No USD loan, no power: Gammanpila

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CHICAGO - The carjacking task force announced well over 100 arrests since the start of this year.However, there is still a bigger problem.CPD Supt. David Brown says about 60 percent of the offenders taken into police custody are juveniles.

FILE - Police lights are shown in a close up image. (Credit: FOX TV Stations) PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened Wednesday night in Philadelphia's Lawcrest neighborhood, according to authorities. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 5500 block of Whitaker Avenue just after 8 p.m.

COLORADO - Officials with the Colorado State Patrol have a simple message for drivers, as they post a shocking video of a crash that was captured by a dashcam.The video was posted to the department's Twitte page on Feb. 16, and shows a CSP trooper pulling a driver over along a freeway.

A Sharon Hill mother is searching for her family dog, which serves as an emotional support animal for her son, who has autism.  SHARON HILL, Pa. - A local family is hoping for the safe return of their beloved dog, but the animal is more than just a pet. The Bolar family in Sharon Hill has now had several sleepless nights knowing their dog Ruzteze is gone. The 15-pound Parson terrier is the emotional support dog for 14-year-old Amare, who has autism. Rusteze got out of a back door on Friday without his collar and hasn't been seen since. Amare has been beside himself without his best friend. "He is his companion.

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Jason Lubell holds ‘Frank Sinatra,’ his Hungarian Puli dog, in Washington Square Park on January 19, 2022 in New York City. "We all share the same goal – to get to a point where COVID-19 is no longer disrupting our daily lives, a time when it won’t be a constant crisis – rather something we can prevent, protect against, and treat," Walensky said.With the omicron variant waning and Americans eager to move beyond the virus, government and business leaders have been out ahead of the CDC in ending virus measures in the last week, including ordering workers back to offices, eliminating mask mandates and no longer requiring proof of vaccine to get into restaurants, bars and sports and entertainment arenas.RELATED: California ends mask mandate, but not all counties are ditching masksThe efforts have been gaining more steam each day.Philadelphia officials on Wednesday said the city’s vaccine mandate for restaurants was immediately lifted, though indoor mask mandates remain in place for now.

Wendy Williams is looking happy and healthy in a brand new video.

COVID-19.The preventive isolation policy had been criticized by family members who said their relatives’ health declined during the isolation period.Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec’s interim public health director, told reporters Wednesday that residents will only have to isolate if they are in contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes without a mask.

Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee is defending officer’s actions at the recent convoy demonstrations and counter-protests, saying his top priority is safety for everyone. As Sarah Komadina explains, on Wednesday he shrugged off suggestions of selective enforcement.

The province says it has more than 20 million take home COVID-19 tests on the way. How will those tests get into the hands of British Columbians though? Richard Zussman has more on the plan.

ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added a number of places to an advisory list that warns against travel due to the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus and its contagious omicron variant.According to the CDC, 15 new destinations were cited Monday as a level four — meaning "very high risk" — for Americans. Those cities include Columbia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Jamaica, Kuwait, Mongolia, Peru, Romania, Saint Martin, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and the Dominican Republic. Countries are given a "Level 4" designation when more than 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the past 28 days.Travel to the 15 new destinations has been discouraged by the health agency. Those who must travel to these destinations are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their trip."Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated," the advisory said.

Sarah Palin was spotted dining at a New York restaurant on Wednesday (January 26) after it was revealed she had tested positive for COVID-19 just two days earlier. The 57-year-old former Alaska governor, who is not vaccinated against the coronavirus, ate outdoors with a group of friends at the Italian hot spot Elio’s, making it her second visit to the establishment since Saturday, when she dined indoors without presenting a vaccination card. On Tuesday, she also dined at another eatery called Campagnola, per the Daily Mail. With the two most recent outings, the failed VP candidate appeared to be flouting local health and safety measures, which call for positive coronavirus cases to isolate for at least five days.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka says that there will be NO scheduled power cuts until Monday, 1st February 2022.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Chairman of the PUCSL.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Donations are pouring in for a New Jersey boy who was badly burned during a bonfire accident Monday night in Mount Laurel.Authorities say 11-year-old Ryan Jastrzembski was at his mother's house on Ramblewood Parkway around 6:30 p.m. when he poured gasoline onto a bonfire. Mount Laurel Fire Department Deputy Chief Todd Evans told reporters that the flames traveled up the gas can and caused an explosion. Ryan Jastrzembski burned over 90% of his body when he poured gasoline onto an bonfire.

