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The Denmark Police arrested a man in connection with the attack on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at a Copenhagen square on Friday, June 7. The incident, which follows a surge in attacks against politicians worldwide, left the Danish PM in shock. However, she managed to leave the scene without any visible injuries.

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During the week of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, President Biden's reelection campaign released an advertisement criticising former President Trump for his remarks toward veterans.

The one-minute film, "What Trump Thinks," has excerpts from Trump that show him disparaging service people. Some of these statements have been refuted after they were originally made public.

Trump had previously denied saying the thing about "suckers," even though his former chief of staff, John Kelly, later verified it.

The video shows that Trump made fun of then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a Vietnam War prisoner, on many occasions.

Additionally, Trump was quoted as saying to a war widow that her spouse "knew what he signed up for." In 2017, Trump refuted having said those things.

The film, according to Michael Tyler, the director of communications for Biden's campaign, highlights the disparities in Biden's and Trump's attitudes toward veterans and military personnel.

Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler argued in a statement that the video shows the difference between Biden's and Trump’s treatment toward veterans and service members.

“The choice this November could not be more obvious: Donald Trump has no respect for our men and women in uniform, their families, or the freedoms many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend,” Tyler said.

“President Biden, a military father, values and respects soldiers and their families. President Biden will continue to deliver on getting veterans the health care and benefits they need and deserve. Donald Trump simply does not care,” Tyler added.

In reaction to the video, Biden was criticised by Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung, who pointed out that the vice president at the time had branded soldiers "stupid" during a military base speech and had been spotted wearing a watch during the respectful handover of those killed in the 2021 airport bombings in Kabul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/plane-tire-blows-off-during-take-off-makes-emergency-landing-as-passengers-cry-scream-729907">US: Plane tyre blows off during take-off, makes emergency landing as passengers 'cry, scream'</a>

“Joe Biden has disrespected U.S. service members by calling them ‘silly bastards,’ showed his lack of empathy by repeatedly checking his watch during a solemn ceremony for soldiers killed during the catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal, and been criticized by Gold Star families for his lack of respect. The fact is that under Biden, America is weaker on the world stage and has made America more vulnerable,” Cheung said.

The Biden campaign released an advertisement on Thursday that featured three veterans criticising Trump for being a “draft dodger” and said he is unsuitable to be the head of state.

The two films&nbsp;released as Biden commemorates the D-Day anniversary in France. During his comments on Thursday and Friday, he subtly mocked Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan and his "America First" agenda.

(With inputs from agencies)

During the week of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, President Biden's reelection campaign released an advertisement criticising former President Trump for his remarks toward veterans.

During the week of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, President Biden's reelection campaign released an advertisement criticising former President Trump for his remarks toward veterans. The one-minute film, "What Trump Thinks," has excerpts from Trump that show him disparaging service people. Some of these statements have been refuted after they were originally made public. Trump had previously denied saying the thing about "suckers," even though his former chief of staff, John Kelly, later verified it. The video shows that Trump made fun of then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a Vietnam War prisoner, on many occasions. Additionally, Trump was quoted as saying to a war widow that her spouse "knew what he signed up for." In 2017, Trump refuted having said those things. The film, according to Michael Tyler, the director of communications for Biden's campaign, highlights the disparities in Biden's and Trump's attitudes toward veterans and military personnel. Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler argued in a statement that the video shows the difference between Biden's and Trump’s treatment toward veterans and service members. “The choice this November could not be more obvious: Donald Trump has no respect for our men and women in uniform, their families, or the freedoms many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend,” Tyler said. “President Biden, a military father, values and respects soldiers and their families. President Biden will continue to deliver on getting veterans the health care and benefits they need and deserve. Donald Trump simply does not care,” Tyler added. In reaction to the video, Biden was criticised by Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung, who pointed out that the vice president at the time had branded soldiers "stupid" during a military base speech and had been spotted wearing a watch during the respectful handover of those killed in the 2021 airport bombings in Kabul. Also read: US: Plane tyre blows off during take-off, makes emergency landing as passengers 'cry, scream' “Joe Biden has disrespected U.S. service members by calling them ‘silly bastards,’ showed his lack of empathy by repeatedly checking his watch during a solemn ceremony for soldiers killed during the catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal, and been criticized by Gold Star families for his lack of respect. The fact is that under Biden, America is weaker on the world stage and has made America more vulnerable,” Cheung said. The Biden campaign released an advertisement on Thursday that featured three veterans criticising Trump for being a “draft dodger” and said he is unsuitable to be the head of state. The two films released as Biden commemorates the D-Day anniversary in France. During his comments on Thursday and Friday, he subtly mocked Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan and his "America First" agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden campaign releases ad criticising Trump's disrespect toward veterans

The arrival of distinguished guests for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony has begun, with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landing in the national capital on Saturday. She was warmly received by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Muktesh Pardeshi at the airport.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina lands in Delhi for PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony

People in Germany will be allowed to smoke cannabis before driving under a new law, The Times reported on Friday (June 8). The report said that motorists will not only be able to drive as fast as they like in certain places, but will be able to get behind the wheel, legally, after a few puffs on a joint.

