Cabinet Green light to Gazette Animal Welfare Bill

MARLTON, N.J. - Plans to open a sober living house in Burlington County were stopped by a vandal who the homeowner says clogged all the drains in the house and let the water run for hours. The property on Monmouth Green in Marlton is owned by Mark Warner who runs Cayuga Housing. He planned to use the home to help people coming out of addiction find employment, learn to pay bills and budget money to transition on their own."I never thought it would actually come to somebody breaking in and vandalizing the home," Warner said.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Attorney General on Thursday (20) told the Court of Appeal that there was no objection concerning the bail application made with the High Court on behalf of Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah, who was arrested and remanded under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva appearing for the Attorney General said there was no objection towards granting bail when the revision application filed by Counsel Hizbullah was taken up at the Court of Appeal in the presence of Justices Menaka Wijesundara and Neil Iddawela.The DSG told the Court of Appeal that the case filed by the Attorney General under the Prevention of Terrorism Act against Hejaaz Hizbullah at the Puttlam High Court will be taken up on the 28th of January and if a request for bail is made the Attorney General will not object to it.Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah was arrested on the 14th of April 2020 for his links to a Madrasa School in Puttlam where sermons on extremism were presented to students.After 18 months in detention, an application was made with the Puttlam High Court seeking bail for Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah in the case filed by the Attorney General under the PTA.However, on the 19th of November 2021 the Puttlam High Court rejected the application noting that under Article 15 (2) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, a High Court does not have the power to grant bail for Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah.The application with the Court of Appeal requests for the order by the High Court be made void and Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah is granted suitable/conditional bail.

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Countries are beginning to reopen to Scots holidaymakers once again as they continue to make their way through the pandemic.

Bella and Gigi Hadid's aunt Ghada Hadid passed away on Wednesday morning in Washington, DC.The native of Palestine had suffered a heart attack this week after coming down with COVID-19 and pneumonia, which put her in Intensive Care unit.Ghada's brotherMohamed Hadid, 73 - who is the father of Bella and Gigi as well as son Anwar whom he had with reality TV star Yolanda Hadid - shared the news of her death on social media. A sad loss for the family:Bella and Gigi Hadid's aunt Ghada Hadid passed away on Wednesday morning in Washington, DC A look alike: Bella closely resembles her aunt when she was young; seen this month'My beautiful eldest sister passed,' the businessman who lives in Los Angeles posted on social media.'My sister may God open the Gates of Heaven wide open and give Ghada an easy entry you will be among the most beautiful Palestinians in heaven Momma baba Magida Maha our beloved cousin Zuhair.' The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills guest star added, 'You have been a voice for peace.

PHILADELPHIA - Area doctors are sharing encouraging news in the fight against COVID-19 as case counts and hospitalizations have leveled off in recent days. The good news has left some cautiously optimistic. "Last week I mentioned that we might be seeing the peak of the Omicron wave. Since then we have started to see a drop in the number of cases identified," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the Monetary Board decided to increase policy rates after five months to deliver a message that inflation was being dealt with and that the external sector needs to be stabilized further.Cabraal was speaking at a press conference at the Central Bank on Thursday (20) after the Monetary Board decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.50 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively.Responding to a question by News 1st, the governor said the USD 500 Million settlement of sovereign bonds was made from the reserves and from the inflows that Sri Lanka receives.As a measure to address the USD crisis in Sri Lanka, the Central Bank has reached an agreement with the Licensed Commercial banks in the country allowing them to bear the financing and arrangement of the financing of essential goods, to bring greater stability.The monetary board had decided to distribute the financing of essential import bills for fuel purchases among the licensed banks in proportion to their foreign exchange inflows.He said that the Chinese SWAP is within Sri Lanka’s range of products and currencies, noting that it was moved into the reserves.

