The United States on Thursday imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia to punish it for election interference, cyber-hacking, bullying Ukraine and other “malign” acts.
The United States on Thursday imposed a broad array of sanctions on Russia meant to punish Moscow for alleged interference in U.S. elections, cyber-hacking, bullying Ukraine and other "malign" acts.
Among the actions, President Joe Biden authorized the U.S. government to sanction any sector of the Russian economy.
The White House said it was expelling 10 Russian diplomats in Washington D.C., and for the first time formally named the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service as the perpetrator of the SolarWinds hack that penetrated U.S. government networks.
The U.S. Treasury also blacklisted 32 entities and individuals which it linked to government-directed "acts of disinformation and interference" to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
The United States' NATO allies voiced their support Thursday for the sanctions, condemning Moscow over what it called a “destabilizing” build-up of Russian troops along Ukraine's border.
The sanctions come days after Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin, and suggested the two leaders meet to discuss points of contention.
Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday said it would respond in the near future to U.S. sanctions.
"The response to the sanctions will be unavoidable.
Washington must realise that they have to pay for the deterioration of bilateral relations.
The United States of America is fully responsible for what is happening." Ahead of the U.S. announcement, the Kremlin said the punitive measures lessened the chances of a possible summit between the nations’ leaders.
Russia denies meddling in U.S. elections and orchestrating the SolarWinds hack.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, implicated in a bribery case, was arrested amid the Ukraine conflict's third year. Sanctioned by the US and EU for Russia's actions, Ivanov faces allegations of accepting a significant bribe. The arrest underscores corruption concerns within Russia's defense establishment, with Ivanov's oversight of critical areas like property management and construction adding gravity to the situation.
#TimurIvanov #US #EU #Ukrainewar #Ukraineconflict #RussiaUkraine #Ukraineconflict #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
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The Ukrainian army announced on Sunday that it hit and damaged the Russian ship ‘Kommunua’ in the city of Sevastopol by the Black Sea.
The Moscow-appointed governor of the region also reported attacks and fires in Crimea.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:02Published
Rising water levels in Russia and Kazakhstan trigger mass evacuations, affecting over 100,000 people. Unprecedented floods hit major cities like Moscow and Astana, prompting states of emergency. Evacuations continue as rivers swell, with warnings issued for residents to leave flood-prone areas immediately. Officials work to bolster defences and manage the escalating crisis.
#russiafloods #russiafloodstoday #russiafloods2024 #moscow #Astana #russiafloodsand #russiafloodsandrussia #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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As soldiers wait for more ammunition and air defence support from international allies, a drone team arrives at a dugout near the eastern town of Bakhmut.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:00Published
Defence Minister James Cartlidge says that supplying munitions to Ukraine has depleted the UK’s stockpiles as he outlines the reasons for an increase in defence spending. His comments come after Rishi Sunak’s new pledge that the UK will spend 2.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by the end of the decade, amounting to 75 billion pounds. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
President Biden signs historic legislation securing billions in US aid for Ukraine and Israel, reaffirming America's commitment to global security. Despite criticisms over human rights abuses in Gaza, Biden emphasizes the 'ironclad' nature of US support for Israel's defense. Stay informed with the latest developments on international affairs.
#JoeBiden #Israel #Gaza #IsraelHamasWar #IsraelPalestine #IsraelPalestineWar #USPresident #USNews #USAidBill #RussiaUkraineWar #Oneindia
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Kim Kardashian went back to the White House to advocate for criminal justice reform -- only here, it was with Biden's camp ... proving she's loyal to the cause,.. TMZ.com
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
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President Biden had yet another teleprompter gaffe while speaking at a conference Wednesday ... and it's not the first time the prez fumbled a speech, far from.. TMZ.com
China-Based Hackers , Hit With Sanctions and Indictments , Over Cyber Attacks.
ABC reports that the United States has
sanctioned hackers based in China over
alleged attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department,
a state-sponsored front company has provided
cover for multiple cyber attacks on U.S. infrastructure. .
Sanctions by the U.S. and the United Kingdom have
targeted representatives of Wuhan Xiaoruizhi
Science and Technology Company Ltd. (Wuhan XRZ).
The U.S. Treasury Department alleges
that Wuhan XRZ acts as a China-based
Ministry of State Security (MSS) front company. .
ABC reports that the allegations include malicious cyber operations that include the 2020 spear phishing operation against the U.S. Naval Academy. .
ABC reports that the allegations include malicious cyber operations that include the 2020 spear phishing operation against the U.S. Naval Academy. .
On March 25, the U.S. Justice Department indicted seven individuals on charges stemming from their alleged involvement with these malicious operations.
On March 25, the U.S. Justice Department indicted seven individuals on charges stemming from their alleged involvement with these malicious operations.
The Justice Department will not
tolerate efforts by the Chinese
government to intimidate Americans
who serve the public, silence the
dissidents who are protected
by American laws, or steal
from American businesses, Merrick Garland, Attorney General statement, via ABC.
This case serves as a reminder
of the ends to which the Chinese
government is willing to go to
target and intimidate its critics,
including launching malicious cyber
operations aimed at threatening
the national security of the
United States and our allies, Merrick Garland, Attorney General statement, via ABC.
ABC reports that court documents show
that the hackers targeted politicians and
other prominent officials with "tracking links.".
