Parliament to be prorogued from Friday (27); New Session on 8th February

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has not been able to make payments for two coal shipments that reached the Island.Shehan Sumanasekara, the Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said that the two shipments reached the country on Friday (10), and Saturday (11), and it has not been able to settle the payments.The coal shipment that reached Sri Lanka before these two shipments were unloaded on Monday (13).The Chairman /MD of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd said though the Ceylon Electricity Board made a certain amount of funds available on Monday (13), it was not sufficient for coal procurement.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission has informed the Political Party Secretaries that it will not be able to direct the ballot papers for Postal Voting tomorrow (15), as previously planned. This was revealed by the Secretaries of the Political Parties who met with the National Election Commission on Tuesday (14) morning.Earlier, Chairman of the National Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the current state of affairs surrounding the election will be discussed at the meeting. Election Monitors were also summoned for this meeting.The Secretaries of the Political Parties  revealed that the National Election Commission is yet to decide on whether or not the Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023. They also noted that the National Election Commission is likely to face an issue concerning the Ballot Papers required for postal voting.Palitha Range Bandara, the General Secretary for the United National Party told reporters that the UNP has never called for a delay in elections."How can one even ask for funds from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after he took over a country that was literally bankrupt," he told the media while leaving the National Election Commission premises.He said that based on the meeting with the NEC it is likely the election would be delayed."If the government says it does not have the funds, if the Government Printer says it cannot print the ballot papers without payment, it is the National Election Commission that needs to decide on the matter," he added.Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya told reporters that the National Election Commission had given an undertaking to go ahead with

South Carolina man who was one number away from the Powerball jackpot donated his $150,000 lottery prize to charity, lottery officials said.The South Carolina Lottery said the Greenville man, who wants to remain anonymous, bought a quick pick ticket for the Jan. 16 Powerball drawing.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs through the tunnel prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylva PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles are helping fans get ready for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs with another postseason hype video. Actor and Eagles fanatic Bradley Cooper provided the narration for the video that was released early Friday afternoon. "We have an obsession around here," Cooper begins. "To stay in the moment.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to ban the importation, domestic manufacture, sale and local use of a series of plastic products with effect from 1st of June 2023.The decision comes based on a recommendation made by the Committee of Experts that was appointed to inquire into Single Use Plastic/ Polythene Control Proposals regarding the import, domestic production, sale and local use of 7 Single Use Plastic/Polythene products.The following plastic products will be banned from June• Single-use plastic drinking straws and stirrers • Single-use plastic plates, cups (except yoghurt cups), spoons, forks and knives, including yoghurt spoons made of plastic • Plastic garlands • String Hopper moulds made of plastic  

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) granted approval to import eggs to Sri Lanka from India.A Senior Government Minister said that permission was granted on the recommendation that the imported eggs do not contain bird flu.Accordingly, permission was granted to import eggs for a period of two months.The Senior Government Minister said the imported eggs will not be released to the local market, instead would be directly sent to industries that use eggs on mass scale.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The body of a woman was found floating on the Diyawanna Oya on Tuesday (14) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that the body was discovered based on a tip-off.He said that police officers also located her footwear close by.The Welikada Police is conducting an investigation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to create several new Elephant Corridors in an attempt to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said that the elephant corridors will be constructed by clearing certain sections of forest lands that have been designated to be used to solve the Human Elephant Conflict.Wildlife Secretary R. M.

Kingsley Burnett, originally from Jamaica, shared photos and videos of his unexpected journey to the "Treasure State." "I saw the little plane with like nine passengers and wondered, "‘how is that going to get me to Australia?’" Burnett said.Burnett said he was planning on taking a cruise from Sydney harbor. "My story in a bottle ended with Carol Castellano at the American Airlines counter as she tried to send me to the correct place – unfortunately that turned out to be back to NYC after a night out in Billings.

