Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | The World Health Organization said Friday it was working with social media companies in a bid to quash misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic — including on more light-hearted apps popular with teenagers. The WHO said it had started working with TikTok and Snapchat since the …
Read More »Biden: alleged sexual assault ‘never happened’
Washington, United States | AFP | US presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday emphatically denied sexually assaulting a former staffer, saying the incident she claims occurred 27 years ago “never happened.” “They aren’t true. This never happened,” Biden said in a statement regarding the accusations made by Tara Reade, a former …
Read More »Grounded flights threaten routine vaccine supply: UN
Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Dozens of countries risk running out of vaccines for diseases like measles because of restrictions on flights brought in to tackle the new coronavirus, the United Nations warned on Friday. The UN children’s agency UNICEF called for support to unlock a massive backlog in …
Read More »WHO wants invite to China’s probe into virus origins
Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | The World Health Organization said Friday it hoped China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the animal origins of the novel coronavirus. “WHO would be keen to work with international partners and at the invitation of the Chinese government to participate in …
Read More »Private equity group can’t run charity-haven .org: ICANN
San Francisco, United States | AFP | The agency that oversees internet addresses late Thursday rejected a controversial bid to let a private equity firm control the .org online neighborhood known as a haven for nonprofits. Ethos Capital made a billion-dollar deal last year to buy the Public Interest Registry (PIR) from …
Read More »UK universities hit by virus outbreak fallout
London, United Kingdom | AFP | With conferences cancelled and revenues hit because of a lack of rent from student accommodation, Britain’s universities are reeling from the global coronavirus pandemic. Schools have already lost millions of pounds thanks to enforced closures under lockdown, and things could get worse still. “British universities …
Read More »Yachts, wine cellars, private jets: isolating with the super-rich
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Stranded on superyachts or confined to their sprawling mansions worrying about their wine cellars, the world’s super rich have invited ridicule throughout the coronavirus pandemic with their apparent insensitivity to the plight of ordinary people. “Sunset last night… isolated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus. …
Read More »Cuban embassy in Washington struck by gunfire, suspect arrested
Washington, United States | AFP | A man armed with a high-powered assault rifle fired multiple rounds at the Cuban embassy in Washington early Thursday, authorities said, damaging the building and leading Havana to lodge a protest. Police arrested the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Alexander Alazo of Aubrey, Texas. No one …
Read More »Trump says evidence ties China lab to virus, threatens tariffs
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened China with fresh tariffs as he stepped up his attacks on Beijing over the coronavirus crisis, saying he had seen evidence linking a Wuhan lab to the contagion. The diatribe from the Republican incumbent came as data showed …
Read More »Confinement chic? All change for business wear during lockdown
London, United Kingdom | AFP | The suits, shirts and ties remain on their hangers. Skirts, blouses and high heels have been left in the closet. With office workers at home during coronavirus lockdown, the dress code is noticeably more casual. According to clothing brands and marketing studies, comfort has trumped …
Read More »