ia

Lifting COVID-19 restrictions too soon could endanger vulnerable communities: officials

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday he is "very worried" about residents of Montreal, the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, where the province is preparing to loosen confinement measures despite a rash of fatal outbreaks at nursing homes.




ia

Coronavirus: New research underway to screen for stress, burnout in Nova Scotia health-care workers

The idea is to identify the problem of burnout early and stop it before it happens.





ia

Nova Scotia reports another death and three new cases related to COVID-19

HALIFAX - Another resident of Nova Scotia's largest long-term-care home has fallen victim to COVID-19. The Northwood facility, which has more than 400 residents, is the site of the province's worst outbreak. Provincial health officials said Saturday that deaths related to the viral infection




ia

Canadians who work on two cruise ships are being allowed off in U.S. ports

Canadians working aboard two cruise ships who weren't allowed to come to shore because of concerns about COVID-19 are finally able to return home. Princess Cruises said in an emailed statement that 19 Canadians on the Koningsdam disembarked in Los Angeles on Friday, and that they would be flown




ia

Syria reduces fuel subsidies as economic crisis deepens




ia

Do not allow 'biased' election watchdog power to prosecute, say MPs

The election watchdog has revealed that it is pressing ahead with plans to hand itself powers to prosecute campaigners and political parties, putting itself on a collision course with ministers. The Electoral Commission is planning to publish a consultation setting out proposals to hand itself a "prosecutions capability", despite senior Tories insisting that the body is "not trusted to be impartial". The disclosure comes after the Metropolitan Police confirmed that it had ended investigations into Darren Grimes and Alan Halsall, two pro-Brexit campaign figures, two years after a referral by the commission for alleged breaches of spending rules. The move prompted calls for the commission to be "overhauled", with Mr Grimes describing the body as a "kangaroo court" that was not "fit for purpose". Separately, the National Crime Agency found no evidence that any criminal offences were committed by Arron Banks, another prominent Brexiteer, after another referral by the watchdog. Last night Matthew Elliott, who was chief executive of the official Vote Leave campaign, claimed that the commission's record showed that if it acquired the new powers, "there will be countless travesties of justice, and democracy will be undermined.” Sir Bernard Jenkin, the former chairman of the Commons public administration committee, said: "These proposals appear to be doubling down on a failed system. Parliament should change it." Another Conservative MP said: "I can't think of any public body that is less deserving of prosecuting powers than the Electoral Commission, who have shown themselves to be biased and, frankly, vindictive." Last year Jacob Rees-Mogg, now the leader of the Commons, and Brandon Lewis, who has also been appointed to Boris Johnson's cabinet, both expressed alarm at the watchdog's plans to hand itself powers currently exercised by the police and Crown Prosecution Service - after the move was revealed by this newspaper. The watchdog has faced repeated accusations of bias against bodies that campaigned for Brexit in 2016, which it strongly denies. The commission claims it could hand itself the powers without ministers bringing forward legislation, by altering its enforcement policy following a public consultation - due to open in the coming weeks. But MPs warned that some groups could be unfairly targeted. Speaking last year, while Tory chairman, Mr Lewis pointed out that one senior figure at the commission - the same official spearheading the proposals - had previously said that she would "not want to live under a Tory government". He suggested the body was not seen as a "fair" arbiter. As a backbencher, Mr Rees-Mogg called for the Conservatives to formally oppose the move, saying: "The Electoral Commission is not trusted to be impartial and a number of its leading figures have said very prejudicial things about Brexit." The commission's corporate plan for the period from 2020 to 2025 states: "To deter people from committing offences, and to make sure we can respond proportionally if they do, we will continue to build the capacity to prosecute suspected offences. We will consult on the way we approach the use of prosecutions." An Electoral Commission spokesman said: “Later this year we will be consulting with political parties, the police and the CPS on changes to our enforcement policy, which includes a prosecutions capability, and will bring our regulatory work in line with a wide range of other regulators. “Extending our work in this direction would enable us to bring lower order offences before the courts in a way which is swift and proportionate, freeing up the resources of the police and prosecutors and delivering more effective regulation of political finance to support public confidence.” Mr Elliott said: “The Electoral Commission’s track record at conducting investigations is woeful. "In the case of Leave campaigners ... they assumed that we were guilty until proven innocent ... Thankfully, the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service looked at the evidence thoroughly, and saw through the conspiracy theories that the Electoral Commission had believed without question." The commission insisted it was "right that potential electoral offences are properly investigated by the appropriate authority". A spokesman said there was "no substance to allegations that the Commission is biased", saying the organisation had investigated campaigners and parties across the political spectrum.





