World News

News Brief: Reopening States, China's Economy, Origins Of Coronavirus

6:20am April 17, 2020

White House issues guide to help states reopen. For the first time in decades, China's economy shrinks — because of the pandemic. And, questions remain regarding the precise origins of COVID-19.

Queue Listen Now

World News

U.S. Holds Line On North Korea Sanctions, As U.N. Details How The Country Evades Them

9:29pm April 16, 2020

by Michele Kelemen

The Trump administration wants U.N. members to plug loopholes allowing North Korea to evade sanctions. Many others say it is time to ease the restrictions in the face of a global pandemic.

People wearing protective face masks shop at a chicken stall at a wet market in Shanghai on Feb. 13.

Calls Grow To Ban Wet Markets Amid Concerns Over Disease Spread

8:39pm April 16, 2020

by Jackie Northam

A growing number of advocacy groups, politicians and officials are calling to ban wet markets worldwide, given concerns about the spread of disease. But enforcing such a ban would be a challenge.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to reporters in Brasilia on Thursday.

Brazilian President Fires Health Minister After Clashes Over Coronavirus Distancing

7:46pm April 16, 2020

by Philip Reeves

The country is grappling with the biggest outbreak of the coronavirus in Latin America. Luiz Henrique Mandetta's departure follows weeks of acrimony over his embrace of broad-based social isolation.

People wearing face masks wait for free food being given away at a Happy Mart store in Hanoi on Thursday.

In Vietnam, There Have Been Fewer Than 300 COVID-19 Cases And No Deaths. Here's Why

6:32pm April 16, 2020

by Michael Sullivan

With nearly 100 million people, Vietnam has 268 confirmed cases. Experts say experience with prior pandemics and aggressive social distancing have helped, as has the muscle of an authoritarian state.

In this Wednesday photo made available by U.S. Navy, Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels sail close to U.S. military ships in the Persian Gulf near Kuwait. Eleven Iranian naval vessels made "dangerous and harassing" maneuvers near U.S. ships in the Gulf o

World News

Opinion: Iran's Aggression Continues Even Amid Coronavirus And 'Maximum Pressure'

5:50pm April 16, 2020

Hawks argue the Trump administration's approach to Tehran is working, but recent events clearly demonstrate that Iran has not been cowed, argue Ariane Tabatabai and Colin P. Clarke.

World News

British World War II Veteran Has Now Raised $18 Million For National Health Service

5:17pm April 16, 2020

A 99-year-old British World War II veteran has now raised more than $18 million for the United Kingdom's National Health Service after reaching his goal of walking 100 laps in his garden.

Queue Listen Now

How Governments Around The World Are Reacting To The Economic Shutdown

4:53pm April 16, 2020

The U.S. government is spending over $2 trillion to help the nation overcome the coronavirus economic shutdown. NPR correspondents in India, Mexico and Germany relay what other governments are doing.

Queue Listen Now

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels approach U.S. military ships in the Persian Gulf near Kuwait on Wednesday.

Iranian Speedboats Conduct 'Dangerous And Provocative' Maneuvers Near U.S. Warships

2:05pm April 16, 2020

by Scott Neuman

U.S. officials say nearly a dozen small craft from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps harassed U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships conducting exercises in the Persian Gulf.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the state of emergency will last until May 6, adding that the goal is for residents to limit contact with others by up to 80%.

Japan Declares Nationwide State Of Emergency As Coronavirus Spreads

12:52pm April 16, 2020

by Brakkton Booker

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the declaration will last until May 6 and that the goal is for residents to limit contact with others by up to 80%. Every citizen will get stimulus funds of about $930.