For: April 27, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell  

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning on Wall Street after stocks closed mixed yesterday, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both rising to fresh record highs to start the week.  Gains were limited as oil prices edged higher over stalled Iran peace talks.  Tech shares provided lift with telecommunications giant Verizon up about three percent after its latest financial results.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 62 points to 49-167.  The S&P 500 rose 8 points to 71-73.  The Nasdaq gained 50 points to 24-887.

>>Budget Airlines Asking Feds For Gas Money

(Undated)  --  A group of budget airlines is asking the White House for two-and-a-half billion dollars to help stem the cost of jet fuel.  In exchange, the airlines would give the federal government the right to purchase stakes in the companies.  The Association of Value Airlines represents carriers like Frontier and Avelo and is heading up the request.  The group says the cash infusion would help "preserve vital industry competition."

>>Jury Seated In OpenAI Trial

(Oakland, CA)  --  A jury will decide if OpenAI failed to live up to commitments it made to stay a nonprofit company.  A nine-person jury was seated Monday in Oakland, California, where Elon Musk, who co-founded the artificial intelligence company, is suing OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman.  Musk left the board in 2018 and later started rival xAI.

>>California Billionaire Tax Will Appear On November Ballot

(Sacramento, CA)  --  A plan to tax California billionaires will likely appear on the November ballot after supporters say they gathered enough signatures.  The campaign says it has collected over one and a half million signatures.   The measure would charge billionaires in California a one-time, five percent tax on their assets, such as stocks, art, businesses, and intellectual property.  It's designed to make up for federal health funding that was cut last year.  The tax targets billionaires living in California at the start of the year.  California has the most billionaires of any state.  Almost half the state's personal income tax revenue comes from them, the top one percent of earners.

>>WalletHub Releases Top Entry-Level Jobs For 2026

(Miami, FL)  --  WalletHub is out with a list of the best entry-level jobs for this year.  Hardware and software engineers along with certified nursing assistants were all ranked in the top five.  The rankings were based on factors like potential growth, overall availability and on-the-job hazards. 

>>Real Announces Acquisition Of RE/MAX 

(Miami, FL)  --  Technology-powered real estate broker Real says it's going to acquire the parent company of RE/MAX, in what's expected to be a 880-million-dollar deal.  Real says the business models of the two companies are complimentary, with it's AI-powered brokerage platform pairing with RE/MAX's branding and its thousands of agents around the world.  The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.  The price tag for the deal is expected to be 880-million dollars. 

For: April 27, 2026

>>Wall Street Welcomes Fresh Trading Week 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after Wall Street closed out the week in the mixed territory, the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq both ending at all-time highs on Friday.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 79 points to 49-230.  The S&P 500 rose 56 points to 71-65.  The Nasdaq gained 398 points to 24-836.

>>FOMC Meeting This Week 

(Undated)  --  Coming up in the business week ahead, the spotlight will be on the Federal Reserve as the nation's central bank announces its latest decision on interest rates.  That happens Wednesday, with the Fed widely expected to hold rates steady with Jerome Powell's term as chair winding down next month.  Also happening on Wednesday, investors will be keeping an eye on tech earnings with Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft all due to report. 

>>Consumer Sentiment Holds At Records Lows In April

(Ann Arbor, MI)  --  Consumer sentiment remains at record low levels despite a Middle East ceasefire.  The University of Michigan's final reading for April slid six-point-six percent from one month ago.  The survey noted a widespread decline in sentiment across all age and income groups.  The survey's chief economist said sentiment recovered slightly from its early-month losses as gas prices eased after a two-week ceasefire took effect. The near term inflation outlook remains high while consumers expect to see prices up four-point-seven percent a year from now.  

>>Sloth World Files For Bankruptcy

(Orlando, FL)  --  Sloth World Orlando is filing for bankruptcy protection after more than 30 of the animals reportedly died from a virus.  Over a dozen surviving sloths were transfered to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Friday where they will remain in quarantine for a month.  The zoo says it is working for a long-term placement for the sloths and some of them could potentially stay at the zoo.  

