China reports zero new domestic virus cases for the first time, and the population of endangered gray wolves on the rise in southwest US *) Wuhan reports no new cases of virus China records zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak emerged while confirming 24 imported cases. The coronavirus has infected more than 215,000 people worldwide and killed over 8,900. Governments across the globe have been enforcing measures to counter the pandemic and its fallout. *) Turkey launches $15.4B aid package to fight coronavirus Turkey's President Erdogan announced a $15.4B stimulus package to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The package targets business, individuals, companies and various industries affected by the pandemic and its impact on the economy. President Erdogan said Turkey would also postpone debt payments and reduce the tax burden on various sectors. *)Lazzarini to head UN Palestinian refugee agency Swiss humanitarian relief expert Philippe Lazzarini has been appointed to head the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had earlier recommended Lazzarini to lead the agency. Lazzarini replaces Pierre Krahenbuhl, who resigned amid accusations of mismanagement in 2019. *)Greek police use tear gas on migrants at Turkish border Police on Greece's border used tear gas to repel hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers attempting to enter the country. An estimated 2,000 people are still camped out on the border weeks after Turkey declared its borders to Europe open. Ankara announced it is closing down its six land and sea border crossings with Greece and Bulgaria to contain the coronavirus epidemic. And finally, *)Endangered gray wolves on rise in southwest US The population of endangered gray wolves in the US jumped by 24 percent in 2019. It means there are more wolves in the wild than at any time since wildlife managers began efforts to conserve the animals decades ago. Since the first wolves were released in 1998, the programme has aimed at re-establishing the species across its historic range.

Daily News Brief by TRT World

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Coronavirus cases in China on the decline day after day, and researchers say female genital mutilation affects far more countries than we think *) Governments grapple with virus border closures, lockdowns Governments around the globe are grappling with how to implement border closures, travel restrictions and lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. The virus and countermeasures have unleashed transportation chaos and threatened economies. But authorities say the steps are needed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. *)With 3 more victories, Biden extends lead over Sanders Joe Biden secured solid victories over Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in Florida, Illinois and Arizona. Ohio chose to halt in-person voting and delay its primary to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Illinois, Florida and Arizona went ahead, instituting some new safety measures for voters and poll workers. *)Turkey and EU trio discuss Syria, migration crisis Turkish, German, British and French leaders discussed the Syria crisis, refugee issue and the coronavirus pandemic. During the talks, the leaders discussed methods of humanitarian aid to Syria's northwest Idlib province. They also agreed to work jointly to combat the coronavirus pandemic that had prompted the summit to be held over video conference. *)EU border restrictions will hit transfers of child refugees – UN official European border restrictions in place due to coronavirus will affect plans to transfer hundreds of children out of refugee camps in Greece, the UN says. European countries had in recent weeks agreed to take unaccompanied minors from Greece. But some EU member states imposed checks at control-free travel borders and EU leaders are later expected to seal the bloc's external borders. And finally, *)World 'woefully' underestimating female genital mutilation, study finds Female genital mutilation affects far more countries than previously thought, researchers say. That means global estimates for the number of women who have been cut are "woefully" low as compared to actual numbers. The UN says about 200 million girls and women have been cut worldwide.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

