News Scan for Sep 16, 2022

FILE - A knife scoops up butter in a file image taken on March 2, 2015. (Photo by Martin Gerten/picture alliance via Getty Images) Post-pandemic inflation has driven up the cost of many things in the U.S., including the price of butter as the peak holiday baking season quickly approaches.U.S. grocery prices in August increased 13.5% over the previous 12 months, the largest annual increase since March 1979, according to data shared by the U.S.

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch Pad 39B, Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, as the Artemis I launch teams load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants including liquid CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's mega moon rocket will have to wait to launch until mid-November as engineers are preparing to roll back the Space Launch System rocket in preparation for Hurricane Ian.On Saturday morning, NASA teams decided to stand down on preparing for a Tuesday launch opportunity to allow them time to configure systems for rolling back the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Artemis I managers announced Monday plans to roll back the SLS to the VAB due to the latest Hurricane Ian forecast, which includes Florida's Space Coast in the cone of uncertainty.HURRICANE IAN STRENGTHENS IN CARIBBEAN'S WARM WATERS; FLORIDA'S GULF COAST AND TAMPA BAY BRACE FOR MAJOR THREATThe first motion of the crawler used to move the giant rocket is expected to happen at 11 p.m.

The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft sits on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center ahead of a second launch attempt on Sept. 3, 2022.

The risk of a range of neurologic conditions rose significantly in the year after COVID-19 infection among a group of US veterans—regardless of whether they had required hospitalization, according to a study published yesterday in Nature Medicine.Researchers at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System a

FILE - (L to R) Pork Chorizo, Al Pastor, and Oxtail Barbacoa tacos in a file image dated Sept. 7, 2022. (Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is hopeful that the first tranche of the IMF disbursement will be available before the end of 2022, but it depends on cooperation from the creditors and assurances, revealed Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe on Friday (23). He was speaking in an update to creditors forum organized by Clifford Chance and Lazard, the eavyweight financial and legal advisers selected by Sri Lanka for its debt restructuring process.Expected timeline for the Debt Restructuring Process: Central Bank Governor Dr.

Head coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images) BOSTON - The Boston Celtics have suspended Ime Udoka for a full year, banning the coach who led them to the NBA Finals last spring for the entire 2022-23 season over what two people with knowledge of the matter said was an improper relationship with a member of the organization.The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not reveal that detail publicly.

PHILADELPHIA - The Marine Toys for Tots program is gearing up for its annual holiday drive, and celebrating its 75th anniversary."We take care of about 16,000 kids a year and we expect that to go up a bit with the way things are," Ed Kenney, Coordinator of Delaware County Toys for Tots, said.But, Kenney and United States Marine Corp Staff Sergeant Abraham Escobar, in charge of Toys for Tots in Philadelphia, say they can’t do anything until both county programs secure warehouse space and they need homes, fast."We receive over 100,000 toys each year and, last year, we helped a little over 50,000 kids, so we need a really large warehouse," Staff Sgt. Escobar said."It’s a very big operation. We have to sort, store and distribute the toys," Kenney added."We’re coming into crunch time.

A study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases demonstrates that previous Omicron BA.1 infection was the most protective factor against BA.2 infection (associated with a risk reduction of 72%) and gave greater protection than primary infection with pre-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 (38%) or three doses of an mRNA vaccine in people with no previous infection (46%).The test-negative case-control study involved Quebec healthcare

Some long COVID patients suffering symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath are showing signs of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, suggests a Canadian study that builds on similar findings elsewhere.

An undated image shows Leonard Glenn Francis. (Credit: U.S. Marshals Service) SAN DIEGO - A defense contractor nicknamed "Fat Leonard" who orchestrated one of the largest bribery scandals in U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Homicide detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department are investigating a shooting that left one man dead early Thursday morning. According to police, the shooting occurred on the 400 block of North 35th Street around 12:30 a.m. Officials say officers received several 911 calls reporting a shooting. Responding officers say they found an unresponsive 23-year-old man lying on the sidewalk with one gunshot wound to the neck. Police transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead just after 1 a.m., per authorities. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to Chief Inspector Scott Small, four spent shell casings were discovered near the victim. Police say one bullet went through the first-floor window of a nearby apartment. The apartment's two occupants were asleep during the time of the shooting and they were not injured, officials say. No one inside the apartment was hurt, authorities say. Small says Drexel University police also responded, but the victim is not believed to be a student. Police continue to investigate and say numerous private surveillance cameras will be evaluated as the investigation continues.

MSME minister Narayan Rane said both organizations can leverage their expertise and create excellent opportunities for MSMEs in healthcare sector New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Med Tech Zone (AMTZ), India’s largest life-saving medical devices manufacturing cluster, has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) for cooperation in the healthcare sector. Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane said the MoU is a significant step for enhancing competitiveness of MSMEs in healthcare sector.