People in Germany will be allowed to smoke cannabis before driving under a new law, The Times reported on Friday (June 8). The report said that motorists will not only be able to drive as fast as they like in certain places, but will be able to get behind the wheel, legally, after a few puffs on a joint. The Bundestag (Germany's federal parliament) had partially legalised the consumption and cultivation of the drug from April 1. And now, the Bundestag backed an amendment to the law that allows road users to consume limited amounts of cannabis. A look at the law The law has set a limit of 3.5 nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active intoxicant in cannabis, per millilitre of blood. Those exceeding this limit while driving would pay a fine of $540 (€500) and would also be banned from driving for a month. The law also bans drivers from drinking any alcohol if they have taken cannabis and imposes a higher fine of around $1,080 for road users caught having consumed both. The Times report added that novice drivers- those aged under 21 or who have held their driving licence for less than two years- are banned from consuming any cannabis at all. 'A black day for transport safety' The opposition CDU called the government's measure a “black day for transport safety" in Germany. It also dismissed the government's argument that there should be equal treatment of alcohol and cannabis consumers on the roads. Florian Müller, an MP and traffic policy spokesperson for the CDU, said, "The government’s limit sends a disastrous signal. The comparison with alcohol is particularly dangerous because the effects and the breakdown in the body are completely different." (With inputs from agencies)

People in Germany allowed to smoke cannabis before driving, opposition censures move: Report

The trial of 51 individuals, including three Americans, accused of attempting to overthrow the president of thee Democratic Republic of Congo last month, has begun. Watch to know more.

DR Congo failed coup trial: Three foreigners among 53 suspects

Prominent Canadian businessman Frank Stronach, 91, was on Friday (June 7) arrested and charged over alleged sexual assaults dating back to decades. He was charged with five criminal offences including sexual assault and rape, the news agency Reuters reported citing police.

Prominent Canadian businessman Frank Stronach, 91, was on Friday (June 7) arrested and charged over alleged sexual assaults dating back to decades. He was charged with five criminal offences including sexual assault and rape, the news agency Reuters reported citing police. Stronach, the founder of auto component manufacturer Magna International Inc, was arrested from the elite Toronto suburb of Aurora. According to the Peel Regional Police, the alleged sexual assaults spanned from the 1980s to 2023. Stronach was later released from jail on conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date. 'A high-profile case' Peel Regional Police Constable Tyler Bell said there was more than one accuser but declined to say how many. “Obviously, this is a high-profile case. Our special victims unit is bound to protect the victims and in doing so that’s why were are being vague,” Bell said. The police also appealed to the public to come forward if they had any relevant information. Stronach categorically denies all allegations Brian Greenspan, the lawyer representing Stronach said that his client "categorically denies" all allegations that had been brought against him. "He looks forward to the opportunity to fully respond to the charges and to maintain his legacy as a philanthropist and as an icon of the Canadian business community," Greenspan told Reuters. Magna, meanwhile, said that it had no knowledge of the investigation or the allegations that had been raised beyond what had been reported in the media. "Stronach has had no affiliation with Magna since he relinquished control in 2010," the company told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian businessman Frank Stronach arrested over alleged decades-long sexual assaults

Sheikh Hasina lands in Delhi for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

The Prime Minister has stated that the controversy surrounding his early departure from yesterday's D-Day celebrations must remain non-political. After some thought, Rishi Sunak stated, "I apologize; that was a mistake." "It's crucial, though, that we avoid politicizing this considering the magnitude of the sacrifice made. It is only fitting that we pay tribute to the soldiers who given so much."

UK: PM Rishi Sunak's troubles mount as public storm over D-Day mistake

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Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence.

Jose Uribe, the businessman who pleaded guilty in March and is cooperating with prosecutors, was asked on the witness stand whom he bribed.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jury-selection-continues-in-us-senator-robert-menendezs-corruption-trial-721308">Jury selection continues in US Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial</a>

Uribe replied that he had bribed Menendez and conspired with another businessman Wael Hana.

Uribe also said that the senator's wife, Nadine Menendez, had accepted the bribes he paid.

The senator, his wife and Hana have all pleaded not guilty. A third businessman, Fred Daibes, has also pleaded not guilty.

