-virus-in-latin-america-and-caribbean-exceeds-200000-tally-317647">Also read|&nbsp;Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally</a>

Birx, the White House task force coordinator, said people living in multigenerational households in an area that is experiencing an outbreak should wear masks inside the home to protect the elderly or those with underlying conditions.

Admiral Brett Giroir, an assistant Health and Human Services secretary, continued to stress the importance of wearing masks.

"If we don`t do that, and if we don`t limit the indoor crowded spaces, the virus will continue to run," he said on NBC`s "Meet the Press."

"We are very concerned and this is a very serious point."

The coronavirus, which first appeared in China, has infected 4.6 million people in the United States and killed more than 155,000 Americans, according to a Reuters tally.

Birx said federal officials have been working on individual reports for each state examining community trends and hospital records. "Each of these responses have to be dramatically tailored," she said.

She said what she witnessed as she visited 14 states over the last three weeks gave her cause for concern.

"As I traveled around the country, I saw all of America moving," Birx said. "If you have chosen to go on vacation into a hot spot, you really need to come back and protect those with comorbidities and assume you`re infected."

If people wear masks and avoid crowds, Giroir said, it gives the same outcome as a complete shutdown.

"That`s why we`re going to all the states, we`re on local radio, we give specific instructions to every governor by county, what they need to do when we start – when those counties start tipping yellow, because that`s the time when you have to stamp it down," he said.

The United States is in a new phase of the novel coronavirus outbreak with infections "extraordinarily widespread" in rural areas as well as cities, White House coronavirus experts said on Sunday.

The United States is in a new phase of the novel coronavirus outbreak with infections "extraordinarily widespread" in rural areas as well as cities, White House coronavirus experts said on Sunday. Coronavirus cases continue to surge in some parts of the country and the public health officials are trying to work with governors to tailor responses for each state. "We are in a new phase," said Dr. Deborah Birx. "What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread" in rural as well as urban areas. "To everybody who lives in a rural area: You are not immune or protected from this virus," Birx said on CNN`s "State of the Union." Also read| Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally Birx, the White House task force coordinator, said people living in multigenerational households in an area that is experiencing an outbreak should wear masks inside the home to protect the elderly or those with underlying conditions. Admiral Brett Giroir, an assistant Health and Human Services secretary, continued to stress the importance of wearing masks. "If we don`t do that, and if we don`t limit the indoor crowded spaces, the virus will continue to run," he said on NBC`s "Meet the Press." "We are very concerned and this is a very serious point." The coronavirus, which first appeared in China, has infected 4.6 million people in the United States and killed more than 155,000 Americans, according to a Reuters tally. Birx said federal officials have been working on individual reports for each state examining community trends and hospital records. "Each of these responses have to be dramatically tailored," she said. She said what she witnessed as she visited 14 states over the last three weeks gave her cause for concern. "As I traveled around the country, I saw all of America moving," Birx said. "If you have chosen to go on vacation into a hot spot, you really need to come back and protect those with comorbidities and assume you`re infected." If people wear masks and avoid crowds, Giroir said, it gives the same outcome as a complete shutdown. "That`s why we`re going to all the states, we`re on local radio, we give specific instructions to every governor by county, what they need to do when we start – when those counties start tipping yellow, because that`s the time when you have to stamp it down," he said.

US coronavirus 'extraordinarily widespread', say White House experts

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

“This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.”

Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-declines-deal-on-coronavirus-unemployment-aid-talks-to-continue-on-saturday-317378">Also read:&nbsp;Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday</a>

Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal.

The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said.

Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression.

In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments.

Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week.

Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package.

Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction.

“Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement.

Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired.

