WASHINGTON – Mike Bloomberg will cover the cost of health care for his former presidential campaign staffers through November, reversing course on a decision that had prompted outrage and sparked lawsuits against the billionaire businessman. Bloomberg had initially enticed staffers to join his long-shot presidential campaign by offering generous benefits and pay and promising them employment through November, even if he didn’t win the Democratic nomination. Those commitments helped the candidate build out a staff of thousands across 43 states within months of his late entry into the race. That move prompted former Bloomberg campaign staffers to launch a number of lawsuits alleging the former New York City mayor had lied about the terms of their employment. But on Monday, former campaign staffers received an email from the human resources department citing the “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and offering to cover health care costs through November.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As Super Tuesday voting got underway, deadly storms that spawned tornadoes and heavy rains left treacherous conditions in at least two of the 14 states where residents were voting. Nashville Mayor John Cooper said alternate sites were arranged for 15 polling places out of the 169 precincts in Nashville's combined city-county area. Davidson County Administrator of Elections Jeff Thomas said voters from anywhere in the county can go to two so called "supersites" to cast their ballots. Tornadoes had ripped through parts of the state just hours earlier, destroying buildings and killing at least 19 people, as severe storms caused damage across the state. In rural central Alabama, high winds howled and the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for at least five counties.

A man wearing a face mask walks past statues of bulls in Beijing, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. Asian stock markets fell further Friday on spreading virus fears, deepening an global rout after Wall Street endured its biggest one-day drop in nine years. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. GLOBAL STOCKS TUMBLE ON VIRUS FEARS Outbreaks in Italy, South Korea and Iran fuel fears the coronavirus is turning into a worldwide threat that might derail trade and industry. HOW AFGHANS SEE PEACE DEAL The war-torn nation views the expected signing of a U.S.-Taliban accord with a heavy dose of well-earned skepticism.