<h2>What is Menendez accused of?</h2>

Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in bribes. It is accused that the couple accepted some of it in the form of gold bars in exchange for some official acts from Menendez as senator.

Prosecutors have said that Uribe sought the senator's help to keep at bay a criminal probe from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office into his associates.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;US: Democrat Senator Bob Menendez charged for corruption

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According to prosecutors, Bob Menendez called then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to discuss the matter.

Grewal, who now leads enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission, testified on Thursday (June 6) that Menendez's alleged attempts to discuss a particular ongoing criminal case was "pretty unprecedented in my experience".

Menendez is also accused of accepting bribes to benefit the Egyptian government.

"Next week the truth will come out,” Menendez said on Friday (June 7).&nbsp;

<h2>What Menendez is saying?</h2>

An attorney for Menendez, Ari Weitzman, said that his client had not violated the law.

"There won’t be a single piece of tangible evidence the senator accepted a bribe. There is an innocent explanation for the gold and the cash," Weitzman said.

Menendez has served in the Senate since 2006. He stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly after he was indicted in September but has not addressed calls for his resignation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence.

Senator Bob Menendez was bribed by a New Jersey businessman after the latter told a jury that he gave the lawmaker's wife a Mercedes in exchange for his influence. Jose Uribe, the businessman who pleaded guilty in March and is cooperating with prosecutors, was asked on the witness stand whom he bribed. Also read | Jury selection continues in US Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial Uribe replied that he had bribed Menendez and conspired with another businessman Wael Hana. Uribe also said that the senator's wife, Nadine Menendez, had accepted the bribes he paid. The senator, his wife and Hana have all pleaded not guilty. A third businessman, Fred Daibes, has also pleaded not guilty. What is Menendez accused of? Menendez and his wife are accused of accepting "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in bribes. It is accused that the couple accepted some of it in the form of gold bars in exchange for some official acts from Menendez as senator. Prosecutors have said that Uribe sought the senator's help to keep at bay a criminal probe from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office into his associates. Also watch | US: Democrat Senator Bob Menendez charged for corruption × According to prosecutors, Bob Menendez called then-New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to discuss the matter. Grewal, who now leads enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission, testified on Thursday (June 6) that Menendez's alleged attempts to discuss a particular ongoing criminal case was "pretty unprecedented in my experience". Menendez is also accused of accepting bribes to benefit the Egyptian government. "Next week the truth will come out,” Menendez said on Friday (June 7). What Menendez is saying? An attorney for Menendez, Ari Weitzman, said that his client had not violated the law. "There won’t be a single piece of tangible evidence the senator accepted a bribe. There is an innocent explanation for the gold and the cash," Weitzman said. Menendez has served in the Senate since 2006. He stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly after he was indicted in September but has not addressed calls for his resignation. (With inputs from agencies)

US senator Menendez bribed with a Mercedes-Benz, admits New Jersey businessman

Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet, might resign from the government by Saturday night, following his ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on presenting a plan for the day after the Gaza war.

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DR Congo failed coup: Suspects on trial in military court

The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.

Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's&nbsp;part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday.

"I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan.

"Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas."

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers."

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children

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Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained.

Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-hamas-in-list-of-offenders-committing-violations-against-children-729771">Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children</a>

There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials.

<h2>What makes a nation child rights violator?</h2>

The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are:&nbsp;

- Killing and maiming of children;

- Recruitment or use of children as soldiers;

- Sexual violence against children;

- Abduction of children;

- Attacks against schools or hospitals;

- Denial of humanitarian access for children

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.

The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed. Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday. "I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan. "Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children × Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained. Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Also read | Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials. What makes a nation child rights violator? The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are: - Killing and maiming of children; - Recruitment or use of children as soldiers; - Sexual violence against children; - Abduction of children; - Attacks against schools or hospitals; - Denial of humanitarian access for children (With inputs from agencies)

Blacklist of history: Israel reacts sharply to inclusion in UN 'list of shame' for children's rights abuse

Canadian politicians have slammed Khalistani extremists who recently glorified the assassination of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. On Thursday (June 6), around 30 protesters gathered in front of the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, vandalised the Indian flag and celebrated former Indian prime minister's assassins. The abhorrent display has drawn criticism from two federal ministers and a Canadian Member of Parliament.

Canadian politicians slam extremists glorifying Indira Gandhi`s assassination

Clarence Thomas, an associate justice of the US Supreme Court has acknowledged&nbsp;more travel paid by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.

Justice Thomas had faced criticism for failing to report&nbsp;luxury trips paid for by Crow and others over many years.

In his&nbsp;annual financial disclosure on Friday (June 7), Thomas, 75, said that in 2019,&nbsp;Crow paid for a hotel room in Bali, Indonesia, for a single night, and food and lodging at a private club in Sonoma County, California.&nbsp;He did not report any travel paid by others last year.