The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired. “This was the longest meeting we had and it was more productive than the other meetings,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. “There are many issues that are still very much outstanding.” Schumer made the remarks after he and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a three-hour meeting with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows at the Capitol on Saturday. Also read: Nancy Pelosi declines deal on coronavirus unemployment aid; talks to continue on Saturday Mnuchin told reporters the talks were constructive but had reached an “impasse” over whether to come to a short-term agreement or a more comprehensive deal. The officials will meet again on Monday, after their staff meet on Sunday, Schumer said. Congress for the past several months has been unable to reach an accord for a next round of economic relief from a pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 Americans and triggered the sharpest economic collapse since the Great Depression. In a meeting late Thursday between top White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders, negotiations focused on an extension of the $600 per week in federal unemployment benefits that Americans who lost jobs due to the pandemic have been receiving in addition to state jobless payments. Pelosi said on Friday that she rejected an offer by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration to continue the $600 payments for one more week. Congressional Democrats want to see the weekly payments extended into next year as part of a broader package. Senate Republicans have said the $600 payments are an incentive to stay home rather than return to work. Their proposal would provide a much-reduced weekly payment of $200 until states create a system to provide a 70% wage replacement for laid-off workers. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Saturday slammed Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for letting the Senate go home for the weekend without a deal to extend the unemployment benefits or protect renters facing eviction. “Because Donald Trump is abdicating his responsibility to lead us out of the pandemic crisis and the economic crisis, we now face a potential housing crisis across the country,” Biden said in a statement. Pelosi told House Democrats in a letter late on Saturday that “all parties must understand the gravity of the situation in order to reach an agreement that protects Americans’ lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.”

Congressional Democrats, White House still at impasse over coronavirus bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-apple-facebook-amazon-tech-giant-ceos-testify-at-us-antitrust-hearing-316845" hreflang="en">Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing</a>

<img alt="c," data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95cf5f1a-35cd-4592-a12d-c9187cdddba4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_34.jpg" />

"Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-withdraw-troops-from-germany-can-cost-billions-and-take-years-316871" hreflang="en">US move to withdraw troops from Germany can cost billions and take years</a>

<img alt=".x" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="268f88e6-d457-48bd-ba16-f7556e0af9ba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/azx.JPG" />

Trump announced the decision on Wednesday, citing Berlin was not spending the NATO target of 2% of its GDP on defence and because Germany was taking "advantage" of the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmaker-louie-gohmert-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-his-visit-to-texas-with-donald-trump-316847" hreflang="en">Lawmaker Louie Gohmert tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of his visit to Texas with Donald Trump</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmaker-louie-gohmert-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-his-visit-to-texas-with-donald-trump-316847" hreflang="en"><img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ae2dd41-bbee-4d3a-9707-6771972c2767" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1VX3TX.jpg" /></a>

Gohmert was tested in the White House as he was to accompany Trump in a visit to Texas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-education-policy-2020-india-opens-door-for-foreign-universities-316861" hreflang="en">National Education Policy 2020: India opens door for foreign universities</a>

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The change comes as part of a policy to increase public spending on education to nearly 6% of gross domestic product from around 4% now.

WATCH|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-pushes-law-to-censor-social-media-in-turkey-316842" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Erdogan pushes law to censor social media in Turkey</a>

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Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing "Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies.

Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing "Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies. US move to withdraw troops from Germany can cost billions and take years Trump announced the decision on Wednesday, citing Berlin was not spending the NATO target of 2% of its GDP on defence and because Germany was taking "advantage" of the US. Lawmaker Louie Gohmert tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of his visit to Texas with Donald Trump Gohmert was tested in the White House as he was to accompany Trump in a visit to Texas. National Education Policy 2020: India opens door for foreign universities The change comes as part of a policy to increase public spending on education to nearly 6% of gross domestic product from around 4% now. WATCH| Gravitas: Erdogan pushes law to censor social media in Turkey ×

Morning News Brief: Antitrust hearing, India's new education policy and more

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move came after Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who steadfastly refused to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, said on Wednesday he had tested positive for COVID-19, leading at least three of his colleagues to say they would self-quarantine.

To this end, Pelosi said on the House floor that members would be allowed to remove their masks when addressing the chamber.

"The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber and surrounding areas," Pelosi said on the House floor.

