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US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross.&nbsp;

The former Fox News host has many tattoos on his body. Still, this particular one became the talk of the town once again after 2021, when Hegseth was denied working on the security team for President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. Many high-ranking military officials thought the tattoo was an extremist symbol.&nbsp;

A few months ago, Hegseth himself claimed this on a podcast show. "I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington," Hegseth said in the podcast "The Shawn Ryan Show."

"Jerusalem cross tattoo, it's just a Christian symbol," he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-names-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secretary-she-becomes-youngest-ever-to-take-charge-of-post-776568">Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post</a>

<h2>What's The Tattoo?</h2>

The tattoo on Hegseth's chest is an image of the Jerusalem cross with four small crosses on each corner of the cross. He has another tattoo on his bicep that says "Deus Vult," which means God wills it.&nbsp;

An X user, also a Democrat supporter, shared the image of Hegseth with the tattoo and wrote, "Trump secretary of defence...are we supposed to pretend that isn't a Swastika?"&nbsp;

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Trumps secretary of defense.... are we supposed to pretend that isn't a SWASTIKA ???? <a href="https://t.co/6hPugvNCtr">pic.twitter.com/6hPugvNCtr</a>
— Claire (@ClaireFosterPHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaireFosterPHD/status/1857102825903227262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Countering the post, another X user (And a Republican supporter) wrote, "Democrats think this is a Swastika."&nbsp;

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Democrats think this is a Swastika 🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/tnDQIKLWzk">pic.twitter.com/tnDQIKLWzk</a>
— The Gay Republican 🇺🇲✝️🇮🇱 (@GayRepublicSwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/GayRepublicSwag/status/1857173697116660012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>An Appreciator of Jews&nbsp;</h2>

Hegseth is an Army National Guard veteran and according to his website has served in Afghanistan, Iraq Guantanamo Bay and Cuba.&nbsp;

Before joining Fox News, he unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-flight-climbs-up-at-dramatic-speed-to-avoid-colliding-with-mountain-range-776570">Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range</a>

In his coverage on the news channel, Hegseth has been an advocate of Israel.

In 2016, during an interview with the Jewish Press, Hegseth said, "This is not some mystical land that can be dismissed." He was referring to biblical and historical sites in Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Hegseth's Controversial Remarks&nbsp;</h2>

Hegseth recently shared various controversial remarks such as firing "woke generals" in the military and also spoke against the combat role of women in the military, The Times of India reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross.

US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross. The former Fox News host has many tattoos on his body. Still, this particular one became the talk of the town once again after 2021, when Hegseth was denied working on the security team for President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. Many high-ranking military officials thought the tattoo was an extremist symbol. A few months ago, Hegseth himself claimed this on a podcast show. "I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington," Hegseth said in the podcast "The Shawn Ryan Show." "Jerusalem cross tattoo, it's just a Christian symbol," he added. Also read | Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post What's The Tattoo? The tattoo on Hegseth's chest is an image of the Jerusalem cross with four small crosses on each corner of the cross. He has another tattoo on his bicep that says "Deus Vult," which means God wills it. An X user, also a Democrat supporter, shared the image of Hegseth with the tattoo and wrote, "Trump secretary of defence...are we supposed to pretend that isn't a Swastika?" Trumps secretary of defense.... are we supposed to pretend that isn't a SWASTIKA ???? pic.twitter.com/6hPugvNCtr — Claire (@ClaireFosterPHD) November 14, 2024 × Countering the post, another X user (And a Republican supporter) wrote, "Democrats think this is a Swastika." Democrats think this is a Swastika 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/tnDQIKLWzk — The Gay Republican 🇺🇲✝️🇮🇱 (@GayRepublicSwag) November 14, 2024 × An Appreciator of Jews Hegseth is an Army National Guard veteran and according to his website has served in Afghanistan, Iraq Guantanamo Bay and Cuba. Before joining Fox News, he unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012. Also read | Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range In his coverage on the news channel, Hegseth has been an advocate of Israel. In 2016, during an interview with the Jewish Press, Hegseth said, "This is not some mystical land that can be dismissed." He was referring to biblical and historical sites in Israel. Hegseth's Controversial Remarks Hegseth recently shared various controversial remarks such as firing "woke generals" in the military and also spoke against the combat role of women in the military, The Times of India reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Online uproar over Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth's tattoo

Canada’s foreign minister Friday (Nov 15) claimed Donald Trump’s election in the United States has boosted Canada’s influence on the world stage, with more and more nations now seeking Ottawa’s advice on how to deal with the GOP leader. Mélanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs of Canada made this statement while speaking to reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Peru. Trump will assume office in January but his administration’s policies are expected to loom large in talks at the summit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-uZDf-t6JAxWtnK8BHTwBC7gQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamys-doge-seeks-super-high-iq-candidates-776485" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-and-vivek-ramaswamys-doge-seeks-super-high-iq-candidates-776485&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-uZDf-t6JAxWtnK8BHTwBC7gQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s DOGE seeks ‘super-high IQ’ candidates</a>

Trump on his campaign trail had promised to impose a minimum tariff of 10 per cent on all imports entering the United States. Leah Scarpelli, a partner at the Washington law firm ArentFox Schiff, was quoted as saying by CBC News that while he was not expecting any specific tariff targeting Canada, “I think the risk for Canada is that you just get swept in with tariffs on everywhere.”

