Firms linked to the Tory Party have won nearly £500million in pandemic contracts without having to bid. Labour says at least 13 companies got the contracts with no competitive tendering.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said: “There has been an alarming pattern of companies with links to the Conservatives doing well out of publicly funded projects during this pandemic. “People want their governments to use public money fairly and they don’t expect contracts to end up with ministers’ mates.” She is demanding an independent probe. What do you think about this story?

Join in the debate in the comments below One firm, Randox, received £133million for Covid testing. It pays Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson £8,333 a

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35% spike in COVID-19 cases reported in Sri Lanka; 15% increase in COVID deaths

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has recorded a 35% spike in COVID-19 cases compared to the first week of February 2022.Dr. Anwar Hamdani, attached to the Ministry of Health speaking to News 1st said that COVID-19 fatalities have also spiked by 15 %.He urged the general public to immediately obtain the booster dose against COVID-19 if they are yet to do so.He further noted that a mobile vaccination drive is in effect to vaccinate some 1.1 million Sri Lankans who remain unvaccinated.

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Aditya Birla Health Insurance inks bancassurance partnership with Utkarsh SFB

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Minneapolis school bus driver shot in head

A bus driver suffered injuries on Wednesday after being shot in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A school bus driver was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after being shot in the head in Minneapolis.Police responded around 2:15 p.m.

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Grocery prices continue to rise with no end in sight

DEVON, Pa. - Some national retailers say don’t expect grocery prices to come down anytime soon and they may even climb in coming weeks."$90 for nothing. Just fruits and vegetables and a box of coffee. Like three or four bags.

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India reports 67,084 Covid-19 cases, 1,241 Covid-19 deaths in last 24 hours

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Tripura govt imposes night curfew from February 11 amid Covid-19 spread. See details

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Wanted: Woman charged for luring man to MS-13 ambush, where he was hacked by machete and shot to death

HOUSTON - A woman is on the run after being charged with murder for luring a man to his ambush death at the hands of machete-wielding MS-13 gang members.Authorities are now asking for the public's help in finding Karla Jackelin Morales. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Wednesday that a reward is being offered for information that leads to her capture.CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY"She helped plan and plot this vicious execution, and somebody out there knows where she is hiding," Ogg said.

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Police: Teen shot multiple times inside Mantua store and killed

Police in Philadelphia's Mantua neighborhood investigate after a 19-year-old male was shot multiple times and killed inside a store. MANTUA - Philadelphia Police are investigating a shooting homicide inside a Mantua business that killed a 19-year-old male.The shooting happened on the 3700 block of Wallace Street Wednesday, a little after 9 p.m., inside a corner store.Officials say responding officers found the teen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds when they arrived.MORE HEADLINES:Medics pronounced the teen dead at the scene.Police say no weapon has been found and no arrests have been made.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

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Sri Lanka considering House Arrest for those convicted of minor offenses

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons is considering the option of introducing house arrest for those imprisoned for minor offenses.The option is being considered as a measure to minimize congestion across Sri Lankan prisons, and it will be implemented as a five-year program.The Department of Prisons said the House Arrest program will be introduced in Sri Lanka similar to those used overseas, as an alternative to imprisoning people convicted of minor offenses.It added that this program will not only reduce the number of those convicted for minor offenses serving their sentences in prison and reduce congestion, but it will also cut down state expenditure.In addition, the Department of Prisons also hopes to introduce the House Arrest program for those who fail to pay their fines and allow them to be employed in order to pay the said fine and be released from House Arrest.House Arrest:This is given to some offenders as an alternative to jail time or prison sentencing.When ordered to stay under house arrest, the individual must stay confined to their house and wear an electronic monitoring device (currently used overseas) to ensure they are sticking to the terms of confinement.

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Hejaaz Hizbullah finally goes home after nearly two years in detention

COLOMBO (News 1st); Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah on Wednesday (9) walked out of the Puttlam High Court without handcuffs after he was held for nearly two years in detention.Hejaaz Hizbullah was released on a cash bail of Rs. 100,000/- and two surety bails of Rs.

