Government will not be pressured by protests – President

Also Read: Covid, Influenza cases rising in India in past few days: Do we need to worry? The country’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 5,30,775, while the active cases increased to 3,076, the data updated at 8 am stated. The infection tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,88,693).

Nurses suffering from Long Covid have told how their lives and careers have been left in ruins after picking up the virus as they cared for others.

PHILADELPHIA - A woman accused of shooting another woman several times in the bathroom of a Philadelphia bar has been taken into custody, according to police. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 4700 block of Rising Sun Avenue around 9 p.m. for reports of a shooting inside the bar. Witnesses told responding officers that they heard gunshots shortly after two women entered the bar's bathroom, and one woman exited the bathroom and left the bar. Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters that the shooting victim was driven to Temple University Hospital with three gunshot wounds and immediately taken to surgery. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESBar patrons provided police a description of the alleged shooter which helped officers find the 39-year-old suspect about two blocks away.

PAOLI, Pa. - A Pennsylvania teenager is turning his passion for fixing bicycles into a charitable effort to donate bikes to less fortunate children. Dom Pecora, a 14-year-old 8th grader at Valley Forge Middle School, started fixing bikes when he was just 10. What started as a way to make money for a $2,500 mountain bike that his mom was not willing to buy soon blossomed into an obsessive hobby -- even after he saved up enough for his dream-bike."I still wanted to fix bikes, it was a passion," Dom told FOX 29's Dawn Timmeny.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A Polk State College student and a flight instructor were among four killed after two small planes collided mid-air in Winter Haven Tuesday afternoon. The crash prompted a large response from local first responders. The scene began unfolding on Lake Hartridge near Winter Haven Regional Airport.

BATON ROUGE, Ga. - Investigators in Baton Rouge want to talk to the person who may have been the last to see a 42-year-old Georgia man alive.The body of Nathan Millard, a Covington resident, was found Monday behind a shuttered funeral home wrapped in a rug and plastic, according to several Louisiana news sources.The Baton Rouge Police Department held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to give an update in the case.Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy J. Paul, Jr.

Christine Taylor has opened up about reconciling with Ben Stiller over the pandemic.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A subway rider is grateful to be alive and well after escaping harm when a ceiling panel fell inside a train station. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority shared video of the March 1 incident at the Harvard Station in Cambridge.The video showed the panel narrowly missing the commuter as it plummeted to the ground. It's estimated the piece weighed approximately 25 pounds. RELATED: Southwest passengers say plane shook 'like crazy' causing some to vomitThe MBTA said its findings suggested that water had built up in the panel insulation, which was installed around 1980.

travellers from China from 5 January 2023 due to surge of infections. It had stated that all travellers to the US from China will be required to take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight.  China was battered with a surge in cases after it abruptly abandoned its zero-COVID policy in early December, unleashing the virus on its 1.4 billion population.

PHOENIX - Over three months after a family of five was found dead inside a north Phoenix home, the medical examiner has released the cause of deaths a woman and her three children who were allegedly killed by the woman's husband.Phoenix Fire HAZMAT crews and police officers responded to a home near 7th Avenue and Northernbecause of areported "hazardous situation" and a possible unresponsive person just after 8 a.m. on Nov.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that they say happened at the basketball courts inside a Mayfair park Monday night. Just after 6 p.m., police responded to Russo Playground, located on the 7300 block of Torresdale Avenue, for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a man who had been shot one time in the leg. The victim was transported to Jeanes Hospital where authorities say he was placed in stable condition. Authorities say no arrest was made, and no weapon was recovered. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department. 

Miocene Astoria Sandstone at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Oregon. Cape Lookout forms the peninsula in the background.

An American Airlines jet is seen in the air preparing to land September 3, 2004 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in Rosemont, Illinois. American Airlines announced December 10, 2004 that they will be raising domestic airfares $10 for round-t WASHINGTON - The Department of Transportation has announced a new online dashboard that will allow travelers to identify which airlines in the United States will seat children under 14 years old next to an accompanying adult at no additional cost. According to the department, a parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together "without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together." Currently American, Alaska and Frontier are the only airlines that offer fee-free family seating.United Airlines also announced in February that it changed its policy, which takes effect this month, to allow families to be seated together more easily and free of charge.

LOS ANGELES - During the pandemic, some 25.9% of parents lied about their kids’ COVID test results to prevent their kids from having to miss school and other activities, a new study has found.The survey, titled "Parental Nonadherence to Health Policy Recommendations for Prevention of COVID-19 Transmission Among Children," was published in the Jama Network Open. A team of researchers from universities in Iowa, Utah, Colorado, Connecticut and the U.K. conducted the study.Of the 580 U.S.

