BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING

In today’s briefing update, The headlines are – Harry and Meghan have attended one of their last royal engagements. 

Coronavirus, WHO chief warns countries are not taking the virus seriously enough. 

Brazil has been lashed with torrential rains which have swamped the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janerio. At least 32 people have died so far and more rain is on the way!

Australia is being urged to take action amid rising violence against women.

Entertainment, R Kelly has pleaded not guilty to sex abuse allegations involving new accuser. 

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Harry and Meghan attend London awards ceremony

BBC News says the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken part in one of their last official engagements together before they quit royal life later this month.

Prince Harry and Meghan attended an awards ceremony to celebrate the sporting and adventure achievements of sick and injured service personnel. 

It was also their first appearance together since their announcing they were stepping down as senior royals. And Meghan’s first public royal duty since that time. 

Read the full story on BBC News

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WHO chief warns that countries are not taking coronavirus seriously: ‘This is not a drill’

France24 says World Health officials have warned that countries are not taking the coronavirus seriously enough, as outbreaks surged across Europe and the US – where medical workers warned a “disturbing” lack of hospital preparedness.

Global markets tumbled again over concerns about the impact on the economy and countries took more drastic steps to prevent contagion of a disease that has killed over 3,300 people.

Cases soared in Italy, France, Greece and Iran. In California – a cruise ship was held offshore to test passengers showing symptoms. 

Read the full story on France24

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Brazil lashed by heavy rains, leaving at least 32 dead

CNN says at least 32 people have died since Sunday in southeastern Brazil as heavy rains swamped the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janerio, with more rain predicted and mudslides possible, authorities said Thursday.

Dozens are still unaccounted for and more than 5,000 have been displaced according to the Sao Paulo Civil Defence Authority and the governor of Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil has been affected by unusually heavy rains this year. February was the wettest month for Sao Paolo since record-keeping began 77 years ago.

Read the full story on CNN

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Australia urged to take action amid rising violence against women

Aljazeera says federal and state women’s safety ministers in Australia are meeting in Canberra on Friday to discuss major reform in handing the country’s family violence crisis. 

At least 80 organisations have signed a letter by the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA) and Fair Agenda to call for “urgent and immediate changes to improve women’s safety.” 

The letter outlines five actions that can be implemented immediately, including fully funding women’s and children’s services and putting children’s safety first in the family law system.

Read the full story on Aljazeera

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R Kelly pleads not guilty over sex abuse allegations involving new accuser

Sky News says R Kelly has pleaded not guilty over sex abuse allegations involving a new accuser.

The singer denied a 13-count indictment that was unsealed or made public, in February, which includes multiple counts of child pornography.

While the charges against the 53-year-old are largely the same as the initial indictment, the reworked document also includes a reference to a new accuser – referred to as Minor 6.

Read the full story on Sky News

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