WHO chief calls for ‘every suspected coronavirus case’ to be tested and US begins first trial of anti-virus vaccine *)WHO chief calls for virus testing as Europe locks down The global battle to contain the coronavirus reached a new level of urgency, with the focus shifting from Asia to Europe and the US. Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization has called for every suspected coronavirus case to be tested. “You cannot fight a fire while blindfolded,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Test, test, test. Test every suspected case.” *) Ohio halts presidential primary over virus concerns Uncertainty surrounds Democratic primary as Ohio scrapped the vote just hours before polls were set to open. Governor Mike DeWine announced the decision, citing the need to combat the novel coronavirus. Officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois said they would move forward with the vote, as they had done enough to ensure the safety of voters. *) Russian court approves law that could extend Putin's reign Russia's Constitutional Court approved a law on constitutional amendments that could allow Vladimir Putin to remain in power for another 16 years. The law still must be approved in a national referendum that has been scheduled for April 22. Because of term limits under the current law, Putin, in power since 2000, wouldn't be able to run for president again in 2024. *) Israel swears in new parliament Israel swore in its newly elected parliament under stringent restrictions because of the coronavirus outbreak. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called for unity and compromise from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Benny Gantz. The new lawmakers took the oath of office in groups of three over 40 staggered rounds. And finally, *)US begins first human trial of coronavirus vaccine The first clinical trials for a novel coronavirus vaccine have begun with human test subjects in the US. In all, 45 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 years old will take part in the tests, which are expected to run for roughly six weeks. But it may be another year to 18 months before it becomes available once it has passed more trial phases to prove it works and is safe.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Italy marks its deadliest day in the coronavirus pandemic and England will offer an HIV prevention pill to those at high risk. *) World grapples with spread of coronavirus Italy recorded the deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic with 368 new deaths on Sunday, raising the total number of fatalities to over 1,800. More than 100 million Europeans are now on lockdown, with Spain joining Italy in restricting people's movements The pandemic has infected more than 168,000 people and killed more than 6,400 around the world. *) Syria's brutal war enters 10th year The brutal conflict in Syria entered its 10th year with Bashar al Assad's regime consolidating its hold over a war-wracked country. The conflict began in March 2011 after the regime violently responded to peaceful anti-government protests. Since then over 560,000 people have been killed and more than 11 million people displaced, according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. *)Netanyahu rival Gantz chosen to form new Israeli government Israel's president tapped Benny Gantz to form a government, in an attempt to end a political stalemate to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Reuven Rivlin's announcement marked a setback for right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz secured recommendations to lead a government from 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament, after a March 2 election. *)Dozens of Lagos buildings destroyed after oil pipeline explodes At least 15 people have been killed after an oil pipeline exploded in Nigeria's Lagos city. A fire broke out after the explosion, which destroyed at least 50 homes and several other buildings in the area. Government officials say the cause of the explosion is still unknown, but local media ruled out vandalism as a cause. And finally, *) England joins nations offering HIV prevention pill to all at high risk England will join a growing list of countries offering an HIV-prevention pill to all those at high risk of catching the virus, the British government said. The highly effective pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs will be available for free later this year, the Department of Health said. Health campaigners hailed the move as a "milestone moment."

Monday, March 16, 2020

*)World grapples with spread of coronavirus The death toll from coronavirus has risen to almost 4,900 with over 135,000 infections around the world. The virus has triggered a global stock markets meltdown while the global sporting calendar has been shredded with major events like Formula 1, football and tennis either being cancelled, suspended or postponed. *)US launches air strikes against pro-Iranian militia in Iraq The US has conducted retaliatory air strikes against Iranian-backed militia in Iraq. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper says the Pentagon is prepared to respond again if necessary. It comes after 18 rockets killed one British and two US soldiers at an air base north of Baghdad. *)New Zealand to mark a year since terror attacks Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended a joint Friday prayer in Christchurch to mark the anniversary of last year’s March 15 terror attacks. Ardern says New Zealanders have become more engaged with the Muslims in the year since a white terrorist killed 51 people at two mosques. The country will on Sunday hold a National Remembrance Service to commemorate those who died. *)Floods kill at least five in Egypt At least five people were killed by floods in Egypt. Heavy rain demolished houses in the southern province of Qena, where lightning caused several fires. Forecasters have warned of heavy rains and flooding across much of the country through Saturday. And finally, *)Quarantined dog tests negative for coronavirus Some good news for pet owners. A pet dog held in quarantine in Hong Kong after repeatedly testing “weak positive” for coronavirus, has tested negative. The dog will still need to be retested before being discharged. The World Health Organization says there's no evidence so far of human-to-animal transmission.

