Mar 19 U.S. citizen accused of human rights violations freed in Lebanon By Kathy McCormack, Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press A U.S. citizen who had faced decades-old murder and torture charges in Lebanon has been freed, a senator who had pushed for his release announced Thursday. Continue reading
Mar 19 Indonesia halts Islamic assembly, quarantining 9,000 people By Niniek Karmini, Eileen Ng, Associated Press The four-day gathering of nearly 9,000 Muslim pilgrims at a boarding school in south Sulawesi province wasn't approved by authorities and drew fears it could spread the virus widely in the world's fourth most populous nation. Continue reading
Mar 19 On COVID-19, Wuhan offers hope as Italy nears stark death toll By David Rising, Nick Perry, Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press The Chinese city of Wuhan reported no new homegrown infections, but Italy appeared set to surpass China's death toll from the virus. Continue reading
Mar 18 Watch 2:16 News Wrap: Virus delays GOP run-off for Alabama Senate seat In our news wrap Wednesday, Alabama postponed a Republican primary run-off for a U.S. Senate seat because of the coronavirus pandemic. The race pits former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions against former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville. Also, a… Continue watching
Mar 18 Watch 6:42 In Iran, pandemic response complicated by ongoing tensions with the U.S. By Reza Sayah So far, Iran is one of the countries hit hardest by the novel coronavirus. Thousands of people there are infected, and the death toll is skyrocketing. In addition, amid preparations for a subdued celebration of Iranian New Year, the ongoing… Continue watching
Mar 18 Watch 7:03 Yo-Yo Ma on encouraging 'Songs of Comfort' amid global crisis Yo-Yo Ma, one of the world’s most renowned and beloved musicians, is trying to provide comfort in this time of crisis. Ma has been posting videos of himself performing short pieces and encouraging other musicians -- of all levels --… Continue watching
Mar 18 German leader calls novel coronavirus biggest challenge since WWII By Kirsten Grieshaber, Associated Press She said everyone in Germany must help protect those most vulnerable to infection, illness and death. Continue reading
Mar 18 Africa should 'prepare for the worst' with virus, WHO says By Cara Anna, Associated Press South Africa is the continent's new focus of concern as cases have nearly doubled to 116 from two days before. Continue reading
Mar 18 After closures at U.S.-Canada border, Trump says he'll halt nonessential travel at southern border By Yamiche Alcindor White House officials said the northern border closings -- like the southern border plan being considered -- will not apply to American citizens, green-card holders and foreigners who already have legal rights to be here. Continue reading
Mar 18 Clean water access for India's poor spawns virus concerns By Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press Experts say keeping hands clean is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent transmission of the new coronavirus, in addition to social distancing. But for India's homeless and urban poor who live in thousands of slums across major… Continue reading