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Just hours to go before game time and Birds fans are exploding with excitement."It’s anticipation. You just can’t wait," said Valerie Burns."It’s so much fun. We’ve got so much green out here.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have released new video of a brutal assault and robbery that occurred over the weekend as they work to identify and locate four suspects. The incident happened on Sunday, Feb. 5 on the 1800 block of Addison Street. Police say the victim, a 30-year-old woman was walking down the block around 7:10 p.m.

representative for children and youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond of an honorary degree.In a Monday statement, the University of Regina said it had rescinded an honorary doctor of laws degree it bestowed on Turpel-Lafond in 2003.The school said the decision came following a request from the Indigenous Women’s Collective to revoke such degrees. Read more: More universities review honorary degrees awarded to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists In a statement in November, that group said the honours should be withdrawn because Turpel-Lafond “stole” the identity and lived experiences of Indigenous women.Last fall, a series of reports by the CBC raised a number of questions about Turpel-Lafond’s claims about her academic accomplishments and her claims of Indigenous ancestry.“In making this decision the University conducted consultations and considered the evidence that has emerged in the media with respect to Turpel-Lafond’s claims of Indigenous heritage/ancestry.

Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Oxford Circle on Wednesday night.  PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Oxford Circle on Wednesday night. Minutes after 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 5300 block of Sylvester Street for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they say they found a 32-year-old man on the front porch suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Medics pronounced the victim dead on scene, according to police. Chief Inspector Scott Small says four spent shell casings were found next to the victim's body, alongside two handguns.

The Indian film industry has lost an estimated 2.4 crore (24 million) audience to the pandemic, which they hope to rebuild in 2023, Ormax said About 12.2 crore (122 million) people in India watched at least one film in a theatre in the 12 months ended December 2022, against 14.6 crore (146 million) in the January to March 2020 period, just before the onset of the pandemic, according to a report by media consulting firm Ormax. Hence, the Indian film industry has lost an estimated 2.4 crore (24 million) audience to the pandemic, which they hope to rebuild in 2023, Ormax said. The report titled Sizing The Cinema: 2023, is based on research conducted among 15,000 Indian audiences across urban and rural India.

A dad-of-two who struggled with substance abuse and his mental health died while on unescorted leave from a mental health unit, an inquest has heard. Carl Thompson's mother told day one of an inquest into his death the whole tight-knit family are 'heartbroken' at his loss, and have many concerns over his care.

Russia‘s ambassador in Ottawa says Canada is a “very dangerous country” for Russians to visit. Read more: Canada slaps new sanctions on Russia targeting ‘disinformation actors’ Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Oleg Stepanov says Canada keeps sanctioning people and claimed that Russians are regularly experiencing racism.In a Russian-language interview last Friday, Stepanov said, “I would not recommend (visiting Canada) for tourism, education or business.”However, he added that most Canadians treat Russians well, and Moscow’s travel advisory for Canada only warns of street gangs and a “rather harsh climate.”Stepanov says relations between Ottawa and Moscow are in a deep freeze and claimed that Russia has been unable to open a consulate in Vancouver.

Read more: Is your valentine a chatbot? Experts urge caution amid rising AI scams Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Central Park in Burnaby, has become a matchmaking corner for parents, replicating a phenomenon seen in some cities in China.On the weekend before Valentine’s Day, there were 20 to 30 parents mingling. Organizer Terry Wang says in summer, there are more than 100.The park is where magic happens, says Wang, “if you come here believing in the power of love.”Wang said in a Mandarin interview that he has been running the “off-line dating site” since last summer.