The disclosure on Indonesia is curious for what it omits: the rest of the trip, the Associated Press reported.

In April 2023, investigative journalism outlet ProPublica said that Thomas&nbsp;flew to Indonesia on Crow’s private jet and then boarded his superyacht for an islands tour, one of many trips the Republican megadonor&nbsp;has given to Thomas and his wife, Ginni, over the years.

<h2>Thomas sold mother's house to Crow</h2>

Following ProPublica's report, Thomas released a statement acknowledging travel with Crow. However, the top lawyer said that Crow did not have business before the court.&nbsp;The 75-year-old previously said he had been advised that he did not have to report “this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends”.

ProPublica had also reported that Thomas sold his mother's house in Savannah to Crow. Meanwhile, a report by Politico said that&nbsp;Thomas disclosed that Ginni&nbsp;received income from consulting she did on behalf of various conservative organisations.

<h2>Thomas accepted gifts worth millions</h2>

On Thursday, the judicial reform group Fix the Court said that Thomas&nbsp;accepted millions of dollars&nbsp;worth of gifts over the past two decades on the bench,&nbsp;a total nearly 10 times the value of all gifts received by his fellow justices during the same time.

Between 2004 and 2023, Thomas received&nbsp;103 gifts with a total value of more than $2.4 million.

Fix the Court said that over the same period, his&nbsp;fellow justices accepted a total&nbsp;of just 93 gifts worth a combined value of only about $248,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Clarence Thomas, an associate justice of the US Supreme Court has acknowledged more travel paid by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. Justice Thomas had faced criticism for failing to report luxury trips paid for by Crow and others over many years.

Clarence Thomas, an associate justice of the US Supreme Court has acknowledged more travel paid by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. Justice Thomas had faced criticism for failing to report luxury trips paid for by Crow and others over many years. In his annual financial disclosure on Friday (June 7), Thomas, 75, said that in 2019, Crow paid for a hotel room in Bali, Indonesia, for a single night, and food and lodging at a private club in Sonoma County, California. He did not report any travel paid by others last year. The disclosure on Indonesia is curious for what it omits: the rest of the trip, the Associated Press reported. In April 2023, investigative journalism outlet ProPublica said that Thomas flew to Indonesia on Crow’s private jet and then boarded his superyacht for an islands tour, one of many trips the Republican megadonor has given to Thomas and his wife, Ginni, over the years. Thomas sold mother's house to Crow Following ProPublica's report, Thomas released a statement acknowledging travel with Crow. However, the top lawyer said that Crow did not have business before the court. The 75-year-old previously said he had been advised that he did not have to report “this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends”. ProPublica had also reported that Thomas sold his mother's house in Savannah to Crow. Meanwhile, a report by Politico said that Thomas disclosed that Ginni received income from consulting she did on behalf of various conservative organisations. Thomas accepted gifts worth millions On Thursday, the judicial reform group Fix the Court said that Thomas accepted millions of dollars worth of gifts over the past two decades on the bench, a total nearly 10 times the value of all gifts received by his fellow justices during the same time. Between 2004 and 2023, Thomas received 103 gifts with a total value of more than $2.4 million. Fix the Court said that over the same period, his fellow justices accepted a total of just 93 gifts worth a combined value of only about $248,000. (With inputs from agencies)

US judge Clarence Thomas acknowledges more travel paid for by Republican megadonor

A jury in the US has convicted five Minnesota residents and acquitted two others for their involvement in a scheme to embezzle over $40 million meant for feeding children during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, and Hayat Mohamed Nur were convicted on Friday (June 7) on the majority of the charges brought against them.

Said Shafii Farah and Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin were acquitted on all counts they faced.

The case got significant attention when an attempt was made to bribe a juror with a bag containing $120,000 in cash.

That juror was discharged before deliberations began, and a second juror who was told about the bribe attempt was also dismissed.&nbsp;

An FBI investigation of the attempted bribe is on, with no arrests announced yet.

The seven defendants are among the initial 70 individuals to face trial in what federal prosecutors have labeled as one of the largest COVID-19-related frauds in the country, exploiting rules that were negligent so that the economy wouldn’t crash during the pandemic.&nbsp;

It is worth mentioning that more than $250 million in federal funds was taken in the Minnesota scheme overall, with only about $50 million of it recovered, authorities said.

The defendants faced multiple counts including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering and federal programmes bribery.

Defence attorneys argued that the defendants provided real meals to real people.

