Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial.

Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion".

Here are the key takeaways from Day 10 of Donald Trump's hush money trial.

<h2>Extortion, he said: Dragging Keith Davidson through the mud</h2>

Trump's lawyers, as per CNN, alleged that porn Star Stormy Daniels' former lawyer Davidson has a long history of extracting money from celebrities while going "up to the line without committing extortion."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-pledges-world-peace-717177">Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</a>

In an apparent attempt to undermine his credibility as a witness, Trump's attorney Emil Bove alleged Davidson had made alleged efforts to seek cash from Hulk Hogan in exchange for a sex tape involving the former pro wrestler. Names like Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and Tila Tequila were also mentioned.

"You were pretty well-versed in getting right up to the line without committing extortion, right?" Bove asked. However, the allegations were denied by Davidson.

<h2>More fines? Another gag order trial</h2>

Prosecutors are alleging that Trump, even after the $9000 fine he faced for violating a gag order, has once&nbsp;again flouted the order.

The gag order, as per Reuters, prohibits him from making public comments about jurors, witnesses, and families of the judge and prosecutors if those statements are meant to interfere with the case.

Prosecutors slammed Trump for violating the order four more&nbsp;times and are seeking another $4000 fine. They cited four instances, including one where Trump during an interview alleged that the jury was on purpose picked from a heavily Democratic area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rigging-allegations-trump-refuses-to-dismiss-possibility-of-violence-if-he-loses-in-2024-elections-716844">Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections</a>

However, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche told the judge "I’m making an argument that he didn’t," violate the gag order.

To which, presiding Judge Juan Merchan responded, "Well, I'm not agreeing with that argument".

<h2>Secret phone calls</h2>

The jury was made privy to a series of calls between Michael Cohen and Davidson. The calls were secretly recorded in 2018.

In one, Cohen, Trump's former fixer, could be heard telling Davidson about the Daniels deal, "I can't even tell you how many times he said to me, 'You know, I hate the fact that we did it.' And my comment to him was 'but every person that you've spoken to told you it was the right move'."

In another recording, Davidson can be heard telling Cohen that porn star Stormy Daniels wanted the $13,000 payment "more than you could ever imagine," because she feared Trump would lose the 2016 elections and her story would be "worth zero."

<h2>Hush money or non-disclosure agreement&nbsp;</h2>

Davidson also confirmed that Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, signed a non-disclosure agreement with Trump to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter.

However, he said he would not describe the payment as hush money and stated that "It was consideration in a civil settlement agreement."

<h2>'What have we done?': Recounting election day, 2016</h2>

Jurors also saw screenshots of texts between Davidson and Dylan Howard, the editor of the National Enquirer. In one instance, a text from Davidson said, "What have we done?" while Howard replied with "Oh my God."

"This was sort of gallows humour. There was an understanding that our activities in some way may have assisted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump," Davidson testified.

Additionally, he made a point to mention that Trump's former fixer Cohen, who was experiencing feelings of "despondency" and "depression" after the election, would frequently reach out to him through phone calls.

He claimed that Cohen told him that Trump never paid him and that he was never going to get reimbursed for his $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels.

"He said something to the effect of, 'Jesus Christ, can you f**king believe I'm not going to Washington, after everything I've done for that f**king guy? I can't believe I'm not going to Washington. I've saved that guy's ass so many times, you don't even know'."

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial. Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion".