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Bill Gates has warned of future pandemics that could be much worse than coronavirus.The Microsoft founder and business magnate spoke of his worries as the Bill & Melania Gates Foundation donated $150 million (£110m) to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI). CEPI are set to use the donations in the fight against coronavirus as well as in preparation for potential pandemics in the future, it was announced on Tuesday.Speaking about the work done by CEPI, Gates said in a statement: "As the world responds to the challenge of a rapidly evolving virus, the need to deliver new, lifesaving tools has never been more urgent."CEO of CEPI, Dr Richard Hatchet, said: "These generous pledges will dramatically advance CEPI's plan to reduce epidemic and pandemic risk in the future by developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases while ensuring equitable access for all."CEPI are now looking into ensuring the time taken to produce vaccines is within a 100 day window.Gates added: "Our work over the past 20 years has taught us that early investment in research and development can save lives and prevent worst-case scenarios."For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.The Bill & Melania Gates Foundation has pledged the $150 million to "help CEPI accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines against emerging variants of the coronavirus and to prepare for, and possibly even prevent, the next pandemic".

The ICC Team of the Year recognizes 11 outstanding individuals who have impressed one and all – be it with the bat, the ball, or their all-around exploits in a calendar year.Here, we take a look at 11 players who make the cut in the longest format of the game for men’s cricket.The Sri Lanka skipper is a deserved addition to the team, as he consistently got his team off to solid starts during the calendar year. He scored 902 runs in 7 matches at an average of 69.38 with four centuries. Some of his memorable innings included a double-century against Bangladesh in Pallekele and a gutsy ton against South Africa at Johannesburg.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says that its Monetary Board decided to adopt several policy measures with the view to strengthening macroeconomic stability.Accordingly, the Monetary Board has decided to:a) Increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 50 basis points each, to 5.50 per cent and 6.50 per cent, respectively;b) Distribute the financing of essential import bills for fuel purchases among the licensed banks in proportion to their foreign exchange inflows;c) Mandate all registered tourist establishments to accept foreign exchange only in respect of services rendered to persons resident outside Sri Lanka;d) Extend the payment of an additional Rs. 8.00 per US dollar for workers’ remittances paid in addition to the incentive of Rs.

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WASHINGTON - Voting legislation that Democrats and civil rights groups argued is vital for protecting democracy was blocked Wednesday by a Republican filibuster, a setback for President Joe Biden and his party after a raw, emotional debate.Democrats were poised to immediately pivot to voting on a Senate rules change as a way to overcome the filibuster and approve the bill with a simple majority. But the rules change was also headed toward defeat, as Biden has been unable to persuade two holdout senators in his own party, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, to change the Senate procedures for this one bill."This is not just another routine day in the Senate, this is a moral moment," said Sen.

Bill McSwain, 52, announced Monday that he will be running for governor in Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG - Bill McSwain, the chief federal prosecutor in Philadelphia under former President Donald Trump, on Wednesday received the endorsement a major Republican campaign donor in a big field of GOP candidates seeking the party's nomination for governor.McSwain got the endorsement of Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs, a relative newcomer to Harrisburg’s ranks of advocacy organizations whose political action committees have been a conduit for campaign cash from billionaire Jeffrey Yass.Yass is perhaps the biggest force now in underwriting Republican campaigns in Pennsylvania.MORE PENNSYLVANIA HEADLINESThe organization, through its political action committees, was the biggest single campaign donor in last year’s race for a seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.

Coronavirus infection rates have fallen in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester - as every borough has seen the rates fall by at least 50 per cent.

Bella and Gigi Hadid’s aunt, Ghada, passed away this Wednesday morning in Washington, DC. Both sisters have been sharing their thoughts over social media, including photos of their family, their aunt, and their father, who is mourning the death of his sister.Bella Hadid collects toys in New York to deliver them to the city’s underprivilegedZayn Malik allegedly spotted on dating app for ‘curvy people’ after Gigi Hadid breakupA post shared by Mohamedhadid. (@mohamedhadid)After getting infected with COVID-19 and developing pneumonia, Ghada was interned in the Intensive Care Unit.

Gigi and Bella Hadid's aunt Ghada has sadly died after suffering a "heart attack and Covid battle", their dad Mohamed confirmed in a heartfelt tribute.Their 73-year-old father shared a sweet throwback image of his sister along with his own emotional words on WednesdayMohamed wrote: "My beautiful eldest sister passed 730 eastern United States."He went on: "Palestinian born in Nazareth Palestine, she and our parents were Forced out of our home in Safad she Endured the refugee life … and a world of Success."My sister may God open the Gates of Heaven wide open and give Ghada an easy entry you will be among the most beautiful Palestinians in heaven Momma wa baba Magida Maha our beloved cousin Zuhair and all the freedom fighters of Palestine to greet you."You have been a voice for peace."The post concluded: "You left legacy @linahadid to fight for us all. We love you."Mohamed praised his brother-in-law within the comments section.Gigi's dad wrote: "And her beloved Husband Glenn the most wonderful human ever May God give him the strength to lessen his pain.

