Lanarkshire MSP re-opens constituency office with easing of pandemic restrictions

Humza Yousaf has lavished praise on Ayrshire health care staff for “performing above and beyond the call of duty” throughout the pandemic.

Aiming to take pandemic preparedness to the next level, India plans to showcase a bus with a high-tech testing lab and state-of-the-art facilities for medial personnel at the World Health Assembly in Geneva later this month, before offering to South-east Asian countries for tackling health emergencies.

In 1983, producer Jerry Bruckheimer was flipping through the May issue of California magazine when he was struck by a story. "Top Guns" read the headline, with a large photograph from inside the cockpit of an F-14 fighter jet.The story opened: "At Mach 2 and 40,000 feet over California, it’s always high noon." "I saw that cover and I said, ‘We gotta do this.This looks great,'" recalls Bruckheimer. "It's 'Star Wars' on Earth." And at the box office, "Top Gun" did nearly reach "Star Wars" proportions.

WILDWOOD, N.J. - A police chase in Wildwood this weekend ended with a man in custody facing 13 charges.Police were called to the 100 block of West Poplar Avenue after reports a man reportedly fired one shot in someone's backyard Saturday night.Gary Nelson, who police say matched the suspect description, immediately tried to flee by scaling a fence but was quickly caught by officers.Armed with a flare gun and stiletto style knife, Nelson physically resisted uniformed officers' attempts to control him, according to police.Police say "appropriate physical force" was used to disarm and arrest the 37-year-old suspect.

Representatives from Taylor Wimpey went back to the classroom recently where they gave youngsters at an East Kilbride school some reminders about health and safety.

TOKYO (AP) - President Joe Biden launched a new trade deal with 12 Indo-Pacific nations Monday aimed at strengthening their economies as he warned Americans worried about high inflation that it is "going to be a haul" before they feel relief. The president said he does not believe an economic recession is inevitable in the U.S.Biden, speaking at a news conference after holding talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, acknowledged the U.S. economy has "problems" but said they were "less consequential than the rest of the world has."He added: "This is going to be a haul.

high optimism, 29% of U.S. adults said the pandemic had ended.However, belief that the U.S. was past the pandemic sank to roughly 20% in July and December amid the Delta wave.

Home care organisations based in local communities have called on the Minister for Health to clarify when they will receive the pandemic bonus payment, issued to frontline staff as recognition of their work during the pandemic.

The wealth of Ireland's nine billionaires has increased by €15.55 billion since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report by Oxfam.

A son who beat his mum to death managed to hide signs that his schizophrenia was getting worse in the weeks before he killed her.

Covid.

NEW YORK - Charges against rapper 16-year-old Camrin Williams, also known as C-Blu, have been dropped after he allegedly shot an NYPD officer, drawing outrage from multiple groups.Police say that in January, Williams allegedly shot an officer in the leg when the two struggled after he refused police orders.Williams was also on probation for a prior gun case.The officer has recovered from his wound.RELATED: Teen charged with shooting NYPD officer in the Bronx freed on bondOn Friday, the New York City Law Department announced that Williams could not be prosecuted, without providing further explanation. The decision drew a furious response from New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch."This absurd decision should outrage every New Yorker who wants to get illegal guns off our streets. There is no dispute that this individual was caught carrying an illegal gun for the second time.

Mark Simpkins MONTGOMERY COUNTY - A man wanted by police since last year is now in custody after a pursuit in Montgomery County on Saturday.An arrest warrant was issued for Mark Simpkins Jr. by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole on Oct.

1. Whenever there is a viral outbreak, people tend to fight the last war. During the Ebola outbreak of 2014, there was an extreme paranoia, which led to downplaying of coronavirus at the initial stage. Now, because people catastrophically underestimated COVID, they are panicking about monkeypox. The first test is now how we handle the current crisis without panicking.

Uh oh. A childhood hero has been caught by the FBI for alleged fraud!

EXTON, Pa. - Police in Chester County thwarted a pair of shoplifters from stealing thousands in beauty products from a retail store after receiving a tip about the planned heist. In a Facebook post, the West Whiteland Police Department said they received information about a plan to steal $10k in fragrances from Ulta Beauty in Exton. The department said officers spotted two men Friday morning who entered the store and tried to carry out the theft. Both suspects were arrested by the waiting officers following a struggle and the merchandise was recovered, according to the department's Facebook post. The store was temporarily closed."If you were shopping in the store, and witnessed what it looks like when two subjects actively resist arrest, we apologize for the mess," the department wrote. The Ulta in Exton has been hit at least two times by shoplifters over the last four months, including a group of women who police say stuffed bags full of merchandise.AdvertisementEarlier in the year, police were searching for two women who allegedly stole $10k in makeup. 

FILE - Immigrants wait to board a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle to be taken for processing after crossing the border from Mexico on May 18, 2022 in Yuma, Arizona.

