COVID-19 News & Perspective

HOUSTON - LaTonya Floyd, the sister of George Floyd, who was killed by then Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, said she forgives him for what happened to her brother. She told that exclusively to FOX 26 cameras who were at an event where a screening of a short documentary of the George Floyd sculpture was premiered. During an event in Houston on Wednesday night, George Floyd's Sister, LaTonya Floyd, forgave former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for his actions back in May 2020.She said, "I know America may think I'm crazy for saying this, but I gotta get this off my chest. At this point, three years down the line, I do forgive Derek Chauvin for what he did, it's not okay that he did. Ok, but I have to forgive him in order to move forward in my life.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphians are known for having an edge, but this probably isn't something to be proud of. A recent survey found that among nearly 30 cities in the country, Philadelphia has the rudest kids and teens. Over 1,400 people were asked by Solitaired.com to rate the rudeness of the kids in their city on a scale of 1-to-10, with 10 being the rudest.The survey used 5.90 as the average on its ‘Rudeness Scale.’ Philadelphia ranked number one at 7.21, San Francisco was next at 6.78, and New York City's was third at 6.55.Participants also ranked what they believe are the rudest behaviors among children in their city, and which age groups displays those ill-mannered behaviors. The three worst behaviors for 5-8-year-olds were disobeying rules, not saying please and thank you, and making a mess. For 9-12-year-old, being absorbed in their phone, playing music or videos too loudly and not saying hello were the three worst behaviors.

WILDWOOD, N.J. - One of New Jersey's most popular shore towns has banned alcohol on the beach and boardwalk just days before the unofficial start of summer. Leaders in Wildwood unanimously passed an ordinance that immediately bans the possession of alcohol on the beach and boardwalk.This new ordinance not only prohibits the drinking and/or open display of alcohol, but also says the mere existence of any kind of alcohol is prohibited," Wildwood Mayor Pete Bryron said. Designated restaurants or permitted events on the beach and boardwalk are the only exceptions to the new rules, according to a press released shared by the city Thursday. The ordinance that passed in Wildwood mirrors edicts currently in other shore towns that aim to crack down on possession and consumption on the beach and boardwalk.Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski said drinking in the sun on vacation "often leads to excess and unruly behavior, not to mention health risks." "This is a matter of public safety," Commissioner Mikulski said.

Brian Laundrie’s mother wrote to her son, which she labelled “burn after reading,” has been released to the public.“If you’re in jail I will bake a cake and put a file in it. If you need to dispose of a body, I will show up with a shovel and garbage bags,” Roberta Laundrie wrote in the letter to her son, who confessed to killing his girlfriend Gabby Petito before taking his own life in 2021.The letter was released Wednesday after Florida Judge Danielle Brewer determined it could be relevant to the case and that the Petito family should get a copy. The ruling was made during the ongoing emotional distress lawsuit brought against the Laundries by Gabby’s parents.“I just want you to remember I will always love you and I know you will always love me.

MORRISVILLE - Authorities in Bucks County say there is no threat to the public after explosive devices were found inside a local home Thursday morning. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office said the troubling discovery was during an investigation at a home in Morrisville. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAuthorities have not provided an address of the home that was under investigation, or what type of explosive devices were recovered. "We can assure the public that there is no immediate threat to the community," a press release from the DA's Office read.

WILMINGTON, De. - Prosecutors in Delaware announced they dismantled two large-scale drug rings that plagued to local communities. United States Attorney David Weiss and federal agents from the FBI and DEA met with the media on Thursday to discuss the operations that peddled narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine in communities in Dover and Rosemont. "The drugs sold and the toxic mixture created are becoming more dangerous, the tactics deployed by the defendants are more sophisticated," Weiss said. Investigators showed pictures of the large-scale, illegal drug operation being run in Dover in which undercover agents made multiple buys of fentanyl and methamphetamine over the last five months. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThey argue the arrests of the Fountain brothers, Dwayne, and Martin, and two other suspects, lead to a record-setting haul of 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl.

DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. - A student-run club is raising awareness on mental health to support fellow peers and faculty at a local high school.Allie Hathaway is the founder of the Mindset Matchup club at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown."It was never really talked about until now and I just feel like breaking the stigma earlier in people’s lives is something that could make a difference later on," said Hathaway.The 18-year-old senior plays lacrosse and wanted to create a safe space for students to open up and support one another.A New Jersey high school opened a wellness center to help students navigate mental and emotional struggles felt by teens in their formative years."Being a student athlete is just so tough sometimes, but that’s why I started it so that we all have a place where we can all go together," said Hathaway.Hathaway collected over 100 student signatures to launch the first ever club at her high school focused on mental health. In its first year, there were nearly 100 active students who participated."It really is kind of a perfect storm of things that created this mental health crisis in America," said Dr.