ia

Libyan officials: Shelling at Tripoli's only working airport




ia

Iranians fearful as virus infections rise anew

While many residents in Iran's capital are taking advantage of loosened COVID-19 controls, some worry about a new spike in infections in what remains the Middle East's deadliest virus epicentre. The government began paring back coronavirus controls outside Tehran on April 11, arguing that the economy -- already sagging under punitive US sanctions -- needed to get back to bare bones operations. It allowed small businesses to reopen in the capital a week later, before permitting malls to welcome customers on April 21 and barbers on Wednesday.





ia

Virus prevents diaspora Venezuelans from sending money home

After fleeing Venezuela along with millions of others amid the country's grueling humanitarian crisis, Misael Cocho made his way by bus to Peru — where he got odd jobs and sent money home monthly to support his mother and his 5-year-old son. The pandemic's economic fallout left many Venezuelans abroad and the relatives back home who rely on them in dire straits.





ia

Pakistan police: Cross border firing from India kills woman




ia

Robot ‘dog’ named Spot to help social distancing efforts at Singapore park

Singapore has reported 20 deaths and 22,460 COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, according to data tracked by Johns Hopkins University.




ia

Venom as a cure? Intriguing prospects in treating cancer, diabetes, pain...


Venom as a cure? Intriguing prospects in treating cancer, diabetes, pain...


(Third column, 21st story, link)






ia

Kim Kardashian Says Psalm West Makes "Everything Perfect" in Sweet Birthday Post

Kim Kardashian's baby boy turns one! The Keeping Up With the Kardashian star is celebrating Psalm West's first birthday. It's safe to assume her and Kanye West's little...




ia

Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson Are Officially ''Moving On'' Following Their Recent Split

Ashley Benson and Cara Delevingne don't seem to have plans for reconciliation. After almost two years since the two began dating and one year since they went public with their...




ia

Canadian Felicia Spencer’s title challenge against Amanda Nunes confirmed for UFC 250

Spencer, a native of Montreal who trains in Orlando, Fla., joins Canadians Alexis (Ally-Gator) Davis and Valerie (Trouble) Letourneau in challenging for UFC women's titles.









ia

Kim Gets A perfect Gift From Khloe Kardashian, Amid Rift With Kanye

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West seem to be drifting apart in the midst of the lockdown. Recently it was reported that they are spending isolation in the different parts of their megamansion. Kim (39) received a hamper of very saucy gifts from her younger sister Khloe (35) as they celebrate Mother’s Day during the coronavirus […]

The post Kim Gets A perfect Gift From Khloe Kardashian, Amid Rift With Kanye appeared first on Chart Attack.




ia

Tesla to Texas? Elon Musk could be willing to move HQ, future programs over frustrations in California

The dynamic entrepreneur talked up the possibility of an immediate move to Texas or Nevada as he announced a lawsuit in connection to a plant in California.




ia

Brazilian court lifts restrictions on gay and bisexual men giving blood

Supreme court decision hailed as victory for LGBT community

Brazil’s supreme court has overturned rules that limit gay and bisexual men from donating blood in a decision considered a human rights victory for LGBT+ people in the country.