Ottawa itself is worried over looming uncertainties; however, Joly claimed no country was better equipped than Canada to deal with Trump.

“If there’s a country in the world that understands the United States, it’s Canada,” Joly said. “That’s why there are so many delegations, so many countries, coming to see us to ask about how we, they, can adapt.”

“I think Canada’s influence is actually increasing because of the impacts that the world is now facing with the new administration,” she added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-uZDf-t6JAxWtnK8BHTwBC7gQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-ready-for-ceasefire-top-official-requests-trump-to-press-israel-for-peace-776514" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-ready-for-ceasefire-top-official-requests-trump-to-press-israel-for-peace-776514&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-uZDf-t6JAxWtnK8BHTwBC7gQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Hamas ‘ready for ceasefire’; top official requests Trump to press Israel for peace</a>

She added that Canada was hoping to host Trump next year when the G7 leaders’ summit is held in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Earlier on Thursday, Joly held a meeting with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The foreign minister also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed cooperation on air transport and combatting fentanyl.

Joly claimed she sent “clear messages to China that we will never accept any foreign interference.” She added, “We need to have a predictable relationship”.&nbsp;

It was not clear whether Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is also in Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping or not.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada’s foreign minister Friday (Nov 15) claimed Donald Trump’s election in the United States has boosted Canada’s influence on the world stage, with more and more nations now seeking Ottawa’s advice on how to deal with the GOP leader.

Canada’s foreign minister Friday (Nov 15) claimed Donald Trump’s election in the United States has boosted Canada’s influence on the world stage, with more and more nations now seeking Ottawa’s advice on how to deal with the GOP leader. Mélanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs of Canada made this statement while speaking to reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Peru. Trump will assume office in January but his administration’s policies are expected to loom large in talks at the summit. Also read: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s DOGE seeks ‘super-high IQ’ candidates Trump on his campaign trail had promised to impose a minimum tariff of 10 per cent on all imports entering the United States. Leah Scarpelli, a partner at the Washington law firm ArentFox Schiff, was quoted as saying by CBC News that while he was not expecting any specific tariff targeting Canada, “I think the risk for Canada is that you just get swept in with tariffs on everywhere.” Ottawa itself is worried over looming uncertainties; however, Joly claimed no country was better equipped than Canada to deal with Trump. “If there’s a country in the world that understands the United States, it’s Canada,” Joly said. “That’s why there are so many delegations, so many countries, coming to see us to ask about how we, they, can adapt.” “I think Canada’s influence is actually increasing because of the impacts that the world is now facing with the new administration,” she added. Also Read: Hamas ‘ready for ceasefire’; top official requests Trump to press Israel for peace She added that Canada was hoping to host Trump next year when the G7 leaders’ summit is held in Kananaskis, Alberta. Earlier on Thursday, Joly held a meeting with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The foreign minister also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed cooperation on air transport and combatting fentanyl. Joly claimed she sent “clear messages to China that we will never accept any foreign interference.” She added, “We need to have a predictable relationship”. It was not clear whether Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is also in Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping or not. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations lining up to seek Ottawa’s advice on dealing with Trump, claims Canada's FM Joly

Efforts are going on to bring&nbsp;a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. On Friday (Nov 15), a Lebanese official told the news agency AFP that Beirut was studying a 13-point truce proposal presented by the United States (US).&nbsp;

A tragic incident has occurred in India.&nbsp;A massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a medical college in Jhansi on Friday night, killing 10 children. Seven of the 10 victims have been identified.

In other news from around the world, a major aviation disaster was averted after an American Airlines flight travelling from Hawaii to Los Angeles climbed&nbsp;up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with a mountain range.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-lebanon-says-its-studying-us-truce-proposal-in-israel-hezbollah-conflict-776599">West Asia crisis: Lebanon says it's studying US truce proposal in Israel-Hezbollah conflict</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466297-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Lebanon said on Friday (Nov 15) that it was studying a United States (US) truce proposal for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.&nbsp;Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Lebanese government official said&nbsp;US Ambassador Lisa Johnson discussed with senior Lebanese officials on Thursday a 13-point proposal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580">Jhansi hospital fire: 10 children dead as massive blaze engulfs NICU of medical college</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466286-stories-50.png?imwidth=400" />

A massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a medical college in Jhansi on Friday night, killing 10 children. District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that the fire broke out around 10.45 pm at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-flight-climbs-up-at-dramatic-speed-to-avoid-colliding-with-mountain-range-776570">Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466279-stories-49.png?imwidth=400" />

A flight that took off from the Hawaii airport on Wednesday night was on a path towards a major mountain range and could have crashed into it because of an error. Thankfully, air traffic control intervened on time, avoiding a major disaster.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-250000-flee-as-super-typhoon-man-yi-nears-philippines-776622">Over 250,000 flee as Super Typhoon Man-yi nears Philippines</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466315-00036ml4lx.jpg?imwidth=400" />

A powerful storm sweeping towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the wind and "life-threatening" storm surges.

&nbsp;

Watch | World DNA: Ukraine war to end sooner with Trump in office, says Zelensky

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&nbsp;

Efforts are going on to bring a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. On Friday (Nov 15), a Lebanese official told the news agency AFP that Beirut was studying a 13-point truce proposal presented by the United States (US).

