AFN News December 19, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, December 19, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Dave Packer. A six-hour war of words is under way on the House floor as the lawmakers explain why they are for or against impeaching President Trump. “Members of Congress continue to debate the case for or against impeachment. Republicans like Alabama representative Mike Rogers are blasting the impeachment as a political sham. ‘The matter before the House today is based solely on a fundamental hatred of our President.’ Democrats like Pennsylvania representative Madeleine Dean said the President has demonstrated a clear pattern of wrongdoing. ‘When is it every right for the President to coerce foreign power to interfere in our elections?’ The Chamber will move to a final vote on the impeachment later today. Jordyn Phelps, ABC News, Capitol Hill.” President Trump will be at an election rally in Michigan, talking to supporters at the time the House is expected to vote.

2) Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham says he plans on holding hearings next year to examine FISA warrants. “If it’s not a system problem, that tells me that the people in the Carter Page case got drunk with power, had a personal agenda, and may have acted on it. If it’s a systematic abuse, it tells me that the FISA process needs to be dramatically reformed. Either way, it’s bad.” That is Graham’s announcement. He is in response to the DOJ inspector general report that found errors in the warrants FBI agent drafted to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign aide Carter Page. *FISA= Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

3) In Oregon, one person dead, two others injured, stabbed at a shopping center near Portland. A suspect in custody. Derrick Easley is the manager of Sprint Store in that shopping center. “Something like this to happen, you know, on a Wednesday. It’s wild and shocking to see them.” So far no words on the motive

4) And up the coast in Washington State, an elementary school-aged child in King County died from the flu. It’s the first reported pediatric flu death in that county since 2009. Health officials say the child was previously healthy and died from flu complications. Five other deaths from the flu have been confirmed in Washington State this season. You’re listening to ABC News.

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- I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report. -

Stocks finishing mixed with the Dow snapping a five-session winning streak and the NASDAQ notching a new record high. Among the gainers today, energy and real estate companies while industrials lagged. The Dow winners; Boeing, UnitedHealth and Nike. The Dow decliners; 3M, Disney and Procter & Gamble. The Dow falling 28 points, the NASDAQ up 4, S&P 500 down a point. // One of the big laggards today on Wall Street, delivery giant FedEx. Its shares tanking 10%, after reporting 40% drop in quarterly profits and cutting its earnings targets for the fourth time this year due to weak global economic conditions and higher expenses. // And General Mills rising over 2% after the owner of Cheerios and Betty Crocker reported better-than-expected quarterly results strongly boosted by its pet food divisions. Sales of its Blue Buffalo pet food rising 16%, making up for weaker snack bar and yogurt sales. That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in news.

AFN News December 12, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, December 12, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. History in the making tonight on Capitol Hill. The House Judiciary Committee will begin what’s known as a markup hearing on two articles of impeachment against President Trump. “Prime-time impeachment committee debates will feature Democrats saying they’re upholdin the rule of law and Republicans insisting the President was not given a fair hearing and did nothing impeachable. The arguments could last till midnight with the committee returning Thursday for another daylong markup. It’s likely the full House will debate and vote on the two articles of impeachment sometimes next week.” ABC’s Andy Field. The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing from Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz today about his report on FBI’s decision to investigate the 2016 Trump campaign. Horowitz says while there were some mistakes, the probe was not prompted by political bias.

2) Learning more about yesterday’s deadly standoff between police and two gunmen in New Jersey City, New Jersey; the suspects, three civilians and a police officer were killed when the shooters pulled up in the U-Haul truck and opened fire at kosher deli. The authorities are searching the vehicle. “They did locate in that, among other items that I won’t be discussing, a pipe bomb - improvised explosive device. What I will say is that it was examined, it’s down at the FBI laboratory right now. It was a viable device, meaning it could be device that would have exploded. It was again of a pipe bomb design, not complicated but sophisticated in the sense that time and effort went into creating it.” Special agent in charge for the FBI Gregory Ehrie.

3) Harvey Weinstein settled civil suits filed by numerous accusers. “Harvey Weinstein and his bankrupt, namesake film studio have agreed to settle civil claims with women who have accused him of sexual misconducts. We’re told that total settlement is $47 million with about 2/3 going to the accusers and the rest to lawyers. There is no admission of wrongdoing required on Weinstein part.” ABC’ Aaron Katersky.

4) Time Magazine naming Greta Thunberg as its Person of the Year. You’re listening to ABC News.

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“I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.”