>>Walmart Recalls 50K Adjustable Dumbbells 

(Bethesda, MD)  --  Federal safety officials said about 50-thousand dumbbells sold at Walmart have been recalled.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the FitRx SmartBell Quick-Select five to 52 and half pound Adjustable Dumbbells, made by New York-based Tzumi Electronics should be immediately replaced.  The agency said the weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, posing an "impact hazard."  The agency said it received over 115 reports pf the plates coming loose.  At least six injuries have been reported, including broken toes, bruises, contusions and lacerations. 

>>McDonald's Unveils 'Stranger Things' Happy Meal 

(Undated)  --  McDonald's has partnered with Netflix on a limited-edition Happy Meal for the premier of the streamer's new animated series.  "Stranger Things: Tales from '85" is an animated series that follows Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max as they fight "new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery."  Netflix says the Happy Meal will be available beginning Nay 5th in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.  The Happy Meal includes a custom "Stranger Things: Tales from '85"-inspired Happy Meal box, one of 12 collectible character toys, a "Stranger Things" activity book and a QR code that unlocks a digital experience and game. 

For: April 24, 2026

>>Trading Week Winding Down  

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning on Wall Street after stocks closed in the red yesterday as investors continued to monitor developments with the war in Iran.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 179 points to 49-310.  The S&P 500 fell 29 points to 71-08.  The Nasdaq dropped 219 points to 24-438.

>>Meta To Layoff 10% Of Its Workforce 

(Menlo Park, CA)  --  An estimated ten percent of Meta's workforce is expected to be laid off.  According to a Thursday memo to employees, first reported by Bloomberg News, the move will result in job losses for about eight-thousand employees, and cuts are expected to start on May 20th.  The company confirmed the workforce reduction, and it comes as the social media giant continues investing heavily into artificial intelligence.  Meta previously fired roughly ten percent of staff members in January who focus on metaverse-related virtual reality projects stemming from its Reality Labs unit. 

>>Warner Bros. Shareholders Approve Merger

(Burbank, CA)  --  Warner Brothers Discovery shareholders have approved the merger with Paramount Skydance.  Paramount is set to acquire the company in whole, including cable networks, a film studio and streaming service.  The deal is for 31-dollars a share and it comes after a bidding war with Netflix.  The merger still needs regulatory approval.  However, shareholders voted against compensation packages meant for current Warner Bros.  CEO David Zaslav and other executives related to the Paramount merger. 

>>Incomes Rising Faster Than Rent Increases Nationwide

(Undated)  --  A new Zillow report shows incomes are rising faster than rent increases nationwide for the first time in years.  According to Zillow, the typical asking rent was one-thousand-910-dollars in March, which is up one-point-eight percent from a year earlier and the slowest annual pace since 2020.  Zillow estimates the average household has about 193 dollars more per month but even as rent growth slows, leasing prices are higher than a year ago in 37 of the 50 largest metros.  However, the report ranked Austin, Texas as the most affordable major metro for renters, with rent prices down more than two percent in March from the year before. 

>>Reports: Former Disney CEO Bob Iger Takes Role As Adviser At VC Firm

(New York, NY)  --  Former Disney CEO Bob Iger is taking a role as an adviser at Thrive Capital.  That's according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, who says Iger will work with the firm's staff on investments and with founders of companies in the VC company's portfolio.  Its portfolio includes investments for Instagram, Spotify, OpenAI and more.  Iger first joined Thrive as a venture partner in 2022, after down from his CEO role the first time at the end of 2021.  The company was formed by Josh Kushner in 2009.

>>7-Eleven Offering Catering

(Irving, TX)  --  7-Eleven is offering catering.  It's partnered with EZ Cater to bring food from the chain's Speedy Cafe and Laredo Taco Company brands.  The menu includes items like breakfast sandwiches, pizza and salads. 

>>Popular Generator Recalled Due To Serious Safety Hazard

(Undated) -- Hundreds of thousands of generators are being recalled due to serious safety hazards. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Generac generators sold at Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's and several other retailers nationwide from May 2025 to February 2026 may have fuel leaks. CPSC and Costco have shared public warnings regarding at least 150-thousand Generac-branded portable generators and the company has received 114 reports of generator fuel leaks. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as of April 22nd, but the CPSC recommends consumers with any recalled items to stop using them immediately.

