AFN NEWS

Thursday, February 7, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Scott Goldberg. President Trump sent a warning today to one of the high-powered people investigating his administration. President Trump warning House Democrats not to investigate him, or they may not get anything done in the next two years. “No other politician has to go through that. It’s called presidential harassment.” House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff says Mr. Trump wants to delay his financial conflicts investigation. “We are not going to be intimidated or threatened by the President to withhold any legislative advancement.” Andy Field, ABC News, Washington.

2) Speaking at the State Department this afternoon, the President also praised the U.S.-led fight against ISIS. “The ISIS caliphate has been decimated. Nobody thought it was possible to do it this quickly.” But he stopped sort of repeating that ISIS has been defeated as he said last December. This morning Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the terror group is alive and well. “We must recommit ourselves to the goal of permanently defeating ISIS.” And the United Nations’ report calls ISIS the world’s main and best resource to terror threat.

3) The President nominated David Malpass to head the World Bank. Malpass currently is Under Secretary for International Affairs of the Treasury. He’s been critical of the World Bank in the past.

4) Virginia’s Attorney General Mark Herring has stepped down as the leader of the Democratic Attorney Generals Association after he admitted wearing blackface at a college party in 1980. He’s second in line to be governor as Ralph Northam steps down. Northam also is involved in the blackface scandal.

5) Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has apologized for not being more sensitive when she identified herself as an American Indian on a Texas bar registration. “There really is an important distortion of tribal citizenship. I am not a member of a tribe. And I have apologized.” The Democrat’s expected very soon to announce officially she is running for president.

6) The Dow lost 21 points today. You’re listening to ABC News.

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From the Fox Business Network; on Wall Street, the major averages closing in the red as investors reacted to a mixed batch of earnings results. Among the laggards today, communication services and real estate companies, while healthcare and tech were among the gainers. The Dow snapping a three-day winning streak, closing down 21 points, NASDAQ down 27, S&P 500 down 6. // And shares of General Motors closing higher after the automaker reported the blockbuster 4th quarter. Strong sales in its home U.S. market were offset by weaker results in China. The largest U.S. automaker says strong pricing on pickup trucks and crossover SUV in North America helps drivers resolve. // And if you’re looking for a job, Lowe’s hosting National Hiring Day will be adding more than 50,000 store associates for either full-time, part-time or seasonal work. Candidates can apply in-person at Lowe’s stores nationwide on February the 13th. With the Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky.

AFN NEWS

Thursday, January 31, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Scott Goldberg. House and Senate members passed with reaching a deal on border security and facing another fast approaching budget deadline are now worked on Capitol Hill. “Republicans on the committee were insisting on a solution that includes funding physical barriers. Democrats are putting emphasis on other measures like technology, but there is at least one area of consensus. ‘We can all agree that we must do everything we can to prevent another unnecessary and destructive government shutdown.’ That’s House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey, one of eight Democrats on the 17-member Panel.” ABC’s Ali Rogin.

2) Head of the Federal Reserve, they should have positive outlook for the U.S. economy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell says, “U.S. economy is in a good place and we will continue to use our monetary policy tools to help keep it there.” He says the unemployment rate remains near historical low and inflation is right near their 2% target, but Powell did warn about what he says crosscurrents they had developed. “Growth has slowed in some major foreign economies, particularly China and Europe.” Brexit and weakening business and consumer sentiments are also among those crosscurrents. Powell says in response Fed decided to be patient on interest rates. Mark Remillard, ABC News, New York. The Dow like that gained 434 points straight.

3) The measles outbreak in southern Washington State has grown again. There are now 38 confirmed cases. Officials say the exposure may have happened at the fitness center. Three cases also been reported in Atlanta. We are now four days away from the Super Bowl in Atlanta and DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says the game will be under tight security. He says 600 officers will be on patrol and they could use some help. “Fans continue to be our greatest resource to ensure safe and secure game day. They serve as eyes and ears of the public safety officials supporting Super Bowl 53.” She says there is no credible threat that has been made. *DHS = Department of Homeland Security

4) The FBI is now excavating underground tunnel in Pembroke Pines, Florida, leads up to a bank. They think it was for heist. You’re listening to ABC News.

