Trade Unions continue strikes, protests against tax policy

Spring cleaning may be an annual tradition for many, but what about decluttering your digital space?

Amanda Bynes is still getting care, but plans are already being made for what happens once she leaves the mental health hospital.

TAVERNIER, Fla. - Children and families are taking part in Easter egg hunts across the world on land, but what about those out on the water?A Florida dive instructor decided to hold an underwater Easter Egg hunt near Tavernier Sunday. Local photographer Daniel Eidsmoe captured the footage showing scuba diver Spencer Slate dressed up as the Easter bunny and placing colorful hard-boiled eggs among coral and sea life for participants to find. RELATED: How the Easter bunny and colorful eggs originated from ancient spring traditions"Every Easter for the past 20 years Slate puts on an Easter bunny costume and has an underwater Easter egg hunt for snorkelers and divers," Eidsmoe told Storyful.Eidsmoe said Slate, 74, has been a boat captain and dive instructor in the Florida Keys for over 40 years.Storyful contributed to this report.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Two former Black Democratic lawmakers who were expelled by Republican colleagues in Tennessee say they want to be reappointed, then elected back to their seats, following their ouster for a protest on the House floor urging passage of gun-control measures in the wake of a deadly school shooting.Nashville's metro council is likely to reappoint Justin Jones to the seat during a specially called Monday meeting. The Shelby County Commission plans to announce soon when it will meet to fill the vacancy left by Justin Pearson's expulsion. Likewise, commissioners can reinstall Pearson, who is from Memphis.Both former lawmakers told NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday that they want to return to their positions as lawmakers.

MARSEILLE, France (AP) - Eight people remained missing after the building they lived in exploded and collapsed early Sunday near the port of Marseille, leaving mounds of burning debris hampering rescue operations, officials said.More than 100 firefighters worked against a ticking clock to extinguish flames deep within the rubble of the five-story building, but more than 17 hours later "the situation is not yet stabilized," Marseille Prosecutor Dominique Laurens said at an evening news conference.Earlier in the day, officials had thought that between four and 10 people may have been trapped. Laurens said police have yet to confirm the apparent disappearance of a ninth person who lived in a next-door building.

KENSINGTON - Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting that critically injured a 30-year-old man on a Kensington street.Officials said the shooting happened Sunday afternoon, around 1:15, on the 100 block of West Ontario Street, in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.The 30-year-old victim was said to have taken a bullet in his back. He was taken to Episcopal Hospital in a private vehicle, according to authorities.Police are actively investigating the shooting and say no weapons have been recovered and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

Ever since the Galvin brothers introduced the first car radio — the Motorola — back in 1930, we’ve enjoyed all sorts of audio while behind the wheel. For decades, the radio was our main source of entertainment and information while we travelled from point A to point B.

Mint include public health, epidemiology, health policy and national program, health promotion and prevention, and disaster management. With senior officials playing a key role in the public health system, the first such structured exercise to train bureaucrats on a wide range of public health topics will help them effectively manage health programs and respond to emergencies. “We are developing a public health education curriculum for our joint secretaries.

PHILADELPHIA - It may be the start of a new season, but Philadelphia is still reeling from last season's legendary World Series run!Ultimate victory may have been cut short by the Astros, but the entire city celebrated their beloved team at every opportunity - and the celebration continued Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.The Phillies were given their National League Championship rings during the final day of their 3-game series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.RELATED COVERAGE: Stott caps 3-run 9th with RBI single, Phillies top Reds 3-2A total of 41 rings were presented to 29 players and 12 coaches during an on-field ring ceremony.And just like last year's team - the Phillies' championship ring is one of a kind:It even features a nod to the dedicated fans of the Fightin' Phils! "Bedlam at the Bank" and "Dancing On My Own" will now forever be a part of the 2022 postseason with their own spot on the ring."With the electrifying postseason run that the club had, we knew we needed to design a ring that is symbolic of the galvanizing impact it had on our players, our fans and the city," Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton said. 