For: April 23, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell  

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed higher on Wall Street yesterday.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 340 points to 49-490.  The tech-heavy Nasdaq and S&P 500 both finished at a record high.  The S&P 500 climbed 73 points to 71-37 and the Nasdaq rose 397 points to 24-657.

>>Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac To Allow Rent Payments In Credit Score

(Washington, DC)  --  Paying your rent on time may now improve a homebuyer's credit score.  Federal mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now allowing credit scores based on rent and utility payments, to make it easier to qualify for a mortgage.  The head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, William Pulte, made the announcement Wednesday at a press conference.  Pulte said, "If you pay your rent on time, you are more likely to pay your mortgage on time," adding that for decades, the housing system "ignored that simple fact."  On Wednesday he said "that's nonsense, because credit history should include rental history."

>>Tesla Reports Q1 Earnings

(Austin, TX)  --  Tesla is reporting first-quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations.  Revenue, however, came in weaker than predicted.  The electric automaker reported Wednesday that revenue was 22-point-39 billion dollars, compared with expectations of 22-point-64 billion.  Earnings were at 41 cents a share, above the 37 cents expected.

>>EV Sales Drop Sharply In California

(Sacramento, CA)  --  California's plan to have all new cars be electric by 2035 is facing challenges.  A new report shows sales of electric cars in California have dropped sharply, with zero-emission vehicles making up just under 14 percent of new car sales, a significant decrease from last year.  Registrations are also down more than 40 percent, partly because a 75-hundred federal tax credit went away.  Meanwhile, hybrid car sales are rising, now making up over 20 percent of the market.  Experts say many buyers like the savings of electric cars but prefer the ease of transitioning into a hybrid. 

>>Reports: Trump Administration Close To Rescue Package For Spirit Airlines

(Dania Beach, FL)  --  Spirit Airlines may soon find itself on the receiving end of a financial lifeline from the federal government.  Multiple reports say the Trump administration is close to a rescue deal for the troubled airline.  The discount airline is reportedly facing the risk of liquidation.

>>Microsoft Cuts Game Pass Subscription Rates

(Redmond, WA)  --  Microsoft is cutting the price of its Game Pass subscriptions.  The company said Tuesday that the cost of its Game Pass Ultimate service, which allows users to download and stream video games, is being cut from nearly 30 dollars per month to 22-99.  The limited PC Game Pass is also being cut, to just 14 dollars a month.  The price cut comes after the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma, told employees in a memo earlier this year that Game Pass had become too expensive.

For: April 22, 2026 

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed lower on Wall Street yesterday.  Stocks slid and global oil prices surged as prospects dimmed for Iran negotiations in Pakistan.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 293 points to 49-149.  The S&P 500 fell 45 points to 70-64.  The Nasdaq dropped 144 points to 24-259.

>>Job Satisfaction Hits A New Low In The U.S.

(New York, NY)  --  A new federal survey shows worker satisfaction is plummeting in the U.S.  The survey by the New York Federal Reserve released on Tuesday shows only ten percent of U.S. workers feel they are able to find other jobs.  It also shows less satisfaction with job pay, benefits and promotion opportunities, and fewer people out looking for a job in the last four weeks.

>>Florida AG Opens Investigation Into OpenAI

(Tallahassee, FL)  --  Florida's Attorney General is launching a criminal investigation into OpenAI.  James Uthmeier said his office is also issuing subpoenas to the AI company to seek information on how it approaches a users threat of harm to themselves or others. The subpoena will also request information on policies and internal training materials regarding OpenAI's cooperation with law enforcement agencies.  Uthmeier also says they've also been looking into the communication between ChatGPT and an alleged gunman who killed two people at Florida State University in April of 2025.  He says the chatbot advised the shooter on what type of gun to use, ammo, and whether or not a gun would be useful in short range.

>>Amazon Launches GLP-1 Weight Loss Program

(Seattle, WA)  --  Amazon is launching its own weight-loss program.  The online retailer said Tuesday that Amazon One Medical will now provide customers with "fast, convenient" access to GLP-1 treatments, with prices beginning at 25 dollars per-month with insurance.  It said the GLP-1 management program will integrate obesity treatment into routine care, combining virtual and in-person visits with prescription management.  The company added that it plans to expand same-day drug delivery to 45-hundred cities by the end of the year.

