Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

Three boaters who failed to return from a fishing trip Saturday evening, October 8, were rescued on Sunday after being found "fending off sharks" in waters about 25 miles off the Louisiana coast, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) said.Two people from a sunken fishing boat were fending off sharks in the Gulf of Mexico when a crew rescued them and one other person from waters off the Louisiana coastline, the Coast Guard said.The Coast Guard launched a search after a relative reported the three people failed to return from a fishing trip Saturday evening.The 24-foot (7.3-meter), center-console fishing boat sank about 10 a.m. Saturday and stranded the three people without communication devices, the Coast Guard said in a news release.The three were wearing lifejackets and one was showing signs of hypothermia when they were rescued Sunday about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) offshore from Empire, Louisiana, a small community southeast of New Orleans.

Map generated to show location of an accident where a North Carolina man died after his GPS led him to a defunct bridge that dropped off into a creek on Sept. 30. A North Carolina man is dead after his GPS led him to a defunct bridge that dropped off into a creek on Sept.

PHILADELPHIA - A clear, blue sky was overhead the Delaware Valley on Monday with lots of sun and mild temperatures. Temperatures lingered in the mid to high 60s in the city and throughout the suburbs, giving us a spring-like feel to kickstart the week. Overnight temperatures will drop into the 40s with a moonlit sky and light winds to bring a crisp, fall-like air into Tuesday. Forecasters say you should have your jackets ready to go for a chilly morning commute before things warm up in the afternoon.

Photo collage: (Left) Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images. (Right) Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California man is in trouble for reportedly using Snapchat to sell "ghost guns."Andrew Jace Larrabure-Tuma, 20, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to using the social media platform to sell guns that he bought kits for online, also known as "ghost gun kits".He bought them "from a company called Polymer80, a licensed firearms manufacturer in Nevada, and manufactured his own firearms and then sold the guns he had manufactured," read a news release from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).He was caught when he sold guns to undercover officers and a "confidential informant."Larrabure-Tuma isn't legally allowed to buy guns in California, ATF said."A search warrant was executed at Larrabure-Tuma’s residence in Sacramento and law enforcement officers found what appeared to be a firearm manufacturing operation, including partially complete firearms, firearm kits from Polymer80, firearm parts, tools for manufacturing and finishing firearms, firearm accessories, completed firearms, and ammunition," the news release read.He will be sentenced just after the new year and could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.RELATED: Biden administration crackdown on 'ghost guns' takes effectAn April 2022 news release from the White House describes these firearms as, "unserialized, privately-made firearms."Adding, "Law enforcement are increasingly recovering at crime scenes in cities across the country.

PHILADELPHIA - When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it jump started the midterm elections with a thunderclap.

PHILADELPHIA - A breast cancer diagnosis turned a daughter's love for her mother and passion for sewing into a hobby that helps women recovering from the disease.When Katelynn Devinney's mother was recovering from breast cancer she, like many other women, had to deal with the discomfort of drains and how to keep the cords comfortable under her clothing, so Katelynn came up with a plan. After a mastectomy in January doctors put drains in Patricia Fitt's chest to allow her body to get rid of excess fluid. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES"The drains will pull. They tug at your skin, they hurt," Patricia told FOX 29's Monica Evans. During recovery, Patricia says she was given a sweatshirt with pockets to put the drains in and wanted another one, but they were very expensive.

People walk outside the Barnes & Noble book store on Fifth Avenue in New York. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) If you're looking for something new to read or want to add a new book to your current collection, Barnes & Noble has released its list of the 10 best books for 2022.The well-known bookseller’s list of reading material has a little something for everyone from former child TV star Jeannette McCurdy, former first lady Michelle Obama and one book about chemistry. Here is the list of the 10 best books, according to Barnes & Noble.1) "I’m Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy Jeannette McCurdy, a former actress on the popular Nickelodeon shows "iCarly" and "Sam & Cat," wrote a memoir detailing her challenges as a former child actor dealing with eating disorders, addiction, and a turbulent relationship with her mother.

has revealed some of America’s Halloween candy obsessions — and the country is pretty evenly split over the top sweet treats. Instacart has the stats on the top 10 most popular candies from Halloween 2021, giving insight as to what can be expected in the candy bowls again this year. Instacart calculated the top candies based on the weight of each candy sold during October 2021, and found Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups reigned supreme. More than 116 tons were sold. Coming in second was peanut M&M’s, with 92 tons sold. Instacart’s data dig even further, revealing where you are more likely to find either of the rival peanut-y chocolatey treats. "While every type of candy is loved across the U.S.

