Domestic violence hotline calls remain steady in pandemic, but are more 'intense'

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka announced power cuts for Friday (25).Power Cuts of 4 hours and 40 minutes will be experienced for areas A,B ,C.Power Cuts of 5 hours and 15 minutes will be experienced for other areas.

The Queen has postponed two more virtual audiences after she contracted Covid, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Queen, 95, has postponed two virtual engagements after testing positive for Covid-19. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been experiencing "mild cold-like symptoms" since coming down with the bug earlier this month.

Queen Elizabeth II is still not up for participating in her royal duties as she battles COVID-19. The 95-year-old British monarch was diagnosed over the weekend, and has since had to cancel several virtual appearances. On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty was once again foregoing two virtual audiences to focus on her health. The Palace shared that the audiences have been moved to a later date as she continues to isolate with COVID. «Her Majesty is continuing with light duties,» the Palace shared in a statement, noting that no other engagements are currently scheduled for this week. ET did learn that the queen spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson by telephone on Wednesday evening.

WESTAMPTON, N.J. - Firefighters are responding to a 2-alarm fire in Westampton, New Jersey. According to officials, the fire broke out just after 5:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. SKYFOX was over the active scene of the home as firefighters work to put it out. Two people were transported to the hospital. AdvertisementThis is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating a double homicide in Strawberry Mansion that took place on Wednesday night.According to police, officers responded to a call for gunshots around 10:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of West Arizona. When authorities arrived at the address, they found a car that appeared to have crashed into a parked van.Two men, one in the driver seat and one in the front passenger seat, were found with gunshot wounds to the head inside of the car, police say.Medics pronounced both of them dead at the scene.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" in the country while warning those who attempt to intervene would lead to "consequences they have never seen.""I have a few words for those who could feel tempted to interfere with ongoing developments: whoever tries to impede us, let alone create threats for our country and its people must know that the Russian response will be immediate and lead to the consequences you have never seen in history," Putin said.Images from journalists on the ground captured Russian troops and military vehicles advancing through Ukraine. Explosions were reported in several cities in addition to Kharkiv, including Kyiv and Odessa.Russian military tanks and armored vehicles advance in Donetsk, Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

KYIV, Ukraine - The Russian military announced early Thursday morning that it has knocked out Ukraine’s air defense assets and airbases, according to the Associated Press.The Russian Defense Ministry said the Russian strikes have "suppressed air defense means of the Ukrainian military," adding that the infrastructure of Ukraine’s military bases has been incapacitated." It denied the claims that a Russian warplane was shot down over Ukraine.The Ukrainian military, meanwhile, reported that it has shot down five Russian aircraft while fending off the Russian attack on the country.Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he unleashed an attack on Ukraine in a televised address early Thursday, drawing international condemnation.In response to the initial attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will be imposing martial law in response to the Russian invasion of the country."This morning Russia launched a new military operation against our state. This is an unjustified deceitful and cynical invasion," Zelenskyy said.He continued:"There are strikes on military and other important defense facilities, border units are under attack, the situation in the Donbas has degraded.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

MAMAMOO vocalist Solar has tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by her label RBW Entertainment.RBW confirmed in a statement to XSports News earlier today (February 24), announcing that the singer had contracted the virus following her PCR test taken after coming into close contact with another COVID-19 patient on February 23.“Solar completed the third dose of her COVID-19 vaccine, and she has currently halted all activities and is taking the necessary measures as well as getting rest in keeping with guidelines set by government health authorities,” the statement read, as translated by Soompi.Shortly after the news broke, Solar took to her personal Instagram to address and reassure her fans of her ongoing recovery “Thank you for worrying about me. I’ll take this [as a sign] to promote in a healthier way before my solo album comes out.

Sports Kyunghang announcing the actor’s recent diagnosis and current health condition.“As a preemptive measure, Park Seo-joon carried out tests using self-testing kits before moving to all his filming sets,” Awesome ENT wrote, as translated by Soompi. “Before proceeding to his scheduled activity last week, he tested positive using a self-testing kit, so after carrying out a PCR test, he ultimately received a positive test on February 19.”Awesome ENT went on to clarify that the Itaewon Class star had already been triple-vaccinated against the virus prior to his diagnosis, and had halted all his scheduled activities from February 18 as a safety precaution.“[Park Seo-joon] is taking the necessary measures to quarantine and receive treatment in keeping with the guidelines set by government health authorities,” the statement read.

As the so-called “Freedom Convoy” comes to an end in Ottawa, Canadians remain divided on how they feel about the protests.

Blaire Wortley just wanted to make a connection. Instead, she found herself uncovering a online dating scam involving a man police say swindled more than $25,000 from dozens of victims.

On Wednesday, Ukraine declared a state of emergency Wednesday as it prepares for a possible attack from the Kremlin. As Kamil Karamali reports, Ukrainian-Canadians watching the crisis unfold are fearing for their loved one’s safety.

