Spring Equinox 2020: 5 weird traditions to celebrate the first day of Spring today

Gas prices are hitting highs that have never before been seen in Canada.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The resolution which was adapted at the United Nations Human Rights Council is in direct contradiction to the council’s founding principals, including impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, which goes beyond the mandate of the council, says the Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, acts of kindness are pouring in from some Canadians. Jayme Doll explains how Dan Kostka, a Calgary man visiting Slovakia, is driving refugees to safety

Gas prices in the Metro Vancouver region have tipped over $2 a litre in many areas. Andrea Macpherson has the latest on the situation and how these high prices might affect transportation needs.

In a bitter and emotional speech, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized NATO for refusing to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying it will fully untie Russia’s hands as it escalates its attack from the air.

Canada’s deputy chief public health officer says mask-wearing is a “personal choice” and he’ll personally continue to wear a mask as the ongoing easing of COVID-19 public health measures continues.

Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Friday that with strong protection from vaccines and declining hospitalizations due to COVID-19, the country needs to focus on ”easing societal disruptions” from public health measures.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that Canada will continue to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” as Russia’s invasion of the country enters its second week.

James Watson, 69, was shot and killed in Germantown on Thursday while trying to use an ATM.  PHILADELPHIA - Activists are demanding an end to gun violence less than 24 hours after a 69-year-old was shot and killed trying to use an ATM in Germantown. FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson spoke to activists at a demonstration Friday. The rally called for more community involvement to prevent violent incidents like the one that happened to James Watson. Tonight, his family is carrying a heavy weight, knowing he's gone. "It's turmoil. You don't know what to think.

#COVID19 cases, 11,651 recoveries, and 289 deaths in the last 24 hours.Active case: 63,878 (0.15%)Daily positivity rate: 0.63%Total recoveries: 4,23,78,721 Death toll: 5,14,878Total vaccination: 1,78,55,66,940 pic.twitter.com/Lp6gJ5AwQ6

Attic's Brewing Company is donating 10% of its profits to Ukraine.  PHILADELPHIA - As buildings are lit up blue and yellow in support of Ukraine, many people across the area are trying to show their support for the country. The brews are flowing for a good cause at Attic Brewing Company in Germantown, where 10% of the profits from March 4 - March 6 will benefit people in the war-torn country. RELATED: Russia-Ukraine war: What to know after Russians take Europe's largest nuclear plantThe money will go into an account set up by the Bank of Ukraine. For Attic Brewery's brewmaster, this cause is personal.

A Joro spider in its web. (Ben Frick, co-author of study)The Joro spider, known for its distinctive yellow and blue coloring and uncomfortably large size, could soon invade the entire East Coast, a new study says. In September 2021, researchers found the invasive species, which first made its way to the United States in 2013, spinning its webs all over northeast Georgia, covering power lines, bushes and mailboxes, but after scientists observed the spiders and tested its physiology, they concluded the species could potentially survive outside of the southeastern quadrant of the U.S., according to a study published in the journal Physiological Entomology. Scientists compared the Joro spider to its close cousin, the golden silk spider, which has made its home in the southeast for over 160 years, according to the study but has yet to successfully invade other parts of the U.S.

Global’s Keith Baldrey has the latest on the rollout of rapid tests for COVID-19 by the B.C. government.

DUSSELDORF, Germany - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday intensified a crackdown on media outlets and individuals who fail to hew to the Kremlin line on Russia's war in Ukraine, blocking Facebook and Twitter and signing into law a bill that criminalizes the intentional spreading of what Moscow deems to be "fake" reports.The moves against the social media giants follow blocks imposed on the BBC, the U.S. government-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle and Latvia-based website Meduza.

