This is how much money you need for a funeral in the US

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off Saturday morning, marking the start of an annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe to New Mexico’s high desert for 50 years now.As one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has become an economic driver for the state’s largest city and a rare — and colorful — opportunity for enthusiasts to be within arm’s reach as the giant balloons are unpacked and inflated.Three of the original pilots who participated in the first fiesta in 1972 and the family members of others are among this year’s attendees.

A picture of the victim's walker. (Credit: Wheaton Ridge Police) WHEATON RIDGE, Colo. - Authorities in Colorado said an unidentified 56-year-old man has died after tripping and falling into the street with his walker, and a driver hit him before taking off. The Wheaton Ridge Police Department said the incident happened last Thursday before 9 p.m.

Aleksandr Melnikov (Philadelphia Police Department)SOMERTON - Philadelphia police have made an arrest in connection with a June car accident that resulted in the death of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer.According to officials, 18-year-old Aleksandr Melnikov, from Philadelphia’s Bustleton section, was arrested September 30th, at Philadelphia AID headquarters.The deadly accident occurred June 23rd, just before midnight. Authorities say a car was heading south on Bustleton Avenue, traveling at a high rate of speed, and did not stop at a red light at Bustleton and Rennard Street.RELATED COVERAGE: 'A real tragedy': Off-duty Philadelphia police officer killed in Somerton crash, authorities sayThe car hit a vehicle traveling west on Rennard.

Second Lieutenant Kody Sims instructs students participating in the Army's new Future Soldier Prep Course who are working to improve their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test scores at Fort Jackson on September 28, 2022 in Columbi The Army fell about 15,000 soldiers — or 25% — short of its recruitment goal this year, officials confirmed Friday, despite a frantic effort to make up the widely expected gap in a year when all the military services struggled in a tight jobs market to find young people willing and fit to enlist.While the Army was the only service that didn't meet its target, all of the others had to dig deep into their pools of delayed entry applicants, which will put them behind as they begin the next recruiting year on Saturday.The worsening problem stirs debate about whether America’s fighting force should be restructured or reduced in size if the services can't recruit enough, and could also put added pressure on the National Guard and Reserve to help meet mission requirements.According to officials, the Marine Corps, which usually goes into each fiscal year with as much as 50% of its recruiting goal already locked in, has only a bit more than 30%. And the Air Force and the Navy will only have about 10% of their goals as they start the new fiscal year.

Pierre Poilievre, have anything to say about it.The most recent polling Ipsos conducted for Global News shows why.The party most interested in reminding Canadians about ties between the convoy and Pierre Poilievre will be the Liberal Party. Why? The Liberals are in a very difficult spot. They currently trail the Conservatives in the national popular vote by five points.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Max Baer, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, has died at the age of 74, the court confirmed on Saturday. His death comes just months before he was set to retire.Baer's "sudden passing" came overnight at his home near Pittsburgh, the court said in a news release.

Spirit Airlines logo (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A Spirit Airlines flight from Baltimore to Orlando returned to Baltimore shortly after takeoff Friday night because of a problem with the engine. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the plane took off at 8:35 p.m. and was back on the ground at 8:51 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - Four men were struck by gunfire as shots rang out less than a block from a hospital in Northeast Philadelphia early Saturday morning.Police say the quadruple shooting erupted out he 5000 block of Frankford Avenue, which is just feet away from Jefferson Frankford Hospital.Four men were reportedly brought to the hospital by private vehicle after being shot.A 20-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot in the face. He was transferred to Jefferson University Hospital.MORE HEADLINES:Three other victims are in stable condition: a 50-year-old man shot in the chest; a 38-year-old man shot in the ankle; and a 36-year-old man shot in the hand.No arrests have been made, and no weapon recovered.

PHILADELPHIA - A 17-year-old girl is recovering after police say she was shot inside a car on a street in South Philadelphia.The teen was reportedly found in the driver seat of car on the 700 block of Carpenter Street around 2:14 a.m. Saturday.Police saw she was suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and torso.

Tesla Inc.’s proposed Optimus humanoid robot slowly and awkwardly walked onto a stage, turned, and waved to a cheering crowd at the company’s artificial intelligence event Friday.But the basic tasks by the robot with exposed wires and electronics — as well as a later, next generation version that had to be carried onstage by three men — was a long way from CEO Elon Musk’s vision of a human-like robot that can change the world.Musk told the crowd, many of whom might be hired by Tesla, that the robot can do much more than the audience saw Friday. He said it is also delicate and “we just didn’t want it to fall on its face.” Over 750 Tesla owners in the U.S.

