NATO to increase troops in Eastern Europe with 4 new battlegroups, chief says

Seeking to avoid new spending, Congress is negotiating deal to redirect funds to pandemic health response

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police say an armed home intruder impersonating a police officer was shot and killed by a Mayfair resident Sunday night. Authorities say the shooting happened on the 7200 block of Battersby Street just after 10 p.m. Officers from the 15th District responded to the scene and found a man outside a doorway with gunshot wounds to the head, chest and arm, according to officials. Police say he was taken to Jefferson Torresdale hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:19 p.m. According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, the deceased victim, who had a fake police badge around his neck, and another man approached an apartment where a 25-year-old was coming out. Small says the two men said they were police officers and forced their way inside the apartment. Officials say the suspects threatened to shoot and kill the 25-year-old as they were attempting to zip tie his hands. When the resident realized the two men were not police officers, he pulled out his own gun and shot one of the suspects, killing him, authorities say. Police are investigating a shooting in Mayfair that turned deadly when a resident fatally shot an armed home intruder impersonating a police officer, authorities say.  The other suspect ran out and authorities are looking for him, according to police. Scott says six shell casings were found on the steps to the apartment. FOX 29's Steve Kelley spoke to the man who fatally shot one of the intruders, and he's encouraging everyone who legally can own a gun to purchase one to protect themselves in Philadelphia as crime surges. RELATED: Police: At least 20 people shot, 4 people dead in separate shootings across Philadelphia over the weekend"I pulled out and shot right at him and that's it,"

PHILADELPHIA - Despite public frustration and a pending lawsuit, Philadelphia is reinforcing its indoor mask mandate Monday. One week ago, Philadelphia's Department of Public Health announced the reinstatement of the city's indoor mask mandate after a rise in COVID-19 cases. The department said coronavirus cases increased by more than 50% in a ten-day span in the city where there's now an average of 142 new cases per day, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.

Kay Slay has died four months after being hospitalised with COVID.The news of the DJ’s death was revealed to HipHopDX by hip-hop promoter Van Silk, who confirmed that Kay Slay passed away yesterday (April 17). He was 55 years old.“Hip Hop lost a real gem,” Silk told the outlet. “My dear brother is gone.

A new Omicron variant is about 10 to 20% more transmissible, according to sequencing data from the UK, where more than 1,000 cases have been identified.

The Cold War era has been over for decades, but one sign of the times still stands on Canada’s West Coast. As Squire Barnes reports, it’s the last remnant of the peace movement that swept the city of Vancouver nearly 40 years ago.

Rick Hiemstra, director of research at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, explains misperceptions about evangelical Christians and says they are often portrayed as “deviants” in mainstream culture.

LEGENDARY hip-hop star DJ Kay Slay has died – months after being hospitalized with Covid-19. The 55-year-old DJ, of New York City, passed away on April 17.

Enhances coverage at low cost: Adding riders to existing health insurance policy is necessary and beneficial because it expands coverage and protects your family from unanticipated events. It broadens the scope of the existing health insurance plan’s coverage, ensuring that family members are covered equally and at a reasonable cost.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Monday (18) has requested the government to implement the recommendations made by the Auditor General with regard to the special investigation on the Sugar Tax Scam.Chairman of the HRCSL Retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe in a statement to News 1st said that the unreasonable and arbitrary use of state power can violate the rights of Sri Lankan Citizens, and therefore the recommendations need to be implemented.Special Audit Investigation.The National Audit Office, in a recent report, has recommended that the government immediately recover the revenue due to the state, lost by slashing taxes imposed on imported Sugar.The report recommends monies be recovered from importers who made huge profits as a result of the tax cut.Dubbed the infamous ‘Sugar Scam’ in Sri Lanka, it was alleged that it did not benefit consumers but massively benefited the importers gain unconscionable profits.The recommendation was made after the National Audit Office conducted a ‘special audit’ to determine why the tax reduction did not benefit consumers.What happened- A flashback.The National Audit Office investigated the reduction of the special commodity levy imposed on imported sugar from Rs. 50/- per kilogram to Rs.