>>Existing Home Sales Slowed In March

(Washington, DC)  --  Existing home sales slowed more than expected in March.  The National Association of Realtors says sales decreased three-point-six percent to an annual rate of just under four-million units in March.  The group's chief economist noted sales "remained sluggish and below last year's pace" due to economic concerns and historically low inventory.  Month-over-month sales fell in all four regions of the country.  The median price of a single-family home was 412-thousand-400 dollars in March, up one-point-three percent from last year.

>>Trump Media Announces New Interim CEO

(Undated)  --  Trump Media and Technology Group is announcing their new interim CEO.  Kevin McGurn is taking over the role, effective immediately.  McGurn previously worked as an executive at Hulu, Vevo and T-Mobile before serving as an adviser to Trump Media since 2024.  TMTG is the parent company of social-media platform Truth Social, as well as other businesses who say their goal is to give "people their voices back."  McGurn will succeed former Republican Congressman David Nunes, who's been CEO since 2022.

For: April 21, 2026  

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed slightly lower on Monday to start off the trading week.  Stocks slipped as global oil prices rose over the uncertainty about the future of U.S.-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.  Investors are also keeping an eye on earnings with Tesla, Boeing and chipmaker Intel scheduled to report results this week.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost four points to 49-442.  The S&P 500 fell 16 points to 71-09.  The Nasdaq dropped 64 points to 24-404.

>>Retail Sales Up, Driven By Gas Prices

(Washington, DC)  --  Retail sales jumped by one-point-seven percent in March, the largest growth since January 2023.  The numbers out today from the Census Bureau show the growth was driven by a 15-point-five percent increase in gasoline spending brought on by the war with Iran.  Analysts were expecting growth of one-point-four percent.

>>Tim Cook To Step Down As Apple CEO

(Cupertino, CA)  --  Tim Cook will step down as Apple CEO later this year.  The company said Cook will transition to the role of executive chairman on September 1st.  John Ternus will be Apple's new CEO.  The 50-year-old was previously the chief of hardware at Apple.  Cook has served as the head of Apple since 2011 when he took over for Steve Jobs.  Cook said being CEO of Apple the greatest privilege of his life.

>>Satire Site The Onion To Take Over Infowars

(Undated)  --  Satire site The Onion says it's taking over Infowars.  CEO Ben Collins confirmed the news to Variety Monday.  The company will take control of the Alex Jones ran site under a deal with Gregory Milligan, who was appointed by a bankruptcy court to manage the platform in 2024.  The Onion says pending court approval, the new digital platform will be launched to "create a home for emerging and established comedic voices while expanding The Onion's home as a modern satire institution."  The deal would run for six months with an option to renew for another six months pending approval from a judge.  

>>Disney World Raising Ticket Prices

(Orlando, FL)  --  Walt Disney World is raising ticket prices.  The Florida theme park rolled out its pricing through October 2027 and the most expensive one-day ticket will cost 219-dollars a person on President's Day weekend.  Peak ticket prices this year reached 209-dollars.  Out west, Disneyland's peak ticket has reached 224-dollars.  Disney is offering some discounts to try to draw visitors in during the summer months, but with stripped back perks.

>>FDNY Planning Double Digit Hikes In Ambulance Fees 

(New York, NY)  -- The FDNY is planning double-digit hikes in ambulance fees come July 1st.  That means a basic life support ambulance ride would jump from thirteen-hundred-eighty-five-dollars to nearly 18-hundred, while "treatment in place" would rise from 630 dollars to 896.  Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola blames Mayor Mamdani's edict that all city departments have to make budget cuts because of the city's fiscal crisis.  But EMS Union President Oren Barzilay blames a staffing shortage caused by poor pay and EMS personnel working three years without a contract.  He says that's insulting and "endangers the people of the city of New York."  The public will get to weigh in a May 15th hearing.

