Category Archives: headline

headline

Mexican Army Moves in On Drug Lord’s Home Town

BBC- The Mexican army has taken control of the hometown of a powerful drug lord in the state of Michoacán, west Mexico.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – known as “El Mencho” – was born in the town of Naranjo de Chila, Aguililla, and is wanted in Mexico and the US.

Landmines planted by rival gangs in the surrounding area killed one person and injured others in recent weeks. Army vehicles and landmine detection teams are patrolling the town.

“El Mencho”, who leads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been on the run for years.

His gang is one of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico is believed to be behind attacks on Mexican security forces, such as a 2015 ambush in Jalisco which left 15 officers dead and the attempted assassination of Mexico City’s police chief in 2020.

The cartel has spread from its original power base in the state of Jalisco to have an almost nationwide presence.

In the municipality of Aguililla, the CJNG has been fighting the rival Los Viagras Cartel for control of the area for years.

In the fight for control, bomb-laden drones and landmines have been used across the area, according to the Associated Press.

The landmines have proven deadly, after two devices exploded in the last few weeks. The first explosion injured a number of soldiers, and the second killed a local farmer.

In response to the explosions, Mexican troops entered the area, reports Spanish news agency EFE.

Michoacán state’s seaport and smuggling routes mean that it is a coveted place for drug cartels.

Rival drug gangs fight over the control of illicit activities such as the production and trafficking of drugs.

Due to the violence and instability in the area, hundreds of families have left in the hope of migrating to the US.

The post Mexican Army Moves in On Drug Lord’s Home Town appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Brazil: 171 Dead, More Than 120 Still Missing in Flood-Hit Petropolis

BBC- Search and clean-up efforts continue in the Brazilian city of Petrópolis, five days after flash floods and mudslides that have killed at least 171 people.

The victims include at least 27 children and teenagers, while more than 120 are still missing, officials say.

Repeated downpours have hampered the work of emergency teams, with authorities saying it is unlikely anyone will be found alive.

About 900 people are being housed in schools and shelters.

Workers are digging with spades and shovels through the rubble and muck, with teams of volunteers helping in the efforts.

The search is being carried out with hand tools and chainsaws in unstable areas, with teams being helped by 41 sniffer dogs.

“It’s impossible to bring in heavy machinery up here,” Roberto Amaral, co-ordinator of the local fire department’s special rescue group, told AFP news agency. “So we basically have to work like ants, going little by little.”

In one of the worst-hit neighbourhoods, up to 80 houses on a hillside were hit by landslides.

Firefighters are seen during a rescue mission after a giant landslide at Caxambu neighborhood in Petropolis
In unstable areas, the search is being carried out with hand tools and chainsaws
An emergency service helicopter flies over a large landslide caused by severe flash floods in Petropolis
Up to 80 houses on a hillside were hit by landslides in one of the worst-hit neighbourhoods

On Sunday, a massive clean-up effort retrieved more than 300 vehicles that had been swept away by the floods as the city, a popular tourist getaway north of Rio de Janeiro, tries to reopen for business.

“We need our streets clear so we can speed up the job of getting our city back on its feet,” Mayor Rubens Bomtempo said.

Tuesday’s rainfall exceeded the average for the whole of February, triggering landslides and floods. President Jair Bolsonaro, who flew over the disaster zone on Friday, said the city was suffering from “enormous destruction, like scenes of war”.

The post Brazil: 171 Dead, More Than 120 Still Missing in Flood-Hit Petropolis appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

UK’s Living with Covid Plan, Australia Opens Border, Biden Wants $30b for Pandemic Fight, World Covid Stats

UK PM’s living with Covid plan

The prime minister is planning to end restrictions as he prepares to scrap the legal duty to self-isolate in England. Boris Johnson says it would “mark a moment of pride as we begin to learn to live with Covid” and it will return people’s freedoms, but there are concerns from some scientists, health leaders and charities. Labour says “we are not out of the woods yet”, and while No 10 acknowledges the pandemic is “not over”, it says the vaccination programme has led to this point.

derShort presentational grey line

Australia reopens border

Australia’s international border has reopened to foreign visitors for the first time in nearly two years, with emotional scenes as families finally reunite in person. Tourism’s also getting a boost following the end of the travel ban – one of the world’s strictest, imposed in March 2020 due to Covid. Read more here.