The House sergeant at arms said in a statement later on Wednesday that "all persons entering the House Office Buildings" should be wearing a face cover, with some exceptions including when a person is "eating, drinking or legally smoking."

Pelosi warned that she had the authority to ask the House sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor for violating decorum, and "the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum."

She said masks would be available at entry points to the House for members who forget to bring them.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that members and staff would be required to wear masks in the House of Representatives during the coronavirus pandemic. The move came after Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who steadfastly refused to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, said on Wednesday he had tested positive for COVID-19, leading at least three of his colleagues to say they would self-quarantine. To this end, Pelosi said on the House floor that members would be allowed to remove their masks when addressing the chamber. "The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber and surrounding areas," Pelosi said on the House floor. The House sergeant at arms said in a statement later on Wednesday that "all persons entering the House Office Buildings" should be wearing a face cover, with some exceptions including when a person is "eating, drinking or legally smoking." Pelosi warned that she had the authority to ask the House sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor for violating decorum, and "the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum." She said masks would be available at entry points to the House for members who forget to bring them.

US House Speaker makes wearing masks mandatory for lawmakers and staff

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-back-to-his-old-ways-tweets-and-touts-questionable-coronavirus-theories-316591" hreflang="en">Trump back to his old ways; tweets and touts questionable coronavirus theories</a>

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Trump, almost a week back,&nbsp;admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-australia-seek-new-military-cooperation-as-tensions-soar-with-china-316595" hreflang="en">US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China</a>

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The two countries are set to build ties across a slew of defense areas including hypersonic, electronic and space-based warfare.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-environmental-activists-were-killed-every-week-in-2019-across-the-globe-316602" hreflang="en">Four environmental activists were killed every week in 2019 across the globe</a>

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In Colombia and Philippines alone, over 212 people were killed last year

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-us-states-see-record-covid-19-deaths-latinos-hit-hard-in-california-316587" hreflang="en">Four US states see record COVID-19 deaths, Latinos hit hard in California</a>

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Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours, its highest single-day rise yet, the state health department said.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-india-ban-pubg-mobile-316585" hreflang="en">Gravitas: Will India ban PUBG Mobile?</a>

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&nbsp;

Trump back to his old ways; tweets and touts questionable coronavirus theories Trump, almost a week back, admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better.

Trump back to his old ways; tweets and touts questionable coronavirus theories Trump, almost a week back, admitted things were going to "get worse before they get better." US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China The two countries are set to build ties across a slew of defense areas including hypersonic, electronic and space-based warfare. Four environmental activists were killed every week in 2019 across the globe In Colombia and Philippines alone, over 212 people were killed last year Four US states see record COVID-19 deaths, Latinos hit hard in California Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours, its highest single-day rise yet, the state health department said. WATCH | Gravitas: Will India ban PUBG Mobile? ×

Morning News Brief: US-Australia's military cooperation, Trump's questionable tweets, and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-cross-163-million-death-toll-at-651902-316378">Global virus deaths pass 650,000 as new surges prompt fresh curbs</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/29/134793-untitled-design-19.jpg?itok=EDSXlk_0" />Officials around the world reintroduced a raft of restrictions Monday — from beach closures to quarantine measures — to try to tamp down coronavirus hotspots as the official global death toll passed 650,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-vaccine-could-be-ready-for-use-by-year-end-us-316375">Moderna's COVID vaccine could be ready for use by year end: US&nbsp;</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/18/145330-untitled-design-68.jpg?itok=oqWRmK-W" />

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators. 
&nbsp;

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Global virus deaths pass 650,000 as new surges prompt fresh curbs Officials around the world reintroduced a raft of restrictions Monday — from beach closures to quarantine measures — to try to tamp down coronavirus hotspots as the official global death toll passed 650,000.