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial. Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion". Here are the key takeaways from Day 10 of Donald Trump's hush money trial. Extortion, he said: Dragging Keith Davidson through the mud Trump's lawyers, as per CNN, alleged that porn Star Stormy Daniels' former lawyer Davidson has a long history of extracting money from celebrities while going "up to the line without committing extortion." Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace In an apparent attempt to undermine his credibility as a witness, Trump's attorney Emil Bove alleged Davidson had made alleged efforts to seek cash from Hulk Hogan in exchange for a sex tape involving the former pro wrestler. Names like Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen and Tila Tequila were also mentioned. "You were pretty well-versed in getting right up to the line without committing extortion, right?" Bove asked. However, the allegations were denied by Davidson. More fines? Another gag order trial Prosecutors are alleging that Trump, even after the $9000 fine he faced for violating a gag order, has once again flouted the order. The gag order, as per Reuters, prohibits him from making public comments about jurors, witnesses, and families of the judge and prosecutors if those statements are meant to interfere with the case. Prosecutors slammed Trump for violating the order four more times and are seeking another $4000 fine. They cited four instances, including one where Trump during an interview alleged that the jury was on purpose picked from a heavily Democratic area. Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections However, Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche told the judge "I’m making an argument that he didn’t," violate the gag order. To which, presiding Judge Juan Merchan responded, "Well, I'm not agreeing with that argument". Secret phone calls The jury was made privy to a series of calls between Michael Cohen and Davidson. The calls were secretly recorded in 2018. In one, Cohen, Trump's former fixer, could be heard telling Davidson about the Daniels deal, "I can't even tell you how many times he said to me, 'You know, I hate the fact that we did it.' And my comment to him was 'but every person that you've spoken to told you it was the right move'." In another recording, Davidson can be heard telling Cohen that porn star Stormy Daniels wanted the $13,000 payment "more than you could ever imagine," because she feared Trump would lose the 2016 elections and her story would be "worth zero." Hush money or non-disclosure agreement Davidson also confirmed that Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, signed a non-disclosure agreement with Trump to keep quiet about a 2006 sexual encounter. However, he said he would not describe the payment as hush money and stated that "It was consideration in a civil settlement agreement." 'What have we done?': Recounting election day, 2016 Jurors also saw screenshots of texts between Davidson and Dylan Howard, the editor of the National Enquirer. In one instance, a text from Davidson said, "What have we done?" while Howard replied with "Oh my God." "This was sort of gallows humour. There was an understanding that our activities in some way may have assisted the presidential campaign of Donald Trump," Davidson testified. Additionally, he made a point to mention that Trump's former fixer Cohen, who was experiencing feelings of "despondency" and "depression" after the election, would frequently reach out to him through phone calls. He claimed that Cohen told him that Trump never paid him and that he was never going to get reimbursed for his $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels. "He said something to the effect of, 'Jesus Christ, can you f**king believe I'm not going to Washington, after everything I've done for that f**king guy? I can't believe I'm not going to Washington. I've saved that guy's ass so many times, you don't even know'." (With inputs from agencies)

'Extortion' allegations and more: Here's what happened on Day 10 of Trump hush money trial

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found.

The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target.&nbsp;

The combatant command said in a statement,&nbsp;the Syrian, Lufti Hasan Masto, was struck and killed instead&nbsp;of an intended senior al Qaeda leader, as&nbsp;first reported by The Washington Post.

The US&nbsp;forces misidentified the target but found that the strike was conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict," the statement further said.

(More to follow)

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found. The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target.

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found. The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target. The combatant command said in a statement, the Syrian, Lufti Hasan Masto, was struck and killed instead of an intended senior al Qaeda leader, as first reported by The Washington Post. The US forces misidentified the target but found that the strike was conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict," the statement further said. (More to follow)

US airstrike in Syria mistakenly killed civilian, not al Qaeda leader, Pentagon admits

Over 2,100 people have been arrested in pro-Palestinian protests across US&nbsp;campuses, with the faculty at UCLA joining students in demonstrations, amid concerns for student safety. Meanwhile, in the ongoing hush money trial of former US president Donald Trump, allegations of extortion have surfaced, marking a contentious Day 10 in court.

In other news, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, now jailed, has in an article claimed that the only option left for the military establishment is to murder him and that he prefers death over what he calls "slavery."

In Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi will run for the Lok Sabha seat in Rae Bareli, taking over the spot from his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who recently moved to the Rajya Sabha.

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protests-ucla-faculty-joins-ongoing-protests-on-campus-717530">Over 2,100 people have been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/03/428983-untitled-design-2024-05-03t081333551.png?imwidth=400" />

Pro-Palestinian protestors at UCLA received unexpected support this week. Faculty members, alerted by a student call for help, volunteered to join the protest.

