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In the second batch of court documents of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein which were unsealed on Thursday (Jan 4), it was revealed that in an email which was sent to a journalist by Virginia Giuffre in May 2011, it was suggested that former US president Bill Clinton had asked magazine "Vanity Fair" not to publish articles related to Epstein whom he referred to as "his good friend", as per Sky News.&nbsp;

In the email, Giuffre expressed her concern over what is likely to be published in the magazine regarding her upcoming book. "It does concern me what they could want to write about me considering B. Clinton walked into VF and threatened them not to write sex-trafficking articles about his good friend J.E," wrote Giuffre&nbsp;in the email.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-clinton-to-be-named-among-200-linked-to-jeffrey-epstein-sex-trafficking-conspiracy-report-675770">Bill Clinton in list of 200 names linked to Jeffrey Epstein that will be released: Report</a>

Reacting to the reports, Clinton's spokesperson did not respond to Giuffre's claim but added that Epstein and the former president "did not have a close personal relationship". The spokesperson said that Clinton was not aware of the terrible crimes committed by Epstein and that both have not remained in touch for "well over a decade", reported The New York Post.

Clinton was among the big names which emerged in the documents related to Epstein after a US court released them on Wednesday (Jan 3). In the coming days, more documents related to Epstein are set to be released.&nbsp;

<h2>Epstein claimed Bill Clinton ‘likes them young’</h2>

Bill Clinton made headlines after the first batch of documents was released,&nbsp;in which Epstein was said to have claimed that Clinton “likes them young,” while referring to young girls. The documents also had Johanna Sjoberg's testimony, who was allegedly recruited as a massage therapist when she was 20 years old.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents

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The girl was recruited on a college campus and did not have any massage training. The document said that Ghislaine Maxwell called Sjoberg along with other girls her “children” when they visited the US Virgin Islands.

“David Copperfield was at a dinner at Epstein’s and there was another girl present who looked young and Johanna asked what school she went to and Johanna did not recognize the school name as being a college and she said it was possible it was a high school aged girl. Johanna said Copperfield 'questioned me if I was aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls',” the document read.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the second batch of court documents of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein which were unsealed on Thursday (Jan 4), it was revealed that in an email which was sent to a journalist by Virginia Giuffre in May 2011, it was suggested that former US president Bill Clinton had asked magazine "Vanity Fair" not to publish articles related to Epstein whom he referred to as "his good friend", as per Sky News.

In the second batch of court documents of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein which were unsealed on Thursday (Jan 4), it was revealed that in an email which was sent to a journalist by Virginia Giuffre in May 2011, it was suggested that former US president Bill Clinton had asked magazine "Vanity Fair" not to publish articles related to Epstein whom he referred to as "his good friend", as per Sky News. In the email, Giuffre expressed her concern over what is likely to be published in the magazine regarding her upcoming book. "It does concern me what they could want to write about me considering B. Clinton walked into VF and threatened them not to write sex-trafficking articles about his good friend J.E," wrote Giuffre in the email. Also read: Bill Clinton in list of 200 names linked to Jeffrey Epstein that will be released: Report Reacting to the reports, Clinton's spokesperson did not respond to Giuffre's claim but added that Epstein and the former president "did not have a close personal relationship". The spokesperson said that Clinton was not aware of the terrible crimes committed by Epstein and that both have not remained in touch for "well over a decade", reported The New York Post. Clinton was among the big names which emerged in the documents related to Epstein after a US court released them on Wednesday (Jan 3). In the coming days, more documents related to Epstein are set to be released. Epstein claimed Bill Clinton ‘likes them young’ Bill Clinton made headlines after the first batch of documents was released, in which Epstein was said to have claimed that Clinton “likes them young,” while referring to young girls. The documents also had Johanna Sjoberg's testimony, who was allegedly recruited as a massage therapist when she was 20 years old. Watch: Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents The girl was recruited on a college campus and did not have any massage training. The document said that Ghislaine Maxwell called Sjoberg along with other girls her “children” when they visited the US Virgin Islands. “David Copperfield was at a dinner at Epstein’s and there was another girl present who looked young and Johanna asked what school she went to and Johanna did not recognize the school name as being a college and she said it was possible it was a high school aged girl. Johanna said Copperfield 'questioned me if I was aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls',” the document read. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Clinton ‘threatened’ magazine against writing about his ‘good friend’ Jeffrey Epstein

