Scores of public servants fly overseas for work on no-pay circular

PHILADELPHIA - A 30-year-old man is in the hospital after he was shot in Kensington on Wednesday night.Police say officers on bike patrol heard gunshots in the area of the 2100 block of East Lippincott Street. The responding officers found a 30-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds on the neck and back, authorities say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he is in critical condition. Police say an arrest has been made and the weapon was recovered. The investigation is active and ongoing. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal and North Andaman sea are advised to return to shore or move to safer areas immediately due to strong winds and rough seas.The Met Department warned that a a Low-Pressure Area formed over North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal on 20th October, 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over same region around 22nd October 

US President Joe Biden speaks at a Labor Day event with United Steelworkers of America Local Union 2227 in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on September 5, 2022. - Biden is celebrating Labor Day by delivering remarks on the dignity of American workers in P PHILADELPHIA - As Democrats fight to keep control of the Senate, President Joe Biden has been practically absent from midterm election campaigning in pivotal states such as Georgia, Nevada and Ohio.But he keeps coming back to Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood and his low approval ratings won't keep him away.

₹560 lakh and the main building of the PHC in Padhegaon, at a projected cost of over ₹214 lakh.

A mentally healthy workplace includes growth opportunities, work-life balance and community, according to America’s doctor The U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has been ranked 48 among 100 countries in the Freedom on the Net 2022 Index.While the Government of Sri Lanka announced plans to implement strict control plans on social media, Sri Lanka has been given a very bad rating at  the in the newest Freedom of the Net report for 2022. China has been ranked worst, while Myanmar, Iran, Cuba and Vietnam occupy the top five positions, while Sri Lanka has been ranked at 48. Iceland had the best ranking. Sri Lanka's rank has reduced, according to the report, due to social media platforms being blocked, political, social or religious content being blocked and pro-Government commentators manipulating online discussions.However, other factors which contributed to the ranking also are; new law or directive increasing censorship or punishment being passed, Blogger or ICT user arrested, imprisoned, or in prolonged detention for political or social content, a blogger or an ICT user being physically attacked or killed (including in custody), and technical attacks against news outlets, government critics, or civil society.

Also Read: Do you have COVID cough? Here’s how to find out Everyone should use a mask when going outside, especially in crowded areas, Guleria advises. Although it is expected that new variants may emerge and that existing types will continue to mutate, the current circumstance is different.

PHILADELPHIA - An off-duty security guard has died after he was shot in West Philadelphia on Wednesday night. According to police, officers responded to 62nd and Market Streets just after 11:30 p.m. Authorities say they found a crime scene with evidence of a shooting and witnesses told authorities that someone was shot. The victim, 37, was driven to Mercy Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and torso, police say. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, the man succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say 14 shots were fired in the shooting and investigators believe the man was sitting in a vehicle when a shooter walked up to the driver's door and fired multiple shots. The victim was a security guard at a bar on the 6100 block of Market Street, but authorities say he was off duty. This is a developing story.

OCALA, Fla. - Soon Floridians will be able to buy medical marijuana at the same place you fill up your gas tank.Circle K, the global convenience store retailer, has signed a deal with Green Thumb Industries Inc. – one of the largest U.S.

The Pillars of Creation are set off in a kaleidoscope of color in the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope’s near-infrared-light view, NASA says. (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; J. DePasquale, A. Koekemoer, A. Pagan (STScI) )NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided a new detailed look at the Pillars of Creation that shows the scene in high definition.The new Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) image shows the lush landscape with glowing, bright red, wavy lines appearing at the edges of some pillars.JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE IMAGES WOW BY SHOWING STAR NURSERY, GALAXIES IN A COSMIC DANCE"The three-dimensional pillars look like majestic rock formations but are far more permeable," NASA said, "These columns are made up of cool interstellar gas and dust that appear – at times – semi-transparent in near-infrared light."The Pillars of Creation are a region where young stars are forming and lie 6,500 light-years away.NASA also says that while it may look like it, there are no galaxies within this view.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance on Thursday announced the launch of ‘Activ Fit’, a comprehensive health insurance plan that targets consumers with active lifestyles and aims to reward them for their good health behaviour. The plan will give an upfront 10% good health discount basis an assessment done through a unique facial scan. “All customers below the age of 35 years can avail an Early Bird Discount at renewal, 5% from 4th to 7th policy year & 10% from 8th policy year for the lifetime of the policy," the insurance company said in its statement.