"Students expressed feeling unsafe," said Graeme Blair, a political science professor, "and they wanted our assistance in improving the situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extortion-allegations-and-more-heres-what-happened-on-day-10-of-trump-hush-money-trial-717544">'Extortion' allegations, and more, here's what happened on Day 10 of Trump hush money trial</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/03/428994-new-wion-2024-05-03t075652835.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial.&nbsp;Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-that-is-left-for-pakistan-military-establishment-is-to-murder-me-ex-pm-imran-khan-writes-from-jail-717534">All that is left for Pakistan military establishment is to murder me: Ex-PM Imran Khan writes from jail</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/03/428986-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" />

Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has said that the military establishment in the country would murder him, adding he would prefer death to slavery. In an article for the British daily, The Telegraph, Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), wrote on Thursday (May 2)&nbsp;that in today's time,&nbsp;Pakistan and its people stand in confrontation with each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/rahul-gandhi-to-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-rae-bareli-kl-sharma-from-amethi-717549">Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/21/420083-rahul-gandhi.png?imwidth=400" />

The suspense over nominations in two Congress strongholds in north India—Amethi and Rae Bareli— has finally ended. Surprisingly, Rahul Gandhi has been announced as the party candidate from Rae Bareli, the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Top Israeli ministers huddle over Rafah

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-top-israeli-ministers-huddle-over-rafah-717536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over 2,100 people have been arrested in pro-Palestinian protests across US campuses, with the faculty at UCLA joining students in demonstrations, amid concerns for student safety.

Over 2,100 people have been arrested in pro-Palestinian protests across US campuses, with the faculty at UCLA joining students in demonstrations, amid concerns for student safety. Meanwhile, in the ongoing hush money trial of former US president Donald Trump, allegations of extortion have surfaced, marking a contentious Day 10 in court. In other news, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, now jailed, has in an article claimed that the only option left for the military establishment is to murder him and that he prefers death over what he calls "slavery." In Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi will run for the Lok Sabha seat in Rae Bareli, taking over the spot from his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who recently moved to the Rajya Sabha. Click on the headlines to read more Over 2,100 people have been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses: Report Pro-Palestinian protestors at UCLA received unexpected support this week. Faculty members, alerted by a student call for help, volunteered to join the protest. "Students expressed feeling unsafe," said Graeme Blair, a political science professor, "and they wanted our assistance in improving the situation." 'Extortion' allegations, and more, here's what happened on Day 10 of Trump hush money trial Donald Trump, after a day slamming his democrat rival Joe Biden in campaign rallies, returned to court on Thursday (May 2) for his hush-money trial. Day 10 of the trial saw Trump and his team allege that the hush money was nothing short of "extortion". All that is left for Pakistan military establishment is to murder me: Ex-PM Imran Khan writes from jail Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has said that the military establishment in the country would murder him, adding he would prefer death to slavery. In an article for the British daily, The Telegraph, Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), wrote on Thursday (May 2) that in today's time, Pakistan and its people stand in confrontation with each other. Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi The suspense over nominations in two Congress strongholds in north India—Amethi and Rae Bareli— has finally ended. Surprisingly, Rahul Gandhi has been announced as the party candidate from Rae Bareli, the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha. Watch | Israel war: Top Israeli ministers huddle over Rafah

Morning news brief: US campus protests; Trump hush money trial; and more

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Telegram that two of their nuclear bombers flew off the western coast of Alaska on Thursday (May 2). US fighter jets&nbsp;were scrambled&nbsp;as the two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers came face-to-face with American warplanes. Moscow said its hulking ‘Bear’ strategic bombers “appeared near the coast of Alaska” on an 11-hour flight over the Bering Sea. “At certain stages the missile carriers were accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries,” the&nbsp;Russian defence ministry admitted.

Moscow also released footage in which a warplane from the Alaska Air National Guard, part of the United States Air Force, could be seen, along with a Su-30SM fighter jet.

“Two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ long-range aviation carried out a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea near the western coast of Alaska,” said the defence ministry. “The flight lasted over 11 hours. Crews of Su-30SM of the Aerospace Forces provided fighter support.”

However, Russia said it didn’t violate any international law&nbsp;and&nbsp;the mission was&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;“in strict compliance with international rules of airspace use.”

It was&nbsp;not clear&nbsp;which other foreign nation dispatched its fighter jets to intercept Russian bombers&nbsp;but&nbsp;media reports suggest it could be&nbsp;Canada,&nbsp;because of its proximity to Alaska.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;the planes remained in international airspace.

“The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj9w8Ks2vGFAxV_wzgGHaXBC1sQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-accuses-russia-of-using-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-kremlin-declines-accusation-717662" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-accuses-russia-of-using-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-kremlin-declines-accusation-717662&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9w8Ks2vGFAxV_wzgGHaXBC1sQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">US accuses Russia of using Chemical Weapons against Ukraine, Kremlin declines accusation</a>

&nbsp;“This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” it added.