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that rocked Japan's Ishikawa prefecture on January 1, rescuers are tirelessly searching for survivors even as bad weather and damaged roads hamper the efforts and the death toll nears 100.&nbsp;

On Friday, four days after the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, 222 people still remain missing. The number of injured stands at 464, while 94 people are confirmed dead, including a high school boy who was visiting his family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-earthquake-freezing-temperatures-and-heavy-rain-hamper-relief-work-676312">Japan earthquake: Freezing temperatures and heavy rain hamper relief work</a>

Amid forecasts of rain, snow and falling temperatures in coming days, the hope&nbsp;of finding more survivors is fast fading.&nbsp;However, despite the end of the three-day survival window, rescuers continue their efforts, hoping to find&nbsp;more people. As per emergency responders, survival rates tend to drop beyond the three-day or 72-hour period after an earthquake.

Speaking at a press conference, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also stressed "We must continue putting all of our efforts into rescuing people, even beyond 72 hours after the disaster."

On Thursday, the Japanese leader also pledged to tap roughly 4 billion yen ($28 million) of the country's national budget for disaster relief.

<h2>Miraculous rescue</h2>

More than 72 hours after the quake, on Thursday, two elderly women were pulled from the remains of their home in Wajima. As per AFP, one of them was rescue thanks to the effort of a sniffer dog.

Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-earthquake-casualties-increase-to-62-amid-aftershocks-and-bad-weather-toll-expected-to-rise-further-676013">Japan earthquake casualties increase to 62; aftershocks and bad weather aggravate situation</a>

<h2>Japan and earthquakes</h2>

Every year, Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes, due to which the nation has stringent building codes, which have been in place for more than four decades.

Thanks to these strict building codes, Japan experiences little or no damage. 
 
However, as per AFP, over the last five years, the Noto region has been hit with earthquakes of intensifying strength and frequency.

The earthquake that struck Japan on New Year's as per the US Geological Survey had a magnitude of 7.5, while the JMA measured it at 7.6.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that rocked Japan's Ishikawa prefecture on January 1, rescuers are tirelessly searching for survivors even as bad weather and damaged roads hamper the efforts and the death toll nears 100.

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that rocked Japan's Ishikawa prefecture on January 1, rescuers are tirelessly searching for survivors even as bad weather and damaged roads hamper the efforts and the death toll nears 100. On Friday, four days after the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Japan, 222 people still remain missing. The number of injured stands at 464, while 94 people are confirmed dead, including a high school boy who was visiting his family. Also read | Japan earthquake: Freezing temperatures and heavy rain hamper relief work Amid forecasts of rain, snow and falling temperatures in coming days, the hope of finding more survivors is fast fading. However, despite the end of the three-day survival window, rescuers continue their efforts, hoping to find more people. As per emergency responders, survival rates tend to drop beyond the three-day or 72-hour period after an earthquake. Speaking at a press conference, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also stressed "We must continue putting all of our efforts into rescuing people, even beyond 72 hours after the disaster." On Thursday, the Japanese leader also pledged to tap roughly 4 billion yen ($28 million) of the country's national budget for disaster relief. Miraculous rescue More than 72 hours after the quake, on Thursday, two elderly women were pulled from the remains of their home in Wajima. As per AFP, one of them was rescue thanks to the effort of a sniffer dog. Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters. Also read | Japan earthquake casualties increase to 62; aftershocks and bad weather aggravate situation Japan and earthquakes Every year, Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes, due to which the nation has stringent building codes, which have been in place for more than four decades. Thanks to these strict building codes, Japan experiences little or no damage. However, as per AFP, over the last five years, the Noto region has been hit with earthquakes of intensifying strength and frequency. The earthquake that struck Japan on New Year's as per the US Geological Survey had a magnitude of 7.5, while the JMA measured it at 7.6. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan earthquake: Hope fades for rescue of 222 missing people as death toll rises to 94

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More than a week after Russia claimed that its forces had seized the control of eastern frontline town of Marinka, a suburb of the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military in an apparent confirmation of the Russian claim said that they were fighting 'in the vicinities' of a village behind Marinka.