In a remote pocket of the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, a Greek Orthodox nun answers the door in the rain.

Dave Navarro has some bad news to share with fans looking forward to seeing him on tour with Jane’s Addiction this fall.

PLAINS, Ga. - It's a special day for the oldest-living former U.S. president and Georgia native Jimmy Carter.Carter is celebrating yet another milestone Saturday - his 98th birthday.The former president will celebrate his birthday with family and friends in Plains, the tiny Georgia town where he and his wife, 95-year-old Rosalynn, were born in the years between World War I and the Great Depression.HERE'S HOW YOU CAN WISH JIMMY CARTER A HAPPY 98TH BIRTHDAYJason Carter, the former president’s grandson now leading the Carter Center board, described his grandfather, an outspoken Christian, as content with his life and legacy."He is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in God’s plan for him," the younger Carter, 47, said, "and that’s just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where he’s going."Jason Carter said his grandfather is mostly looking forward to a simple day that includes watching his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, on television.CEO OF CARTER CENTER REFLECTS ON JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY ON 98TH BIRTHDAYIf you'd like to wish the Georgia native a happy birthday, the Carter Center has set up a digital board for people to post heartfelt birthday messages on its website.Former President Jimmy Carter interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 2011.

Russia said Saturday it has withdrawn its troops from the once-occupied city of Lyman, as Ukraine’s eastern counteroffensive recaptures more territory.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

Eamonn Holmes has taken to Instagram to share a photo of his face covered in shingles as he continues to struggle with his health.The 62-year-old, who is currently recovering from a back operation, posted a photo from 2018 where his face looked red, swollen and covered in blisters.Giving further information to his fans on the common infection, Eamonn wrote: "Ageing puts you at higher risk of shingles (esp. 50+) so it’s good to know what to look for.READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes breaks silence on Holly and Phillip 'queue-jumping' with brutal dig"I’m pleased to partner with @gsk on their Understanding Shingles report, as I’ve suffered from this previously."For info on shingles visit understandingshingles.co.uk.

Recalled Toddleroo rotating cabinet latch -closed (CPSC) Over 100,000 cabinet latches used for childproofing are being recalled for choking hazards, officials warned Thursday. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the latching button on North States Industries’ Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches "can dislodge and detach from the cabinet latches, posing a choking hazard to young children." The recall was initiated after North States Industries received 19 reports that the latching button had dislodged or detached. UPPABABY RECALLS OVER 14,000 STROLLERS AFTER CHILD LOSES A FINGERThis includes one instance where a child reportedly gagged on a dislodged button, according to the CPSC. The affected products were available for purchase nationwide at major stores including Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond's BuyBuyBaby from November 2019 through August 2022. The rotating cabinet latches were also available online at northstatesind.com during that same time. The products were sold in a package of four latches, each measuring 3 13/16 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches high by 1/2 inch deep and comes with application adhesive, the CPSC said. The affected UPC numbers, 0-26107-06178-2 or 0-26107-06177-5, can be found on the bottom left-hand corner of the product packaging, according to the release. North States Industries is based in Minnesota and makes safety gates, play yards, and mats for babies and pets, according to its website. Customers can complete a refund submission form.

TRENTON, N.J. - Gas prices dropped again in New Jersey but rose substantially across the nation as a whole with increasing demand and tight supply amid fluctuating oil prices. AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gas in New Jersey on Friday was $3.44, down nine cents from last week. Drivers were paying $3.22 a gallon on average a year ago at this time.The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.79, an increase of 11 cents from last week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has issued a special circular to mark the beginning of National Nutrition Month.The special circular has been issued to all Provincial Secretaries, Health Secretaries, Health Service Directors, Regional Health Service Directors, Medical Health Officers and the heads of all institutions.A four step action plan has been introduced to ensure that all Sri Lankans remain protected from malnutrition and other related complications. The four steps are: let's be aware, let's find substitutes, let's plant and let's share.