Global virus deaths pass 650,000 as new surges prompt fresh curbs Officials around the world reintroduced a raft of restrictions Monday — from beach closures to quarantine measures — to try to tamp down coronavirus hotspots as the official global death toll passed 650,000. Moderna's COVID vaccine could be ready for use by year end: US Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators.

Morning news brief: COVID vaccine by year end, global coronavirus deaths and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-rejects-trumps-proposal-to-let-russia-back-into-g7-foreign-minister-316152">Germany rejects Trump's proposal to let Russia back into G7: Foreign Minister</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/06/10/97916-untitled-design-23.jpg?itok=q-xAt1Ty" />

Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-australias-migration-intake-to-drop-in-2020-21-indians-affected-316151">Coronavirus: Australia's migration intake to drop in 2020-21, Indians affected</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/09/148878-coronavirus-in-australia.jpg?itok=OnIV1VqO" />

Australia's migration intake will drop significantly to 31,000 in 2020-21 from 232,000 in 2018-19 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, impacting thousands of Indians planning to emigrate to this country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-cross-16-million-death-toll-at-647846-316155">Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16 million, death toll at 647,846</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151256-corona-usa-afp.jpg?itok=L4msKy0J" />

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000. 
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Germany rejects Trump's proposal to let Russia back into G7: Foreign Minister Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday.

Germany rejects Trump's proposal to let Russia back into G7: Foreign Minister Germany has rejected a proposal by US President Donald Trump to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin back into the Group of Seven (G7) most advanced economies, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a newspaper interview published on Monday. Coronavirus: Australia's migration intake to drop in 2020-21, Indians affected Australia's migration intake will drop significantly to 31,000 in 2020-21 from 232,000 in 2018-19 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, impacting thousands of Indians planning to emigrate to this country. Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16 million, death toll at 647,846 While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000.

Morning news brief: Germany rejects Trump's proposal, coronavirus cases continue to rise and more

Children still should go back to school even if it turns out that they are transmitting the deadly novel coronavirus that has claimed more than 140,000 U.S. lives, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Friday.

President Donald Trump is pushing to re-open U.S. schools, which abruptly shuttered this past spring when the coronavirus first began spreading across the country - despite teachers’ and families’ concerns that children could contract or transmit the disease should they return to classrooms.

“Even if there is transmission and later studies come out, let’s say, we believe that students should be going back to school because the effect on a child we know - scientifically, they are not affected in the same way as an adult,” McEnany said in answer to a press briefing question about comments made by Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, about how the disease behaves in small children.

Birx told the television program “Today” on Friday that it is “still an open question” how rapidly children under the age of 10 spread the illness. She cited a South Korean study that children younger than 10 transmit the virus less, while those older than 10 have the same rates of passing it as adults. Birx also said that children with underlying conditions can “suffer terrible consequences” if they contract the disease.

Children still should go back to school even if it turns out that they are transmitting the deadly novel coronavirus that has claimed more than 140,000 U.S. lives, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Friday.

Children still should go back to school even if it turns out that they are transmitting the deadly novel coronavirus that has claimed more than 140,000 U.S. lives, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Friday. President Donald Trump is pushing to re-open U.S. schools, which abruptly shuttered this past spring when the coronavirus first began spreading across the country - despite teachers’ and families’ concerns that children could contract or transmit the disease should they return to classrooms. “Even if there is transmission and later studies come out, let’s say, we believe that students should be going back to school because the effect on a child we know - scientifically, they are not affected in the same way as an adult,” McEnany said in answer to a press briefing question about comments made by Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, about how the disease behaves in small children. Birx told the television program “Today” on Friday that it is “still an open question” how rapidly children under the age of 10 spread the illness. She cited a South Korean study that children younger than 10 transmit the virus less, while those older than 10 have the same rates of passing it as adults. Birx also said that children with underlying conditions can “suffer terrible consequences” if they contract the disease.

Children should go back to school even if studies show they spread coronavirus: White House

The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market.