ANI.

 Shanghai authorities on Monday reported the first COVID-19 deaths of the latest outbreak in China’s most populous and wealthiest city.

Many Canadians now believe Catholicism, evangelical Christianity and Islam are more damaging to society than beneficial, a new survey shows, as people across the country continue to turn their backs on religion.

According to a survey done by Angus Reid Institute one-fifth of Canadians, or 19 per cent, see themselves as non-believers when it comes to religion, with about 46 per cent considering themselves to be spiritually uncertain.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that he did not consider seniority when appointing the new Cabinet of Minister, on Monday (18).“Ministerial positions are not mere benefits, it is a great responsibility,” he told the new Cabinet in Colombo, urging them NOT to use additional benefits as Ministers.He said that he expects honest, efficient, and untainted governance from the new cabinet, while ridding the institutions vested with them of corruption, and convert them to be committed to serve the public.“Most of the public institutions are in financial crisis and those need to be rectified,” said the President, adding that this is an ideal opportunity to introduce the system change that the people are calling for.The President also appealed from the youth to support in this endeavor.The President’s Media Division said that there were NO amendments to the ministerial positions held by the President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris, & Finance Minister Ali Sabry, PC.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Education announced that Government schools and Government approved Private Schools will re-open from Monday (18).However, authorities said the decision to add an extra one hour to the school timetable with effect from Monday (18), has been suspended.The Department of Education had earlier decided to extend the school hours by one-hour to complete the syllabus.The Minister further said that the decision was suspended to further organize the measure before implementation.The Department of Education said that students will be admitted to Grade 01 for the academic year of 2022, of Sinhala and Tamil schools from Tuesday (19).Students will be admitted to Grade 01 for Muslim schools on the 5th of May.A suitable program should be conducted to welcome new students, where the parents of new students should also be made aware of the purpose of primary education, said the Education Ministry.A statement issued by the Education Ministry said that Principals should ensure that these programs are conducted and completed within a short period under health guidance.

Patrick Farhart," a BCCI source told PTI on Monday.

PHILADELPHIA - Tyrese Maxey had the breakout game of his young career, scoring 21 of his playoff career-high 38 points in the third quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 131-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 on Saturday night.James Harden had 22 points and 14 assists in his first Eastern Conference playoff game as a Sixer. Joel Embiid, the NBA scoring champion, had 19 points and 15 rebounds. They combined to only make 11 of 32 shots from the floor.Tobias Harris scored 26 points for the Sixers, trying to get past the second round for the first time since 2001.

Peter Andre has opened up about how he felt after finding out he'd have to miss West End rehearsals due to a recent Covid diagnosis. In his New magazine column – for OK! VIPs only – Pete explained that he was "confused" by conflicting test results but decided to stay home to be on the safe side. Pete also talked about his son Junior's music, teasing that "it won't be long now." Plus, Pete gives his take on the latest political debates and congratulated Britney Spears on her pregnancy.

NEW DELHI: Settlement of health insurance claims on an average takes 20-46 days from the date of intimation to the insurer, as per a survey conducted by insurer broker SecureNow.

COVID patients in the last 24 hours, the active cases saw a minor decline to 11,542 which account for 0.03 per cent of the total cases.

Actor Johnny Depp is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation over her 2018 Washington Post op-ed, in which she spoke out about being a victim of domestic violence. On Day 2 of the trial, Depp’s neighbour and longtime friend Isaac Baruch expressed exasperation with how Heard’s “malicious lie” affected so many people.

Shots fired at a house party in Pittsburgh early on Sunday left two minors dead and several others injured, police said.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Western leaders have been quick to condemn Russia’s invasion. But many others have stayed neutral or muted, with some even blaming the West for what’s happening in Ukraine.