The move came as more nations review restrictions on blood donations imposed during the 1980s HIV/Aids crisis, with some countries applying blanket bans, some have waiting periods after gay sex, and others – like Italy – having no limitations.

Continue reading...




ia

Can I visit my family or parents for Mother's Day? Australia’s coronavirus lockdown rules and restrictions explained

Can you get takeaway coffee with a friend? What about visiting your family or parents for Mother’s Day? Laws to stop spread of Covid-19 seem to change daily and in some states carry a big fine. Untangle them with our guide

Australia is well into its second month of Covid-19 lockdowns and every state enforcing physical distancing laws slightly differently.

Continue reading...




ia

Kylie Moore-Gilbert feels abandoned by Australia, sources in Iranian prison say

Academic has reportedly told other prisoners she is outraged at the government’s handling of her imprisonment

British-Australian woman Kylie Moore-Gilbert is despairing at her isolation inside Tehran’s Evin prison, believing she has been abandoned to her decade-long sentence, according to sources within the prison.

Political prisoner Moore-Gilbert, who has spent more than 600 days inside the notorious Ward 2A of Tehran’s Evin prison, much of it in solitary confinement, was convicted in a secret trial and sentenced to 10 years prison on charges of espionage.

Continue reading...




ia

Queensland deputy premier Jackie Trad resigns ministerial duties amid integrity probe

Health minister Steven Miles has been appointed deputy premier, while Cameron Dick will take on the role as treasurer

Jackie Trad has resigned from the Queensland government cabinet after standing down on Saturday following a second probe into her integrity.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement on Sunday, following the news the Crime and Corruption Commission was investigating Trad for the second time in 12 months.

Continue reading...




ia

Factional flareup: can Gladys Berejiklian keep her unruly ministers focused on the main game?

The NSW premier is trying to project a sense of order during Covid-19 but the men in her team are indulging in a kind of sabotage

Since well before Christmas the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has been dealing with crises: first the drought, then bushfires that ravaged her state, then the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected everyone.

Every morning at 8am Berejiklian fronts the media for her Covid-19 briefing, trying to project a sense of calm, order and empathy, urging the people of NSW to stick with the restrictions.

Continue reading...




ia

'Time to click reset': coronavirus offers chance to end Australia's welfare wars

The doubling of jobseeker was the biggest change to social security in decades. Now experts want the government to push aside ideology and establish a permanent equitable safety net

This is the third in our series on Life after lockdown, which looks at how the Covid-19 pandemic could change Australia for good

What does Australia owe Racheal Wellman, just 23? What are her chances in this country now, and as Australia begins to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic?

Wellman worked as a barista 25 to 30 hours a week in a St Kilda cafe. It was a casual job, so no paid holidays, no sick pay, no job security. But it was “fantastic”, she says, especially after being unemployed for a time, couchsurfing at friends’ houses and sometimes sleeping rough at Flinders Street station.

Continue reading...




ia

Lessons learned: what Australia needs to do to avoid a second Covid-19 wave

Experts say to prevent future outbreak clusters, workers need to have job safety if they are feeling sick and unable to work

Improvements in communication, personal protective equipment training, initial infection responses and social distancing have emerged as key areas of improvement if Australia is to avoid a second wave of coronavirus infections after lockdowns ease.

While the government has linked the uptake of its Covidsafe tracing app to a return to normal, the chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, in April identified the bolstering of health authorities’ ability to respond to and contain localised clusters as an essential step to reassessing measures.

Continue reading...




ia

Coronavirus Australia updates live: anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne as NSW and WA set to ease Covid-19 restrictions – latest news

Cafes and restaurants will reopen for limited numbers of people as part of a relaxation of Covid-19 rules in both states. Follow all the latest news, live

We will leave our live Australian coverage there for the day. You can follow our rolling global coverage here or read a summary here.

Here’s how things stand in Australia:

South Australia has established a rapid response team to deal with any coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes.

Twenty-seven of the 97 people to die in Australia after testing positive to Covid-19, died in nursing homes.

