AFN News June 18

AFN NEWS

Thursday, June 18, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Chuck Sivertsen. And now murder charges against Garrett Rolfe, the White Atlanta police officer who shot a Black man and suspected DUI Rayshard Brooks, in the back twice last Friday in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard says Brooks posed no threat to the officers who did nothing to save him. “After Mr. Brooks was shot, for some period of 2 minutes and 12 seconds, there was no medical attention applied to Mr. Brooks.” Brooks’ widow Tomika Miller says she is hurt to hear that officers kicked and stood on her husband body as he died. “I didn’t imagine being there, because I don’t know what I would have done it if I would have seen it for myself, but I felt everything that he felt, just by hearing what he went through.” Another officer involved has also been charged with aggravated assault.

2) Senate Republicans unveiling their proposals to reform law enforcement practices including new accountability, training and de-escalation measurers. The legislation includes incentives to limit chokeholds. Democrats now reacting to it. ABC’s Katherine Faulders. “Two key senate Democrats say that Senator Tim Scott‘s police reform bill is insufficient to meet the moment, but they do not say if they will oppose starting a debate on the bill next week. Senator Kamala Harris said the bill lacks substance and (quote) ‘Gives lip service to the problem.’ Harris said (quote) ‘What he is proposing would not save a life.” Senator Cory Booker echoed this same sentiment. These two are crucial to their caucus and finding common ground. They had worked with Senator Tim Scott before but it’s unclear what happens next.”

3) COVID cases hospitalizations increasing in 15 states. Nine states hit new highs yesterday, including Oklahoma where President Trump holds the rally Saturday.

4) Major Wall Street indexes mostly fell in another day of wobbly trading as markets eased off the accelerator following their big rally for about three days. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing mixed with the Dow and S&P 500 snapping their three-session winning streak, while the NASDAQ booked its fourth consecutive gains. Investors juggling economic recovery optimism along with fears of the second wave of coronavirus cases. The Dow closing down 170 points, the NASDAQ up 15, S&P 500 down 11. // And Hertz is suspending a controversial stock offering as it’s being reviewed by the Securities and Exchange Commission despite filing for bankruptcy protection last month. Hertz filing to offer up to $500 million in shares, aiming to cash in on a surge in the stock’s popularity. // And banks across the U.S. apparently can’t spare a dime. Banks facing a shortage of coins during the coronavirus crisis prompting the Federal Reserve to ration distribution and work with the U.S. Mint to boost supply. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell believes the issue is just temporary. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News June 11

AFN NEWS

Thursday, June 11, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. A challenge to Congress from George Floyd’s brother: he asked the House Judiciary Committee to end what he and so many other African Americans have been feeling for years. “I’m tired of pain, pain you feel when you watch something like this. When you watch your big brother, who you’ve looked up to your whole life, die, die, begging for his mom.” Philonise Floyd, one of the first to testify at a House hearing on proposed changes to police practices and accountability. Civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump who also represents the Floyd family telling the committee he believes police officers have unchecked authority. “If there is no accountability, Congresswoman Bass, it will keep happening and we pray that George Floyd is the last one, but if this great body doesn’t act, it’s gonna happen again and I predict it’s gonna happen in the next 30 days.” House Democrats have proposed sweeping police reform bills. The Republicans say they are working on their own measure. George Floyd died 16 days ago but the protest across the nation stemming from his death continue from New York City, Boston, to outside the White House.

2) As more places lift COVID-19 restrictions, House officials warn the White House the pandemic is still very much reality. “The U.S. is closing in on 2 million confirmed diagnosed cases of COVID-19. At least 111,000 Americans have died, but the outbreak in Government’s response is no longer front and center at the White House. Vice President Pence on Tuesday led a meeting of the coronavirus task force, but it’s been more than a month since the task force held a press briefing. They were daily occurrences during the early period of the outbreak. Dr. Anthony Fauci Wednesday on ABC’s “Good Morning, America” said even as the nation reopens, Americans should still wear masks, wash their hands often and practice social distancing. Karen Travers, ABC News, Washington.

