Anthony Fauci documentary on PBS covers a career of crises
March 20, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — There's a moment in the new PBS documentary about Dr. Anthony Fauci when a protestor holds up a handmade sign reading, “Dr.
New COVID origins data point to raccoon dogs in China market
March 17, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Genetic material collected at a Chinese market near where the first human cases of COVID-19 were identified show raccoon dog DNA comingled with the virus, adding evidence to the theory that the virus originated from animals, not from a lab, international experts say.
US pregnancy deaths dropped in 2022, after COVID spike
March 16, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Deaths of pregnant women in the U.S. fell in 2022, dropping significantly from a six-decade high during the pandemic, new data suggests.
More than 1,200 U.S. women died in 2021 during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, according to a final tally released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Gov. Healey: COVID-19 public health emergency to end May 11
March 15, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Wednesday that the state's COVID-19 public health emergency will end May 11.
The announcement comes ahead of the 45-day notice required by state law, allowing additional time for organizations affected by the change to prepare for the end of the public health emergency, Healey said.
California care home charged in connection with COVID deaths
March 15, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A Southern California residential care home company and three of its managers have been charged in connection with 14 COVID-related deaths at one of its facilities three years ago, prosecutors said Monday.
China to reopen to tourists, resume all visas Wednesday
March 14, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all visas Wednesday as it tries to revive tourism and its economy following a three-year halt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10 iconic moments in Pope Francis’ first 10 years as pontiff
March 13, 2023 GMTVATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis marks the 10th anniversary of his election as pope on Monday. During that decade, several historic occasions, as well as several unplanned events, helped define the contours and priorities of history's first Latin American pontiff.
China names Li Qiang premier nominally in charge of economy
March 11, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Saturday named Li Qiang, a close confidant of top leader Xi Jinping, as the country’s next premier nominally in charge of the world’s second-largest economy now facing some of its worst prospects in years.
House votes to declassify info about origins of COVID-19
March 10, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted unanimously Friday to declassify U.S. intelligence information about the origins of COVID-19, a sweeping show of bipartisan support near the third anniversary of the start of the deadly pandemic.
Pandemic 3 years later: Has the COVID-19 virus won?
March 10, 2023 GMTOn the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus is still spreading and the death toll is nearing 7 million worldwide. Yet most people have resumed their normal lives, thanks to a wall of immunity built from infections and vaccines.
Loyal and experienced, China’s other top leaders take posts
March 10, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — With Chinese leader Xi Jinping receiving a norms-breaking third five-year term as president on Friday, the other six men who serve with him on the ruling Communist Party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee are beginning to take up their new portfolios.
China’s other top leaders bring loyalty to Xi, experience
March 9, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Six men sit alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the ruling Communist Party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, handling major portfolios from propaganda to corruption fighting.
Will China’s next premier be a moderating influence on Xi?
March 9, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The pro-business track record of the man poised to become China’s top economic official will make his term a test of whether he might moderate President Xi Jinping ’s tendency to intervene.
Japan revises GDP to nearly flat, showing fragile recovery
March 9, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan’s economy grew at an annual pace of 0.1% in October-December, in a downgrade from an earlier 0.6% increase, showing how the world’s third-largest economy was barely eking out growth.
DeSantis’ new Disney World board hints at future controversy
March 8, 2023 GMTLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The first meeting of the new board of Walt Disney World’s government — overhauled by sweeping legislation signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as punishment for Disney publicly challenging Florida's so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill — dealt with the rote affairs any other municipal government would handle: calls for better firefighter equipment, lessons on public records requests and bond ratings.
Love Rocks NYC benefit to help meet rising demand for meals
March 8, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter never really considered missing the chance to perform at the Love Rocks NYC 2023 benefit for God’s Love We Deliver on Thursday, even though he was knocked unconscious and broke his leg in a fall onstage in Nashville last week.
WHO fires director in Asia accused of racist misconduct
March 8, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization has fired its top official in the Western Pacific after the Associated Press reported last year that dozens of staff members accused him of racist, abusive and unethical behavior that may have compromised the U.N.