HOUSTON - The man charged in the death of Migos rapper Takeoff has been indicted on a murder charge, officials confirm.According to the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Patrick Xavier Clark was indicted by a grand jury Thursday morning.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APPPatrick Xavier Clark, left, charged with the murder of Migos rapper Takeoff, right. (Harris County Sheriffs Office/Erika Goldring/Getty Images)Takeoff, whose real name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, was killed on Nov.

HOUSTON - Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two important holidays that honor those who have served in the United States military. However, there is a difference between the two holidays.Houston events & things to do this Memorial Day weekend: Comicpalooza, Forever Motown, food festivalsMemorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the U.S.

Alexis Flores is wanted for the kidnapping and murder of a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl who was found strangled to death in an apartment in August 2000. (FBI / File) PHILADELPHIA - Federal authorities have raised their reward offer for a man accused in the kidnapping and murder of a Philadelphia girl in the summer of 2000. Alexis Flores, a handyman who came to the United States from Honduras, was allegedly involved in the July 2000 kidnapping of 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus. Investigators say DeJesus was found strangled to death near an apartment building in August. Flores is believed to go by several aliases, including Mario Flores, Mario Roberto Flores, Alex Contreras and Alesis Contreras.

FILE - Smith & Wesson handguns are seen for sale in a gun store on Sept. 09, 2022, in Houston, Texas.

Cher is looking back at her longtime friendship with Tina Turner, following sad news about her death at 83 after a series of health struggles. The two stars were known for maintaining their relationship over the years, since the early days of their careers. During a recent interview on ‘The Beat With Ari Melber,’ Cher shared some details about their last years together.

paralyzed man has regained the ability to walk thanks to artificial intelligence-powered implants that re-established communication between the brain and spinal cord, researchers said. "Now I can just do what I want – when I decide to make a step the stimulation will kick in as soon as I think about it," Gert-Jan Oskam said, adding that he now has "freedom that I did not have" and that between the surgeries and therapy, it has been "a long journey to get here." Oskam, a 40-year-old Dutchman, was left paralyzed following a cycling accident 12 years ago. He lost full use of his legs and partial use of his arms due to damage to the spinal cord in his neck. The device that has allowed him to walk is the result of a decade of research, building on the work of French neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine.

WASHINGTON - About 10% of people appear to suffer long COVID after an omicron infection, a lower estimate than earlier in the pandemic, according to a study of nearly 10,000 Americans that aims to help unravel the mysterious condition.Early findings from the National Institutes of Health’s study highlight a dozen symptoms that most distinguish long COVID, the catchall term for the sometimes debilitating health problems that can last for months or years after even a mild case of COVID-19.Millions worldwide have had long COVID, with dozens of widely varying symptoms including fatigue and brain fog. Scientists still don’t know what causes it, why it only strikes some people, how to treat it -– or even how to best diagnose it.

FILE-Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis speaks as President Donald Trump looks on at a campaign rally at the Pensacola International Airport on November 3, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) MIAMI - It wasn't always this way.Before Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis were leading rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, they were allies.Trump gave DeSantis' gubernatorial bid an early boost by tweeting his support even before DeSantis formally entered the race.

FILE - The drug Paxlovid against COVID-19 from the manufacturer Pfizer is lying on a table. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)WASHINGTON - Pfizer received full approval on Thursday for its COVID-19 pill Paxlovid that's been the go-to treatment against the coronavirus.More than 11 million prescriptions for Paxlovid have been dispensed since the Food and Drug Administration allowed emergency use in late 2021.

The health package My first port of call was the mobile app. but it had no mechanism to book an appointment for the check-up. In fact, it had no mention of a complimentary health check-up.

Tyler Sullivan (Bucks County District Attorneys Office)  BRITSOL, Pa. - A Bucks County man has been charged with killing his own infant son, officials announced Thursday. At 11:35 p.m. Wednesday evening, Bristol Borough police responded to the 100 block of Radcliffe Street for a call of a 4-month-old child in cardiac arrest.

