National News

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban in an effort to fight the rapid spread of the virus. In a televised address to the nation Wednesday night, Macron said efforts are needed as “the epidemic is accelerating.” The move is a departure…

(AP) -- Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12. The announcement Wednesday marks a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before the next school year. Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus.…

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man who was among onlookers shouting at a Minneapolis police officer to get off George Floyd last May says he called 911 to report a murder after Floyd was removed by paramedics. Donald Williams returned to the stand Tuesday, a day after he described seeing Floyd struggle for air and his…

LONDON (AP) — More than 20 heads of government and global agencies have called for an international treaty for pandemic preparedness that they say will protect future generations. But there are few details to explain how such an agreement might actually compel countries to act more cooperatively. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and…

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd went on trial Monday, with a prosecutor telling the jury that Floyd was under Derek Chauvin’s knee for 9 minutes and 29 seconds before going limp. Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell told jurors that Chauvin “didn’t let up, he didn’t get up” even after…