India records a minor dip in new COVID-19 cases with 5,357 infections in the latest 24-hour period. Health authorities remain cautious as the XBB1.16 sub-variant of Omicron causes concern. Mask-wearing protocols have been reintroduced in Haryana, Kerala and Puducherry.

CENTER CITY - A man is dead after he was shot multiple times on the SEPTA northbound platform of the Walnut-Locust Station in Center City Saturday afternoon.Police say the shooting started as an "animated conversation" on Broad Street that escalated into a fight on the subway platform.While fighting, the suspect's gun discharged and struck the victim in the leg, according to authorities.The man, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Lighty, was rushed to Jefferson Hospital where he died from his injuries.Police say the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Phillip Riddick, was arrested as he walked up the stairs of the subway station.

A Norfolk Southern crew member was briefly trapped in an engine car this weekend after it tilted over along with 10 other cars in Jasper, Alabama. (Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) At least 11 cars in a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Jasper, Alabama, on late Saturday, spilling diesel fuel and engine oil off the tracks.Authorities transported at least two crew members to a nearby hospital following the crash, but both have since been released.

ALSO READ: Amid Covid surge, see state-wise precautions taken to keep infections in check In a review meeting held on April 7, Mandaviya had urged state health ministers to visit hospitals and oversee the mock drills. Officials have also been urged to identify emergency hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection cases, ramping up testing and vaccination, and ensuring readiness of hospital infrastructure.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. - A deadly discovery led to a murder investigation, police chase one state over, and ultimately the arrest of a male-female duo weeks later.Charles Lowe, 44, and Sierra Steiner, 28, are charged with murder after a man was found shot and killed inside a car on the 2400 block of Old County Road on March 19.Police say the man, who has not been identified, was parked with Steiner in the passenger seat when Lowe pulled up behind him and approached the car.When he tried to drive away, authorities say Lowe shot the victim causing him to crash into a wooded area.MORE HEADLINES:Steiner and Lowe then fled together in the suspect's vehicle.

Maria Quiñones Sánchez PHILADELPHIA - Former city council member Maria Quiñones Sánchez has suspended her run for Philadelphia's next mayor.Sanchez made the announcement Sunday, saying she was "sorry" for ending her campaign for the Democratic nomination."I am sorry to be suspending my campaign. I ran for mayor because I’ve lived every challenge this city faces, and with my policy and legislative experience, I felt I could tackle our city’s challenges head-on," she said.She was among eight candidates running for the Democratic nomination for mayor after resigning as council member and announcing her campaign in September.RELATED COVERAGE: Philadelphia Mayor's race: Councilmembers Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Derek Green announce candidacyThe Democratic candidate says she is "disappointed" by the lack of discussion surrounding help for Latino Philadelphians, and is calling on her party to address the community's needs."The needs of our community are specific and unique," Sanchez said.

Cassie and Brady Staigh had been trying to have a baby for about three years when they finally decided to seek help.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joins airport service workers and union leaders Capitol Hill to urge Congress to pass the Good Jobs For Good Airports Act on March 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for SEIU) HARTFORD, Conn. - U.S. Sen.

The daily positivity rate has reached 3.39% as the increase in the pace of testing is reflected in the uptick in covid cases New Delhi: India has recorded 5357 new reported covid cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of active cases to 32,814, the union health ministry on Sunday. With 44.9 million cases so far, the country has reported 530,965 covid related deaths. The daily positivity rate has reached 3.39% as the increase in the pace of testing is reflected in the uptick in covid cases.

Pope Francis delivers his Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square on April 09, 2023 in Vatican City, Vatican.

PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - A police officer is recovering, and an investigation has been sparked after a shooting in Phillipsburg over the weekend.The officer, along with a civilian, were shot in the Warren County town Saturday afternoon, according to a tweet by the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association.Officials say both were wounded, and taken to a local hospital.