Scots will no longer be legally required to wear face masks on public transport or in indoor settings as Covid guidance officially changed on Easter Monday.

1. Dinesh Gunawardena – Public Administration, Internal Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government.2. Douglas Devananda – Fisheries3.

Shanghai said three people had died from Covid-19, the first official announcement of deaths from an outbreak which has plunged the city into a weeks-long lockdown, sparking widespread anger and rare protests.

Mariupol, of which Moscow said it had taken almost full control, following almost two months of bloody fighting.After failing to overcome Ukrainian resistance in the north, the Russian military has refocused its ground offensive on Donbas, while launching long-distance strikes at targets elsewhere, including the capital, Kyiv.Eighteen people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in shelling in the past four days in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Ukraine completes questionnaire for EU membership, official says “This is nothing but deliberate terror: mortars, artillery against ordinary residential quarters, against ordinary civilians,” he said late on Sunday.Russia denies targeting civilians and has rejected what Ukraine says is evidence of atrocities as staged to undermine peace talks.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) complaint lodged in the Southern District of New York district court on Thursday. Sidoo and seven other people wee named.The complaint describes a scheme that operated from 2006 to 2020. David Sidoo, B.C.

Day Two of the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial was an emotional rollercoaster for one witness, Depp’s longtime friend and neighbour Isaac Baruch.Baruch took the stand on Wednesday as a witness for Team Depp. His testimony captured the attention of spectators inside the courtroom and those at home watching the live broadcast, especially as he claimed to be tired of the divorced couple’s drama, which he blames on Heard.“It’s six years.

Warning: This video contains disturbing content. Discretion advised.

Even as Russia has become increasingly isolated as its invasion of Ukraine continues, one ally that has been steadfast in its support is Belarus. However, the country is now seeing an anti-war movement among its own people.

A cruise ship has docked in Sydney Harbour for the first time in more than two years, after a ban imposed in 2020 sparked by a mass Covid-19 outbreak was lifted.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The discussions between Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin in Washington DC,  USA on Monday (18).The Ministry of Finance said that the first round of talks with the IMF will go on until the 24th of April.According to the Ministry of Finance, technical-level discussions with IMF officials took place online during the last six days.Finance Minister Ali Sabri, PC, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, & Secretary to the Ministry of Finance K.M.M Siriwardana will attend these meetings with the IMF.Finance Minister Ali Sabry had recently informed the international media that Sri Lanka will seek about USD 4 Billion in aid from the IMF.

Delhi NCR in past couple of days, with a recent survey claiming that the Covid-19 cases may have gone up by almost 500% in the last 15 days. The survey was done on nearly 19% respondents in Delhi NCR.

Most provinces have lifted mask mandates and other pandemic restrictions. While this may sound like positive news to some, many vulnerable Canadians are worried.

COON RAPIDS, Minn (Fox 9) - A Minnesota couple visiting Mexico was murdered by gunmen on a highway near the popular tourist destination of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, according to reports in Mexican media outlets and an online fundraiser organized by the family to pay for the funeral costs. Miguel Abrego Hurtado and Leticia Carrillo Arellano of Coon Rapids, Minn. were reportedly shot on April 7.

Photo courtesy of A Future Super Hero and Friends VICTORVILLE, Calif. - Just days ago, Ava and her family were lined up to take pictures with the Easter Bunny at the Victor Valley Mall in Victorville. But those photos never happened. The nine-year-old girl was hospitalized after being hit by bullets. The alleged shooter, the owner of a shoe store at the mall, was firing a gun at suspected shoplifters, but hit Ava instead.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - APRIL 17: Jordan Ellis #31 of New Orleans Breakers scores a touchdown as Josh Banderas #52 of Philadelphia Stars defends in the third quarter of the game at Protective Stadium on April 17, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by The New Orleans Breakers started off their United States Football League season with a bruising 23-17 victory over the Philadelphia Stars on Sunday.It was the second contest in an exciting triple-header.The game was supposed to be followed by the Tampa Bay Bandits facing the Pittsburgh Maulers, but the game was pushed to Monday due to bad weather."It's a blessing to be here.

