Defence Secretary appears before HRCSL

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A wide expansion of mail-in voting in Pennsylvania survived a legal challenge on Tuesday before the state Supreme Court in a case brought by some of the same Republican state representatives who voted for the legislation nearly three years ago.Millions of state voters have chosen to cast ballots by mail in recent elections, although Democrats have used it in far greater numbers and the law fell out of favor with Republicans as former President Donald Trump attacked it during his losing 2020 reelection campaign.The 5-2 ruling, with the two Republican justices both voting no, means expanded vote-by-mail will almost certainly be in place for marquee races in November for governor and U.S. Senate."We find no restriction in our Constitution on the General Assembly’s ability to create universal mail-in voting," wrote Justice Christine Donohue in the majority opinion.Widener Law Commonwealth professor Michael Dimino, who argued the case, declined immediate comment.A lower court panel with a majority of Republican judges had thrown out the law in January, a ruling put on hold while the state Supreme Court reviewed an appeal by the administration of Democratic Gov.

Wade Wilson DOVER, Del. - A man is in custody after allegedly leading police on a chase that ended with one trooper being dragged alongside a stolen car.The incident began when police responded to reports of a stolen Ford Crown Victoria on Webbs Lane in Dover Monday afternoon.Police say the suspect, identified as Wade Wilson, refused commands and drove off, dragging a trooper until they hit a tree.The car came to a stop after colliding with a sign, which is when police say Wilson fled on foot.He was apprehended later that evening and charged with assault, reckless endangering, receiving stolen property over $1,500 and resisting arrest with force or violence.

FILE - A drone aerial view of downtown Wichita, Kansas, is pictured in a file image. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Rent prices across the United States have skyrocketed in the two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and residents in many big coastal cities have continued to face higher prices. But there are still many livable cities where renting remains affordable — and even some regions where it’s falling sharply.Rent.com, an online property rental site, compiled the 100 cheapest cities for renters in the country.

Wildfire eat of Springville, Utah. (Credit: Utah Wildfire Info) SPRINGVILLE, Utah - Authorities said a man using a lighter to burn a spider sparked a wildfire near Springville, Utah. KUTV identified the suspect as 26-year-old Cory Allan Martin of Draper. "Suspect arrested in fire east of Springville," The Utah County Sheriff’s Office tweeted Monday.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Seventeen suspects are off the streets thanks to the actions of concerned citizens groups, according to Atlantic City police.All 17 men are accused of attempting to lure children.

FILE - Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza. (Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Taco Bell) IRVINE, Calif. - Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is permanently returning in mid-September, according to company officials.The Yum Brands-owned taco chain officially shared on Tuesday that its beloved menu item will return to menus nationwide on Sept.

NATIONAL PARK, N.J. - Researchers believe they have uncovered in a mass grave in New Jersey the remains of as many as 12 Hessian soldiers who fought during the Revolutionary War, officials announced Tuesday.The remains, found at the site of Fort Mercer and the 1777 Battle of Red Bank, rested for 245 years until a human femur was found in June during an archaeologicall dig of a trench system that surrounded the fort, scientists said. Additional excavation yielded more skeletal remains and items including pewter and brass buttons and a King George III gold guinea, which would have been a soldier’s pay for a month.A team of scientists from Rowan University and officials from Gloucester County presented their preliminary findings during a news conference at Red Bank Battlefield Park, just south of Philadelphia.Officials believe the remains are part of a mass grave of Hessian soldiers — German troops hired by the British — who were part of about 377 troops killed by Colonial forces during the Battle of Red Bank.