The development is pertinent ahead of&nbsp;Russian presidential elections which President Vladimir Putin appears set to win in continuance of his&nbsp;hold on power on Moscow's corridor of power since 1999.&nbsp;

The frontline, as illustrated by the open-source maps, is now embedded with Russian troops, with the Ukrainian military effectively outside the town deemed strategically important by Russia.&nbsp;

<img alt="The town of Marinka in Donbas region on Jan 5, 2024 | Google Maps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa4b17d0-08ac-4529-9f31-3e009a6478d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-05T113111.556.png" />

The town of Marinka in Donbas region on Jan 5, 2024 | Google Maps

Ukraine's top commander General Valery Zaluzhny said last week that Marinka "no longer exists" as months of fighting had reduced it to rubble.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The capture of Marinka by Russian forces is the biggest territorial advance by Russia since the fall of Bakhmut in May last year.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Russian forces are now intensifying their efforts to expand control over key towns in the Donbas region.&nbsp;

The towns of Kurakhove, Vuhledar, and Pokrovsk are now reportedly in their sights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history'</a>&nbsp;

Marinka's takeover now highlights the persistent advancement of Moscow's troops.

The strategic move into Marinka followed a pattern seen in the battle for Bakhmut, approximately 50 miles northeast, with Moscow's forces navigating through a town left devastated by relentless bombardment.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia hopes to capture all of Donbas region in Ukraine's East

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Marinka's loss also points to the negligible impact of Ukraine's summer counteroffensive against Russian advances.

The Ukrainian Army is now struggling with human power and ammunition shortages.

<h2>Russia's control of Marinka: A timeline</h2>

Open-source maps of the battlefield indicate that Russian forces had a foothold in Marinka as early as June 2023 in the middle of Ukraine's much-hyped counteroffensive.

Their final push to seize the town's western edge occurred in mid-December, and they officially declared full control on December 25.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

More than a week after Russia claimed that its forces had seized the control of eastern frontline town of Marinka, a suburb of the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military in an apparent confirmation of the Russian claim said that they were fighting 'in the vicinities' of a village behind Marinka.

More than a week after Russia claimed that its forces had seized the control of eastern frontline town of Marinka, a suburb of the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military in an apparent confirmation of the Russian claim said that they were fighting 'in the vicinities' of a village behind Marinka. The development is pertinent ahead of Russian presidential elections which President Vladimir Putin appears set to win in continuance of his hold on power on Moscow's corridor of power since 1999. The frontline, as illustrated by the open-source maps, is now embedded with Russian troops, with the Ukrainian military effectively outside the town deemed strategically important by Russia. The town of Marinka in Donbas region on Jan 5, 2024 | Google Maps Ukraine's top commander General Valery Zaluzhny said last week that Marinka "no longer exists" as months of fighting had reduced it to rubble. What does it mean? The capture of Marinka by Russian forces is the biggest territorial advance by Russia since the fall of Bakhmut in May last year. According to reports, the Russian forces are now intensifying their efforts to expand control over key towns in the Donbas region. The towns of Kurakhove, Vuhledar, and Pokrovsk are now reportedly in their sights. Also read | Putin says Ukraine signed peace treaty with Russia in spring of 2022, then threw it into 'garbage of history' Marinka's takeover now highlights the persistent advancement of Moscow's troops. The strategic move into Marinka followed a pattern seen in the battle for Bakhmut, approximately 50 miles northeast, with Moscow's forces navigating through a town left devastated by relentless bombardment. Also watch | Russia hopes to capture all of Donbas region in Ukraine's East × Marinka's loss also points to the negligible impact of Ukraine's summer counteroffensive against Russian advances. The Ukrainian Army is now struggling with human power and ammunition shortages. Russia's control of Marinka: A timeline Open-source maps of the battlefield indicate that Russian forces had a foothold in Marinka as early as June 2023 in the middle of Ukraine's much-hyped counteroffensive. Their final push to seize the town's western edge occurred in mid-December, and they officially declared full control on December 25. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine: After Bakhmut, it's Marinka. Is Russia close to taking control of entire Donbas?

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Photographs seize moments in a way that it brings back all the memories when you look back at them, but some photographs remain forever etched in history. The famous photograph of The Kiss by the Hotel de Ville in Paris, clicked by Robert Doisneau is one such photograph that will never grow old.&nbsp;

Francoise Bornet, who was captured by the French photographer Dosineau in the photograph, recently passed away at the age of 93 but remains forever immortalised as a young lover in the picture.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-harvard-professor-claims-innocent-relationship-with-epstein-indulged-in-sex-with-minors-676488">Ex-Harvard professor named in court papers claims 'innocent relationship' with Epstein</a>

The famous photo was clicked in the 20th century, in postwar times, outside a hotel in Paris where two young lovers were seen in each other’s embrace kissing passionately. This photograph later became the romantic symbol of love in Paris.