Georgia chief justice says lawyer shortage slows down courts
March 8, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's courts are working hard to dig out from under a backlog of cases created and exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, but a shortage of lawyers is hindering some of those efforts, the state's top judge said Wednesday.
EU watchdog: Not enough safeguards on pandemic recovery fund
March 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Insufficient checks and safeguards on how EU member countries spend a massive aid program designed to help them bounce back from the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are creating possibilities for fraud and mismanagement, the bloc's financial watchdog warned on Wednesday.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific posts $834 million loss for 2022
March 8, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. said it was ready to rebuild as Hong Kong opened up to global visitors despite reporting wider losses in 2022.
The airline reported an annual loss of 6.55 billion Hong Kong dollars ($834.4 million) for the year ending Dec.
AP PHOTOS: Indians celebrate Holi, Hindu festival of color
March 8, 2023 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians on Wednesday celebrated the Holi festival, dancing to the beat of drums, smearing each other with green, yellow and red colors and exchanging sweets in homes, parks and streets.
Bucks beat Magic 134-123 for 18th win in 19 games
March 8, 2023 GMTORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Brook Lopez scored 26 points, Khris Middleton and Jevon Carter each added 24 points and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Orlando Magic 134-123 on Tuesday night for their 18th win in 19 games.
South Korea: Kim’s daughter enjoys horseback riding, skiing
March 8, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The recently unveiled daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being home-schooled and spends her leisure time horseback riding, skiing and swimming, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers Tuesday.
Chinese minister warns of conflict unless US changes course
March 8, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China's foreign minister has warned Washington of “conflict and confrontation” if it fails to change course in relations with Beijing, striking a combative tone amid conflicts over Taiwan, COVID-19 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
US to relax COVID testing rules for travelers from China
March 8, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is preparing to relax COVID-19 testing restrictions for travelers from China as soon as Friday, according to two people familiar with the decision.
Portland women knock out No. 16 Gonzaga, reach NCAA tourney
March 7, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Maisie Burnham scored 19 points, Alex Fowler had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Portland beat two-time defending West Coast Conference Tournament champion Gonzaga 64-60 on Tuesday to claim an NCAA Tournament berth.
In reversal, Biden weighs detaining migrant families
March 7, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is considering detaining migrant families who cross into the U.S. illegally as it prepares to end COVID-19 restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to U.S.
Arkansas Tyson workers sue over lack of COVID protections
March 6, 2023 GMTThirty-four Tyson Foods employees, former employees and family members filed a lawsuit against the company Monday, saying it failed to take appropriate precautions at its meat-packing plants during the early days of the COVID pandemic.
Amtrak restores full daily train service to Vancouver, B.C.
March 6, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Amtrak has restarted direct trips on its Cascades passenger-train service between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia, marking full restoration of daily service on the popular route.
Cartoonists criticize ‘Dilbert’ creator over racist remarks
March 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Cartoonists are pushing back against racist remarks made by “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams, with one artist even using his own strip this week to lampoon the disgraced cartoon now dropped by newspapers nationwide.
Union nemesis will get reward for suing over COVID-19 loans
March 6, 2023 GMTMIDLAND, Mich. (AP) — A conservative economic-policy group will get a $22,500 reward for blowing the whistle on a Michigan teachers union and its insurance arm, which got $12.5 million in government-backed loans during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoda Kotb returns to ‘Today’ show after family health issue
March 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Hoda Kotb returned to NBC’s “Today” show on Monday after spending a few weeks tending to her 3-year-old daughter, Hope.
Bulgaria scraps large quantities of expired COVID vaccines
March 6, 2023 GMTSOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarian health authorities said Monday that 2.8 million of expired COVID-19 doses will be destroyed this year in addition to the 2.3 million doses that have already been scrapped in the country with the lowest vaccination rate in the European Union.
Chinese planners promise 12 million jobs, economic rebound
March 6, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Chinese economic officials expressed confidence Monday they can meet this year’s growth target of “around 5%” by generating 12 million new jobs and encouraging consumer spending following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home.