PHILADELPHIA - A law firm has filed a lawsuit against Wawa Inc., the owner of a strip mall and a security company, in connection with the fatal Valentine's Day stabbing of a beloved Philadelphia man. Kline & Specter filed the lawsuit on behalf of the mother of Roger Segal, 49, who died after being stabbed in the parking lot on South Columbus Boulevard in South Philadelphia on February 14. A police source told FOX 29 that video surveillance showed Segal entering the Wawa around 2 a.m. before returning to his car with food 20 minutes after. Police later responded to the location after a customer reported a man might be sleeping in his car, but when officers arrived on scene, they found Segal stabbed once in the stomach. According to authorities, Segal's car engine was still running and his foot was still pressed firmly on the brake. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the arrest of 55-year-old Walter Robbins in connection with the fatal stabbing months later in May.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths confirmed yesterday (1) is as follows;Total number of COVID-19 infections so far: 665847Total number of COVID-19 infections today (2): 117Total number of COVID-19 deaths yesterday (1): 7

PHILADELPHIA - A house where more than 150 one-gallon jugs filled with gasoline were found has caught on fire - the second time in the past several months.The jugs were reportedly found when police were called to the 100 block of North 59th Street Monday for complaints of a strong smell of gas.Upon entering the abandoned West Philadelphia home, officials say 154 one-gallon milk jugs full of gasoline were piled inside.On Tuesday morning, fire crews responded to the same home for a reported fire.SkyFOX was live over the scene where firefighters could be seen working on the scorched home, as well as its neighbor.FOX 29's Steve Keeley reports that the jugs were safely removed from house Monday night.This is reportedly the second time a fire has broken out inside the house.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday night, becoming the highest-ranking American official to visit the self-ruled island that is claimed by China in 25 years.Pelosi’s visit has triggered increased tensions between China and the United States.

SELMA, Calif - A group of dogs escaped from a home in central California and mauled to death a 59-year-old man who was out on a walk, authorities said.Selma police officers responding to a call Sunday afternoon in a residential part of the city found someone trying to separate the dogs from the victim, the police department said in a statement. Police and animal control officers captured and quarantined the dogs.The man was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Brad Pitt picked up an adorably offbeat pandemic hobby. But It wasn't sourdough starters, dalgona coffee or tie-dye keeping him occupied while the world slowed down around him — it was pottery making. The 58-year-old actor opened up to ET's Nischelle Turner about his newly acquired skillset with a self-deprecating laugh at the Los Angeles premiere of his new film, , on Monday night. «It was lockdown, you know,» he says.

Corbevax may be considered for a third/precaution dose six months after completion of primary series of Covaxin or Covishield vaccines for population above 18 years wherever indicated," the panel recommended. The Covid working committee, in its July 20 meeting, reviewed data of the double-blind randomized phase-3 clinical study which evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of Corbevax vaccine when administered to Covid-19-negative adult volunteers of age 18-80 years previously vaccinated with two doses of either Covishield or Covaxin.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe has requested citizens to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine in the face of rising cases.Issuing a special statement, the President pointed out that the Ministry of Health has issued health guidelines with regard to COVID-19, and requested the public to follow the health regulations properly, emphasizing that the spread of COVID-19 in the country should not be allowed again.He further stated that 1,731 COVID-19 patients were reported in April, with 26 COVID-19 deaths. This situation decreased to 472 patients in May, with 13 deaths, and decreased further in June, with 283 patients and 3 deaths. However, in July, President says that the number of COVID-19 patients has increased to 1,616 with 35 deaths, and 28 of these 35 deaths occurred after July 18th.While 17 million were vaccinated in the first round, it was reduced to 14 million in the second round and in the third round it was reduced to 8 million people.The President said that only 22,623 people have been vaccinated in the 4th round, adding that people should be redirected for proper vaccination, with emphasis on Western Province."There are currently 8 million vaccines in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); MP Nimal Siripala de Silva was sworn in as the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation before the President, today (02).The appointment comes after his resignation from the position following an investigation into allegations of bribery.A three-member commission was appointed following the allegation, which handed over the relevant report after releasing him from the relevant charges.

Arnold DiBlasi, 71 BURLINGTON COUNTY, N.J. - Officials say a 71-year-old man was arrested after he was found with thousands of child sexual abuse materials.Arnold DiBlasi, of Marlton, is charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.DiBlasi, the former youth director at Holy Eucharist Parish in Cherry Hill, reportedly distributed more than 11,000 files of child sexual abuse material to 30 people.He was arrested at his home on July 26 after an investigation began in May.