Ditching the self-isolation rule

When the pandemic hit, our immune systems didn’t know how to fight Covid. Since then immunity has increased, largely through vaccination but also infections. The UK government is now looking for us to live with the virus, and is planning to scrap the legal requirement to self-isolate in England. But are we ready for this? Our health correspondent Nick Triggle has looked into it.

=====================================================

Biden request for COVID-19 funds faces resistance from lawmakers

By Peter Sullivan
The Hill

The Biden administration’s request for $30 billion in additional funds to fight COVID-19 is facing resistance from lawmakers.

The administration, in talks with lawmakers this week, outlined the need for the additional funds for areas such as vaccines, testing capacity and treatments, though it is not yet a formal request. Officials said previous funds to fight the virus have already been spent or allocated.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the additional funds are needed “to ensure that we are well prepared to stay ahead of the virus” beyond the current omicron surge.

The request is facing outright opposition from many congressional Republicans, and even some Democrats are not enthusiastic about the idea.

The COVID-19 funding talks come as a broader government funding bill with a March 11 deadline could serve as a vehicle. But with the omicron surge on the decline and inflation growing, some lawmakers say it is time to move on.

“Spending $30 billion more without proper oversight or a proper plan to end the public health emergency is not how we give Americans their freedom back,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.), the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“It’s time to unwind this pandemic of bureaucracy, get government out of the way, and allow Americans to return to normal life,” she added.

In the Senate, Sen. Richard Shelby (Ala.), the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, did not slam the door all the way, but sounded a note of skepticism, saying he thinks there could be unused money already appropriated that can be repurposed.

“I think we need to scrub that,” he said of the request. “Where are we going to get the money?”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who sometimes crosses the aisle to work with Democrats, also threw cold water on the idea.

“More spending could exacerbate high inflation rates,” he wrote on Twitter. “We must push for full accountability of the money that has already been appropriated to expose waste.”

The Biden administration, though, sent lawmakers a chart this week showing that there is $0 in unallocated funds across every category listed, from testing to vaccines to the Strategic National Stockpile, according to a document obtained by The Hill.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said new funds would be used in “securing more life-saving treatments and vaccines, sustaining testing capacity, and investing in research and development of next-generation vaccines.”

Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.), the top Republican on the Appropriations health subcommittee, sounded more open to the funds than some of his colleagues.

He noted that he had previously questioned whether unspent funds were still available, but added, “Frankly in the categories they’re asking for money, the other money has all been spent or committed to the purposes it was appropriated for.”

But on the Democratic side, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (Vt.) expressed hesitancy about complicating the larger government funding talks, which face a March 11 deadline, with the COVID-19 fight.

“I’m not eager to add anything,” he told reporters earlier this week, noting the government funding talks had already taken “several months of negotiation.”

In the House, Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said she is “reviewing” the request.

“I am carefully reviewing the information the Biden administration has provided about funding required to respond to the coronavirus,” she said in a statement. “I will work with my colleagues to meet these important public health needs at home and around the world.”

Adding another wrinkle, the Biden administration on Friday requested $5 billion for the global COVID-19 response.

Advocates and a group of congressional Democrats have been pushing for months for the administration to do more to vaccinate the world, not only for humanitarian reasons but also to help prevent new variants from forming that could evade vaccines and threaten the United States.

The $5 billion is significantly less than the $17 billion for global COVID-19 response that the advocates and lawmakers had been pushing for in the coming spending package.

Senate Health Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed hope Congress could eventually come together on the overall request.

“The Biden Administration has told us more resources will be needed pretty urgently so we have enough tests, vaccines, and treatments, and so that we are able to continue to detect new variants,” she said. “We’re looking at this carefully and I hope we can all agree on the importance of making sure we’re ready for the next phase of the pandemic.”