<h2>About Tu-95 bombers</h2>

The Tu-95 fleet is a traditional asset in Russia’s nuclear armoury&nbsp;but&nbsp;the planes have also&nbsp;been used&nbsp;to launch deadly missile strikes inside Ukraine in the ongoing war.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia displays Western tanks captured in Ukraine war

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They were introduced&nbsp;some 70 years ago but&nbsp;still remain a mainstay of the Russian nuclear force.

The recent US-Russia showdown over Alaska comes as Russia fumes over renewed $61 billion American military aid to Ukraine. The US said last week it will send a massive security package to the war-torn nation&nbsp;including&nbsp;badly needed air defence systems and artillery rounds.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Telegram that two of their nuclear bombers flew off the western coast of Alaska on Thursday (May 2). US fighter jets were scrambled as the two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers came face-to-face with American warplanes.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Telegram that two of their nuclear bombers flew off the western coast of Alaska on Thursday (May 2). US fighter jets were scrambled as the two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers came face-to-face with American warplanes. Moscow said its hulking ‘Bear’ strategic bombers “appeared near the coast of Alaska” on an 11-hour flight over the Bering Sea. “At certain stages the missile carriers were accompanied by fighter jets of foreign countries,” the Russian defence ministry admitted. Moscow also released footage in which a warplane from the Alaska Air National Guard, part of the United States Air Force, could be seen, along with a Su-30SM fighter jet. “Two Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ long-range aviation carried out a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Bering Sea near the western coast of Alaska,” said the defence ministry. “The flight lasted over 11 hours. Crews of Su-30SM of the Aerospace Forces provided fighter support.” However, Russia said it didn’t violate any international law and the mission was carried out “in strict compliance with international rules of airspace use.” It was not clear which other foreign nation dispatched its fighter jets to intercept Russian bombers but media reports suggest it could be Canada, because of its proximity to Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed Thursday the planes remained in international airspace. “The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace,” the statement said. Also read: US accuses Russia of using Chemical Weapons against Ukraine, Kremlin declines accusation “This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” it added. About Tu-95 bombers The Tu-95 fleet is a traditional asset in Russia’s nuclear armoury but the planes have also been used to launch deadly missile strikes inside Ukraine in the ongoing war. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia displays Western tanks captured in Ukraine war × They were introduced some 70 years ago but still remain a mainstay of the Russian nuclear force. The recent US-Russia showdown over Alaska comes as Russia fumes over renewed $61 billion American military aid to Ukraine. The US said last week it will send a massive security package to the war-torn nation including badly needed air defence systems and artillery rounds. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian bombers, US jets come face-to-face near Alaska over Bering Sea

US and Russian warplanes had a close encounter when two of Vladimir Putin's nuclear bombers were sighted near Alaska. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: US and Russian warplanes came face-to-face near Alaska

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 29, local authorities said on Thursday evening, as the state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation.

The storms, which have caused the greatest devastation in the state in recent years, also left 60 people missing and 10,242 displaced in 154 cities, according to Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense.

"It's not just another critical case; it's the most critical that the state will probably have recorded in its history," state Governor Eduardo Leite said in a live broadcast on social media, adding that the situation is worse than last year's rains in the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-part-of-the-problem-behind-brazils-all-time-temperature-record-661191" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-part-of-the-problem-behind-brazils-all-time-temperature-record-661191&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYu4uF0vCFAxVz3TgGHShvClQQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw39d9iGJgp5VgpTRTW7qMWo&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-part-of-the-problem-behind-brazils-all-time-temperature-record-661191&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYu4uF0vCFAxVz3TgGHShvClQQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw39d9iGJgp5VgpTRTW7qMWo&amp;arm=e" target="_blank">Brazil&nbsp;sees all-time temperature record, climate change partly to blame</a>

More than 300,000 people have also been left without electricity after a dam at a small hydroelectric power plant burst on Thursday, the state's main utilities company said.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva flew over the affected areas and met with Governor Leite in Santa Maria on Thursday for an emergency meeting.

"I told the governor and my ministers that the federal government will make every effort. ... We will take care of this with great care and respect," Lula said during the meeting.

Watch:&nbsp;Heavy rains kill at least 10 in Brazil, over 1,400 displaced in Southern Brazil

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In a video posted on social media, Leite called for coordination in the efforts to rescue people, asking for "full force" as he declared a state of public calamity citing the risk faced by the state as a result of climate events.