An Associated Press analysis published last June documented how thieves across the country plundered billions in federal COVID-19 relief dollars.&nbsp;

Fraudsters stole more than $280 billion, while another $123 billion was wasted or misspent. Collectively, the loss represent 10% of the $4.3 trillion the government disbursed by last fall.&nbsp;

Nearly 3,200 defendants have been charged and about $1.4 billion in stolen pandemic aid has been seized, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

The Minnesota case drew attention after the judge and attorneys for both sides learned about the bribe attempt.&nbsp;

According to an FBI agent’s affidavit, a handed the relative of juror a gift bag with a curly ribbon and images of flowers and butterflies and said it was a “present” for the juror.

"The woman told the relative to inform Juror #52 to deliver a verdict of not guilty the following day, promising more of the same the next day," the agent documented.&nbsp;

"Once the woman departed, the relative inspected the gift bag and discovered it held a significant sum of cash."

The juror after learning about the cash, called police right after she got home and gave them the bag, which around $120,000.&nbsp;

The FBI agent noted that the alleged fraud conspiracy at the heart of the trial involved electronic communications, including text messages and emails.

Names of the jurors have not been made public.

Federal charges of bribery of a juror and influencing a juror carry a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison.

The aid money came from the US Department of Agriculture and was administered by the state department of education. Non-profits and other partners under the program were supposed to serve meals to kids.

Two of the groups involved, Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition, were small non-profits before the pandemic, but in 2021 they disbursed about $200m each.

(With inputs from agencies)

A jury in the US has convicted five Minnesota residents and acquitted two others for their involvement in a scheme to embezzle over $40 million meant for feeding children during the coronavirus pandemic.

A jury in the US has convicted five Minnesota residents and acquitted two others for their involvement in a scheme to embezzle over $40 million meant for feeding children during the coronavirus pandemic. Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff, and Hayat Mohamed Nur were convicted on Friday (June 7) on the majority of the charges brought against them. Said Shafii Farah and Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin were acquitted on all counts they faced. The case got significant attention when an attempt was made to bribe a juror with a bag containing $120,000 in cash. That juror was discharged before deliberations began, and a second juror who was told about the bribe attempt was also dismissed. An FBI investigation of the attempted bribe is on, with no arrests announced yet. The seven defendants are among the initial 70 individuals to face trial in what federal prosecutors have labeled as one of the largest COVID-19-related frauds in the country, exploiting rules that were negligent so that the economy wouldn’t crash during the pandemic. It is worth mentioning that more than $250 million in federal funds was taken in the Minnesota scheme overall, with only about $50 million of it recovered, authorities said. The defendants faced multiple counts including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering and federal programmes bribery. Defence attorneys argued that the defendants provided real meals to real people. An Associated Press analysis published last June documented how thieves across the country plundered billions in federal COVID-19 relief dollars. Fraudsters stole more than $280 billion, while another $123 billion was wasted or misspent. Collectively, the loss represent 10% of the $4.3 trillion the government disbursed by last fall. Nearly 3,200 defendants have been charged and about $1.4 billion in stolen pandemic aid has been seized, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The Minnesota case drew attention after the judge and attorneys for both sides learned about the bribe attempt. According to an FBI agent’s affidavit, a handed the relative of juror a gift bag with a curly ribbon and images of flowers and butterflies and said it was a “present” for the juror. "The woman told the relative to inform Juror #52 to deliver a verdict of not guilty the following day, promising more of the same the next day," the agent documented. "Once the woman departed, the relative inspected the gift bag and discovered it held a significant sum of cash." The juror after learning about the cash, called police right after she got home and gave them the bag, which around $120,000. The FBI agent noted that the alleged fraud conspiracy at the heart of the trial involved electronic communications, including text messages and emails. Names of the jurors have not been made public. Federal charges of bribery of a juror and influencing a juror carry a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison. The aid money came from the US Department of Agriculture and was administered by the state department of education. Non-profits and other partners under the program were supposed to serve meals to kids. Two of the groups involved, Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition, were small non-profits before the pandemic, but in 2021 they disbursed about $200m each. (With inputs from agencies)

5 convicted in Covid pandemic fraud case following bribe attempt

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron exchanged messages and held a video call with someone claiming to be former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, but the interactions were later determined to be a hoax, the foreign office said on Friday (June 7).

“Even as the video call clearly appeared to be with Mr Poroshenko, following the conversation the foreign secretary became suspicious,”&nbsp;the foreign office said in a statement. &nbsp;

“After the investigation, it is now confirmed that it was not genuine and that the messages and video call were a hoax.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-five-things-to-know-about-uk-ex-pm-now-foreign-secretary-david-cameron-658196" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-five-things-to-know-about-uk-ex-pm-now-foreign-secretary-david-cameron-658196&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSqv6Rq8uGAxWsoq8BHTTZFxsQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Dzsu1i0Ow60QUOR-oETqD&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-five-things-to-know-about-uk-ex-pm-now-foreign-secretary-david-cameron-658196" target="_blank">Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM</a>

The statement gave no details of what was discussed during the exchanges, other than to say that the caller asked Cameron for others’ contact details.