A rapidly spreading Covid strain has been dubbed the Nightmare Variant after it was found to double infections in a matter of days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A decision has been taken to wind up operations of the “Covid 19 Health and Social Security Fund”, which was established to provide relief to those affected by the Covid 19 epidemic, and Cabinet approval has been obtained for it.The Secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund, Dr Tharaka Liyanapathirana notified the public that the “Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund” at the Bank of Ceylon, account number 85737373 has been closed down effective from October 18th and requested the public not to donate to this fund from now on.He also notified donors not to send cheques or money towards this fund, to the Presidential Secretariat.The secretary of the Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund extended his appreciation to the donors who contributed to this fund to make this program implemented throughout the country during the Covid-19 epidemic, a success.The Covid-19 Health and Social Security Fund had received a total of Rs. 2,207,164,785.58 (Rs.

Hong Kong is unlikely to make any major changes to Covid restrictions for inbound travelers before a banking summit next month, but is considering concessions including allowing attendees to leave the city via private jet should they test positive for the virus. The health bureau is in discussions with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to finalize details for the two-day summit set for early November, including what to do if a participant is infected, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.

pregnancy-related deaths last year, according to a government report released on Wednesday. It says that it is a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims. The report lays out trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies, the news agency AP reported.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne symbolically handed over 400 thalassemia infusion systems to the Deputy Director General (Non-Communicable Diseases) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe at the Navy Headquarters on 19th October 2022. The infusion systems were produced by the Research and Development Unit of the Navy, under Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) initiatives.The infusion system is very much essential for thalassemia patients for the removal of excessive iron deposits in blood gathered in vital organs.Since the unit price of an infusion system in the market is generally not affordable, in 2011 the Navy set its mind to manufacture a low-cost thalassemia infusion system. So far, the Sri Lanka Navy has handed over 2774 thalassemia infusion systems to main hospitals and selected children down with the disease, in several phases. The Navy Research and Development Unit received the CDDA – (Cosmetics Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority) for production of thalassemia infusion pumps in 2011.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero announced that the final rites of the late Most Venerable Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka’s waters on the night of 19th October 2022. The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 03 Indian nationals poaching in the island's waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, Kareinagar.Sri Lanka Navy has stepped up its patrols and operations in Sri Lanka’s waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.In a similar operation conducted in the dark hours of 19th October, the Northern Naval Command deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted them engaged in illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s waters off the Kovilan Lighthouse, through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Garrett Brown being honored at a school assembly after saving a choking student. (Credit: Norman Public Schools) NORMAN, Okla. - An eight-year-old boy is being hailed a hero after saving a classmate who was choking. The incident took place on September 15 at Lakeview Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma. Music teacher Jordan Nguyen said she was the adult on duty during 3rd grade lunch period when she heard "He's choking! Cashton's choking!""I immediately ran over to help," Nguyen told FOX Television Stations. RELATED: Video shows NJ teacher save student choking on water bottle capThe teacher said student Cashton York was taking a bite, started choking, and couldn’t breathe.His classmate, 8-year-old Garrett Brown, noticed right away. "Without thinking twice, he [Garrett] ran to the other side of the table and began performing the Heimlich Maneuver while the other boys around him called for help," Nguyen added.

