PBS News Hour - World

Reopening economies should be a 'delicate dance,' say health experts

Although the pace of infection has slowed in some U.S. coronavirus hot spots, the overall numbers keep rising. Nearly a third of the world's three million confirmed cases are in the U.S., which has also recorded 55,000 deaths. But despite the disease's continued spread, state and local officials are facing persistent pressure to get their communities back to business. Stephanie Sy reports.

News Wrap: South Korea urges caution over Kim Jong Un rumors

In our news wrap Monday, South Korean officials renewed calls for caution amid speculation about Kim Jong Un. Rumors regarding the North Korean leader's well-being have swirled as he has disappeared from view in recent weeks. Also, the United Nations reports that civilian deaths from fighting in Afghanistan during the year's first quarter were the lowest for that period since 2012.

Where is North Korea's Kim Jong Un? An expert weighs in

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un remained out of the public view on Saturday, as rumors continue to swirl that he is gravely ill. As that scenario is unfolding, the secretive country continues to maintain it has zero cases of COVID-19 within its borders, a claim that has been widely questioned. Jean Lee, director of the Korea program at the Wilson Center, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss.

U.S. death toll passes 50,000 as some states begin lifting restrictions

The United States now has more than 50,000 deaths from COVID-19 -- roughly a quarter of all pandemic deaths worldwide. Yet parts of the country have begun to lift restrictions and reopen businesses, including Georgia, whose governor faced criticism from President Trump for his decision. Meanwhile, nations across the globe are facing shortages of critical medical supplies. John Yang reports.

News Wrap: U.S. Navy asks that Crozier be reinstated as Roosevelt captain

In our news wrap Friday, the U.S. Navy wants Brett Crozier to be reinstated as captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Crozier was fired after he appealed to evacuate the ship as COVID-19 broke out on board. Also, the Congressional Budget Office says economic damage and federal relief bills will drive the U.S. deficit to $3.7 trillion this year -- nearly four times more than last year.

News Wrap: Severe storms across the South kill at least 7

In our news wrap Thursday, severe storms killed at least seven people in parts of the South late Wednesday. Reported tornadoes struck in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma before moving east to Mississippi and Alabama. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to curb the Clean Water Act as the Trump administration had wanted. A 6-3 decision found that the law can include pollution released into the ground.

EU ambassador says bloc overcoming slow COVID-19 response with solidarity

In Europe, leaders are discussing the same tough questions confronting the United States. When should pandemic restrictions be lifted? How hard will the road to recovery be? The European Union has agreed to create a massive recovery fund to try to rebuild devastated economies. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to the EU's ambassador to the U.S., Stavros Lambrinidis, about the group's "solidarity."

Some states to begin relaxing restrictions, as U.S. deaths pass 46,000

COVID-19 was infecting Americans weeks earlier than was officially recorded, according to new California data showing that two deaths in mid-February were associated with the disease. Meanwhile, federal vaccine expert Dr. Rick Bright says he was forced out of his Department of Health and Human Services job because he wouldn't promote unproven treatments for COVID-19. Lisa Desjardins reports.

News Wrap: Earth Day's 50th anniversary arrives for a cleaner planet

In our news wrap Wednesday, it was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and it came as COVID-19 lockdowns have cleared air and water worldwide. Pollution in several major cities, including Paris and New Delhi, is about 50 percent lower than in previous years. Also, President Trump says he has ordered the U.S. Navy to "destroy" any Iranian gunboats that harass American ships in the Persian Gulf.

Pandemic could mean 260 million people worldwide 'marching toward starvation'

The United Nations World Food Program warned this week that as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the number of people facing food crisis could double -- to 260 million worldwide. David Beasley, the organization's executive director, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss how the developing world, already suffering due to climate change and conflict, is faring amid this new disaster of COVID-19.

The U.S.-China battle to control COVID-19 narrative -- and blame

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of a cover-up during the early days of COVID-19, the latest in the U.S. rhetorical pressure campaign. China has pushed back, launching an information war that included conspiracy theories and highly publicized sales of medical equipment to other countries -- including the U.S. Nick Schifrin reports on the roiling confrontation.

Jane Goodall on animal-human interconnectedness amid the pandemic

We mark this 50th anniversary of Earth Day with Jane Goodall, one of the world's most renowned scientists and environmentalists. A new National Geographic documentary explores her life and work, teaching generations how interconnected we are with the natural world. Jeffrey Brown talks to Goodall about her career and mission -- and the pandemic that has brought modern civilization to its knees.

