Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.
COVID-19: President Trump extended social distancing guidelines through the end of April, current projections indicate as many as 100,000 deaths, and the CDC now recommends Americans wear masks. Live updates at CNN.
Iran Tensions: President Trump has stated that Iranian-backed militia are planning attacks against US interests in Iraq, and warned that there would be a “heavy price” for any attacks. This comes as attacks against US troops and military interests become more brazen. Full story at Washington Post.
Venezuelan President: The US Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The charges accuse Maduro of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US does not recognize Maduro as the President of Venezuela. Full story at New York Times.
Arianne Caoili: Armenian chess master Arianne Caoili died this week after being hospitalized due to a car accident. She was a renowned chess player as well as accomplished dancer, model, and entrepreneur. Read more at New York Times.
Daniel Pearl Case: Pakistani authorities have re-arrested four people acquitted of murdering Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi in 2002. The Government of Pakistan has said it will challenge the acquittal. More at Reuters.