<h2>Forever young lover in Doisneau’s Paris kiss photograph dies at 93</h2>

At the time when this photograph was clicked, Bornet was a 20-year-old drama student who was simply enjoying the days of young romance in Paris with her then-boyfriend Jacques Carteaud. Doisneau spotted the couple in a cafe and was already on a mission to capture a series of photos illustrating love in Paris for the American magazine Life.
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Bornet later told French TV, “He said, ‘I’m Robert Doisneau, I find you both charming and wondered if you would accept to kiss again in front of my camera.’” They took several photos with him in different loications of Paris.

Last year, Bornet, living in Normandy told La Dépêche d’Évreux: “I was with my boyfriend. We couldn’t stop kissing. We were kissing all over the place, all the time. Robert Doisneau was in the bar, he asked us to pose for him.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-case-files-heres-what-papers-revealed-about-clinton-prince-andrew-hawking-and-others-676534">Epstein case files: Here's what papers revealed about Clinton, Prince Andrew, Hawking and others</a>

Doisneau was all open about having the photo being staged rather than clicked like a random one. He was lauded for his ability to compose and capture a scene so expressively. He died in 1994.

When the photo was published in Life magazine, it didn't catch much attention. But it had a revival in the 1980s when it was transformed into posters and postcards capturing the romance of Paris, followed by a frenzy of merchandise from duvet covers to shower curtains, calendars and mugs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-sheikh-hasina-using-father-mujibur-rahman-to-keep-her-grip-over-bangladesh-politics-676540">Is Sheikh Hasina using father Mujibur Rahman to keep her grip over Bangladesh politics?</a>

By the time the photo became popular, Bornet married another man after separating from Carteaud and also married him later. In 2005, she sold a copy of the original photo given to her by Doisneau, which was bought at auction and fetched the then very high sum of more than €150,000 ($164,244).

(With inputs from agencies)

Photographs seize moments in a way that it brings back all the memories when you look back at them, but some photographs remain forever etched in history. The famous photograph of The Kiss by the Hotel de Ville in Paris, clicked by Robert Doisneau is one such photograph that will never grow old.

Photographs seize moments in a way that it brings back all the memories when you look back at them, but some photographs remain forever etched in history. The famous photograph of The Kiss by the Hotel de Ville in Paris, clicked by Robert Doisneau is one such photograph that will never grow old. Francoise Bornet, who was captured by the French photographer Dosineau in the photograph, recently passed away at the age of 93 but remains forever immortalised as a young lover in the picture. Also Read | Ex-Harvard professor named in court papers claims 'innocent relationship' with Epstein The famous photo was clicked in the 20th century, in postwar times, outside a hotel in Paris where two young lovers were seen in each other’s embrace kissing passionately. This photograph later became the romantic symbol of love in Paris. Forever young lover in Doisneau’s Paris kiss photograph dies at 93 At the time when this photograph was clicked, Bornet was a 20-year-old drama student who was simply enjoying the days of young romance in Paris with her then-boyfriend Jacques Carteaud. Doisneau spotted the couple in a cafe and was already on a mission to capture a series of photos illustrating love in Paris for the American magazine Life. Bornet later told French TV, “He said, ‘I’m Robert Doisneau, I find you both charming and wondered if you would accept to kiss again in front of my camera.’” They took several photos with him in different loications of Paris. Last year, Bornet, living in Normandy told La Dépêche d’Évreux: “I was with my boyfriend. We couldn’t stop kissing. We were kissing all over the place, all the time. Robert Doisneau was in the bar, he asked us to pose for him.” Also Read | Epstein case files: Here's what papers revealed about Clinton, Prince Andrew, Hawking and others Doisneau was all open about having the photo being staged rather than clicked like a random one. He was lauded for his ability to compose and capture a scene so expressively. He died in 1994. When the photo was published in Life magazine, it didn't catch much attention. But it had a revival in the 1980s when it was transformed into posters and postcards capturing the romance of Paris, followed by a frenzy of merchandise from duvet covers to shower curtains, calendars and mugs. Also Read | Is Sheikh Hasina using father Mujibur Rahman to keep her grip over Bangladesh politics? By the time the photo became popular, Bornet married another man after separating from Carteaud and also married him later. In 2005, she sold a copy of the original photo given to her by Doisneau, which was bought at auction and fetched the then very high sum of more than €150,000 ($164,244). (With inputs from agencies)

Francoise Bornet, young woman in Robert Doisneau’s famous Paris kiss photograph, dies at 93

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force.