.Deferring the end date ensured that employers had sufficient time to develop commercial relationships with identity service providers, make the necessary changes to their pre-employment checking processes and carry out responsible on-boarding of their chosen provider.It has also ensured that the right to work scheme has continued to support long-term, post-pandemic working practices, providing sufficient time to put measures in place to enable face to face document checks if employers do not wish to adopt digital checks for British and Irish citizens with a valid passport (or Irish passport card).From 1 October 2022, employers must carry out one of the prescribed checks before employment commences, as set out in guidance.These checks are:a manual right to work checka right to work check using IDVT through the services of an identity service provider (IDSP)a Home Office online right to work checkConducting any of these checks will provide employers with a statutory excuse which is a defence against a civil penalty.Further information for employers on how to conduct these checks is available on the .Where a right to work check has been conducted using the , the information is provided in real time directly from Home Office systems and there is no requirement for employers to see or check the individual’s documents.Employers cannot insist individuals use this service or discriminate against those who choose to use accepted documents to prove their right to work.The has a list of acceptable documents.Employers do not need to carry out retrospective checks on those who had a COVID-19 adjusted check between 30 March 2020 and 30 September 2022 (inclusive).

PHILADELPHIA - As gun violence continues to plague Philadelphia, officials are asking for the public's help to make the city a safer place.By dialing 211, residents will receive real-time support and access to resources and services "related to gun violence."The Violence Prevention Hotline is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week by phone, call text of website chats.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Administration has noted that expressing opinions on social media by a public officer without following the proper provisions of the Establishments Code shall be consituted as an offense.A statement noted that such offense shall lead to disciplinary action.Refer full statement below:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – During President Wickremesinghe’s official overseas tour, the state ministers of the ministries under the purview of the President, will be appointed as acting ministers to oversee their operations.Accordingly, State Minister Premitha Bandara has been appointed as the Acting Defence Minister, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe as the Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies, State Minister Dilum Amunugama as the Acting Minister of Investment Promotion, State Minister Kanaka Herath as the Acting Minister of Technology and State Minister Anupa Pasqual has been appointed as the Acting Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment.

Buckingham Palace released a photo Saturday giving the first public glimpse of the new ledger stone installed at the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.The image shows the hand-carved Belgian black marble slab with brass letter inlays set into the floor of King George VI Memorial Chapel, St. George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government said a circular will be issued on Monday (26) permitting public sector employees to report to work in a suitable attire.Public Administration Secretary P. K.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is currently facing its worse economic crisis, and people who cannot afford to pay a high cost for fuel have been forced to use public transport, especially the jam-packed trains.News 1st's Teena Marian filed this report during her early morning commute to work.The Colombo-bound train from Polgahawela was already packed like cans of sardines when it reached one of the busiest train stations on the coastal route this morning.As the train reached the platform, commuters rushed to the doors trying to creep inside the already packed compartments to make their way to Colombo for school and work.The train on its journey to Colombo passed many other stations, and some passengers waiting to board the train simply had to look on as the packed train passed by with no room for more passengers.For many, this has been the case for decades and more additional compartments is a paramount need.News 1st's inquiries from authorities at Sri Lanka Railways on why this perennial issue has gone unresolved despite footage and images of packed trains going viral for decades went unanswered.Overcrowded public transport is now the norm, as many hang off footboards for their lives and livelihoods.

GLASSBORO, N.J. - Public schools in Glassboro have been put under a shelter-in-place order, police say. According to Glassboro Police Department, the school buildings are in a "precautionary shelter in place" as an investigation is ongoing. Police have not said if there is a threat to the safety of schools or released any further information at this time. This is a developing story.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government Medical Officers Association points out the decision to retire state sector employees after the age of 60 has put the lives of patients receiving treatment in hospitals at risk because many doctors will be forced to retire from December.The GMOA says as a result of this decision scheduled surgeries will have to be abandoned. The Association of Medical Specialists said that nearly 300 specialist doctors will have to retire from public service on or before December 31st of 2022 as per the circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration amending the retirement age of state employees. The Association revealed that under the directive, 43 specialists of the Colombo National Hospital, 30 specialists of the Kandy National Hospital, 17 specialists of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, 15 specialists of the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, and 09 specialists of the Apeksha Hospital will have to retire.It was proposed in the Interim Budget 2022 to amend the retirement age of state sector employees to 60 years, from the 65 years age requirement implemented in 2021.Accordingly, all Government employees aged 60 years or above must retire by December 31st, 2022.