The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved a move to diverge partly from the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime, in which 35 countries agreed to restrict the sales of unmanned weapons delivery systems.&nbsp;

The MTCR was aimed at controlling the spread of missiles that could deliver large payload like nuclear weapons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caught-in-a-lie-heres-why-donald-trump-was-forced-to-cancel-florida-convention-315800" hreflang="en">Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump cancelled Florida convention</a>

But it also covered armed drones, at the time not a major component of armed conflict as they are now.

The change ordered by Trump will reclassify armed drones from technology whose export is severely restricted to a category that can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The drones in the category must have a maximum airspeed of less than 800 kilometers per hour, which will allow sales of the Reaper and Predator drones used by the US military, as well as others made by US defense manufacturers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-tries-to-lure-us-send-india-a-message-but-who-really-got-hurt-baffled-315824" hreflang="en">TikTok tries to lure US, send India a message: But who really got 'hurt'?</a>

"The Trump administration has once again weakened international export controls on the export of lethal drones," said Senator Bob Menendez in a statement.

"This reckless decision makes it more likely that we will export some of our most deadly weaponry to human rights abusers across the world," he said.

"The MTCR's standards are more than three decades old," the White House said in a statement.

"Not only do these outdated standards give an unfair advantage to countries outside of the MTCR and hurt United States industry, they also hinder our deterrence capability abroad by handicapping our partners and allies with subpar technology."

The White House statement said two years of talks had failed to reform the MTCR.

The move has worried arms control advocates who say the US sale of advanced drones to more countries could fuel the global arms race.

The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market.

The Trump administration moved Friday to ease controls on exports of armed drones, saying that allies need US technology and that other countries outside of a non-proliferation pact were taking over the market. The White House announced that President Donald Trump had approved a move to diverge partly from the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime, in which 35 countries agreed to restrict the sales of unmanned weapons delivery systems. The MTCR was aimed at controlling the spread of missiles that could deliver large payload like nuclear weapons. Also read: Caught in a lie: Here's why Donald Trump cancelled Florida convention But it also covered armed drones, at the time not a major component of armed conflict as they are now. The change ordered by Trump will reclassify armed drones from technology whose export is severely restricted to a category that can be considered on a case-by-case basis. The drones in the category must have a maximum airspeed of less than 800 kilometers per hour, which will allow sales of the Reaper and Predator drones used by the US military, as well as others made by US defense manufacturers. Also read: TikTok tries to lure US, send India a message: But who really got 'hurt'? "The Trump administration has once again weakened international export controls on the export of lethal drones," said Senator Bob Menendez in a statement. "This reckless decision makes it more likely that we will export some of our most deadly weaponry to human rights abusers across the world," he said. "The MTCR's standards are more than three decades old," the White House said in a statement. "Not only do these outdated standards give an unfair advantage to countries outside of the MTCR and hurt United States industry, they also hinder our deterrence capability abroad by handicapping our partners and allies with subpar technology." The White House statement said two years of talks had failed to reform the MTCR. The move has worried arms control advocates who say the US sale of advanced drones to more countries could fuel the global arms race.

Trump allows defense contractors to sell more armed drones to foreign military

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-avoid-expensive-arms-race-between-us-russia-and-china-trump-tells-putin-315584">Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/33482-trump%25252520and%25252520putin-20171122011433.jpg?itok=vGXNtnNK" />President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-was-hub-of-spying-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-315582">'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo</a> 
 
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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the China’s consulate in Houston was a hub of spying and Intellectual Property theft.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-firm-developing-front-line-30-second-covid-19-breath-test-315587">Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/26/141990-israelcoronavirus110320.jpg?itok=owKAsAEp" />An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the governments handling of the pandemic. 
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Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said. 'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the China’s consulate in Houston was a hub of spying and Intellectual Property theft. Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the governments handling of the pandemic.

Morning news brief: Trump calls Putin, Covid rapid testing kit and more

A 23-year-old man in the United States was sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning an attack on the White House with an anti-tank missile and other explosives.