PHILADELPHIA - Alina Bushma prepared for perhaps the biggest match of her squash career at Drexel when her mother texted her a snapshot from her day in Ukraine. Inna Bushma wanted to show her daughter the camouflage nets she made as a volunteer helping Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces."Looks like grass," Alina Bushma said, laughing.Bushma much preferred the photos her parents sent earlier in the week -- champagne for a toast for their daughter who helped lead Drexel to a runner-up finish in the Collegiate Squash Championships."I’m just a girl from Ukraine where squash is not even that popular," she said Friday.The 21-year-old Bushma scored the winning point last Saturday that sent the Dragons into the CSA championship match, where they lost to Harvard.

During a transit funding announcement on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the goals of his upcoming trip to Europe, where he will meet with fellow allies to discuss further response to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Thomas 'TJ" Siderio, 12, died Tuesday after he was shot by police. Police say the officers opened fire after their unmarked vehicle as struck by gunfire.

Justin Trudeau is defending NATO’s decision to reject establishing a no-fly-zone over Ukraine, warning the move would lead to an “unfortunate” escalation in the conflict.He made the comment during a press conference on Friday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enters the ninth day of his call for NATO to impose and enforce a ban on Russian jets flying in Ukrainian skies.“The thing that we have so far avoided — and will continue to need to avoid — is (creating) a situation in which NATO forces are in direct conflict with Russian soldiers,” Trudeau said.“That would be a level of escalation that is unfortunate that we need to avoid.” What is a no-fly zone? Here’s why the West isn’t imposing one in Ukraine Canada “will continue to impose punishing consequences on Putin,” until both he and the Russian people “understand just how terrible a mistake Vladimir Putin has just made,” Trudeau said.Implementing a no-fly zone over the country isn’t as simple as telling Russia it’s no longer allowed in the airspace — it also requires enforcement.That means if NATO were to put a ban on Russian planes in Ukrainian skies, they’d be forced to send in NATO jets to shoot down any Russian aircraft in that airspace.“We understand the desperation but we also believe that if we did that, we would end up with something that could lead to a full-fledged war in Europe involving much more countries and much more suffering,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a Friday news conference.While NATO has enforced no-fly zones in previous conflicts, including in Iraq, Libya and Bosnia, there’s a major difference when it comes to what’s happening in Ukraine: Russia has nuclear weapons.That hasn’t deterred Zelenskyy, who made yet

We cannot imagine what Jenna Jameson is going through.

There are 18,833 community cases of COVID-19 to report today which is a decrease in daily cases from recent days where we reported cases above 20,000.

PHILADELPHIA - Police say an investigation is underway after a 13-year-old was shot twice in North Philadelphia on Friday evening. According to police, the incident happened around 6:00 p.m.

This year marks the return of some beloved city staples: Pride, Taste of the Danforth, the CNE and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. They’re just some of the events you get to be at in-person this summer. Shallima Maharaj reports.

COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, people are eager to take off.“I haven’t been on an actual trip for a long time, so I’m really excited, actually,” said McKenna Nameth, heading out of Canada.“We’re at the point where we need a vacation, it’s been a hard time,” said Regan Campbell. Travel bookings up as Albertans take advantage of loosening border measures At the end of February, Canada dropped the PCR testing requirement for fully-vaccinated travellers entering the country.

COVID-19 pandemic. She would attend shows and travelled the world.However, since 2020 she has barely left her house. Grenier’s weakened immune system puts her at a higher risk if she catches COVID-19.“It’s been lonely and it’s been difficult, but it’s getting harder,” Grenier told Global News.Quebec is lifting more restrictions, including the mask mandate.

Russian forces shelled Europe’s largest nuclear plant early Friday in the battle for control of a crucial energy-producing city, and the power station was on fire.