FILE - A CSX freight train is seen in Orlando. A pay dispute between rail workers and unions threatens a nationwide freight rail strike as early as Sept.

A US study of almost 17,000 patients finds modest two-dose Pfizer COVID vaccine effectiveness (VE) against hospitalization and emergency department (ED) admission for Omicron BA.1 (the original Omicron variant) and the BA.2 subvariant, but three-dose VE was 79% and 71% for hospitalization, respectively, and 72% and 21%  for ED visits.Also, VE 3 months or more after the third dose remained high except f

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Witness testimony resumed Monday morning, Oct. 10 in the Darrell Brooks trial, charged in the November 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade attack.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBEFILE -Roller coaster riders throw their hands in the air as they ride "Goliath," the newest roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

FILE - Travelers collect their luggage at baggage claim after arriving at O'Hare International Airport on March 11, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) The websites for some major U.S.

Media gather outside the Countess of Chester Hospital on July 3, 2018 in Chester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images) LONDON (AP) - A hospital neonatal nurse in Britain accused of killing seven babies and trying to kill 10 others poisoned two infants deliberately with insulin, a British prosecutor said Monday.Lucy Letby, 32, has been charged with murder in the deaths of five baby boys and two girls, and the attempted murder of five boys and five girls, while she worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital in northwest England between 2015 and 2016.Letby earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.Opening her trial at Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor Nick Johnson said beginning in 2015, the hospital saw a significant rise in the number of babies who were dying or suffering "serious catastrophic collapses.""Babies who had not been unstable at all suddenly deteriorated.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ancient Mars may have had an environment capable of harboring an underground world teeming with microscopic organisms, French scientists reported Monday.But if they existed, these simple life forms would have altered the atmosphere so profoundly that they triggered a Martian Ice Age and snuffed themselves out, the researchers concluded.The findings provide a bleak view of the ways of the cosmos. Life — even simple life like microbes — "might actually commonly cause its own demise," said the study's lead author, Boris Sauterey, now a post-doctoral researcher at Sorbonne University.The results "are a bit gloomy, but I think they are also very stimulating.," he said in an email.

The risk of maternal critical care admission and preterm birth were much lower amid dominance of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant than during the Delta-dominant period, finds a Scottish study published late last week in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

For many, adding a few cloves of garlic to the pan can make a good meal great.

Sue Johanson and her infamous radio and TV program, Sunday Night Sex Show.A world-renowned sex educator, Johanson taught so many Canadians how to have safe sex and how to enjoy it. And now she’s the subject of a feature-length documentary, titled Sex with Sue, which takes a peek into how her decades-long career helped shape the way we talk about sex and sexuality today.For years, Canadians — and later, Americans — would tune their television channels and radio dials to the Sunday Night Sex Show, where Johanson would field calls from people all over the continent.And nothing was off limits.

PHILADELPHIA - Multiple police officers became the target of a man, who is now being charged with several counts of attempted murder, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.Keith Blount, 59, is accused of firing several ‘unprovoked’ shots at officers driving down the 3300 block of North 10th Street last week. He was reportedly sitting in his car at the time.After police radioed for backup and established a perimeter, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said Blount jumped out of his car and continued firing at police. Authorities say four officers returned fire, grazing the man in the head.

Liam Gallagher, Selena Gomez, Frank Turner, Bros frontman Matt Goss, and Frightened Rabbit have been sharing messages on social media about the importance of speaking openly about mental health issues.Gallagher today (October 10) shared a poignant new video for ‘Too Good For Giving Up’ and teamed up with mental health charity Talk Club, which was founded by Ben Akers after he lost his childhood best friend, Steve Yates, to suicide in 2014.He also messaged Louis Tomlinson on Twitter, writing: “Yes Louis, it’s LG. How are you feeling? Out of 10? It’s good to talk,” before he tagged Talk Club, World Mental Health Day and his new music vid.@Louis_Tomlinson Yes Louis, it’s LG.

