Feb 29 Biden looks for first 2020 victory in South Carolina primary By Steve Peoples, Meg Kinnard, Bill Barrow, Associated Press The Democrats' 2020 nominating fight turned to South Carolina on Saturday for the first-in-the-South primary, with Joe Biden confident that his popularity with black voters will seal him a victory and help blunt some of front-runner Bernie Sanders' momentum. Continue reading
Feb 29 WATCH: Trump, on 1st death from virus in U.S.: ‘No reason to panic” By Darlene Superville, Zeke Miller, Associated Press The U.S. is banning travel to Iran in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus and elevating travel warnings to regions of Italy and South Korea. Continue reading
Feb 29 Washington state sees 1st virus death in US, declares emergency By Andrew Selsky, Associated Press A man has died in Washington state of COVID-19, state health officials said Saturday, marking the first such reported death in the United States. Continue reading
Feb 29 Joe Coulombe, founder of popular Trader Joe’s markets, dies By John Rogers, Associated Press Joe Coulombe envisioned a new generation of young grocery shoppers emerging in the 1960s, one that wanted healthy, tasty, high-quality food they couldn’t find in most supermarkets and couldn’t afford to buy in the few high-end gourmet outlets. Continue reading
Feb 29 Virus’ effect on world economy grows after Trump lashes out By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press The coronavirus outbreak's impact on the world economy grew more alarming on Saturday, even after President Donald Trump denounced criticism of his response to the threat as a “hoax" cooked up by his political enemies. Continue reading
Feb 29 U.S., Taliban sign deal aimed at ending war in Afghanistan By Matthew Lee, Kathy Gannon, Associated Press The United States and the Taliban have signed an historic peace agreement aimed at ending the 18-year war in Afghanistan, America's longest. Continue reading
Feb 28 Watch 4:53 A pandemic expert questions speed of U.S. response to novel coronavirus As the threat of novel coronavirus looms over the U.S. and the globe, the CDC has taken steps to make testing kits available more broadly. But questions remain about the readiness of the government and the health system to cope… Continue watching
Feb 28 What Pence’s handling of an HIV outbreak means for his coronavirus role By Gretchen Frazee Pence has been tapped to lead the nation's response to the novel coronavirus, but critics have raised concerns about his handling of another viral outbreak -- HIV in rural Indiana. Continue reading
Feb 28 California voting changes raise concerns for Super Tuesday By Janie Har, Associated Press The "Super Tuesday" primary in the country's most populous state comes amid changes aimed at expanding voter participation, including new voting equipment and vote centers that are replacing polling places in some counties. … Continue reading
Feb 28 Watch 4:53 As U.S., Taliban prepare to sign deal, Afghanistan nurtures hope for peace By Nick Schifrin On Saturday, the U.S. and the Taliban will sign a provisional peace deal after nearly 20 years of war in Afghanistan. The milestone agreement comes after a largely successful reduction in violence over the past week. But even as hope… Continue watching