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Colorado mom who fatally abused 7-year-old daughter sentenced to 16 years

Photo of Olivia Grant during a ride along with the Denver Police Department in 2017. DENVER - A Colorado mother who fatally abused her 7-year-old daughter and lied about her health to get handouts from charities worth at least $100,000 was sentenced to 16 years in prison as part of a plea deal that threw out murder charges.Judge Patricia Herron issued the sentence Wednesday after Kelly Turner pled guilty last month to child abuse resulting in the 2017 death of the girl, Olivia Gant, and to charitable fraud and theft.Previous charges of first-degree murder, attempt to influence a public servant and forgery were dropped as part of an agreement with prosecutors.Turner said nothing during her virtual sentencing hearing but wiped away tears as prosecutors played a video made by Olivia’s grandfather Lonnie Gautreau of Olivia laughing and smiling, baking a cake, dancing in a princess costume, playing doctor with her dolls and singing songs."This truth about Olivia has caused such a deep pain that it continues to ravage me every day," said a statement from Gautreau that was read at the hearing by a prosecutor.

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Suspect surrenders after hours long standoff at West Philadelphia home, police say

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities gathered outside a home in West Philadelphia on Wednesday night after police said a recently evicted tenant locked himself inside with two young children.Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to a home on the 5500 block of West Girard Avenue just before 8 p.m.According to police, a 36-year-old man who was recently evicted from the property changed all the locks and violated a Protection From Abuse order. The suspect, who has not been named, locked himself inside the home with a 2-year-old and 3-year-old. After more than two hours inside the home, police said the suspect surrendered peacefully and no injuries were reported.MORE LOCAL HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Some Albertans celebrate end of the restrictions exemption program

While some are questioning the timing of Alberta lifting the restrictions exemption program, others like bar and restaurant owners say it will help their bottom line and reduce the pressure on their staff to enforce the vaccine passport. Dan Grummett explains.

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Joe Rogan Addresses COVID Stance & N-Word Scandal In New Standup: 'I Talk S**t For A Living'

Joe Rogan is speaking out about all the controversies he’s recently been making headlines for…

Joe Rogan state Texas Austin, state Texas covid-19 Hollywood reports

Dollywood offers to pay tuition for employees

according to the website. "The education benefit package is available to all team members on the first day of their employment. It will allow employees at all levels to pursue their personal and professional dreams," the website said.The resort will also cover any additional fees and textbook costs. "Our goal at Dollywood Parks and Resorts is to provide the best possible experience for both our guests and our hosts," Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, said in a news release.

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Trudeau slams Canada trucker protests, police threaten arrests

Canadian police have threatened to arrest trucker-led protesters who have shut down central Ottawa and disrupted cross-border trade in anger at Covid health rules, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lambasted the movement as "unacceptable."

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Fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine ‘conceivable’ to protect against Omicron variant: Fauci

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Alberta parents, school officials react to COVID-19 masking changes

Alberta students will not have to wear masks in schools come Monday — and parents are split on their feelings about the changes. Breanna Karstens-Smith reports.

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Trucker protests: Trudeau says government has helped people grappling with demonstrations in Alberta, Ottawa ‘every step of the way’

During Tuesday’s session of question period, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau what concrete steps the government has taken to help people grapple with the Coutts, Alta. trucker convoy and Ottawa anti-mandate protests.

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Alberta Premier Jason Kenney explains timing of vaccine passport ending

Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program is no more and soon, other COVID-19 health restrictions will also be lifted. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney joined Gord Steinke to talk about the timing and where the province goes from here.

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Edmonton exploring its own municipal restrictions exemption program

Edmonton city council is weighing its options when it comes to introducing its own COVID-19 health measures. Councillors voted in favour Wednesday of exploring a municipal proof of vaccination program. Kim Smith explains.

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COVID-19: City committee votes against exploring vaccine passport program just for Calgary

The City of Calgary will not be implementing its own COVID-19 vaccine passport program — at least for now — after a city committee voted against exploring the idea on Wednesday. Adam MacVicar reports.

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Alberta businesses divided over vaccine passport elimination

It was designed to curb spiking COVID-19 case rates and to encourage vaccination, but Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the passport program has done its job. Some businesses are applauding the move while others say it’s far too premature to eliminate the provincial restrictions exemption program.

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Goodell: NFL won’t tolerate racism, vows changes amid Dolphins fallout

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media on February 09, 2022 at the NFL Network's Champions Field at the NFL Media Building on the SoFi Stadium campus in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Under a baking California sun, Roger Goodell knew the heat was coming.At his annual Super Bowl news conference, the NFL commissioner was grilled on two hot topics that have put the league under heavy scrutiny: racism and discrimination in hiring.