Efforts are going on to bring a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. On Friday (Nov 15), a Lebanese official told the news agency AFP that Beirut was studying a 13-point truce proposal presented by the United States (US). A tragic incident has occurred in India. A massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a medical college in Jhansi on Friday night, killing 10 children. Seven of the 10 victims have been identified. In other news from around the world, a major aviation disaster was averted after an American Airlines flight travelling from Hawaii to Los Angeles climbed up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with a mountain range. Click on the headlines to read more: West Asia crisis: Lebanon says it's studying US truce proposal in Israel-Hezbollah conflict Lebanon said on Friday (Nov 15) that it was studying a United States (US) truce proposal for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Lebanese government official said US Ambassador Lisa Johnson discussed with senior Lebanese officials on Thursday a 13-point proposal. Jhansi hospital fire: 10 children dead as massive blaze engulfs NICU of medical college A massive fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a medical college in Jhansi on Friday night, killing 10 children. District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that the fire broke out around 10.45 pm at the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range A flight that took off from the Hawaii airport on Wednesday night was on a path towards a major mountain range and could have crashed into it because of an error. Thankfully, air traffic control intervened on time, avoiding a major disaster. Over 250,000 flee as Super Typhoon Man-yi nears Philippines A powerful storm sweeping towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the wind and "life-threatening" storm surges. Watch | World DNA: Ukraine war to end sooner with Trump in office, says Zelensky ×

Morning brief: West Asia crisis updates; 10 kids dead in Jhansi hospital fire, and more

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.&nbsp;

These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days.

However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-what-will-his-revenge-cabinet-do-to-the-us-and-world-who-can-stop-him-776402">Also read:&nbsp;Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?</a>

According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage.&nbsp;

The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him.&nbsp;

Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle

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This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning.

However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be&nbsp;spared by the routine FBI check.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties.&nbsp;

Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said.

Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN. These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days. However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI. Also read: Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him? According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said. Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage. The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him. Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged. Watch | The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle × This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning. However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be spared by the routine FBI check. Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties. Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said. Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump skips FBI standard background checks for some of his Cabinet appointees

Biden and Xi saw each other in person a year ago at the same summit when Biden hosted Xi outside of San Francisco.

Biden, Xi To Meet In Peru As World Leaders Shift Focus To Trump

Ahead of his inauguration, US President-Elect Donald Trump sets the stage for his upcoming term, outlining key priorities and preparing for the transition of power. With a focus on economic reform, immigration, and national security, Trump's team works to finalize plans and key appointments before the official oath of office.

US President-Elect Donald Trump Lays Ground Before Oath

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said (November 15, 2024) that Russia’s war against his country will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have done once Donald Trump becomes U.S. president next year.

Ukraine War: Zelenskyy Lays Hope On Trump |  Russia-Ukraine War

A wealthy financier from the United States was allegedly killed by his mentally disturbed son at a swanky Irish resort earlier this week. He was found in an unresponsive state on Tuesday night at an exclusive luxury hotel in Ballyfin, County Laois, according to police. John McGowan wasn't supposed to be in Ireland at the time. But when he learnt that his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, was taking a trip through Europe, he decided to go there to check on him.

Police say that the 30-year-old carried out a "fatal assault" on his father. He has been arrested and charged in connection to his death.

The family is devastated at the tragic incident and said that John did everything to help his son. “He did everything within his power to bring his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, the help he so desperately needs,” the family told the New York Times.

McGowan lived in New Canaan, Connecticut and was a partner at an investment firm in New York. He had earlier been a Head Partner for Cohen, Duffy, McGowan &amp; Co. LLC, and Torus Capital.

Henry was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in January 2022 after a manic episode and had to be hospitalised.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-tourist-arrested-for-allegedly-defacing-tokyos-meiji-jingu-shrine-776503">American tourist arrested for allegedly defacing Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine</a>

McGowan told people about his son's condition in a New York York City Marathon fundraising page for the National Alliance on Mental Health.&nbsp;

<h2>McGowan went to Ireland as he was stressed about his son's condition</h2>

McGowan knew how serious his son's condition was and so left for Ireland on Monday. He had done this before as well, coming to his son's aid. He checked into Ballyfin Demesne, an Irish resort hours before his death. McGowan was reportedly attacked by his son in the pool area of the luxury hotel.&nbsp;

The police found his lifeless body inside the swanky hotel famously frequented by celebrities. It only has 20 rooms that cost between $800 to $1,977 per night.

He was later pronounced dead.

Henry appeared in Portlaoise District Court Thursday morning and has been remanded to the Cloverhill Prison, as per reports. The next hearing in the case is due on Nov 18.&nbsp;

His lawyer, Barry Fitzgerald, has requested the court to let his client receive a psychiatric assessment in prison since he suffers from significant mental health issues.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A wealthy financier from the United States was allegedly killed by his mentally disturbed son at a swanky Irish resort earlier this week. He was found in an unresponsive state on Tuesday night at an exclusive luxury hotel in Ballyfin, County Laois, according to police.

