Category Archives: headline

Judge Holds Trump in Contempt for Failing to Comply with NY Atty Gen. Subpoena

by Harper Neidig A New York state judge on Monday found former President Trump in contempt of court for not turning over documents after he was ordered to comply with a subpoena from the New York attorney general’s office. New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay $10,000 a day until he’s […]

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US Black Homeownership Faces New Obstacles in Crowded Property Market

by Tobias Burns the Hill In a housing market with mortgage rates hitting 5 percent and real estate investment companies looking to take advantage of surging rent prices, homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for Black Americans, who have long faced discriminatory practices. “The housing gap” between white and Black household ownership in the U.S. is […]

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Flu cases rising across Australia sparking vaccination calls

Influenza cases are beginning to rise across Australia sparking calls from experts to get vaccinated before the winter surge.

For more than two years, the country's borders have been closed and lockdowns have been in place which has inhibited the spread of viruses such as the flu. 

Now, NSW Health data has revealed the rise in flu cases with more than 1,500 flu infections reported already this year.

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Influenza cases are beginning to rise across Australia sparking calls from experts to get vaccinated before the winter surge.

In the whole of 2021, only 124 cases of influenza were reported in NSW.

"Influenza is on the rise in Australia with the borders opening, with winter coming and with more crowding we expect to see a surge in April and May and we are already starting to see it," infectious diseases expert Professor Robert Booy said. 

Rise of flu and COVID-19 cases

Not only are flu cases on the rise but so are COVID-19 cases sparking calls from experts to get vaccinated against both viruses.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Robert Booy speaks on rise in flu cases.

"That combination of COVID-19 and the flu and we really just don't know what the brings," AMA NSW President Danielle McMullen said. 

"So this year, even if you haven't done it before it's really a call out to roll up your sleeves."

People can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time. 

"There is no issue whatsoever in getting a COVID-19 vaccine in one arm and a flu in the other arm, that'll give you double the protection," Professor Booy said.

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Where to find the cheapest flu vaccines?

The flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for over 65s, pregnant women, children under five, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with certain chronic conditions. 

Those in this eligible group are able to walk into a pharmacy to get vaccinated for free.

"Most pharmacies who are vaccinating are taking walk-ins right this minute and we are expecting a big influenza season," Nick Logan, from Pharmacist Advice, said.

Children under ten can only be vaccinated at the doctor.

For those not included in the free program, prices can range from $18 to $30.

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Influenza cases are beginning to rise across Australia sparking calls from experts to get vaccinated before the winter surge.

9News understands the most affordable flu vaccine is available at Chemist Warehouse for $17.99, while at Blooms it is $19.99. 

Meanwhile Priceline and Terry White charge around $24.95.

"It's the best way to get protected against a very serious and sometimes deadly condition," Terry White Chief Pharmacist Brenton Hart said.

Longstanding Members Laud Nevis Co-Operative Credit Union on Its 50th Anniversary

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, April 25, 2022 (MMS-SKN) — Active longstanding members of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) Limited, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, are giving thanks that their credit union has not only served them well, but it has at the same time contributed to the country’s economic development. Celebrating under the theme ‘Consistency, […]

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Aged care workers call for higher wages in Fair Work Commission case

Aged care workers are taking their fight for better pay and conditions to the Fair Work Commission with hearings beginning in Sydney this morning.

The Health Services Union (HSU) is seeking a 25 per cent wage increase for aged care workers after the sector has faced extensive staff shortages and a rise in high care residents over the past decade.

"A 25 per cent wage increase is what aged care workers need to be able to give that dignity and respect and care to the people who put us in the position we're in today," Health Services Union President Gerard Hayes said.

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The aged care sector has come under particular strain during the pandemic.

Entry-level personal care workers are now paid as little as $21.96 an hour.

Now in the Fair Work Commission case, the HSU is seeking an increase of between $5.40 and $7.20 per hour for an average wage of $29 per hour.