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Snoop Dogg takes over Death Row Records, label that launched his career

Snoop Dogg of hip-hop supergroup Mt. Westmore performs at Rupp Arena on November 20, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES (AP) - Snoop Dogg has taken over a popular record label that launched his stellar career.The rapper-mogul acquired Death Row Records’ brand from MNRK Music Group, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Blackstone, the i nvestment firm announced Wednesday.

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Central Bucks West choir director charged with recording former student as he undressed

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A Central Bucks West High School choir director has been charged with hiding cameras inside a bedroom in his home in order to record a former student as the student undressed.Joseph Ohrt, a Buckingham Township resident, faces one count of interception, disclosure or use of a wire, electronic or oral communications and four counts of possession, sale, distribution, manufacture or advertisement of electronic, mechanical or other devices and telecommunication identification interception devises, all felonies in the third degree.An investigation began May of 2021 by Central Bucks Regional Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office after receiving a Childine tip of an alleged sexual assault of a former student by Ohrt.MORE HEADLINES:The victim, a 2016 graduate of Central Bucks West, was a member of the choir. He stated that in his junior year, Ohrt mentored him in music composition.

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Former MLB player Jeremy Giambi dead at 47

FILE - Outfielder Jeremy Giambi #7 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a studio portrait during Spring Training Photo Day in Phoenix, Arizona. Former MLB player Jeremy Giambi has died, the Oakland Athletics confirmed on Wednesday.

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Kanye West's Mental Health Does Not Excuse This Behavior! | Perez Hilton

If U were Kim Kardashian, would you force your daughter to be off Tik Tok to keep Kanye West happy???? This and much more on our latest podcast! CLICK HERE to watch this episode of The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker!

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More than 56,000 boosters given yesterday; 306 community cases; 12 in hospital

The Big Boost Week is now in full swing with 56,257 booster doses administered across New Zealand yesterday, bringing the total so far to more than 1.7 million.

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Almost all restrictions affecting Alberta children gone soon

There was a ton of information to unpack from Tuesday’s COVID-19 announcement by Premier Jason Kenney, including the end of the mask mandates for students.

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Windsor asks for help to end protest

The city of Windsor is asking for federal and provincial aid to deal with a protest that has stopped incoming truck shipments across the Ambassador Bridge. Seán O’Shea reports.

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Oscars 2022: Surprising COVID-19 Vaccine Info Revealed

You might be surprised by this decision that was just made for the 2022 Oscars ceremony on March 27.

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What is the consumer price index and how is it used to measure inflation?

Sale stickers on a store shelf. A seven percent increase in the consumer price index (CPI) over the 12 months to December was the highest since 1982.

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Valentine’s Day deals to get back at your ex

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer announced it is selling prickly valentines to send to a special ex-someone. "Bolder (and sharper) than your typical bouquet of flowers, each Prickly Valentine comes with a mini-cactus and commemorative card," the seltzer brand revealed in a press release.There is currently a limit of one cactus per customer, and an alcohol purchase is required. You can make a "point" to that lousy person and order here.With a $10 donation this Valentine's Day, The Florida Aquarium will also let you name a roach after an ex.Those who participate will receive a certificate commemorating the occasion and a photo of the roach. Participants will also be able to send a message with "words you wish you had said" or a "funny revenge confession." The aquarium said amusing, family-friendly confessions will be posted with anonymity on The Florida Aquarium’s social media. An, don't worry – they'll never "Hiss & Tell" who sent them! You can get started here.Meanwhile, the San Antonio Zoo will also host its Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser for its third year, where funds raised support the zoo’s vision of securing a future for wildlife. The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

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COVID-19 hospitalizations decrease slightly as Alberta’s vaccine passport program officially expires

COVID-19 decreased slightly on Wednesday as Alberta’s vaccine passport program officially expired.Premier Jason Kenney announced Tuesday that the restrictions exemption program would be lifted at midnight. The REP came into effect in September, and required Albertans to show proof of double vaccination or a negative rapid test result to obtain entry to businesses operating under the program.

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Road closures put in place around Queen’s Park ahead of possible protest

Toronto Police has put in place a number of road closures over rumblings on social media that a protest connected to the Ottawa convoy could come to the city. Erica Vella has more.