NOIDA : 35-year-old Pappu Singh lies in a hospital bed in Noida’s Sector 30, wondering if death would have been a better option. “At least my family would have received ₹5 lakh," he says. His eyes well up.

Peter Meyers CHERRY HILL, N.J. - The remains of a missing man were uncovered months after local authorities set out on several searches for the 68-year-old, according to the Cherry Hill Police Department.Peter Meyers, 68, was reported missing by his family on June 7.His vehicle was found abandoned on a dirt road leading to Wharton State Forest, prompting extensive searches of the wooded area within the forest. Officials say no signs of Meyers were found.Last week, a man hunting in Wharton State Forest reportedly found what appeared to be human skeletal remains.

PHILADELPHIA - A statue of Christopher Columbus in Philadelphia remains hidden by a plywood box while its fate is decided in the courts, but the box has now been painted with the colors of the Italian flag.The city reportedly painted the box covering the 146-year-old statue in south Philadelphia's Marconi Plaza with green, white and red stripes at the request of Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents the district.The new look came just in time for Columbus Day, the holiday now celebrated in Philadelphia and elsewhere as Indigenous Peoples Day.Thomas DeFino, one of the residents who gathered in the park Sunday afternoon to celebrate their Italian American heritage with a parade and festival, welcomed the change, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported."They did it for us — the Italians. It made us feel a little bit better," DeFino said.

Acute Covid patients have had some psychological and psychiatric symptoms, but what is now more relevant is the Long Covid or Post Covid psychological and psychiatric symptoms. This may be due to direct effects of the virus on the brain, it also affects on the psyche and mind, social effects and economic impact altogether," news agency ANI quoted Dr Nimesh Desai, former Director, of IHBAS.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The four adults who were arrested by the police during Sunday's (9) Aragalaya Heroe's Memorial at Galle Face Green were produced to court on Monday (10) after were released on personal bail of Rs.

People sit near a television showing a news broadcast with file footage of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overseeing a missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on October 10, 2022. (Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea’s recent barrage of missile launches were the simulated use of its tactical battlefield nuclear weapons to "hit and wipe out" potential South Korean and U.S.

fall season, temperatures won’t be the only thing changing across the country.The transition also marks the start of fall foliage, which makes for some spectacular photos of those vibrant red, yellow and orange leaves.However, peak fall foliage season is highly contingent on your location, and in some areas that can start as early as September and peak in either October or November.That good information to remember if any leaf peepers out there are wondering how to plan a fall foliage trip.While the color of leaves depends on the chlorophyll, weather conditions during the summer or early fall can play a big role in how magnificent the sights are.Chlorophyll is a pigment that helps give leave their color. It helps the trees create their own food thorough photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into chemical energy. The lack of chlorophyll can help reveal the sought-after yellow, orange and red colors, which are usually bountiful during rainier periods.Large deviations from average precipitation, either on the dry or wet sides, can greatly affect fall foliage season across the country."The drought is a big factor this year.

Each year, antibiotic-resistant neonatal infections result in the deaths of nearly 60,000 newborns. According to the Lancet, antibiotic-resistant neonatal infections caused 1.27 million deaths worldwide in just 2019. What are these infections? These are the infections where bacteria change over time and eventually develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.

NEW DELHI : Establishing a new milestone in the field of mental health on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was launched virtually by Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Monday. Acknowledging the mental health crisis in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need to establish a digital mental health network that will withstand the challenges amplified by the pandemic, Government of India announced National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.

PHILADELPHIA - Hey Philadelphia, it's time to drop a few dollars in that swear jar!The "City of Brotherly Love" has also been named on of the top "Cities That Swear the Most in the U.S.," according to a new survey by Preply.com.Philadelphia tied for fourth place with Oklahoma City, Dallas and Indianapolis, averaging 25 swears per day per person.