PHILADELPHIA - Roughly one month into the fall semester at Temple University, students have already received alerts about safety issues near campus.On Tuesday night, the university says there was a knife-point robbery at 17th and Diamond streets that did not involve a student. There was also a home invasion off-campus on Sydenham Street, that did involve a student held at gunpoint."It’s North Philly, you kind of expect it, you just gotta’ be safe," says Saidyah Perez, a transfer student.FOX 29 scheduled an interview with Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police made public the images of four suspects wanted for unlawfully entering the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation on the 9th of July 2022, and causing damage to its property.The suspect are wanted for the investigations carried out by the Cinnamon Gardens Police.Police is seeking public support to arrest the four men pictured below, and information can be provided directly or via Whatsapp on  0718 591 588. 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is investigating scores of cases handled by a disgraced former B.C. immigration lawyer, in a probe that could lead to deportations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  According to the latest circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration regarding the retirement age limit of state employees, 300 specialist doctors will have to retire from public service on or before December 31st of 2022.In the proposal for this year presented to the Parliament in 2021, the retirement age of all State employees was extended to 65 years.However, the revised budget presented recently lowered the retirement age of Government employees to 60.Accordingly, all Government employees aged 60 years or above must retire by December 31st 2022.Under this directive, existing specialist doctors at provincial and primary hospitals will have to be transferred to fill the vacancies caused by the retirement of specialist doctorsThe association stated that it is not possible to transfer specialist doctors without filling the vacancies first.Usually, only specialist doctors who are already trained abroad can be transferred in this manner.However, in view of the current crisis in the country, a significant group of specialist doctors are likely to remain abroad, the Association of Specialist Doctors said.In that situation, the entire health service, including remote hospitals may also collapse, the Association of Specialist Doctors emphasized.The association points out that according to the new circular, 43 specialists of Colombo National Hospital, 30 specialists of Kandy National Hospital, 17 specialists of Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, 15 specialists of Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital and 09 specialists of Apeksha Hospital will have to retire.

A fireplace is shown in an undated file image. (Photo by Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Americans are likely going to pay more to heat their home over the winter months. The average cost of heating a household is set to increase by 17.2% this winter, compared to winter last year, according to a forecast by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), an educational and policy organization for federal programs that help low-income families pay their utility bills. The group expects the average winter heating bill to increase from $1,025 to $1,202, which would be the highest figure in over a decade. U.S.

Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex each expressed a sweet tribute to Queen Elizabeth II during her funeral Monday morning by wearing outfits that paid homage to the late monarch.Charlotte, seven years old, wore a hat for the first time, marking a grown-up gesture to her great-grandmother. She matched her mother, Kate Middleton, by dressing in a long black coat, black tights and black shoes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Flag of Sri Lanka and the flag of the United Kingdom were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, at the President's Office on Monday (19).Monday was also declared as a National day of mourning, in addition to the Ministry of Public Administration announcing today as a special holiday for all government agencies.The grand state funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II was held today, with the participation of over 500 heads of state and foreign leaders. Following the State Funeral, the Coffin will travel in Procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. From Wellington Arch, the Coffin will travel to Windsor, and once there, the State Hearse will travel in Procession to St.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police have sought public assistance in arresting two suspects involved in a shooting which took place inside the Mt. Lavinia Court Complex on August 4th, 2022.Police have released two pictures of the suspects to the media.Meanwhile, a photograph of the car suspected to have been used by the suspects to flee the scene has also been released.Accordingly, police have requested the public to contact the following telephone numbers if they have any information regarding the suspects and the getaway car.Mt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration announced that today (19) has been declared a special holiday for all Government agencies as a day of mourning has been declared for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island on Saturday (17) to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

LAKE WORTH, Texas - New video released by the military shows the moment a bird flew into a military jet last year, which caused it to crash into a Lake Worth neighborhood and cause major damage to a home.The crash happened back on September 19, 2021, after a U.S.