Lula told Leite in a call late on Wednesday he would send as many men as necessary to help deal with the situation, the president's office said.

Brazil has faced a recent spate of natural disasters. More than 50 people were killed in Sao Paulo state last year after massive downpours caused landslides and flooding.

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 29, local authorities said on Thursday evening, as the state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation.

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 29, local authorities said on Thursday evening, as the state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation. The storms, which have caused the greatest devastation in the state in recent years, also left 60 people missing and 10,242 displaced in 154 cities, according to Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense. "It's not just another critical case; it's the most critical that the state will probably have recorded in its history," state Governor Eduardo Leite said in a live broadcast on social media, adding that the situation is worse than last year's rains in the state. Also read: Brazil sees all-time temperature record, climate change partly to blame More than 300,000 people have also been left without electricity after a dam at a small hydroelectric power plant burst on Thursday, the state's main utilities company said. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva flew over the affected areas and met with Governor Leite in Santa Maria on Thursday for an emergency meeting. "I told the governor and my ministers that the federal government will make every effort. ... We will take care of this with great care and respect," Lula said during the meeting. Watch: Heavy rains kill at least 10 in Brazil, over 1,400 displaced in Southern Brazil × In a video posted on social media, Leite called for coordination in the efforts to rescue people, asking for "full force" as he declared a state of public calamity citing the risk faced by the state as a result of climate events. Lula told Leite in a call late on Wednesday he would send as many men as necessary to help deal with the situation, the president's office said. Brazil has faced a recent spate of natural disasters. More than 50 people were killed in Sao Paulo state last year after massive downpours caused landslides and flooding.

Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 29, Lula visits region

In a concerning case out of the US state of Texas, more than half of the cats at a dairy farm died after they drank raw milk from cows that tested positive for bird flu. The incident took place a month after the US Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed case of bird flu in cows.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the case</h2>

Earlier this week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report saying that a dozen domestic cats on a farm in Texas died after contracting a highly contagious strain of bird flu.

The cats on the Texas farm had been fed raw milk from cows that turned out to be infected with avian influenza. The report noted that a day after the cats were fed, they began getting sick.&nbsp;

The cats’ eyes and noses began watering as they reportedly kept walking in circles, and their bodies grew stiff. Eventually, the felines lost their sight and coordination and died.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-unpasteurised-raw-milk-not-safe-amid-increasing-risk-of-bird-flu-experts-say-better-stay-away-716576">Is unpasteurised, raw milk not safe amid increasing risk of bird flu? Experts say better stay away</a>

“The cats were found dead with no apparent signs of injury and were from a resident population of 24 domestic cats that had been fed milk from sick cows,” the researchers wrote in their report published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal.&nbsp;

This comes as the US is in the midst of a continued outbreak of bird flu after the virus first entered the country in late 2021.&nbsp;

In March, the US Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed case of bird flu ever identified among cows after several farms in the US states of Kansas and Texas were affected.&nbsp;

Eventually, the virus was also detected on farms in Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio after the infected cows were transported.&nbsp;

The sample collected from the brains and lungs of dead cats, according to the CDC report, suggested “high amounts of virus” in their bodies.&nbsp;

Infected cows experience “nonspecific illness, reduced feed intake and rumination, and an abrupt drop in milk production,” but the cats developed a “fatal systemic influenza infection” after they were fed unpasteurised milk from the cattle, said the report.

“Although exposure to and consumption of dead wild birds cannot be completely ruled out for the cats described in this report, the known consumption of unpasteurised milk and colostrum from infected cows and the high amount of virus nucleic acid within the milk make milk and colostrum consumption a likely route of exposure,” wrote the team of researchers led by pathologist Eric Burrough.

<h2>Should we be concerned?</h2>

Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that they found fragments of the bird flu virus in around 20 per cent of retail milk samples.&nbsp;

However, they later said that pasteurised milk is safe and urged consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurised milk in light of the bird flu outbreak.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-case-of-walrus-dying-from-bird-flu-recorded-on-arctic-island-researcher-716830">First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher</a>

Dairy herds in nine states have been infected with bird flu and at least one dairy farm worker also contracted the virus, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The CDC report also noted that the FDA has “indicated the commercial milk supply remains safe,” but also warned that the detection of influenza virus in “unpasteurised bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a concerning case out of the US state of Texas, more than half of the cats at a dairy farm died after they drank raw milk from cows that tested positive for bird flu.