PHILADELPHIA - A crash on Roosevelt Boulevard turned deadly when the driver of a motorcycle was killed Monday night.Police say a speeding Suzuki Samurai collided with a Cadillac that was exiting a parking lot onto the 7200 block of Roosevelt Boulevard in Castor.The motorcycle driver, identified as 30-year-old Guilherme Almerique-Almeida, reportedly lost control when it sideswiped the vehicle.He was pronounced dead on the scene after being ejected from the motorcycle, according to police.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The immigration department has seized the passport of a young British national, accusing her of sharing information about the peoples protest through social media.The department said that her passport was taken into custody for violating visa conditions.Accordingly, she has been informed to visit to the Immigration and Emigration Department within 07 days for an investigation.The Immigration Department mentioned that the next course of action will be decided after the investigation.The young woman, Kayleigh Fraser, had posted information about the peoples protest via Instagram.

WASHINGTON - A bill that would enhance health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits hit a snag in the Senate last week, angering advocates like comedian Jon Stewart who say help from the government is long overdue.Lawmakers have been hearing increasingly from constituents with respiratory illnesses and cancers that they attribute to serving near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military used the pits to dispose of such things as chemicals, cans, tires, plastics and medical and human waste.Veteran groups say service members who were exposed to the pits have waited long enough for enhanced health benefits, and lawmakers largely agree.

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (L) meets Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on Aug. 1 2022 in Singapore.

PHILADELPHIA - Are you on the job hunt? A massive hiring event is kicking off at a very familiar Philadelphia arena on Tuesday.Wells Fargo Center is hosting a job fair Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

monkeypox infection include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, myalgia, lack of energy, and lesions. WHO said, "Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks."  Many patients who are infected with monkeypox are also complaining of symptoms like Rectal pain and penile oedema (painless, non-tender swelling of the penis) The British Medical Journal last month pointed out though virus has been known since 1958 (the first case in humans came to the fore in 1970), some observation suggests a “new clinical course to the disease", i.e. new symptoms.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 3-Hours from 03rd -05th August as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-Hour and 40-Minutes during daytime 1-Hour and 20-Minutes during the nightGroup CC: 2-Hour and 30-Minutes from 6.00 AM to 8.30 AMGroups MNOXYZ: 3-Hours from 5.30 AM to 8.30 AM

on TikTok.  Officer Lance Hofmeister with the Murfreesboro Police Department figured he was just doing his job when he helped escort 84-year-old Elizabeth Goode to her hair appointment in April. But unbeknownst to him, his good deed did not go unnoticed.

DENVER, Col. - A wealthy dentist accused of fatally shooting his wife in the heart with a shotgun at the end of an African safari was found guilty of murder and mail fraud on Monday.A jury of six men and six women reached the verdict for Lawrence "Larry" Rudolph following a three week trial and a day and a half of deliberations.Rudolph, 67, was charged with foreign murder in the 2016 death of Bianca Rudolph in Zambia as well as mail fraud for cashing in $4.8 million in life insurance claims in what prosecutors describe as a premeditated crime. Some of the money was paid out of Colorado so he was tried in Denver federal court.He faces a maximum term of life in prison or the death penalty when he is sentenced in February.Rudolph maintained his innocence and the two adult children he had with his wife sat in court to support him during the trial.

FILE - The sunrise illuminates passengers waiting at Gates F. Passengers in Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal in Toronto on July 22, 2022.

Pedestrian killed by car in Burlington County.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Election Commission has decided to summon all the political parties that are represented in the Parliament.The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney-at-law Nimal Punchihewa said that a meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday (8) at 10.00 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Power and Energy said Government vehicles, organisations, and Businesses are expected to use the National Fuel Pass QR System standard methods to register each vehicle with a separate Mobile number & ID card, Passport, or Business Registration Number of the vehicle driver or any user of the vehicle.From the 12th of August, Govt institutes, Organizations & Businesses with multiple vehicles will be able to register with One BRN or Code Assigned to them & With just one specific Mobile number for all their vehicles. The temporary QR obtained should be deleted when doing so, said the Ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st); During an inspection conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) six suspects have been arrested at Katunayake Airport with a stock of gold and mobile phones brought to Sri Lanka without paying customs duty.The CID seized 3kg and 158g of gold and 39 mobile phones in the possession of the suspects.Among the suspects, there were four men and two women aged between 45 and 51 and residents of Akurana, Negombo, and Trincomalee.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry briefed the Colombo-based Ambassadors and High Commissioners on key developments following the election of the new President and the formation of the new Government, at his first briefing of the diplomatic corps on Monday 1 August 2022 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The Minister outlined the recent political developments in Sri Lanka leading up to the election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as well as the formation of the interim Government. The related processes had taken place within a democratic constitutional framework. The Foreign Minister reiterated the commitment of the President to speedily resolve the economic challenges faced by the country in discussion with all relevant partners in the international community as a matter of the highest priority. The Foreign Minister extended his deep appreciation to the international community for the assistance being extended to Sri Lanka to address issues of relevance in the current socio-economic context.Elaborating on the broad-based, consultative approach adopted by the President in addressing the current challenges, the Foreign Minister referred to ongoing discussions on forming an all-party Government.

Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper's ill health has been the topic of concern as of late after worried fans took to social media to ask for an update.The Good Morning Britain presenter has been caring for her spouse, 54, since his Covid-19 battle back in March 2020 which left him in a critical condition - making him one of the country's longest-suffering patients after he spent 13 months in hospital. However, since the star, 55, returned back to her ITV duties on August 1 - following Derek's recent hospital dash with severe sepsis several weeks ago, fans of GMB have been tweeting their concern for the star. A topic about Archie Battersbee, a young boy who has been the subject of a health debate after campaigns to keep his life support switched on, sparked further concern about Kate's wellbeing.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India's defence and security establishment is closely following the planned visit of a Chinese space and satellite tracking research vessel to the Hambantota Port next week, sources familiar with the development said on Monday.There are apprehensions about the possibility of the vessel's tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian installations while being on their way to the Sri Lankan port.People familiar with the development said though the Chinese vessel 'Yuan Wang 5' is not a military platform, the visit could also be a precursor to similar forays by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships to the island nation."It is a development that could have implications for India's security interests and we are keenly monitoring the proposed visit," said one of the people cited above.The Chinese ship is reportedly visiting Hambantota Port from August 11 to 17, weeks after Sri Lanka witnessed a major political turmoil following massive mass protests over the country's worst economic crisis in decades.It is learned that the Indian Navy would closely follow the journey as well as the stay of the ship in Sri Lankan waters.The ties between India and Sri Lanka had come under strain after Colombo permitted a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine to dock in one of its ports in 2014. It is understood that India has already apprised Sri Lanka about its concerns over the proposed visit of the Chinese vessel to the Hambantota Port.

PHILADELPHIA - Homicide detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting in Hunting Park. According to authorities, officers received a 911 call for gunshots and a shooting just before midnight on the 3800 block of N Fairhill Street. Police say a 32-year-old man was found lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds to his back and leg. Medics pronounced him dead at 12:06 a.m., authorities say. Chief Inspector Scott Small says seven spent shell casings were found a few feet away from the victim. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESInvestigators believe the shooter was standing very close to the 32-year-old, according to officials. Police say two unattended parked cars were also struck by gunfire. According to authorities, a witness said three people wearing masks pulled up, walked to the victim and one of them shot the victim multiple times. The trio then got back in the car and fled north on the 3800 block of N Fairhill Street, per officials. Police say the investigation is active and ongoing. 

NEW DELHI: Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Ltd. (formerly known as Max Bupa Health Insurance) has announced a new offering - Smart Health+ Disease Management Rider - for its ReAssure customers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Trade and Commerce says there is NO shortage of essential goods in the country.Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce S.T.