LOS ANGELES - As if there isn’t enough anticipation for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, groundbreaking K-pop group BTS is reportedly coming out with a brand new song for the event. The group — comprised of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM (formerly Rap Monster), Jimin, V, RM and Jungkook — are ambassadors of Hyundai, a sponsor for the World Cup, will be releasing the song as part of the company’s global campaign "Goal Of The Century."On Sept. 20, Hyundai released a teaser for the song on its Instagram page.https://www.instagram.com/p/Ciw1OyQD6-e/"Warm up, stretch your legs and get ready to dance along with BTS and their new edition of ‘Yet To Come’.

Several dozen people have been charged after allegedly deceiving the government to steal children’s charity money in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic — and use it for their own luxury.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically worsened disparities in all-cause death rates for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN), Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander (NHOPI), and Black Americans and eroded mortality advantages for Asian and Hispanic groups, finds a study published yesterday in PNAS.A team led by researchers at the University of California and Stanf

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Food Inflation increases to 84.6% in August 2022 from 82.5% in July 2022, reported the National Consumer Price Index on Wednesday (21).The overall rate of inflation measured by NCPI on a year-on-year basis is 70.2% in August 2022, and inflation calculated for July 2022 was 66.7%.The Department of Census and Statistics noted that the reported inflation for the monht of August 2022 was mainly due to the high price levels in both food and non-food groups. 

fall foliage and all things pumpkin spice. The autumnal equinox of 2022, also known as the September equinox or fall equinox, arrives on Thursday, Sept. 22, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The date marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere — and the equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide.FILE - A person looks out at the fall foliage next to the Pond in Central Park on November 9, 2021, in New York City.

Instagram Story last night to share the happy news with his 1.3 million followers.Sharing a picture of his arm while doctors drew blood, Mark announced: "Very grateful today."My scan came back clean and I'm cancer-free."Thankful for every day I get to be here. Love you all."Mark has been taking to social media to give fans regular updates on his health battle since he was diagnosed last year.He initially disclosed accidentally on social media that he had received the news he had stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.The bassist later deleted the post and shared a statement explaining he had been undergoing cancer treatment.He wrote: "For the past three months I've been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer."I have cancer.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture says that a bundle of urea fertilizer will be sold for Rs.10,000/- in the Maha season as well as in the Yala season.The Ministry said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe approved the request made by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.Also, 50kg of Urea fertilizer will be sold at Rs.15,000/- for tea cultivation and maize cultivation.Arrangements have been made to provide Bandi fertilizer apart from Urea fertilizer.In the meantime, Minster Amanraweera has also advised that after the paddy cultivation of the Yala season is completed, districts such as Ampara, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala should immediately provide the fertilizer needed for the Maha season.The paddy cultivation activities of the Maha Season in the above districts are to commence at the beginning of October.

Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General and head of the Public Health Agency, Dr Andrew Old, will hold a media briefing today in Auckland at 12 noon today to provide an update on the COVID-19 response.

Mark Hoppus took to social media to reveal that he's been declared cancer-free amid his ongoing health battle.The Blink-182 singer, 50, wrote on Instagram Stories Tuesday: 'Very grateful today. My scan came back clean and I'm cancer-free.

migrants flown to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his transportation secretary Tuesday for engaging in a "fraudulent and discriminatory scheme" to relocate them.The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, alleges that the migrants were told they were going to Boston or Washington, "which was completely false," and were induced with perks such as $10 McDonald's gift certificates."No human being should be used as a political pawn," said Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, which is seeking class-action status in the lawsuit filed on behalf of several migrants who were aboard last week's flights and Alianza Americas, a network of advocacy groups.DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit, which also names Secretary of Transportation Jared W.

At a routine press briefing today, two White House officials fielded questions about President Joe Biden's recent off-the-cuff comment during a news program that the pandemic is over, while acknowledging that COVID is still a problem.When a reporter asked if Biden would carry the "pandemi

LEGO Masters" host Will Arnett says the LEGO-building talent on season three of the family-friendly FOX series is on another level."We have to challenge them more, you know, really make sure that we bring great challenges to them that are really going to showcase their talents. So it's kind of a lot of pressure on us," he explained.

UNITED NATIONS - In an alarming assessment, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told world leaders Tuesday that nations are "gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction" and aren’t ready or willing to tackle the major challenges that threaten the future of humanity and the fate of the planet.Speaking at the opening of the General Assembly’s annual top-level meeting, the U.N.

Covid. Many did."I’ve managed to lose most of it now.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Agrarian Services Development says that they will begin providing urea fertilizer to farmers for the Maha season from next month.The Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Services Development E.H.M.L Abeyratne said that the remaining stock of urea obtained under Indian loan assistance will be distributed to the farmers.In the first phase, 20 kg of urea fertilizer is to be given per hectare.The Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Services Development noted that fertilizers will be provided to farmers in Kurunegala, Ampara, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Jaffna districts.