Bella and Gigi Hadid's aunt Ghada Hadid passed away on Wednesday morning in Washington, DC.The native of Palestine had suffered a heart attack this week after coming down with COVID-19 and pneumonia, which put her in Intensive Care unit.Ghada's brotherMohamed Hadid, 73 - who is the father of Bella and Gigi as well as son Anwar whom he had with reality TV star Yolanda Hadid - shared the news of her death on social media. A sad loss for the family:Bella and Gigi Hadid's aunt Ghada Hadid passed away on Wednesday morning in Washington, DC A look alike: Bella closely resembles her aunt when she was young; seen this month'My beautiful eldest sister passed,' the businessman who lives in Los Angeles posted on social media.'My sister may God open the Gates of Heaven wide open and give Ghada an easy entry you will be among the most beautiful Palestinians in heaven Momma baba Magida Maha our beloved cousin Zuhair.' The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills guest star added, 'You have been a voice for peace.

Mumbai COVID tally

World Health Organization (WHO). 

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Navy conducted successful naval exercises with the German Navy’s FFGH (123 Class) frigate ‘BAYERN’, arrived in Colombo on 15th January 2022, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships ‘URAGA’, and ‘HIRADO’ which arrived in Trincomalee on 16th January, on official visits.Having conducted these naval exercises respectively off the Western and the Eastern Coasts of the country, the ships departed the island on 18th January.The Commanding Officer of the visiting German Navy frigate, Commander (Senior Grade) KALSKI Tilo called on the Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Upul De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters on 17th January. Meanwhile, Commander Minesweeper Division One of the JMSDF, Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi and two Commanding Officers of ‘URAGA’, and ‘HIRADO’ conducted a virtual discussion with Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Dias on 17th January.During these visits, ships’ crew members took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

IRS through the expanded child tax credit are facing their first month since July without cash from the federal program, even as inflation soars to the highest level in a generation. Democrats temporarily expanded the child tax credit in early 2021 as part of a sweeping coronavirus relief package, but it expired at the end of 2021. Under the expansion, low- and middle-income parents could receive up to $3,000 for every child ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for every child under age 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Nations commended Sri Lanka’s green agriculture programme at a meeting held between UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (04).Wignaraja serves as the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.Wignaraja said Sri Lanka was ranked 87th out of 165 countries in the 2021 Sustainable Development Report, moving seven points ahead from the previous year’s ranking. The possibility of attracting foreign investors to the green agriculture programme by further developing these conditions was also discussed.The President pointed out the steps being taken by Sri Lanka to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while seeking solutions to the socio-economic impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.The President said that a comprehensive mechanism has been set up for this purpose, including the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation and the Presidential Task Force on Creating a Green Sri Lanka and Sustainable Solutions to climate change.UNDP Resident Representative Robert Juhkam, Deputy Resident Representative Malin Herwig, Secretary to the President P.B.

COVID-19: Premier says time to ‘buckle down’ as N.S. reports 1 death, 13 new hospitalizations After a fall semester of hybrid learning, the university told students to return to campus this January.

A massive cleanup is underway following one of the biggest snowstorms Toronto has experienced in recent history. Caryn Lieberman reports.

SEATTLE - The Center for Covid Control announced it is "pausing operations" at all of its 300 testing locations until Jan. 22 after widespread reports of consumer complaints and allegations of fake tests.On Wednesday, FOX 13 News reported that the Better Business Bureau was investigating the Illinois-based COVID-19 testing company that is being inundated with negative reviews and complaints.

World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove said on Tuesday that the WHO has been working with global experts and partners to look at animal susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Bella Hadid is opening up about her mental health issues once again.