The foreign office further stated that Cameron was revealing the hoax publicly to preempt any potential manipulation of the foreign secretary's video and its subsequent misuse, and to alert others to this risk.

“The foreign secretary believes it important to call out this behaviour and increase efforts to counter the use of misinformation,” the foreign office added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSqv6Rq8uGAxWsoq8BHTTZFxsQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xDAFzklLw652Wz_9O_JMA&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064" target="_blank">Former UK PM&nbsp;David Cameron&nbsp;appointed as foreign secretary</a>

It is worth mentioning that Cameron is not the first British foreign minister to be caught out by a hoax.&nbsp;

 
In 2018, the then-foreign secretary Boris Johnson discussed international relations with a hoax caller who pretended to be the Armenian prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron exchanged messages and held a video call with someone claiming to be former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, but the interactions were later determined to be a hoax, the foreign office said on Friday (June 7).

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron exchanged messages and held a video call with someone claiming to be former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, but the interactions were later determined to be a hoax, the foreign office said on Friday (June 7). “Even as the video call clearly appeared to be with Mr Poroshenko, following the conversation the foreign secretary became suspicious,” the foreign office said in a statement. “After the investigation, it is now confirmed that it was not genuine and that the messages and video call were a hoax.” Also read: Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM The statement gave no details of what was discussed during the exchanges, other than to say that the caller asked Cameron for others’ contact details. The foreign office further stated that Cameron was revealing the hoax publicly to preempt any potential manipulation of the foreign secretary's video and its subsequent misuse, and to alert others to this risk. “The foreign secretary believes it important to call out this behaviour and increase efforts to counter the use of misinformation,” the foreign office added. Also read: Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary It is worth mentioning that Cameron is not the first British foreign minister to be caught out by a hoax. In 2018, the then-foreign secretary Boris Johnson discussed international relations with a hoax caller who pretended to be the Armenian prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron falls for hoax call by 'former Ukraine president'

Ukraine on Friday (June 7) ordered all ministries and regional authorities to stop using air conditioning and switch off external lighting as Russian bombardments forced long blackouts across the country.

Ukraine on Friday (June 7) ordered all ministries and regional authorities to stop using air conditioning and switch off external lighting as Russian bombardments forced long blackouts across the country. At a government meeting, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that reducing power consumption and saving as much electricity as possible was vital following Russian strikes on the Ukrainian power system. "Due to the Russian attacks, we have a significant deficit in the energy system. To improve the situation, we restore and expand generation and simultaneously reduce consumption," Prime Minister Shmyhal added. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Biden apologises to Zelensky for holdup of military assistance "We approved the government's order to reduce electricity consumption by all state authorities. Ministries, central institutions, and regional administrations should stop using air conditioners and external lighting of buildings and nearby areas," he said. The prime minister further urged businesses to follow and limit the use of air conditioning and other energy-intensive equipment as much as possible. Attacks intensified on Ukraine's energy system A report by the news agency Reuters said that over the past two months, Russia has intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, knocking out the bulk of thermal and hydropower generation capacity. PM Shmyhal said on Friday that Ukraine has lost about 9 GW of energy-generating capacity since March. Following the latest attack earlier this month, the sixth since March, the government imposed long electricity cuts across the country. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × People in Kyiv said that they had no electricity for up to 12 hours a day. Rolling blackouts are a reminder of the first winter of the war when Russian bombardments targeted the distribution grid, resulting in long hours without electricity and sometimes water and heating. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Kyiv orders ministries to stop using ACs as power system hit by Russia

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Gantz expected to resign from cabinet post

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe. The man was later arrested. Hours later, police said that the accused man will appear in Court on Saturday (June 8).

"Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested," the Danish Prime Minister's Office said in a&nbsp;statement.

The attack coincides with a number of similar assaults on politicians from across the party lines on their campaign trail in Germany ahead of this week's European Union elections.&nbsp;

Last month, on May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova.

Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, told newspaper BT that they had seen Frederiksen arrive at the square&nbsp;just before 6:00 pm (1600 GMT).

"A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side," the two women told the newspaper.

They added that while it was a "strong push", Frederiksen did not hit the ground.

According to the witnesses cited by Danish newspapers, the prime minister sat down at a nearby cafe following the attack. The eyewitnesses described the man as tall and slim. The alleged attacker tried to get away but was grabbed and pushed to the ground by authorities.

Another witness, Kasper Jorgensen, told newspaper Ekstra Bladet that he had seen the man after he was tackled to the ground.