PHOENIX - As spring break travel gets underway, U.S. authorities are warning against traveling to parts of Mexico after news came down that four Americans went missing in the country – leaving two dead.The FBI office in San Antonio, Texas sounded the alarm, saying the Americans were fired upon, held at gunpoint, and appeared to be the victims of a kidnapping.Two of four Americans abducted in Mexico are dead.

contracted the disease. At that time, it was not known whether cats could potentially worsen the spread of COVID-19 and officials in the U.K. contemplated mass euthanization. "In fact, there was an idea at one moment that we may have to ask the public to exterminate all the cats in Britain," Bethell revealed. According to a 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, about 24% of adults in the U.K.

PHILADELPHIA - You may notice more dogs on the street as you walk around University City, thanks to a new service dog program launched at the University of Pennsylvania that provides military members with a therapy dog.The program, a partnership with the nonprofit, Warrior Canine Connection, describes its work as "mission-based trauma recovery," where Veterans get to interact with dogs from birth through adulthood, training them to act as service dogs for fellow service men and women.Paula Crawford-Gamble, nurse and retired captain in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, who now leads Penn's Veterans Care Excellence Program, spearheaded the initiative at Penn.

Twitter, says he was left in the dark about his employment status at the social media company after access to his work computer was cut.After nine days of no clear answer, he publicly tweeted at Twitter’s CEO Elon Musk. Their ensuing conflict quickly went viral online, culminating in Musk questioning the man’s disability and Thorleifsson eventually learning that his employment had been terminated.The bizarre interaction began with Thorleifsson asking Musk on Twitter if he still had a job, after he and allegedly 200 others had access to their work computers axed over a week prior.

More than 125 acres in the Stafford Forge Management Area in Little Egg Harbor Township have been scorched in a wildfire that officials say is still 0% contained.  LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP., N.J. - More than 125 acres in the Stafford Forge Management Area in Little Egg Harbor Township have been scorched in a wildfire that officials say is still 0% contained. Shortly before 1 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service alerted that crews were responding to an active wildfire off Route 539. After hours of battling the flames, fire officials begun a backfiring operation to aid in containment as the fire quickly spread and threatened 16 nearby structures. Local volunteer fire companies are on scene providing structure support as the fire fully engulfs several dozen acres of land.As of 3 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service alerted that the fire is still rapidly spreading and is not at all contained. Route 539 between Forge and Warren Grove roads are closed as a result of the fire. 

Carnival Sunshine (Credit: Carnival Corp.) CHARLESTON, S.C. - Carnival Cruise Line believes the recent death of a female passenger was the result of a medical condition. "While we continue to cooperate with authorities, all indications pertaining to the death of a guest on board Carnival Sunshine suggest that it was a natural death due to a medical condition," spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in a statement to FOX Television Stations. "It appears that this was indeed a medical situation that sadly resulted in the death of a guest," the statement continued. RELATED: FBI investigating death of woman onboard Carnival cruise shipThe FBI is continuing its investigation into the woman's death. The woman died onboard the Carnival Sunshine over the weekend. Lupoli said first responders onboard the ship immediately came to assistance. The company said the deceased guest and her husband were debarked in Nassau, Bahamas. According to the company, the Carnival Sunshine sails from either Charleston, South Carolina, or Norfolk, Virginia, destined for the Bahamas.

HONG KONG - A gruesome murder case that happened in the former British colony of Hong Kong has sent shockwave throughout Asia and the rest of the world.According to officials with the Hong Kong Police Force, four people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Abby Choi, a model and social media influencer who was known amongst the city's rich and famous.Here's what you should know about the murder.(This story contains details that some may find disturbing. Discretion is advised)While statements issued by officials with the Hong Kong Police Force did not identify the victim, Hong Kong English newspaper South China Morning Post (SCMP) has identified the victim as Abby Choi Tin-fung.The Associated Press, along with Hong Kong Chinese news website HK01, have also identified the victim as Abby Choi.According to Hong Kong Police, Choi was last seen during the afternoon hours on this day.In an article published by SCMP, it is stated that Choi was set to pick up a daughter she had with her ex-husband, but the child was never picked up.A missing person's report, according to police, was filed on Feb.

The Delaware State Police announced the arrest of a man who they say tried to disarm a state trooper while he was intoxicated at a school in New Castle County.  NEWARK, Del. - The Delaware State Police announced the arrest of a man who they say tried to disarm a state trooper while he was intoxicated at a school in New Castle County. On Monday, at around 2:30 p.m., troopers responded to the Christ the Teacher Catholic School located on Frazer Road in Newark for reports of a disorderly and intoxicated man. Arriving troopers found the subject, later identified as Joseph Twisler, 47, of Brookhaven, Pa., passed out on the sidewalk in front of the chapel.

THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW -- Episode 1151 -- Pictured: Mike Epps -- (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS - Actor and comedian Mike Epps could be in legal trouble after he was found bringing a loaded handgun into the Indianapolis International Airport over the weekend. According to a report obtained by FOX Television Stations, on March 5, an officer responded to a firearms claim at one of the airport's checkpoints after a screening showed a gun inside a backpack. 52-year-old Epps was the owner of the bag and told the officer he was in town from Los Angeles for a show at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

FILE - Marijuana plants at the mausoleum for reggae musician Peter Tosh (1944 - 1987) in the grounds of his former house in Belmont, Jamaica, June 3, 2011. (Kevin Cummins/Getty Images)OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma voters will decide Tuesday whether to make the state one of the most conservative to green light cannabis use for adults.State Question 820, the result of a signature gathering drive last year, is the only item on the statewide ballot.

PHILADELPHIA - Three people became the targets of two shootings within a two-hour span, and now officials say the man who pulled the trigger is in custody.Quiseer Russell is accused of carrying out the shootings, which began at Dilworth Plaza just before midnight on February 13.A 29-year-old uniformed security guard told investigators he was working when a group entered the plaza after hours. Police say the unarmed guard tried to get the group to leave, but one man refused, and a physical altercation broke out.Video shared by police shows the guard punching Russell once before the suspect pulls out a handgun and fires two shots at the guard.The bullet struck a window on a nearby café at the plaza, missing the guard.MORE HEADLINES:About two hours later, officials say Russell and two unknown males engaged in another altercation with two men at Broad and Snyder streets.When they pursued Russell by vehicle, the suspect fired one round into the vehicle, according to officials. The bullet hit one of the men in the leg.Russell was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and related offenses in connection to both shootings.

oe Biden speaks at the International Association of Fire Fighters legislative conference in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, March 6, 2023. The Biden administration is nearing completion of an executive order that would restrict investments by US compa WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program's solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults.In his plan, Biden is overtly declaring that the wealthy ought to shoulder a heavier tax burden.

Two Americans whose abduction in Mexico was captured in a video that showed them caught in a cartel shootout have been found dead, officials said Tuesday. Two others who were kidnapped with them were found alive, with one wounded.

block JetBlue Airways' $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines, saying Tuesday that the deal would reduce competition and drive up air fares for consumers.The Justice Department said the tie-up would especially hurt cost-conscious travelers who depend on Spirit to find cheaper options than they can find on JetBlue and other airlines.Attorney General Merrick Garland held a news conference to announce the antitrust lawsuit — a sign of the importance that the administration places on stopping further consolidation in the airline industry."If allowed to proceed, this merger will limit choices and drive up ticket prices for passengers across the country" and "eliminate Spirit's unique and disruptive role in the industry," he said.The Justice Department lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Boston, stressed that the deal would mean the end of the nation's biggest "ultra-low-cost carrier." Those are airlines that generally provide the cheapest fares but also tend to charge more fees.The Justice Department lawyers said Spirit's demise would eliminate about half of all ultra-low-cost seats in the market.New York, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia joined the lawsuit. JetBlue and Spirit vowed to continue fighting to salvage their agreement.JetBlue and Spirit have anticipated a legal challenge for weeks.

Channel 4 show Mucky Mansion. Katie turns her attention to her outside space tonight and sprucing up her garden, but a trip to a garden centre turns into a nightmare when she spots a photographer. As she picks up some compost, she notices the photographer and warns him she will call the police because he's "stalking" her.

TEMPE, Ariz. - New details surrounding the arrest of a man for allegedly committing a sexual act at the Tempe Town Lake area on Mar. 5 have been released.According to court documents, 30-year-old Jonathen Baxter is accused of public sexual indecency in connection with the incident, which happened during the afternoon hours of Mar.

HOUSTON - Two podcasters were filming their latest episode at a Houston coffee shop Saturday when a car crashed into the window right behind them. The incident was all caught on camera and fortunately, both men walked away with minor scratches.MORE UNUSUAL STORIESThe freak accident happened around 4:30 p.m.

FILE - In this photo illustration lie two asthma inhalers in a handbag on Feb. 3, 2021 in Bonn, Germany.

In Niger, a COVID-19 vaccination team heads out into the countryside to reach people outside their clinic. ©WHO

Colombo (News 1st) – State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath stated that Sri Lanka is in need of an Online Safety Act to regulate social media.He made these comments during an adjournment motion presented by the ruling faction highlighting the importance of regulating social media and formulating relevant laws in Parliament on Tueday (07)."SLCERT is empowered to regulate this. They will initiate a program in this regard.

Pennsylvania who went missing more than 30 years ago and was legally declared dead has turned up, very much alive, in a nursing home in Puerto Rico.Patricia Kopta, 83, was last seen by her family in Pittsburgh in 1992, according to a missing person flyer posted by the Pennsylvania Emergency Response Center. At the time, she was a well-known street preacher known as “The Sparrow” because of her slight build.Her husband Bob Kopta reported her missing in 1992, noting it wasn’t uncommon for his wife to leave for short periods of time.

