U.S. REDUCING NUMBER OF TROOPS IN IRAQ
IRAQ» The U.S.-led QAIM, coalition, which launched its fight against the Islamic State in August 2014, is now reducing the numbers of American troops in Iraq, after Baghdad declared victory over the extremists in December. Both Iraqi and U.S. officials say the exact size of the drawdown has not yet been decided.
U.S. and Iraqi commanders in western Iraq warn that victories over the Islamic State could be undercut easily by a largescale withdrawal. Iraq’s regular military remains dependent on U.S. support. Many within Iraq’s minority communities view the U.S. presence as a buffer against the Shiitedominated central government. Still, Iranian-backed militias with strong voices in Baghdad are pushing for a complete U.S. withdrawal, and some Iraqis liken any American presence to a form of occupation.
Brazil battles yellow fever.
RIO DE
JANEIRO» Brazil is suffering one of its worst outbreaks of yellow fever, a potentially lethal mosquito-borne virus. The yellow fever outbreak started at the end of 2016. The number of cases dropped during the Brazilian winter, when mosquitoes are less plentiful, but has surged at alarming speed since the beginning of this year in the country’s southeast. So far, the virus is being carried only by rural-dwelling mosquitoes, but cases are appearing dangerously close to three of the country’s largest metropolitan areas — Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte.
But even as the vaccination campaign expands, so does an anti-vaccine movement fueled by Internet rumors.
Rosalynn Carter recovering from surgery.
ATLANTA»
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter is recovering from surgery at Emory University Hospital. Carter, 90, had surgery Sunday to remove scar tissue from a portion of her small intestine, The Carter Center said. The surgery was successful. The scar tissue, the statement said, developed after a cyst was removed many years ago.
Buffalo gores camper on island.
Authorities say a buffalo has gored a man camping on Southern California’s Catalina Island. Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials say the man was sitting on a log Saturday evening and the buffalo was grazing nearby.
Sgt. Ray Ward said that when the buffalo came closer, the man tried to move away. That’s when the animal charged. Ward says the buffalo gored the man’s left arm. He didn’t know the extent of the injuries. The man was flown to a hospital on the mainland.
“Black Panther” blows away box office with $192 million weekend.
HOLLYWOOD» A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural meaning pushed “Black Panther” to a record-setting $192 million debut in U.S. and Canadian theaters, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark.
The Marvel film from the Walt Disney Co. blew past expectations to become the fifth-highestgrossing debut ever, not adjusting for inflation, following only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” ‘’Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” ‘’Jurassic World” and “The Avengers.”