A Calgary man faces dozens of fraud- and theft-related charges stemming from complaints in Alberta and BC. Tomasia DaSilva spoke to some of his alleged victims.

Explosions were seen near Kharkiv, Ukraine, early on the morning of February 24, as Russia announced expanded military operations in the country.

With the Kremlin’s troops already moving in, and no signs of de-escalation despite sanctions, Ukraine is sending urgent pleas for help to stop a war with Russia.

A couple in Mission says their young daughter was subjected to a lesson she should have never had to learn. They say the mixed race kindergartener was brought up to the front of the room during a lesson on slavery, and used as an example.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine, telling the West not to intervene in what appeared to be the beginning of war in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law and confirmed military strikes have been reported across the country.

BURLINGTON, N.J. - As COVID-19 cases continue to wane, some states have started shifting to an endemic approach that will bring life closer to pre-pandemic normal.In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday that he will no longer hold planned coronavirus briefings that have been part the state's COVID-19 attack plan. "As we move into our new normal and transition from a pandemic stance to endemic one, there is no longer the need for us to gather at a set time every week," Murphy said in a tweet. The state will also drop its school mask mandate on Mar.

There is a growing chorus of condemnation from world leaders and diplomats after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation into eastern Ukraine on Thursday.

A couple in Mission, B.C., is speaking out after they say their young daughter was singled out in a lesson in kindergarten class.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters.The apprehension was made in northern waters of Sri Lanka, during a patrol carried out on the night of 23rd February 2022.Considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and threats to the biodiversity of the country’s marine environment, the Navy has been conducting regular patrols and operations to curb such illegal activities of foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.The apprehension was made during a patrol carried out by a Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Northern Naval Command in Sri Lankan waters north of Kankasanthurai and northwest of Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna.Thus, the Navy took hold of the 02 Indian trawlers with 22 Indian fishermen while practicing the illegal fishing method known as ‘bottom trawling’ in island waters, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The Navy also seized a stock fish caught illegally by this fishing method.The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols and arrangements are being made to hand over the Indian poaching vessels and fishermen held in the operation to relevant authorities.Including the 02 Indian trawlers seized, the Navy took hold of 08 Indian fishing vessels with 51 fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters, thus far in the month of February 2022.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy remains committed to carry out regular operations with a view to safeguard the security in Sri Lankan waters while protecting the fishery resources of the country and the livelihood of local fishermen.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board announced on Wednesday (23) that Colombo will experience Power Cuts from Thursday (24).Accordingly, Colombo 1 to 15 will also be included in the scheduled power cuts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an early Thursday (24) morning address in Moscow, announced that Russia would launch a military action in Ukraine. NBC News reported that explosions were heard in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.The United Nations Security Council had just convened an emergency meeting Wednesday night.Earlier, European and U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has said that necessary measures have been taken to ensure there is no shortage in the supply of essential goods to the country.Speaking at the meeting with state officials at the Presidential Secretariat chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (23), the Finance Minister said a mechanism is also in place to inquire into the shortcomings at the regional level and obtain information via the Divisional Secretariats.The meet was held to raise awareness on the government’s forward plans, and speaking at the meeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa noted that it is his aspiration that all state institutions commit to serving the general public.“A majority of the public servants wish to work. What is required is supervision, guidance, and encouragement and that will lead to a productive service,” the President told the meeting.He stressed the need for Governors, and the Secretaries of Ministries, Provinces, and Districts, as well as all high-ranking state officials, to personally intervene to provide leadership in this effort.The President recalled the fact that he personally visits state offices and supervises them, called on the Governors and state officials to also visit all institutions under their purview and conduct inspections, whilst encouraging the staff.“We are here to ensure the people survive and the proper environment for that needs to be created.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine, telling the West not to intervene in what appeared to be the beginning of war in Europe.Putin said in an early televised speech Thursday the action was in response to threats coming from Ukraine, yet insisted Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy the country.He said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime,” telling fighters there to lay down their arms and surrender — though Putin admitted clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces are “inevitable” and “only a question of time.”The Russian leader warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” Russia says rebels need help in possible war pretext as Ukraine president pleads for peace Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called Putin’s move a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine” and said cities were being hit with military strikes.“This is a war of aggression,” he said on Twitter. “Ukraine will defend itself and will win.”Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

BRUSSELS - Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a military operation in Ukraine, and he is warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."U.S. President Joe Biden says the world will "hold Russia accountable."The Ukrainian president earlier rejected Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate plea for peace.Before Putin’s announcement, world leaders worked to maintain a united stance and vowed to impose tougher sanctions in the event of a full-fledged invasion.The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Wednesday night at Ukraine’s request.Here are the things to know about the conflict over Ukraine and the security crisis in Eastern Europe:PUTIN MAKES HIS MOVEPutin said the military operation was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a claim the U.S.

PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. - An Atlantic County town council on Wednesday voted to shut down a nightclub where a young man was assaulted before his body was found days later. Protesters marched through the streets of Pleasantville to the city hall where Pleasantville City Councilmembers voted to revoke Centerfolds Cabaret's Mercantile license.According to police, 19-year-old Irving Mayren-Guzman was assaulted in the parking lot of Centerfolds during the early morning hours of Jan.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. - New Jersey parents want answers after they claimed their young son came home from daycare with unexplained bruises.Shane Camardo said he pulled his 5-year-old son Cole, who has autism, out of Barclay Early Childhood Center in Cherry Hill due to safety concerns and a lack of communication."We just kind of hope and assumed it was from the playground," Shane said. "What I was told was 'No way he was on the playground it's a cold day' I said ‘well can you tell me how he came home with this bruising?’ That’s the last info I got."Camardo said this incident comes after he and his wife raised questions about treatment methods used on their son without their permission, including the use of ankle weights for extended periods of time."Any other kid can come home and say ‘Hey Dad, I had ankle weights on my ankle all day’ my kid cant," Camardo said.New Jersey parents are searching for answers after they claim their young son came home from daycare with unexplained bruises.

KYIV, Ukraine - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."He said the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine – a claim the U.S. had predicted he would falsely make to justify an invasionIn a televised address, Putin accused the U.S.

LOWER OXFORD TWP, Pa. - Authorities in Delaware County have made an arrest in the stabbing death of a Lincoln University student who was killed during a brawl at a dorm that injured two others.Delaware County District Attorney Deb Ryan and Lincoln University Police will hold a press conference Thursday to announce the arrest of 39-year-old Nydira Smith.Smith, a Philadelphia resident, is being charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jawine Evans during the dorm room brawl on Feb. 16. Officers responded to the campus in Lower Oxford Township around 9:30 p.m.

Ben Stiller is crediting the pandemic for his reconciliation with his wife, Christine Taylor. In a new interview with , Stiller opened up about directing  for Apple TV+ and what led to his reunion with Taylor after their separation in 2017.Stiller moved back into the family home when the pandemic began, so that he could see their children, Ella, 19 and Quinlin, 16, during the early stages of the lockdown, but before long, something shifted.«Over the course of time, it evolved,» he told the magazine. «We were separated and got back together and we’re happy about that.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

Justin Bieber answers a phone call on his way to a medical building in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon (February 23).

Now that Novovax has been approved in Canada, B.C. health officials hope it will convince some vaccine-hesitant people to get their shot. Keith Baldrey has the latest.

PHILADELPHIA - Police said a man was found fatally shot in the living room of an Overbrook Park home on Wednesday night. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of North 68th Street around 8 p.m. for reports of an unresponsive man. Police said the 48-year-old victim was in the first-floor living room with a gunshot wound to the head.

Omicron is the most highly contagious variant of COVID-19. Now a new study from Denmark looks at whether you can be reinfected with the same variant. Jamie Mauracher breaks down the new data.

Edmonton city councillors voted Wednesday to meet with members of the police commission behind closed doors, despite growing criticism of the police service. Breanna Karstens-Smith reports.

After being hit with a double whammy of slumping oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy and forestry industry driven town of Drayton Valley went bust over the last few years. But as restrictions ease and industry picks up, the western Alberta town is once again buzzing.

Bianco is a baseball coach for Cherry Hill National Athletic League and employs minors in his business, Bianco Landscaping Maintenance, LLC.

Palo Alto, California, resident Brian Hamachek was looking over a government website listing payouts for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last year. He immediately noted many businesses listed either didn't exist or greatly exaggerated their number of employees.He said he recognized fraud that an investigator in Washington would have no way of knowing, "such as, a restaurant that went out of business a couple of months before they got their loan, and they've never come back."Hamachek is a software engineer.

SAN FRANCISCO - A woman is dead and three others are in critical condition Wednesday morning after a fire in an overpass at a homeless encampment in San Francisco. The fire broke out in a confined space at around 1:15 a.m. inside an onramp at Bosworth Street and southbound Interstate 280.Initially three adults were rescued – all of them in critical condition.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Co-teachers at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 Marisa Wiezel (who is related to the photographer) and Caitlin Kenny give a lesson to their masked students in their classroom on September 27, 2021 in New York City.

Health Minister Adrian Dix announced on Wednesday, Feb. 23, that rapid antigen tests will be available to the general public beginning on Friday.

Increasing numbers of cases and hospitalisations are another reminder that vaccination is our best defence against the virus.

Google said on Wednesday it is giving employees in the Bay Area the option to return to office where possible, as COVID-19 cases ease in the United States.

Anthony Fauci said. Covid drugs like Pfizer Inc.’s Paxlovid that keep high-risk patients from hospitalization and death are becoming plentiful as production ramps up, Fauci said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “The Close."