Key witness in Floyd murder trial seeks to avoid testifying
Medaria Arradondo told Mr Chauvin's murder trial that the "sanctity of life" was at the core of a police officer's use of force. The judge instructed defense attorney Eric Nelson to prepare written questions for Hall's attorney to review.

At last! The long-awaited Trans-Tasman Bubble is here from mid-April
In mid-March , Prime Minister Ardern advised that the NZ Government was progressing towards a decision on the trans-Tasman bubble. Australians travelling to NZ will also have to provide authorities with extensive contact information for their stay.

Ford suggests more COVID-related restrictions on the way
Barbara Yaffe, Ontario associate chief medical officer of health, said signs across the province are worsening. Health officials confirmed another 207 COVID-19 variant cases Tuesday.

Toronto school boards to close classrooms on Wednesday, shift to remote learning
Toronto Public Health says in-person learning is set to resume in Toronto on April 19, after next week's spring break. He says the federal government is ready to provide support in whatever capacity provinces and territories may need.

Maryland active shooter investigation: At least 2 injured, 'suspect down,' police say
Authorities in Frederick, Md., said they are investigating a shooting incident with at least two victims. Officials at Fort Detrick confirmed those details through a statement on the facilities' Facebook page.

Ontario reports 3,065 new cases of COVID-19
Since the pandemic began, the province has logged 367,602 COVID-19 infections, including 333,576 recoveries and 7,458 deaths. Locally, there are 955 new cases in Toronto, 561 in Peel, 320 in York Region, 165 in Ottawa and 132 in Niagara.

Florida working to avoid 'catastrophic' wastewater reservoir collapse
The wastewater "meets water-quality standards for marine waters", he said, with the exception of phosphorous and nitrogen levels. The large reservoir at the Piney Point plant is leaking most likely due to a tear in the pond's liner.

Who is Jordan's ex-crown prince Hamzah, accused of destabilizing kingdom?
Jordan's King Abdullah II laughs with his half-brother, then-crown prince Hamzah Bin Hussein, right, on April 2, 2001. He has good relations officially with Abdullah, his half-brother, and is a popular figure close to tribal leaders.

Over 7.44 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses administered till now
India recorded the highest increase in COVID-19 cases in one day so far amid the second wave of coronavirus, in almost six months. Besides, 4,57,78,875 and 7,65,354 beneficiaries aged more than 45 have been administered the first and second dose respectively.

USA stops AstraZeneca vaccine production at Baltimore plant - NY Times
Meanwhile, the measures Emergent put in place to "prevent contamination or mix-ups" had come up short, the investigator said. The company has partnered with J&J and AstraZeneca for their USA coronavirus vaccine supply chains.

Florida declares state of emergency over toxic wastewater leak
Attempts to fix the leak late on Friday, by plugging the hole with rocks and other materials, were unsuccessful. Elevated ponds called gypsum stacks are full of contaminated water produced as a chemical byproduct of mining.

DFAT checks on Australians in Taiwan crash
He could face charges of causing death by negligence and of forging documents and he said he was co-operating with investigators. Taiwan has no domestic travel curbs as the COVID-19 pandemic is well under control, with only 43 active cases in hospitals.

Top officials arrested in alleged plot against Jordan's King
The US State Department said on Saturday that King Abdullah is a "key partner" of the US. Hamzah is the eldest son of late King Hussein and his American wife Queen Noor.

Media report on suspect in deadly Capitol attack
Police said Green rammed his auto into the officers at 1:02 p.m. and then exited the vehicle and lunged at them. The Capitol Police said the other officer was in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Essential workers anxious about Ontario 'shutdown'
Thursday's lockdown will require the closure of hair salons, gyms, and indoor dining in regions not now under such restrictions. Schools are slated to reopen after the end of this week's postponed spring break, which concludes on April 9.