The Conspirators used this method
to enable more direct and sophisticated
targeting of recipients' home routers
and other electronic devices,
including those of high-ranking U.S.
government officials and politicians
and election campaign staff from
both major U.S. political parties, Court documents, via ABC.
The Conspirators used this method
to enable more direct and sophisticated
targeting of recipients' home routers
and other electronic devices,
including those of high-ranking U.S.
government officials and politicians
and election campaign staff from
both major U.S. political parties, Court documents, via ABC
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FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
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Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
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Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
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Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) chief, Sergei Naryshkin, stated on Tuesday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death was due to natural causes, asserting that Navalny "died his own death." Navalny, the most prominent opponent of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, passed away last month at the age of 47 in an Arctic penal colony. His death has sparked widespread speculation regarding Putin's potential involvement.
#AlexeiNavalny #NavalnyDeath #RussianIntelligence #VladimirPutin #NaturalCauses #Kremlin #Russia #PoliticalPrisoner #Democracy #HumanRights #Investigation #JusticeForNavalny #FreeSpeech #PoliticalActivism #WorldNews #InternationalRelations #Corruption #Accountability #Truth #Transparency
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Russia Vetoes UN Resolution , to Prevent Nukes in Space.
The resolution was sponsored
by Japan and the United States.
It called on all nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear weapons "or other weapons of mass destruction in space," 'The Guardian' reports. .
A 1967 international treaty
already bans such weapons in space.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia,
vetoed the resolution, calling it "absolutely absurd and politicized," as well as a "dirty spectacle.".
China abstained from voting, while the rest of the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. .
Today’s veto begs the question:
Why? Why, if you are following the
rules, would you not support a
resolution that reaffirms them?
What could you possibly be hiding, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., via 'The Guardian'.
Russia and China would rather establish an
amendment calling on all nations "to prevent for
all time the placement of weapons in outer space, and the threat of use of force in outer spaces.".
We want a ban on the placement of
weapons of any kind in outer space, not
just WMDs [weapons of mass destruction].
But you don’t want that. And let me ask
you that very same question. Why?, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, via 'The Guardian'.
Nebenzia went on to say, "if we recall that the U.S. and their allies announced some time ago plans to place weapons … in outer space.".
The U.S.-Japan resolution was announced in March after it was determined that Russia was in possession of "a 'troubling' anti-satellite weapon capability," 'The Guardian' reports.
However, earlier this year, Putin said, , "Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against and are now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Today’s action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A Russian priest who held a memorial service for the late opposition leader and Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny has been suspended from clerical duties for.. Sky News
Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Homicide and Other Violent Crimes , Declining in Cities Across the US.
'The Guardian' reports that a recent crime analysis found that homicides in major cities across the United States are falling at , “one of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded.".
There’s just a ton of places that
you can point to that are showing
widespread, very positive trends, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
According to AH Datalytics' sample of nearly
200 cities, murder was down by 20.8% in 2024,
when compared to the same time in 2023.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
The analysis is based on the FBI's Uniform Crime
Reporting program, which consists of data collected
by local law enforcement agencies across the nation.
While the FBI's 2023 report will not be audited or made
official until October, preliminary figures suggest
that murder rates significantly dropped in 2023. .
The latest data suggests that this
year's declines will continue at an even
faster clip, nearing pre-pandemic levels. .
'The Guardian' reports that the latest
data mirrors another drastic decline
in homicides during the 1990s.
Nationally, you’re seeing
a very similar situation to what
you saw in the mid-to-late 90s.
But it’s potentially even larger
in terms of the percentages
and numbers of the drops, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
The AH Datalytics data also found that nearly
all other violent crimes saw significant
declines in 2023 compared to 2022. .
The quarterly data in particular
suggests 2023 featured one of the
lowest rates of violent crime in the
United States in more than 50 years, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The heads of state from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have jointly expressed "grave concern" regarding China's conduct in the contested South China Sea. Over recent years, Beijing has intensified its presence in this crucial maritime region, leading to heightened tensions, notably with the Philippines. This nation, among others in Southeast Asia, asserts territorial claims over portions of the sea adjacent to its shores. In response to a recent altercation near Second Thomas Shoal that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines declared Manila's intention to enact countermeasures against China. The leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States expressed shared concerns over the People's Republic of China's (PRC) provocative actions in the South China Sea during the inaugural summit held in Washington, DC. This joint statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
#SouthChinaSea #China #Japan #Philippines #US #Tensions #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #SecurityConcerns #GeoPolitics
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This Day in History: , President Reagan Is Shot.
March 30, 1981.
Outside of a Washington D.C. hotel,
25-year-old John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at
the president, hitting him once in the chest.
Press Secretary James Brady,
Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and
D.C. policeman Thomas Delahaney were also hit.
As Hinckley was overpowered,
Reagan was rushed to the trauma center
at George Washington University Hospital.
As he was prepared for surgery, Reagan quipped
to First Lady Nancy, "Honey, I forgot to duck.".
The president returned to the
White House less than two weeks later.
Found "not guilty by reason of insanity,"
Hinkley was institutionalized until 2016
and now lives in Colonial Williamsburg, PA
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
Russia will ask 10 US diplomats to leave the country in a “tit-for-tat response” to the Biden administration expelling 10 Russian diplomats, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press..
The Biden administration targeted Russia with sweeping sanctions and diplomatic expulsions, punishing Moscow for its interference in the 2020 US election, its SolarWinds cyberattack and its ongoing..