World News Briefs -- February 29, 2020



Daily Mail: First coronavirus death in the US is confirmed in Washington state as health officials say there are new cases in the county where they died

Health officials have confirmed the first fatality inside the U.S. attributed to the coronavirus.

Officials in King County, Washington, which includes the city of Seattle, said in a statement on Saturday that new cases had been identified, including one patient who died.

No other details were immediately available about the two new cases in Washington, including the ages of the patients and any other potential health issues.

A press conference with more details is scheduled for 1pm PST.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Turkey, Russia talk tensions in Syria as migrants push west.

Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria.

Idlib: UN holds emergency session after Turkish troops killed.

Erdoğan says border will stay open as Greece tries to repel influx. Syria war: Turkey says thousands of migrants have crossed to EU.

Iran reports new surge in coronavirus cases.

Qatar reports first coronavirus case in man who returned from Iran.

Netanyahu, Gantz neck and neck as campaign reaches climax.

ASIA

US and Taliban sign Afghanistan peace deal. Afghan conflict: US and Taliban sign deal to end 18-year war.

Taliban orders halt to attacks on day of US deal.

Afghanistan: nearly two decades of US intervention.

Coronavirus epidemic surges in South Korea as cases exceed 3,000.

Chinese manufacturing hits record low amid coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea president voices concern about Chinese reprisal.

Kim Jong Un warns of 'serious consequences' if coronavirus hits North Korea. Kim warns of 'serious consequences' if virus spreads to N Korea.

Hong Kong protesters face off with police despite coronavirus fears.

Malaysia's Mahathir loses bid to return to leadership as Muhyiddin Yassin is appointed Prime Minister.

As India counts dead, brutality of Hindu-Muslim riot emerges.

AFRICA

Fresh details emerge about Nigeria's first coronavirus case.

Ethiopia's Abiy faces outcry over crackdown on rebels.

DRCongo signs 'peace' deal with armed group in east.

Trafficked children among 230 people rescued in Niger raid.

Guinea's President Condé postpones controversial referendum.

Poll row sees Guinea-Bissau with two presidents.

US urges Ethiopia to sign Nile dam deal.

Uganda blocks a million first-time voters.

EUROPE

Greece stops 4,000 migrants at Turkey border. Greek police fire tear gas at migrants on Turkish border.

Italy reports virus cases top 1,100, deaths reach 29.

Schools, universities to stay shut as Italy coronavirus death toll rises.

France bans gatherings of more than 5,000 due to coronavirus.

Thousands attend rally in France for exiled Catalan leader.

Voting begins in Slovak election overshadowed by journalist's murder. Slovakian election overshadowed by journalist's murder.

Parents slam Serbia bill in chilling ‘missing babies’ cases.

Major fire in Paris clears train station, suspends rail service.

Pope cancels audiences for third day with apparent cold.

AMERICAS

Trump to discuss coronavirus threat Saturday at White House.

Local spread of coronavirus marks turning point in U.S..

Democrat gets in heated exchange with Pompeo at hearing: 'Do you believe coronavirus is a hoax?'

Democrats press Pompeo over Trump’s ‘failure’ of an Iran policy.

Joe Biden faces do-or-die showdown in South Carolina primary. Biden counting on primary win in South Carolina to revive hopes.

Federal court blocks 'Remain in Mexico' immigration policy.

Mexico: National brigade searches for thousands of disappeared persons.

Many Venezuelans struggle to put food on the table in crisis.

Canada mining firm accused of slavery abroad can be sued at home, supreme court rules.

New York sends single-use plastic bags packing as it becomes the third U.S. state to ban them and threatens violators with $500 fines - but takeout stores can still use them.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadists are active in Battle of Idlib in Syria, FRANCE 24 reports.

In front of protesters, Pompeo testifies Iran drone strike was a deterrent.

US AFRICOM: Coordinated airstrikes killed two al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks have worst week in a decade on coronavirus fears.

Global economy wavers as world comes to standstill amid epidemic.

Activist investor wants to oust Twitter chief Dorsey: media.

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