PHILADELPHIA - Remnants of Hurricane Ian aren't gone quite yet!Friday night showers are carrying over into Saturday bringing rain for most of the morning. However, things will dry off for a little Saturday afternoon.Temperatures are staying pretty chilly all day, with temperatures in the 50s and wind gusts reach 15 mph at some points in the day.Sunday looks a lot like Saturday with scattered storms, mostly in the afternoon in evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Unit 3 of the Norochcholai power plant, which broke down recently, has been fixed and reconnected back to the National grid, says the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara.The Minister said that both units are now operating at full capacity.Moreover, he stated that the ongoing long routine overhaul maintenance work on Unit 2 is expected to be completed by mid-October.The Norochcholai power plant recently had its generator 3 break down, leading for only 300MW of 900MW being generated. 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Government shared several photos of the many pets and animals that were rescued after Hurricane Ian drenched Central Florida with flooding rains. "Pets are family. Period," the government wrote on Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people, including a Sri Lankan woman who attempted to sell an infant via social media for 12,000 Dirhams, have been arrested in Dubai.Dubai media revealed that a 35-year-old Indonesian woman attempted to sell her newborn baby boy in need of money.Two associates, including a Sri Lankan woman, have helped her in her efforts to find a buyer.The 45-year-old Sri Lankan woman had posted an advertisement online last February to sell the 2-month-old baby.After receiving information about this incident, the Dubai Police has initiated an investigation to find the suspects.Accordingly, a policewoman contacted the Sri Lankan woman and went under the pretense of attempting to buy the child, and in the process, arrested the three suspects.In the trial held last week, all three were found guilty at the Dubai Courts for human trafficking.Accordingly, one suspect has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of four thousand dirhams.Due to their illegal stay at the United Arab Emirates, they have been sentenced to an additional month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rating agency Fitch states that the demand for beer may increase in the near future as the affordability for Sri Lankans may decline. The US based credit ratings firm states that consumers may trade down from spirits to strong beer, given beer's lower price point. Moreover, Fitch forecasts that the drop in sales volumes will be moderated in the next 12-18 months, assuming an ease in inflation spikes. Fitch also forecasts mild beer sales to rise on a gradual recovery in tourism.Excise duties from alcoholic-beverage makers made up 11% of government tax revenue in the past year, however with the  imposition of a social security tax of 2.5% on revenue in addition to the increase in Value Added Tax to 15% from 12% may increase the price of alcoholic beverages.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has reduced the prices of Petrol. Accordingly, the price of Petrol 92 will be reduced by Rs 40 per liter and Price of Petrol 95 by Rs 30 per one liter from midnight on Saturday (01). The new prices are as follows;Petrol 92 – Rs 410 per liter Petrol 95 – Rs 510 per literPrices of other petroleum products such as kerosene and Diesel will remain the same.

Woman killed in hit-and-run.

Two men critical after double shooting. PHILADELPHIA - What began as a deadly shooting early Saturday morning has taken a turn thanks to the action of medics.Officers arrived to find two men suffering from gunshot wounds when they responded to shooting on the 1900 block of Lansing Street just before 2 a.m.One man was initially pronounced dead after being shot in the head.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunathan has filed a petition at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the Bill titled “Bureau of Rehabilitation Act”, emphasizing that the provisions of Bill are inconsistent with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition states that the Bill purports to establish a Bureau for the rehabilitation of “drug dependant persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups and any other group of persons who require treatments and rehabilitation”.Moreover, the petitioner alleges that these categories have not been properly defined and do not clarify how persons may qualify for rehabilitation under these categories, in addition to assuming that “members of violent extremist groups” and “drug dependent persons” require that same approach to rehabilitation. The Bill, Sathkunathan states, uses vague and arbitrary classifications, leading to persons being detained for rehabilitation for even participating in protests, as recent arrests of protestors under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have demonstrated. The petitioner further states that under this bill, the rehabilitation process has been militarized, and allows the President to designate any member of the armed forces to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, duties and functions under the Act.The petitioner therefore requests the Supreme Court to declare several sections of the Bill as outlined in the petition inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka as they violate the fundamental rights and Sovereignty of the People.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Children's Day program organized by MTV Channels (Pvt) Ltd. is currently being held at Viharamaha Devi Park.The longest painting in the country was unveiled on Saturday (1), created by the efforts of hundreds of children covering all 25 districts across the country for more than a month.The title of the painting is, "United we stand."This effort is a mission to enhance the creativity of our children during this challenging time, and to enrich them with artistic abilities as well as leadership qualities for the future.The painting started from Independence Square and Jaffna on 30th August and is due to be completed in Colombo today.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Natural Hazards Early Warning Center has issued a red alert for strong winds and rough seas for the sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.Accordingly, there is a possibility to increase swell waves (about 2.5 – 3.0 m) and strong winds, gusting  up to (60-70) kmph in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Therefore, the above sea areas will be very rough.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Children and elders will be allowed to enter zoos free of charge in commemoration of the World Children's and Elder's day, says the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mahinda Amaraweera.The Minister said that accordingly, the Zoological Department has been instructed to provide an opportunity for school children and adults above 60 years of age to enter all zoological gardens free of charge.Many educational programs have also been organized at zoological gardens for children to gain an opportunity to learn about animals.Minister Amaraweera said that adults have also been given ample opportunities for enjoyment, as they will be able to feed animals at the zoo and take photographs with them.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says that sufficient stocks of fertilizer have been ordered to meet the requirement for the Maha season, the President's Media Division states.Accordingly, these fertilizer stocks will be released to the farmers for cultivation shortly.The Minister said this during a discusstion held on September 29 at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake on the supply of fertilizer to meet the requirements of the Maha Season.During this discussion chaired by Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera and State Minister for Agriculture Mohan Priyadarshana de Silva, the supply of organic and chemical fertilizers required for paddy farming and other agricultural activities in the Maha season, was discussed at length.Accordingly, the Minister said that farmers could start the Maha season cultivations without any doubt.

