WORLD

Beijing, China | AFP |  Lockdowns were imposed in parts of Beijing on Saturday to try and prevent the spread of a new coronavirus cluster, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead even for places where outbreaks are under control. It came as Brazil claimed the unenviable position of having the second-highest …

Rome, Italy | AFP |  EU leaders are set to join Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday for talks on jumpstarting the nation’s economy, but opposition figures shunned the hastily organised — and roundly criticised — initiative. Despite a bevy of A-list political speakers, Italians such as far-right leader Matteo …

Washington, United States | AFP |  President Donald Trump plans to address the new graduating class of the West Point military academy Saturday, as relations with the Pentagon fray over accusations that he has politicized the US military. Tensions have soared in two weeks since Trump threatened to call out active …

Los Angeles, United States | AFP |  George Takei, the pioneering Asian American “Star Trek” actor and LGBTQ icon, said massive anti-racism protests this month show the US is “making progress” on diversity, but warned the pandemic is renewing deep-rooted prejudices. Speaking to AFP ahead of his address at the University …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | President Vladimir Putin said Friday an “absolute majority” of Russians backed his controversial plan to change the constitution, as he made his first public appearance after weeks of lockdown. Russia, which has the world’s third-largest coronavirus caseload, this week lifted tight restrictions as Putin set the stage for a vote …

Washington, United States | AFP | America’s top general said Thursday he was wrong to appear with President Donald Trump in a photo op near the White House last week, staged after the area was forcefully cleared of anti-racism protesters. “I should not have been there. My presence in that moment …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said a wave of anti-racism protests across Britain had been “hijacked by extremists”, as fears mounted about clashes between activists and far-right groups. In London, authorities boarded up several statues, including one of World War II leader Winston Churchill, …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | US and European stock markets were higher Friday as investors turned buyers again after the previous day’s rout on coronavirus economic fallout fears and the likelihood of a second wave of the pandemic in the United States. The magnitude of the earthquake caused by the …

Montreal, Canada | AFP |  Students soon to graduate from Montreal’s esteemed National Circus School expect months of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed shows around the world and thrust their career prospects into doubt. Head upside down, feet pointed to the sky, Antino Pansa balances on a …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  From dress designers to hat makers to the hospitality sector, Royal Ascot is usually a lucrative source of income for a whole industry connected with one of Britain’s most feted social and sporting events. However, Queen Elizabeth II will be absent this year, dresses will …