world
Mass testing, empty ICUs: Germany scores early against virus
Late last year — long before most people had heard of the new coronavirus now sweeping the globe — scientists in Germany sprang into action to develop a test for the virus that was causing an unusual respiratory disease in central China.
UN climate summit postponed until 2021 because of COVID-19
This year's United Nations global climate summit is being postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, host country Britain said Wednesday,
British man runs marathon in backyard during lockdown
Being stuck at home didn't stop a British man from running an outdoor marathon.
Israel's health minister has virus, top officials to isolate
The new coronavirus is forcing more top Israeli officials into isolation after the country's health minister, who has had frequent contact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tested positive, the Health Ministry said Thursday.
Japan's SoftBank ends WeWork tender, remains behind bailout
Japanese technology company SoftBank Group Corp. called off its offering of up to $3 billion worth of shares in office-space rental venture WeWork, though it remains committed to its $5 billion bailout of the financially troubled company.
Chinese smartphone health code rules post-virus life
Since the coronavirus outbreak, life in China is ruled by a green symbol on a smartphone screen.
Australia's highest court to rule on Pell's appeal next week
Australia's highest court will deliver its ruling next week on whether to overturn the convictions of Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic convicted of child sex abuse.
Asian stocks mixed as economic toll of virus worsens
Asian stocks were meandering Thursday after a White House warning that as many as 240,000 Americans might die of the coronavirus sent Wall Street tumbling and signs of the outbreak's global economic cost increased.
Migrant dies in Mexico detention center riot over virus fear
A Guatemalan migrant died during a riot at an immigration detention center in Mexico, where detainees burned mattresses to protest conditions they say could expose them to the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.
New Zealand embraces teddies to help make lockdown bear-able
Some are perched in trees. Some are hanging upside down. Some are baking scones.
UN: Pandemic could shrink global economy almost 1% in 2020
The global economy could shrink almost 1% this year due to the new coronavirus, a sharp reversal from the pre-pandemic forecast of 2.5% growth, the United Nations said Wednesday.
Virus lockdown changes how Hindus celebrate holy period
Rukmani Sharma fears the virus that has turned the world upside down. But as a devout Hindu, she also fears for her soul.
Mexico allows 46 British passengers to leave cruise ship
Mexico allowed 46 British citizens to disembark from a cruise ship off its Caribbean coast and fly home, and in exchange the cruise line paid for 141 Mexicans stuck in England by coronavirus travel restrictions to fly home, the Mexican government said Wednesday.
Puerto Rico acknowledges missteps as coronavirus peak looms
Puerto Rico's newest health secretary on Wednesday acknowledged a series of mistakes the government has committed as the U.S. territory prepares for a peak in coronavirus cases.
El Salvador homicides drop; experts point to virus lock-down
El Salvador's once-startling homicide numbers have fallen again, the government reported Wednesday, and some experts said the lock-down for the coronavirus pandemic may be playing a role.
Venezuelan crown jewel rum distillery takes on coronavirus
The Santa Teresa distillery in Venezuela has lifted spirits for generations with its amber-red rum, famous around the world for being slowly sipped over ice or mixed into cocktails like the Cuba Libre.
Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus
A senior Saudi official Wednesday urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year — comments suggesting the pilgrimage could be cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Reporting for duty: Airline crew sign up to help hospitals
Filip Palmgren had wanted to work on planes since he was a child. Now, after just two years as a flight attendant, the 21-year old has lost his job because of the coronavirus crisis and will be soon heading to work in a hospital instead to help save patients.
Palestinians: Man dies of wounds in clash with Israel forces
Palestinian officials say a 22-year-old man has died from wounds he sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces last month.
Iran general visits Baghdad, tries to forge political unity
A top Iranian general arrived in Baghdad this week to try and unify Iraq's fractured political leaders, Iraqi officials said Wednesday, as stiff opposition by one major bloc thwarts chances the country's latest prime minister-designate can form a government.