In a concerning case out of the US state of Texas, more than half of the cats at a dairy farm died after they drank raw milk from cows that tested positive for bird flu. The incident took place a month after the US Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed case of bird flu in cows. What we know about the case Earlier this week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report saying that a dozen domestic cats on a farm in Texas died after contracting a highly contagious strain of bird flu. The cats on the Texas farm had been fed raw milk from cows that turned out to be infected with avian influenza. The report noted that a day after the cats were fed, they began getting sick. The cats’ eyes and noses began watering as they reportedly kept walking in circles, and their bodies grew stiff. Eventually, the felines lost their sight and coordination and died. Also Read | Is unpasteurised, raw milk not safe amid increasing risk of bird flu? Experts say better stay away “The cats were found dead with no apparent signs of injury and were from a resident population of 24 domestic cats that had been fed milk from sick cows,” the researchers wrote in their report published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. This comes as the US is in the midst of a continued outbreak of bird flu after the virus first entered the country in late 2021. In March, the US Department of Agriculture reported the first confirmed case of bird flu ever identified among cows after several farms in the US states of Kansas and Texas were affected. Eventually, the virus was also detected on farms in Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio after the infected cows were transported. The sample collected from the brains and lungs of dead cats, according to the CDC report, suggested “high amounts of virus” in their bodies. Infected cows experience “nonspecific illness, reduced feed intake and rumination, and an abrupt drop in milk production,” but the cats developed a “fatal systemic influenza infection” after they were fed unpasteurised milk from the cattle, said the report. “Although exposure to and consumption of dead wild birds cannot be completely ruled out for the cats described in this report, the known consumption of unpasteurised milk and colostrum from infected cows and the high amount of virus nucleic acid within the milk make milk and colostrum consumption a likely route of exposure,” wrote the team of researchers led by pathologist Eric Burrough. Should we be concerned? Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that they found fragments of the bird flu virus in around 20 per cent of retail milk samples. However, they later said that pasteurised milk is safe and urged consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurised milk in light of the bird flu outbreak. Also Read | First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher Dairy herds in nine states have been infected with bird flu and at least one dairy farm worker also contracted the virus, reported Reuters. The CDC report also noted that the FDA has “indicated the commercial milk supply remains safe,” but also warned that the detection of influenza virus in “unpasteurised bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission.” (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu in raw cow milk kills more than half of cats on Texas farm

Russian military have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting US troops, a senior US Defence official told Reuters.

Russia troops arrive after Niger Junta asks US troops to leave

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Biden slams campus protests - Turkey halts trade with Israel - Top Israeli ministers huddle over Rafah - Israel confirms death of hostage - Hoax E-mail: Delhi Police, interpol join hands

Biden slams campus protests | Turkey halts trade with Israel

The popularity of earthquake warning smartphone apps in Taiwan has surged due to high demand from people seeking extra time to take shelter after a major earthquake and the subsequent 1,300 aftershocks that rattled the island last month. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan: Students develop app for Quake alerts

Israel appears to be moving ahead with its planned operation in the southern Gaza City of Rafah despite the international outcry and condemnation over fierce for the 1.5 million Palestinian civilians who are sheltering there. What about Gaza that lies in complete ruins? Our report documents the month-by-month destruction of the besieged occupied Palestinian strip as seen in some fresh satellite images. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Gaza destruction impossible to even process; Who will rebuild Gaza?

South Korea's parliament recently has passed a bill for a new, independent investigation into the 2022 Halloween crush in the capital, Seoul, that killed more than 150 people. Watch to know more.

South Korea to Probe in 2022 Halloween tragedy

Heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the UAE on Thursday. Dubai International Airport (DXB) confirmed cancellation of total 13 flights. Watch in for more details!

Heavy rains return to UAE; Dubai airport cancels 13 flights

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Paris: Police raid University students - China's mission to far-side of moon - Saudi-US Defence pact to reshape region? - Rahul fielded from family borough - UK: Tories suffer worst loss in 40 years

Paris police remove Pro-Palestine protesters | China's mission to far-side of moon

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: Across bi-partisan lines, a group of US House members have launched a 'Dog Lovers Caucus,' dedicated to man's best friend amid the puppy killing controversy involving Donald Trump's potential running mate Kristi Noem. Firefighters and local residents battled a massive wildfire on the outskirts of Nepal's capital Thursday as the Himalayan republic endures a severe fire season authorities have blamed on a heatwave. Watch in for more details!

