IN PICTURES: Crowds gather for peaceful protest at Galle Face

Osaka wrote an article for Time magazine, where she detailed her struggles and why she felt the decision was the correct one for her at the time. Gaining substantial criticism for not attending press conferences, Osaka spoke out, saying that the press-conference format was "out of date" and in need of a total refresh. At the time she said: "I communicated that I wanted to skip press conferences at Roland Garros to exercise self-care and preservation of my mental health.

WHO estimate is "unacceptable" to India as the country records Covid deaths systematically following a transparent and legal process, official sources said.

The Federal Court of Canada has granted Alberta intervener status in four legal challenges against the Emergencies Act.

Retired Gen. Jonathan Vance has been stripped of the prestigious Order of Military Merit after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice.

A B.C. court judge has rejected the provincial government’s bid to have a case against its COVID-19 vaccine orders for health-care workers thrown out.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has called on the Sri Lankan Government to desist from taking any steps whatsoever to disrupt what is a legitimate exercise of the freedom of dissent of the people.In a statement, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) said it received credible information from its members of a number of police trucks being moved into the vicinity of Galle Face Green, where there is an ongoing mass protest.‘The trucks have now been removed after it was highlighted in social media and brought to the notice of the authorities,’ said the statement.The BASL views with grave concern any attempt to disrupt in whatever manner, what is a peaceful protest by the people of this country, and any such attempt will have grave repercussions for the country, democracy, its economy, and the rule of law. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has informed the government that it is a violation of fundamental rights if the peaceful assembly of the citizens protected under the Constitution is suppressed by using any unlawful methods.Therefore, HRCSL urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent such action by the State forthwith.

OXFORD CIRCLE - Another violent week ends in Philadelphia, with at least five people killed and nearly two dozen hurt over the past couple of days. The shootings have left community members searching for answers.A peace rally was held Friday evening for a local activist recently shot during a carjacking.

ANI report.

Europa League tie against West Ham United this evening despite reportedly testing positive for Covid-19 this morning.It's understood that the 24-year-old took another test this afternoon which came back negative, but his inclusion in the match-day squad raises all manner of questions and health concerns.Reports indicate that Paqueta first tested positive on Wednesday and was subsequently sent home to isolate, but after a change in fortune a few hours ago Lyon decided to roll the dice and reverse their decision, naming him on the bench.Naturally, Hammers fans have been up in arms on social media since the news broke."Paqueta magically recovered for covid an hour before the game, no point in even having squad lists if the club can just change it last minute," one fan tweeted."How is Paqueta involved? The guy literally tested positive for Covid this morning," wrote another.A third said: "This is ridiculous, no one gives a s*** about Covid safety anymore do they? Thought Paqueta was positive."Should Paqueta be allowed to play? Let us know what you think in the comments section.David Moyes' side head into tonight's clash with everything still to play for after drawing 1-1 during a tense encounter at the London Stadium last week.Jarrod Bowen initially gave the home side the lead before former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele hit back a few minutes later to level the tie, and the Hammers were frustratingly denied a late chance by a pitch-invader who brainlessly stormed the field while they were counter-attacking.Victory tonight would see the east London side head into their first proper European semi-final in 46 years, so here's hoping Paqueta doesn't infect them all out there!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditionally a joyous period of celebration and festivities, dawned this year amidst many challenges faced by Sri Lankans. The shortage of fuel, gas, essential medicine and food all accumulated to formulate the Economic Crisis which Sri Lanka is currently undergoing, which had left the population reeling, the Cabinet Ministers in charge of critical subjects resigning, and nobody to take accountability for the crisis as the Parliament, which convened for several days, also concluding their sessions without any resolutions with regard to the people’s problems. This had led to masses engaging in protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat for the sixth day in a row today (14), as the farmers mark the New Year, traditionally celebrated in line with bountiful harvests, this time, without fertilizer, rice being purchased at low prices, and paddy fields abandoned with weeds. However, amid crises, Sri Lankans still managed to welcome the New Year by wishing prosperity to the country and all of Sri Lanka’s children. The ritual of ‘boiling milk’ was held at the Independence square and Galle Face both amid protests, while the protestors also engaged in the New Year ritual of ‘visiting relatives’ by walking from Independence Square to Galle Face, and proceeded to greet the Police who were guarding the Presidential Secretariat with betel leaves. Moreover, many avurudu celebrations such as avurudu games were held with a twist at Galle Face, which were creatively designed to convey the thoughts and complaints of the protesting public at the venue. One such youth, speaking to News 1st, stated that “They have decided to ruin our Avurudu, therefore we are ruining them for Avurudu”