3) The Federal Reserve today said it is going to leave interest rates unchanged for now. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing mixed even after the Federal Reserve pledged to hold interest rates at near zero for some time, and using the necessary tools to support the economy. The NASDAQ notching its third straight record close, and finishing above the 10,000 mark for the first time ever, with the Dow falling 282 points, the NASDAQ up 67, S&P 500 down 17. // And Tesla stocks hitting a new record high, jumping above $1,000 a share after CEO Elon Musk told staffers that it was time to bring the Tesla Semi commercial truck to volume production. The stock also receiving a boost from a bullish call by Wedbush and said that Tesla could have more room to run. // And Boeing is aiming to conduct a key certification test flight on its grounded 737 MAX jet in late June, according to Reuters. The plane has been grounded since March of 2019 after two fatal crashes. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News June 4

AFN NEWS

Thursday, June 4, 2020

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1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. It’s been nine days since George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. Today all four of the-now-former officers face criminal charges and an officer who had already been charged facing an even more serious offence. “Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin facing a new charge of second-degree murder for the death of George Floyd. ‘For second-degree felony murder, you have to intend the felony and then death be the result without necessarily having it be the intent.’ Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is also announcing the three other officers are charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second-degree. ‘I strongly believe that these developments are in the interest of justice for Mr. Floyd, his family, our community and our state.’ I would admit winning a conviction is going to be hard. Ryan Burrow, ABC News, Minneapolis.”

2) The reaction to the charge is coming from near and far. These protesters are in Manhattan. “Black lives matter, too, and it’s been too long, but we’ve been murdered in the street. We’re dead tired. We can’t keep doing this.” The cities across the nation are preparing for another night of protest. New York City Mayor De Blasio says an earlier curfew, which will take effect again tonight at 8:00 p.m., resulted in less looting last night.

3) President Trump doesn’t have a plan as of yet to reform policing in the U.S. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, “There’s been discussion of various proposals that we can look at, but no announcements on that front just yet.” The former President, Obama, says reforms that were proposed after the death of Michael Brown can build trust and save lives. The former president urging mayors across the country to review the use of force policies in their community.

4) Stocks rallied on the sign that it may not take as long for the economy to climb out of the COVID-19 impacted recession. The Dow soared more than 500 points. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing sharply higher as investors are hopeful that economic activity will improve as coronavirus lockdowns ease. Also boosting market today, payroll processor ADP reported that the private sector lost nearly 2.8 million workers versus 9 million job losses that analysts were expecting. Among the gainers, energy, financials and industrials, and Boeing is the biggest winner in the Dow surging 13%. The Dow soaring past 26,000 marking, closing up 527 points. The NASDAQ up 75, S&P 500 up 42. // And beauty brand Coty stocks spiking, closing up around 13% due to the Kardashian factor. Coty announcing in a filing that it was in talks with reality TV star Kim Kardashian on a possible collaboration. Coty already has a $600 million deal with Kardashian’s half-sister Kylie Jenner. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News May 21

AFN NEWS

Thursday, May 21, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. As of today, all 50 states are taking some steps to lift COVID-19 restrictions. Connecticut is the last to allow some businesses to reopen today. Vice President Pence traveled to Florida to meet with tourism officials. “I really think Florida has set the pace. I mean, you have a large senior population here. And the way you’ve deployed testing, the way you implemented and echoed federal guidance is commendable.” The Vice President was not wearing a mask when he and local officials stopped for lunch at a burger joint.

2) In Orlando, Disney Retail and Dining Center at Disney Springs reopened today. Tomorrow Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resorts and SeaWorld will reveal their plans to reopening days to local officials. Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

3) New Jersey is expanding testing capacity. Governor Phil Murphy says residents can now get tested for Covid-19 outside sit in Walmarts. “New Jersey residents will be able to take a self-administered, self-swab Covid-19 test at seven Walmart locations.”

4) Tomorrow, religious services of ten people or less can resume across New York State. On Friday, Alaska will allow all businesses to reopen without restrictions.

5) A victory in court for the Trump administration. “Supreme Court Wednesday blocked the release of grand jury materials from the Russia investigation denying House Democrats for the second time this month, the ability to view information that, they believe, might show President Trump obstructed justice. The House Judiciary Committee, which requested the withheld material, Trump may have misled Mueller and written answers to the special counsel. The court will now decide early this summer whether to extend the hold. Adam Kelsey, ABC News, Washington.”