Djokovic withdraws after failed bid to play Indian Wells
March 6, 2023 GMTINDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, having lost his bid to enter the United States unvaccinated to play in the Southern California event.
China Premier Li Keqiang bows out as Xi loyalists take reins
March 6, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — After a decade in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s shadow, Li Keqiang is taking his final bow as the country's premier, marking a shift away from the skilled technocrats who have helped steer the world’s second-biggest economy in favor of officials known mainly for their unquestioned loyalty to China’s most powerful leader in recent history.
Army boss’ mission: Persuade schools to welcome recruiters
March 5, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Army recruiters struggling to meet enlistment goals say one of their biggest hurdles is getting into high schools, where they can meet students one on one.
Jury acquits former Navajo official in COVID testing case
March 4, 2023 GMTFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A Navajo Nation jury on Friday acquitted the tribe's former top financial officer of charges that she misrepresented information about a company hired to do rapid COVID-19 testing on the reservation.
Ford to raise production as US auto sales start to recover
March 3, 2023 GMTDEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Ford will increase production of six models this year, half of them electric, as the company and the auto industry start to rebound from sluggish U.S.
Washington, Oregon to end health care settings mask mandate
March 3, 2023 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Washington and Oregon will soon drop mask requirements in health care settings, state health officials said Friday, moving to lift the last major masking requirements meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
New Mexico’s COVID-19 public health orders to end March 31
March 3, 2023 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is extending health orders related to COVID-19 one final time through the end of the month.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made the announcement Friday that she is renewing an executive order but will let it expire after March 31.
New leaders, economy to dominate China’s legislative session
March 3, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — The installation of new leaders and the need to shore up a flagging economy will dominate the annual session of China’s rubber-stamp parliament that kicks off Sunday.
The nearly 3,000 delegates attending the meeting of the largely powerless National People's Congress will hear reports on the work of government that lay out the ruling Communist Party’s priorities.
Wild Knights seek to continue unbeaten run in Japan rugby
March 3, 2023 GMTThe Panasonic Wild Knights will attempt to perpetuate one of the longest unbeaten streaks in professional rugby when they play the Kubota Spears in the 10th round of Japan League One on Saturday.
The Wild Knights haven’t lost in 42 matches dating back to a defeat by Suntory Sungoliath in the semifinals of the former Japan Top League on July 17, 2019.
Noem vetoes plan to let cities hike temporary lodging taxes
March 2, 2023 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed a proposal Thursday that would have allowed cities to hike taxes on temporary lodging to help fund events and attractions to draw tourists.
N. Carolina legislators reach Medicaid expansion deal
March 2, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina legislative leaders announced Thursday an agreement to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the Affordable Care Act.
The deal, which likely won't be voted on until later this month at the earliest, marks a milestone for Republican lawmakers, most of whom opposed expansion for a decade until recently, and for hospitals and patient advocates who sought it all that time.
Italy closes investigation alleging COVID lockdown failures
March 2, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — Italian prosecutors have closed a COVID-19 investigation that accuses officials, including a former premier and a regional governor, of wrongdoing for failing to extend a lockdown zone in the early days of the pandemic to the northern city of Bergamo and adjacent industrial valleys.
Egypt unveils newly discovered chamber inside Great Pyramid
March 2, 2023 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s antiquities authorities on Thursday unveiled a newly discovered, sealed-off chamber inside one of the Great Pyramids at Giza, just outside of Cairo, that dates back some 4,500 years ago.
Rehab on hold: COVID devastated prison learning programs
March 2, 2023 GMTCHOWCHILLA, California (AP) — Joseph Sena has spent nearly half his 27 years in prison for manslaughter. For almost as long, he’s been striving to make himself a better man than when he first arrived.
EU to speed up deliveries of howitzer shells for Ukraine
March 2, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union officials and countries from the 27-nation bloc are discussing plans to dedicate an extra billion euros as well as setting up a joint procurement scheme to speed up the delivery of howitzer artillery rounds that Ukraine says are crucial to countering Russian forces.