What's different about the latest Senate coronavirus aid bill

On Tuesday, the Senate renewed its effort to mitigate economic pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers approved a $483 billion relief package including money for hospitals, testing and small business lending -- especially targeted to business categories less successful in securing funding through previous legislation. Amna Nawaz reports, and Lisa Desjardins joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

News Wrap: Senate Intelligence Committee reaffirms Russian election meddling

In our news wrap Tuesday, a bipartisan Senate report reaffirms that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election -- and will try it again this year. The findings contradict President Trump's claims of a hoax and reiterate the intelligence community's consensus. Also, South Korea and China are casting doubt upon earlier reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is gravely ill.

How Uganda's history of epidemics has prepared it for COVID-19

Poor health care infrastructure in some African countries is making them particularly susceptible to the novel coronavirus. But the nation of Uganda has only 58 confirmed cases so far, and experts say its experience with previous viral outbreaks, such as Ebola, meant it was already prepared for this pandemic. Special correspondent Michael Baleke reports from the capital city of Kampala.

Crowds gather to protest restrictions, but health experts issue grim warning

Troubled global oil market tanks amid pandemic's drop in demand

Economic damage from the novel coronavirus pandemic has knocked the bottom out of the oil market. The cost of benchmark U.S. crude oil, for delivery in May, actually fell below zero -- dragging down the entire stock market. And in some places, producers are running out of places to store unused oil. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the unprecedented numbers.

News Wrap: Nova Scotia reels from Canada's deadliest ever mass shooting

In our news wrap Monday, authorities are searching for answers after a gunman killed 18 people in Nova Scotia over the weekend. It was Canada's deadliest mass shooting ever. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and main rival Benny Gantz reached a coalition deal that will end a year-long political standoff. Netanyahu will remain in his role for the next 18 months, followed by Gantz.

Brazil's people fear a COVID-19 threat their president denies

How does a country mobilize to fight COVID-19 when its own president says the virus isn't a serious matter? Brazil is in the process of finding out, as President Jair Bolsonaro prioritizes Latin America's largest economy in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Nick Schifrin reports.

As the longest war grinds on, Afghanistan now faces pandemic enemy

The scourge of COVID-19 is even more severe in less-developed nations -- and the presence of military conflict makes it worse still. Afghanistan is among the countries facing this heightened threat, as thousands of cases of the virus collide with a politically fragile moment. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports.

News Wrap: Ukraine wildfires cause surge in air pollution near Kiev

In our news wrap Friday, smoke from wildfires outside Ukraine's capital of Kiev has elevated its air pollution levels to the highest in the world. The fires erupted earlier this month, burning close to the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant. Also, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen will be released early from federal prison as part of an effort to prevent COVID-19 from spreading among inmates.

News Wrap: Parliamentary election victory for South Korea's ruling party

In our news wrap Thursday, South Korea's ruling party has won big in parliamentary elections held Wednesday. Voters had to wear masks and gloves and have their temperatures checked, but turnout was the highest in nearly 30 years. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rival Benny Gantz are still deadlocked over forming a government, raising the question of a potential fourth election.

Debate resurfaces over origins of novel coronavirus

From the moment the novel coronavirus was identified, there were questions about its origin. This week, reports suggest U.S. diplomats are concerned about a lab in Wuhan, China -- the city where the outbreak began. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Dr. Luciana Borio, who served on the National Security Council under President Trump, about what scientists do and don't know about this deadly virus.

News Wrap: Notre Dame Cathedral marks 1 year since devastating fire

In our news wrap Wednesday, it has been one year since fire gutted Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The pandemic has halted reconstruction work, but French President Emmanuel Macron vowed it would continue. Also, the world's 20 richest countries are freezing all debt payments for poorer nations to allow them to spend more on health care and vulnerable populations amid COVID-19.

What's behind Trump's criticism of the World Health Organization

President Trump said Tuesday he will cut U.S. funding for the World Health Organization, accusing the body of being too trusting of China's early assertions that it had the novel coronavirus under control. But critics of the move say that WHO is playing an integral role amid the pandemic -- and that no other organization is poised to take its place. Nick Schifrin joins Judy Woodruff to discuss.

Working together, South Koreans turn COVID-19 hot zone into containment leader

South Korea has transformed from a COVID-19 hot zone to a leader in the global fight against the virus. Companies there are now making millions of test kits for export, and the public is voting in a parliamentary election despite the disease. Special correspondent Bruce Harrison reports from Seoul on how South Koreans have worked together to make progress -- and aim to prevent a virus resurgence.