"A drone targeted the logistical support headquarters of Hashed al-Shaabi," mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said the security official.

The official further said that the drone attack killed two more members of their militia group.

The strike killed "two members and wounded seven others", said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Harakat al-Nujaba, one of the Hashed's factions, released a statement saying that "the deputy commander of operations for Baghdad, Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi" had been "martyred in a US strike".

As per news agency AFP, there was no immediate response from the United States officials.

The strike comes in the midst of heightened regional tensions since the war broke out between US ally Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Tel Aviv on Oct 7.

US armed forces deployed in Iraq and neighbouring country Syria have faced a surge in the number of attacks ever since then.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-us-state-capitols-shut-down-briefly-after-receiving-hoax-bomb-threats-676417">Several US state capitols shut down briefly after receiving hoax bomb threats</a>

According to news agency AFP, videos that were shared on a Telegram channel which was linked to the militia group Hashed, showed a plume of smoke rising from where the drone struck.

<h2>Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike</h2>

The Iraqi government accused the US-led anti-jihadist coalition of the strike and further called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault".

"The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks against US targets</h2>

Washington has till now counted more than a hundred attacks that were aimed at the US targets in Syria and Iraq since mid-October 2023.

Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war.

The United States has around 2,500 troops deployed in Iraq and approximately 900 in Syria as a part of a multinational coalition fighting the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

The United States military has responded to recent attacks by launching air strikes targeting sites used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria, including Hashed sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force.

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force. "A drone targeted the logistical support headquarters of Hashed al-Shaabi," mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said the security official. The official further said that the drone attack killed two more members of their militia group. The strike killed "two members and wounded seven others", said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Harakat al-Nujaba, one of the Hashed's factions, released a statement saying that "the deputy commander of operations for Baghdad, Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi" had been "martyred in a US strike". As per news agency AFP, there was no immediate response from the United States officials. The strike comes in the midst of heightened regional tensions since the war broke out between US ally Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Tel Aviv on Oct 7. US armed forces deployed in Iraq and neighbouring country Syria have faced a surge in the number of attacks ever since then. Also read: Several US state capitols shut down briefly after receiving hoax bomb threats According to news agency AFP, videos that were shared on a Telegram channel which was linked to the militia group Hashed, showed a plume of smoke rising from where the drone struck. Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike The Iraqi government accused the US-led anti-jihadist coalition of the strike and further called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault". "The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement. Attacks against US targets Washington has till now counted more than a hundred attacks that were aimed at the US targets in Syria and Iraq since mid-October 2023. Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war. The United States has around 2,500 troops deployed in Iraq and approximately 900 in Syria as a part of a multinational coalition fighting the Islamic State group. The United States military has responded to recent attacks by launching air strikes targeting sites used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria, including Hashed sites. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad drone strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'

Glynis Johns, known best for her role as suffragette mother Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 100.

Mary Poppins actress Glynis Johns dies aged 100

New York City has filed a $708 million lawsuit against 17 Charter bus and transportation companies. The New York City Mayor made this announcement criticising a practice initiated by the Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

US: New York sues bus firms for $708 million over migrant transfer, lawsuit aims to recoup costs

Elon Musk's SpaceX is facing&nbsp;scrutiny from&nbsp;the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for wrongfully terminating eight employees, who circulated a letter criticising the CEO, calling him a "distraction and embarrassment".

<h2>The allegation against SpaceX</h2>

A regional official with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has charged SpaceX with violating the workers' rights to join forces and advocate for better working conditions, a fundamental right protected by federal labour law.&nbsp;

In a letter circulated by the employees in June 2022, they focused on Musk's posts on X, formerly Twitter, since 2020, some of which were deemed sexually suggestive.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mask-mandate-reinstated-in-new-york-city-hospitals-as-covid-19-cases-rise-676435">Mask mandate reinstated in New York City hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise</a>

The missive contended that Musk's statements clashed with the company's policies on the diversity and workplace ethics, and prompted SpaceX to condemn CEO Elon Musk's behaviour.

The NLRB complaint goes beyond the terminations, accusing SpaceX of subjecting employees to interrogations about the letter, disparaging those involved, and issuing threats of termination for similar activities.&nbsp;

As per Reuters, SpaceX is yet to comment on these allegations.