Companies around the globe grappled with a dilemma over what to do with their Russian investments on Friday as Moscow laid out their options: stay in the country, exit entirely or hand over their holdings to local managers until they return.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa - As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, many are sending donations, including local first responders.As the war rages on, law enforcement officers in Bucks County have gathered nearly $100,000 worth of ballistic vests and other equipment to send to Ukrainians as they try to defend their country from Russian troops.RELATED: Fire extinguished at Europe's largest nuclear power plant following Russian shelling "Since we can't be there to help, we're going to do as much as we can here," said Falls Township police officer Dean Stecklair.Police in Falls Township met with members of Bucks County's Ukrainian community as they prepared to send supplies."We cannot thank them enough because Ukraine needs our support, our support now," Natalia Vroby. RELATED: Russia-Ukraine war: What to know after Russians take Europe's largest nuclear plant Lower Bucks Hospital employees of Ukrainian heritage also collected donations of gloves, gowns and other PPE materials to send to the country.Eleanor Plavenik, an ultrasound tech at the hospital, is worried about her relatives in Kharkiv, close to the Russian border.She says sending supplies is the least she can do at such a difficult time.The supplies from the hospital and police department are being sent by air to Poland and then they will be transported to Ukraine.RELATED: Man in Poland opens home to Ukrainians seeking refuge from war-torn homeland: If you are interested in participating, contact the Falls Township police department. ___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

COVID-19 testing requirements for fully-vaccinated people that want to cross the border from the U.S. to Canada.Jim Diodati told Global News he’s a signatory to an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asking for an end to testing guidelines.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says it’s time for Canadians to develop their own level of comfort with COVID-19.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Tuesday a list of resources for veterans who may be feeling emotional distress or reminded of their own deployment experiences, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine."I know that many of you, like me, have been deeply affected by the war in Ukraine," Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said in a press release.

COVID-19-related death on Friday, lifting the death toll across the region since the pandemic began to 400.“Today we are reporting one death in our community related to COVID-19,” Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health, stated.

NEW JERSEY - Authorities in New Jersey say they have made two more arrests connected to a car theft ring that has stolen 22 vehicles worth over $787,000 including more than a dozen high-end Mercedes, BMWs, Land Rovers, and Audis.The new indictment charges Brian Peppers, 30, of Newark, and Shareiff N. Copeland, 26, of East Orange, with stealing 10 vehicles and approximately $52,000 in cash from a car dealership in Irvington in June 2021.Six men are now indicted in connection with the case.Wild Manhattan carjacking in broad daylight caught on camera"This investigation illustrates the nexus frequently uncovered by law enforcement between vehicle thefts and organized criminal groups," said Acting Attorney General Platkin.

here. 

Restaurants, rights groups denounce Quebec curfew, experts say it’s necessary Radio-Canada initially received the ethics review by Montreal officials through an access to information request — but the entirety of its contents was redacted. Following outcry from the opposition and journalists, the Health Department released the full review late Thursday.Quebec Liberal party Leader Dominique Anglade tweeted Friday that the documents show Premier François Legault “is not reliable. Even worse, he does not tell the truth to Quebecers.

Los Angeles County residents will no longer be required to wear masks at restaurants, bars, gyms, shops, and other businesses starting today, the Associated Press reports, while the National Football League (NFL) has dropped all COVID-19 measures.

GLENDALE, Wis. - A Milwaukee man is accused of filming hundreds of people inside locker rooms at Wisconsin Athletic Clubs. He faces charges in both Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Court documents say Peng Dong, 33, recorded videos at several Wisconsin Athletic Club locations.

COVID-19 vaccine.She’d received her second dose last summer but found it tough to secure a third when the province made them available for all Ontarians in late December.This week, while scouring the internet for pop-up clinics, she learned of a walk-in site opening at a local library branch just a 10-minute bus ride away from her home. Vax And Read campaign to bring COVID-19 vaccines to Toronto Public Library branches By Thursday afternoon, both 31-year-old Kok and her mother were able to get their boosters in the library’s glass-walled conference room where half a dozen vaccine stations had been set up.“It’s nice that you have somewhere close by, you don’t have to go downtown.

A Minnesota health system that established two COVID-19 patient-only hospitals early in the pandemic had lower rates of coronavirus-related death than hospitals with mixed patient cohorts, according to a study published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.

There have been more than 900,000 coronavirus cases in Greater Manchester since the start of the pandemic, latest figures reveal.