A wealthy financier from the United States was allegedly killed by his mentally disturbed son at a swanky Irish resort earlier this week. He was found in an unresponsive state on Tuesday night at an exclusive luxury hotel in Ballyfin, County Laois, according to police. John McGowan wasn't supposed to be in Ireland at the time. But when he learnt that his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, was taking a trip through Europe, he decided to go there to check on him. Police say that the 30-year-old carried out a "fatal assault" on his father. He has been arrested and charged in connection to his death. The family is devastated at the tragic incident and said that John did everything to help his son. “He did everything within his power to bring his son Henry, who suffers from a severe mental illness, the help he so desperately needs,” the family told the New York Times. McGowan lived in New Canaan, Connecticut and was a partner at an investment firm in New York. He had earlier been a Head Partner for Cohen, Duffy, McGowan & Co. LLC, and Torus Capital. Henry was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in January 2022 after a manic episode and had to be hospitalised. Also Read: American tourist arrested for allegedly defacing Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine McGowan told people about his son's condition in a New York York City Marathon fundraising page for the National Alliance on Mental Health. McGowan went to Ireland as he was stressed about his son's condition McGowan knew how serious his son's condition was and so left for Ireland on Monday. He had done this before as well, coming to his son's aid. He checked into Ballyfin Demesne, an Irish resort hours before his death. McGowan was reportedly attacked by his son in the pool area of the luxury hotel. The police found his lifeless body inside the swanky hotel famously frequented by celebrities. It only has 20 rooms that cost between $800 to $1,977 per night. He was later pronounced dead. Henry appeared in Portlaoise District Court Thursday morning and has been remanded to the Cloverhill Prison, as per reports. The next hearing in the case is due on Nov 18. His lawyer, Barry Fitzgerald, has requested the court to let his client receive a psychiatric assessment in prison since he suffers from significant mental health issues.

Mentally ill son allegedly kills millionaire dad at Irish resort. He was there to help him

A group of illegal miners within a closed mine in the North West province of South Africa have been refused access to basic supplies as part of the government's declared campaign against illicit mining, and the government claims it will not assist them.

South Africa: Illegal Miners In South Africa's Stilfontein

Lebanon said on Friday (Nov 15) that it was studying a United States (US) truce proposal for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Lebanon said on Friday (Nov 15) that it was studying a United States (US) truce proposal for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire for over a year in parallel with the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Lebanese government official said US Ambassador Lisa Johnson discussed with senior Lebanese officials on Thursday a 13-point proposal. The official said that the proposal included a 60-day truce, during which Lebanon would redeploy troops to the border. The official also said that Israel was yet to respond to the plan. What has Israel demanded for a truce deal? Israel has put forward three requirements for the ceasefire agreement: Hezbollah needs to withdraw to the area north of the Litani River; the southern area of Lebanon needs to be stationed by the Lebanese Armed Forces; and Hezbollah is not allowed to obtain weapons through Syria. Also read | West Asia crisis- 'Rushing to advance ceasefire deal in Lebanon,' Israel tells Trump: Report If Hezbollah does not agree to the aforementioned three requirements and launches attacks against Israel, the Israeli army will continue and even expand its military operations. Death toll in Israel-Hezbollah conflict climbs to over 3,440 AFP reported on Saturday that the death toll in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has climbed to more than 3,440 and thousands of others have been injured. On Friday, heavy Israeli strikes hit south Beirut after the Israeli military issued an evacuation call in the region. Repeated Israeli air strikes on south Beirut have led to a mass exodus of civilians from the Hezbollah stronghold, although some return during the day to check on their homes and businesses. A building in Beirut's southern suburbs collapsed in a gigantic cloud of smoke and dust, as two strikes attributed to Israel hit the Hezbollah bastion on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Lebanon says it's studying US truce proposal in Israel-Hezbollah conflict

Smog continues to blanket New Delhi for the third consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 420. The dangerously high pollution levels are causing severe health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups, and prompting calls for immediate action to combat the city's air quality crisis.

New Delhi: Air Quality Continues To Be 'Severe' In India's Capital

US President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general Matt Gaetz has landed in hot water after a woman told the House Ethics Committee she saw him having sex with a minor.&nbsp;

According to CNN, the committee had been probing allegations that Gaetz may have “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favours to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct."

But soon after Trump's nomination, Gaetz resigned from his post as a congressman to nullify the investigation on Friday (Nov 15).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sex-in-michelles-bathroom-us-secret-service-agent-fired-for-taking-girlfriend-to-barack-obamas-house-776584">'Sex in Michelle's bathroom': US Secret Service agent fired for taking girlfriend to Barack Obama's house</a>

The congressional investigation has jurisdiction over a member only when they are serving in Congress.

The testimony was first reported by ABC News and a spokesperson told CNN that “Merrick Garland’s DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn’t charge him.”

<h2>Gaetz's Response&nbsp;</h2>

Another report by ABC said that a woman who was at the centre of the investigation into sex trafficking allegations on Gaetz revealed that the former congressman had sex with her when she was just 17.&nbsp;

Gaetz has long denied all the allegations against him during the investigation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-defence-secretary-pick-pete-hegseth-has-swastika-tattoo-heres-what-we-know-776574">Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth has Swastika tattoo? Here's what we know</a>

"Your correspondence of September 4 asks whether I have engaged in sexual activity with any individual under 18. The answer to this question is unequivocally NO. You can apply this response to every version of this question, in every forum," Gaetz said in a statement posted to his social media account.

<h2>'Creepy, Paedophile'&nbsp;</h2>

Gaetz's sister-in-law, Roxanne Luckey called him "weird and creepy" and labelled him as a "paedophile" in a TikTok video long before he married Ginger Luckey.&nbsp;

Roxanne said she was not surprised when she found Gaetz was undergoing an investigation regarding alleged sex crimes.&nbsp;

"I saw the character and the type of person he is," Roxanne said, reported The Times of India.&nbsp;

Roxanne's sister (Gaetz's wife) hit back at her saying Roxanne had a history of destructive behaviour.