6) Thousands have evacuated in Midland, Michigan. Flood waters from two breached dams continue to rise. “Don’t let up. Don’t take it easy at this point in time. Don’t think we are done and we’ve passed the peak, because simply we are not in that point,” That’s City Manager Brad Kaye. That city could get up to 9 feet of water. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing higher on investors’ hope for global economic recovery. Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s most recent policy meeting shows that the central bank pledged to act as appropriate to support the economy until its snapback. The Dow rising 369 points, the NASDAQ up 191, S&P 500 up 49. // And shares of Facebook surging 6% to reach a new record high today on investors’ enthusiasm for the company’s new ecommerce platform called Facebook Shops and a similar program to launch later this year called Instagram Shops. // And Walmart shoppers can now order groceries along with electronics in the same purchase on the Walmart app for curbside pickup or delivery. The retailer has combined its Walmart grocery app with its main app to allow consumers to shop for items in multiple departments. The retail giant has also added more slots for grocery pickup and the ability to arrange for prescription refills and more. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News 14

AFN NEWS

Thursday, May 14, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Chuck Sivertsen. States are moving ahead with varying degrees of reopening. COVID-19 hospitalizations are declining in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards says Phase One of reopening gets underway Friday. Bars conserve customers if they have a permit from the Health Department but they won’t be functioning as bars. “There are just some settings that are inherently more risky than others about transmission of the bars. Again bars are one of those and I get it unfortunate.” Also taking the next steps, it’s been almost two months that New Jersey has been effectively locked down. Now Governor Phil Murphy is ready to allow construction and reopen retail. “We can get small businesses back up and running in a manner that continues to protect both workers and shoppers.” That means curbside pickup only. “To be clear, no customers will be allowed back into nonessential retail stores at this time.” The change takes effect Monday morning. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, New York.

2) In hard-hit Massachusetts, next Monday is the expiration day for Governor Charlie Baker’s stay-at-home orders, no words of extension. “This isn’t gonna be a situation or a circumstance where on May 18 every business in Massachusetts that is currently closed is gonna be permitted to open. It’s not gonna work like that and it shouldn’t work like that.”

3) Working on a new stimulus bill totaling $2 trillion including direct payments to states and local governments, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Reaction to that from Senator Kevin Cramer, North Dakota, Republican. “The trillion dollars that the Speaker is presenting, uh, it’s unserious in my view because it represents basically how much all of the states collectively collect in the revenue year.”

4) A closely watched Southern California congressional race appears to be over. Democrat Christy Smith conceding to the 25th District contest to Trump-backed Republican Mike Garcia. Democrat Katie Hill resigned from the seat after admitting to an affair. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks tumbling and closing in the red after Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns of a prolonged recession from the coronavirus pandemic. The Dow falling 517 points, the NASDAQ down 139 and its now in negative territory for the year, S&P 500 down 50. // And after the closing bell, Cisco Systems shares rising after the maker of network services, video conferencing tools and security software, reported better-than-expected earnings although revenue dropped 8% from last year’s quarter. // And GE certainly not bringing good things to life on Wall Street. Shares of the industrial conglomerate tumbling over 3.5% amid growing concerns over the troubled aerospace industry. GE started kicking the lowest level in more than 11 years in today trading. // And Rite Aid announcing a new partnership with Instacart which will allow customers to order and receive essential healthcare and grocery items delivered directly to their homes. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News May 7

AFN NEWS

Thursday, May 7, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. Governors have been telling President Trump they need the federal government to help more with testing for COVID-19, especially if states begin to lift restrictions. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany says more isn’t necessary, better when it comes to testing. She says it must be strategic. “If we tested every single American in this country at this moment, we have to retest them an hour later and then an hour later after that, because at any moment you could theoretically contract this virus, so the notion is that everyone needs to be tested is just simply nonsensical. The people who need to be tested are vulnerable population.”

2) And the White House coronavirus taskforce won’t be phased down at the end of the month after all. President Trump says the group’s focus will shift to rebooting the economy and developing a vaccine. “I know we could wind it down sooner, but I had no idea how popular the taskforce is.” He says members will change as the crisis evolves.

3) Pharmaceutical giants are working to get potentially lifesaving COVID-19 treatments to the nation’s hardest-hit areas like Maryland. “Gilead has donated 1,600 doses of Remdesivir to the state of Maryland. This is the only drug proven in a clinical study to help with COVID-19.” Governor Larry Hogan also allowing elective medical procedures to resume tomorrow. Officials in Virginia are monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks in two poultry plants. “The National Guard regularly provides assistance in emergencies and this is the greatest emergency that we have seen in many years.” Governor Ralph Northam says the guard helping with testing in the plants in the surrounding community.