For: April 20, 2026 

>>Wall Street Welcomes Fresh Trading Week 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after Wall Street closed the week out sharply higher on Friday.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 868 points to 49-447.  The S&P 500 rose 84 points, closing above 71-hundred for the first time at 71-26.  The Nasdaq climbed 365 points to 24-468.

>>Tariff Refund Portal Opening

(Washington, DC)  --  The Trump administration's tariff refund system is set to launch.  Starting today, American importers will be able to access a portal used to issue refunds from the 166-billion-dollars that was paid by companies.  The Supreme Court struck down those tariffs in February, ruling President Trump illegally side-stepped Congress when he enacted them.  Consumers who paid higher costs on an imported product are not eligible for a tariff refund under this system, but individual companies may be issuing refunds in the future.  

>>Spirit Airlines Liquidation Possible 

(Miramar, FL)  --  Spirit Airlines is on the brink of total liquidation as its bankruptcy restructuring hits a wall.  Sky-high fuel costs fueled by the conflict in the Middle East are largely to blame.  Lenders are reportedly pulling support, and the airline is already cutting dozens of routes and furloughing hundreds of crew members.  Spirit says it's still flying for now, but experts warn of sudden 'overnight' cancellations.  If you're booked, check your flight status before heading to the airport.

>>Blue Origin Puts Satellite In Wrong Orbit

(Cape Canaveral, FL)  --  Blue Origin had a successful launch yesterday as its New Glenn rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.  However, it was carrying a commercial communications satellite that it put into the wrong orbit, making it unusable.  It was the third launch for the New Glenn rocket and the first to reuse the rocket's first stage.  The now-useless satellite was the largest civilian antenna ever put in orbit.  No word on how much it cost but the company behind it said it's fully insured.

>>KB Home Relocating Headquarters To Arizona

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Another major company is leaving California.  KB Home, one of the largest homebuilding companies in the nation, plans to move its headquarters from Los Angeles to Tempe [[ Tem-pee ]], Arizona in spring 2027.  Officials say they're shifting executive leadership and key operations to the Phoenix area, citing lower costs and a more favorable business climate.

For: April 17, 2026

>>Trading Week Winding Down 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed mostly higher on Wall Street yesterday, with the S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq both hitting fresh record highs.  It comes as investors are keeping their eyes on the war between the U.S. and Iran, with President Trump telling reporters that Iran is "willing to do things today they weren't two months ago," adding a deal could happen pretty quickly.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 115 points to 48-578.  The S&P 500 climbed 18 points to 70-41.  The Nasdaq rose 86 points to 24-102.

>>Netflix Chairman Stepping Down

(Los Gatos, CA)  --  Netflix Chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings is stepping down this summer after 29 years.  In that time it went from a service that physically mailed out DVDs to the largest paid streaming service in the world with an audience of nearly a billion people.  The company said Hastings is planning to focus on philanthropy.  Netflix stock dropped around nine-percent on the news Thursday.  

>>UAW President Fain, Labor Leaders Urge Congress For AI Safeguards

(Washington, DC)  --  United Auto Workers union president Shawn Fain and other labor leaders are urging Congress to pass artificial intelligence safeguards to protect workers at risk of being left behind.  Auto industry officials say AI has been being used for at least the last decade on things like troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality inspections.  Fain, however, compares the technology to the start of NAFTA.  U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders joined the labor leaders for their Capitol Hill rally this week.

>>Anthropic Releases Claude Opus 4.7

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Anthropic is releasing a new artificial intelligence model called Claude Opus 4.7.  The company said Thursday it's better than past models but less capable than Claude Mythos Preview, which was deemed too powerful for public release.  That model was apparently able to identify massive security flaws and breach virtual containment on its own, showing a dangerous potential for circumventing safeguards.  Opus is reportedly good at software engineering and following instructions.  

>>IRS Using AI To Speed Up Tax Return Processing

(Washington, DC)  --  The IRS is using artificial intelligence to process tax returns following the April 15th filing deadline.  The agency says the technology helps speed up reviews and identify errors that may be missed by human workers.  The system crosschecks returns against existing records, including bank interest, side income, and payment app transactions.  Experts warn taxpayers the technology can produce incorrect information and possibly expose sensitive personal data.  