<h2>'Most Important Member of Trump's Administration'</h2>

Trump on November 13 announced that he had selected Gaetz, a US representative, to be his nominee for attorney general. “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System,” Trump said in a statement announcing the selection of the Florida lawmaker.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-names-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secretary-she-becomes-youngest-ever-to-take-charge-of-post-776568">Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post</a>

Trump's inner circle has described the attorney general as the most important member of the administration after Trump himself, key to his plans to carry out mass deportations, pardoned January 6 rioters and sought&nbsp;retribution against those who prosecuted him over the past four years.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general Matt Gaetz has landed in hot water after a woman told the House Ethics Committee she saw him having sex with a minor.

US President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general Matt Gaetz has landed in hot water after a woman told the House Ethics Committee she saw him having sex with a minor. According to CNN, the committee had been probing allegations that Gaetz may have “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favours to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." But soon after Trump's nomination, Gaetz resigned from his post as a congressman to nullify the investigation on Friday (Nov 15). Also read | 'Sex in Michelle's bathroom': US Secret Service agent fired for taking girlfriend to Barack Obama's house The congressional investigation has jurisdiction over a member only when they are serving in Congress. The testimony was first reported by ABC News and a spokesperson told CNN that “Merrick Garland’s DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn’t charge him.” Gaetz's Response Another report by ABC said that a woman who was at the centre of the investigation into sex trafficking allegations on Gaetz revealed that the former congressman had sex with her when she was just 17. Gaetz has long denied all the allegations against him during the investigation. Also read | Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth has Swastika tattoo? Here's what we know "Your correspondence of September 4 asks whether I have engaged in sexual activity with any individual under 18. The answer to this question is unequivocally NO. You can apply this response to every version of this question, in every forum," Gaetz said in a statement posted to his social media account. 'Creepy, Paedophile' Gaetz's sister-in-law, Roxanne Luckey called him "weird and creepy" and labelled him as a "paedophile" in a TikTok video long before he married Ginger Luckey. Roxanne said she was not surprised when she found Gaetz was undergoing an investigation regarding alleged sex crimes. "I saw the character and the type of person he is," Roxanne said, reported The Times of India. Roxanne's sister (Gaetz's wife) hit back at her saying Roxanne had a history of destructive behaviour. 'Most Important Member of Trump's Administration' Trump on November 13 announced that he had selected Gaetz, a US representative, to be his nominee for attorney general. “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System,” Trump said in a statement announcing the selection of the Florida lawmaker. Also read | Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post Trump's inner circle has described the attorney general as the most important member of the administration after Trump himself, key to his plans to carry out mass deportations, pardoned January 6 rioters and sought retribution against those who prosecuted him over the past four years. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz had sex with minor: Report

China's Economy Is Facing Significant Challenges, With Slowing Growth And Declining Consumer Confidence. Economists Are Now Calling For Urgent Reforms, Emphasising The Need For People-centred Urbanisation And Economic Deregulation. Our Next Report Delves Into The Strategies Being Proposed To Address China’s Economic Slowdown.

China Urged To Focus On Urbanisation

A 21-year-old student went on a stabbing spree in China’s Wuxi city on Saturday (Nov 16), killing at least eight people and injuring 17 others. News agency Reuters reported that the incident took place at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Jiangsu province.

“Around 6:30 p.m. on November 16, 2024, a stabbing incident that resulted in casualties occurred at Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Yixing city, causing 8 deaths and injuring another 17, The suspect was apprehended on the scene,” a police statement read.

The suspect is believed to be a recent graduate who was disappointed with “failing exam, not receiving a graduation certificate, and dissatisfaction with internship compensation,” the police said.

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Chinese authorities have now launched an investigation into what is being described as a rare mass casualty in the communist country. The suspect was later detained and he has now confessed.

In Yixing, police said emergency services were fully mobilised to treat the wounded and provide follow-up care for those affected by the attack.

The incident comes just days after around 35 people were killed in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai after a car ploughed into pedestrians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi0jo3nreGJAxUuzjgGHdQnE9kQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hit-and-run-attack-in-chinas-zhuhai-leaves-several-wounded-suspect-arrested-775447" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/hit-and-run-attack-in-chinas-zhuhai-leaves-several-wounded-suspect-arrested-775447&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0jo3nreGJAxUuzjgGHdQnE9kQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Chinese man kills at least 35 in hit-and-run car attack, was upset over divorce settlement</a>

Earlier in October, police had arrested a 50-year-old man after he went on a stabbing spree and killed five people, including three children near an elementary school. In September, a knife attack happened at a supermarket in Shanghai.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 21-year-old student went on a stabbing spree in China’s Wuxi city on Saturday (Nov 16), killing at least eight people and injuring 17 others. News agency Reuters reported that the incident took place at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Jiangsu province.