Anyone visiting a hospital, care home or GP practice across Forth Valley will still be required to wear a face covering.

(L) The 1969 left-handed Fender Mustang guitar is pictured in a provided image. (R) Kurt Cobain performs with Nirvana at the Paradiso on Nov.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans protesting outside the most powerful building in Colombo – The President’s Office – demanding the resignation of the President and the Government, have rejected Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s offer for talks.“We did not come here for talks. We are here to demand that you and the government resign,” said one youth protestor at the protest site which is now known by them as GotGoGama.Almost all others echoed the same sentiment rejecting the offer for discussions.“I’m willing & prepared to meet with citizens currently engaged in the protests at Galle Face to hear their thoughts & complaints.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said he is prepared to discuss with the people who are protesting opposite the President’s Office in Colombo.According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the views of the occupy Galle Face protestors will be taken up for discussion in order to overcome the challenges faced by the country at present.Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that if the protestors are ready for talks, we would extend an invitation for their representatives to meet for discussions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Protestors have set up camp opposite the President’s Office in Galle Face, Colombo as they continue with their protest against the President, Government and corrupt politics.People from all parts of the country, gathered outside the President’s Office in Colombo on Saturday (9) morning to protest against the present situation in the country, and this protest is still continuing despite the adverse weather.It must noted that multiple volunteer movements have stepped up to support the protestors with food, water, sanitation.A medical camp with voluntary medical personnel is also set up at the protest site.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan protestors who occupied the Galle Face stretch since Saturday (9) against the President and his government have also now set up a camp named ‘Gota-Go-Gama’ (GotaGoGama).The camp was set up on Saturday (9) night with just a few tents, and the number shot up to over two dozen on Sunday (10) night.Gota-Go-Gama is like a small model village, it has all the basic requirements including free food, water, toilets, and even a make ship medical camp for health emergencies.Debt in billions due to years of accumulated borrowings, record inflation, lack of foreign currency, crucial sectors witnessing a sharp fall in demand thanks to the pandemic, and the alleged government mismanagement are among the reasons that have dragged Sri Lanka into not just an unprecedented economic crisis but also a massive political turmoil.Meanwhile, the ruling coalition led by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna lost the majority in the Parliament. The opposition rejected an offer by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who had called to form a ‘unity government’ following the resignation of 26 ministers of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Cabinet amid violent protests.People are on the roads protesting against their government amid a severe shortage of fuel, essentials, and power outages.Gota-Go-Gama was set up by the protestors to strengthen their efforts to demand President Rajapaksa resign.