4) Uber is slamming the breaks on 3700 full-time jobs with fewer of us getting at needing rides. That’s about 14% of its workforce. Rival Lyft announced that it’s laying off a lot of workers, too.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks ending mixed as investors wait plants for the reopening of the economy against the latest batch of earnings reports, with the Dow falling 218 points, the NASDAQ up 45, S&P 500 down 20. // General Motors outlining plans for May 18th restart most of its North American plants shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. This has reported the stronger-than-expected quarterly profit with sales of its full-size pickups rising about 27% year over year. Shares of GM closing up 3%. // And after the closing bell, speaker maker Sonos reporting earnings with its losses more than doubling in the March quarter as the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of its retail stores muting sales of its speakers. // And ride-sharing company Lyft bringing nearly $1 billion sales in mid pandemic, although the company posted $400 million loss for the first quarter but it’s actually an improvement from last year. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News April 30

AFN NEWS

Thursday, April 30, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has now passed 60,000. That’s according to the ongoing tally by Johns Hopkins University. During the White House roundtable today with industry executives, President Trump was asked how long it might be until vaccine is readily available. “A lot of progress is being made on the vaccine, but you never know, right? You never know. You know with SARS they did not come up with a vaccine, and sometimes they don’t, and sometimes they do. I will say this. I don’t think there was the same effort.” Mr. Trump says the federal government will not extend its social distancing guidelines once they expire tomorrow.  

2) While the world waits for a vaccine, medical experts say a drug shows promise in treating COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday touted the result of the trial, examining an experimental drug treatment for the coronavirus. A randomized, international trial of the drug Remdesivir has resulted in what Fauci called “quite good news,” shortening the period patients experienced symptoms, and potentially slightly reducing the mortality rate. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.” Karen Travers, ABC News, Washington.

3) The news sent stock soaring, the Dow closing up more than 500 points. The Fed is holding on interest rates for now. “Federal Reserve’s response is guided by our mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices for the American people, along with our responsibilities to promote the stability of the financial system. We’re also committed to using our full range of tools to support the economy in this challenging time.” Chair Jerome Powell.

4) It’s been sad that you can’t make everyone happy all of the time, and that is __ New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “We have people last week protesting ‘cause they want to go back to work. This week we have people protesting ‘cause they don’t wanna go back to work. Yeah, welcome to America.” Cuomo says his sole focus is on continuing to flatten the curve.

5) Major League baseball is cancelling this July Hall of Fame induction. This year’s class will be inducted next year. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing higher following an encouraging report on a possible treatment for COVID-19 from Gilead Sciences, with the Dow rising 532 points, the NASDAQ up 307, S&P 500 up 76. The Federal Reserve announcing it’ll be holding interest rates unchanged in the range of nearly zero to a quarter of a percent and said that U.S. economy has worsened due to the pandemic and vowed to take aggressive action to support an eventual recovery. After the closing bell, Microsoft delivering earnings and revenue beating Wall Street expectations with the shares spiking in after-hours trading. The company reporting its third-quarter fiscal earnings said the coronavirus had minimal net impact on Microsoft revenue which reached around $35 billion. However, some of Microsoft core offerings including Azure cloud-computing business and Teams collaboration software are expected to fare well as Americans are working from home and their companies need computing power to support them. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News April 23

AFN NEWS

Thursday, April 23, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. It is not cheap to fight a novel virus. Congress is learning that firsthand as the House prepared to vote on the latest batch of funding to help those impacted by COVID-19. “When President Trump signs this latest plan of government funding $484 billion for small businesses and hospitals, it will bring the total price tag to fight coronavirus to roughly $2.7 trillion. Lawmakers are already talking about next round, and states are asking Congress for hundreds of billions of dollars to put that 2.7 trillion into context. The U.S. has now put as much money to fight coronavirus in less than two months as the central government planned to spend in total over two years on all government programs and it’s more than half of all the money spent fighting World War II over four years.” Karen Travers, ABC News, Washington.”

2) With some states taking steps to reopen their economies, the governor of the nation’s most populist one said his decision will be driven only by data. “Governor Gavin Newsom says with the number of dead climbing here in California, he cannot yet give a date for lifting stay-at-home order. ‘There is no light switch, and there is no date.’ But he is modifying one aspect of his stay-at-home order allowing needed scheduled surgeries to go forward like heart valve replacements and removing tumors. Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles.”  

3) Two California residents who died in February were confirmed to be the earliest known deaths from the outbreak and weeks before the CDC reported the first death in Washington State. Now Newsom is directing officials to look at deaths, stating as far back as December.

4) New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state needs a tracing army to effectively track who’s been in close contact with people who’ve tested positive. “Mayor Michael Bloomberg has volunteered to help us develop and implement the tracing program.” That program is going to be done in partnership with Johns Hopkins.