Colombo (News 1st) – The International Monetary Fund announced on Tuesday (07) that Sri Lanka has received financial assurances from all its major bilateral creditors. This paves the way for the IMF Board to consider the approval of the Staff Level Agreement for financing under the Extended Fund Facility on March 20.Earlier in the day, China gave assurances that it will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring, clearing the biggest hurdle for the nation to secure a USD 2.9 billion bailout from the IMF. The IMF approval for a USD 2.9 billion loan depended on financial assurance from all Sri Lankan creditors.

FILE - Rachael Ray speaks onstage at the 46th annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Pasadena Civic Center on May 05, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)After 17 years of cooking delicious food and interviewing celebrities to entertain the masses, Rachael Ray is saying goodbye to her talk show, "Rachael Ray." "In my more than 20 plus years in television I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all citizens, including politicians, professionals, teachers, those engaged in agriculture, the business community, and members of the security forces, police and civil servants, to work together to overcome the current economic crisis and promote reconciliation efforts.He was speaking at an event at Royal College, Colombo that was held to honour President Wickremesinghe, who is an alumnus of Royal College. The President called upon the present generation of Royalists to dedicate themselves to serving the country and transforming it into a place where they would like to reside. He urged young Royalists to take up the challenge and shape the future of the nation."We have two difficult tasks in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible replacing the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (20).He stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy."More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the officials to speed up the Minipe Left Bank Canal Rehabilitation Project (MLBCRP), which has been delayed for over three years owing to various reasons, and to provide its benefits to the farmers before the next Maha Season.The President provided these instructions on Sunday (19) while joining an observation tour of the Minipe Anicut construction site.President Wickremesinghe, after inspecting the plan of the project, also inquired from the engineers about the operation of the project.The President also pointed out the possibility of obtaining the support of the students of engineering faculties in Sri Lanka for the future work of the project.The existing anicut is not sufficient to release water to the left and right bank canals when water is released twice a day from the Rantambe Hydro Power Plant during peak demand for electricity. Due to this, in order to provide more reliable and continuous water supply to Minipe agricultural lands, the Minipe Dam was raised by 3.5 meters and the renovation of the 74 kilometers-long main canal on the left bank of Minipe, was commenced.After the reconstruction of the Minipe Anicut, constant water supply to farmers will be ensured and the cultivation land on both sides of the left bank of Minipe could be cultivated without obstruction in the Yala-Maha Seasons while providing benefits to 15,000 farmer families.The cost of the project is Rs. 3,000 million and the construction work is carried out by China Gexhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC).Minipe Anicut, which was built in 1948, was last renovated in 1980.

During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on February 16th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) EFF loan is expected to be received in March. The President also mentioned that the possibility of reducing bank interest rates is being considered in line with the gradual drop of inflation rate.The discussion was aimed at identifying the issues faced by small and large-scale rice mill owners and finding solutions to resolve them. The rice mill owners brought up the fact that the production cost of a kilogram of rice has increased due to various factors, including the rise in fuel prices, electricity charges, machinery maintenance costs, transportation costs, and all other production and administrative expenses.They noted that they would incur losses by selling their product at the current market price as it is lower than the production cost.The rice mill owners also pointed out the difficulty of paying a high interest rate of 28% on bank loans taken to purchase paddy. It was mentioned that the production cost of a kilogram of paddy has increased due to the rapid increase in prices of the agricultural inputs for paddy cultivation.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in the city of Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahara on February 19th, after 34 years.The procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19th. It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuvara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Power & Energy Minister & relevant officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply is made available for electricity customers once the PUCSL tariff revision is implemented.The President's Media Division also said that the President gave directives to provide concessions for low-income families and provide solar rooftop systems for religious places & government educational institutions when the new tariff revision comes into effect.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission has informed the Political Party Secretaries that it will not be able to direct the ballot papers for Postal Voting tomorrow (15), as previously planned. This was revealed by the Secretaries of the Political Parties who met with the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14) morning.Earlier, Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the current state of affairs surrounding the election will be discussed at the meeting. Election Monitors were also summoned for this meeting.The Secretaries of the Political Parties  revealed that the National Election Commission is yet to decide on whether or not the Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023. They also noted that the National Election Commission is likely to face an issue concerning the Ballot Papers required for postal voting.Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary for the United National Party told reporters that the UNP has never called for a delay in elections."How can one even ask for funds from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after he took over a country that was literally bankrupt," he told the media while leaving the National Election Commission premises.He said that based on the meeting with the NEC it is likely the election would be delayed."If the government says it does not have the funds, if the Government Printer says it cannot print the ballot papers without payment, it is the National Election Commission that needs to decide on the matter," he added.Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya told reporters that the National Election Commission had given an undertaking to go ahead with

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.