Reuters. Evidence of virus was discovered in placentas of both mothers.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is dead after several shots were fired in Philadelphia's Mantua section early Sunday morning.Police were called to the 700 block of Dekalb Street to find a 27-year-old gunshot victim around 4:!5 a.m.He was shot multiple times through the body.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington state Senate on Saturday approved an assault-weapons ban, a measure long sought by gun-control advocates.HB1240 passed the Senate in a 27-21 vote, with one excused. The measure will go back to the House since it was amended by the Senate before it is sent to Gov.

LOS ANGELES - A puppy was safely recovered after being thrown out of a moving vehicle during a wild 2-hour pursuit through parts of Los Angeles County Friday afternoon.  The pursuit began around noon in the area of 99th Street and Avalon Boulevard in South Los Angeles. The suspect, in a Chevy Avalanche, was wanted for attempted murder and carjacking.  A suspect wanted for attempted murder led officers with the Los Angeles Police Department on a two-hour pursuit Friday afternoon that spanned across LA County, at one point ditching one vehicle and getting into another.WATCH THE FULL PURSUIT HERE SkyFOX was live over the chase as the vehicle sped through parts of Inglewood and Westchester, on both sides of the Los Angeles International Airport. During the chase, the suspect's vehicle hit another car and shortly thereafter the driver ditched the Chevy truck and got into the back of another vehicle, that appeared to be waiting for him. RELATED: Suspect hits vehicle, jumps into another during wild 2-hour pursuitThe chase continued at high speeds on surface streets in Willowbrook before the driver in the second vehicle led authorities back to the South LA area. In the area of 56th Street and Figueroa St, someone from inside the vehicle tossed a puppy out of the car. The puppy was placed inside a designer handbag.

Protesters hold placards reading "Power is in the streets" and "No." during a demonstration a day after the French government pushed a pensions reform through parliament without a vote on March 17, 2023. (JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images) PARIS - Protesters disrupted traffic in Paris on Friday as angry critics, political opponents and labor unions around France blasted President Emmanuel Macron's decision to force a bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 through parliament without a vote.Opposition parties were expected to start procedures later Friday for a no-confidence vote on the government led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

The Covid-19 pandemic could settle down this year to a point where it poses a threat similar to flu, the World Health Organization has said.

PHILADELPHIA - Temple University and Philadelphia police are set to graduate new police officers as the city continues to deal with violent crime. The officers will graduate on Friday morning at McGonigle Hall. The addition of eight new officers brings the Temple Police force to more than 100, with the addition of 35 security officers in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department. This comes just one month after Temple University Police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald was fatally shot in the line of duty while chasing suspects.  Related Sgt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Federation of University Teachers Associations said that its members will continue to strike against the conduct of the government.Activities across state universities were crippled on Thursday (16), and FUTA said it would refrain from taking part in evaluating the answer scripts of the G. C.

The woman who went on stage topless at the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday said she did it to bring attention to the loss of natural carbon-capturing areas across Canada.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the on-going strike will be called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), as the President had noted that their demands will be taken into consideration. Spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers' Association Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told reporters on Wednesday (15) that the strike will be temporarily called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), and it does not mean the GMOA has withdrawn from the trade union action. The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests with effect from midnight on Tuesday (14).Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions supportrf the strikes.Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that support this move.Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President's Media Division operating from the Sri Lankan President's Office released a series of statements on the nation-wide strikes that were launched on Wednesday (15).The statements by the PMD are as follows:– The Railway Department GM confirmed that as a result of the committed service of Railway employees, 20 trains had operated by 8.00 this morning for the convenience of commuters despite the union action.– CPC/CPSTL Chairman Mr. M.U.

protests against the queer community has risen sharply across North America in recent months and groups that study online hate believe they know why.“The data shows an uptick in anti-LGBT+ demonstrations in Canada alongside the larger increase in the United States,” said Sam Jones, communications lead for the Armed Conflict Location and Data Project. “More anti-LGBT+ demonstration events have already been recorded in Canada so far this year than in all of 2021 and 2023 is on track to exceed 2022.”Canadian Anti-Hate Network executive director Evan Balgord says Canada is seeing the protests happening right across the country with multiple events happening every week.