The major averages closing in the green after the Fed announced it was leaving a benchmark interest rate unchanged in the range of 1.5 and 1.75% in signal that is expected to keep low rates steady through next year. Among the Dow winners today; Apple, Disney and United Technologies. The Dow decliners; Boeing, Home Depot and Chevron. The Dow rising 29 points, the NASDAQ up 38, S&P 500 up 9. // One of the big Dow laggards today, Home Depot. Its shares closing down 2% after the home improvement chain lowered its sales forecast into next year. The move comes three week after it cut its sales forecast for this year. And one of the Dow winners today; Apple. Its shares hitting an all-time high after an Evercore analyst said that the tech giant will make a strong showing next year, and despite the stock’s huge gain for this year, he says there will be continuing momentum for Apple.

That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in news.

AFN News December 5, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, December 5, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Michelle Franzen. The House Judiciary Committee set a wrap-up testimony in today’s first public hearing. The focus today, the definition of an impeachable offense. According to the constitution, the witnesses - legal scholars. “The question of whether President Trump should be impeached for asking Ukraine to investigate a political rival. Harvard law’s Noah Feldman says it was first considered at the constitutional convention in 1787.” “If the President cannot be impeached (quote) ‘He will spare no efforts or means whatever to get himself reelected,’ but Jonathan Turley at George Washington University testified this case is legally weak. ‘The bribery theory being put forward is as flawed in the 18th century as it is in this century.’ As Democrats pressed ahead, Turley warned first impeachment has failed. Aaron Katersky, ABC News.”

2) The partisan back and forth between Democrats and Republicans on the committee also want to display. ABC’s Terry Moran with details, “I don’t have to have remembered when I was a kid watching the Watergate-era, Judicial Committee debating the impeachment of Richard Nixon. They were sharply divided - Republicans for Nixon, Democrats against, but there was a deep respect for the process. That wasn’t about sand in the gears. That was about doing the duty that the committee has under the Constitution and the rules of the House. It was a very different approach by Republican.”

3) Former President Jimmy Carter is out of the hospital. The Carter Center says the 95-year old is back home today after being treated for a urinary tract infection.

4) Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison announcing the state is filing its suit against big vaping company Juul joining other states cracking down on vaping products. “We’re using the power of the Minnesota attorney general’s office to bring a lawsuit against Juul Labs on behalf of the state and people of Minnesota.” Ellison said Juul lured in young people with the same marketing tactics that the tobacco industry employed in the 1990s. Federal and State investigations continue in the lung illnesses and deaths related to e-cigarette products. You’re listening to ABC News.

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“I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.”

On Wall Street, the major averages snapping a three-session losing streak and closing higher on reports that the U.S. and China are still working toward the phase one trade deal. Among the gainers today, trade sensitive tech stocks and financials. The Dow winners, Apple, 3M and UnitedHealth. The Dow decliners, Boeing, Visa and Cisco. With the Dow rising 147 points, the NASDAQ up 46, S&P 500 up 20. // And shares of Campbell Soup spiking around 2% today after the soup, simple meals and snack company reported that profits rose for its recent quarter but the sales declined with soup sales falling. Now the food maker attributed the drop to the timing of shipments tied to the later-than-normal Thanksgiving holiday. However, Campbell’s U.S. soup businesses gained market share for the first time in ten quarters in the indicator of progress with the business.

That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in news.

AFN News November 28, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, November 28, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Lynda Lopez. Pack your bags and your patience. It’s a getaway day. “Hundreds of thousands of passengers expected to come to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Wednesday with a forecast to be the second busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. These fliers are headed to Florida, Florida for warmer weather there, warmer weather, family.” “Seattle.” “Seattle? What’s in Seattle?” “Ah, my sons.” “Karbo.” “Karbo?” “Yah, for wedding.” Most of these fliers sounded they purposely got here early to get themselves plenty of time to get through these crowded security lines. The biggest issue later today though, maybe the weather, wind gust could hit 60 miles an hour.  Ryan Burrow, ABC News, Chicago.

2) The White House is considering an invitation from the House Judicially Committee for the President or his attorney to appear at next week’s impeachment hearing. “The White House calls the impeachment inquiry an illegitimate sham partisan process, but still it’s reviewing the letter from House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler that invited the President to the committee’s first impeachment hearing next week. It’s an academic exercise with legal experts testifying about high crimes and misdemeanors. President Trump is scheduled to be out of town, but the White House has until December 1st to tell the committee whether it would send a representative.” ABC’s Aaron Katersky.