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From the Fox Business Network; the major averages rallying and closing in the green on strong earnings report, and after the Federal Reserve kept benchmark interest rates unchanged as was widely expected, the Central Bank signaling that it will be patient on future rate hikes. Strong results from Boeing and Apple also helping lift the Dow higher. Among the leaders today, tech companies, the Dow closing up over the 25,000 mark up 435 points, NASDAQ up 155, S&P 500 up 41. // And shares of Boeing soaring around 6% with the aerospace giant forecasting clear skies ahead. Boeing crashing Wall Street expectations for the greatest quarterly results with annual revenue of more than $100 billion for the first time. Boeing expects sales to rise as much as 10% this year as it ramps up production to meet global demand for air travel. With the Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky.

AFN NEWS

Thursday, January 24, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Brian Clark. Several people are dead after a shooting at a bank in Sebring, Florida. “After an assessment of the scene, we were sorry to learn that we have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered as a result of his act in this bank.” Sebring Police Chief Ray Harris. The authorities say 21-year-old Zephen Xaver walked into the Sun Trust Bank, opened fire, then called 9-1-1 to report himself. He surrendered after speaking with their hostage negotiator.

2) President Trump says he’ll hold an alternative event after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blocked him from giving his State of the Union Address before Congress until the partial government shutdown is over. “It’s a sad thing for our country. We’ll do something in the alternative. I’ll be talking you about that at a later date.” Speaker Pelosi was asked by reporters why she won’t invite the President. “The government is still shutdown. I still make the offer as for the mutually agreeable date, as the original date was mutually agreeable.” The address was scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

3) President Trump denied claims for his former personal attorney Michael Cohen that he’s been threatened by him and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani. “I would say he’s been threatened by the truth. He’s only been threatened by the truth.” ABC’s Aaron Katersky has more. Michael Cohen’s appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will be postponed to a later day, his attorney said, because of ongoing threat against his family from President Trump and the President’s attorney Rudy Giuliani. This is a time, Cohen’s attorney said in his statement where Cohen had to put his family and their safety first. The statement did not elaborate on the threat, but President Trump and Giuliani have suggested investigators look into Cohen’s father-in-law. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, Washington.

4) In Venezuela, “__ __.” Nicolas Maduro announced his cutting ties with the U.S. after the Trump Administration said it’s recognizing the opposition leader as a country’s leader. You’re listening to ABC News.

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From the Fox Business Network; on Wall Street, stocks closing higher boosted by a batch of strong earnings reports from corporate heavyweights. Among the gainers today, utilities and consumer staple companies, while financials and energy companies lagged. With the Dow closing up 171 points, the NASDAQ up 5, S&P 500 up 6. // And shares of Procter & Gamble rising after reporting some strong quarterly results continuing a streak of robust gains and prompting the consumer products giant to raise its outlook for the year even as one of the closest rivals. That’s been Kimberly-Clark reported weaker results. P&G makes Tied detergents, Gillette razors and Pampers diapers. // And shares of Comcast closing up 5% higher after reporting fourth quarter earnings and revenues that beat Wall Street expectations. The company continues to lose its U.S. cable customers but get a boost from NBC Universal media unit and high speed Internet business. With the Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky.

AFN NEWS

Thursday, January 17, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Scott Goldberg. U.S. officials now conform a suicide blast in northwestern Syria has killed four Americans. ABC’s Luis Martinez has details from the Pentagon. “Two were U.S. military service members, one is a DOD civilian and another a contractor. Three other U.S. service members were injured in the suicide bomb blast that has been claimed by ISIS. It’s the deadliest ISIS attack against U.S. troops in Syria since they arrived in late 2015.” Last month, President Trump announced he was pulling U.S. troops out of Syria and that ISIS had been defeated.

2) A day after five gunmen attacked a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, the death toll has risen to 21. The assault started with the explosion of three cars and the detonation of a suicide bomb vest setting off the near stampede. “Some left from the windows, others hid in the dirt, falling over each other in the panic to escape e explosions and gunfire echoing into early Wednesday morning as antiterror police moved room to room to clear the hotel. ABC’s Ian Pannell.