Countries are making gains against liver disease through hepatitis B vaccination. Above, newly vaccinated triplets in Kyrgyzstan © WHO/Almaz Zhumaliev

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - A teenage suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander in the fall of 2022 has been arrested, officials say. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, 19-year-old Damien Wilson of Norristown was arrested by U.S.

MOSCOW, IDAHO - MAY 22: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.(Photo by Zach The parents of Bryan Kohberger, Michael and Maryann Kohberger, were called to testify in front of a Pennsylvania grand jury this week in connection with the May 2022 disappearance of a woman found dead in April, according to local reports.Dana Smithers, 45, was last seen leaving a friend's house in Monroe County the evening of May 28. Almost a year later, her remains were recovered in Stroudsburg – a Poconos community about a 30-minute drive from the Kohberger family home in Albrightsville.Kohberger began a Ph.D.

PHILADELPHIA - Whether you call it a ski mask or a shiesty, it cannot be worn on SEPTA buses and trains or in stations, SEPTA officials announced Thursday. The announcement comes after the fatal shooting of a young man on a SEPTA bus in Germantown on Wednesday evening. Authorities say the victim was fatally shot in the chest by a suspect in a hoodie who was wearing a ski mask. "Those face masks are prohibited on SEPTA property," SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson said in a press conference. "If you come on SEPTA property wearing your shiesty, you will be engaged by police.

WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Seven children were removed from their home in Bucks County after officers found them to be living in "unsanitary" and "unsafe" conditions, police say. According to the Pennridge Regional Police Department, on April 23, 2023, officers responded to the 600 block of Roseann Lane in West Rockhill Township for a report of three children entering an abandoned trailer. Officers returned the children to their home and found inadequate living conditions, including a pad lock on the refrigerator. Authorities say the children's parents said the lock was put there because the family had little money and they wanted to prevent the children from eating all the food. Responding officers filed a report with Bucks County Children and Youth before returning with a representative from the department later in the day. While investigating, four more children were found hidden in a back bedroom in the trailer home, police say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the living conditions of the home were found to be unsafe by both responding officers and the investigator from Bucks County Children and Youth. The seven children were removed from the trailer home and placed in protective custody, authorities say. Interviews with the children revealed they lacked basic knowledge, including their birthdays.

LGBTQ2 community are cautioning about living in or travelling to various “hostile” U.S. states as multiple bills they call “anti-LGBTQ+” are being passed.Last week, Florida Gov.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Sixth Street Viaduct at dusk in Los Angeles, California. (Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images) LOS ANGELES - A 17-year-old boy died last weekend after falling from an iconic bridge in Los Angeles and police are saying that the teen was attempting to share his climb up the 6th Street Bridge via social media.The teen fell "when climbing upon one of the arches, in order to post, apparently, a social media broadcast," Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said at a Tuesday's meeting of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners.

Drivers with certain medical problems must declare them to the DVLA or risk being hit with hefty fines - and a possible licence surrender.

CHICORA, Pa. - A Pennsylvania nurse is facing charges connected to the death of two patients and the hospitalization of a third, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Authorities say the nurse, identified as 40-year-old Heather Pressdee of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, gave lethal doses of unnecessary medication to patients, resulting in their deaths. According to officials, the alleged incidents took place at Quality Life Services, a skilled nursing facility in Chicora, where Presdee was a registered nurse. Presdee is facing charges in the deaths of a 55-year-old man and an 83-year-old in addition to the hospitalization of a 73-year-old man, authorities say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESInvestigators say the victims were under Pressdee's care when they received overdoses of insulin that caused medical emergencies and the deaths of two patients. The two men died on December 4, 2022, and December 25, 2022, per officials. Authorities say two of the three men were not diabetic. Pressdee was taken into custody on Wednesday and was arraigned on charges before being sent to the Butler County Prison, officials say. She has been charged with two counts of homicide, a count of attempted murder, a count of aggravated assault, three counts of neglect of a care-dependent person and three counts of reckless endangerment, the AG's Office says. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minuwangoda Magistrate imposed a suspended prison term on a man who was charged with trespassing into a garden in Divulapitiya, and stealing 20 coconuts.The Minuwangoda Magistrate imposed a sentenced of one year rigorous imprisonment on the accused, and it was suspended for a period of 10 years.The Magistrate strongly advised the accused to spend  the next 10 years with good conduct.A father of one from Kehel-Ella was thus given a suspended prison sentence for stealing 20 coconuts worth Rs.

township of Norwich, Ont., has resigned after council voted to enact a controversial bylaw forbidding non-government flags, including Pride flags, on municipal properties.Ward 2 Coun. Alisha Stubbs announced her immediate resignation Tuesday night in protest of the council’s decision to support the bylaw at the end of the meeting in the rural southwestern Ontario community located east of London.“I refuse to participate in this any longer, to the dog whistles and blatant discrimination, and to the hypocrisy of decisions made for peace while many citizens feel fear,” said Stubbs in her resignation as she packed her possessions.“Use your power for good,” she continued.“When you hear of people in our community that feel unsafe, believe them.