(Staff photo by Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images) PHOENIX - As gas prices rose across the country in 2022 amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more people began to show interest in electric cars as an answer to higher gas prices.According to the website MarketWatch, searches for new and used EVs jumped 112% from Feb. 24 to March 8, 2022 on cars.com, at around the same time as the Russian invasion began. Here's what you should know about electric cars, as well as some of the terms that are unique to this category of cars.According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, which is part of the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Strong wind gusts will continue to whip across the region on Wednesday and influence temperatures that will start to turn milder as the week continues. Forecasters picked up wind gusts that reached over 50 MPH in Philadelphia and areas along the New Jersey shore on Tuesday, as a powerful nor'easter scraped past the Delaware Valley. FOX 29's Kathy Orr says those strong wind gusts will continue overnight Tuesday and make temperatures in the 30s and 20s feel like the teens by morning. Daytime temperature in Philadelphia and surrounding areas will stay below 50 degrees with wind gusts of 40 MPH to make conditions feel colder. Winds will die down on Thursday and temperatures will approach the 60s with a mix of sunshine and clouds. A pleasant St. Patrick's Day is in store for the Delaware Valley on Friday as temperatures will reach the low 60s with cloudy skies. An early look at the weekend shows a round of showers on Saturday, followed by sunshine and cooler temperatures in the 40s and 50s. ___ WEDNESDAY: Windy, cool.

Quebec provincial police say a man is expected to appear in court Tuesday after he allegedly plowed into pedestrians — killing two of them and injuring nine others in Amqui, Que. — in what investigators believe was a “premeditated” act.

Greenbelt was kicked off stage by Avril Lavigne during Monday night’s Juno Awards.On Monday evening, as Lavigne was speaking to assembled guests at the Edmonton event, a topless protester appeared on the stage behind her.The message “Save the Greenbelt” was written on their body.Lavigne was quick to order the protester to leave the stage. “Get the f–k off,” she said, still speaking into the microphone.

Scottish comedian Janey Godley has given her fans an update on her health as she posted a video on her social media beaming with joy to alert everyone her cancer markers were back down to normal.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15). One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.Health Services:The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.Postal Services:The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).Transportation Services:The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike. The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).Education Services: Prof.

Zero Covid strategy followed by the country for over three years which hurt its economic growth also led to public protests, was completely right and delivered highly effective outcomes. This comes even as China continues to record a significant rise in influenza cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his confirmation for a third term and praised China's progress under his leadership. The President's Media Division said that Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation for China's support in Sri Lanka's economic challenges, especially in the IMF process & expressed confidence that the two countries' robust cooperation will continue to flourish during Prez. Xi Jinping's new term.Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as president on 10th March, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S.

