Government: Latest News

WASHINGTON - A bus from Texas arrived in Washington, D.C. Wednesday morning, transporting dozens of illegal immigrants as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s new plan to counter federal immigration policies during an ongoing border crisis.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherAbbott announced last week that he was directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to transport migrants released from federal custody in Texas to the nation’s capital and other locations outside his state.The bus pulled up at approximately 8 a.m.

lockdown in parts of China has forced factories to shut.Pegatron, one of the few companies to assemble iPhones, has closed two of its assembly plants in the cities of Shanghai and Kunshan to comply with the Chinese government's strict new coronavirus curbs.The company makes around 20% to 30% of all iPhones worldwide, leaving a significant gap in Apple's supply chain. It says it hopes to "resume production soon".Quanta, a company that makes MacBooks, has also had to shut its doors, causing further mayhem for Apple.

COVID-19 antiviral pill Paxlovid by a prescription.The antiviral treatment comes in the form of pills that are ingested orally for those who are at a higher risk of progressing to severe disease or hospitalization due to the virus.Taking the pills must begin with in five days of symptoms in most cases, the government said.Those eligible for assessment for antiviral pills include:The government notes a health-care provider may recommend the treatment even if one does not belong to the eligible groups based on individual circumstances. Here’s who is eligible for free COVID PCR testing, anti-viral assessment in Ontario A person must also test positive for COVID-19, either on a PCR tests or a rapid test.Aside from the more than 1,700 participating pharmacies, the antiviral pills are also available at hospitals and assessment centres.There is also a risk assessment screening tool online that Ontarians can use to determine if the treatment would be beneficial.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ex-Minister Wimal Weerawansa said that if Sri Lanka wants some form of stability, the Prime Minister and the Government must resign paving the way for a new administration.“They are completely wrong if they assume that they can overcome the economic crisis by forming a majority of 113 MPs by any means,” he told reporters.He was speaking to reporters on Wednesday (13) at a briefing organized by the ‘Taking The Nation On The Correct Path’ movement in Colombo.He said Basil Rajapaksa is still attempting to take control of the administration, and also slammed the appointment of a new State Minister at a time when the country facing a crisis.

Poonawalla was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balawegaya signed a no-confidence motion against the government and an impeachment motion against the President on Tuesday (12).Thus, the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, with his group of parliamentarians, signed them at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, according to a Facebook post.The Leader of the Opposition said that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya stands together with the people fighting on the streets against the government and will work for all possible democratic victories in Parliament to realize it.He added that, in addition to the no-confidence motion and the impeachment, they will continue a fight for the reversal of the 20th Amendment and re-enactment of the 19th Amendment and for all democratic victories by constitutional means.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe says Sri Lanka will suspend Normal Debt Servicing and start negotiating debt restructuring.Speaking at a media briefing which was held at the Finance Ministry premises this morning, Dr.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has entered into a war of words with Alberta’s UCP government about how the province is handling a drug-poisoning crisis. Tom Vernon has the details.

Easter is on its way and as you prepare the kids’ chocolate treats, you should take a look at some of the labels on them because 10 different Kinder chocolate products are being recalled over possible salmonella contamination, including Kinder Surprise Eggs. The items were sold with best before dates between June 19 and Nov.

Indian Embassy, citizens need following documents to avail of consular services--education, trade/commercial. affidavits, birth certificate (self), civil documents, power of attorney, gift documents, marriage certificate, mortgage documents, purchase documents, sale documents, the true copy of attestation etc.Consulate General of India, Shanghai, to remain inaccessible and not be in a position to provide consular services in person, in view of the #COVID19 lockdown in Shanghai: Embassy of India, Beijing, China pic.twitter.com/kXvp1AjmyH

Ontario’s government is facing criticism after it was revealed the province’s chief medical officer of health went on vacation last week. Opposition members say Dr.

China’s government relaxed the shutdown in areas of Shanghai Tuesday that have had no new Covid cases. Some people were allowed to leave their homes, and some food sellers were able to reopen.

A South Ayrshire MSP has called for the heads of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Chancellor Rishi Sunak - after they were hit with police fines.

Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is calling on Saskatchewan Minister of Education Dustin Duncan and the Saskatchewan government to immediately reinstate COVID-19 public health measures in schools.In a release from STF on Monday, the federation cites the latest COVID-19 wastewater data from the University of Saskatchewan as being a concern as it shows an alarming increase of 742 per cent in Saskatoon.Data for North Battleford and Prince Albert also show surges of 250 per cent and 56 per cent.“Saskatchewan educators want to be in schools along with their students, teaching and learning in a safe environment,” said Patrick Maze, STF president.“These new wastewater results are alarming and need to be taken seriously,” he added. Saskatchewan NDP calls on government to do more to address children’s hospital capacity Maze continues on to say that the province has a responsibility to keep students, staff and the greater community safe.“Our health system is over capacity and health-care workers are stressed.

The Prime Minister’s wife will join her husband in being fined by the police over the partygate scandal.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance states that Sri Lanka will suspend normal debt servicing of all affected debts for an interim period pending an orderly and consensual restructuring of those obligations in a manner consistent with an economic adjustment program supported by the IMF. Moreover, the Finance Ministry states that the Government is taking emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of the Republic’s financial position and to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all creditors in comprehensive debt restructuring.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Monday during a post-budget announcement in Montreal that the federal government is committed to doubling new home starts in Canada over 10 years, but added that the housing shortage would not be solved “overnight.” She talked about the difficulty many young people face when trying to buy a home, calling it an “intergenerational injustice.”

coronavirus rules to prevent a "brutal" Easter as pressure mounts on the NHS, health leaders have warned. NHS bosses issued the stark warning as they pointed out that the service is facing the same pressure this spring as it would in the midst of a "bad winter."The government has been urged to review its Living with Covid plan as high rates of Covid-19 infections are having a "major impact" on the healthcare system.

FILE IMAGE - AR-15 upper receivers for sale at Hiram's Guns / Firearms Unknown store in El Cajon, California, on April 26, 2021. President Joe Biden's planned executive actions would crack down on "ghost guns," which can be assembled from kits and ar WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden is nominating an Obama-era U.S. attorney to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as his administration unveils its formal rule to rein in ghost guns, privately made firearms without serial numbers that are increasingly cropping up at crime scenes.The White House confirmed that Biden is announcing the nomination of Steve Dettlebach, who served as a U.S.

FILE IMAGE - A person holds a U.S. passport and an American flag.

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

ANI.

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

₹1,200 per dose to ₹225, Serum Institute of India announced a price cut from Rs600 to Rs225 per dose.

Russia is being accused of committing another horrific war crime—this time at a railway station in eastern Ukraine. The devastating fallout and the condemnations from world leaders.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The meeting between the President, and the Independent MPs from the ruling coalition & the contituent parties on Sunday (10) evening, ended inconclusively.“No discussion on was made on forming an interim government during meeting between President, Independent MPs, & 11 constituent parties,” said Former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara.He said the meeting was based on maintaining relations among parties.The meeting took place at the President’s Office in Colombo.Notably, the vehicles of the MPs used a separate entrance to enter the premises as Sri Lankans continue to occupy the Galle Face stretch. 

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Chrystia Freeland says there is no better source of extra funds for Ukraine‘s recovery from the Russian invasion than from the assets of those backing the war.In an interview with The West Block‘s Mercedes Stephenson, Freeland emphasized the proposal in the budget she tabled last week that would allow Canada’s minister of foreign affairs to not only freeze Russian assets, but seize them, too.“Right now, we can freeze assets. What we need to do is have the power to seize those assets,” she said.“Ukraine is going to need to be rebuilt.

Éric Duhaime arrived at a rally last Tuesday, he wore a mask, unlike most of the supporters he was greeting.In a province where opposition parties have generally backed the government’s COVID-19 restrictions, Duhaime has built support through his opposition to lockdown measures. His party, which received less than two per cent of the vote in Quebec’s 2018 provincial election when it was led by Adrien Pouliot, is now regularly polling in second or third place.“There’s a lot of people currently in Quebec who are upset, and I think we’re becoming the voice of those people,” Duhaime said in an interview last week.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 41 Independent MPs who quit the government have been invited for talks with the President at 7 PM on Sunday (10).Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that the talks will most likely be centered on an Interim Administration.The MPs from 10 parties that formed the ruling coalition, MPs from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and Independent MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will attend this meeting.It is reported that the 11 proposals for an All-Party Interim Government will be discussed at length at this meeting.On the 8th of April 2022, Parliamentarians Maithripala Sirisena, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha have presented the President with a 11-point document requesting to move towards an all-party interim Government.