PHILADELPHIA - A busy interstate became the scene of a crime twice this weekend after police say several shots rang out on I-95 in Philadelphia.It appears road rage may have lead to the first shooting on Saturday when a victim's car was struck by gunfire near the Girard Exit around 8:30 a.m.The victim told police a white Dodge Durango almost hit his vehicle when he tried to change lanes. Both drivers then reportedly got into a verbal argument driving side-by-side.Police say the Durango's passenger fired one round, hitting the victim's vehicle, then sped off a nearby exit.MORE HEADLINES:On Sunday, two vehicles reportedly opened fire with automatic weapons on a male victim and his passenger as they were exiting for the Walt Whitman Bridge just before 3 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that the country needs a national policy that does not change with every government that comes to power and invited everyone to commit to building the country on one national policy without party differences.The President pointed out that to build a developed economy and raise Sri Lanka to the pinnacle of the world, a solid economic policy as well as political stability is a must. Hence, he invited everyone to join hands to discuss the national policy framework using the "Jathika Sabhawa" (National Council) as a platform.President Wickremesinghe stated this while declaring open the first life-saving pharmaceutical manufacturing plant established in Sri Lanka on Monday (10).The President also pointed out that he is working towards establishing a national policy to prepare an export economy using competitive and modern technology.Expressing his views further, the President said, “This company has taken steps to develop our export industry, not only to supply medicines needed domestically but also by producing medicines needed internationally. We sincerely hope that this project commenced by this young entrepreneur will progress to greater heights.

After finishing a tour in Afghanistan in 2013, Dionne Williamson felt emotionally numb. More warning signs appeared during several years of subsequent overseas postings. "It’s like I lost me somewhere," said Williamson, a Navy lieutenant commander who experienced disorientation, depression, memory loss and chronic exhaustion.

ALSO READ: Deepti Sharma is the latest to be crucified by cricket’s self-appointed godmen Citing the example of school students, Kapil went on further. He said, "I went to a school once and the students said 'there is a lot of pressure'...

cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2023, according to recent estimates. These cost-of-living adjustments have been in place since 1975 as a way to adequately keep pace with inflation. The COLAs are based on increases in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the previous year to the corresponding quarter of the current year, according to the Social Security Administration. Beneficiaries can expect the final COLA to be released on Thursday following the release of the inflation figures for September, according to the Senior Citizens League, a group that lobbies for older adults. An 8.7%-boost would be the highest COLA increase since 1981 when the inflation adjustment was 11.2%. For the average retiree who got a monthly check of $1,656 this year, an adjustment of 8.7% would boost the payment by $144.10, the Senior Citizens League said. FILE - In this photo illustration, a Social Security card sits alongside checks from the U.S.

(Army) – The Sri Lanka Army; the proud “Protector of the State” which led a sustained crusade against ruthless terrorism and brought durable peace to the Nation after more than three decades of human suffering celebrated its 73rd anniversary aka the Army Day on Monday (10 October) with grandeur at Panagoda, assuring that it would continue to be the leading gurantor of national security.Fluttering Army Flag and multi-coloured flags of all Regiments and formations which provided a dramatic backdrop for the day's formal spectacle in the premises where Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army added dignity and prominence to the commemoration as the Chief Guest, set the stage aptly ready for the day's proceedings in the glittering ceremony soon after the Army Chief's arrival was heralded.Typical of military formalities, a smartly-attired Guard Turnout salute greeted the day's Chief Guest as he entered the premises after the Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regimental Centre welcomed Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage to the location. This year’s Army Day parade commanded by Major General SUMN Manage WWV RWP RSP psc, Director General General Staff, together with Brigadier GWA Senevirathna USP psc, Director Research Concept and Doctrine, 2nd in Command consisted of 77 Officers and 652 Other Ranks of all 25 Regiments with Colours squads.