"You have to meet special requirements for lots of people, lots of vulnerable old people," aged care worker Mark Castieau told 9News.

"It's actually a highly skilled job, but it's paid as if it's a menial job."

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Health Services Union workers at day one of the Fair Work Commission case into aged care workers' salaries.

The most recent data has shown the rise in workloads aged care workers are facing.

Overall between 2009 and 2019 those needing high-level care went from just four per cent of all aged care residents to 31 per cent.

Those with complex health needs quadrupled from 13 per cent to 52 per cent of residents.

Data shows the rise in high care aged care residents over the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, residents with cognitive and behavioural issues rose from 36 per cent to 64 per cent and those who needed support with the activities of daily living jumped from 33 per cent to 60 per cent.

"The wages of aged care workers both in residential aged care and home care haven't been looked at by the Fair Work Commission for decades, if ever," Alex Grayson from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers said.

A decision from the case is not expected until later this year.

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It comes as the aged care sector awaits more commitments by parties bidding for the top spot in the upcoming federal election.

The federal budget committed $20.1 million to aged care reform.

During the reply to the federal budget, Labor leader Anthony Albanese pledged $2.5 billion to the struggling aged care sector.

Premier Brantley’s Monthly Press Conference Postponed

  NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 25, 2022) — The following is an announcement from the Office of the Premier in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) concerning the postponement of Premier Brantley’s monthly press conference. The Office of the Premier wishes to advise that due to the present period of mourning for the passing of the […]

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Review underway into Sydney's toll road impact on cost of living

A review is underway into the impact of toll roads on the cost of living for Sydneysiders. 

The NSW government review will look at claims that the city's toll road system is costly and confusing.

It will examine pricing inconsistencies, the cost of living impacts, and fairness and equity for road users.

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Toll roads cashback E-Tag intiative

"Finally, we've got a bit of paper from the NSW government acknowledging what everybody already knows: toll roads are eating Sydney," opposition leader Chris Minns said.

"A secret tax on families in Western Sydney."

"The problems are there in black and white with this terms of reference of this review with the current toll system."

The review is running alongside a parliamentary inquiry after the cost of tolls rose once again across the city on April 1.

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Minister for Transport David Elliott also acknowledged the issue posed to families facing the cost of growing tolls. 

"My electorate of Baulkham Hills is the highest tolled in the country, so yes I can see tolling is an issue," Mr Elliott said. 

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Toll E-Tag deposit credit scheme sydney roads

"I also acknowledge the only infrastructure that has been built has been by a Liberal Government."

It's hoped the review will lead to consistent toll pricing that addresses traffic concerns across Sydney.

In a statement, toll road provider Transurban said the value of motorways is more than just the cost of the toll, it includes improved safety, job creation and slashed travel times that boost productivity and reliability.

New furry friend employed at Sydney school to ease anxiety

Students in Sydney's west will be joined by a furry friend to help with return to school anxiety.

Yale, a guide dog Labrador, has been trained as a wellbeing dog and is the newest employee at Trinity Catholic Primary School in Kemps Creek.

The therapy dog was brought in to help ease students and teachers back into the new term.

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Therapy dog permanently employed at western Sydney school to help ease return to school anxiety.Therapy dog permanently employed at western Sydney school to help ease return to school anxiety.

It's hoped Yale will help relieve any nerves after the past two years of disrupted schooling due to COVID-19.

"We decided to get a dog as part of one of the strategies in our return to school after COVID-19," Principal Cathy Hey said.

"We though it would be really good for the students wellbeing and staff wellbeing in terms of improving attendance and in terms of making people feel good about being at school."

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Therapy dog permanently employed at western Sydney school to help ease return to school anxiety.Therapy dog permanently employed at western Sydney school to help ease return to school anxiety.

Yale will be used as part of a "reward system" where students will be able to opt to spend time with him if they're achieving their goals.

Students at the school are already ecstatic about the new employee.

"It's very exciting," one student told 9News.

He will live with one of the teachers but will be brought into school every day to act as a calming influence on students.