UK health chief’s leaked messages revive raw pandemic debate
March 2, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Coronavirus lockdowns have been lifted and face masks are few and far between in Britain these days.
But COVID-19 has shot back into the headlines through the leak of more than 100,000 private messages sent or received by the health minister as the government scrambled to respond to the new, fast-spreading respiratory virus.
Timme scores 17 in potential home finale for No. 10 Gonzaga
March 2, 2023 GMTSPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Drew Timme scored 17 points in what's expected to be his final home game at Gonzaga, and the 10th-ranked Bulldogs trounced Chicago State 104-65 in a postseason tune-up Wednesday night.
Chicago mayor’s race shows impact of crime in COVID’s wake
March 2, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Four years ago, Paul Vallas finished toward the bottom of the pack in a crowded race for Chicago mayor. Trying again, focused this time on crime, he was the top vote getter Tuesday, toppling the incumbent mayor and advancing to an April runoff to lead one of the country's largest cities.
EMS workers punished for media interviews in NYC settle suit
March 1, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Four New York City ambulance workers who said they were disciplined for speaking to the media during the harrowing, early months of the COVID-19 pandemic have reached a settlement in their free speech lawsuit against the fire department and the city, their union announced Wednesday.
Man gets 6 years for $4.2M COVID relief fraud scheme
March 1, 2023 GMTFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida man was sentenced Wednesday to six years and two months in federal prison for trying to obtain more than $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds by filing false loan applications.
COVID-19 conspiracies soar after latest report on origins
March 1, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19's origins remain hazy. Three years after the start of the pandemic, it's still unclear whether the coronavirus that causes the disease leaked from a lab or spread to humans from an animal.
Families sue over deaths of loved ones at veterans home
March 1, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The families of three residents of a state-run veterans' care facility in Massachusetts who died after contracting COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic say in a federal lawsuit that the deaths were “premature and preventable" and the result of “unsanitary, unfit, and unacceptable living conditions" at the facility.
NBC’s Hoda Kotb off ‘Today’ show due to family health issue
March 1, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — NBC's “Today” show is without both of its hosts and addressed Hoda Kotb's absence on the program Wednesday.
Kotb is dealing with an unspecified “family health matter," the show's Craig Melvin said.
China rips new US House committee on countering Beijing
March 1, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China lashed out Wednesday at a new U.S. House committee dedicated to countering Beijing, demanding its members “discard their ideological bias and zero-sum Cold War mentality.”
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party must “view China and China-U.S.
China dismisses FBI statement on COVID-19 lab leak theory
March 1, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — For the second day in a row, China on Wednesday dismissed U.S. suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic may have been triggered by a virus that leaked from a Chinese laboratory.
Responding to comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the U.S.
Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak
March 1, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Britain’s former health minister on Wednesday denied wrongdoing after a newspaper published extracts of private messages he sent in the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Daily Telegraph said the exchanges show that then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock ignored scientific advice to test everyone entering nursing homes for COVID-19.
In Egypt, government and poor struggle with troubled economy
March 1, 2023 GMTCAIRO (AP) — A group of women stands in front of a vegetable vendor at a street market in one of Cairo's oldest neighborhoods, yelling in frustration.
Asian shares trade mixed with earnings, regional tensions
March 1, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mixed Wednesday as investors watched for upcoming earnings reports and other indicators on how inflationary pressures might be denting global growth.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 was virtually unchanged in morning trading, inching up less than 0.1% to 27,446.91.
New China committee debuts, warns of ‘existential struggle’
March 1, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A special House committee dedicated to countering China began its work Tuesday with a prime-time hearing in which the panel's chairman called on lawmakers to act with urgency and framed the competition between the U.S.
Murphy unveils $53.1B budget, renewing property tax rebates
March 1, 2023 GMTTRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday unveiled a $53.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024, about 5% more than the spending plan he signed for the current year, proposing more school aid, a renewed property tax rebate program and billions more for public pensions, transportation and other projects.
Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic
February 28, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's coronavirus emergency officially ended Tuesday, nearly three years after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the nation's first statewide stay-at-home order and just days after the state reached the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths related to the virus.
Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline
February 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The military services are still reviewing possible discipline of troops who refused the order to get the COVID-19 vaccine, defense officials told Congress on Tuesday, and they provided few details on how many of those who were forced out of the military would like to return.
Judge sets Aug. 1 as deadline for Flint’s lead pipe project
February 28, 2023 GMTFLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge has ordered Flint, Michigan, to replace any remaining lead or steel water lines by Aug. 1, the latest intervention after a series of missed deadlines.
U.S. District Judge David Lawson signed off on an agreement between the city and the Natural Resources Defense Council, which represents residents in long-running litigation that began in 2016.
Opera Philadelphia resets 3 new works composed by women
February 28, 2023 GMTOpera Philadelphia has rescheduled three new works composed by women that were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Rene Orth’s “10 Days in a Madhouse” will be given its world premiere on Sept.
China says it’s been ‘open and transparent’ on COVID origins
February 28, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China on Tuesday pushed back at renewed suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic could have been the result of a lab leak, saying it has been “open and transparent” in the search for the virus’ origins.
Computer chip funding to require security, worker benefits
February 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Commerce Department is opening the application process for computer chip manufacturers to access $39 billion in government support to build new factories and expand production.
Hong Kong to lift COVID-19 mask mandate on Wednesday
February 28, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong will lift its mask mandate on Wednesday, ending the city’s last major restriction imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city's chief executive, John Lee, said masks will no longer be required both outdoors and indoors, including on public transit, but some high-risk areas including hospitals and elderly homes can still require their use.
Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic
February 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A crucial question has eluded governments and health agencies around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began: Did the virus originate in animals or leak from a Chinese lab?
Los Angeles ringleader of $18M COVID fraud scheme extradited
February 28, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — A leader of a Los Angeles-based fraud ring that stole $18 million in COVID-19 aid money was extradited Monday from Europe to the United States, where she could face more than a decade in prison, authorities said.
Japan to ease COVID border measures for travelers from China
February 27, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan is easing its coronavirus border measures for tourists from China beginning Wednesday by testing only random passengers, a top government spokesman said Monday.
Since December, Japan has been testing all travelers from mainland China at four designated airports on grounds of surging infections in that country and a lack of information.
Macao eases COVID mask mandate as virus situation stabilizes
February 27, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Macao, the world’s biggest gambling hub, has eased its requirements for people to wear masks after mandating them for most of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Monday, people no longer have to wear masks when outdoors, the statement by authorities in the Chinese territory said.
AP PHOTOS: Greeks revel in Carnival after pandemic pause
February 26, 2023 GMTNAXOS, Greece (AP) — Throngs of revelers across Greece attended end-of-Carnival celebrations this weekend for the first time in four years.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the festivities held before the beginning of Lent in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Armani gives graceful close to Milan Fashion Week
February 26, 2023 GMTMILAN (AP) — It was nipples out on the Milan Fashion Week runway this season, one of the clear trends emerging from a week of previews of mostly womenswear collections for next fall and winter.
Wherever there is a trend, there is always the counter-current, and holding out for what he described as “the dignity of women” was Giorgio Armani.
Greeks revel in Carnival celebrations after pandemic pause
February 26, 2023 GMTNAXOS, Greece (AP) — Throngs of revelers across Greece attended end-of-Carnival celebrations this weekend for the first time in four years.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the festivities held before the beginning of Lent in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Casinos and consulting? Pandemic spurs tribes to diversify
February 26, 2023 GMTMASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) — When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut for three months in 2020, its owners, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, had to reckon with decades of relying heavily on gambling as the tribe's main source of revenue.
N. Korea food shortage worsens amid COVID, but no famine yet
February 25, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculation about the country’s food insecurity has flared as its top leaders prepare to discuss the “very important and urgent task” of formulating a correct agricultural policy.