A 21-year-old student went on a stabbing spree in China’s Wuxi city on Saturday (Nov 16), killing at least eight people and injuring 17 others. News agency Reuters reported that the incident took place at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Jiangsu province. “Around 6:30 p.m. on November 16, 2024, a stabbing incident that resulted in casualties occurred at Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Yixing city, causing 8 deaths and injuring another 17, The suspect was apprehended on the scene,” a police statement read. The suspect is believed to be a recent graduate who was disappointed with “failing exam, not receiving a graduation certificate, and dissatisfaction with internship compensation,” the police said. Also read: During meeting with Xi, Japan PM expresses concerns over South China Sea situation Chinese authorities have now launched an investigation into what is being described as a rare mass casualty in the communist country. The suspect was later detained and he has now confessed. In Yixing, police said emergency services were fully mobilised to treat the wounded and provide follow-up care for those affected by the attack. The incident comes just days after around 35 people were killed in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai after a car ploughed into pedestrians. Also read: Chinese man kills at least 35 in hit-and-run car attack, was upset over divorce settlement Earlier in October, police had arrested a 50-year-old man after he went on a stabbing spree and killed five people, including three children near an elementary school. In September, a knife attack happened at a supermarket in Shanghai. (With inputs from agencies)

Student goes on stabbing spree in China after failing exam; eight dead, 17 injured

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Has Urged The European Union To Abandon Its Sanctions On Russia, Warning That Continuing The Policy Could Lead To An Economic Collapse In Europe.

Cost Of Russia-Ukraine War: Hungary Calls For End To Sanctions

A Secret Service agent of Barack Obama was fired after his ex-girlfriend revealed in her memoir that he took her to the former US president's Hawaii property.

The officer allegedly tried to take his girlfriend to the former First Lady Michelle Obama's bathroom for sexual intercourse.&nbsp;

“We should have sex in Michelle's bathroom, like a mile-high club,” the book, published on October 28, claimed he said.

The book “Undercover Heartbreak: a Memoir of Trust and Trauma" by Koryeah Dwanyen revealed many serious issues regarding the security lapses of Obama by the officer.&nbsp;

According to ABC News, the official sent many photos of the beachfront mansion of Obama in Hawaii and even suggested a tour when the Obamas weren't home.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-defence-secretary-pick-pete-hegseth-has-swastika-tattoo-heres-what-we-know-776574">Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth has Swastika tattoo? Here's what we know</a>

“No one will know. If anything, I'm the one who could get in trouble," the agent was reported saying in the book.&nbsp;

As per the ABC report, the incident occurred in 2022 when the agent was assigned the duty of protecting the former US President.&nbsp;

The book further revealed that Dwanyen met the agent, whose name has not been disclosed, in 2022 on a vacation. Initially, he told her that he had been divorced for 10 years, but later on she found out that he was still married and was living with his wife.&nbsp;

In an interview with ABC News, Dwanyen said there were "major red flags."&nbsp;She then sent an email to the agent's boss expressing her concerns regarding the "breaches of trust and of his job."&nbsp;

The authorities then launched an investigation and found that the agent sent her photos of Obama's mansion and also brought his ex-girlfriend to the place.&nbsp;

The agent, according to the book, also shared personal information of the people he was assigned to protect.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nations-lining-up-to-seek-canadas-advice-on-dealing-with-trump-claims-fm-joly-776559">Nations lining up to seek Ottawa’s advice on dealing with Trump, claims Canada's FM Joly</a>

“On November 6, 2022, a Secret Service agent involved in protective functions brought an individual who did not have authorized access into a protectee's residence without permission," Anthony Guglielmi, the agency's chief of communications, told ABC News.

"As soon as the Secret Service became aware of the incident, the agent involved was immediately suspended and after a full investigation, terminated," he told the media outlet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Secret Service agent of Barack Obama was fired after his ex-girlfriend revealed in her memoir that he took her to the former US president's Hawaii property. The officer allegedly tried to take his girlfriend to the former First Lady Michelle Obama's bathroom for sexual intercourse.

A Secret Service agent of Barack Obama was fired after his ex-girlfriend revealed in her memoir that he took her to the former US president's Hawaii property. The officer allegedly tried to take his girlfriend to the former First Lady Michelle Obama's bathroom for sexual intercourse. “We should have sex in Michelle's bathroom, like a mile-high club,” the book, published on October 28, claimed he said. The book “Undercover Heartbreak: a Memoir of Trust and Trauma" by Koryeah Dwanyen revealed many serious issues regarding the security lapses of Obama by the officer. According to ABC News, the official sent many photos of the beachfront mansion of Obama in Hawaii and even suggested a tour when the Obamas weren't home. Also read | Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth has Swastika tattoo? Here's what we know “No one will know. If anything, I'm the one who could get in trouble," the agent was reported saying in the book. As per the ABC report, the incident occurred in 2022 when the agent was assigned the duty of protecting the former US President. The book further revealed that Dwanyen met the agent, whose name has not been disclosed, in 2022 on a vacation. Initially, he told her that he had been divorced for 10 years, but later on she found out that he was still married and was living with his wife. In an interview with ABC News, Dwanyen said there were "major red flags." She then sent an email to the agent's boss expressing her concerns regarding the "breaches of trust and of his job." The authorities then launched an investigation and found that the agent sent her photos of Obama's mansion and also brought his ex-girlfriend to the place. The agent, according to the book, also shared personal information of the people he was assigned to protect. Also read | Nations lining up to seek Ottawa’s advice on dealing with Trump, claims Canada's FM Joly “On November 6, 2022, a Secret Service agent involved in protective functions brought an individual who did not have authorized access into a protectee's residence without permission," Anthony Guglielmi, the agency's chief of communications, told ABC News. "As soon as the Secret Service became aware of the incident, the agent involved was immediately suspended and after a full investigation, terminated," he told the media outlet. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sex in Michelle's bathroom': US Secret Service agent fired for taking girlfriend to Barack Obama's house

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15).&nbsp;

“We do not pay. We have never paid any artist and performer,” Adrienne Elrod, who served as senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the Harris campaign, told Deadline.