<h2>What if SpaceX is found guilty?</h2>

SpaceX now has the option of settling. However, if it chooses to not settle, the case will be heard by an administrative judge, with the hearing scheduled for March 5. If the NLRB finds that the job terminations violated labour law, it can order reinstatement of the fired employees and grant them back pay. Furthermore, if the rocket and satellite maker is found in violation, it could also face steeper penalties in future cases before the board.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-outcry-as-us-plans-to-use-cruel-nitrogen-asphyxiation-to-execute-death-row-inmate-676458">International outcry over US plans to use 'inhuman' nitrogen asphyxiation to execute death row inmate</a>

<h2>Toxic culture towards women</h2>

Deborah Lawrence, one of the terminated employees, said that SpaceX has what she describes as a "toxic culture," particularly towards women. She emphasised that they wrote the open letter "to leadership not out of malice, but because we cared about the mission and the people around us."

This development is not an isolated incident in Elon Musk's 'questionable' business practices. In November, Reuters reportedly unveiled over 600 previously unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, ranging from crushed limbs to electrocutions. Musk's other ventures, including X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, have also faced their share of labour disputes and allegations of discrimination, and illegal firings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX is facing scrutiny from the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for wrongfully terminating eight employees, who circulated a letter criticising the CEO, calling him a "distraction and embarrassment".

Elon Musk's SpaceX is facing scrutiny from the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for wrongfully terminating eight employees, who circulated a letter criticising the CEO, calling him a "distraction and embarrassment". The allegation against SpaceX A regional official with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has charged SpaceX with violating the workers' rights to join forces and advocate for better working conditions, a fundamental right protected by federal labour law. In a letter circulated by the employees in June 2022, they focused on Musk's posts on X, formerly Twitter, since 2020, some of which were deemed sexually suggestive. Also read | Mask mandate reinstated in New York City hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise The missive contended that Musk's statements clashed with the company's policies on the diversity and workplace ethics, and prompted SpaceX to condemn CEO Elon Musk's behaviour. The NLRB complaint goes beyond the terminations, accusing SpaceX of subjecting employees to interrogations about the letter, disparaging those involved, and issuing threats of termination for similar activities. As per Reuters, SpaceX is yet to comment on these allegations. What if SpaceX is found guilty? SpaceX now has the option of settling. However, if it chooses to not settle, the case will be heard by an administrative judge, with the hearing scheduled for March 5. If the NLRB finds that the job terminations violated labour law, it can order reinstatement of the fired employees and grant them back pay. Furthermore, if the rocket and satellite maker is found in violation, it could also face steeper penalties in future cases before the board. Also read | International outcry over US plans to use 'inhuman' nitrogen asphyxiation to execute death row inmate Toxic culture towards women Deborah Lawrence, one of the terminated employees, said that SpaceX has what she describes as a "toxic culture," particularly towards women. She emphasised that they wrote the open letter "to leadership not out of malice, but because we cared about the mission and the people around us." This development is not an isolated incident in Elon Musk's 'questionable' business practices. In November, Reuters reportedly unveiled over 600 previously unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, ranging from crushed limbs to electrocutions. Musk's other ventures, including X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, have also faced their share of labour disputes and allegations of discrimination, and illegal firings. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX fired employees for criticising Musk as 'distraction and embarrassment': US labour agency

Paralympian gold medalist Oscar Pistorius was freed from a South African prison today, 11 years after he killed his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Oscar Pistorius released on parole and at home 11 years after killing girlfriend

A Russian Su-34 fighter jet was lit on fire overnight on January 4 at the Shagol airbase in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said, publishing a video of the burning plane. Russia has not yet commented on the above information.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber set ablaze at Chelyabinsk airfield

US intelligence officials have determined that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine in a major escalation of support for Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: US says Russia using North Korean missiles for attacks on Ukraine

China showcased fighter jets firing missiles in the South China Sea on Thursday, as it held rival military exercises with the United States in the hotly contested waters.

China & US hold rival military drills in disputed South China Sea

Russian city of Belgorod hit by another round of Ukrainian shelling late Thursday. Now, the strike came hours after schools in the region were orders to extend holiday closure due to the risk of more attacks.

Belgorod hit by Ukrainian shelling, again, hours after schools ordered to extend closure | WION

Supporting African development and tackling the dangers posed by artificial intelligence (AI) will be two key themes for Italy during its one-year presidency of the G7, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.

Africa's development will be Italy's central theme for G7, says Giorgia Meloni

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