What you need to know today about the virus outbreak

What you need to know today about the virus outbreak

Defying a wave of layoffs that has sent the U.S. job market into its worst catastrophe on record, at least one major industry is making a comeback. Tens of thousands of auto workers are returning to factories that have been shuttered since mid-March because of fears...
China uses trade as weapon to silence virus criticism

China uses trade as weapon to silence virus criticism

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Trying to silence criticism over the coronavirus pandemic, China is deploying a well-used weapon — trade sanctions.Beijing has blocked some imports of Australian beef after Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government, endorsed by...
US retail sales plunged a record 16% in April as virus hit

US retail sales plunged a record 16% in April as virus hit

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. retail sales tumbled by a record 16.4% from March to April as business shutdowns caused by the coronavirus kept shoppers away, threatened the viability of stores across the country and further weighed down a sinking economy.The Commerce...
Beginning to bloom: New York creaking back to economic life

Beginning to bloom: New York creaking back to economic life

SCHOHARIE, N.Y. (AP) — Idled contractors girded for long-awaited jobs and shoppers browsed spring flowers — though masks made stopping to smell the roses a problem — as New York state began slowly restarting its economy Friday in areas spared the brunt of...
US pilot jailed in Singapore for breaking quarantine order

US pilot jailed in Singapore for breaking quarantine order

SINGAPORE (AP) — An American cargo pilot who admitted to “poor judgment” in breaking a quarantine order to buy medical supplies became the first foreigner imprisoned in Singapore for breaching its restrictions meant to curb the coronavirus, his lawyer said...
AP PHOTOS: UK pubs await call to open doors again

AP PHOTOS: UK pubs await call to open doors again

LONDON (AP) — The phone rings and the voice on the other side gets straight to the point: “Fancy a pint?”The response, equally pointed: “God, yeah.”That brief conversation, or some minor variation of it, is going to take place up and down the...