PHILADELPHIA - What a time to be a Philadelphia sports fan! The city started off the week with two wins under its belt - the Phillies and the Eagles!The victories began Saturday night when the Philadelphia Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 to sweep their National League wild-card series.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has decided to conduct an investigation on its own motion in to the incident where a peaceful protest at Galle Face Green on Sunday (9) was disperesed by Police.The Inspector General of Police was informed the HRCSL to submit within 24-hours the grounds that police decided as reasoning to disperse the said protest.Four people who were arrested during the protest at Galle Face Green on Sunday (9) were released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each by the Fort Magistrate's Court on Monday (10).A 16-year-old boy who was detained along with the suspects, was released on Sunday (9) night.A group of members of the Aragalaya organized the demonstration to commemorate the activists who lost their lives contributing to the Aragalaya since the 9th of April. However even before the demonstration began, the police intervened and a heated situation arose.

REDDING, Calif. - Who knew getting injured by a runaway bull at a rodeo would actually lead to a cancer diagnosis? Paige King didn’t think so. The 25-year-old from Redding, California, said she took a trip to the local rodeo with her boyfriend back in May. King said during the last run, a bull broke out from the arena and was on the loose among spectators. RELATED: Genetically modified herpes virus shows promise in killing advanced cancer, study says"I looked to my left, and then all of a sudden, I look right back, and he’s [the bull] just coming right over the barrier right on top of us," she continued. King said she doesn’t exactly remember what happened next. "It’s something no one would ever think that would happen," Paige King said."I end up going to the ground, and all I can really remember after that is him [the bull] just picking me up," she added. King said she didn’t notice pain at first but her back eventually started to hurt. She said she believes the runaway bull’s hoof scraped her back leaving her with scratches, bruises, and fractures— which have now healed. But that was only the beginning of her medical journey. King said while getting checked out, doctors noticed a lump in her throat. She was then diagnosed with thyroid cancer. "I was just kind of taken back in shock.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - If there’s any comfort for Grace Adkins, it’s that her infant son won’t remember the medical hardships he endured before his first birthday. Her 10-month-old son Luke was born with congenital spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects the tissue. Luke’s cancer is currently in remission. Grace said she didn’t expect anything when her son was born on December 9, 2021. RELATED: Genetically modified herpes virus shows promise in killing advanced cancer, study says"My pregnancy was perfect," she told FOX Television Stations.

PHILADELPHIA - The frost is back this morning, but it won't last long on this beautiful fall day!Temperatures in the 30s and 40s kick off Monday morning with quite the chill. However, the sun brings some warmer weather with the high of the day reaching 69 degrees!A sunny and pleasant Monday makes way for a perfect fall Tuesday with temperatures reaching into the 70s and sunshine all day long.That sun lasts until Thursday, when the Delaware Valley will see its first chance of rain for the week.___MONDAY: Sunny, pleasant.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (10) will likely take up a proposal for Sri Lanka to revert from a middle-income country to a low-income country.This is with the aim of obtaining concessionary funding from the International Development Association (IDA) — an arm of the World Bank that helps the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries.The decision has been taken after considering the financial constraints, including lack of foreign reserves, inflation, and difficulty in meeting debt payments. The government also has taken into consideration the claim that some former officials had manipulated figures to push Sri Lanka to a middle-income country.The move effectively will mean that Sri Lanka will be seeking a ‘reverse graduation’ to IDA on the grounds that the country lacks creditworthiness to borrow on market terms, including from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) — the lending arm of the World Bank – and, therefore, requires concessional resources to finance the country’s development programs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Bank in its October 2022 update says that it will be imperative to protect the poor and vulnerable by providing immediate additional assistance to the poorest in need, while comprehensively reforming the social protection system.The World Bank warns that poverty has increased sharply since 2021, and it is likely to increase further in the absence of effective mitigation measures and made several recommendations.– In the short run, increasing financing for social assistance should be a priority. – The government will need to invest in the establishment and operationalization of the Welfare Benefits Board and a Social Registry. – The generosity of cash transfers needs to be revisited, particularly for some vulnerable groups– Sri Lanka also needs to adopt more modern payment systems for cash transfer programs.– Given its increasing vulnerability to shocks, Sri Lanka would also benefit from developing a social protection system that can scale up and phase out where needed.– In the medium to long term, Sri Lanka needs to transition to a more fiscally sustainable and inclusive social insurance and aged care system.– Sri Lanka also needs to strengthen its productive inclusion programs.– Finally, a social protection strategy is needed to guide the overall social protection reformThe World Bank said that Rising debt vulnerabilities and weak competitiveness, resulting from years of risky borrowing and poor fiscal and monetary policy choices, along with weak governance, led to an unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payments crisis. It warned that a delayed response allowed the crisis to spread to all key sectors of the economy.The World Bank said that a significant economic contraction is