3) A Brooklyn man was arrested today, accused of providing material support to ISIS. Zachary Clark allegedly posted instructions on how to conduct a lone-wolf attack in New York City, how to select a target, and how to avoid detection.

4) Alabama authorities say the human remains found in Macon County have been positively identified as Aniah Blanchard, the 19-year-old college student who disappeared in October in Auburn. Auburn sheriff Paul Register, “The case, I’ll see, will move forward as a homicide investigation at this point, and as you expect, additional charges will be forthcoming.” Three suspects have been arrested.

5) William Ruckelshaus, the deputy attorney general who resigned rather than carried out President Nixon’s illegal order to fire the independent special Watergate prosecutor in 1973, who came to be known as the Saturday Night Massacre, died today at his home in Seattle. He was 87.

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“I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.”

On Wall Street, stocks closing in a record territory for the third straight day ahead of the Thanksgiving break. The Dow was at all-time high, adding 42 to close at 28,164. The NASDAQ climbing to 57, S&P is up 13. // Forget the turkey. Wine and cheese prices could soon be on the rise amid the potential trade battle with France. At issue, the French government imposed taxes on big tech companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple. Now the U.S. is looking to respond by sticking French products with new tariffs. // Americans will be paying about the same for a Thanksgiving dinner this year as they did in 2018. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the cost for dinner for 10 will be about $48.91. That’s just a penny higher this year than it was last. Annual survey conducted by volunteer shoppers in 38 states. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Tom Graham, invested in news.

AFN News November 21, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, November 21, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. Today’s House impeachment hearing is in recess until late this hour, EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland was asked earlier today what he knew about an alleged quid pro quo between the White House and Ukraine. Here’s ABC’s Jonathan Karl, “The President almost certainly would have known that the President’s call with Zelensky was under scrutiny and it was interesting Sondland was twice asked whether or not he believed the President’s denial when the President said there was no quid pro quo and Sondland said this is one of the incidents with the Congressman Castro, and you believe the President? Sondland answered you know what. I’m not going to characterize whether I believed it or didn’t believe. I’m just trying to convey what he said on the phone.” State Department official David Hale and Defense Department official Laura Cooper are expected to testify later this hour.

2) Ten Democratic presidential candidates doing their final preps for tonight’s debate in Atlanta.

3) It’s a tool that helps students determine on college to make the grade financially. “Education Department gave its College Scorecard website a makeover. It now lets students search majors at school and see how much graduates typically earn after graduation as well as how much they own in student debts. The Obama Administration published similar data on for-profit collages and promised to cut funding for ineffective programs. The current Education Secretary derailed that plan and instead says students can decide for themselves with the information they put online. Andy Field, ABC News, Washington.”

4) Britain’s Prince Andrew stepping back from public life for now. “The Prince has taken a pounding after his disastrous TV interview of the weekend about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In the palace statement, Andrew says it has become clear to him in recent days. The whole issue has become a major destruction to the Royal family’s work, so he’s taking a break from duties with the Queen’s permission.” ABC’s Tom Rivers in London.

5) The Dow had its worst day in a month falling more than 100 points. You’re listening to ABC News.

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“I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.” Stocks closing mixed on the day. The Dow off 102, the S&P down 2, while the NASDAQ gained 20 closing in a record territory. Wall Street appearing to struggle off earlier comments from the President Trump who admits of the ongoing trade war with China. “China is gonna have to make a deal that I like. If they don’t, that’s it,” speaking today and threatening to raise tariffs higher on China if no trade deal is reached. // Retail giants dragging down stocks today, Target, Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s and Best Buy all finishing down. Discount retailer TJ Maxx, __ __, finishing up for the day. // Oil prices falling. U.S. crude down more than 3%, going for about $55 per barrel. Good news, drivers; gas prices also trending down straight way. That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Tom Graham, invested in news.

AFN News November 14, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, November 14, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Dave Packer. Today House Democrats opened the first public impeachment hearing in more than two decades. Lawmakers were asking if President Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine until they investigated Joe Biden. “In the first impeachment hearing, Texas Republican John Ratcliffe challenged the witnesses to find a quid pro quo in President Trump’s July phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart. ‘Where is the impeachable offense in that call? Are either of you here today to assert there was an impeachable offense in that call?  Shout it out, anyone?’ In his question, Texas Democrat Joaquin Castro suggested just because aide eventually deferred to Ukraine, that does not mean there is no crime. ‘Is attempted murder a crime? Attempted murder is a crime.’ The next hearing in the impeachment inquiry comes up Friday. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, Washington.”

