Feb 27, 2018

Report: Perry to lead nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein / Getty Images

Energy Secretary Rick Perry is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi officials on Friday in London about a potential deal to build nuclear power reactors in the kingdom, Bloomberg reports, citing knowledgeable sources.

The backdrop: Westinghouse has been negotiating with other U.S.-based companies on a bid worth about $12 billion. Per Bloomberg, Friday's meeting is an important step towards reaching a deal, and Perry has canceled a trip to India to attend it. Saudi Arabia reportedly plans to build 16 nuclear power reactors over the next 20 to 25 years, costing more than $80 billion.

Go deeper

Sam Baker
14 mins ago - Health

Coronavirus cases are falling, but don't get too comfortable

Data: The COVID Tracking Project, state health departments; Map: Andrew Witherspoon, Danielle Alberti, Sara Wise/Axios

America's coronavirus outbreak is slowing down after a summer of explosive growth.

By the numbers: The U.S. is averaging roughly 52,000 new cases per day — still a lot of cases, but about 10.5% fewer than it was averaging last week.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Caitlin Owens
14 mins ago - Health

We're doing a lot less coronavirus testing

Data: The COVID Tracking Project; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

The U.S. is cutting back on coronavirus testing. Nationally, the number of tests performed each day is about 17% lower than it was at the end of July, and testing is also declining in hard-hit states.

Why it matters: This big reduction in testing has helped clear away delays that undermined the response to the pandemic. But doing fewer tests can also undermine the response to the pandemic.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 20,624,316 — Total deaths: 749,421— Total recoveries: 12,831,800 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 5,197,147 — Total deaths: 166,027 — Total recoveries: 1,714,960 — Total tests: 63,252,257 — Map.
  3. Politics: Pelosi says Mnuchin told her White House is "not budging" on stimulus position.
  4. Business: U.S. already feeling effects of ending unemployment benefits.
  5. Public health: U.S. records deadliest coronavirus day of the summer — America's two-sided COVID-19 response
  6. Education: New Jersey governor allows schools to reopen — Gallup: America's confidence in public school system jumps to highest level since 2004.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow