President & SLPP MPs to meet on fuel crisis

PORTLAND, Maine - Sen. Susan Collins was blasted Friday for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as opponents targeted her votes to confirm two justices to the Supreme Court who were in the majority opinion allowing states to ban abortion.Critics of the Maine senator haven’t forgotten the key role she played in confirming Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, and she was ripped anew on social media.Some opponents took to name-calling and attacked Collins for being naive or complicit.

AUDUBON, N.J. - People may have seen folks with metal detectors on the beach at the shore. One man participating in this hobby is kind of a hero after he found a class ring in the ocean and he reunited the ring with the family it belongs to.Bill Busarello found and returned four wedding rings with his treasure hunting hobby last year."I was fishing and never caught a fish," Busarello said.

NEW DELHI : The coronavirus pandemic is transitioning into its endemic phase and at such point, rise and fall of cases is a common phenomenon, experts said on Friday. This comes at a time when India has witnessed a 30% jump in Covid-19 cases as the country reported 17,336 cases in a day. According to the latest data by the union ministry of health, the death toll climbed to 5,24,954 with 13 new fatalities reported today.

Deborah Birx, former coronavirus response coordinator, speaks during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis hearing in Washington, D.C., US, on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg WASHINGTON - A lack of clear, concise and consistent messaging about the seriousness of the novel coronavirus in the earliest months of its spread created a false sense of security among Americans that the pandemic would not be serious and resulted in inaction early on across the federal government.That was the assessment of Dr.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed members of Wounded Warriors Project to the White House for the annual solider ride, praising the current and former military service members as the "spine of America."More than two dozen veteran and active duty troops rode two laps around the South Lawn as part of the multi-day cycling event. The tradition of the soldier ride at the White House began in 2008."You are the best that America has to offer," Biden said.

WASHINGTON - President Biden is "deeply disappointed" with a Supreme Court gun decision that struck down a New York law restricting access to concealed carry permits Thursday.Biden released the statement hours after the Supreme Court released its decision. The New York law had required permit applicants to provide specific reasons for needing a firearm. "Since 1911, the State of New York has required individuals who would like to carry a concealed weapon in public to show a need to do so for the purpose of self-defense and to acquire a license," Biden wrote.

Photo of the Deepwater Wind offshore wind farm at Block Island in Rhode Island. (Photo by Mark Harrington/Newsday RM via Getty Images) ((Photo by Mark Harrington/Newsday RM via Getty Images))WASHINGTON - The White House is launching a formal partnership with 11 East Coast governors to boost the growing offshore wind industry, a key element of President Joe Biden's plan for climate change.Biden and other top administration officials will meet with governors and labor leaders Thursday at the White House to announce commitments to expand important segments of the offshore industry, including manufacturing facilities, ports and workforce training and development.The partnership comprises governors of both parties from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.Missing from the compact is Virginia, where Republican Gov.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal agents have searched the Virginia home of a Trump-era Justice Department official who championed efforts by President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to a person familiar with the matter.The reason for the search was not immediately clear. The person who confirmed the search was not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.Bill Miller, a spokesman for the U.S.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento fire crews used about 4,500 gallons of water to fully extinguish a Tesla that kept re-igniting and then ended up submerging the high-tech car into a makeshift pond to fully quell the blaze. The white Tesla was fully involved with fire when the fire crew arrived at the scene earlier this week, according to the fire district's Facebook post. The car was parked in a wrecking yard for dismantling after it was greatly damaged from an accident in early June. It "took a significant amount of time, water, and thinking outside the box to extinguish," fire crew said. Firefighters knocked the fire down, but the car kept re-igniting in the battery compartment. SEE ALSO: San Mateo County fire nearly contained, but power not fully restoredFire officials moved the car on its side to gain access. "Even with direct penetration, the vehicle would still re-ignite due to the residual heat," officials said. In the end, the crew and the wrecking yard staff successfully created a small pit filled with water and submerged the battery compartment into the water. No injuries were reported. Teslas and other electric vehicles have been known to have issues with fires, especially with the batteries. It can be difficult to put flames out because the vehicles' lithium-ion batteries keep burning until all the energy is released. It can take as long as 24 hours to put out, according to a guide for first responders for the Tesla Model S. This story was reported from Oakland, Calif. Fire crew moved to the Tesla on its side to gain access to the battery compartment, officials said.

Coronavirus lockdown rules as he believed "the threat was not what they were telling us". The Southampton legend has regularly made headlines with his strong views on lockdowns, the Covid-19 vaccines, and even the validity of some images emanating from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

NGO Promote Ukraine, together with the Institute of Innovative Governance and Avenir de lEurope organize a symbolic EU-Ukraine human chain in support of Ukraine's EU Candidacy on June 12, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images) European Union leaders on Thursday are set to make Ukraine a candidate for joining the 27-nation bloc, a first step in a long and unpredictable journey toward full membership that could take many years to navigate.Making Ukraine a contender now seems to be a done deal after national leaders were initially divided on how quickly to embrace the war-torn country's request to become an EU member, which the Ukrainian government submitted only a few days after Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb.

MARTINE McCutcheon has opened up about the health battle that made her "lose her mind". The former EastEnders star took to her Instagram story to chat to fans about her experience with perimenopause and starting Hormone Replacement Therapy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekara noted that $34 Million was paid on Tuesday (21) for a cargo of Heavy Fuel Oil/Furnace Oil.He also said that the vessels carrying Fuel will be unloaded on Wednesday (22) and will be used for power generation and industries.He said the plan is to maintain the 2-Hour & 30 Minutes power cut as it is until the Norochcholai Power Plant is connected back to the grid, Minister said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued an extraordinary gazette notification declaring three sectors as essential public services.1. All services connected to the supply of electricity2. The supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel3. All service, work, or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance, and the reception, care feeding and treatment, of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institution.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Foreign Secretary of India Vinay Kwatra has told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that India, as a close friend, will will extend its fullest support to Sri Lanka in overcoming the difficult situation.The Indian Foreign Secretary met with the President in Colombo on Thursday (23).The Foreign Secretary is accompanied by Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance of India, Ajay Seth, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India Dr. V.

New Delhi: With India reporting a spike in covid-19 cases, union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya called a high-level meeting with the core team of experts on Thursday. The country reported 13,313 new covid cases and 38 deaths in the last 24 hours. India’s trajectory of total covid cases has risen to 4,33,44,958 with weekly positivity currently at 2.81% and daily positivity rate reported to be 2.03%.

convoy protests and related organizations were welcomed to Parliament Hill on Wednesday by a group of Conservative MPs that assured them they have ‘allies’ in Ottawa.And while the group professed peaceful intentions for future demonstrations, they also warned they believe Canada was on a “dark path,” deeply “divided,” even showing similarities to countries about to descend into “civil war.” Poilievre encourages anti-vaccine mandate protests amid reports of Canada Day rally The Ottawa press conference was scheduled to coincide with a conference of the “Canada Citizens Coalition,” or C3, an umbrella group for various protesters connected to February’s convoy demonstrations that paralyzed downtown Ottawa and blocked several Canada-U.S. border crossings.The protests were purportedly sparked by an opposition to federal vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers, but quickly morphed into a festival of grievances with federal and provincial authorities.The federal Liberal government resorted to an unprecedented invocation of emergency powers to help police to clear the blockade, and is now facing parliamentary scrutiny and a judicial inquiry into that decision.According to James Topp, one of the organizers who recently walked from B.C.

WEST PHILADELPHIA - A free course on self-defense is designed to help women and girls protect themselves in West Philadelphia, and instructors say the lessons are more important now than ever."I am out in the evening at work and going to church, so I just feel that is a part of my wellness campaign for myself," Lorraine Thomas said.Thomas is taking a free self-defense course. She says, at her age, it’s for her fitness and wellness, as well as for safety, which she does say she worries about.

FILE - Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) addresses the crowd at the 2019 South Carolina Democratic Party State Convention on June 22, 2019, in Columbia, South Carolina.