FILE-Doctor Caitlin Bernard in Indianapolis on Sept. 28, 2022.

Butterscotch krimpet, cream filled buttercream iced chocolate cupcake, and peanut butter kandy kake in the studio.Tastykake celebrates 100 years for Life.

PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department are searching for a suspect accused in an attempted carjacking, police say. According to officials, the incident occurred on May 18 at 4 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Debt sustainability consequent to COVID-19 is the critical impasse of several Asian nations, Sri Lanka being one of the first and worst affected, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he took the stage at the ‘Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia’ held in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday (25).According to the full speech made public by the President's Media Division, President Wickremesinghe had noted that As a middle-income country, Sri Lanka accepted that: a) Time is of an essence in resolving the issues of debt sustainability, and b) The only option available for vulnerable middle-income countries is to seek the assistance of the IMF to ensure multilateral coordination and cooperation in debt restructuring.'Decisions were quickly taken to enter negotiations, talks began in June last year, a Staff-Level Agreement was reached in September, the IMF Executive Board approved a US $3bn loan under the Extended Fund Facility in March 2023, and Parliamentary approval was obtained in April this year. We have now started creditor meetings and hope for a successful conclusion before end of 2023," said the President."This process involves the multilateral agencies, Paris Club members, India, China and the private creditors.

Music legend Tina Turner passed away 'peacefully' at her home in Switzerland aged 83 yesterday following a long health battle.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held several meetings in Japan, while on an official tour.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for the support extended by Japan to Sri Lanka in recovering from the economic crisis.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. The discussions focused on the strengthening of bilateral relations and greater cooperation in several fields including the economy and culture. President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, and their the talks focussed on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring and the implementation of the IMF program.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Japan. The President outlined the economic recovery in the country and invited Japanese investments to return to the country.President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Japanese Prime Minister Tarō Asō held talks in Japan.

The Pakistan High Commission, Colombo organized the Jinnah Scholarship ceremony, at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), to award scholarships to bright and deserving A-Level students of Sri Lanka. These scholarships have been awarded by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lankan students of A Level since 2006. So far, more than 2400 Sri Lankan students have benefitted from this program, named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the revered founding father of Pakistan.Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka graced the occasion as Chief Guest and highly appreciated the gracious gesture from the people and Government of Pakistan. He added that such efforts will be very fruitful in strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. He further added that the youth is our future and through such scholarship programs, we strengthen our future generations.In his remarks, Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) emphasized upon the importance of the relationship that both the countries enjoy and the fact that Pakistan aims at strengthening these strong ties manifolds. He added that the Jinnah Scholarship is a testament to the strong bond between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and it reflects our commitment to enhancing the capabilities of youth with better educational opportunities.He also informed the audience that Government of Pakistan has been awarding the Jinnah Scholarship for bright Sri Lankan students since 2006. Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) mentioned that the students who qualified for this prestigious scholarship came from all provinces of the island.During the Jinnah scholarship awarding ceremony, certificates were awarded

The Shell Oil Co. Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex under construction in Monaca, Pennsylvania, U.S., on Friday, July 23, 2021.

SARASOTA, Fla. - Brian Laundrie's mother Roberta has broken her silence to Fox News Digital after her highly-anticipated "burn after reading" letter has revealed she promised her late son a shovel and garbage bags.The Florida woman, through her attorney, claims the missive was penned before her son embarked on a June 2021 cross-country trip with his 22-year-old fiancée Gabby Petito, who was found dead September 19, 2021, near Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park.Her 23-year-old beau then returned to his mother's house in North Port, Florida and was declared a "person of interest" before his remains were found on October 21, 2021, in a nearby reserve."I just want you to remember I will always love you and I know you will always love me. You are my boy. Nothing can make me stop loving you, nothing can or ever will divide us no matter what we do, or where we go or what we say - we will always love each other.