The Harris campaign held several star-studded events, leading up to the Democrat’s defeat by President-elect Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Megan Thee Stallion, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, 2 Chainz, and ​​Mumford &amp; Sons were among the artists who performed in support of Harris' campaign in an effort to get low-propensity voters out to the polls.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-elections-2024-beyonces-kamala-harris-t-shirt-screams-support-internet-reacts-773842">Also read:&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Beyonce’s Kamala Harris t-shirt screams support; internet reacts</a>

Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artists Beyonce, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez also appeared on the stage for Harris but did not perform, which disappointed the VP’s supporters.&nbsp;

Under the Federal Election Commission rules, Elrod said that the Harris campaign was required to pay fair market value "for any ancillary costs" of performances, including wages for band members and producers.&nbsp;

“There are laws that have to be followed that we have followed religiously on this campaign,” she said.

Reportedly, a series of election-eve events alone cost the campaign $20 million.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Celebrity Power Not Enough to Win Harris Votes | GRAVITAS

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Television talk show icon Oprah Winfrey said&nbsp;that&nbsp;Harris'&nbsp;campaign did not pay her anything. However, the Washington Examiner reported that last week Winfrey received $1 million from her campaign.&nbsp;

She said the report was not true and was not paid anything, ever.&nbsp;

However, reports have emerged, showing that two separate payments of $50,000 were made from the Harris campaign to Oprah's production company Harpo Productions INC in October.

"Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo," the company said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15).

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15). “We do not pay. We have never paid any artist and performer,” Adrienne Elrod, who served as senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the Harris campaign, told Deadline. The Harris campaign held several star-studded events, leading up to the Democrat’s defeat by President-elect Donald Trump. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Megan Thee Stallion, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, 2 Chainz, and Mumford & Sons were among the artists who performed in support of Harris' campaign in an effort to get low-propensity voters out to the polls. Also read: US Elections 2024: Beyonce’s Kamala Harris t-shirt screams support; internet reacts Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artists Beyonce, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez also appeared on the stage for Harris but did not perform, which disappointed the VP’s supporters. Under the Federal Election Commission rules, Elrod said that the Harris campaign was required to pay fair market value "for any ancillary costs" of performances, including wages for band members and producers. “There are laws that have to be followed that we have followed religiously on this campaign,” she said. Reportedly, a series of election-eve events alone cost the campaign $20 million. Watch | Celebrity Power Not Enough to Win Harris Votes | GRAVITAS × Television talk show icon Oprah Winfrey said that Harris' campaign did not pay her anything. However, the Washington Examiner reported that last week Winfrey received $1 million from her campaign. She said the report was not true and was not paid anything, ever. However, reports have emerged, showing that two separate payments of $50,000 were made from the Harris campaign to Oprah's production company Harpo Productions INC in October. "Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo," the company said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' campaign 'never paid' any artist for celebrity endorsement ahead of election, says ex-advisor

Stock Investors Calmed Down This Week After Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Rate-cut Restraint Message Cooled The 'trump Trade' Enthusiasm That Pushed Wall Street To Records. The World's Most Prominent Central Banker Is In No Hurry To Ease Monetary Policy Due To A Solid Labour Market And Strong Economy.

The Great Post-Election Rally Hits A Wall, Wall Street Sobers Up

A powerful storm sweeping towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the wind and "life-threatening" storm surges.

Around 255,000 people have fled their homes ahead of Super Typhoon Man-yi, which is expected to make landfall later Saturday or early Sunday, becoming the sixth major storm to pummel the archipelago nation in the past month.&nbsp;

With wind gusts of up to 230 kilometres per hour (about 140 miles per hour), Man-yi was on track to slam into the sparsely populated island province of Catanduanes as a super typhoon or "near peak intensity", the weather service warned.

Up to 14-metre (46-feet) high seas were expected around Catanduanes, while "significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible" in the hardest hit areas, along with a "high risk of life-threatening storm surges" exceeding three metres, the forecaster said.&nbsp;

At least 163 people died in the five storms that pounded the Philippines in recent weeks that also left thousands homeless and wiped out crops and livestock.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-passengers-flying-off-their-seats-after-severe-turbulence-hit-miami-bound-flight-776617">Video shows passengers flying off their seats after severe turbulence hit Miami-bound Flight</a>

The government urged people Saturday to heed warnings to flee to safety.

"If preemptive evacuation is required, let us do so and not wait for the hour of peril before evacuating or seeking help, because if we did that we will be putting in danger not only our lives but also those of our rescuers,"&nbsp;Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said.

In Albay province, Legazpi City grocer Myrna Perea was sheltering with her fruit vendor husband and their three children in a school classroom with nine other families after they were ordered to leave their shanty.&nbsp;

Conditions were hot and cramped -- the family spent Friday night sleeping together on a mat under the classroom's single ceiling fan -- but Perea said it was better to be safe.&nbsp;

"I think our house will be wrecked when we get back because it's made of light materials -- just two gusts are required to knock it down," Perea, 44, told AFP.

"That's why we evacua

ted. Even if the house is destroyed, the important thing is we do not lose a family member."

Scientists have warned climate change is increasing the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods and stronger gusts.