Goldie Hawn is sharing her concerns for the well-being of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, not just physically but also mentally.

Liam Payne has been forced to postpone his upcoming live show after being diagnosed with Covid-19.The One Direction star has been bringing his fans regular showcases dubbed Here’s to the Future, featuring his own live music and special guests like Madilyn Bailey and Just Stef.The shows, hosted on live music platform Veeps, brought together upcoming music artists to perform in one live-streamed show, with tickets to the events costing just over £11.However, Liam updated his social media channels to inform fans that the latest show - due to be held on January 29th - has now been postponed until next month.Apologising to fans, Liam wrote on Instagram: "Hey guys, I’m so sorry to announce that I’m having to push back the next Here’s to the Future show…"Unfortunately I had COVID and will not be ready in time to give you the show you all deserve."The X Factor star went on: "We’ve decided to now do something extra special and move the show back a few weeks to Saturday 12th February, just in time for Valentine’s Day!!"All your tickets will still be valid and I hope you can still make it. See you soon, LP."Devastated fans rushed to the comments section to wish Liam well, with one writing: "Hope you get well soon!""Stay safe, Liam!" another social media user urged, while a third posted: "Please take care of yourself, drink a lot and rest!"Someone else fretted: "Please take care of yourself.

The Scottish Government has published a Bill which would make some of its emergency coronavirus powers permanent.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has taken steps to make recommendations to resolve the power crisis in the country.Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, Janaka Ratnayake stated that the CEB has requested the PUCSL for permission for daily power cuts from the 25th of Januray until the 04th of February.He noted in confidence that accordingly, there will not be a need for no long lasting power cuts in the future.Presently, State and private sector companies are in possession of several 3,000 MW generators, he pointed out, adding that these generators could produce electricity which would assist the production of electricity in the country.The PUCSL Chairman added discussions were carried out with the companies that own such generators, adding that private companies have agreed to provide their assistance to rectify the power crisis.

Rebecca Lanette Taylor is accused of trying to purchase a child. (Photo: Houston County Sheriff's Office) CROCKETT, Texas - A Texas woman was arrested after a bizarre encounter inside a Walmart store where she is accused of offering another shopper $500,000 to buy the woman’s baby, according to a report. Rebecca Taylor, 49, was charged with sale or purchase of a child and was released from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office on a $50,000 bond, Click 2 Houston reported.The alleged incident occurred at a store in Crockett, Texas, which is near Houston.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the island nation has to settle USD 12.5 Billion of debt in International Sovereign Bonds over the next seven years.Speaking to the US-based CNBC, the Governor said the total foreign debt outstanding for 2022 is approximately USD 6.9 Billion.“Out of the 6.9 Billion, most of the loans are Sri Lankan-based loans which we have already negotiated for rollover as well as certain multilateral debts which are also being funded with new receipts that are coming in,” he said.“The only area that we do see as some kind of risk, as well as concern, is the international sovereign bonds. Out of which we need to pay 1.5 Billion Dollars back this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila says the government had decided to make a USD payment to two oil tankers anchored at the Colombo Port.“Therefore, there will be no power cuts,” said Minister Gammanpila on Monday (24).He said at a meeting with respective stakeholders it was agreed that if payment is made to one of the oil tankers, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will be able to deliver Diesel to the WestCoast Power Plant instead of Furnace Oil, and deliver Furnace Oil to the Sapugaskanda Power Plant.Therefore, we can deliver the Diesel and Furnace Oil for electricity Generation.Further, the President had instructed the Treasury to release necessary funds to the Ceylon Electricity Board to settle its Rs. 93 Billion debt to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, he said.The Minister further added that the Sapugaskanda Power Plant will be able to recommence generating electricity by the 30th of January 2022.

I request all those who have been in contact with me in the past few days to get themselves tested and take all necessary precautions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association warned that there will be four-phase power cuts with effect from Monday (24).Dhammika Wimalaratne, the Secretary of the CEB Engineers Association stated that if this fuel shortage continues, steps will be taken to cut off one hour of power on Monday (24) and about two hours of power off the next day.Accordingly, the power cuts will be taking place between 6.30 and 9.30 in the evening, and under four categories.