DOVER, DE - JUNE 5: Delaware Governor John Carney is interviewed by broadcast media after placing the first bet at Dover Downs Casino on June 5, 2018 in Dover, Delaware. Delaware is the first state to launch legal sports betting since the Supreme Cou DOVER, Del. - Members of the Delaware legislature’s budget-writing committee have added more than $120 million to Gov.

The UK Government recently published the Health and Disability White Paper, which lays out proposed reforms to the benefits system. As part of its shake-up, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to scrap the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to encourage people who need to claim benefits back into work.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of Opposition MPs in Sri Lanka have requested the speaker of parliament to take disciplinary action against fellow MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was earlier detained for illegally carrying 3.5 kg of gold and over 90 mobile phones.The MPs claim that the Puttlam District lawmaker had used his parliamentary privileges and diplomatic passport to smuggle the goods via the via lounge of the Katunayake Airport.They also noted that the parliament approved “Code of Conduct” for Members of Parliament on 07th of March 2018 was violated by the conduct of Ali Sabri Raheem.MP Ali Sabri Raheem who was detained by Sri Lanka Customs for illegally carrying gold and mobile phones was released, and he visited parliament on Wednesday (24) for a crucial legislative vote.The MP who previously extended his support to the government, voted against the resolution moved by the government.Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to News 1st that MP said that he saw nothing wrong with Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, but he voted against the resolution as the government did not step into clear him with regard to his detention by Sri Lanka Customs."I faced an incident recently. I did nothing wrong. The goods were in the possession of an associate.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A woman from Panadura had died during the course of arrest by Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (25) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the Panadura Range Crimes Division is conducting an investigation in to the incident.Officers attached to the Panadura North Police had visited the residence of the 52-year-old woman in question located in Diggala, Panadura in order to ascertain information over illegal liquor peddling.The police officers had later arrested her and decided to take her to the police station.However, the family of the woman claimed they urged police not to take her citing that she was ill and was a patient at the Panadura Hospital.The family said Sri Lanka Police disregarded these claims, and that the woman stressed that she was not feeling well when she was getting into a three-wheeler.The family also claimed that the police officers refused to take her to a hospital, and they (the family) had to call for a vehicle to take her to the hospital.However, upon admission the woman had passed away and the remains were placed at the Panadura Base Hospital for the post-mortem examination.Sri Lanka Police said the woman had fallen ill while being moved to the police station, and she was arrested for the possession of illegal liquor.Police also said that the family was advised to hospitalize the woman, and she died upon admission to the hospital.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway in Philadelphia after a man was fatally shot on a SEPTA bus, police say. According to authorities, the shooting erupted inside a SEPTA bus just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday evening in the area of Germantown Avenue and E Bringhurst Street. Police arrived on scene and entered the bus, where they found a man lying on the ground bleeding, police say. The man was rushed to Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:04 p.m., investigators say. According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, the man is currently a John Doe believed to be in his 20s. Investigators say the partition between the driver and the passenger area was struck by a bullet. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESInvestigators with the Philadelphia Police Department collect evidence after a deadly shooting on a SEPTA bus in Germantown.  The 52-year-old bus driver told authorities she heard a confrontation followed by gunshots, Small says. Authorities say the shooting was captured on the bus's interior and exterior cameras. The masked shooter fled the bus after the shooting, police say. According to investigators, eight passengers were on the bus at the time of the shooting. A man was shot and killed on a SEPTA bus in Germantown, police say.

PHILADELPHIA - A crash on a Philadelphia street is being investigated as the result of a police chase involving a stolen vehicle, authorities say. Officers with the Philadelphia Police Department were chasing a car that was reportedly stolen.The vehicle believed to be involved in the chase was later found damaged in the area of 56th and Media Streets. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESFOX 29's cameras were rolling as police surveyed the damage to a parked car in the area. No injuries have been reported at this time. Police have not released any details on the circumstances of the crash. This is a developing story.

Chinese state-sponsored cyber threat actor is performing discrete espionage operations within critical U.S. infrastructure and may target other nations, Western cybersecurity agencies and Microsoft warned Wednesday.Those operations may be aimed at developing ways to disrupt critical communications between the U.S.

New Delhi: India registered 423 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to an update by the union health ministry on Thursday. The nation has seen a decline in active cases, currently at 6,168. Since the onset of the pandemic three years ago, over 44.9 million Indians have been infected, with death toll at 531,854.