5) Stocks closed higher today. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Liz Claman and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks finishing higher as oil markets stabilized and investors eyed another stimulus package from Congress. The Dow rising $457 points, the NASDAQ up 232, S&P 500 up 63. // And auto sales beginning to recover after a massive slump in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to research firm J.D. Power. Retail sales stabilizing during the first couple of weeks of April. During March sales in some areas with high infection rates declined by as much as 80%. Throughout the crisis, light-duty pickup trucks proved to be the most resilient with sales down only 16%. // And Kimberly-Clark says sales of its tissue and toilet paper products like Kleenex and Cottonelle rose 13% in the first quarter. Consumers stocking up on its brands during the coronavirus pandemic, which helped the company beat Wall Street estimates for profit and sales. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky invested in you.

AFN News April 2

ABC NEWS  APRIL 2, 2020

                          

1)           From ABC News, I am Daria Albinger.  Health experts have been saying that the coronavirus pandemic will get worse over the next few weeks.  Today we are learning that the US death toll’s more than quadrupled over the week up by nearly a thousand in just 24 hours.  One of the latest victims, a six-week-old in Connecticut, not far from what’s been called the epicenter of the US epicenter of the virus. 

2)           “Nearly 400 people have died of COVID-19 in New York since Tuesday, and Governor Andrew Cuomo said the latest models now showing apex here at the end of April; “We’re still on the way up to the mountain.”  At the top of the curve, if people comply with social distancing, Cuomo said the state would still need 75,000 hospital beds and 25,000 ventilators to help with the compliant.  Cuomo ordered playgrounds here in New York City to close, but parks remain open as long as there’s distancing.  Aeron Kateresky, ABC News, New York.”

3)                 California is saying a jump in demand for ICU patients.  Governor Gavin Newsom says it’s up 16% a day to 774; “Many of you may think that’s sounds relatively modest to what’s happening in other parts of this country, and that may be true, but it’s incredibly important to impress upon you that that number represents roughly quadrupling compared to where we were just six days ago.”  Newsom also closing schools in the state for the rest of the academic year.

4)                   Louisiana reporting its largest increase in deaths in the last 24 hours.  Governor John Bel Edwards said current projections show people are going to come to hospitals, need ventilators, be unable to get them and die; “There is no reason to think that Louisiana won’t look like Italy.”

   Forty-five states now have stay-at-home-orders.  The latest issued them, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi all taking effect on Friday. 

5)                   The Navy now says 93 crew members on the USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for COVID-19.  A thousand sailors have been taken off the ship and more are expected to follow.  You’re listening to ABC News.

6-1)    I’m Connell McShane.  This is the Fox Business report. 

      “Stocks kicking off the month in quarter sharply lower.  Investors are increasingly concerned that the coronavirus will keep the economy shutdown longer than expected, with the Dow falling 974 points, Nasdaq down 340, S&P 500 down 114. 

6-2)    And airlines falling today after showing a passenger traffic was down 86% in 2 weeks, and cruise operators also sliding amid renewed fears over the health of the industry.

6-3)   And Home Depot is taking further measures to help stand the spread of the coronavirus, and is limiting the number of customers allowed into its stores and eliminating major spring promotions to avoid driving high levels of traffic to its locations.  The company is also expanding benefits for its employees including weekly bonuses for fulltime, hourly and part-time staffers at its stores and distribution centers.

     That’s your Fox Business report.  I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.”

AFN News April 16

AFN NEWS

Thursday, April 16, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. A Washington, D.C. suburb in Maryland may be the next U.S. epicenter in the battle against COVID-19. ABC’s Andy Field tells us why health officials are so focused on Prince George’s County. “Maryland’s rising number of coronavirus illness and death are intertwined with those nearby D.C. and northern Virginia. ‘Over 18,700 cases are in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia area and more than 600 people have died.’ That’s why Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s ordering more ventilators, protective gear and he’s racing to hire up to 1,000 people to trace contact to anyone testing positive. Andy Field, ABC News, Bethesda, Maryland.”

2) California Governor Gavin Newsom says the state virus assistance will include $ 500 for every undocumented adult immigrant. There are estimated 2 million immigrants living illegally in the state.

3) Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the enemy is the virus, not one another. That was a response to Operation Gridlock, a protest of the state’s Stay-at-Home order. “So the sad irony here is that the protest was they don’t like being in this stay-home order and they may have just created a need to lengthen it.” Groups including the state Conservative Coalition jammed the streets around the capitol. Many of them are in their cars and some walking along the street carrying rifles. One city is seeing a spike in domestic violence in the midst of the pandemic. “Kansas City Stay-at-Home order went into effect March 24th through Tuesday of this week. Police Chief Rick Smith says 911 calls for domestic violence jumped 22% compared to the same time last year. Since the end of January, domestic violence cases are up 14%.” ABC’s Ryan Burrow.

4) Two Republican sources say the paycheck protection program could run out of money as early as tonight without a deal in Congress. It's set up federally backed forgivable loans to help small businesses affected by COVID-19. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Connell McShane. This is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks closing sharply higher as investors looking ahead to the eventual reopening of the economy. Among the gainers, tech companies which helped lift the NASDAQ out of bear market territory. The Dow closing up 559 points, the NASDAQ up 323, S&P 500 up 85. // And Amazon gaining over 5% closed at all-time high of over $2,283 a share. At that price, Amazon is worth over $1.1 trillion. // And shares of Zoom Video Communications zooming higher and continuing their rebound after Cantor Fitzgerald analyst upgraded the company. Zoom stocks closing over 4%, making for a roughly 25% rally over the past four trading days following a rough stretch earlier this month as criticism over the company’s privacy and security policies pressured the shares. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News April 9

ABC NEWS  APRIL 9, 2020

                          

1)           From ABC News, I am Daria Albinger.  More signs that this is the worst week so far for the COVID-19 pandemic.  The latest numbers from Johns Hopkins show there are almost 420,000 confirmed cases of the virus, the death toll well over 14,000. 

   New York and New Jersey reporting record numbers of deaths again in the last 24 hours, and California Governor Gavin Newsom says the numbers are also increasing in his state; “Sadly we had one of the highest death rates in the state so far.  Now it’s 68 individuals that passed away over the last 24 hours.  We now have 442 individuals that have lost their lives.” 

But there are also signs of hope.  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the curve is flattening; “If the hospitalization rate keeps decreasing the way it is now, then the system should stabilize.” 

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says it’s time to double down on social distancing and other guidelines to stop the spread of the virus; “Don’t let the warm weather or the holidays fool us; we are in the fight of our lives and we remain in the fight of our lives.”

2)                The markets rallied on those signs of hope.  The Dow closing up over 700 points.

3)          ABC News has learned that Intelligence Community tried to warn President Trump about the pandemic as far back as last November in a report from the National Center for Medical Intelligence.  ABC News contributor John Cohen, a former Undersecretary of Homeland Security; “It’s hard to believe that there was a total lack of awareness of this total, that there was complete surprise when these very clear warning signs came to the attention of the Intelligence Community and were passed on to the White House.”  No comment from the government.

4)          Joe Biden is now on the presumptive nominee for the Democratic presidential nomination.  Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign today.  You are listening to ABC News.

5-1)    I’m Connell McShane.  This is the Fox Business report. 

       “On Wall Street, stocks rallying on various headlines, signs that spread of the coronavirus could be stabilizing in the hard-hit locations, Senator Bernie Sanders dropping out of the presidential race, and also on reports that Russia has retreated to oil production cuts. 

5-2)    Among the gainers; real estates, energy and financials.  And stocks pressured by the coronavirus outbreak, also leading the way higher with cruise line operators and airline surging.  The Dow up 780 points, the Nasdaq up 204, the S&P 500 officially exiting out of bear-market territory and closing up 91 points.

5-3)    And automaker General Motors is making 30,000 ventilators, the national stockpile in a $489 million contract with the Department of Health and Human Services.  According to the deal struck under the Defense Production Act, GM is expected to deliver over 6100 ventilators by June 1^st, and the remainder by the end of August.

     That’s your Fox Business report.  I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.”

AFN News March 26

AFN NEWS

Thursday, March 26, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. Just about everyone knows someone whose job has been affected by COVID-19 and we’re getting a better idea of how many Americans that may be. ABC’s Alex Stone with the jobless numbers in California, one of the hardest-hit states. “Governor Gavin Newsom announcing a grim milestone here in California when it comes to unemployment claims in just a past week and a half ‘Just since March 13th, 1 million Californians have now claimed they need to get unemployment insurance.’ The governor announcing a deal with many of the country’s biggest banks to give Californians who are impacted 90-day relief from paying their mortgages. Alex Stone, ABC News, Los Angeles.”