===================================================

WORLD COVID STATS

Coronavirus Cases:

425,116,845

Deaths:

5,907,037

Recovered:

350,871,053
Highlighted in green
= all cases have recovered from the infection
Highlighted in grey
= all cases have had an outcome (there are no active cases)

[back to top ↑]

Latest News

February 21 (GMT)

Updates

  • 218 new cases and 2 new deaths in Laos [source]
  • 72,861 new cases and 185 new deaths in Japan [source]
  • 5,714 new cases and 163 new deaths in Mexico [source]

The post UK’s Living with Covid Plan, Australia Opens Border, Biden Wants $30b for Pandemic Fight, World Covid Stats appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Man accused of assaulting five women and girls at Adelaide Westfield

A 29-year-old man will remain behind bars in Adelaide, accused of indecently assaulting a number of women and girls at the city's biggest shopping centre.

Shortly after 11am yesterday police were called to Westfield Marion Shopping Centre at Oaklands Park following reports a man had assaulted a number of females.

Police were told the man had followed one of the girls off a public bus and into the shopping centre.

READ MORE: Russian commanders 'given go-ahead for Ukraine invasion'

Police say none of the alleged victims – who range in age from 12 to 27 – were physically injured but all were distressed.

The 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault, one count of indecent assault and assault.

He appeared in Christies Beach Magistrates Court today, where he did not apply for bail and a suppression order was placed on his identity.

READ MORE: AFL star saves young girl from dangerous surf

After reviewing CCTV footage, police believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone who may have been assaulted and has not already spoken to police, or anyone that witnessed these alleged offences, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

headline

Police chopper spots Maserati riding on rims

A man who has never held a driver's licence has been charged after a high-speed chase through Sydney's west in an allegedly stolen Maserati.

Police allege Marley Dargin was behind the wheel of someone else's $100,000 luxury car while driving twice the speed limit through the streets of St Marys.

The 2019-model SUV, which was reported missing from Lalor Park at 3am yesterday, was seen running red lights and even driving on the wrong side of the road.

READ MORE: AFL star saves young girl from dangerous surf

By 6.40pm the car was spotted by Highway Patrol allegedly speeding off from St Marys.

Police gave chase while the helicopter monitored from above, tracking the joyride for 22 kilometres across Abbotsbury.

The 22-year-old driver allegedly tried to jump into a passing car while leaving the Maserati to roll, then took off down the street.

READ MORE: Italy's ambassador to Australia dead after fall from balcony

The Dog Squad chased Mr Dargin down and he had to be treated for dog bites sustained in his arrest.

The young father-to-be from Blackett applied for bail today, arguing he needed to be home to help his pregnant girlfriend.

The magistrate denied that request, noting what appeared to be a "complete disregard for the law and public safety".

headline

Fugitive Graham Potter arrested in Queensland after 12 years on the run

A notorious fugitive on the run from police for 12 years over an alleged conspiracy to commit murder has been arrested in Far North Queensland.

Graham Potter, 64, was found around 8.45am today at a Ravenshoe residence, approximately two hours drive south-west of Cairns.

Potter failed to appear in a Melbourne court in February 2010, where he was due to face two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and serious drug distribution charges.

"He was bailed on those offences but absconded prior to being presented in court," Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen from Victoria Police's Crime Command said.

Potter had previously been described as Australia's most wanted man.

Mr Frewen described Potter as a "drug trafficker of significance" and a "violent person", previously convicted of homicide charges in NSW.

"The resolve to find Graham has not wavered," he said.

In 2011, Potter narrowly evaded arrest after fleeing from police during a random vehicle intercept in Tully.

"We'd had a number of false starts," Mr Frewen said.

"The hunt has continued right across Australia with multiple agencies, particularly Queensland Police and the AFP."

He added Potter's arrest today was owing to a tip-off from a member of the public, who spotted the 64-year-old at the Ravenshoe home.

Detectives, uniformed police and the Dog Squad swooped on the Ascham Street property this morning to take Potter into custody.

"Police found him hiding inside the home address," Mr Frewen said.

"We've confirmed it is Graham.

"There is no doubt about his identity and it puts an end to a decades-long hunt for a known fugitive charged with very serious crimes."

Detectives from Victoria will travel to Far North Queensland, from where Potter will be extradited.