Friday, March 13, 2020

*)WHO declares coronavirus a pandemic After declaring the crisis a pandemic, the World Health Organization says it is alarmed at the level of inaction to contain the spread and severity of the virus. There has been a global increase in the number of deaths and infections, which is having significant health, social and economic impact on more than 120 countries. Outside Asia, Europe has more coronavirus cases and casualties than any other continent. *)More drastic measures for Italy Italy has announced even more restrictions on top of a massive lockdown. All shops in the country will be closed with the exception of supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies. More than 800 people have died and 12,000 are infected in the country. *)Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, have both tested positive for the virus in Australia. The actor was set to begin production on a film about the life of Elvis Presley when he and his wife developed slight fevers. He took to Twitter to say they would both be observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. *)Rocket attack kills US coalition soldiers in Iraq In other news, three US coalition soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on the Taji military base in Iraq. A British and two US servicemen died after 10 Katyusha rockets hit the air base north of Baghdad. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Washington is accusing pro-Iran factions. And finally, *)Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein back in hospital Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein is back in hospital with chest pains after a judge sentenced him to 23 years behind bars. Two weeks ago, a jury in New York found the former Hollywood producer guilty of rape and a criminal sexual act. The 67-year-old will serve his time at an upstate New York prison.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

*)China reports 22 new virus deaths as imported cases rise China has reported an increase in coronavirus cases from abroad, with 22 more deaths and 24 new cases nationwide. The number of new cases has dramatically fallen in recent weeks but today's numbers were a slight uptick from yesterday’s 19. New cases in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, fell to a new low, with 13 infections reported today. *)Turkey confirms its first case of coronavirus Turkey has announced its first case of the new coronavirus. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said the case was a male patient who had returned from Europe. Koca said the patient was isolated and that his family members and other people who had come into contact with him had been quarantined. *)Biden secures Michigan in a major blow to Sanders Former US Vice President Joe Biden has won the Democratic primary race in Michigan, alongside smaller states. This deals a huge blow to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Michigan is the biggest prize of the six states that voted on Tuesday, with 125 delegates up for grabs, putting the former vice president in the lead. *)LA Opera deems Domingo misconduct accusations credible The Los Angeles Opera says its investigation into star Placido Domingo had found accusations of "inappropriate conduct" credible. Investigators say 10 women accused the star of forcibly kissing, grabbing and fondling women over a period of more than 30 years. The six-month investigation, conducted by outside lawyers, also found “no evidence” that LA Opera ever ignored, failed to address or covered up complaints. And finally, *)London man second patient to be cured of HIV A second patient has been cured of HIV after undergoing stem cell transplant treatment, according to doctors in the UK. Doctors have not found any trace of infection 30 months after 40-year-old Adam Castillejo stopped traditional treatment. But researchers are cautioning that the breakthrough does not mean a general cure for HIV, which annually kills almost one million people.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