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Rapid tests to be made available for free at Ontario grocery stores, pharmacies

Whether you’re heading to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription or doing your groceries, you’ll now be able to pick up a kit of rapid antigen tests for free. It comes as COVID-19 cases across Ontario are on the decline and the province prepares to lift additional public health measures of the coming weeks.

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B.C. bringing in vaccine mandate for all remaining health-care workers

COVID-19, the province is finally implementing the policy.Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Wednesday family doctors, dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists and pharmacists will be required to be vaccinated by March 24, 2022.Henry said there is a process in place for medical exemptions, which can be submitted to her office.“We have been working with the colleges to sort through the details on the notice we put forward in October.

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2 men charged in string of New Castle County residential burglaries

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Police in New Castle County arrested two men they say are behind a string of home burglaries. Police say the men chose their victims because of their ethnicity.They say crimes similar to these have been reported to multiple police agencies from outside the state, including as far south as Georgia.Watches, jewelry, designer bags and sneakers.

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Smithsonian Museum is asking for pictures from Disney vacations

FILE - Crowds fill Main Street USA in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Vacation photos have a new use.The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is asking for vacation photos from Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida.

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Govt. program does not pay for crack pipes, White House says

Man holding a crack pipe. WASHINGTON (AP) - Following outrage on the political right, the Biden administration said Wednesday that a grant program to help prevent additional harm to people who use illicit drugs will not pay for safer pipes to smoke crack or meth."No federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits," Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and White House drug policy adviser Rahul Gupta said in a statement.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said separately that was never the intention, complaining that impression was created by "inaccurate reporting."Monday was the deadline for service organizations and state and local governments to apply for a share of $30 million in federal money for "harm reduction" efforts intended to prevent disease, injury and other collateral trauma to people addicted to illicit drugs.RELATED: 93,000 Americans died of overdoses last year, a new recordThe original request for funding proposals from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had listed "safe smoking kits/supplies" among the items that could be purchased with taxpayer money.

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COVID-19: Ontario health minister says ‘not in the clear’ yet to end proof of vaccination, masking

As Alberta and Saskatchewan drop most COVID-19 restrictions, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said on Wednesday there was no plan to drop the proof of vaccination or masking requirements yet as the province is “not in the clear” to do so.

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The Healing: Black men yoga takes shape to combat mental health

CHICAGO - When friends Tristan Lewis and Andrew Smith invited a few Black men to take part in a yoga class in Chicago in 2020, they didn’t know it would spur a nationwide movement.The two men created The Healing, a nonprofit aimed at promoting mental health for Black men and offering resources for improvement. Services include events where participants can share with each other about various struggles or sessions with mental health professionals.Most notably, the organization offers virtual yoga classes for Black men with the next one scheduled to place on Feb.

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Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong's stolen classic car recovered in OC

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs onstage during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp) ORANGE, Calif. - The Costa Mesa Police Department announced Wednesday the cherished classic car belonging to Green Day’s lead vocalist, Billie Joe Armstrong, has been recovered days after it was reported stolen.Green Day, formed in San Francisco's East Bay Area, is a Grammy award-winning rock band whose biggest hits include "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "When I Come Around," and "Holiday." The band's music is also featured in the musical "American Idiot." On the morning of Feb.

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Camden officials distribute KN95 masks, as slow rollout of free masks nationwide begins

CAMDEN, N.J. - Thousands of KN95 masks, recently donated by Cooper University Hospital, were given out in Camden County Wednesday, by city officials, in an effort to help halt the spread of COVID-19.Last month, the U.S. Government announced it would be handing out 400 million N95 masks to everyone in the country and those masks have started to appear in some stores.

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Lanarkshire locals encouraged to beat winter blues with health walks

Lanarkshire locals are being encouraged to shake off the winter blues with free health walks throughout the area.

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‘It’s a lot’: At least 2M Quebecers infected during fifth wave of COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19: Quebec announces staggered reopening plan through to mid-March Nearly one million infections have occurred since Dec. 31, Boileau said.The government on Tuesday presented a road map to gradually lifting restrictions over the coming weeks, with most expected to be gone by March 14 — except mask mandates and the vaccine passport system.

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Global COVID cases top 400 million as levels decline again

The global COVID-19 total has passed the 400 million mark early into the third year of the pandemic, with cases last week declining in the world's fourth and biggest surge, fueled by the more transmissible Omicron variant.

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United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

Firms linked to Tories have won £500m coronavirus contracts without having to bid

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