COLOMBO (News 1st): It is impossible to supply Furnace Oil to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) until the 9th of February and the CEB has been informed in this regard, Udaya Gammanpil, the Minister of Energy has said. “Another shipment of Furnace Oil will reach Sri Lanka on the 9th of February and until then, we are unable to supply any more fuel to the CEB,” he emphasized.Whilst pointing out that the CEB requested for Furnace Oil only until the 22nd of January, the Minister noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) took the relevant measures to ensure the required stocks are supplied.He further noted that 10,000 Metric Tonnes of Diesel was also supplied to the CEB adding that as per the agreements reached, another 600 tonnes of Diesel is supplied to private power stations daily.The CPC cannot supply any more fuel to the CEB at the moment since the remaining stocks of Furnace Oil must be supplied to factories, Minister Gammanpila added.“As promised we have supplied Furnace Oil to the CEB. If we allocate the remaining Furnace Oil also to the CEB, instead of providing it to the factories and industries, that would mean thousands of people will lose their jobs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association on Sunday (23) warned that there will be four-phase power cuts with effect from Monday (24). However, it is due time to examine the different views of parties involved in the power crisis.What is the current fuel status of power plants?Sapugaskanda has come to a standstill due to lack of oil, and according to the trade unions, the power plant has less than 24 hours to run on fuel.Meanwhile, the Yugadanavi power plant has fuel for only 10 days.What does the Minister of Energy say about this?The Energy Minister, Udaya Gammanpila stated on Sunday (23) that the stocks of fuel have been depleted due to a weakness in the CEB’s calculations.The Minister said that the CEB had requested the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to supply only enough fuel for 10 days.Minister Gammanpila also stated that the stock of fuel was handed over to the CEB last week as agreed during the discussion held with the President’s participation.Moreover, Minister Udaya Gammanpila added that a ship carrying 37,500 metric tons of diesel has arrived near the Sri Lankan sea border.He also said that fuel could be supplied to the CEB if the relevant stock of diesel is released after obtaining dollars.What does the Minister of Power say?Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the CEB is currently managing the fuel stocks it has received so far.The Minister of Power and Energy also stated that due to this, there will be no need for a power cut from next Tuesday (25) onwards.However, the Unions state something completely different.Ananda Palitha, the  Media Spokesperson of the United Trade Union Force revealed that the Petroleum Corporation is the sole supplier to supply on demand.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association on Sunday (23) warned that there will be four-phase power cuts with effect from Monday (24). However, it is due time to examine the different views of parties involved in the power crisis.What is the current fuel status of power plants?Sapugaskanda has come to a standstill due to lack of oil, and according to the trade unions, the power plant has less than 24 hours to run on fuel.Meanwhile, the Yugadanavi power plant has fuel for only 10 days.What does the Minister of Energy say about this?The Energy Minister, Udaya Gammanpila stated on Sunday (23) that the stocks of fuel have been depleted due to a weakness in the CEB’s calculations.The Minister said that the CEB had requested the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to supply only enough fuel for 10 days.Minister Gammanpila also stated that the stock of fuel was handed over to the CEB last week as agreed during the discussion held with the President’s participation.Moreover, Minister Udaya Gammanpila added that a ship carrying 37,500 metric tons of diesel has arrived near the Sri Lankan sea border.He also said that fuel could be supplied to the CEB if the relevant stock of diesel is released after obtaining dollars.What does the Minister of Power say?Power Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the CEB is currently managing the fuel stocks it has received so far.The Minister of Power and Energy also stated that due to this, there will be no need for a power cut from next Tuesday (25) onwards.However, the Unions state something completely different.Ananda Palitha, the  Media Spokesperson of the United Trade Union Force revealed that the Petroleum Corporation is the sole supplier to supply on demand.

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Video released by police in New Castle County shows officers joining together to lift a car off a woman's arm after she somehow became trapped underneath the vehicle Wednesday morning.The New Castle County Division of Police said officers were called to Fieldstone Lane in the community of Country Creek and found a 70-year-old woman with her left arm pinned underneath the front driver's side tire of a Hyundai Santa Fe.Police explained that a neighbor tried to use a carjack to free the woman before officers arrived, but it did not raise high enough. Bodycam footage shows officers in New Castle County lifting a car off a 70-year-old woman's arm after she somehow became trapped underneath the vehicle. Bodycam footage shows three officers surround the front tire and lift the car, while another officer slides the woman out from underneath the car.Police said the woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was admitted in "serious, but stable condition."Investigators have not said what caused the woman to become pinned underneath the tire, but alcohol is not believed to have played a role."The quick thinking and physical actions of the bystander and the officers from the Division of Police played a major role in this patient being protected from further injury, and possibly death," Chief of the New Castle County Emergency Medical Services Division Mark R.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday that the Canadian government is authorizing a loan of up to $120 million (CDN) to the Ukrainian government amid the ongoing crisis with neighbouring Russia.

