Samsung expects chip demand growth despite coronavirus uncertainties

SEOUL, March 18 (Reuters) – Samsung Electronics on Wednesday expected memory chip demand to grow this year on higher data center investments and new applications, but said external uncertainties linger over the coronavirus outbreak and the U.S.-China trade war.

Samsung Electronics Chief Executive Kim Ki-nam also expected limited memory chip supplies this year, which should lead to a stablised market, he said. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Tom Hogue)

U.S. Treasury's Mnuchin, Japan's Aso discuss economic impact of coronavirus

WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke with Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday and they “welcomed the strong measures taken by both countries thus far to address the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Mnuchin and Aso “reaffirmed their commitment to use all appropriate policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable growth and safeguard against downside risks,” the statement said. (Reporting by David Lawder)

Read Live Updates On The March 17 Primary Elections

Three states are holding primaries Tueday, even as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has advised social distancing in order to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The Democratic presidential race is now a two-man battle between former Vice President Joe Biden, who leads in convention delegates and appears to be on a clear path to the nomination, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is still technically running, but has only won two delegates so far.

Ohio, which has 136 delegates, scrambled Monday to postpone its primary until June 2. Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton declared that conducting the election would be a public health hazard after GOP Gov. Mike DeWine’s first attempt to delay the vote was shut down in court.

Here are the states are still holding their primaries:

• Arizona, 67 delegates, polls close at 10 p.m. ET
• Florida, 219 delegates, some polls close at 7 p.m. ET, others at 8 p.m. ET 
• Illinois, 155 delegates, polls close at 8 p.m. ET

Go here to see results as they come in.

Read live updates below:

Man, dog escape fire in Calgary mobile home park

A Calgary man and his dog were able to scramble to safety after a fire broke out in their home on Tuesday.

Firefighters were called to the South Hill Mobile Home Park, located at 9090 24 St. S.E., before 1 p.m.

By the time crews arrived, the occupants had escaped without injury, the fire department said, adding that the trailer was badly damaged.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

B.C. restaurants and bars ordered closed amid coronavirus

B.C.’s top doctor has ordered all bars and clubs in the province to close immediately.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has used new powers after declaring a public health emergency on Tuesday to enact a verbal order.

U.S. Treasury's Mnuchin, Japan's Aso discuss economic impact of coronavirus

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke with Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday and they “welcomed the strong measures taken by both countries thus far to address the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Mnuchin and Aso “reaffirmed their commitment to use all appropriate policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable growth and safeguard against downside risks,” the statement said.

Musicians Local 47 Offers Emergency Aid To Members Who Lost Gigs To Coronavirus Shutdown

With gigs canceled all across the city, Los Angeles’ musician’s union, AFM Local 47, has established an Emergency Relief Fund for members who have lost jobs due to work stoppages resulting from the coronavirus emergency.

The fund will extend a limited number of grants to members who work under the union’s contracts. Members in need can submit an application for up to two service sets lost, in the amount of $75 per service set, for a maximum total of $150. The two service sets can be from the same employer or different ones.

Members can apply for the grants here.

“While it is the Local’s wish to help all of our members who are in immediate need as a result of job cancellations from signatory employers, we must emphasize that the funds set aside for this purpose are limited,” the union said. “We therefore urge only musicians who are suffering hardship at this time to apply. If a grant will help you, please contact us.”

Musicians Union President Calls On Government To Step Up To Help The Industry’s Suddenly Unemployed

Two rockets fall outside Baghdad's Green Zone: Military

CAIRO (REUTERS) – Two rockets fell outside Baghdad’s Green Zone on Tuesday (March 17) without causing any reported casualties, Iraq’s military said in a statement.

The US-led coalition’s spokesman, Colonel Myles B. Caggins III, said in a tweet that “Iraqis are investigating the explosions in Baghdad”, with more details coming from the Iraqi military later.

He added: “As of 11 P.M. (Baghdad Time), no rockets were fired at Camp Taji. In Baghdad, no explosions occurred near U.S./Coalition facilities.”

This story is developing

South Korea reports 93 new coronavirus cases, tally rises to 8,413

SEOUL (REUTERS) – South Korea reported 93 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday (March 18), bringing its total infections to 8,413, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The daily tally is slightly up from 84 recorded on Tuesday, but marked the fourth day in a row that the country has reported fewer than 100 new infections.

The death toll in the country currently stands at 81.

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