Coronation Street's Nina sparks health fears amongst fans as she holds Asha hostage

If you are symptomatic or a household contact, you can now order rapid antigen tests (RATs) through the newly launched RAT requester site. 

Prince Charles has given an update on the Queen’s health.

COVID-19 pandemic after the province reported 20 additional fatalities Wednesday.Hospitalizations related to the health crisis plummeted. The total stood at 1,381, a drop of 58 compared with the previous day.

Bank of Canada has hiked its key interest rate to 0.5 per cent, the first step of a series of signalled increases amid economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.The overnight rate target will rise 25 basis points, the central bank announced Wednesday, up from the floor of 0.25 per cent it held for much of the pandemic.In a statement accompanying the decision, the Bank of Canada said the war in Ukraine is “a major new source of uncertainty” that is driving prices higher on oil and other commodities.“This will add to inflation around the world, and negative impacts on confidence and new supply disruptions could weigh on global growth. Financial market volatility has increased.

Russia renewed its assault Wednesday on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they were ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe.The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again. It was not clear when new talks might take place — or what they would yield.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia 76ers fans will be able to trade in their masks for a replica-James Harden beard on Wednesday night when he makes his home debut. Philadelphia officials on Wednesday announced that COVID-19 numbers had improved enough to warrant a move to their All Clear response level. In that response level, masks are no longer required in most indoor settings. The Wells Faro Center, Philadelphia Flyers, and Philadelphia 76es responded by adding that guests would no longer be required to wear masks in the arena. "Today’s announcement is an important step forward for our city and comes at an exciting time for our fans," said Chris Heck, President of the Philadelphia 76ers.

PHILADELPHIA - The controversy surrounding potentially opening safe injection sites in Philadelphia is once again heating up as Mayor Jim Kenney continues to lend his support to the movement and those opposed have planned protests. The last time a safe injection site was proposed in Philadelphia – about two years ago- a federal appeals court ruled against it. Since then, New York became the first city in the country to open such a site last year. Officials there say the site has already stopped more than 100 overdoses. Mayor Kenney spoke with FOX 29’s Steve Keeley late last month and reiterated that he’s seen such operations work in Canada – in both Toronto and Vancouver.

File photo. (Credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images) President Joe Biden says Americans will be able to order more free COVID-19 tests starting next week."If you already ordered free tests, tonight, I am announcing you can order another group of tests," Biden said during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A North Carolina man says he was scammed out of thousands of dollars by a stranger who used a mobile payment app after borrowing his cell phone to make what he thought was an emergency phone call.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherAccording to an online report on MyFOX8.com, Rob Gilliam lent his phone to a man outside a Charlotte, North Carolina bar last week after the person claimed there was an emergency, and he needed to reach his sister.Gilliam said the man first made a phone call but said he was having connection problems and needed to text his sister a message instead.NEW TAX RULE REQUIRES PAYPAL, VENMO, CASH APP TO REPORT ANNUAL BUSINESS PAYMENTS EXCEEDING $600That's when Gilliam said the man used the Venmo mobile payment app to send himself nearly $4,500 in an interaction the took only minutes, according to the report. The incident happened Friday, but Gilliam didn't realize the money was gone until Sunday.

sent into Ukraine to hunt down and assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was "eliminated" by security forces, a top Kyiv defense official told national media.Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council Oleksiy Danilov reportedly told the Ukraine 24 TV channel that defense forces countered two death squads sent after Zelenskyy on Tuesday, according to a translation of his remarks.He said Ukrainian forces got intelligence about a planned attack on Zelenskyy and destroyed an elite Chechen unit. "The special operation that was to be carried out directly by the Kadyrovites to eliminate our president is fully known to us today, and I can say that we received information from representatives of the FSB, who today have no desire to take part in this bloody war," he said. Ramzan Kadyrov is the leader of the Chechen Republic, which is a semiautonomous part of Russia. He is an ally of Vladimir Putin, and his commandos are considered fierce, highly skilled fighters.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia officials dropped the city's mask mandate for indoor spaces Wednesday morning after moving the city to the All Clear COVID-19 tier.  FOX 29's Jeff Cole first broke the news on Twitter. The announcement came ahead of the city's COVID-19 briefing, which will be the last one, according to Health Commissioner Dr.