*)Italy on lockdown over coronavirus fears Italy is going under a nationwide lockdown in an effort to contain the coronavirus spread. The European country is the worst-hit outside China with at least 460 deaths and more than 9 thousand people infected. In the meantime, China reported 19 new cases of coronavirus infections on Monday. That’s 40 cases down from a day earlier. *)US begins troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, official says US troops have begun leaving Afghanistan for the initial troop withdrawal required in the US-Taliban peace agreement, a US official said. The troops will not be replaced as the US moves ahead with plans to cut the number of forces in the country from about 13,000 to 8,600. The pullout comes as Afghanistan's rival leaders were each sworn in as president in separate ceremonies on Monday. *)Sudan's PM unharmed after assassination bid Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok escaped unharmed after a bomb and gun attack targeted his convoy in the capital Khartoum. The attack took place in the Kober district of northeast Khartoum when Hamdok was on his way to work. Sudan's official news agency SUNA said Hamdok was in "good health and a safe place". Facebook, Twitter place warning labels on altered Biden video Facebook and Twitter have added tags pointing out false or manipulated content to a video reposted by US President Donald *)Trump of his Democrat rival Joe Biden. The video which appeared to show Biden endorsing Trump, was marked "partly false" by Facebook and "manipulated media" on Twitter. Facebook said this case merited fact-checking because it had been posted before the president shared it. *)Pearl Jam postpones first leg of tour over virus concerns Pearl Jam is postponing the North American leg of its Gigaton world tour because of concerns over the coronavirus. “The levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level," a band statement said. New dates will be determined and current tickets will be honoured for those dates, the band said.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, March 9th: *) Over 100 countries affected by coronavirus The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 3,800 with over 110,000 new infections reported in over 100 countries. Many countries are taking precautionary measures, like banning travel and shutting down schools and universities. With the highest number of cases in Europe, Italy has locked down over a dozen provinces to halt the spread of the virus. *) Turkish president to meet EU leaders over refugee crisis Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with EU leaders in Brussels to discuss the refugee crisis. Thousands of refugees are stuck at Turkey's border with Greece as they try to get into Europe after Turkey allowed them to leave. Turkey says since the war in Syria began, it has been caring for refugees on its own, despite promises from Europe to help. *) Some Women’s Day rallies marred by violence Millions of women took to the streets around the world to hold rallies and protests for International Women's Day. While most remained peaceful, some were marred with violence. Mexican women faced off with anti-abortion activists during a rally, while in Kyrgyzstan, masked men attacked a women’s march. In Pakistan, rally-goers had stones and shoes thrown at them and in Chile, police used tear gas and rubber bullets on women who were rallying. *) Austrian Alp avalanches kill at least 6 At least six people were killed by two separate avalanches in the Austrian Alps. Police say five holiday-makers were on the Hoher Dachstein range when the avalanche hit. In the other avalanche, a police officer was killed on Grossglockner Peak while undergoing training. And finally, *) All-female film crew takes on Cameroon’s male-run industry An all-female TV and film production crew are taking on Cameroon's male-dominated industry. Gurl Boss Productions have already produced over 50 music videos. Owner Tatapong Beyala says she and her staff face daily bouts of judgements, insults, sexual innuendos and harassment.

Monday, March 9, 2020

*)Ceasefire begins in Syria's Idlib A new ceasefire in Idlib province has been agreed upon by Turkey and Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reached the agreement in Moscow after six hours of talks. The new deal will also see joint Turkish and Russian patrols and a 6-km security corridor on either side of Idlib's strategically important M4 highway. *)Countries urged to do more to contain spread of virus The World Health Organization says global leaders must not give up trying to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Almost 100,000 people have been infected globally, with the death toll exceeding 3,300. The vast majority of cases are in China, followed by South Korea, Italy and Iran. *)US slams ICC authorising inquiry into Afghanistan war crimes The US has slammed the International Criminal Court's decision to investigate crimes committed during the Afghan war. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the court “renegade and unlawful” for bringing the ruling days after the US signed a deal with the Taliban. On Thursday, the ICC overturned an earlier rejection on the inquiry and authorised an investigation into the Taliban, the Afghan army and US military forces. *)Dubai's ruler abducted daughters, threatened former wife – UK court A British judge has ruled that Dubai's ruler ordered the kidnapping of two of his daughters and waged a campaign of intimidation and harassment against his former wife. The ruling follows a long custody battle between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and his sixth and youngest wife, Princess Haya. The court also found that Maktoum was responsible for abducting and forcibly returning two of his daughters from another marriage. And finally, *) Seventh grader names NASA’s new Mars rover 'Perseverance' NASA's latest Mars rover has been named 'Perseverance' by a seventh-grade student. Alexander Mather's essay was picked from 28,000 others in a special NASA competition. 'Perseverance' is scheduled to land on Mars next February.

