Coronavirus
Italian officials have restricted travel and canceled events throughout the country's northern region. This effectively places almost 16 million people under lockdown. Italy has been one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak. Some of the lockdown restrictions will remain in effect until April. Meanwhile, over 500 cases are confirmed in the U.S.
Oil prices
Stocks plunged 7% on Wall Street this morning, triggering a trading halt for 15 minutes. The steep drop followed similar falls in Europe after a fight among major oil-producing countries jolted investors already on edge about the outbreak of the coronavirus. Oil prices are down about 20%, deepening a rout that began when Saudi Arabia, Russia and other producers failed to agree on cutting output.
White House
President Trump has replaced Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney with Rep. Mark Medows of North Carolina. Meadows is Trump's fourth chief of staff in a little more than three years. Mulvaney will become a special envoy to Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, several human rights organizations have filed suit against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his commission on Unalienable Rights.
2020 Election
Now that Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden are the last remaining frontrunners for the Democratic presidential nomination, prominent Democrats are stepping up to endorse. Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., former candidate Marianne Williamson and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have spoken in favor of Sanders. Former candidate and Senator Kamala Harris and Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego support Biden. The next test is Tuesday, when people in six states will cast their ballots.