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
Mar 16 France to 'strongly reduce' movement to slow spread of novel coronavirus By Thomas Adamson, Lorne Cook, Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press He says residents will only be permitted to leave their homes for necessary trips such as going to work or the supermarket. Continue reading
Mar 16 France fines Apple $1.2 billion for anti-competitive acts By Associated Press It was the biggest-ever such sanction by France's Competition Authority. Calling the fine "disheartening," Apple defended its operations saying its "investment and innovation supports over 240,000 jobs across the country."… Continue reading
Mar 16 Zimbabwe official says coronavirus punishes U.S. for sanctions By Farai Mutsaka, Associated Press Zimbabwe's defense minister has described the coronavirus as God's way of punishing the United States and other western countries for imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe. Continue reading
Mar 16 Canada closes borders to noncitizens, Americans exempt By Associated Press Trudeau announced the move Monday outside his residence, where he is self isolating after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus. Continue reading
Mar 16 EU chief proposes 30-day ban on nonessential entry into bloc By Lorne Cook, Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press Speaking after an extraordinary video-conference meeting of the leaders of the G-7 countries, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said travel restrictions should be in place for an initial period that can be prolonged if necessary. Continue reading