2) Senate leaders trying to work out last minute’s problems in the $2 trillion economic stimulus package. ABC’s Andy Field in Washing says when they do, up to $1200 checks could start arriving soon. “If your last year tax refund was direct deposit, you will get that $1200 government check quickly, but if you receive the paper check refund, $1200 stimulus could take 4 to 5 weeks. If you haven’t filed this year’s taxes yet, what you receive will be based on last year’s return.” Senator Bernie Sanders is threatening to hold the package hostage, however, over parts that would give money to corporations affected by the outbreak.

3) Stocks soared their first back-to-back gains since a bruising sell-off that began more than a month ago. The Dow closing up nearly 500 points. However, many economists still believe that markets have not yet bottomed out.

4) Terry Chasely suddenly developed COVID-19 symptoms last week though. The suburban Chicago woman was hospitalized and is now in quarantine. “I’m getting better and, but for a while I couldn’t, my parents wanted to talk to me when I was in hospital and I couldn’t carry on conversations.” She says everyone must take the virus seriously even if they’re young and they don’t show symptoms. You are listening to ABC News.

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I’m Charles Payne and this is the Fox Business Report.

The major averages ending mixed after lawmakers and the White House reached an agreement on the $2 trillion stimulus package. However, stocks paring from bigger gains into the close after Sen. Bernie Sanders threatened to hold up a vote on the coronavirus relief bill. The Dow closing up 496 points for its first back-to-back gains since early February. The Nasdaq down 34, S&P 500 down 28. // And new unemployment benefit claims are rising to levels not seen in the recent U.S. history. States have reported receiving tens of thousands of new claims to unemployment insurance last week. Official figures will be released tomorrow and some economists project that new claims could reach as much as 4 million nationwide. // And shares of Facebook falling 3%. The social media giant says the usage of its platform has surged but added that it’s also seeing a weakening of its ad sales business. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News March 19

AFN NEWS

Thursday, March 19, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Chuck Sivertsen. Fighting COVID-19. “We must make shared sacrifices, and that’s what we’re doing as a country.” President Trump says he’ll employ the Defense Production Act to overcome shortage of face masks, ventilators and other supplies. The President is also announcing that the U.S. and Canada agreed to close the border to all but essential travels. That is helpful for Americans as near. “A multi-million-dollar relief package to combat COVID-19 now heads to the President’s desk to sign into law after passing in the Senate. The bill includes paid sick leave, paid family leave, free coronavirus testing and expansion of food security programs like SNAP benefits. Democratic Senator Ed Markey says of the measure, “We need to activate our capable, intelligent domestic industry and bring the whole weight of the federal government behind this effort, __ __, ABC News, Washington.” *SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

2) Republican senators said they expect the outlines of the third economic stimulus bill as early as tonight. Kroger says it’s hiring 10,000 additional workers across their supermarkets, manufacturing plants, distribution centers. Another steep Wall Street selloff, the Dow erasing almost all gains since President Trump’s 2017 inauguration, losing over 6%. Susan Schmidt, head of U.S. Equities at Aviva Investors, “It is very hard to know how the market will recover from that whether it will be a quick bounce back, short and shallow recession or it will be something more prolonged.” S&P 500’s slide was so sharp trading was halted for 15 minutes. It lost 5%.

3) They’re trying to get the Salt City Airport fully functional again that’s struck down after 5.7 magnitude earthquake. ABC’s Alex Stone. “The FAA is now bringing in a mobile control tower. It’s set up at the Salt City Airport in case controllers can’t get back into the main tower which still has to be cleared by structural engineers. Right now they’re working in limited ways using a secondary ramp tower, but commercial flights are landing and taking off again from Salt Lake City. The first to take off was a flight to Dallas-Fort Worth. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Charles Payne and this is the Fox Business Report.

Stocks ending sharply lower with the Dow finishing below the 20,000 level for the first time since February of 2017. This as investors continue to dump stocks and other assets on worries over the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. And the New York Stock Exchange announcing it will be temporarily moving to fully electronic trading. The Dow falling 1,338 points, the NASDAQ down 345, S&P 500 down 131. // And the shares of FedEx surging to buck today sharp sell-off as quarterly revenue beating Wall Street estimates and a rebound in its China business, helping soothe Wall Street concerns over coronavirus related uncertainties. // And the world’s biggest furniture brand IKEA is closing all of its 50 stores in the U.S. and the Manhattan planning studio due to the coronavirus. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News March 12

AFN NEWS

Thursday, March 12, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Daria Albinger. The Bears have been sitting around Wall Street a lot lately and today they returned. Worries about coronavirus paired with the plunge in oil prices and questions about what the Fed will do about them caused the Dow to plunge nearly 1500 points, a drop of 20% from its all-time high last month. President Trump says financial institutions are ready to help consumers and businesses. “These are powerful institutions. They’re built up. They’re ready to go. And I know there will be helping their customers during the short time period.” The President speaks to the nation tonight.