FILE - Coolio on July 14, 1995, in Chicago, Il. (Paul Natkin/WireImage)Fans will get a chance to listen to new music recorded by the late West Coast rapper Coolio following his death on Wednesday. Coolio’s dialogue and music will be featured in the upcoming reboot of the animated comedy "Futurama." The artist made recordings for the show before he died at the age of 59."Futurama’s" executive producer David X.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Rapper PnB Rock performs onstage during the 92.3 Real Street Festival at Honda Center on August 11, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES - A man who was arrested in Las Vegas on Thursday, and his 17-year-old son, were charged with murder in the fatal shooting of rapper PnB Rock at a South Los Angeles restaurant, authorities said.An FBI-led fugitive task force took 40-year-old Freddie Lee Trone into custody at about 1 p.m., Los Angeles police said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Traffic movement will be restricted along the Colombo-Avissawella road from 10 PM on Saturday (01) until 5 PM Sunday (02), says the Police. Accordingly, traffic will be restricted along the Colombo-Avissawella road from Wellampitiya intersection until the Kotikawatta intersection due to an essential maintenance work, which includes laying water pipes.The Water Supply Board stated that during the closure of the road, alternative routes can be taken from Wellampitiya Road via Kolonnawa to Gothatuwa Town, Kotikawatta Road in order to re-enter Avissawella Road.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The social security levy of 2.5% will be implemented from Saturday (01).The State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe stated that the price of certain goods may increase through this levy.The State Minister said that the levy, which was passed in Parliament on 8th September, is expected to assist those who are in poverty and extreme poverty in Sri Lanka as a short term solution. The tax is levied at the rate of 2.5 percent on the turnover of importers, manufacturers, service providers and wholesalers and retailers with an annual turnover of more than 120 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in the island on Saturday (01) morning, concluding his official visit to Japan and the Philippines.President Wickremesinghe attended the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe during his official visit.Thereafter, President Ranil Wickramasinghe also visited the Philippines to preside over a meeting of the Asian Development Bank Governors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Auditor General has initiated a special investigation into the unilateral termination of the Light Rail Project by the Government of Sri Lanka.Auditor General W.P.

3,947 yesterday. As per the ministry, active cases in the country has now declined to 38,293 from the earlier 39,583.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that his mission is to create a developed country for the future generations of this land.The full statement is as follows:The contemporary world that adults live in is not the world children see. It is very simple and delicate.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the world is “not naïve” about who may be responsible for the apparent bombings that damaged Russia-built natural gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea, calling the acts “sabotage.”

A man from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, east of Edmonton, made the discovery of a lifetime while working on a project in his yard.

Canada slapped new sanctions on Russian officials and elites Friday after President Vladimir Putin formally annexed four regions of Ukraine.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - The sound of music, laughter and kids playing filled Temple's Aramark Student Training and Recreation Complex. It's all for community appreciation night for the beautiful children of North Philadelphia and their parents."We have to come together as a village and support each other and celebrate our kids," said Monica Hankins-Padilla.