COVID-19 pandemic.In a letter, Dr. Kieran Moore suggested Dr.

The number of Covid infections remains high in Scotland - despite a drop in cases over the past couple of weeks.

Omicron is FAR worse than the original strain of SARS-CoV2

PHILADELPHIA - A man was rushed to the hospital after law enforcement sources say an argument on SEPTA's Broad Street line ended in a shooting in North Philadelphia.The incident occurred around noon on the platform of the North Philadelphia Station near Broad Street and Lehigh Avenue.Police sources told FOX 29's Steve Keeley that the shooting "appears to be a case of self-defense by a man with a permit to carry." Keeley reports that the incident started when a man was harassing a woman aboard the SEPTA train when an armed rider intervened. Both men got off the train at North Philadelphia Station and the alleged harasser attacked the armed man with a knife and was shot twice in the leg, according to sources.The 34-year-old victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.The alleged gunman was taken into custody and a weapon was recovered. This is a developing story.

Britney Spears is now threatening to sue Jamie Lynn if she continues to make “derogatory” statements about her while promoting her new book.In a cease and desist letter, Britney’s lawyer Matthew Rosengart claims that the “ill-timed” memoir contains several “misleading or outrageous claims.”“Publicly airing false or fantastical grievances is wrong, especially when designed to sell books. It is also potentially unlawful and defamatory,” Rosengart warns in the letter.

Global COVID-19 activity jumped 20% last week compared with the week before, amid surges across multiple regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday in its weekly update on the pandemic.

MUMBAI :

FILE - Fashion icon/author André Leon Talley hosts 'A Special Conversation Between Manolo Blahnik and André Leon Talley' to celebrate the publication of 'Manolo Blahnik: Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions' at Rizzoli Bookstore on Sept. 11, 2015, in New NEW YORK - André Leon Talley, the towering former creative director and editor at large of Vogue magazine, has died.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said the Central Bank of Sri Lanka had released US Dollars to the Ministry on Tuesday (18) to secure the delivery from two fuel tankers that were anchored off Colombo.“The consignment contains over 37,000 MT of Diesel and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will deliver 10,000 MT for electricity generation,” he told the weekly Cabinet Media Briefing on Wednesday (19), adding that this stock will be sufficient for a period of 8 days.He also that Sri Lanka’s power generation crisis that should have been solved internally between the Ministries of Power and Energy, has unfortunately spilled into the public domain.“All the allegations and issues could have been raised internally and the solution made public,” said the Minister.He also added that NO proposal was made to change the standards of the fuel delivered to Sri Lanka, adding that these are matters spread across social media platforms by those who wish to generate profits from Diesel.“Some may be mixing other fuel, like Kerosene, to generate more profits,” he said adding that if a person has been victimized via such measures, one must immediately notify the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation over the matter.He said that Sri Lanka’s fuel stocks fluctuate every week, and there will be shipments coming in every week to Sri Lanka, and dismissed claims that Sri Lanka is losing fuel stocks by the day.

LOS ANGELES - A combined $250,000 reward is being offered to help Los Angeles Police track down the person responsible for killing UCLA graduate student Brianna Kupfer in a random daytime attack at a luxury furniture store.The reward, which is a combination of public and private funding, is being offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of a suspect or suspects in the stabbing death of the 24-year-old last Thursday.A combined $250,000 reward is being offered to help Los Angeles Police track down the person responsible for stabbing UCLA graduate student Brianna Kupfer to death in a random daytime attack at a luxury furniture store."We will find this vicious criminal, we will get him arrested, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," Councilman Paul Koretz said as he announced the reward."Brianna, who was born, educated and was building her career here in Los Angeles was a rising star in this community whose ascent was unnecessarily cut short by a heartless criminal last Thursday," Koretz read on behalf of Kupfer's family. "She embodied everything that is great about Los Angeles and the entire city should grieve over this senseless act."Brianna Kupfer (LinkedIn) Kupfer was working as a consultant for Croft House on North La Brea Avenue and was alone in the store when a man entered the business.