He is due to appear in Mareeba Magistrates Court tomorrow.

headline

The list of NSW vouchers to boost your budget this year

The NSW Government is providing a boost to budgets through a number of voucher initiatives.

The vouchers, contributing towards dining experiences, holidays, sport and entertainment, are set to benefit millions of residents across the state, while giving hard-hit industries a chance to get back on their feet.

Here are some of the incentives you should know about in 2022.

READ MORE: First flights arrive after international borders reopen

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello says people should take advantage of all the vouchers on offer.

Dine & Discover

In October, an additional two $25 Dine & Discover vouchers were announced, on top of the previous four provided back in March last year.

The additional vouchers – one Dine and one Discover – are live and all six are valid until June 30, 2022.

If you've already applied for Dine & Discover, the two extra vouchers will automatically appear in the Service NSW mobile app.

If you haven't already applied for the free $150, fear not, for it is not too late.

Apply today for all six vouchers by applying online.

Stay NSW

Every person over the age of 18 living in NSW is eligible for one $50 voucher to use with a registered accommodation provider anywhere in the state.

The vouchers will be rolled out at different times in different Local Government Areas, with each eligible person in NSW set to have access to the $50 credit by March 3.

Accommodation businesses can still register to apply through Service NSW.

Parents NSW

A whopping $250 is up for grabs for parents in the form of five $50 vouchers.

One person from each eligible NSW household can apply for the vouchers, which can be used seven days a week:

  • at Discover NSW businesses for entertainment and recreation activities
  • at Stay NSW businesses for accommodation bookings
  • until 9 October 2022.

To apply for the Parents NSW vouchers, you must be:

  • a NSW resident
  • the parent, guardian or carer of a child who was aged 4.5 to 18 in 2021 and enrolled in school, which includes students from kindergarten to year 12 or secondary school education students at TAFE NSW.

Other conditions apply:

  • If a school-enrolled child has two parents, guardians or carers at separate addresses, and the child lives at both addresses, each household can apply for a set of vouchers provided they meet the eligibility criteria

  • NSW residents whose school-enrolled child attended an interstate boarding school in 2021 may be eligible if in 2021 the child shared a NSW home address with the parent, guardian or carer who is applying for the Parents NSW Vouchers

  • Overnight stays with family or friends, or addresses of holiday homes, are not considered households for the purpose of this program

READ MORE: Victoria announces $100m voucher scheme

First Lap swimming lessons

Like many important activities, learning to swim was out of the picture for many months during the peak of the pandemic.

The NSW Government responded with a $100 voucher for parents, guardians and carers of children aged three to six to get kids back in the pool learning critical life-saving skills.

The program has also been made available for children who were in kindergarten in 2021 or who are starting kindergarten in 2022.

The voucher can be used for a program of at least five structured and supervised swimming lessons, which are either intensive (daily) or regular weekly lessons, with a First Lap provider.

First Lap vouchers are valid until June 30, 2022.

Active Kids

The Active Kids scheme allows two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year.

The vouchers may be used to cover membership/participation costs for sport, fitness and active recreation activities.

To use a voucher, find a registered activity provider and present your voucher when you sign up.

Apply for Active Kids voucher here.

Creative Kids

School-aged kids (4.5 to 18 years old) are being encouraged to get creative and involved in cultural activities under the creative kids program.

Parents, guardians and carers can claim a $100 voucher per year to put towards the cost of lessons and fees.

Vouchers can be used to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities.

Parents can find a full list of providers who accept the voucher here.

Before and After School Care (BASC)

Set to come into action February 28, parents and carers of children enrolled in all primary schools in NSW will benefit from a new $155 million program for Before and After School Care.

The $500 voucher will assist families who use BASC services by covering the parent gap fee component of their session fees.

Every family is eligible for one voucher per child, which will provide each child with approximately 60 sessions of free BASC.

Providers and customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.

Sydney CBD Fridays

A new voucher program aiming to encourage the community back into the Sydney CBD and support businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The program will offer 500,000 NSW residents four $25 vouchers to spend at dining and entertainment venues in the Sydney CBD on Fridays.

More information on this program will be out soon.