shootings Monday night at Michigan State University, police said.On Twitter, university police said there appeared to be only one suspect, described as a “short male with a mask” and still at large.“We are still receiving multiple calls of an active shooter on campus,” police said.Police said victims were being transported to a local hospital. Read more: 1 dead, officer critically injured in shooting at Memphis library Read next: Part of the Sun breaks free and forms a strange vortex, baffling scientists Authorities ordered students and staff to shelter in place after a report of shots fired around Berkey Hall, an academic building, on the East Lansing campus.In an alert sent shortly after 8:30 p.m., campus police reported a “shots fired incident occurring on or near the East Lansing campus.” The alert advised students and staff to “Secure-in-Place immediately” and to monitor alert.msu.edu for information.By 10:15 p.m., police said Berkey, as well as nearby residence halls, were secured.Separately, police reported a shooting at IM East, a recreational center for students.Aedan Kelley, a junior who lives a half-mile (less than a kilometer) east of campus, said he locked his doors and covered his windows “just in case.” Sirens were constant, he said, and a helicopter hovered overhead.“It’s all very frightening,” Kelley said.

“15-minute city.”As governments become increasingly focused on climate change and sustainability, many urban planners are looking for ways to help city dwellers become less dependent on cars. One way to do this, they say, is by keeping the essentials for daily life — entertainment, shopping, green space, work and school — close to home.The term “15-minute city” is not a new one.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Japanese Government has decided to award a grant of USD 38 Million for an uninterrupted essential and emergency health service, said Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena on Tuesday (14).Speaking to reporters during the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet Decision, the Minister said under Japan's Economic and Social Development Programme to Sri Lanka the funds will be made available for the purchase of fuel, especially diesel, which is of paramount importance to the country's health sector.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three leading local car dealers have decided to recall a large number of vehicles over faulty airbags and for upgrades.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that discussions are underway with all other dealers to rectify the faulty airbag issue.Millions of vehicles ranging from a variety of makes and models across the world are being recalled due to faulty airbags made by a Japanese auto parts maker.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe told News 1st that vehicles that fall under the recall category are currently in use in Sri Lanka.He said that a special meeting will take place on Tuesday (14) with local car dealers to address the issue.It has now been confirmed that vehicles with defective airbags that can increase the risk of injury, fail to protect occupants, or cause a driver to crash have been sold across the world, and these include Sedans and SUBs.Although vehicles belonging to the relevant make and models have been recalled overseas to rectify the issue, in Sri Lanka, those vehicles continue to operate in the streets.The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Anurudhdha Weerasinghe said that local vehicle importers have decided to recall 47 vehicle models with faulty airbags to rectify the issue.These include the following:Honda: 33 Models from 9 vehicle types Mitsubishi: 8 Models from 3 vehicle types Toyota: 6 ModelsHowever, across the world, over 100 vehicle models have been recalled to rectify the airbag issue, and they include the following:Mazda: 7 vehicle categories Benz: 10 vehicle categories Mitsubishi: 6 vehicle categories Subaru: 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has announced a certified price for paddy purchasing during the Maha Cultivation Season.Agriculture Secretary Gunadasa Amarasekera speaking to News 1st said that the Finance Ministry has issued the relevant circular for this purpose.Accordingly, a kilogram of paddy with moisture will be purchased for Rs. 88/- and a kilogram of dry paddy will be purchased for Rs.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia City Councilmember went door-to-door Monday to help reassure safety in the community following a vicious ambush assault and robbery that was caught on camera.Police say a 30-year-old woman was walking down Addison Street around 7:10 p.m. when she was approached from behind by four male suspects believed to be in their teens.Surveillance video of the incident shows one of the suspects running up behind the woman at a high rate of speed, hitting her in the back, knocking her to the ground. The four suspects then started to kick and stomp on the woman while demanding she hand over her belongings. Police say the suspects took her belongings and ran off.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - An active shooter is still on the loose at Michigan State University after multiple shootings Monday night in East Lansing.People on and near the campus should shelter in place while police look for the active shooter.