With 10 days left for candidates to enter the Conservative party leadership race –and 20 before $300,000 worth in fees are due– what’s capturing the attention of those watching as of late are the crowds.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State and Private University Students have decided to join forces and march together towards Colombo to protest against the President, Government, and Parliament.Large crowds have already converged onto Galle Face in Colombo to protest, with many more making their way to the site.Debt in billions due to years of accumulated borrowings, record inflation, lack of foreign currency, crucial sectors witnessing a sharp fall in demand thanks to the pandemic, and the alleged government mismanagement are among the reasons that have dragged Sri Lanka into not just an unprecedented economic crisis but also a massive political turmoil.Meanwhile, the ruling coalition led by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna lost the majority in the Parliament. The opposition rejected an offer by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who had called to form a ‘unity government’ following the resignation of 26 ministers of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Cabinet amid violent protests.People are on the roads protesting against their government amid a severe shortage of fuel, essentials, and power outages.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); Easter Attacks conspirators can do whatever they want to secure power, but they cannot protect that power, remarked His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Saturday (8).The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church took part in a protest in Negombo with other religious leaders to voice his displeasure over delayed justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Attacks.“They tried to blame it all on the Muslim Community,” said His Eminence while stressing that the people must not forget that a conspiracy was orchestrated to carry out the attacks.He slammed the government for failing to implement the recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that was appointed to investigate the Easter Sunday Attacks of 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking an incredible toll on hospitals and the people who work inside them. Many have faced burnout and experts say they need support.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - A house party in Goodyear got out of control on the night of Feb. 19, when at least 200 teenagers reportedly invaded a house.Almost two months since the party, we are learning more about what happened.According to information we obtained on April 8, 21-year-old Salim Ghulam Mustafa has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail, while a juvenile was booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center."This is my first case really dealing with the social media, as far as search warrants into social media, and that’s stemmed from actually getting the originally party flier, and it just went from there," said Detective Travis Roller with the Goodyear Police Department.Mustafa is accused of felony criminal damage, two counts of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and criminal nuisance.The incident happened at a vacant home, and a neighbor who was watching over the house witnessed the whole thing.In the aftermath of the party, beer and liquor bottles were left everywhere.

BETHESDA, Maryland - White House medical adviser and infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said he expects another increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks in the United States, with a more serious surge that could arrive in the fall."I would not be surprised if we see an uptick in cases," Fauci said during an exclusive interview with Bloomberg Television on Wednesday.Fauci noted that the increase could come "over the next couple of weeks," potentially fueled by the high transmissibility of BA.2 — a subvariant of the omicron variant.Fauci, who is also the director of the U.S.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The experts at Colorado State University expect the 2022 Atlantic Basin hurricane season to be another one for the record books, with tropical cyclone activity expected to be well above average.Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the forecast, released the information live from the National Tropical Weather Conference in Texas on Thursday morning.THE HISTORY OF THE CSU ATLANTIC HURRICANE FORECASTThe CSU forecast calls for 19 named storms, nine of which could become hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph. Experts say out of the hurricanes, four of them could be major (Category 3 or higher) with winds of at least 115 mph."We think the odds of El Niño are quite low.

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Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Thursday and shared," greetings on World Health Day. May everyone be blessed with good health and wellness. Today is also a day to express gratitude to all those associated with the health sector. It is their hardwork that has kept our planet protected."

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COLOMBO (News 1st); The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday (5) urged authorities in Sri Lanka to defuse tensions peacefully, after a state of emergency was declared in response to protests over the country’s deepening economic crisis.OHCHR said that the situation has worsened and that there have been shortages of food and fuel, along with power cuts, prompting new protests by desperate Sri Lankans.Following the state of emergency and other restrictions, Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for OHCHR said her office was “concerned that such measures are aimed at preventing or discouraging people from legitimately expressing their grievances through peaceful protests, and that they frustrate the exchange of views on matters of public interest”.Deteriorating situationPublic frustration has been rising in recent months with largely peaceful demonstrations taking place across the country.However, amid sudden shortages in fuel, cooking gas and essential food items; worsening inflation, currency devaluation and rolling power cuts over the past two weeks, the situation has worsened.“This led to further protests by Sri Lankans left desperate by the rising cost of living and difficulties to obtain basic items,” Ms.