A GoFundMe campaign created for Pieper Lewis, a teenage sex trafficking victim who was ordered to pay US$150,000 in restitution after killing her accused rapist, has raised over $350,000 as of publication time, with over 9,000 donations from well-wishers.Lewis, 17, was sentenced to five years probation on Tuesday after pleading guilty last year to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury in the June 2020 killing of 37-year-old Zachary Brooks of Des Moines, Iowa. Both charges were punishable by up to 10 years in prison but the sentences were deferred. However, if Lewis violates her probation she could be sent to prison to serve that 20-year term.Lewis was 15 when she stabbed Brooks more than 30 times in his apartment in 2020.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd gives a press conference highlighting the arrests from 'Operation Cyber Guardian II.' WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A total of 13 men were arrested in the latest Polk County undercover operation targeting suspects who made attempts to "sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt" children, said Sheriff Grady Judd. In addition to the agency's team, Chris Hansen from ‘To Catch a Predator’ worked alongside investigators.Sheriff Judd said three suspects believed they were speaking to the guardian or parent of a child who wanted to teach their kid to have sex or arrange for the suspect to meet the minor, officials said. Others either traveled to have sex with children, had sexually-explicit conversations, or sent "harmful material." It turned out the person on the end of those conversations was an undercover detective.Among those arrested were people who worked at Disney, Publix, and Amazon, along with a man who installs internet safety programs in schools — the very same firewall blocking systems means to protect children from sexual predators."We will continue to conduct proactive operations like this to search out these evil predators before they get to our children," Sheriff Judd said.

FILE - A woman sits at a dining table at home working on a laptop. (Photo by Finn Winkler/picture alliance via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - During the first two years of the pandemic, the number of people working from home in the United States tripled, home values grew and the percentage of people who spent more than a third of their income on rent went up, according to survey results released Thursday by the U.S.

DES MOINES, Iowa - An Iowa teenage sex trafficking victim who stabbed her rapist to death was sentenced by a judge on Tuesday to five years of closely supervised probation and must pay $150,000 restitution to her abuser's family.Pieper Lewis, 17, stabbed her abuser, 37-year-old Zachary Brooks, more than 30 times in June 2020. She was initially charged with first-degree murder.Last year, Lewis pleaded to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury, both of which were punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

A teenage human trafficking victim who was initially charged with first-degree murder after she stabbed her accused rapist to death was sentenced Tuesday in an Iowa court to five years of closely supervised probation and ordered to pay US$150,000 restitution to the man’s family.Pieper Lewis, 17, was sentenced Tuesday after she pleaded guilty last year to involuntary manslaughter and willful injury in the June 2020 killing of 37-year-old Zachary Brooks of Des Moines. Both charges were punishable by up to 10 years in prison.Polk County District judge David M.

Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International, speaks during the grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Thursday June 28, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey (Photo by Tom Briglia/ WireImage) ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Hard Rock International, the global gambling, entertainment and hospitality company, said Monday it is spending over $100 million to give significant raises to 10,000 non-tipped workers, most of them in the U.S.The raises, which include an immediate increase to a minimum starting salary of $18 to $21 an hour, are designed to help employees deal with persistent inflation, and to help the company attract and retain top talent, lessening employee turnover.Some salaried workers will receive increased merit raises as well.In some cases, workers will be getting an immediate raise of 60%. The raises apply to 95 job classifications, including cooks, housekeepers, front desk clerks, security workers and cage cashiers."We looked at all the starting salaries of all our (front) line employees, certainly recognizing the economic conditions that have been going on," said Jim Allen, the company's chairman and CEO.

PHILADELPHIA - A large piece of history sits in Chester County as the nation comes together to remember the lives taken during the 9/11 terrorists attacks.The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville is home to the largest collection of World Trade Center steel outside New York City. In 1969, Luken's Steel built massive steel structures, known as "trees" or "tridents," as support systems for the lobby and nine floors of the Twin Towers.Most of the tridents were still standing after the tragic attacks, and now one is visible to visitors outside the museum, which now stands at the former location of the steel company."Where those tridents are is where the glass windows were for the offices on the first floor," said Jim Zigler, executive director of the museum.