police reported a shooting Monday night shares what the scene is like for his loved ones. Speaking with Fox TV Stations, Jordan Robinson says received an alert from MSUPD about the shooting on his phone."I'm fearing right now. Nobody knows what's going on," Robinson said.Watch the full interview above to get more details.Police are investigating after shots were fired on the Michigan State University campus Monday night.According to MSU police, shots were fired near Berkey Hall, which is on the northern boundary of campus in East Lansing.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - America’s most beloved, iconic dinosaur is back. Mattel announced Monday it will relaunch the Barney franchise — made popular in the early 1990s — with a revitalization of the brand. The global toy company said it will develop television, film, music and YouTube content, along with a large range of kids’ products including toys, books, clothing, and more. Apparel and accessories for adult fans, featuring the classic Barney, are also in the works. "Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time," Josh Silverman, Mattel’s chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products, said in a statement.

LOS ANGELES - Newly single? A recent study has revealed the most popular breakup songs of the last five years. The study, conducted by Learn Divorce Law, analyzed nearly 100 songs that can be defined as "breakup songs" from 2018 to 2023 and summed the Spotify streams and YouTube views to discover which ones were the most popular. "Break up songs have been one of the pillars of popular music for the longest time, and we could confidently say that some of the most popular songs of the last decade are about broken hearts," a spokesperson for the company shared in a statement. From Olivia Rodrigo to Ariana Grande to Billie Eilish, here is a list of the top 10 heartbreak anthems. LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) : Lewis Capaldi performs live on stage during The BRIT Awards 2023 at The O2 Arena on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) "Someone You Loved" — a 2019 hit by Lewis Capaldi — topped the breakup charts, and according to the study, the song had over 3.2 billion plays between Spotify and YouTube. "This list highlights the most popular of the last five years, and most of these are also among the most popular songs of the year they were released in, "Someone You Loved" being a perfect example of this," the spokesperson continued.The song peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and became Capaldi’s first number one single, spending seven consecutive weeks atop the chart and was the best-selling single of 2019 in the UK, according to Learn Divorce Law.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - Police are investigating after shots were fired on the Michigan State University campus Monday night.According to MSU, shots were fired inside Berkey Hall at 8:18 p.m, which is on the northern boundary of campus in East Lansing. Police believed the shooter was on foot as of 9:20 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Council informed officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka hold discussions before the Public Utilities Commission takes the final decision on the 15th of February regarding the electricity tariff.Accordingly, the officials of both parties agreed to meet this afternoon (13) for the purpose of discussing this matter.The Chairman of the Electricity Board said that if the required percentage is not allowed to be increased in a background where the Electricity Board is demanding a 60% increase in electricity tariffs, it will have to face a serious crisis. Accordingly, he pointed out that due to the lack of money even to import coal in the future, there is a risk for longer power cuts.The officials of the Public Utilities Commission said that arrangements are being made to announce the final decision on the electricity increase on the 15th of February.

(Reuters) – Officials from China, India, Saudi Arabia and Group of Seven nations will participate in a first virtual meeting of a new sovereign debt roundtable on Friday, the International Monetary Fund said on Monday, confirming an earlier Reuters report.The roundtable will also include officials from countries that have requested debt treatments under the Group of 20 common framework – Ethiopia, Zambia and Ghana – as well as middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka, Suriname and Ecuador, which have faced their own debt crises, three sources had earlier said.The meeting will be co-chaired by the IMF, the World Bank and India, the current leader of the Group of 20, and comes a week before G20 finance officials are due to gather in Bengaluru, India, from Feb. 23-25.

Ohio, just south of Lake Erie and approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Canada-U.S. border, played host to a nightmarish scenario earlier this month when a train crashed and exploded, spewing toxic chemicals into the environment.Residents who returned to the town of East Palestine after evacuation orders were lifted reported strange odours and dead animals, leaving some locals questioning if it truly is safe to return home.

PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for several people who were filmed flipping over a vehicle when a rowdy crowd of Eagles fans gathered on a North Philadelphia street hours before the Super Bowl kicked off.The Philadelphia Police Department shared images of nine people who they believe helped overturn someone's vehicle on the 1700 block of Arlington Street Sunday afternoon. "People started getting on top of the car to make space and make a scene. One thing led to the next and someone was doing backflips on the hood, cracked the windshield.