Visitors to Hong Kong's annual exhibition of global gourmet food will once again not be allowed to sample the delicacies due to coronavirus curbs, the organiser has said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy has kept 48 relief teams on standby as of the morning of 02nd August 2022, to provide relief to the people who would be vulnerable to flash floods, with the possible rise of the water levels of rivers, due to heavy downpour reported in several parts of the island.As per the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Western, Southern, and Northwestern Naval Commands have kept ready 27, 08, and 13 relief teams respectively for flood relief duties.Meanwhile, the Navy deployed 02 flood relief teams in the New Town of Rathnapura and rushed another team to Muwagama in Rathnapura on the evening of 01st August 2022.In addition, navy flood relief teams have been kept on standby for prompt deployment, in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre.

This Morning, Fletcher revealed that he had lost all of his trademark grey hair due to alopecia areata. Reassuring fans that he now finds his new look "fun", the actor admitted that producers of the show initially tried to hide his diagnosis of the autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss by claiming his character Dr Kennedy had a dodgy hair product fail. Away from the soap, using his social media accounts, Fletcher explained that alopecia was the root cause of his "patchy hair loss".

intranasal Covid-19 vaccine in August this year, informed Chairman and Managing Director of BBIL, Krishna Ella as quoted by news agency PTI. He said that the vaccine manufacturing plant of BBIL (Bharat Biotech International Limited) in Gujarat's Ankleshwar is one of the two plants in the world that can manufacture monkeypox vaccine. BBIL's another plant is in Bavarian Nordic, Germany.

The central government reviewed the covid-19 situation in 115 districts of nine states showing an upsurge in cases and positivity and flagged concerns regarding low levels of testing and vaccination. Covid cases in India declined sharply with 13,734 new infections and 34 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. The country has 1,39,792 active cases so far with 4.40 crore covid cases reported in the last 2 years.

Also Read: Long COVID symptoms: How brutal can post-coronavirus complications get? Watch Covid-19 is known to invade and infect the brain, among other major organs, the researchers said. The coronavirus infection can cause long-term and irreversible neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in the elderly and other vulnerable populations, they said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (1) assured newly elected Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena of India's continued support to the island nation in a congratulatory letter.He also expressed that he hopes Sri Lanka will witness quick economic recovery ensuring the prosperity and well-being of its people.

COLOMBO (News 1st); According to International reports, Yuan Wang 5, a Chinese vessel involved in space and satellite tracking, will dock at Sri Lanka’s southern Hambantota Port from August 11 to 17.   India has raised the scheduled visit of a Chinese research vessel to a Sri Lankan port with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after the Ministry of Defence in Colombo confirmed the ship’s arrival, despite New Delhi giving a “clear message” on its concerns.While there is no official statement so far from either the Indian mission in Colombo, or the President’s office in this regard, the matter “was raised at the highest level by the Indian side,” an official source in Colombo, familiar with the development, told  The Hindu on Monday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Active southwest monsoon conditions are expected to continue further.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths confirmed yesterday (1) is as follows;Total number of COVID-19 infections so far: 665739Number of new infections reported on Monday (1): 108Number of new deaths reported on Monday (1): 6

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) summoned the Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF) DIG Waruna Jayasundera and Director STF, SSP Romesh Liyanage, and SSP D "S" Wickremasinghe of the Special Investigation Unit to make statements relating to the assault on the media personnel of the 'sirasa' news channel on the 9th of July 2022 at and near 5th I-ane Colombo 03.The investigation revealed that SSP Romesh Liyanage was the Unit Commander deployed for security at and near the private residence of the current President on 5th Lane. There were 140 STF personnel under the Command of SSP Liyanage" It is also not in doubt that the media personnel posed no threat to the Police on that day" And the assault on the media was unjustified and intentional after being identified as media personnel by the STF and Police.These officers of the STF who had assaulted tl-re media were under the direct command of SSp f-iyanage.