The Department of Health has been notified of 7,694 new cases of Covid-19.

Scott Hannah with the Credit Counselling Society discusses how a Bank of Canada interest rate hike could potentially impact debt-strapped Canadians.

COVID on Wednesday, with 273 in intensive care units as figures continue to trend downwards.This is down by 67 hospitalizations and a decrease of five in ICUs since the previous day. Last Wednesday, there were 1,106 hospitalizations with 319 in ICU.The province recently began distinguishing between those who were admitted to hospital directly because of COVID, and those who were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for the virus.Of the 847 people in hospital with COVID-19, 44 per cent of them were admitted because of the virus, while 56 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19.Of the 273 people in ICUs with the virus, 82 per cent were admitted because of COVID, while 18 per cent were admitted for other reasons.

Nature. 

COVID-19 vaccine mandates for their staff even as they lift the proof-of-vaccination requirement at facilities such as community centres.The province’s vaccine certificate system covering restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, event spaces ended Tuesday and several municipalities confirmed vaccination would no longer be required to enter their recreation facilities and arts centres.But many municipalities that enacted policies requiring employees to be double vaccinated or lose their jobs are keeping those mandates in place.In Toronto, the city said that despite the other public health measures lifting, its policy that employees need to be vaccinated isn’t being removed.

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today. The brief also highlights who has been most affected and summarizes the effect of the pandemic on the availability of mental health services and how this has changed during the pandemic.

KYIV, Ukraine - As Day 7 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict dawned, Russia continued its attacks on crowded Ukrainian cities and a lengthy convoy of Russian tanks and other vehicles advanced slowly toward the capital of Kyiv.Russia's escalation Wednesday came as President Joe Biden, in his State of the Union speech to Americans on Tuesday night, warned that if the Russian leader didn’t "pay a price" for the invasion, the aggression wouldn’t stop with one country.Here's a look at key things to know about the conflict:A Kremlin spokesman said a Russian delegation will be ready Wednesday evening to resume talks with Ukrainian officials about the war in Ukraine.Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "in the second half of the day, closer to evening, our delegation will be in place to await Ukrainian negotiators."There was no immediate word from the Ukrainian authorities about their plans.Police officers stand guard at the site of yesterday's airstrike that hit Kyiv's main television tower in Kyiv on March 2, 2022. (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images) A 40-mile convoy of hundreds of Russian tanks and other vehicles advanced slowly on Kyiv, a city of nearly 3 million people.

As Russian troops descended on Ukraine, the internet lit up with footage said to be from the region — destroyed buildings, planes lighting up the night sky, and air raid sirens ringing in the background of live streams.