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has turned down a request made by Sri Lanka Police to issue an order against the protest planned for Monday (10) evening at Galle Face Green.President's Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing for the Rights of Lawyers, and Professions movement told the Court that engaging in peaceful assembly is a fundamental right.He pointed out that multiple political parties had held protests at Galle Face Green on previous occasions.After considering the submissions, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage noted that there is no evidence to claim that anything illegal or violent will take place at the protest.The Magistrate noted that there are no obstructions towards any protest that does not obstruct the rights of others, and further noted that if any act of violence does take place, Sri Lanka Police has the power to take action to prevent such from taking place. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Federation For Health Professionals warned that if the retirement age for one particular profession is extended, it would protest against such decisions.The Federation For Health Professionals in a statement said that the government had reached a policy decision to bring down the retirement age of all public sector employees to 60 years.It notes that reports have revealed an attempt being made by a Cabinet Sub-Committee to reverse this decision for one particular profession in the health sector.The Federation For Health Professionals strongly condemns the attempts to completely disregard its contribution towards implementing the government's policies.The Federation For Health Professionals warned that trade union action would be inevitable if the cabinet of ministers decided to reach a decision that would not treat all health sector professions equally.Around twenty trade unions representing health professionals had signed the letter requesting that the retirement age policy not be reversed.

Liam Gallagher has shared a poignant new video for ‘Too Good For Giving Up’ and teamed up with mental health charity Talk Club.The new video was announced over the weekend, with Gallagher explaining how he’d teamed up with Talk Club for the release of the ‘C’mon, You Know’ track. Talk Club is an organisation that works to help support male mental health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice has strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protesters by the current regime in Sri Lanka.In a statement, it said that the world witnessed in horror as a mother and child were violently dragged away by the police, and a father in retreat with his child from police advancing in riot gear.It added that Sunday's (9) actions of the state are a poignant reminder of an authoritarian rule that is not subtle but blatantly undemocratic. The Feminist Collective for Economic Justice demands the ceasing of all such illegal, illegitimate, and brutal acts by the state.They also demand the release of all persons arrested for protesting peacefully.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Following controversy over grounded aircraft by its government, Russia's Aeroflot resumed services to Sri Lanka on Monday (10).With the arrival of an Aeroflot Flight on Monday (10) to the Katunayake International Airpor the Moscow-Colombo route will be reinstated, on conditions being promised by the Sri Lankan government that none of its planes will be grounded or arrested.On 2nd June 2022, SU289, A330-343 aircraft was scheduled to depart from Colombo to Moscow with 191 passengers and 13 crew members, but it was not allowed, as the owner of the aircraft – Celestial Aviation of Ireland had filed a case against the airline, for a pending arbitration on the lease of the aircraft in London.Following the legal dispute, Aeroflot also announced that it was suspending commercial flights between Colombo and Moscow.Aeroflot is the oldest international airline that operated flights to Colombo, and it has been operating the Moscow-Colombo route since 1964.Russia remains the third largest tourism source market year-to-date with 51,300 arrivals, behind India and UK.The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow in September announced that Aeroflot, the national carrier of the Russian Federation, will resume flight operations to Sri Lanka with effect from the 09th October 2022.The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow in consultation with the Government of Sri Lanka played a pivotal role by making a diplomatic representation with the Government of the Russian Federation in order to resume Aeroflot’s flights on this route.Given that the Russian Federation could be regarded as an important tourist traffic source to Sri Lanka at this trying time, the Embassy was of the view that this flight resumption will be of vital importance to Sri