3) President Trump has now signed the bill that ensures federal workers will get back pay once the partial government shutdown is over. Republicans are responding after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested the President postpone his State of the Union Address until the shutdown is over, citing security concerns. “Minority Whip Steve Scalise has tweeted that Pelosi’s move shows (quote) ‘Democrats are only interested in obstructing. And Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen tweets they are (quote) ‘wholly prepared to support and secure the State of the Union.” ABC’s Lana Zak.

4) The new bill has been introduced that would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next five years. Tiffany Lowe works in fast food, “My first job was in fast food, I made 6.50 an hour. Eighteen years later, I am here at KFC and I make 7.65 an hour. That’s less than a dollar more in a decade.” Right now the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

5) The Dow gained 140 points today. You’re listening to ABC News.

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From the Fox Business Network; the major averages closing in the green, following some strong earnings results from major banks. Among gainers today, financials with Goldman Sachs leading the Dow after an upbeat earnings support. The Dow laggards include Verizon and Pfizer with the Dow closing up 142 points, NASDAQ up 11, S&P 500 up 6. // And Airbus expanding its industrial presence in the U.S. and breaking ground on a new assembly plant for the A2-20 in Mobile, Alabama. The European plane maker said it would invest $300 million and create 400 jobs in the new facility. // And shares of Ford tanking over 6% today after the automaker said its profit for 2018 will fall short of Wall Street expectations. Ford declining to give a specific forecast for this year, which is the sign of the challenges ahead as the automaker embarks on a major restructuring amid uncertainty in the global auto-market. With the Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky.

AFN NEWS

Thursday, January 10, 2019　

1) From ABC News, I’m Scott Goldberg. There’s still no end in sight to the partial government shutdown after negotiations with the White House today lasted only 14 minutes. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said President Trump slammed a table and walked out of the room when Democrats said no to his demand for a border wall. “He asked House Speaker Pelosi ‘Will you agree to my wall?’ She said, ‘No.’ and he just got up and said, ‘Then we have nothing to discuss,’ and he just walked down.” The President on Twitter called the meeting (in quotes) “a total waste of time.” More from Sen. Schumer. “Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn’t get his way and he just walked out of the meeting.” Karen Travers, ABC News, the White House.

2) Before that meeting, the President met with Senator Republicans on Capitol Hill and urged them to stay united. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said his party support the President’s insistence on $5 billion plus to enhance the wall along the southern border. “We’re all behind the President. We think this border security issue is extremely important to the country. And we appreciate your leadership on it.” Several Republicans including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Shelley Moore Capito and Cory Gardner have been urging the President to reopen the government and separate it from the debate off the border wall. Ali Rogin, ABC News, Capitol Hill. The Mayor of McAllen, Texas Jim Darling said the wall may help some cities but not his. He says the murder rate was zero last year and there are little security concerns. “We are the safest city and we are a progressive city, and it’s an advantage we live at the border, not a disadvantage.” President Trump said he expected to visit the border tomorrow.

3) Attorney General nominee Bill Barr‘s telling one prominent senator he won’t fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller if he’s confirmed by the Senate next week. “I can assure you, based on what I heard, that he has a high opinion of Mr. Mueller, believes that Mr. Mueller is doing a professional job, will do a professional job.” Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein who has been overseeing the special counsel investigation is expected to step down in the coming weeks. You’re listening to ABC News.

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From the Fox Business Network; it’s a choppy session on Wall Street with stocks closing in the green but losing steam into the close after there was a breakdown in government shutdown talks. Tech, energy and industrials were among the gainers while consumer staples and utilities lagged. The Dow leaders today include Boeing, Apple and Microsoft. The major averages posting a fourth straight session of gains for the longest winning streak in two months with the Dow closing up 92 points, the NASDAQ up 60, S&P 500 up 11. // And after 25 years of marriage, Amazon’s founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie are calling it quit. Bezos is one of the world’s richest men, maybe announcement today on Twitter three days before his 55th birthday. The two married in 1993 after they met at a hedge fund in New York where they both worked. MacKenzie is a 48-year-old novelist and supported her husband’s move off of Wall Street and into e-commerce. With the Fox Business Report, I’m Hilarie Barsky.