China, where a strict zero tolerance approach contained the virus until the more infectious delta and omicron variants emerged last year. 

Today we are reporting 6,242 community cases, 553 hospitalisations and 11 deaths.

Shanghai has been completely shut down for weeks under the country’s zero-COVID policy. The Chinese central government is restricting its citizens from daily necessities and causing more delays in the global supply chain.

The Melrose Police Department responded to a crash at Wyoming Cemetery on Saturday afternoon (Credit: Melrose Police Department) MELROSE, Mass. - Police in Massachusetts said a woman, working to get her learner's permit, lost control, crashed and knocked over 18 headstones while trying to drive in a cemetery. Officers with the Melrose Police Department responded to the incident at the Wyoming Cemetery Saturday afternoon, according to Chief Michael L. Lyle. Police say the crash involved an older model Range Rover.

Damian Thomas UPPER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Police in Upper Gwynedd Township, in Montgomery County, are asking the public to be alert and aware of someone, they say, is dangerous.In a social media post Sunday, the department stated the person wanted for aggravated assault with a firearm, Damian Thomas, was a person they were looking for in connection with a shooting on the 600 block of Sumneytown Pike.They said he was seen driving a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse with Pennsylvania tags.The post went on to say he was armed and dangerous.___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

In our top story: Mariupol, Ukraine is on the brink of falling to Russia, which would mark the first major victory for Russian forces in nearly two months of war. Redmond Shannon reports on the latest in the war. Even as Russia has become increasingly isolated as its invasion of Ukraine continues, one ally that has been steadfast in its support is Belarus.

BOSTON - A suspicious package triggered evacuations at Terminal A at Boston Logan International Airport Sunday. The Massachusetts State Police reopened the terminal after clearing a suspicious item inside a bag, later determining it was a degraded Playstation console, according to Boston 25 News. The outlet reported that the console caused "abnormalities" in the image produced when it was x-rayed.Videos filmed by Roy Hage outside the airport show emergency vehicles. An alarm sound can be heard.RELATED: Southwest passenger arrested for masturbating 4 times during flight"Due to recent delays and cancellations, passengers are advised to check with their airline on the status of their flight before coming to the airport," airport officials tweeted. AdvertisementStoryful contributed to this report.

NATO has activated its “chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence elements” amid fears Russia could launch a biological strike in Ukraine.Following an emergency summit of the military alliance on Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels the decision comes as the allies move to equip Ukraine with its own biological defences.“Our top military commander … has activated NATO’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence elements,” he said.“And allies are deploying additional chemical and biological and nuclear defences to reinforce our existing and new battlegroups, so we are taking measures both to support Ukraine and also to defend ourselves.” How the war in Ukraine stands a month after Russia’s invasion — and what may be next Stoltenberg made the announcement as part of a slew of new measures taken by the military alliance to boost its presence in eastern Europe amid a growing Russian threat, he said.NATO is sending four new battlegroups to Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, Stoltenberg announced, while promising the allies will further support Ukraine in its fight against Russia as the invasion hit the one-month mark Thursday.However, the West fears Russia, which has yet to make significant ground in Ukraine, could escalate the conflict by using biological weapons. Leaders have expressed their fears over such an attack, but have not provided evidence one is looming.

NATO leaders are expected to agree at an emergency summit on Thursday to boost the alliance’s military presence in eastern Europe due to Russia’s war on Ukraine, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says.Ahead of the meeting, Stoltenberg told reporters at a news conference in Brussels on Wednesday that he expects the allies to sign off on the deployment of four new battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.“I expect leaders will agree to strengthen NATO’s posture in all domains, with major increases in the eastern part of the alliance on land, in the air and at sea,” he said. NATO summit a chance to bolster Ukraine response, experts say.