UNIVERSITY CITY - Police are investigating a crash that killed a 70-year-old man after he was struck by a car. According to police, the crash occurred on March 8, just before 8 p.m., at the intersection of Civic Center Boulevard and University Avenue. Authorities say a silver or gray SUV hit a 70-year-old man. The driver of the vehicle got out of his car and saw the 70-year-old on the ground before he got back into his car and left the area going south on University Avenue, officials say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESPolice say the victim was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Government hospital waiting rooms were empty on Monday (13) morning as patients were turned back due to a strike launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association against the government's new tax regime.Doctors across four provinces in Sri Lanka, namely the Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern provinces, went on strike with effect from 8 AM against the government's tax policy.The Professionals Trade Union Collective is spearheading the trade union action, and it is supported by at least forty Government and Semi-Government trade unions against the government's new tax regime, the bank interest rate hike, salary and wage anomalies, and several other demands.The Colombo National Hospital was the worst affected, as only emergency services were in operation while all other services were crippled by the strike.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is likely to be rocked by severe strike actions in many crucial sectors nationwide which will bring the country to a standstill, as the public buckles under the financial strain of multiple price hikes and heavy taxation.The Professionals Trade Union Collective and several other trade unions representing government and semi-government sectors have planned to launch trade union actions from Monday, March 13. More than 40 trade unions including health, education, water, electricity, nurses, teachers, government and semi-government sectors have expressed their support.Trade unions said one of the main reasons for the trade union action is the failure to provide solutions to the burdens caused by the unfair tax policy, while salaries have not been increased and the economic crisis continues.Through the protests, the trade unions will also highlight several other matters including skyrocketing interest rates and issues related to salaries and increments.Dr.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has initiated inquiries and investigation procedures to ascertain whether the crowd control procedures adopted by law enforcement officers are in line with constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations of Sri Lanka and basic principles of respecting human dignity. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles is expected to appear before the Commission tomorrow for an inquiry over the violent crackdown by the Police on March 7 and 8 when dispersing protests held near the Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya.The Commission is optimistic that the discussion with the Minister would help adopt a mechanism to prevent the violations of fundamental human rights in future and recommend guidelines in compliance with human rights for the control of crowds during protests.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka expressed concerns over law enforcement officers who resorted to the use of tear gas, water cannons and wooden rods as a crowd control mechanism to disperse protesters over the past few days.Issuing a statement, the HRCSL noted that every citizen is entitled to the freedom of Assembly and expression and that this right has been exercised by different individuals and groups in the country. The statement further read that the Commission has

WEST PHILADELPHIA - A local nonprofit is partnering with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to provide free tax preparation services in an effort to help families get more money back into their pockets.Brittany Brown said she learned about the free service during her 5-month-old daughter’s doctor’s appointment."I would rather have a professional have their eyes on it," said Brittany Brown. "I think that it will help us in the long run, especially for working families."Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the nonprofit Campaign for Working Families is offering the service with the goal of building financial well-being for individuals and families."We don’t want to leave any dollars on the table," said Dr.

Vincent Ke has resigned from the Progressive Conservative party following a Global News report of allegations by intelligence sources that Ke was involved in an election interference network directed by China’s consulate in Toronto.Ke, who represents the Toronto-area riding of Don Valley North, denies the allegations.“While the Global News allegations about me are false and defamatory, I do not want to be a distraction to the government and take away from the good work Premier Ford is doing for the province of Ontario,” he wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.Ke will now sit as an Independent.“Mr. Ke offered to step away from the Ontario PC caucus,” wrote Caitlin Clark, a spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford, in a statement.

A Pennsylvania man claims he unknowingly had a loaded revolver in his backpack that was stopped by TSA Agents at JFK Airport. Credit: TSA.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A report prepared by the Centre for Society and Religion on the use of tear gas in Sri Lanka has revealed that Sri Lanka Police has not conducted any laboratory test over the contents of tear gas munitions.The report filed based on the information obtained via the Right to Information Act revealed that Sri Lanka Police had used expired tear gas munitions to disperse protests in 2022, and some of those munitions were produced back in 2000.It noted that in 2012, a total of 20,000 tear gas munitions were procured and until 2016 only 2,306 of those units were used.The report adds that the remaining munitions were to expire in 2017, however they were not disposed.It added that from 2012 to 2019 a total of over 40,000 tear gas munitions were to expire, and during that period 8,265 tear gas munitions were used on protests, and another 31,735 expired tear gas munitions remain in service.The report from the Centre for Society and Religion notes that the handling of tear gas munitions by Sri Lanka Police totally violates all instructions given by the manufacturers, including to not deploy the munitions close to live firearms, and not to fire them directly at protestors.It added that from March to July 2022, during the period of the worst economic crisis in the country, Sri Lanka Police deployed 6,722 tear gas munitions on 84 separate occasions at a cost of Rs.