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Canada will bar Russian ships from Canadian ports and waters and will give millions in humanitarian aid to help Ukraine. Aaron McArthur reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has revealed that the government will be issuing a gazette on Wednesday (2) night suspending 600 non-essential imports.He said Sri Lanka is facing an issue in identifying its priorities, noting that if foreign reserves are limited, they need to be allocated for medicines, fuel, and raw materials for industries, respectively.Speaking at an event in Kotte, the Minister said Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the consequences of not discouraging imports, after allowing to import whatever was not essential.He said the Treasury Secretary was preparing to issue a gazette that would stop 600 non-essential imports to the country.“It’s too late. But we can be happy about that decision,” said Gammanpila.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The diesel shortage in Sri Lanka has taken a serious toll on the country’s transport, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and other sectors.Across many areas, people were seen waiting in line since Tuesday (1) night to obtain fuel for their vehicles and machinery.In Kelaniya, people alleged that filling stations were only pumping fuel for those in high positions, and the common man is refused fuel despite waiting in line.Similar scenes were witnessed across many filling stations in the country, while in some cases the local police were called in to maintain order in the distribution of fuel.IGP C.D Wickramaratne has ordered all Senior Police Officers to ensure that law and order, and peace are maintained at filling stations, given the present crisis situation.In some places, people took to the streets to protest against the failure to ensure a smooth supply of fuel, after filling stations claimed that they had run out of fuel.These protests were taking place at a time when two more ships carrying Diesel are scheduled to arrive in the country on Wednesday (2) and Thursday (3).Secretary of the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga said that one of the ships will reach Colombo with 33,000 MT of Auto Diesel and 7000 MT of Super Diesel.The other ship will reach Colombo with 28,000 MT of Diesel and 9,000 MT of Jet fuel, the Secretary said.She said that steps are being taken to open letters of credit for the relevant ships.Secretary to the Ministry of Energy K.D.R Olga stated that two more ships carrying furnace oil are scheduled to arrive on the 6th and 7th, March 2022.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy stated that NO ship carrying fuel to Sri Lanka has been rejected.Secretary to the Ministry K.D.R Olga said that

Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened early Wednesday morning. PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting near the Hunting Park Recreation Center that took place early Wednesday morning.According to police, officers responded to the Hunting Park neighborhood around 4:30 a.m.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A juvenile Bald eagle in Scottsdale, Arizona is seen circling a body of water on March 1 and catching a fish from the water.Tom Lancione took the video and says he's worked in Scottsdale for almost four decades as a bartender and still walks the area at least three hours a day, making him familiar with the area.He's seen the bird multiple times with his friend Pam, who he says is a birder, and they've named the eagle "Sparky."They believe he could be the offspring of another eagle in the area they've named "Bandit."At about the age of 5, Bald eagles will begin developing white feathers on their heads, giving them their iconic look.Learn more about Bald eagles here.A Phoenix couple caught their cat chasing away a coyote from their home early in the morning and it was all captured on their security camera.

PHOENIX - An emergency situation unfolded on Feb. 28 as a Phoenix Police sergeant was hosting a ride-along with his wife, and luckily she was there to help him as he and other officers rescued a family after they crashed into a canal.Officers call it the "ride-along curse." As soon as someone is in the car with them, nothing happens, but this time, something did, and officers had some extra help.Phoenix Police Sgt.

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NEW DELHI :

Tamil Nadu government has announced to ease restrictions imposed across the state including lifting the ban on political and cultural gatherings. Meanwhile, as many as 500 people will be now allowed to attend weddings and funerals. The relaxations come into effect from Thursday.

Ukrainians are standing firm as Russia bolsters attacks on major cities. Global National’s Dawna Friesen speaks with Retired U.S.

Maharashtra government announced on Wednesday.

TRENTON, N.J. - The old debate about whether drivers in New Jersey should be able to pump their own gas has returned. On Monday, a group of bipartisan legislators introduced a new bill that would allow drivers in the state to have the option for self-service stations. RELATED: Rising gas prices: Ways to maximize your fuel economyThis comes as gas station owners say they are struggling with staff shortages and lack of business fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising gas prices. The Motorist Fueling Choice and Convenience Act, sponsored by Democratic Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy and Republican Assemblymen Edward H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 32 Sri Lankans who were in Ukraine, have been moved out of the country via four separate borders.This was confirmed to News 1st by the Sri Lankan Ambassador accredited to Ukraine.Earlier, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said that it continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine.On Monday (28) the Ministry said it was engaged in the evacuation of approximately forty (40) Sri Lankan nationals, including two (02) students in Ukraine via the Ukraine – Polish border.The process is facilitated by the Sri Lanka Embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, the latter being concurrently accredited to Ukraine.The Ministry has strengthened the provision of resources to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Warsaw in order to ensure the effective facilitation of the evacuation process.The Ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Ankara and Warsaw continue to maintain close contact with the Sri Lankan nationals leaving Ukraine, in order to enable their safe passage and return to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry is also engaged in monitoring the status of Sri Lankan nationals in countries which share land borders with Ukraine.Sri Lanka’s accredited missions are in contact with the relevant Honorary Consuls and Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries.The Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow which is concurrently accredited to Belarus continues to be in close communication with the approximately 1,600 Sri Lankan nationals, including 1,556 students studying in over eight (08) universities / higher education institutes in Belarus.Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Moscow is in direct contact with the relevant university authorities, student and parent groups, as well as other concerned institutions in Belarus, with regard to the safety and welfare of the Sri