ISLAMABAD: In a historic first for Pakistan, Imran Khan has been ousted as the prime minister of Pakistan from office through a no-confidence motion after the National Assembly debated on the matter for more than 12 hours and the political situation in the country took a critical turn.The session was chaired by Ayaz Sadiq — a member of the panel of chairs —  after speaker Asad Qasier resigned from his post.“174 members have recorded their votes in favour of the resolution, consequently the resolution for the vote on no-confidence against Mr Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan, has been passed by a majority,” Ayaz Sadiq announced after the process of voting was completed. Once the voting was concluded and the result was announced, Opposition leaders delivered their victory speeches. The session has been adjourned till 11am on Monday, April 11.Despite the PTI government’s hectic efforts to avoid voting on the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, the historic session of the National Assembly to decide his fate began on Saturday at 10:30am in line with the Supreme Court’s decision. The much-awaited session, however, witnessed at least four breaks with the government seeking some way out of the situation, but in the end, the Opposition was able to get their way.There were many deliberations that the Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa might be replaced, but Imran Khan refuted the reports, and nothing of the sort took place.Imran Khan was elected on August 18, 2018, and his term ended on April 10, 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Sri Lanka will need about $3 billion in external assistance within the next six months to help restore supplies of essential items, including fuel and medicines, to manage a severe economic crisis, the Finance Minister Ali Sabry stated in an interview with Reuters.The Finance Minister, stating that it is indeed a ‘Herculean task’, mentioned that Sri Lanka needs $3 billion in bridge financing while readying itself for negotiations with the IMF.Sri Lanka will look to restructure international sovereign bonds and seek a moratorium on payments, and is confident of negotiating with bondholders for an upcoming $1 billion payment in July.“The entire effort is not to go for a hard default, as we understand the consequences of a hard default.” Minister Sabry stated.J.P.

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan arrives at the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on February 04, 2022 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) ISLAMABAD (AP) - Pakistan’s political opposition ousted the country’s embattled prime minister in a no confidence vote on Saturday, which they won after several of Imran Khan’s allies and a key coalition party deserted him.The combined opposition that spans the political spectrum from the left to the radically religious will form the new government, with the head of one of the largest parties, the Pakistani Muslim League, taking over as prime minister.Anticipating his loss, Khan, who charged his opposition colluded with the United States to unseat him, has called on his supporters to stage rallies nationwide on Sunday.

For first-time homebuyers, breaking into Edmonton housing market is proving to be difficult. The federal government is now offering more help, but is it enough? Sarah Reid takes a look.

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

ANI.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Energy reveals that the daily Diesel consumption increased by 4,500 MT.According to the Ministry, daily fuel consumption has averaged 5,500 metric tons for the three months since December.However, the Ministry pointed out that the daily usage of Diesel has exceeded 8,000 MT.The Ministry further said that the demand by the people has increased in comparison to the quantity of Diesel supplied for power generation.The Ministry of Energy pointed out that in the current situation the Government has to spend USD $500 Mn for the monthly fuel requirement.The Ministry said that another vessel carrying another 37,500 MT of Diesel will arrive in Sri Lanka on the 15th of April under the Indian credit facility.Meanwhile, the daily demand for Kerosene has also increased to 800 MT.

COLOMBO (News 1st): A young Sri Lankan girl offered a rose to police officers who were manning the barricade leading to Parliament on Friday (8) afternoon.The parliament premises was heavily guarded as over the past few days Sri Lankans have been protesting around the premises against the President and the Government, and even all members of Parliament.The rose was offered at a time when a large group of people was in fact protesting at the same place against the President, and the government.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Friday (8) that there is no alternative path with the incumbent President.“We speak a lot about the alternatives, such as caretaker governments, interim governments, temporary governments, etc. However, can these governments move forwards with the Executive Presidency?” he questioned the house.He said such alternatives will not be able to move ahead with the present Executive President in office.“The 20th Amendment to the Constitution did not create an Executive President, it created a Super Executive President,” he told the Parliament.“How can a caretaker, interim, or even temporary government operate with a President with Super Executive Powers?” he noted.He said if parliament agrees to such a proposal, that could be tantamount to treachery.“We are not prepared to commit such a betrayal.