Hasher Taheb of Cumming, Georgia also made plans for attacks on the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and a Washington-area synagogue, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

He was arrested on January 16, 2019 after a yearlong FBI investigation sparked by a tip from the local community that the then-21-year-old had become "radicalised."

Taheb had tried to recruit an informant and an undercover FBI agent into his plan to attack the White House and other monuments and targets.

Wanting to fulfil that "duty" and expecting to become a "martyr," Taheb originally hoped to travel to Islamic State-held territory in the Middle East. But because he lacked a passport, Taheb told the informant it would be better to launch attacks inside the United States, the indictment said.

On December 7, 2018, he met the undercover agent and revealed a hand-drawn diagram of the White House West Wing, where the president's office is located.

In the subsequent weeks, Taheb detailed what weapons he wanted to acquire for the plot, and assigned the FBI agent to obtain them: semi-automatic weapons, grenades and an AT-4 shoulder-mounted anti-tank weapon.

When Taheb took delivery of the weapons, he was arrested.

A 23-year-old man in the United States was sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning an attack on the White House with an anti-tank missile and other explosives.

A 23-year-old man in the United States was sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning an attack on the White House with an anti-tank missile and other explosives. Hasher Taheb of Cumming, Georgia also made plans for attacks on the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and a Washington-area synagogue, the Department of Justice said in a statement. He was arrested on January 16, 2019 after a yearlong FBI investigation sparked by a tip from the local community that the then-21-year-old had become "radicalised." Taheb had tried to recruit an informant and an undercover FBI agent into his plan to attack the White House and other monuments and targets. Wanting to fulfil that "duty" and expecting to become a "martyr," Taheb originally hoped to travel to Islamic State-held territory in the Middle East. But because he lacked a passport, Taheb told the informant it would be better to launch attacks inside the United States, the indictment said. On December 7, 2018, he met the undercover agent and revealed a hand-drawn diagram of the White House West Wing, where the president's office is located. In the subsequent weeks, Taheb detailed what weapons he wanted to acquire for the plot, and assigned the FBI agent to obtain them: semi-automatic weapons, grenades and an AT-4 shoulder-mounted anti-tank weapon. When Taheb took delivery of the weapons, he was arrested.

US man who tried to attack White House sentenced to 15 years

US President Donald Trump announced a "surge" of federal agents to crime hotspots including Chicago on Wednesday, following an increase in violence in the nation's third-largest city. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-committee-approves-bill-banning-tiktok-for-federal-employees-315221">Also read: US Senate Committee approves bill banning TikTok for federal employees</a> 
 
"I'm announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into communities plagued by violent crime," Trump said at the White House, with Attorney General William Barr and the FBI and Department of Homeland Security directors in the audience.

The Department of Justice will "immediately surge federal law enforcement to the city of Chicago," added the president, who has increasingly sought to make law-and-order a theme for his flagging re-election campaign.

Barr said "Operation Legend" would see some 200 agents sent to the Windy City and another 30 to Albuquerque, New Mexico after it kicked off earlier this month in Kansas City, Missouri where there are already 200 officers.

Shootings have spiked in a number of US cities this summer, with more than 60 people shot in Chicago, including 14 fatalities, over the past weekend alone, according to the department.

Trump warned Monday he could send federal officers to New York and other Democratic-led cities to protect federal buildings and sort out what he says is a collapse of law and order.

The warning came after an unusual deployment of military-garbed federal agents amid protests in Portland, Oregon, which many said smacked of authoritarianism.

The deployment announced Wednesday, however, involved federal agents who will partner with local law enforcement, not riot control forces as seen in Portland.

The mayors of six major cities -- Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and Kansas City -- said in a letter to Barr and Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf on Monday that uninvited deployments of federal troops violate the Constitution.

On Wednesday Trump said he wanted to "make law enforcement stronger not weaker," adding that more officers should be hired rather than cutting police department budgets.

In mentioning police budgets, Trump was responding to calls to "defund police," a common refrain from anti-racism protests that have sprung up across the country following the death of George Floyd, an African American, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis.