About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Southeast Asian nation or its surrounding waters each year, killing scores of people, but it is rare for multiple such weather events to take place in a small window.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mentally-ill-son-allegedly-kills-millionaire-dad-at-irish-resort-he-was-there-to-help-him-776604">Mentally ill son allegedly kills millionaire dad at Irish resort. He was there to help him</a>

<h2>Forced evacuations&nbsp;</h2>

Evacuation centres were filling up on Catanduanes island in the typhoon-prone Bicol region, with the state weather forecaster warning Saturday of "widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides".

More than 400 people were squeezed into the provincial government building in the capital Virac, with new arrivals being sent to a gymnasium, provincial disaster officer Roberto Monterola told AFP.

Monterola said he had dispatched soldiers to force about 100 households in two coastal villages near Virac to move inland due to fears storm surges could swamp their homes.

"Regardless of the exact landfall point, heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges may occur in areas outside the predicted landfall zone," the forecaster said.

<h2>Back 'to square one'&nbsp;</h2>

In Northern Samar province, disaster officer Rei Josiah Echano lamented that damage caused by typhoons was the root cause of poverty in the region.&nbsp;

"Whenever there's a typhoon like this, it brings us back to the mediaeval era, we go (back) to square one," Echano told AFP, as the province prepared for the onslaught of Man-yi.

All vessels -- from fishing boats to oil tankers -- have been ordered to stay in port or return to shore.

The volcanology agency also warned heavy rain dumped by Man-yi could trigger flows of volcanic sediment, or lahars, from three volcanos, including Taal, south of Manila.&nbsp;

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Man-yi will hit the Philippines late in the typhoon season -- most cyclones develop between July and October.

Earlier this month, four storms were clustered simultaneously in the Pacific basin, which the Japan Meteorological Agency told AFP on Saturday was the first time such an occurrence had been observed in November since its records began in 1951.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A powerful storm sweeping towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the wind and "life-threatening" storm surges.

A powerful storm sweeping towards the Philippines intensified into a super typhoon on Saturday, the state weather forecaster said, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the wind and "life-threatening" storm surges. Around 255,000 people have fled their homes ahead of Super Typhoon Man-yi, which is expected to make landfall later Saturday or early Sunday, becoming the sixth major storm to pummel the archipelago nation in the past month. With wind gusts of up to 230 kilometres per hour (about 140 miles per hour), Man-yi was on track to slam into the sparsely populated island province of Catanduanes as a super typhoon or "near peak intensity", the weather service warned. Up to 14-metre (46-feet) high seas were expected around Catanduanes, while "significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible" in the hardest hit areas, along with a "high risk of life-threatening storm surges" exceeding three metres, the forecaster said. At least 163 people died in the five storms that pounded the Philippines in recent weeks that also left thousands homeless and wiped out crops and livestock. Also read | Video shows passengers flying off their seats after severe turbulence hit Miami-bound Flight The government urged people Saturday to heed warnings to flee to safety. "If preemptive evacuation is required, let us do so and not wait for the hour of peril before evacuating or seeking help, because if we did that we will be putting in danger not only our lives but also those of our rescuers," Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said. In Albay province, Legazpi City grocer Myrna Perea was sheltering with her fruit vendor husband and their three children in a school classroom with nine other families after they were ordered to leave their shanty. Conditions were hot and cramped -- the family spent Friday night sleeping together on a mat under the classroom's single ceiling fan -- but Perea said it was better to be safe. "I think our house will be wrecked when we get back because it's made of light materials -- just two gusts are required to knock it down," Perea, 44, told AFP. "That's why we evacua ted. Even if the house is destroyed, the important thing is we do not lose a family member." Scientists have warned climate change is increasing the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods and stronger gusts. About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Southeast Asian nation or its surrounding waters each year, killing scores of people, but it is rare for multiple such weather events to take place in a small window. Also read | Mentally ill son allegedly kills millionaire dad at Irish resort. He was there to help him Forced evacuations Evacuation centres were filling up on Catanduanes island in the typhoon-prone Bicol region, with the state weather forecaster warning Saturday of "widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides". More than 400 people were squeezed into the provincial government building in the capital Virac, with new arrivals being sent to a gymnasium, provincial disaster officer Roberto Monterola told AFP. Monterola said he had dispatched soldiers to force about 100 households in two coastal villages near Virac to move inland due to fears storm surges could swamp their homes. "Regardless of the exact landfall point, heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges may occur in areas outside the predicted landfall zone," the forecaster said. Back 'to square one' In Northern Samar province, disaster officer Rei Josiah Echano lamented that damage caused by typhoons was the root cause of poverty in the region. "Whenever there's a typhoon like this, it brings us back to the mediaeval era, we go (back) to square one," Echano told AFP, as the province prepared for the onslaught of Man-yi. All vessels -- from fishing boats to oil tankers -- have been ordered to stay in port or return to shore. The volcanology agency also warned heavy rain dumped by Man-yi could trigger flows of volcanic sediment, or lahars, from three volcanos, including Taal, south of Manila. Also read | Donald Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz had sex with minor: Report Man-yi will hit the Philippines late in the typhoon season -- most cyclones develop between July and October. Earlier this month, four storms were clustered simultaneously in the Pacific basin, which the Japan Meteorological Agency told AFP on Saturday was the first time such an occurrence had been observed in November since its records began in 1951. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Over 250,000 flee as Super Typhoon Man-yi nears Philippines

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