Developing countries' fragile hygiene and health care raise COVID-19 risks

Much of the recent news about the coronavirus pandemic has focused on the globe's richer countries. But how is the developing world, where health care resources are strained in the best of times, preparing for COVID-19? To find out, special correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reconnected with some of the social leaders he has interviewed in Asia and Africa. It's part of our series Agents for Change.

Trump, governors clash over path to reopening U.S. economy

President Trump and some state governors are arguing over who should decide how to reopen the U.S. economy after the coronavirus pandemic -- and when. Meanwhile, New York's death toll from COVID-19 has passed 10,000, and meat-processing plants in Pennsylvania and South Dakota are closing after hundreds of their workers tested positive for the virus. Stephanie Sy reports.

News Wrap: Obama endorses Biden, urges 'great awakening' in politics

In our news wrap Tuesday, former President Barack Obama ended months of neutrality and endorsed his vice president, Joe Biden, for the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama said Biden has the character and experience to guide the nation through one of its darkest times. Also, the U.S. Senate appears to be at a stalemate over adding another $250 billion to aid small business amid the pandemic.

The pandemic threatens the people of East Africa -- and now locusts threaten their food

As COVID-19 threatens the people of East Africa, locusts threaten their livestock and their food. The region suffered an initial swarm of the destructive insects in February but is now ravaged by a second wave 20 times larger. Pesticides can help, but pandemic border closures complicate delivery. And the populations directly affected are already vulnerable and food insecure. Nick Schifrin reports.

U.S., global officials weigh risks of easing COVID-19 restrictions

The novel coronavirus has killed nearly 120,000 people worldwide, including 23,000 in the U.S. Although officials in some countries, including the U.S., are talking about restarting economic and social activity, health experts warn that doing so without sufficient preparation -- and widespread testing for the virus -- could prompt another wave of infections. Amna Nawaz reports.

News Wrap: At least 30 people killed as severe storms sweep the Deep South

In our news wrap Monday, at least 30 people were killed after severe storms swept across the Deep South on Easter Sunday and overnight. Tornadoes and thunderstorms blasted a path from Texas to the Carolinas. Also, the Trump administration is asking to postpone deadlines for the 2020 census amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Census Bureau wants to wait until June 1st to resume field operations.

After more than 17,000 deaths, how Spain is coping with COVID-19

Spain is among the countries hit hardest by COVID-19 so far. But after more than 17,000 deaths and weeks of a strict lockdown, workers in some non-essential industries returned to their jobs Monday. The easing of restrictions is controversial in a nation whose medical community has suffered heavily from the pandemic -- and still lacks adequate protection. Special correspondent Max Duncan reports.

As Ebola outbreak fades out, Congo prepares for COVID-19

Just days before the latest Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was declared officially over, a new case of the deadly virus was confirmed on Friday. The outbreak began in 2018, infecting thousands of people. Special correspondent Benedict Moran and video journalist Jorgen Samso report on how it was contained and what can be learned as the coronavirus spreads in Africa.

Lessons learned in the battle against Ebola

What we learned from the Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016 helped lay the groundwork for the more recent response to the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lauren Baer, a former senior advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the Obama administration, joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss what steps can be taken to help control the coronavirus pandemic.

Global death toll tops 100,000 as Trump speaks of reopening the economy

The global death toll from coronavirus has now passed the 100,000 mark, just four months after the illness first appeared. In the U.S., 18,000 people have died -- nearly double the total from a week ago. Still, some hot spots are seeing signs of hope. Meanwhile, President Trump is talking of restarting the economy but says he will listen to public health advisers before acting. John Yang reports.

News Wrap: Oil producers agree to cut global supply

In our news wrap Friday, members of OPEC, along with Russia and Mexico, agreed to cut global oil production by up to 10 million barrels a day, or a tenth of the world supply. It's an effort to stabilize oil markets and boost prices, which have fallen more than 50 percent this year. Also, Attorney General William Barr says the investigation of ties between President Trump and Russia was a travesty.

Pandemic turns Holy Week celebrations empty and silent

The coronavirus pandemic has made this year's Holy Week one like never before. With stricken Italy extending a nationwide lockdown into May, Pope Francis has been holding services only via TV and online. And in Israel, the sacred sites of Jerusalem's Old City, touchstones of faith for three religions, remain empty. Special correspondent Sabina Castelfranco reports from Rome on an eerie Holy Week.