US Lawmakers launch 'Dog Lovers Caucus' | Nepal battles raging Wildfires

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers.

Britain's Foreign Office named Hilltop Youth and Lehava as two groups which it said were known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

The four individuals sanctioned were responsible for human rights abuses against these communities, the statement added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-pm-boris-johnson-becomes-victim-of-his-own-voting-rule-heres-how-717624">Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how</a>

Among them are Noam Federman, who has trained settler groups in committing violence and Elisha Yered, who has justified killing Palestinians on religious grounds.

Violence in the West Bank was already on the rise before Israel's assault on Gaza, which was triggered by an October&nbsp;7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

It has escalated since, with stepped-up Israeli military raids, settler violence and Palestinian street attacks.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-campus-protests-over-gaza-war-spread-to-australia-houthis-offer-education-to-suspended-us-students-717754">Campus protests over Gaza war spread to Australia; Houthis offer education to suspended US students</a>

British foreign minister David Cameron said extremist settlers were undermining security and stability and threatening the prospects for peace.

"The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if needed, including through further sanctions," he said.

Those sanctioned will be subject to financial and travel restrictions. Britain previously imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals in February.

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers.

Britain on Friday imposed sanctions on two "extremist" groups and four individuals in Israel who it blamed for violence in the West Bank, its latest package of measures against Israeli settlers. Britain's Foreign Office named Hilltop Youth and Lehava as two groups which it said were known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The four individuals sanctioned were responsible for human rights abuses against these communities, the statement added. Also Read | Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson becomes victim of his own voting rule. Here's how Among them are Noam Federman, who has trained settler groups in committing violence and Elisha Yered, who has justified killing Palestinians on religious grounds. Violence in the West Bank was already on the rise before Israel's assault on Gaza, which was triggered by an October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. It has escalated since, with stepped-up Israeli military raids, settler violence and Palestinian street attacks. Also Read | Campus protests over Gaza war spread to Australia; Houthis offer education to suspended US students British foreign minister David Cameron said extremist settlers were undermining security and stability and threatening the prospects for peace. "The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if needed, including through further sanctions," he said. Those sanctioned will be subject to financial and travel restrictions. Britain previously imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals in February.

Britain sanctions 2 Israeli groups, 4 individuals for violence in West Bank

South Korea's government has raised its terror alert level for five diplomatic missions warning that North Korea could attack South Korean diplomats in the OC's missions include Seoul's embassies in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Unusual terror alert for South Korea's embassies

France and the Philippines will begin talks next month on a defence pact to allow military exercises in each other territories. Officials from both Nations will meet in Paris for the talks.

France-Philippines: 'Visiting forces agreement'

Located in the heart of Budapest, a quirky bar has made its reputation with its unique way of engaging with patrons. Watch the video to know more.

Budapest's unique club covered in notes

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said on Thursday the Palestinian group was studying a proposal for a truce in the nearly seven-month war raging in Gaza with a "positive spirit". Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas considering latest Gaza truce offer in 'positive spirit'

Counting is underway across the United Kingdom after voters headed to the polls on Thursday. Sir Keir's Labour Party has made key gains in the early results, while Rishi Sunak's Conservatives are bracing for widespread losses.

Conservatives face challenge from Liberal Democrats and Reform UK

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Paris: Police raid University students - Kenya floods death toll crosses 200 - Turkiye inflation in April at 69.8% - UK: Tories suffer worst loss in 40 years - China launches Chang'e 6 lunar probe

Paris: Police raid University students | Kenya floods death toll crosses 200

Scottish National Party (SNP) veteran John Swinney has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become Scotland’s next leader after a potential opponent rules herself out of the contest and backs him. Watch in for more details!

John Swinney set to be Scotland's new First Minister

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying Gaza truce proposal 'in positive spirit'

College campuses in the United States witnessed fresh bouts of clashes on Thursday when the police forcibly removed scores of defiant Pro-Palestinian protesters at several colleges. They also cleared encampments where violent clashes took place a day before this. US President Joe Biden condemned the violence emphasizing that only peaceful protests are protected under law. Watch in for more details!

US campus clashes: Police forcibly remove scores of Pro-Palestine protesters | Israel War

UK: Labour makes early gains in local elections

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