CLEMENTON, N.J. - A woman is facing charges after authorities in Camden County say she made a bogus 911 call about a shooting in an effort to distract an officer who had pulled her over. On Monday afternoon, authorities say the Gloucester Township Police Communications Center received a 911 call about a shooting at the Millbridge Garden Apartment Complex in Clementon.Authorities say when officers were responding to the area, they did not observe a shooting scene, and they made several calls to the residents of the complex. Investigators traced the cell phone number back to Katelynne Hunter-Fisher, which dispatchers were able to recognize from a motor vehicle stop that was in progress at the time the 911 call was made.Responding officers verified that there was no shooting at the apartment complex, and they were able to locate the Hunter-Fisher in Lindenwold. Police determined that Hunter-Fisher called in the false shooting report in an attempt to distract the officers from completing the motor vehicle stop. Hunter-Fisher, 35, was arrested for filing a false police report and obstruction of justice. ___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

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Police Chief has ordered for an immediate independent investigation over a confrontation that had taken place between several police officers and a team of Army Riders during a protest opposite Parliament on Tuesday (5).The Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva has requested the Inspector General of Police to immediately conduct an inquiry into the ‘unethical and ill-mannered behaviour’ of two Police officers and initiate disciplinary action against them when a four -member team of Army Riders on the directions of the Director Operations of the Army HQ arrived at the road entrance to the Parliament complex.Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) has also already informed the IGP and the Secretary to Ministry of Public Security in regard to the incident and requested them to inquire into the unacceptable conduct of those Police Officers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police confronted 6 armed men dressed in military attire on off-road motorbikes during a protest opposite the Parliament premises on Tuesday (5).These three motorbikes reportedly arrived from the direction of the parliament and did not have any registration number on them.Police officers were seen confronting them and questioning them, and even taking the keys off the bikes.

PHILADELPHIA - If you regularly park your car in Philadelphia, chances are you're going to want to know when the street sweeper is coming around. Officials say drivers who do not move their parked car when the sweeper comes by will be subject to a small fine. Philadelphia will start Phase 2 of its Mechanical Street Cleaning program on Monday, and it will run through early November.

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HADDONFIELD, N.J. - Images of hate were painted on trees in Haddonfield over the weekend. The Quakers are long known as pacifists but they said they can't stay silent after swastikas were painted on trees in the South Jersey town. Police say vandals painted two of the hateful symbols on trees at the entrance to the Haddonfield Friends Cemetery, which sits between the Quaker Meeting House and the Friends School. Third-grader Sophia Selina saw the hateful symbols and spoke to FOX 29's JoAnn Pileggi. ‘It was horrible," she said. "I couldn’t believe my eyes and I don't know why anyone would do it." Residents wonder if the incident was random or a deliberate act. The Department of Public Works covered the hateful symbols with paint and police are investigating. Members of the Friends Meeting House decorated the fence and placed signs of love and peace where the hateful symbols were covered. They hope to spread the message that love and peace will prevail over hate. Haddonfield Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich released a statement on the incident, saying, "I am disgusted by the swastikas and grateful to our Haddonfield Police Department and Department of Public Works for responding, reporting, and working to clean up these signs.

Multiple people were shot early Sunday morning in Sacramento, Calif. The Sacramento Police Department said six people are dead and at least twelve others were injured in the shooting.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest that took place close to the Carlton House in Tangalle.A large crowd gathered at the road leading to Carlton House in Tangalle on Monday (4) morning to protest against the government.Carlton House is considered the private residence of the Rajapaksa Family.The protestors were demanding the government resign and also against the mismanagement of the economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several groups banded together on Monday (4) morning to protest against the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka in Galle.According to News 1st correspondents, lawyers and other social groups converged opposite the Galle Bus Station and commenced the protest.At the same time, a massive protest took place in the Polonnaruwa Town calling for the resignation of the government.Protests have increased across Sri Lanka after thousands decided to protest on the road leading to the President’s private residence on the 31st of March 2022.Meanwhile, Sri Lankans also defied the nationwide curfew to protest on Sunday (3).