"They had pacified him, and as he lay there, he looked confused and a little dazed," Jorgensen told the newspaper.

EU chief Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Friday slammed the attack on Frederiksen.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Assassination attempt on Slovakia's PM, Robert Fico in 'life-threatening' condition

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Metsola urged the Danish head of government to "keep strong", while adding in a post on X that "violence has no place in politics".

Michel in turn said he was "outraged by the assault".

"I strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression," the European Council president said in a separate post to X.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the act as a "despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe", in a statement to social media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-moves-to-home-care-from-hospital-after-surviving-assassination-attempt-727492">Slovak PM Robert Fico, who survived assassination bid, moves to home care from hospital</a>

Copenhagen police confirmed that an incident involving the prime minister had occurred but did not provide further details.

"We have one person arrested in the case, which we are now investigating. At this time, we have no further comments or remarks on the case," police said in a statement on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7), her office said in an official statement, prompting widespread condemnation from all over Europe. The man was later arrested. Hours later, police said that the accused man will appear in Court on Saturday (June 8). "Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was hit by a man Friday evening on Kultorvet in Copenhagen. The man was subsequently arrested," the Danish Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The attack coincides with a number of similar assaults on politicians from across the party lines on their campaign trail in Germany ahead of this week's European Union elections. Last month, on May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters after a government meeting in the town of Handlova. Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn, told newspaper BT that they had seen Frederiksen arrive at the square just before 6:00 pm (1600 GMT). "A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side," the two women told the newspaper. They added that while it was a "strong push", Frederiksen did not hit the ground. According to the witnesses cited by Danish newspapers, the prime minister sat down at a nearby cafe following the attack. The eyewitnesses described the man as tall and slim. The alleged attacker tried to get away but was grabbed and pushed to the ground by authorities. Another witness, Kasper Jorgensen, told newspaper Ekstra Bladet that he had seen the man after he was tackled to the ground. "They had pacified him, and as he lay there, he looked confused and a little dazed," Jorgensen told the newspaper. EU chief Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Friday slammed the attack on Frederiksen. Also watch | Gravitas: Assassination attempt on Slovakia's PM, Robert Fico in 'life-threatening' condition × Metsola urged the Danish head of government to "keep strong", while adding in a post on X that "violence has no place in politics". Michel in turn said he was "outraged by the assault". "I strongly condemn this cowardly act of aggression," the European Council president said in a separate post to X. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the act as a "despicable act which goes against everything we believe and fight for in Europe", in a statement to social media. Also read | Slovak PM Robert Fico, who survived assassination bid, moves to home care from hospital Copenhagen police confirmed that an incident involving the prime minister had occurred but did not provide further details. "We have one person arrested in the case, which we are now investigating. At this time, we have no further comments or remarks on the case," police said in a statement on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen attacked in Copenhagen square ahead of EU elections

South Korea's military said it was on alert for more trash-carrying balloons possibly arriving from North Korea on Sunday.

In two waves last week, North Korea sent hundreds of balloons with bags of trash into the South, describing them as a response to anti-Pyongyang propaganda balloons sent the other way by South Korean activists.

Pyongyang announced a halt to the balloons on Sunday but days later, a South Korean group called "Fighters for Free North Korea" said it had sent 10 balloons with K-pop music and 200,000 leaflets against leader Kim Jong Un.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/balloon-war-south-korea-flies-balloons-with-anti-kim-jong-un-material-music-flash-drives-into-north-korea-729209">South Korea flies balloons with anti-Kim Jong Un material, music flash drives into North Korea</a>

The South Korean military is "closely monitoring with vigilance" because of "the possibility of more trash balloons descending around tomorrow", its spokesperson told AFP on Saturday.

North Korea had said it would respond with "wastepaper and rubbish" a hundred times the amount if more South Korean leaflets were sent.

The North Korean balloons last week landed in a number of locations in the South, and were found to be carrying garbage such as cigarette butts, cardboard scrap and waste batteries.

In response to the balloons, South Korea on Tuesday completely suspended a 2018 military deal with the North, which was meant to reduce tensions between the neighbours.

Authorities in Seoul have condemned the North Korean balloons as a "low-class" act and threatened countermeasures that it said Pyongyang would find "unendurable".

<h2>- Duelling propaganda -</h2>

Activists in South Korea have long sent balloons northwards, filled with anti-Pyongyang propaganda, cash, rice, and Korean TV series on USB thumb drives.

