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WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials say it's time for all U.S. blood banks to start screening for the Zika virus. Today's move by the Food and Drug Administration is a major expansion of U.S. intervention aimed at protecting the nation's blood supply from the mosquito-borne disease. The new advisory means all states and territories will need to begin testing blood donations for Zika.
ANKARA (AP) — Turkish officials say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (REH'-jehp TY'-ihp UR'-doh-wahn) and Russia's Vladimir Putin have agreed to "speed up" efforts to deliver aid to Aleppo. Officials from Erdogan's office said the decision was reached during a telephone conversation about Syria between the two leaders Friday. The officials provided the information on condition of anonymity in line with Turkish government regulations. They did not elaborate on the plans.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is signaling that an increase in interest rates may be coming. Yellen didn't say directly that a decision had been made when she spoke to global bankers in Wyoming today. But she cited several indications of a strengthening economy in hinting that federal policymakers may approve a rate hike. She spoke optimistically about U.S. business prospects even though a new report showed a weak 1.1 percent rate of growth in the gross domestic product last spring.
AMATRICE, Italy (AP) — The government of Italy has declared Saturday a day of national mourning in the wake of this week's earthquake that killed at least 267 people. Strong aftershocks have been rattling central Italy. Hopes are dimming that rescue workers will be able to find any more survivors.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will expand a national monument off the coast of Hawaii. The result will be the world's largest marine protected area. The national monument will contain more than 582,000 square miles, twice the size of Texas. The president will visit the area next week.
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