Around the World
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it 'stands ready' to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia's Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ministers approve controversial phone tracking program to halt virus
Israel’s caretaker government unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure allowing security services to deploy advanced digital monitoring tools in an effort track carriers of the coronavirus, despite widespread privacy concerns.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.

Inside the United States
Dow drops nearly 3,000 points, as coronavirus collapse continues; worst day since ’87
Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the 'Black Monday' market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump: Next 15 days vital, but coronavirus response could last until middle of summer, even later
The White House Monday issued new COVID-19 guidelines for Americans to follow over a crucial 15-days period, as President Donald Trump said that ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus could continue on until the middle of summer or even longer.
First Human Vaccine Trial for Coronavirus Begins in Seattle
U.S. health officials say the first human trial has begun to test an experimental coronavirus vaccine, as scientists race to find treatments for the pandemic.
WH Coronavirus Coordinator: Limit Gatherings to Under 10 People - Even at Home
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coordinator of the coronavirus response team, said Monday that millennials 'are the core group' that will stop COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court postpones oral arguments over coronavirus fears
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it is postponing scheduled oral arguments through the month of March.
Fed says it will offer an additional $500 billion in overnight repo funding markets
A day after a dramatic move in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Monday increased the amount of liquidity it’s offering in short-term lending to the financial industry.
Trump administration to start $175M, 30-foot-tall border wall project in high traffic Texas region
The Trump administration awarded a $175 million contract to a construction company to build 15 miles of border wall in an area of southeastern Texas where no barrier exists, according to the federal agency overseeing wall projects.