Domestic Politics
The Iowa Democratic Party released updated results of the Iowa Caucuses. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg holds a 0.1% lead over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and will claim 14 delegates. Sen. Sanders will receive twelve, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will get eight, former Vice President Joe Biden will receive six, and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar will get one. [CNN]
The White House is expected to announce a $4.8 trillion budget plan for 2021 today. Key features will include a request for $2 billion in homeland security funds for the US southern border wall, and at least $1.5 trillion in cuts to "non-defense discretionary programs." [CNN]
In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump defended the firing of top Ukraine expert Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, stating that he was “very insubordinate” and that he incorrectly reported the contents of a "perfect" phone call that was at the centre of his impeachment. [BBC]
International Relations
Canada is prepared to offer more help to China to address the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday said that Canada had already responded to China’s request for medical equipment, including face masks and other protective gear, and will continue to work with the country “to ensure that they have the resources to contain this virus.” [Global News]
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to visit Kuwait today, to meet with Canadian forces that are part of the international coalition fighting against ISIS. Trudeau is expected to remain Kuwait for less than 24 hours before continuing his African tour with a visit to Senegal, aimed at shoring up support for Canada's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2021-22. [CBC News]
Business
U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said on Friday that under the new North American Trade Agreement, Canada and Mexico could help export US coal to Asia and other global markets and get around the shipment blockades imposed by the West Coast states that concerned about the impact of the fuel on climate change. [Reuters]
Society
The US Women’s National Football Team and reigning world champions beat Canada 3-0 in Carson, California, on Sunday to win the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the 2020 Olympics. The U.S. has participated in six Olympics, winning four gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012) and a silver in 2000 but was eliminated in the 2016 semifinals by Sweden. [ESPN]
Energy and Environment
U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said on Friday that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on global energy markets is currently marginal, though it could worsen if the virus spreads. He said that he did not foresee any negative impact on the agreement by China in the Phase 1 trade deal between Beijing and Washington to buy more than $50 billion in energy products including liquefied natural gas and oil over two years. [Reuters]
Image Source: Reuters