U.S. concerned after China says it signs security pact with Solomon Islands
By Kirsty Needham and Martin Quin Pollard
SYDNEY/BEIJING - China said on Tuesday it had signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands, a move set to heighten concerns of the...
New surrender deadline in Mariupol as West promises Ukraine more arms
By Pavel Polityuk and James Mackenzie
KYIV/KHARKIV - Russia gave Ukrainian fighters still holding out in Mariupol a fresh ultimatum to surrender on Wednesday as it pushed for a decisive...
Biden administration will appeal lifting of mask mandate, if CDC agrees
By Jeff Mason, Trevor Hunnicutt and David Shepardson
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said on Tuesday it would appeal a judge's ruling ending a mask mandate on airplanes if public...
Russia begins ‘Battle of Donbas,’ Ukraine says
LVIV/KYIV — Russian forces have launched their anticipated offensive in eastern Ukraine, attempting to push through defenses along almost the entire front line early on Tuesday in what Ukrainian officials described as the second phase of the war.
Court overturns mask mandate on public transport
WASHINGTON/CHICAGO — The Biden administration will no longer enforce a US mask mandate on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida on Monday ruled that the 14-month-old directive was unlawful, overturning a key White House effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Argentina to help low-income earners cope with inflation
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina’s government said on Monday the country’s neediest would get help to cope with soaring prices as part of a special aid program that will be financed with taxes on business experiencing unexpected gains from the Ukraine war.
US will no longer enforce mask mandate on airplanes, trains after court ruling
WASHINGTON/CHICAGO — The Biden administration will no longer enforce a US mask mandate on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida on Monday ruled that the 14-month-old directive was unlawful, overturning a key White House effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Japan researchers develop electric chopsticks to enhance salty taste
TOKYO — Japanese researchers have developed computerized chopsticks that enhance salty tastes, potentially helping those who need to reduce sodium in their diets.
Hong Kong zero-COVID policies create mountains of plastic waste
HONG KONG — Hong Kong arrivals meet plastic everywhere in quarantine hotels: Remote controls are wrapped in cellophane, pillows are encased in plastic bags, food comes with plastic cutlery.
China’s Xi sticks with COVID stance despite anger, economic headwinds
BEIJING — For many leaders, mounting public anger and a rapidly worsening economic outlook would be cause for worry and a policy rethink.
But Chinese...
US CDC lifts COVID ‘Do Not Travel’ recommendations on about 90 countries
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday it had dropped its “Do Not Travel” coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recommendations...
Ukraine’s Zelensky says Russian shelling is ‘deliberate terror’
LVIV/KYIV -— Ukrainian authorities condemned Russian artillery attacks on cities in the northeast and the continuing siege of the southern port city of Mariupol, of which Moscow said it had taken almost full control, following almost two months of bloody fighting.