The dedicated SA Pathology team has been assembled to provide greater protection for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

If an outbreak occurs, the team will immediately test everyone in the facility, helping to quickly identify cases, limit the spread and protect both residents and staff.

Continue reading...




ia

Kim Kardashian Says Psalm West Makes "Everything Perfect" in Sweet Birthday Post

Kim Kardashian's baby boy turns one! The Keeping Up With the Kardashian star is celebrating Psalm West's first birthday. It's safe to assume her and Kanye West's little...




ia

Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson Are Officially ''Moving On'' Following Their Recent Split

Ashley Benson and Cara Delevingne don't seem to have plans for reconciliation. After almost two years since the two began dating and one year since they went public with their...




ia

Ahmaud Arbery shooting: US man's death raises echoes of racial terror legacy

Many people saw more than the last moments of Ahmaud Arbery's life when a video emerged this week of white men armed with guns confronting the black man, a struggle with punches thrown, three shots fired and Arbery collapsing dead.The...




ia

Nora Fatehi: Insomnia be creeping on me every time I try to sleep




ia

Chelsea star Christian Pulisic 'forever grateful' to Jurgen Klopp for Borussia Dortmund opportunity

Chelsea star Christian Pulisic says he will be "forever" grateful to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for giving him his first chance to impress at Borussia Dortmund.




ia

Christian Eriksen living at Inter Milan training ground after house search halted by pandemic

Inter Milan midfielder Christian Eriksen has revealed that he has been living at the club's training ground after the coronavirus outbreak cut short his house search.




ia

Prince Harry surprises fans with special video message from his LA home

The Duke of Sussex is due to send a message any moment now, which has been recorded...




ia

Amanda Holden and husband Chris Hughes go on most special date night thanks to daughters

Amanda Holden and husband Chris Hughes went on one of their most special date nights ever...




ia

How one tough mom guided Cody and Caleb Martin from poverty and racial hatred to the NBA


The twin brothers are with Jenny Bennett in the Winston-Salem area, not just for a Mother’s Day visit Sunday, but to ride out the pandemic together. There is a tightness — a sense of mutual protection — in their relationships that is enduring.




ia

Sheridan Smith announces birth of baby boy with fiancé Jamie Horn in heartwarming Twitter post

Sheridan Smith and her fiance Jamie Horn have welcomed their first child together.




ia

India gets its own ‘Sex and the City’ with ‘Four More Shots Please!’


In a country where even kissing has been rarely shown on screen, Amazon series garners attention for its frank portrayals of progressive Mumbai women and sex.




ia

Mike Tyson could command $20m for a comeback fight. This is how he will be lured to Australia

Mission ‘Get Mike Tyson to Australia’ is on.




ia

Man Utd step up $95m move for Villa star as Willian denies Mourinho reunion: Rumour Mill

The Premier League is finally working towards a restart of its competition as Liverpool wait to be crowned champions.




ia

Renault wants Daniel Ricciardo to stay, but the situation is ‘very strange’

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says the team are keen to secure a new deal with Daniel Ricciardo for 2021.




ia

Brazilian prodigy Gui Khury completes first ever 1080 on a vert ram

What were you doing at 11 years of age?




ia

Ricciardo predicts ‘chaos’ when ‘rusty’ F1 stars race again

Daniel Ricciardo says Formula 1’s return will see ‘chaos’ in the opening race as drivers get back in the car for the first time after the coronavirus-enforced break.




ia

Australia is ‘going to suffer’ if they don’t fix this major issue: Usman Khawaja

Veteran batsman Usman Khawaja has backed calls for a review of the way domestic pitches are prepared, fearing a lack of spin bowling talent behind Nathan Lyon could leave Australia exposed in future.




ia

Carlton legend weighs in on AFL’s potentially brutal list culls

Experienced list manager Stephen Silvagni has called on the AFL to keep list sizes the same moving forward, despite the impact COVID-19 has had on the competition.