Friday, March 6, 2020

*)China reports new coronavirus cases, schools close worldwide China reported 31 more deaths from the new coronavirus epidemic, taking the country's overall death toll past 3,000. At least 3,012 people have now died nationwide in the outbreak that first emerged in the central city of Wuhan. The new virus has left nearly 300 million students worldwide out of school as the IMF urged an all-out, global offensive against the epidemic. *)Turkey says Greek forces kill refugee at Edirne-Kastanies border Turkish officials said Greek forces killed a refugee and wounded five others on Wednesday as they tried to cross the border between the two countries at Pazarkule, Edirne. Greek riot police and troops used water cannons and tear gas on groups of migrants. The five men who were wounded had been shot in the foot, groin, head and chest by live bullets, Edirne Governor Ekrem Canalp said. *)Microsoft asks staff in Seattle area, Silicon Valley to work from home Microsoft has asked employees to work from home in order to limit exposure to the coronavirus outbreak, responding to cases in California. The company asked its employees in the Seattle region to work from home if possible until March 25. Microsoft also asked employees to suspend any business travel to the areas “unless essential for the continuity of Microsoft”. *)Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar dead at 100 Former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar died in his native Peru aged 100, his son said. Perez de Cuellar served as UN secretary general from 1982 to 1991, when he was often described as a "pacifist by vocation and nature". He was known for his peace-making efforts, including brokering a ceasefire in the Iran-Iraq war. And finally, *)Met Opera institutes 14-day quarantine for some due to virus The Metropolitan Opera has instituted quarantines for artists and employees travelling to New York from coronavirus-affected areas. Diane Zola, an assistant general manager at the Met, sent an email to artist managers mandating a “self-imposed quarantine for a period of 14 days”. Zola instructed managers that their clients may need to change travel plans in order to allow either 14 days after arrival in New York before the start of rehearsals or a late start to rehearsals.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

*)US says it is willing to provide ammunition to Turkey The US has pledged to give Turkey ammunition and humanitarian assistance to help Ankara's efforts in northwest Syria. The announcement came during a visit to the Turkey-Syria border by US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey. Jeffery was speaking as the fighting intensified in Idlib province, where the Turkish military is pushing back Syrian regime forces. *)Biden emerges as frontrunner for Democrat nomination Joe Biden is emerging as a Democratic frontrunner as first polls close in Super Tuesday vote but still faces stiff competition from Bernie Sanders. Sanders seized victory in California, while a resurgent Biden scored wins in the upper Midwest and African-American strongholds in the South. Fourteen states are casting their ballots, making it the largest day of voting in the primary season. *)World Bank unveils $12B aid package to combat coronavirus In the latest effort to tackle the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, the World Bank has pledged an emergency fund of $12 billion. The announcement comes as the global death toll crosses 3,100. *)At least 25 people killed in Tennessee, crews search for missing At least 25 people have been killed after a string of tornadoes struck the US state of Tennessee. The tornadoes caused significant damage to towns surrounding Nashville. Emergency services say at least 40 buildings have collapsed across the central and eastern parts of the city – with power lines torn down, and trees uprooted. And finally, *)Researchers discover DNA in 75M-year-old dinosaur fossils Scientists from the US and China have discovered DNA inside 75 million-year-old dinosaur fossils. Scientists made this discovery, while investigating skull fragments of Hypacrosaurus nestlings. These dinosaurs were herbivores believed to have lived during the late Cretaceous period in what is now North America

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

*)UN says Assad regime and Russia committed war crimes A new UN report says Syria's Assad regime and Russia committed war crimes in Idlib in 2019. The UN says it has reasonable grounds to believe Russia carried out air strikes on a popular market, a camp for displaced people and medical facilities. The attacks killed dozens of Syrian civilians in July and August. *)Coronavirus pandemic latest The global coronavirus death toll has passed 3,100 with over 90,000 people infected. New countries infected over the past 24 hours include Latvia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Indonesia. World Health Organization says outbreaks in South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan were the agency's greatest concern. *)Exit polls show Netanyahu leads after Israeli election Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is claiming victory in the country's third election in a year. Exit polls suggest he has a narrow lead over his rival Benny Gantz. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and its allies are projected to win 59 seats in parliament – two seats short of forming a majority government. *)Stage set for Super Tuesday The stage is set for Super Tuesday, the most important night of the US Democratic campaign for presidential nominee. Voters in 14 states will choose their candidate to compete against Donald Trump in November's election. Bernie Sanders has a decent lead over Joe Biden, but Michael Bloomberg could find enough votes to sneak in. And finally, *)Indonesia’s most active volcano erupts Massive smoke and ash columns rocketed 6,000 meters into the sky after a volcano erupted in Indonesia. The eruption of Mount Merapi on the main island of Java also unleashed searing gas clouds two kilometres down its slopes. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes as it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a series of fault lines around the ocean.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