The unemployment rate was 5.2% in February when adjusted for seasonal factors, unchanged from January, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); The Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Wednesday (3) met with Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that the 7.5 hour blackout will continue for Thursday (3) as well.“Power shedding for all areas will be 5 hours between 8 am to 6 pm. And further 2 and half hours between 6 pm to 11 pm.”, said the Chairman of the PUCSL.

PHILADELPHIA - February's temperatures were warmer than average and the first day of March will bring in similar weather with mild conditions. Tuesday will be cloudy due to high pressure bringing air off the coast. Temperatures will begin chilly in the morning before warming up for a mild and dry day with highs in the 50s. Storms seen on radar will stay north and out of the area, but windy conditions will move in on Thursday. Looking ahead, the weekend will bring cloudy conditions with a chance for rain on Sunday. ___SEVEN-DAY FORECAST TUESDAY: In like a lamb. High: 55WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy.

Spain has changed its travel rules for holidaymakers that are yet to be fully vaccinated against Covid.

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Robert Pattinson in 'The Batman.' Photo: Warner Bros. CHICAGO - With two notably cartoony exceptions, the last 30-some years of live-action Batman storytelling have been an experiment in increasing grimness. Tim Burton brought gothic gravitas to a character best known for kitschy ‘60s excess.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Fundamental Rights application was filed with the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2) challenging the gazette issued with the regulation stating that only FULLY VACCINATED people will be allowed to enter public places from the 30th of April 2022.The application filed by Professor F. M.

The burning cargo ship Felicity Ace was floating south of the Azores off the coast of Portugal, as seen in footage posted by the Portuguese Navy on February 18.

The Russian ruble sank to an historic low against the U.S. dollar on Monday, with analysts saying it was on the verge of a total collapse, forcing the central bank to step in, doubling its interest rate to 20 per cent. Anne Gaviola reports.

Union J recently delighted fans by announcing the original four members are getting back together after a six-year hiatus. But Josh Cuthbert says their comeback wasn’t a simple decision, admitting he thought it could affect his mental health. “If you had told me two years ago there would be a Union J reunion and I’d be part of it, I would have thought that would make my mental health worse,” the 29 year old said.

The United States has advised citizens against travelling to Hong Kong, citing strict coronavirus curbs and the risk of children being separated from parents as the Chinese city battles a wave of infections.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, will be amended in a manner that will not include 13 funds, including the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), Sri Lanka’s Attorney General told the Supreme Court on Wednesday (2).Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena told the Supreme Court that the Finance Secretary had informed the Attorney General in this regard in writing.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, one of the main opposition factions in Sri Lanka has filed a special petition with the Supreme Court challenging the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill that was presented to Parliament, on the 23rd of February.The Government on 22nd February presented the proposed Surcharge Tax Bill to Parliament.The special application challenging the Bill seeks a Supreme Court ruling to term the Bill as inconsistent with the constitution.The Bill, which imposes a retrospective one-time surcharge tax of 25% on persons and companies with a taxable income over Rs. 2 billion for the year 2020/2021, was presented by Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 22nd February.The Bill was drafted in keeping with the proposal in the 2022 Budget to impose a one-off 25% surcharge tax on individuals or companies earning taxable income more than Rs.

New Zealand anti-vaccination demonstrators set alight their own protest camp outside parliament after riot police moved to end their weeks-long occupation of the legislative precinct.