COVID-19.Heather Stefanson said Wednesday morning on social media that she has “minor symptoms” and is self-isolating while working from home.I am self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.My office has informed organizations and individuals I came into contact with over the last few days.I have minor symptoms, and am working remotely from home.1/2— Heather Stefanson

(With inputs from agencies) 

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to speak on Environment, Energy, Climate, Food Security, Health, Gender Equality and Democracy at G7 Summit happening from 26-27 July in Germany.  Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany has invited Modi to Schloss Elmau for the G7 Summit under the German Presidency  “During the Summit, Prime Minister is expected to speak in two sessions that include environment, energy, climate, food security, health, gender equality and democracy. In an effort to strengthen international collaboration on these important issues, other democracies such as Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa have also been invited," said a statement by Ministry of External Affairs.  Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of some of the participating countries," said a statement.  The invitation to G7 Summit is in keeping with the tradition of strong and close partnership and high-level political contacts between India and Germany.

FILE - Chevron gas pumps are seen on June 14, 2022, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Wednesday will call on Congress to suspend federal gasoline and diesel taxes for three months — a move meant to ease financial pressures at the pump that also reveals the political toxicity of high gas prices in an election year.The Democratic president will also call on states to suspend their own gas taxes or provide similar relief, the White House said.At issue is the 18.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on gas and the 24.4 cents-a-gallon federal tax on diesel fuel.

Congress leader Kamal Nath announced that Maharashtra chief minister Udhdhav Thackeray has tested positive for Covid-19 Minutes ahead of the cabinet meeting called by the Chief minister of Maharashtra, Congress observer and leader kamal Nath announced that Udhdhav thackeray has tested positive for Covid-19.

HANOVER, N.H. (AP) - Dartmouth College is removing all federal and institutional loans from its undergraduate financial aid awards and replacing them with expanded scholarship grants, beginning with the current summer term, the school's president said.Currently, Dartmouth undergraduates from families with an annual income of $125,000 or less who possess typical assets are offered need-based aid without a required loan component.Dartmouth is now removing the loan requirement for undergraduates from families with annual income of more than $125,000 who receive need-based financial aid.

HARRISBURG - Victims of Philadelphia’s spiraling crime crisis spoke out Tuesday, calling for the impeachment of embattled Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner.Nakisha Lewis, the mother of 21-year-old Domonic Billa, who was murdered at a Philadelphia mall in March 2021, blasted Krasner at a press conference held in the rotunda of the state’s capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania."The pain that is deep in my heart is so deep that sometimes I don’t want to live," she said, standing at a podium with a crowd of supporters behind her. "The lawlessness that has gone on in Philadelphia is beyond out of control."She continued, "I’m begging you, we need to do whatever it takes for change." Gregory Smith, 21, was arrested Wednesday and charged in the murder of Dominic Billa, according to authorities. Her son had gone to the mall March 29 to buy a pair of pants for a job interview when he was shot, she said. His stepfather is a county detective.

(GERMANY OUT) baby is sleeping, (Photo by Wodicka/ullstein bild via Getty Images) The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines for infants, urging parents to make sure their baby sleeps on a flat — not inclined — surface without soft bedding and strongly advises against bedsharing. The AAP’s first update to its safe infant sleep recommendations since 2016 was just published in the bulletin "Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment."The AAP says the risks of sleep-related infant deaths are up to 67 times higher when infants are sleeping with someone on a couch or soft armchair or cushion. Researchers note the chances of death can be 10 times higher when infants are sleeping with someone who is impaired because of fatigue or use of sedating medications or substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs; or is a smoker. The AAP also says the risks of sleeping on the same surface with someone else also increase 5-10 times when an infant is under four months of age; is sharing the surface with someone other than a parent; or is a pre-term or low-birthweight, regardless of other factors.The academy also called out the use of inclined chairs such as bouncers and rockers.

FILE IMAGE - The relatively arid desert is viewed at 33,000 feet on May 19, 2022, over Lake Mead, NV. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS - Lake Mead, a drought-stricken Colorado River reservoir located outside of Las Vegas, has been under full capacity for decades — and once again has dropped to a new low since the 1930s.The Colorado River pools behind Hoover Dam to create Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States that was developed in 1936, according to the National Park Service. Lake Mead, and another falling Colorado River reservoir called Lake Powell, are part of a system that provides water to more than 40 million people and businesses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and across the southern border in Mexico.The lake has made national headlines in recent months after the discovery of multiple bodies in the lake due to dropping water levels.MORE: Human remains resurfacing at Lake Mead, along with interest in Jimmy Hoffa’s 1975 disappearanceThe water levels at Lake Mead, situated between Nevada and Arizona, have fluctuated over the years, according to the National Parks Service.