Cardi B and Offset share the love this Valentine’s Day with McDonald’s first-ever duo meal. CHICAGO - Rappers Cardi B and Offset are sharing their love for Valentine's Day by launching their own McDonald's meal for two. It's the first-ever celebrity duo meal for the fast-food chain. The meal can be shared with a plus-one, best friend or anyone else. The Cardi B meal includes a  cheeseburger with BBQ sauce and a large Coca-Cola.

Residents in Wishaw and the surrounding areas are being invited to make new friends and become more active by joining new health walks.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – New Zealand has advised its citizens to Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the impacts of the economic crisis, the potential for civil unrest and the risk of terrorism.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for New Zealand in its official portal noted that Sri Lanka has stabilised somewhat since the widespread shortages and associated large protests and consequent changes in political leadership in mid-2022. There are still sporadic shortages of basic goods including medicines and some food due to the economic position of the country and living conditions of Sri Lankans, which have significantly deteriorated in the past year. It added that there is a restricted/limited supply of fuel including diesel, petrol and cooking gas, which is being rationed. The rationing system has reduced queues but there may occasionally be difficulties or delays obtaining specific types of fuel, particularly outside of Colombo.It added that Travellers should ensure they have transport plans and contingency plans in place ahead of any journeys to or around Sri Lanka. It also advises New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. On Terrorism, New Zealand says there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Sri Lanka.It added that in response to the 2019 April Attacks, the country’s security presence has increased, and security has since improved across the country.More details on : https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/sri-lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sumedha Aruna Shantha from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was elected as the new Mayor of Kurunegala by a majority vote.Sumedha Aruna Shantha and the Opposition Leader of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Wijayananda Wedisinghe contested for the post of Mayor.Sumedha Aruna Shantha secured 10 votes, while Wijayananda Wedisinghe only obtained 6 votes.A new mayor was elected after Former Kurunegala Mayor Thushara Sanjeeva Witharana was removed from his post by North Western Province Governor Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda in an Extraordinary Gazette.The Gazette stated that the position of the Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council would be considered as vacant with effect from December 31, 2022.The Governor had cited the defeat of the Kurunegala Municipal Council Budget for 2023 as the reason for the dismissal. The Governor had made the above announcements as per the powers vested on him by the Municipal Council Ordinance and the Provincial Council (Incidental Provisions) Act.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International (TI) was released yesterday. The CPI scores 180 countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption.

Lethal new pills on the street have sparked a major warning they could fuel Scotland’s drug death toll.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that a new traffic plan is to begin today due to the rehearsals of the independence day celebrations.The officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha says that the new plan will be in place today (28), tomorrow (29), and from the 1st to the 4th of February as well. He says that during the aforementioned days, certain roads in the areas surrounding the celebrations will be closed, and limited road access will be given to some areas as well. Officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha added that road closures surrounding the areas will take place from 5:00 am to 12 noon during those days. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

COLOMBO (News1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage today ordered the release of media spokesperson of the Samagi Trade Unions Collective Ananda Palitha and Chairman of the Electricity Consumers' Association Sanjeewa Dhammika, on two personal bails of Rs.

Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action. New Delhi: The government is setting up 100 teams that will respond to health emergencies, including pandemics, along the lines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials from the health ministry, AIIMS, National Centre for Disease Control, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and NDMA are devising a mechanism along with state governments to put it into action.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H.

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

clinician, has long been a powerful tool “for unpacking and making sense of our thoughts and feelings,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York. Sometimes it can feel like the latest in mental health treatment is overwhelmingly tech-heavy or experimental—hello, and and post-traumatic stress disorder—but the recent rise in interest surrounding writing therapy feels refreshingly grounded and old school. “There are numerous studies linking journaling about our thoughts and feelings to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.