A couple walks on a dark street in San Juan, Puerto Rico after a major power outage hit the island on April 6, 2022. (Photo by Ricardo ARDUENGO / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Shuttered businesses.

4 Day Week Global, began on April 1 and will last six months. In total, 38 companies across North America are taking part and nearly 2,000 employees will be getting a paid day off weekly through the course of the trial. A majority of the companies began the trial this month, with some starting as early as February and others in May or June.

Justin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, left, and Chrystia Freeland, Canada's deputy prime minister and finance minister, hold copies of the federal budget in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Freeland is imposing a one-time windf Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government announced Thursday it will ban foreign investors from buying homes in Canada for two years in a bid to cool off a hot housing market.Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland took a number of measures to tamp down speculation and demand amid record home prices in announcing the federal budget for the year.The government announced a two-year ban on foreign home buying as well as higher taxes for people who sell their home within a year, though both measures include multiple exceptions including for permanent residents and foreign students.RELATED: California home prices have more than tripled in these citiesThe budget also includes billions for new housing and measures to help Canadians trying to get into the market, including a new savings account and changes to the first-time home buyers tax credit.The government is under pressure to cool an overheated market after prices climbed by more than 20% last year, while rental rates have also been rising.The federal Liberal government is also promising $500 million Canadian (US$397 million) in additional military aid to Ukraine as well as more humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv in response to Russia’s invasion.RELATED: First-time homebuyer? Real estate experts offer advice in crazy marketCanada responded to months of pressure from the NATO military alliance and others by promising more than $8 billion Canadian (US7.2 billion) in new military spending over the next five years.

COLOMBO (News 1st); JVP Member of Parliament Vijitha Herath announced that his faction will support the Motion of No-Confidence against the government, and would also move for the Impeachment of the President if he continues to refuse to resign.“Flaws in political leadership have to this crisis,” he told the Parliament, adding that seeking a bailout from the IMF, rather than looking at a debt restructuring process, would further put Sri Lanka in turmoil.‘The people want a leadership change. If the government continues to act in an arbitrary manner, we will stand with the motion of no-confidence, and take necessary measures as per the provisions of the constitution,” he said while noting that the JVP led-NPP will also move for an Impeachment Motion against the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned that if the President and Government do not heed the calls of the people, the Opposition will be compelled to proceed with a motion of no-confidence as per the provisions of the constitution.In response to the government members commenting to bring forth such a motion, the Opposition Leader noted that those in government should not forget that 6.9 Mn people voted for the President, and 6.8 Mn people voted for the government.“Do not forget that. Decide for yourselves on how you will be able to return to the people and to your respective electorates,” he told the government side.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two Sri Lankan MPs were removed from the Parliament Chamber on Friday (8) for misconduct.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena ordered the removal of MPs Janaka Tissa Kuttiarachchi & Chaminda Wijesiri from the chamber, for obstructing Parliamentary proceedings.Opposition MP Chaminda Wijesiri speaking in Parliament alleged that over a dozen police officers have been provided as security for individual government MPs, while some were even given personnel from the Police Special Task Force.He went on to note that reports suggest the MP Tissa Kutti Arachchi was also given around 15 police officers as security.However, MP Kutti Arachchi in response said he was sent four police officers, and he spoke to the local police to withdraw the police officers.Thereafter, an argument broke out between the two MPs, while the Speaker noted that if they continue to mention each other’s names proceedings cannot proceed.Exchanges continued over the comments of MP Buddhika Pathirana who were commenting on public finances.Thereafter, the speaker decided to adjourn the session, and upon his return, he announced that he decided to remove the two MPs for the day as per the provisions of the law.The speaker once again adjourned Parliament until the Sergeant-at-Arms removed the two MPs from the chamber.

Despite $31 billion more in new spending, the 2022 budget has more modest spending plans than what analysts anticipated.