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Co-host Berta Rojas speaks onstage during the 15th annual Latin GRAMMY Awards premiere ceremony at the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino on November 20, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/WireImage) CLEVELAND - A Grammy-nominated musician is asking for the public’s help after her guitar was stolen before a recent gig in Cleveland, Ohio, earlier this month. "To the person who just stole my guitar in Cleveland: please, return it back to me," Berta Rojas posted on her Instagram and Twitter pages.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A massive protest took place on Sunday (3) evening at the Wijerama Junction close to the Sri Jayawardenapura University.University Students were joined by local residents in this protest, and when they reached the Wijerama Junction they were met with a heavy security forces presence.Sri Lanka Police, The three-armed Force, and the Police Riot Police were seen stationed on the path of the protestors who defied the curfew and stepped out onto the streets to voice their anger over the present situation in the country.As they were not allowed to proceed, they positioned themselves opposite the barricade and carried out a protest, with songs and chants.At the same time, well-known lecturer Upul Shantha Sannasgala, also known as ‘Sannasgala Sir’ visited the Wijerama Junction and condemned the actions of the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities used tear gas and water cannons during a protest on Sunday (3) morning by students attached to the University of Peradeniya.The University students were protesting against the present state of affairs in the country and were demanding solutions to the issues faced by fellow students.The protest march by the university students was scheduled to commence from the University of Peradeniya premises and proceed towards Kandy town.However, Sri Lanka Police had installed barricades at the Galaha Junction not far from the university, and a heavy police presence was also witnessed in the area along with the water cannons.Police Special Task Force personnel were also called in for security.University Students accompanied by their lecturers proceeded towards the Galaha Junction, and tensions boiled over when they attempted to remove the barricades set up by the police.Scuffles were also reported during the attempt made by the students to move forward.The protest was organized by the main student body of the University of Peradeniya, and staff from the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital also supported it.Sri Lanka Police and Riot Police decided to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and thereafter fired tear gas.Following the tense situation, the protesting university students decided to sit down on the road as a mark of protest.Once again a tense situation arose, and police fired tear gas at the students for the second time.Despite not being allowed to move ahead to the Kandy town, the university students and their support groups protested at Galaha Town until 3 PM.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used minimum force to disperse the protest that took place at Pengiriwatte Road, Mirihana on Thursday (31) night.He said the protestors caused serious damage to public and private property, until the early hours of Friday (1).The Minister said that after the President ordered the use of minimum force the crowds dispersed within half an hour., adding that the President was very patient on the matter.Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to control the protests that took place on the road leading to the President’s Mirihana residence on Thursday (31) night, where people voiced their anger over a mismanaged economy.The people of Sri Lanka have a right to protest, said Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga on Friday (1) adding that the right is to protest for the betterment of the country not to lead the country into a state of anarchy.There are some things that are beyond the government’s control, and incidents that were witnessed on Thursday (31) would lead to a state of anarchy, he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Security said that investigations are underway to identify the members of the organized extremist group that was involved in the Mirihana protest on Thursday (31) night.Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara told News 1st that protesting is a democratic right of the people, however, that does not mean that one can set vehicles on fire and cause damage to property.He said that those responsible for such incidents will be identified and will be brought before the law.“We are aware that the people are facing a crisis with regard to gas, fuel, electricity etc.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police.Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest.Police said that five officers were injured in the protest.Meanwhile, the Nugegoda-Maharagama 119 road has been closed.The Police further stated only the residents can travel on the relevant road until further notice.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 37 people were injured during the protest that took place in Pengiriwatte Road, Mirihana on Thursday (31) night.They are currently being treated at the Colombo National Hospital.Among the injured are 24 members of the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, 3 members from Sri Lanka Police, 3 Journalists, and 7 civilians.54 persons who were engaged in the protest on Thursday (31) night at Mirihana, Nugegoda have been arrested by Sri Lanka Police. Police stated that a woman was among them.Two Police & army buses, a jeep, a three-wheeler, and two motorcycles were damaged, during the protest.