A man walks past a pet shop where an employee and a customer later tested positive for Covid-19 after handling hamsters, sparking the city's government to plan a cull of over 1,000 of the animals after some tested positive for coronavirus. (Photo by Hong Kong authorities said Tuesday that they will kill about 2,000 small animals, including hamsters, after several tested positive for the coronavirus at a pet store where an employee was also infected.The city will also stop the sale of hamsters and the import of small mammals, according to officials from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

BENSALEM, Pa. - January 17 would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. The legendary actress died on New Year’s Eve and, in her honor, people around the world are taking part in "The Betty White Challenge," by donating money to local animal shelters as a way to honor her memory.White was a staunch advocate for animals and one Bucks County shelter has a special connection to the late actress."When we put out the word of the Betty White Challenge and joined other animal organizations across the country, the outpouring of generosity, in terms of donations has been incredible!" exclaimed Karen Lash, with Women’s Animal Center, in Bensalem.

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats on Tuesday are pressing ahead on voting rights legislation, facing intense pressure to change the filibuster rules that have stalled voting measures in the past — and likely will again amid holdout lawmakers.The Senate opened on Tuesday, launching a debate on legislation that combines the two major voting bills: the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The House has passed the package, but the legislation is stalled in the Senate, opposed by Republicans. With a 50-50 split in the upper chamber, Democrats have a narrow Senate majority.

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Urban One Honors talked to us about stepping outside of his comfort zone to MC the fourth annual awards ceremony airing on TV One tonight. In doing so, he also shared the impact this year’s honorees –Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Timbaland, Gamble and Huff, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Jennifer Hudson — have had on his career and his music. The singer and songwriter recently released a new song titled “Stay Down” and the accompanying music video features Ne-Yo’s wife Crystal Smith as his leading lady.

FILE - Tractor-trailer trucks carrying goods along I-74 during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 4, 2020, in Veedersburg, Indiana. (Photo by David Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) DETROIT - The federal government is moving forward with a plan to let teenagers drive big rigs from state to state in a test program.Currently, truckers who cross state lines must be at least 21 years old, but an apprenticeship program required by Congress to help ease supply chain backlogs would let 18-to-20-year-old truckers drive outside their home states.The pilot program, detailed Thursday in a proposed regulation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, would screen the teens, barring any with driving-while-impaired violations or traffic tickets for causing a crash.But safety advocates say the program runs counter to data showing that younger drivers get in more crashes than older ones.

With today’s snowfall of up to 50 centimeters in some parts – projecting to be the biggest in recent history, we asked our Chief Meteorologist, Anthony Farnell to remind us that we’ve been here before – and we’ve had it much worse.

The Scottish Government has confirmed that 6,221 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.

A mum says her breastmilk turned green after she and her baby tested positive for Covid.

You could experience up to 20 symptoms when infected with Omicron, according to the ZOE Covid Study.

A man who lost his mum, dad and brother to Covid within one week has spoke of the online abuse he has suffered after talking about his experience with the virus online.

Kanye West is speaking up about his side of the story surrounding the battery allegations against him.

A further 9,910 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Scotland – as the nation's death toll from the virus passes a grim new milestone.

A further 41 deaths of people in Scotland who tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Eager holidaymakers grounded for too long have sparked a massive boom in travel enquiries.

There is a concern over the growing list of hospitals in Fraser Health and across the province reporting outbreaks of COVID-19. As Aaron McArthur reports, those infected units have been closed but, emergency rooms are still open.

Opener Shevon Daniel hammered a blistering 75 runs as Sri Lanka Under 19s recorded a mammoth 128 run win against Ireland on Tuesday (11) in their opening warm-up match of the 2022 ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies.Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl with the match being cut short for 43 overs due to overnight rain.

MEGAN Prescott slammed two tequila shots before heading to her first audition of the day. While the former Skins actress treated it like any other job, it was anything but, as she was about to dance naked for the first time in a strip club.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved to import of 200,000 MT of Nadu Rice and 100,000 MT of GR 11 short Grain Rice as a substitute for Samba Rice.The proposal was presented by the Ministry of Trade to ensure the availability of the required rice consignments in the open market.Joint Cabinet Spokesperson Minister (Dr) Ramesh Pathirana told reporters that the rice will be imposed from India and this decision was made as rice production in the country has dropped this year and has resulted in high prices for locally produced rice.He said the imports will be awarded to Sathosa and private importers.