These have always infuriated North Korea, whose government is extremely sensitive about its people gaining access to South Korean pop culture.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-seoul-warns-public-to-avoid-more-balloons-sent-from-north-korea-727916" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-seoul-warns-public-to-avoid-more-balloons-sent-from-north-korea-727916&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQkpHJxsuGAxU9UGcHHf9HBB0QFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XsU233x6oqm0EEki_0I1A&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-seoul-warns-public-to-avoid-more-balloons-sent-from-north-korea-727916" target="_blank">North Korea to stop sending&nbsp;balloons&nbsp;carrying trash into South Korea</a>

Kuensaem, another South Korean activist group, told AFP that it threw 500 plastic bottles into the sea on Friday near the border with North Korea.

The bottles were filled with rice, cash and a USB drive with the South Korean series "Crash Landing on You" -- which features a romance between a wealthy South Korean heiress and a North Korean army officer.

The group has been doing this twice a month since 2015.&nbsp;

"We were just doing what we've been doing for a long time to help North Koreans who are starving," the group's leader Park Jung-oh told AFP Saturday.

Tensions over the duelling propaganda have boiled over in dramatic fashion in the past.

In 2020, blaming the anti-North leaflets, Pyongyang unilaterally cut off all official military and political communication links with Seoul and blew up a disused inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-suspend-military-pact-with-north-over-trash-balloons-728569" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-suspend-military-pact-with-north-over-trash-balloons-728569&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQkpHJxsuGAxU9UGcHHf9HBB0QFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1HvMrBr-J4l-9gpmF90lvE&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-suspend-military-pact-with-north-over-trash-balloons-728569" target="_blank">South Korea to suspend military pact with North over trash&nbsp;balloons</a>

Last year, South Korea's Constitutional Court struck down a 2020 law that criminalised the sending of anti-Pyongyang propaganda, calling it an undue limitation on free speech.

Kim Jong Un's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong mocked South Korea for complaining about the balloons last week, saying North Koreans were simply exercising their freedom of expression.

South Korea's military said it was on alert for more trash-carrying balloons possibly arriving from North Korea on Sunday. In two waves last week, North Korea sent hundreds of balloons with bags of trash into the South, describing them as a response to anti-Pyongyang propaganda balloons sent the other way by South Korean activists.

South Korea's military said it was on alert for more trash-carrying balloons possibly arriving from North Korea on Sunday. In two waves last week, North Korea sent hundreds of balloons with bags of trash into the South, describing them as a response to anti-Pyongyang propaganda balloons sent the other way by South Korean activists. Pyongyang announced a halt to the balloons on Sunday but days later, a South Korean group called "Fighters for Free North Korea" said it had sent 10 balloons with K-pop music and 200,000 leaflets against leader Kim Jong Un. Also read: South Korea flies balloons with anti-Kim Jong Un material, music flash drives into North Korea The South Korean military is "closely monitoring with vigilance" because of "the possibility of more trash balloons descending around tomorrow", its spokesperson told AFP on Saturday. North Korea had said it would respond with "wastepaper and rubbish" a hundred times the amount if more South Korean leaflets were sent. The North Korean balloons last week landed in a number of locations in the South, and were found to be carrying garbage such as cigarette butts, cardboard scrap and waste batteries. In response to the balloons, South Korea on Tuesday completely suspended a 2018 military deal with the North, which was meant to reduce tensions between the neighbours. Authorities in Seoul have condemned the North Korean balloons as a "low-class" act and threatened countermeasures that it said Pyongyang would find "unendurable". - Duelling propaganda - Activists in South Korea have long sent balloons northwards, filled with anti-Pyongyang propaganda, cash, rice, and Korean TV series on USB thumb drives. These have always infuriated North Korea, whose government is extremely sensitive about its people gaining access to South Korean pop culture. Also read: North Korea to stop sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea Kuensaem, another South Korean activist group, told AFP that it threw 500 plastic bottles into the sea on Friday near the border with North Korea. The bottles were filled with rice, cash and a USB drive with the South Korean series "Crash Landing on You" -- which features a romance between a wealthy South Korean heiress and a North Korean army officer. The group has been doing this twice a month since 2015. "We were just doing what we've been doing for a long time to help North Koreans who are starving," the group's leader Park Jung-oh told AFP Saturday. Tensions over the duelling propaganda have boiled over in dramatic fashion in the past. In 2020, blaming the anti-North leaflets, Pyongyang unilaterally cut off all official military and political communication links with Seoul and blew up a disused inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border. Also read: South Korea to suspend military pact with North over trash balloons Last year, South Korea's Constitutional Court struck down a 2020 law that criminalised the sending of anti-Pyongyang propaganda, calling it an undue limitation on free speech. Kim Jong Un's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong mocked South Korea for complaining about the balloons last week, saying North Koreans were simply exercising their freedom of expression.

South Korea on alert for more trash balloons from the North

Narendra Modi will take oath as the prime minister for a third consecutive term on Sunday evening. Watch to know more.

PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in

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