How state and city officials around the U.S. are preparing for virus surge

COVID-19 has now killed over 16,000 people in the U.S. and caused staggering economic damage. At least one in 10 Americans has lost their job in the past three weeks, putting overall unemployment at 17 million people. In response, the Federal Reserve announced more than $2 trillion in support loans for households and businesses to "provide some stability and some relief." William Brangham reports.

News Wrap: Senate Democrats block White House request for more aid

In our news wrap Thursday, Democrats in the U.S. Senate blocked the Trump administration's request for another $250 billion in pandemic relief for small business -- saying that they support the idea but want a similar sum for hospitals and states. Also, reports indicate a trip by acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly to Guam to address the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt cost upwards of $240,000.

U.S. officials urge adherence to social distancing as NY infections slow

The human cost of the novel coronavirus pandemic is still rising worldwide, but infections may be leveling off in Italy, Spain and New York, which lost nearly 800 people to the disease Tuesday. U.S. officials at both the state and federal levels are urging people to remain vigilant about social distancing even as its adoption appears to be flattening the curve of new cases. John Yang reports.

News Wrap: Mnuchin says Americans will start receiving coronavirus money next week

In our news wrap Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told House Democrats Americans will start receiving direct deposits of COVID-19 aid next week. He also pressed Congress to add $250 billion to the Payroll Protection Program for small businesses. Also, the Afghan government freed 100 Taliban prisoners, saying the release was part of an agreement between the insurgent group and the U.S.

How Sweden and Denmark represent opposite Scandinavian COVID-19 responses

In Scandinavia, Sweden is experiencing a rising death toll from COVID-19 -- as well as growing doubt about the country's more relaxed approach to handling it. Meanwhile, neighboring Denmark is set to ease some of its lockdown restrictions after a drop in numbers of infections and deaths. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant, who lived in Copenhagen for seven years, reports from outside London.

New York sees signs of virus plateau; in China, Wuhan lockdown finally lifted

The coronavirus has claimed more than 12,000 lives in the U.S., but signs of hope are emerging. The number of patients being hospitalized in New York, the nation's top virus hot spot, has dropped, in an indication that physical distancing measures are working. Across the globe in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak originated, an 11-week lockdown has finally lifted. Stephanie Sy reports.

News Wrap: Acting Navy Secretary Modly resigns after controversy

In our news wrap Tuesday, acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned after a tirade against the former captain of a warship hit by COVID-19. Modly had said that fired Captain Brett Crozier was "too naive or too stupid" to hold his post. Also, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham is leaving her post to become the first lady's chief of staff. She never held a formal press briefing.

U.S. death toll passes 10,000; British prime minister in ICU

The U.S. death toll from coronavirus has passed 10,000, as public health officials warn Americans to brace for a sad and somber week. Although cases appear to be leveling off in New York, they are surging in Michigan and other parts of the country. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been hospitalized and moved to the ICU. John Yang and special correspondent Ryan Chilcote report.

News Wrap: Ousted intelligence inspector general urges other watchdogs to speak up

In our news wrap Monday, the former inspector general for U.S. intelligence is urging other watchdogs not to be muzzled by his ouster. Michael Atkinson was fired by President Trump Friday for passing along the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump's impeachment. Also, the State Department has designated a Russian white supremacist group a terror organization, charging it has trained neo-Nazis.

How the fragile health care systems of the Middle East are bracing for COVID-19

The number of coronavirus cases in the Middle East has risen to nearly 60,000, doubling in a single week. Governments in the region are scrambling to try to prevent the virus' spread, knowing that their fragile health care systems stand little chance against a disease that has overwhelmed the world's most medically advanced countries. Special correspondent Jane Ferguson reports from Beirut.

British PM Boris Johnson hospitalized with COVID-19

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has tested positive for COVID-19, was admitted to the hospital late Sunday. The prime minister has been in isolation at his residence next door to 10 Downing Street. The government says Johnson is running a high temperature and that the hospitalization is precautionary. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote joins Hari Sreenivasan from London with more.

Across the U.S., economic losses mount, but virus peak still lies ahead

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed some 7,000 lives across the United States, with more than 40 percent of those in New York. The state's governor, Andrew Cuomo, said he will seize vital unused equipment from private hospitals if necessary in order to treat the surge in COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, new numbers drive home the outbreak's devastating impact on the U.S. economy. Amna Nawaz reports.