US President Donald Trump announced a "surge" of federal agents to crime hotspots including Chicago on Wednesday, following an increase in violence in the nation's third-largest city.

US President Donald Trump announced a "surge" of federal agents to crime hotspots including Chicago on Wednesday, following an increase in violence in the nation's third-largest city. Also read: US Senate Committee approves bill banning TikTok for federal employees "I'm announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into communities plagued by violent crime," Trump said at the White House, with Attorney General William Barr and the FBI and Department of Homeland Security directors in the audience. The Department of Justice will "immediately surge federal law enforcement to the city of Chicago," added the president, who has increasingly sought to make law-and-order a theme for his flagging re-election campaign. Barr said "Operation Legend" would see some 200 agents sent to the Windy City and another 30 to Albuquerque, New Mexico after it kicked off earlier this month in Kansas City, Missouri where there are already 200 officers. Shootings have spiked in a number of US cities this summer, with more than 60 people shot in Chicago, including 14 fatalities, over the past weekend alone, according to the department. Trump warned Monday he could send federal officers to New York and other Democratic-led cities to protect federal buildings and sort out what he says is a collapse of law and order. The warning came after an unusual deployment of military-garbed federal agents amid protests in Portland, Oregon, which many said smacked of authoritarianism. The deployment announced Wednesday, however, involved federal agents who will partner with local law enforcement, not riot control forces as seen in Portland. The mayors of six major cities -- Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and Kansas City -- said in a letter to Barr and Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf on Monday that uninvited deployments of federal troops violate the Constitution. On Wednesday Trump said he wanted to "make law enforcement stronger not weaker," adding that more officers should be hired rather than cutting police department budgets. In mentioning police budgets, Trump was responding to calls to "defund police," a common refrain from anti-racism protests that have sprung up across the country following the death of George Floyd, an African American, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis.

Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-properties-have-imported-over-8-tonnes-of-goods-from-china-since-september-report-315020">Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/20/150711-trump1.jpg?itok=_y1rsUsj" />

Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-indicates-airborne-coronavirus-remains-actively-infectious-beyond-2-metres-315029">Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/22/150909-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=cO7AgjxP" />

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-state-baden-wurttemberg-bans-burqa-in-schools-315006">German state Baden-Württemberg bans burqa in schools</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/10/05/112379-untitled-design-14.jpg?itok=YPioJjfI" />

The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indicts-two-chinese-nationals-for-seeking-to-steal-covid-19-vaccine-314980">US indicts two Chinese nationals for seeking to steal COVID-19 vaccine</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/21/150873-chinav.jpg?itok=5GnfmGJZ" />

The Justice Department said that the Chinese hackers also targeted human rights activists in the United States and Hong Kong while adding that they were &nbsp;working with China's ministry of state security. 
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Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported.

Trump properties have imported over 8 tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report Since September, 2019, Trump properties in the US have imported more than eight tonnes of goods from China, CNN reported. Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. German state Baden-Württemberg bans burqa in schools The South-west state of Germany Baden-Württemberg's government has decided to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools as intense debate continues over a nationwide law. US indicts two Chinese nationals for seeking to steal COVID-19 vaccine The Justice Department said that the Chinese hackers also targeted human rights activists in the United States and Hong Kong while adding that they were working with China's ministry of state security.

Morning news brief: Trump properties' Chinese imports, coronavirus research and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/04/143224-vaccine-reuters.jpg?itok=cDanS6RO" />

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/21/150768-trump-mask.jpg?itok=PXHg8bt1" />President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-coronavirus-rate-triples-in-three-weeks-after-covid-19-lockdown-easing-314784">Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/06/148403-coronavirus-in-spain.jpg?itok=f9Nlw2P_" />The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday. 
 
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WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

Morning news brief: WHO hails Oxford vaccine, Trump wears mask and more

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal.

On Friday, he&nbsp;told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy.

Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues.

The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States. Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal. On Friday, he told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy. Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues. The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist

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