*) Turkey launches military operation against Assad regime Turkey has launched Operation Spring Shield against Syrian regime forces in northern Syria. The operation was launched after deadly attacks on civilians and Turkish soldiers in northern Syria by Assad's regime. The UN says regime attacks have killed more than 300 people in the province since December, and displaced over a million others. *) Migrants and refugees stuck in no man’s land Thousands of refugees and migrants trying to get into Europe are stuck at Turkey's border with Greece. Ankara announced it would not abide by a deal to stop asylum seekers from reaching Europe. Dozens have already reached Greece's Lesvos island, but at the Pazarkule crossing, Greek border police used tear gas and stun grenades to prevent refugees from entering. *) Coronavirus spreads to over 60 countries The number of people killed by the novel coronavirus has surpassed 3,000 worldwide, with over 60 countries affected. Overnight, over 40 died in China, while South Korea reported nearly 500 new cases. And in the US, a second person died from the virus. *) Israel holds third election in a year Israel is holding a third election in less than a year, as PM Benjamin Netanyahu seeks re-election. Netanyahu and his main rival, Benny Gantz, failed to turn the previous two ballots into a new coalition government. Israeli Arabs could boost support for Gantz as they feel their rights have been eroded by Israel's current right-wing government. And finally, *) Climate change lengthens Australia’s summer A new study says summers in Australia are now twice as long as its winters because of climate change. A study by the think tank Australia Institute compared data from the past two decades with mid-20th century benchmarks of temperatures. Over the last two decades, summer across most of Australia has been on average one month longer than half a century ago, while winter has contracted by an average three weeks.

Monday, March 2, 2020

*)33 Turkish soldiers killed in Syrian regime air strike in Idlib An Assad regime air strike killed 33 Turkish soldiers in Syria’s Idlib province, a Turkish official said. Troops wounded in the Syrian regime attack are being treated at hospitals in Turkey, Hatay’s Governor Rahmi Dogan says. In a separate incident the same day, Syrian regime fire killed five Turkish soldiers in Idlib. *)Turkey will no longer stop Syrian refugees reaching Europe Turkey will no longer stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe, a senior Turkish official says. Some 1 million civilians have been displaced by the regime offensive in Idlib since December. Turkish police, coastguard and border security officials have been ordered to stand down at refugee land and sea crossings. *)China reports 44 new virus deaths China reports 44 more deaths from the novel coronavirus epidemic and 327 fresh cases, the lowest daily figure in more than a month. The death toll now stands at 2,788 in mainland China, according to the National Health Commission. The number of fatalities – which is up from the 29 reported on Thursday – were all in Hubei province, except for two deaths in Beijing. *)Boy band BTS cancels concerts in South Korean capital due to virus K-pop superstar group BTS has cancelled concerts in Seoul in April over concerns about a soaring viral outbreak in South Korea. BTS says the Covid-19 “has made it impossible at this time to predict the scale of the outbreak during the dates of the concert in April.” South Korea’s coronavirus cases crossed 2,000 on Friday, with 256 new infections. And finally, *)About 40 percent of US adults are obese – government survey About 4 in 10 American adults are obese, and nearly 1 in 10 is severely so, government researchers say. The findings come from a 2017-18 health survey, which found the obesity rate was 42 percent – higher than the 40 percent found in a similar 2016 study. The survey numbers are small enough that there’s a mathematical chance the rates didn’t truly rise, but it’s clear adult obesity rates are trending up.

Friday, February 28, 2020

A summary of the today's impactful news stories around the world hand picked by our staff at TRT World.

hubhopper

Daily News Brief by TRT World

hubhopper