The estimated effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine against infection in US adolescents was 91%, with 93% protection against symptomatic illness and 85% against asymptomatic disease amid the Delta SARS-CoV-2 surge in Connecticut, finds a study published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.The retrospective case-control study, by Yale School of Medicine

Brandon Bostian (R) faces charges including causing a catastrophe, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the deadly derailment.  PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia jury has reached a verdict in the deadly 2015 Amtrak derailment case, finding the engineer not guilty on all counts.The weeklong trial went to the jury on Thursday as they weighed criminal charges against engineer Brandon Bostian. However, the jury restarted their deliberations on Friday after one of the jurors experienced a death in the family and was replaced with an alternate. Bostian, 38, faced multiple charges in connection with the crash that left eight people dead and more than 200 others injured.

PALO ALTO, Calif. - In an emotional interview, the parents of Stanford University soccer star Katie Meyer are struggling to understand why their daughter – a star athlete with a bright future and plenty of friends – died by suicide this week. Gina Meyer told NBC's The Today Show on Friday that it's been a "horrific" experience."The last couple days are like a parent's worst nightmare and you don't wake up from it," Gina said as she choked up, sitting beside her husband Steve. "So, it's just horrific."They saw no red flags that suggested she was depressed or contemplating harming herself.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The adoptive parents of two California boys who were reported missing in 2020 pleaded not guilty Thursday to killing them.Trezell West, 35, and Jacqueline West, 32, entered pleas in a Bakersfield courtroom to two counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of willful cruelty to a child and a misdemeanor charge of making a false report of an emergency. They could face 30 years to life in prison if convicted.They were ordered held without bail, with the judge calling them "a significant and substantial risk to public safety."RELATED: Adoptive parents charged with killing two California boys before reporting them missing, DA says"Just knowing that they are handcuffed and they aren’t leaving is a blessing," Rosanna Willis, a cousin to the missing boys, told KERO-TV.

COVID-19 in those cities, local officials say it may be a while before it is lifted in Waterloo Region.“I think it’s important that each municipality look at the reasons that the emergency declaration was in place and every municipality is different,” CAO Bruce Lauckner told reporters on Friday morning, while noting that the region has talked to the other municipalities it contains about the situation.He then went on to provide an example as to why the move will come later, rather than sooner.“We still need to move staff around to support our shelter systems from time to time because COVID is still active,” Lauckner said. Interactive — Inside COVID's rehabilitation hospitals “So as we have confidence that the shelter systems, the hospitals, that our vaccine clinics and so on, no longer require operational support like that, then that would be a reason for us to and the emergency declaration.”He also noted that while the pandemic has eased, many of the people working on the front lines have been dealing with it for two years now.“So I think the worst thing we could do (is end the state of) emergency right now and then find out next week that we still have to move people,” he said.

COVID-19 on Friday as The Boardwalk vaccination clinic celebrated its first birthday.Since its inception, the region says the clinic has administered 235,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to members of the community. Long COVID: Almost a third of people report lingering symptoms, study finds “Thanks to the dedication and commitment of all the staff and volunteers of The Boardwalk vaccination clinic, we have been able to successfully bring vaccines to thousands of Waterloo Region’s residents,” said David Aoki, who took charge of the vaccine effort in Waterloo Region earlier this week.“The vaccination clinic at The Boardwalk has been integral to the success of the vaccine rollout so far and continues to provide a convenient opportunity for anyone to still get a COVID-19 vaccine.”According to the region, a time capsule is being created with members of the community contributing their reflections of the last year.“Working at public health saved my sanity during the pandemic,” one staff member recollected.“I felt helpless and hopeless, and being of service to my community by providing COVID-19 vaccination gave me hope.

Essential visiting only has been reintroduced at a Scots hospital due to rising coronavirus cases.

As we close out the second full year of the coronavirus pandemic, many are taking stock of all the ways the world has changed as it struggled to contain and eradicate a deadly virus. And if you’re Judd Apatow, what better way to do that than with a hilarious ensemble comedy?