2) The market just one reaction to what the World Health Organization is now calling a pandemic. “Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It’s a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over.”

3) The upcoming March Madness games will be played with just essential personal and limited family in attendance. The NBA’s Golden State Warriors will play games without fans in their arena until further notice. Nearly 120,000 people now testing positive to the virus, most cases still in mainland China, and the U.S. death toll is rising. “The number of dead in the U.S. is now up to 36. Four more deaths coming in the Washington State and one in Los Angeles County. Washington State is now reporting at least 366 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Globally the Chief of the World Health Organization saying he is alarmed by inaction around the world of countries not doing enough to stop the spread of the virus.” ABC’s Alex Stone.

4) Two U.S. service members among at least three people killed in a rocket attack in Iraq.

5) The Fed carrying out early morning raids across the nation today, targeting alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel which controls up to two thirds in the U.S. drug market. You’re listening to ABC News.

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I’m Charles Payne and this is the Fox Business Report.

Another day of tumultuous trading on Wall Street with stocks dropping sharply as investors worry about the economic fallout from the coronavirus. The Dow tumbling and falling into bear market territory and declined at least 20% from its recent highs which were set on February the 12th. The Dow falling 1,465 points, the NASDAQ down 392, S&P 500 down 141. // And shares of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line once again taking a huge beating as investors remain skeptical about a fiscal stimulus package or targeted measures to aid the struggling industry. // And analysts say people lowering earnings estimates for restaurant companies on expectations that the coronavirus will create labor shortages and impact opening hours as it continues to spread across the U.S. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.

AFN News March 5

AFN NEWS

Thursday, March 5, 2020　

1) From ABC News, I’m Michelle Franzen. Joe Biden in California with the result of the state’s primary still being tallied. He’s taking a victory lap on Super Tuesday wins in ten states and looking ahead. “We have to put in a bigger, broader vision for this nation and make it happen, and but first, first we have to defeat Donald Trump.” Biden also picking up another endorsement Michael Bloomberg suspending his campaign today and says Biden has his full support. Meantime, Bernie Sanders in Vermont focusing on future primaries in battleground states saying he and Biden are now locked in a two-person race. “My guess is after California is thrown into the hopper, it’s gonna be pretty close. We may be up by a few. Biden may be up by a few, but I think we go forward basically neck and neck.”

2) Deaths in the U.S. due to the coronavirus have now risen to eleven, another in Washington State and California reporting its first death. ABC’s Alex Stone has details. “The death here in California was an elderly patient in Placer County outside of Sacramento. The persons, we’re told, got coronavirus were on a cruise from San Francisco to Mexico last month. They have been quarantined now that the person has died. Also Washington State is reporting another death bringing the total dead there to ten.”

3) House lawmakers are approving a bipartisan funding bill 8.3 billion to combat the coronavirus. The Senate votes tomorrow and medical labs working to streamline the testing process for Americans. “Vice President Mike Pence meeting with major U.S. testing lab CEOs saying the President’s made it easier for them to detect the coronavirus. ‘Any American that wants to be tested for the coronavirus on their doctor’s indications can be tested.’ The White House saying more than $8 billion congressional funding bill will help speed treatment drugs and vaccine. Andy Field, ABC News, Washington.”

4) Wall Street rebounding today. The Dow closing up more than 1100 points. You are listening to ABC News.

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

Stocks surging into the close as investors cheered growing signs of a coordinated response to the coronavirus by economies around the world and strong Super Tuesday performance by Joe Biden. Wall Street views Biden is more business friendly than Sanders. Among the gainers today; consumer staples, tech and healthcare companies. Wall Street analysts and investors have expressed concerns over Sander’s policy proposals regarding health care and large tech. Health insurance Anthem soaring over 15% for its largest one-day percentage increase since October of 2008. The Dow winners today; Apple, UnitedHealth and Home Depot. The Dow rising 1,173 points. It’s the second largest one-day point gain ever. The NASDAQ up 334, the S&P 500 up 127 points. It’s the second largest one-day point gain in history. That’s your Fox Business Report. I’m Hilarie Barsky, invested in you.