WEST OAK LANE - A 30-year-old man has been gunned down inside a store in West Oak Lane.Officials said police were called to the 2100 block of 72nd Avenue Tuesday, just before 7 p.m., to a corner store, on the report of a shooting.Officers arrived to find the 30-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the head, as well as at least five gunshots in his back.MORE HEADLINES:Medics declared the man dead at the scene.Police said no arrests have been made and no weapons have been found. An investigation into the shooting is underway.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

The commitment of WHO donors is fuelling the fight against COVID-19 all over the world.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India has offered a Credit Line of USD 500 Million to Sri Lanka to purchase petroleum products.The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said this decision to support Sri Lanka follows a discussion between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal on Tuesday (18) said that the country has paid the USD 500 Million International Sovereign Bond that matured.Earlier, the Governor said that the Central Bank allocated the forex required for the $ 500 million International Sovereign Bonds (ISB) that is maturing on January 18.Out of the 500 million dollar bond, 170 million is held by domestic investors, Cabraal had said earlier, according to media reports. Sri Lanka has paid the USD 500 million sovereign #bond that matured today (18).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Electricity generation at the Sapugaskanda Power Plant has come to a grinding halt, as it has run out of furnace oil.The Ceylon Electricity Board said it is taking all necessary measures to prevent a possible power outage on Tuesday (18) by using diesel to generate electricity.The CEB added that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has started delivering 900 MT of fuel to generate electricity.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered the Government’s Policy Statement, after declaring open the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday (18).The President said that while successfully encountering short-term problems, the primary responsibility is to continue to implement the long-term development program presented by the government to the people and endorsed by a majority.“The sustainable future of the country is built on it,” said the President.Here’s are some of the key takeaways from the President’s speech:National Security:“Our Government has secured national security and the people have no fear of terrorism today,” said the President in his statement.He said the government has been able to change the situation concerning the underworld that terrorized people, during the past two years.The President further stated that Sri Lanka was becoming a hub for international drug traffickers and the situation today is largely under control due to the action taken by the security & intelligence services in the country.Human Rights:The President in his statement said Sri Lanka needs to correct the misconceptions that have been taken to the international community in the past with regard to Human Rights in the country.“During my tenure, the government did not support any form of human rights violations. We do not condone such actions in any manner,” he said.Electricity:“We will not approve the construction of coal power plants in the future for any reason,” said the President adding that “Our goal is to achieve the carbon-neutral target by 2050.

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Power will hold a discussion on Tuesday (Jan. 18) with the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, on obtaining the required US dollars for the Ceylon Electricity Board. “A fuel tanker is currently at the Port and the discussions with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Ministry, and the Bank of Ceylon today (18), will focus on getting the tanker released to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation,” Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge told News 1st.Accordingly, once the shipment of fuel onboard the tanker is released to the CPC, the CEB could also obtain the required fuel for power generation, he added.“The Central Bank provided US dollars for all these shipments, and for this shipment also, we’ll obtain the required dollars from the CBSL,” Minister Lokuge noted.The Minister was hopeful that the prevailing power crisis could be rectified by the 22nd of this month, once the fault at the Norochcholai Power Plant is resolved and re-activated, as that would add another 300 MW of power to the National Grid.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has warned that if the fuel imported to the country is released to the Ceylon Electricity Board for electricity generation, there will be a shortage of fuel for vehicles.“We were compelled to reach a decision to only release fuel to the CEB if they deliver payment in USD,” the Minister told News 1st adding that Sri Lanka does not have oil deposits or large stocks of fuel to be given to the CEB.“We can only procure fuel for the CEB if they can provide us with payment in USD,” he said.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has already delivered 1,500 metric tons of diesel per day in the last two days.“At present, there are two tankers anchored at sea with a total of 76,000 MT of diesel. If the (CEB) can provide us with the US Dollars to unload one of them, we can deliver diesel to the Ceylon Electricity Board,” he told News 1st while denying that he will be held accountable for any power-cuts that may arise over the shortage of fuel to generate electricity.Minister Gammanpila said he is NOT vested with the responsibility of sourcing US Dollars for the country, adding that he has no power to even print US dollars.“The issue is not the fact that the CEB owes the CPC over Rs.