2) While the House Intelligence Committee opened public hearings in the impeachment probe, President Trump who was at the White House meeting with the Turkish President said he didn’t watch the hearing. “This is a sham and shouldn’t be allowed. It was a situation that was caused by people that shouldn’t have allowed it to happen and I wanna find out who is a whistleblower.” The President says his July call with the Ukraine leader was perfect and appropriate. 

3) Former President Jimmy Carter is recovering in an Atlanta hospital, following brain surgery. “A little over a month ago, Jimmy Carter stood before a crowd in Nashville at a Habitat for Humanity home building project. ‘First of all, I wanna explain my black eye.’ He had fallen at home and needed fourteen stitches to close the cut on his head. That same accident has started to have done internal harm, leaving a pool of blood that put pressure on Mr. Carter’s brain. Doctors say it’s fairly common in older people but the procedure to correct the problem was successful. Jim Ryan, ABC News, Atlanta.

4) Another Democrat entering the 2020 presidential race, ABC News confirming former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick has begun calling political allies to tell them that he intends to run for the White House. You’re listening to ABC News.

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“I’m Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.” On Wall Street, stocks finishing mixed with the Dow and S&P 500 closing its new record high. Stocks wavering today after the Wall Street Journal reported the U.S.-China trade talks hit a snag on farm purchases. The Dow winners today; Disney, Apple and Nike. The Dow decliners; Caterpillar, Goldman Sachs and IBM. The Dow rising 92 points for its 10th record close of the year. The NASDAQ down 4, S&P 500 up 2. // And Disney having a magical day on Wall Street and lifting the Dow higher. Its shares jumping around 7% after the entertainment giant said that its new streaming service Disney+ had more than 10 million subscribers in the wake of Tuesday launch. Credit Suisse also raising its outlook for Disney stock with the price target of around $162. However, another streaming service Netflix not having a good day on Wall Street. Its stock falling 3%. That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in news.

AFN News November 7, 2019

AFN NEWS

Thursday, November 7, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Michelle Franzen. House investigators released the deposition transcript for Bill Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine. “The deposition transcript from Bill Taylor shows Tailor understood security assistance was being withheld to pressure Ukraine to publicly announce an investigation into President Trump’s political opponents. Taylor testified his nightmare scenario was that the Ukraine leader would announce investigations, take all the heat from that, get himself in big trouble and never get U.S. security assistance, adding Russia would love that. Taylor will be back to testify publicly on November 13th. __ __, ABC News on Capitol Hill.”

2) In the race to the White House, it’s essentially a four-way race in Iowa, shaping up between Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttgieg, Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, but according to a New Quinnipiac University poll, according to the finding, the advantage that Biden has had is starting to dwindle, while Pete Buttgieg is gaining some ground.

3) California’s top prosecutor is going after Facebook, saying that the company is not cooperating with an investigation into its business practices. “California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says Facebook is under investigation for alleged privacy violations and that Facebook is ignoring subpoenas for information. ‘Facebook has failed to respond adequately to those lawfully issued subpoenas.’ In the statement, though, Facebook claims it has cooperated extensively with California’s investigation and says it has provided hundreds of thousands of documents. I’m Alex Stone, ABC News.”

4) Police say two people wanted in connection with the deaths of a New Hampshire couple were captured in Mexico. “Men from Utah were in connection with the double murders of James and Michelle Butler of New Hampshire. The Butlers were in the middle of a cross-country road trip and found buried in a shallow grave in Padre Island, Texas. Marcus Moore, ABC News, Kingsville, Texas.” And that investigation continues. You’re listening to ABC News.

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“I am Maria Bartiromo and this is the Fox Business Report.” On Wall Street, the major averages closing mixed after Reuters reported the deciding of the initial U.S.-China trade deal could be delayed till December. Among the gainers today utilities and real estate companies, while energy and tech companies were among the laggers. The Dow winners today; McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, and Visa. The Dow decliners; Boeing, Walgreens, and Exxon Mobil. The Dow falling a fraction, the NASDAQ down 24, S&P 500 up 2. // And shares of CVS Health closing up over 5% after the drugstore chain and pharmacy benefit manager posted the stronger-than-expected profits and raised its outlook for its pharmacy business, and its Aetna health insurance unit seeing business improved. And after closing 46 stores this year, CVS plans to shutter another 22 locations next year with the company saying that the move will generate enhanced longer-term performance. That’s your Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in news.