Mar 17 China to expel American reporters after U.S. curbs its media By Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press China announced that it will revoke the media credentials of all American journalists at three major U.S. news organizations, in effect expelling them from the country. Continue reading
Mar 17 Watch 2:21 News Wrap: Rockets strike near U.S. embassy in Baghdad In our news wrap Tuesday, rockets struck near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, the latest in a series of assaults, including one on a coalition military base only hours earlier. There were no reports of injuries. Also, Russian company Concord… Continue watching
Mar 17 Venezuela seeks emergency $5 billion IMF loan to fight virus By Joshua Goodman, Associated Press Venezuela is believed to be the first country to try to tap the $50 billion in financing the IMF has available to help developing nations deal with the virus. Continue reading
Mar 17 EU to ban most foreign travelers for 30 days to curb pandemic By Lorne Cook, Associated Press The leaders of European Union nations have agreed to institute a travel ban that prohibits most foreigners from entering the bloc for 30 days to discourage the spread of the new coronavirus. Continue reading
Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day subdued across the world amid virus crisis By Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press St. Patrick's Day revelers across the world tried to salvage the holiday with makeshift celebrations after parades and parties were scrapped and residents were urged to hunker down at home to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Continue reading
Mar 17 ‘How are we going to eat?’ Novel coronavirus tests Europe’s social nets By Aritz Parra, Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Governments across Europe are deferring tax payments, approving short-term unemployment schemes and paid sick leave to try to cushion the economic blow to businesses and blue collar workers alike from virus-containment measures. Continue reading
Mar 17 ‘Virus at Iran’s gates’: How Tehran failed to stop outbreak By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press Iran is one of the hardest-hit countries in the world in the coronavirus pandemic. Although Iran has one of the Mideast's best medical services, its hospitals appear to be overwhelmed. Now, officials worry the Iranian New Year, which starts Friday,… Continue reading
Mar 16 Watch 2:05 News Wrap: Israel’s Benny Gantz tapped to form governing coalition In our news wrap Monday, Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz was formally tapped to attempt to form a governing coalition, following the country’s third election within a year. Gantz promised he would do “whatever it takes” to end the political… Continue watching
Mar 16 Watch 5:37 Why COVID-19 could be the ‘last straw’ for Lebanon’s fragile economy For years, Lebanon’s financial practices have been unsustainable and its economy lagging. The country has one of the highest levels of debt per capita in the world. Now the foundation of Lebanon’s financial house of cards is giving way --… Continue watching
Mar 16 Stocks plunge as Wall Street, White House see recession risk By Stan Choe, Damian J. Troise, Associated Press The losses accelerated in the last hour of trading as President Donald Trump advised Americans to avoid large gatherings. He also said he sees a chance of recession and promised help to the struggling airline industry. Continue reading