immunization committee is recommending that the province prepare for another round of COVID-19 vaccination that could see some adults receive a fifth shot by the fall.The committee says supplemental boosters should be offered beginning at the end of the summer to people 60 and over, the immunocompromised, health workers, pregnant women and people living in isolated regions. COVID-19: Quebec lifts mask mandate for public transit users It is recommending vaccination even for members of those groups who have already received three or four shots of the vaccine, as long as their last shot or COVID-19 infection occurred at least three months prior to the next injection.The committee also says a “basic vaccination” for most adults should be defined as three doses — two initial doses and a booster — but it adds that the definition can vary depending on people’s age and medical history.

Colombo (News 1st): The U.S. government announced the third tranche of new funding to address the immediate needs of people hardest hit by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister for Home Affairs of Australia Clare O’Neill has said that the Australian government will assist Sri Lanka in overcoming the present economic crisis in compliance with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) framework.Claire O’Neill, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, made these remarks when she called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo, on Monday (20).The “Zero Chance” campaign for illegal migration and human trafficking was the policy of the previous Conservative Government of Australia. Home Minister Claire stated the same was the policy of the new government too, which represents the Labour Party.President Rajapaksa explaining the steps that he had taken when he was the Defence Secretary to prevent illegal migration, said that the Navy is taking such actions as are necessary to prevent illegal migration.President Rajapaksa appreciated the support of the Australian Government in providing naval, technical and material assistance and noted that the two countries were working closely together.Australia is on high alert for security in the Indian Ocean.

FILE - US President Joe Biden meets with smoke jumpers and other firefighting professionals during a tour at the National Interagency Fire Center at Boise Airport on Sept. 13, 2021, in Boise, Idaho.

WASHINGTON - The House 1/6 committee is set to hear from the caretakers of American democracy — elections workers and local officials — who fended off Donald Trump's pressure to overturn the 2020 presidential election, at times despite frightening personal attacks.The hearings investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S.

FILE - Sinaloa state police agents check a plastic bag with a suspicious substance found during a security operation in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico on Feb. 15, 2019.

Daniel Santulli suffered "massive brain damage" after an October 2021 hazing incident. (Photo courtesy Tom Santulli) Two men have been charged in connection to the University of Missouri-Columbia alleged hazing incident that left 19-year-old freshman Daniel Santulli blind and unable to speak or walk on his own. A grand jury in Boone County, Missouri, on Friday indicted Ryan Patrick Delanty, of Ballwin, and Thomas Andrew Shultz, of Chesterfield, on a felony hazing charges, as well as misdemeanor offenses of supplying liquor to a minor or intoxicated person, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Delanty is around 20 years old, while Shultz is 21, according to the newspaper. Santulli, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, outside Minneapolis, is being cared for by his parents, Thomas and Mary Pat, who have sued fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, the owner of the house and 23 members.

(L) Max Collins of Eve 6 performs at The Greek Theatre on July 19, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images) (R) John W.

2022 midterm elections continue on Tuesday in several states, as well as Washington, D.C. Notable races include runoffs for a senate seat in Alabama and a secretary of state nomination in Georgia.Mayor Muriel Bowser in the nation’s capital is facing voters amid crime rates and homelessness concerns, while primaries in Virginia will set up competitive congressional contests for the fall.Arkansas is also holding primary runoffs for several state legislative races.What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries:Alabama’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate is going to a runoff between Katie Britt and U.S.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) - President Joe Biden said Monday that he's considering a federal holiday on the gasoline tax, possibly saving Americans as much as 18.4 cents a gallon."Yes, I’m considering it," Biden told reporters after taking a walk along the beach.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Australia will provide $ 50 Million in official development assistance to support Sri Lanka meet its urgent food and healthcare needs.Sri Lanka currently faces its worst economic crisis in seventy years, leading to a shortage of medicine, food, and fuel.The Australian High Commission in a statement said that Australia will contribute an immediate $ 22 Million to the World Food Programme for emergency food assistance to help three million people in Sri Lanka meet their daily nutrition needs.Australia will also provide $ 23 Million in development assistance to Sri Lanka in 2022-23.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Security Secretary has instructed Sri Lanka Police to use Minimum Force to control unruly situations at filling stations that arise due to the fuel crisis.This directive also applies to protests at filling stations.The Ministry of Public Security said that the directive was issued in order to maintain law and order in areas where protests are reported.It added that a discussion took place on Saturday (18) on seeking military assistance to control such situations.However, NO action will be taken against anyone engaged in peaceful dissent.

BATH, Maine - The christening of a Navy destroyer on Saturday highlighted the sacrifices of two generations — the ship’s namesake killed in World War II and another Marine who died more than 60 years later.The future USS Basilone bears the name of a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor before his death on Iwo Jima.Breaking a bottle on the ship's bow for good luck was a woman who lost her brother in an ambush in Fallujah, Iraq.The legacy and sacrifice of such Marines are never forgotten, Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black told a crowd of 2,000 gathered next to the warship at Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works in Maine.Gunnery Sgt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested 21 people for protesting near the President’s Office in Colombo on Monday (20) morning.One monk, four women, and 16 men were arrested by Sri Lanka Police.A statement from Sri Lanka Police said that a group of protestors obstructed the two gates leading to the President’s Office from Lotus Road on Sunday (19) night, and then obstructed the two gates leading to the Finance Ministry, and the Treasury as well.It added that the protestors set up tents at these gates, and this situation prevented public employees reporting for essential services at the respective offices from entering or exiting the premises.Sri Lanka Police said the protest also inconvenienced the general public as well.Sri Lanka Police added that the protest also caused a delay of half an hour for the Finance Secretary to attend the meeting with the International Monetary Fund.Therefore, Sri Lanka Police and the Special Task Force decided to detain the protestors.The suspects will be produced to court on Monday (20) for legal action, said Sri Lanka Police.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police detained a group of people who obstructed the entrances to the President’s Office.Protestors at GotaGoGama obstructed all entrances to the President’s Office, reported Sri Lanka Police on Monday (20).Police said that the protestors moved towards the two other gates leading to the President’s Office early morning on Monday (20) and completely obstructed the path, by setting up two make-shift tents.The GotaGoGama protest demanding the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is on the 73rd Day on Monday (20).The Occupy Galle Face protest started on the 9th of April 2022 and has been going on daily, despite adverse weather and the 9th May Black Monday attacks on the protest site.Protestors blame the government for the mismanagement of the economy, which has sent prices of goods skyrocketing and the country’s reserves plummeting to levels reaching a record low.GotaGoGama also has a network of nationwide branches that popped up to support the main protest against the President and the Government.Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt for the first time in its history as the country struggles with its worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.Sri Lanka is seeking to restructure debts of more than $50bn it owes to foreign creditors, to make it more manageable to repay.A chronic shortage of foreign currency and soaring inflation have led to a severe shortage of medicines, fuel and other essentials.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to arrive in the country on Monday (20).The Ministry of Finance stated that the delegates are visiting the country to further expand the discussions regarding the funds to be obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).The Ministry of Finance said that the IMF representatives are scheduled to meet the President, the Prime Minister, officials of the Ministry of Finance, and officials of the Central Bank.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance said that representatives of Lazard and Clifford, the financial and legal consulting firms that Sri Lanka has hired to restructure loans to Sri Lanka, have begun their monitoring activities.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe commenced discussions with the IMF team a short while ago at the Prime Minister’s Office.The Ministry of Finance stated that the delegates are visiting the country to further expand the discussions regarding the funds to be obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).The Ministry of Finance said that the IMF representatives are scheduled to meet the President, the Prime Minister, officials of the Ministry of Finance, and officials of the Central Bank.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Spokesperson for UNICEF Sri Lanka, Bismarck Swangin states that Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is a children’s crisis, with 1.7 children in the country having to bear the brunt of the crisis.Speaking to ABC Australia, the UNICEF representative said that while Sri Lanka had one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in South Asia, the economic crisis has only exacerbated the child malnutrition crisis. According to the UNICEF, 7 out of 10 families are cutting down their food intake to mitigate the crisis,  Swangin said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to meet with the MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna today (20).The meeting will be held following the Cabinet Meeting at 5 PM.The fuel crisis and measures to address the crisis, as well as the next parliament week will be discussed at the meeting.