WASHINGTON - As cases continue to rise again across the United States, a new poll finds that one in three Americans say that COVID-19 is over.According to the poll conducted by Ipsos, 31% of Americans said the COVID-19 pandemic was over, though perceptions varied drastically across party lines and by vaccination status.The findings showed that 59% of Republicans, 27% of independents and just 10% of Democrats said the pandemic was over. In addition, those who were unvaccinated were more likely to say the pandemic was over (55%) versus those that were vaccinated (22%). The poll was conducted between May 13 and May 16 and was based on a nationally representative sample of 982 participants.A protective surgical face mask during COVID-19 pandemic.

Austin St. John, known for his role as the red Power Ranger, has been charged with COVID-19 aid fraud. St.

A Lanarkshire park event aimed to helping combat mental health problems has been hailed a success by organisers.

Takeaway giant Domino’s has confirmed that they’ve brought back a fan-favourite pizza just in time for the weekend. It comes after it was taken off the menu during the pandemic due to staff shortages.

Ulrika Jonsson has confessed she is "nearing" the time for a hip replacement. The former Gladiators host, 54, admitted the news was difficult to take in because she saw it as a sign her body is "falling apart."Speaking to Mail Online, she said: "I've got a couple of friends who have had hip replacements and they're a bit older than me and I just thought that's not really something I want to be contemplating already."Ulrika admitted that she is a very active person and spends a lot of her time gardening or walking, so the news of her hip made her panic."For me it was a bit of fear and panic because you just think it's not really something you can halt.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Oklahoma's Legislature gave final approval Thursday to another Texas-style anti-abortion bill that providers say will be the most restrictive in the nation once the governor signs it.The bill is part of an aggressive push in Republican-led states across the country to scale back abortion rights. It comes on the heels of a leaked draft opinion from the U.S.

Americans are less worried than they previously have been. Are we in a new phase of public attitudes about the pandemic? And how is this impacting Americans' behaviors? Gallup senior editor Megan Brenan joins the podcast to talk about Gallup's tracking since the pandemic began and where we are now. Below is a full transcript of the conversation, including time stamps.

Payton Gendron in the school yearbook (Photo via Fox News Digital) BUFFALO, N.Y. - The 18-year-old accused of allegedly killing 10 people and wounding three others in the Buffalo, New York grocery store shooting on May 14 that officials say is racially motivated wore a hazmat suit to class when his high school returned from its in-person learning pause due to COVID-19, yearbook pictures obtained by Fox News Digital show.Officials said that the 18-year-old, later identified as Payton Gendron, a White male, chose the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo as the location for his alleged attack because it was located in a predominantly Black neighborhood, as he allegedly stated in his manifesto that the area's demographic breakdown has the "highest black percentage that is close enough to where I live."When Gendron and his classmates returned to Susquehanna Valley High School in Conklin, New York, after the school paused in-person learning during a portion of the COVID-19 pandemic, those around home noticed odd behavior and rebellious signs.BUFFALO GROCERY STORE SHOOTING: SUSPECT WORKED AT HOMETOWN MARKET IN MONTHS BEFORE 'RACIALLY-MOTIVATED' ATTACKOne of Gendron's classmates, Nathan Twitchell, told The New York Times that he wore a hazmat suit to class following the resumption of in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. "He wore the entire suit: boots, gloves, everything," Twitchell said.Payton Gendron in a hazmat suit.

Surrey Service Canada Centre for passport renewal on Wednesday. Many in line spent the night there, shivering in tents as an unseasonable storm approached.“We showed up here yesterday at 5 a.m.

pandemic has climbed to 5,24,303 with 10 fresh fatalities, the data updated by the ministry at 8 am stated.

Vladimir Putin has developed a "messianic obsession" with Russian greatness caused by periods of isolation during the pandemic, a former NATO chief has said. Lord Robertson of Port Ellen was secretary general of the military alliance from 1999 to 2003, during which he met the Russian president on numerous occasions.

COVID-19 emerged in 2019, and may actually be in a worse place given the economic toll, according to a review panel set up to evaluate the global response.A lack of progress on reforms such as World Health Organization funding and international health regulations means the world is as vulnerable as ever, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response said in its report. Monkeypox cases are now suspected in U.K., Spain, Portugal — here’s what you need to know The report authors, led by former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark and former president of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, acknowledged some progress, but said the process wasgoing far too slowly.“We have right now the very same tools and the same system that existed in December 2019 to respond to a pandemic threat.And those tools just weren’t good enough,” Clark told reporters.“If there were a new pandemic threat this year, next year, or the year after at least, we will be largely in the same place… maybe worse, given the tight fiscal space of many, if not most, countries right now.”Wednesday’s report from the body set up by the World Health Organization comes ahead of next week’s World Health Assembly in Geneva, the WHO’s annual decision-making forum, which is expected to address some of the issues raised.While the body welcomed some steps forward, including moves to establish a separate global health security fund within the World Bank, it warned that global interest was waning and the years it will take to set up other instruments – including a potential pandemic treaty, an international agreement to improve preparedness – were too long.The panel called for a high-level meeting at the U.N.