About 9 months after COVID-19 infection, 19% of nonhospitalized adult patients in a German cohort had fatigue, 26% had mild cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), and 1% had moderate cognitive dysfunction, according to a multicenter study.The study, published late last week in EClinicalMedicine, also

FILE - Pat Sajak attends The Paley Center For Media Presents: Wheel Of Fortune: 35 Years As America's Game at The Paley Center for Media on Nov. 15, 2017, in New York City. (Mike Pont/Getty Images)Pat Sajak may be stepping down as the host of "Wheel of Fortune."The game show host of more than 40 years said the "end is near," as he hinted he’s ready for one last spin, according to "Entertainment Tonight." "Years go by fast.

NEW YORK - The wave of attempted book banning and restrictions continues to intensify, the American Library Association reported Friday. Numbers for 2022 already approach last year’s totals, which were the highest in decades."I’ve never seen anything like this," says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.

COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to the number of kids going to Alberta hospitals with the coronavirus, according to provincial data collected by Global News.At the end of 2021, a total of 103 infants under one year old had been to hospital because of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. By the end of August 2022, that number ballooned to 418.

In preparation for an expected fall COVID-19 wave, Canada has started rolling out updated vaccines to target the Omicron variant.

sounds of wind on Mars and its landing.On Thursday, mission managers provided an update on what the rover had discovered while exploring 8 miles of the Jezero Crater. The area was likely a lake more than 3.5 billion years ago, which is why NASA landed the rover there, to search in an ancient habitable environment for evidence of life. "This mission is not looking for extant life things that are alive today," Ken Farley, Perseverance project scientist, said.

New England farm with Autumn Sugar Maples, Vermont. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images) As the country moves deeper into fall, temperatures won't be the only thing changing across the northern tier of the country.

South African researchers report waning monovalent (single-strain) COVID-19 vaccine booster effectiveness against the Omicron subvariants, with estimated efficacy falling to 50% against the BA.1/BA.2 and 47% against BA.4/BA.5 as early as 3 or 4 months after vaccination.In the study, published yesterday in the New England Journal of Me

A photo shows the class of 2022 finalists for induction, announced Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, by the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum in Rochester, New York. (Credit: Provided / National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum) ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Voting opened Wednesday on which toys should go into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year.

WASHINGTON - FOX News reports two buses of migrants arrived Thursday morning outside Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.Approximately 100 migrants, mainly from Venezuela, arrived just before 7 a.m. from the Del Rio, Texas area and off-loaded near the Naval Observatory’s main guard gate.

Ozzy Osbourne has shared his determination to return to the stage after a series of devastating health issues.The Black Sabbath frontman, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for nearly two decades, was forced to take time out of the spotlight due to a string of difficulties.He also underwent multiple operations after falling in 2019 and has been recovering from a ‘nightmare’ surgery ever since.After taking to the stage at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, the 73-year-old has set his sights on performing in front of a crowd once again with his brand new album.‘I am determined to get back on stage even if I have to be nailed to a board and wheeled on,’ he vowed in a new interview. ‘Survival is my legacy.’Ozzy has faced huge health issues over recent years and recalled the moment he fell while making his way to the bathroom, which impacted old injuries to his neck and back from an accident 16 years prior.He underwent surgery that ‘really messed me up’ soon after, and has been back under the knife twice since, with Sharon previously explaining that his most recent procedure could ‘determine the rest of his life’.Despite his difficulties, the musician dazzled the crowds during his surprise Commonwealth Games set last month.‘I’ve never been this laid up,’ he continued to People Magazine.

Kelly Ripa thought she and Mark Consuelos were going to have a pandemic baby. The host is releasing her upcoming book “Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories,” and ahead of its release, she’s sharing some of the things you can expect.

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies fell over time after vaccination or COVID-19 infection but were restored with booster doses in West Virginia nursing home residents and staff, and antibody levels were significantly lower during the Delta than the Omicron variant surges in those with breakthrough infections, finds a study published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.A team led by West Virginia University researchers obtained blood sam

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Phillies are getting a huge energy boost from Nick Maton.Some big hits, too.Maton homered off Miami ace Sandy Alcantara for the second time in a week, hitting a go-ahead, two-run drive in the seventh inning Tuesday night that led the Phillies past the Marlins 2-1."I hope I play the rest of my career with that guy," Phillies starter Bailey Falter said. "He’s always motivated. Brings the guys together.

Matt Hancock is reportedly wanted by producers for the next series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Earlier this month, the former Health Secretary allegedly attended a meeting with producers who asked him to take part in the gruelling Channel 4 show.The Tory party member is the first serving MP to be called up to take part in the hit series which sees several celebrities take on a series of physical and mental challenges. READ MORE: Celeb SAS star was told to quit show by bosses and was left needing two operations Insiders believe this TV stint could show the public that there is a different side to Matt after his affair with his aide Gina Coladangelo was revealed in May 2021.The source told The Sun: "Matt impressed Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins producers when he spoke to them and they want him to take part.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the release of the first global framework on the responsible use of life sciences, which addresses the accidental or deliberate misuse of biologic and other life sciences, including dual-use research.In a statement, the WHO said the goal of the guidance is to help

A scheme has opened for the families of healthcare workers who died after contracting Covid-19 in the course of their work.