Selena Gomez is opening up about her mental health in an effort to encourage others to do the same.

The mental health crisis facing young people in West Lothian was laid bare this week after a local charity reported that half of its clients are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

A new drama show depicting the Prime Minister's handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been met with a huge wave of criticism with viewers slamming the upcoming release as "tone-deaf" and saying "it's too soon".

Housing affordability in Ontario has eroded at a rate not seen in half a century over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report suggests, while home prices skyrocketed by 44 per cent across Doug Ford’s premiership.The new report by Generation Squeeze found that with current home prices, a new homebuyer would have to work full-time for nearly 22 years to save up enough money for a 20 per cent down payment on a home — up from 15 years in late 2019.“Ontario has just completely lost control of housing,” said Paul Kershaw, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia and the founder of Generation Squeeze, which studies housing affordability and standard of living across Canada.“We’ve never seen anything like this before in any province at any time in the last 50 years.” ‘I’ll never be able to afford property’: Housing costs key issue for Ontario voters The report, citing Canadian Real Estate Association data, found the average price for a home in Ontario rose to $871,688 by 2021, up 44 per cent from the inflation-adjusted price in 2018 — the year Ford was sworn in as premier.Meanwhile, wages have stagnated, particularly for the typical 25-to-34-year-old, which the report argues has led to “lost work” for those trying to save for a down payment.Over the first two years of the pandemic, Kershaw says those young Ontario residents have lost the value of six years of work that would otherwise be put toward home ownership.

'No time for complacency' 

Ricky Gervais while promoting his COVID-delayed comedy special SuperNature on Tuesday joked about wondering if the upcoming Netflix show would be 'out of date'.The 60-year-old English comedian during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was asked if had to change jokes due to a long touring break because of the coronavirus pandemic.'It was always evolving. There was a thought, 'Will this be out of date?' And then I realized that when you're dealing with, you know, famine, AIDS, cancer, Hitler, those dudes are evergreen,' Gervais quipped.

Women who received prescriptions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen within 6 months of a COVID-19 diagnosis had reduced mortality, according to a new study in Family Practice. The findings, coupled with data on sex differences between male and female COVID-19 severity, suggests estrogen may have protective role against the virus. 

COVID-19 relief program for shuttered music venues, The US Small Business Administration is facing more than 60 lawsuits from business owners.With litigation pending and venues still dealing with show cancellations, health risks, and revenue loss due to the ongoing pandemic, NME spoke to concert promoters, the SBA, and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) about issues with the program’s aid rollout.The $16.25billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was signed into law in December of 2020 and applications for the funding opened in April of 2021. The funds were to be dispersed to independent venues, promoters, talent agencies, movie theatres and other cultural centres who could prove they lost 90 per cent of their revenue due to the pandemic.Venue owners who have taken their cases to court, however, said that although they met eligibility requirements their requests for aid were denied by the agency without explanation.

NEW DELHI :

#COVID19 and other global health issues with @DrTedros https://t.co/Tw6rcdFh8f

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday authorised the use of a booster shot of Pfizer and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, the regulator said.

Harry Styles is opening up about his brand new album, Harry’s House, during a sit down interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music.

Harry Styles is opening up about his long journey of self-discovery.

SZA has discussed the impact the spotlight and pressures placed upon her as an artist have on her mental health, during an interview as part of the Community Voices series for Mental Health Awareness Month.During the 100th episode of the series, SZA discussed the toxic nature of social media. Specifically referencing online trolls, she said it was difficult when negative comments matched up to her own insecurities.“It’s weird sometimes, when your personal thoughts and feelings align with some of the things people say about you,” she said.

Peter Andre has opened up about his struggles with anxiety as he advised others on what can be done to combat mental health struggles. In the same week that has seen his name splashed across headlines for his unexpected involvement in Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney's court case, the singer, 49, writes in his weekly new! magazine column about the importance of speaking out whilst struggling. He also explains his pride seeing wife Emily publish her second book and congratulates Ncuti Gatwa for being announced as the new Doctor Who.

A Lanarkshire club that provides a vital service for disabled people is in danger of closing, after a health group suspended its transport – to review the bus' impact on the climate.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has denounced his country's response to the coronavirus pandemic and ordered the army to help distribute medicine.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Shoppers out on a weekend afternoon and a retired police officer working as a security guard were among the 10 shot and killed at a Buffalo supermarket by a white teenager who authorities say was motivated by racial hatred.Police said Payton Gendron shot, in total, 11 Black people and two white people Saturday in a rampage at the Tops Friendly Market that the 18-year-old broadcast live before surrendering to authorities.Among the dead was security guard Aaron Salter — a retired Buffalo police officer — who fired multiple shots at Gendron, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said Saturday. A bullet hit the gunman's armor, but had no effect.

People across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to explore their local greenspace this week.