>>Paramount Skydance CEO Makes Surprise CinemaCon Appearance

(Undated)  --  Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is making major pledges to global movie theater owners as he lays out his vision for a combined Paramount-Warner Bros. The mogul made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon on Thursday, and he announced that Paramount Pictures will offer a 45-day exclusive window for their movies to play in theaters. He also discussed a three-month commitment period for their movies to live on streaming video-on-demand platforms before titles head to Paramount-plus. Ellison is awaiting regulatory approval to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, and he said once the transaction is completed, the companies will make a "minimum" of 30 films for theaters across both studios.  

>>QVC Files For Bankruptcy

(West Chester, PA)  --  The parent company of home shopping TV channels QVC and HSN is filing for bankruptcy.  QVC Group revealed the plan in a filing with the SEC.  This comes as consumer habits have shifted, with video platforms on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube entering the shopping space.  QVC Group laid off 900 employees last year as it planned to shift to social platforms.  The company said its aim is to emerge from bankruptcy within 90 days.

>>Trader Joe's Shoppers May Qualify For Settlement Payment

(Undated)  --  Trader Joe's is agreeing to a seven-point-four-million-dollar payout to settle a lawsuit. The multi-million-dollar class action lawsuit accused the grocer of violating the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act after some customers received receipts with the first six and last four digits of their credit or debit card. Impacted Trader Joe's customers will need to file a claim to receive their portion of the settlement, which is estimated to be around 102 dollars. Customers have until June 9th to file a claim. 

For: April 16, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after a mixed day of trading on Wall Street that saw both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq close at fresh record highs.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 72 points to 48-463.  The S&P 500 climbed up by 55 points to 70-22.  The Nasdaq rose by 376 points to 24-016.

>>Trump To Tout Tax Cuts In Sin City

(Las Vegas, NV)  --  President Trump is heading to Las Vegas today to highlight tax breaks from the "Big, Beautiful Bill."  His trip to the AC Hotel Las Vegas comes the day after taxes were due for millions of Americans.  The President is expected to hear from people who've benefited from the no tax on tips and overtime provisions in the bill.  Trump will be taking the same message when he travels to Phoenix, Arizona on Friday.

>>Gas Prices Drop Slightly 

(Heathrow, FL)  --  Gas prices are down slightly.  Triple A puts today's nationwide average at four dollars and nine cents a gallon, down a penny from yesterday.  A week ago, four-16 was the nationwide average.   

>>Jury Finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster Guilty In High-Stake Antitrust Trial

(Manhattan, NY)  --  A jury has found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty in a high-stake antitrust trial.  The initial complaint brought by the Department of Justice claimed that Live Nation monopolized the industry by controlling ticketing, concert booking, venues and promotions.  The lawsuit alleged the company engaged in "anticompetitive conduct," causing fans to pay higher fees, giving artists fewer options for touring and coercing venues to use Ticketmaster.  In the second week of the five week trial, the Justice Department struck a deal with Live Nation that requires Ticketmaster to divest up to 13 amphitheaters and cap ticket service fees at 15-percent.  A majority of state attorneys general still pursued claims despite the deal, leading to the verdict on Wednesday.

>>SantaCon Organizer Accused Of $1M+ Charity Fraud

(New York City, NY)  --  A man is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing more than one-million-dollars meant for charity through New York City's Santa-Con.  Prosecutors say 50-year-old Stefan Pildes misled thousands of participants by claiming ticket proceeds would benefit local charities.  Pildes is accused of diverting more than half of the roughly two-and-a-half-million-dollars raised since 2019 for personal use.  Pildes allegedly used the money on luxury expenses, including vacations, dining, and property renovations.  He is charged with wire fraud as the investigation continues.

>>NY Gov Proposes New Tax For Luxury Secondary Properties 

(New York, NY)  --  New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a new tax on certain luxury secondary properties in the Big Apple to help the city with a big budget hole.  Hochul's proposal would put a surcharge on New York City homes worth five million dollars or more if the owner has a separate primary residence outside of the city.  Hochul estimates it would generate half a billion dollars in revenue for the city which faces a multi-billion dollar budget hole.  Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports the measure but has also been pushing for a tax hike on higher income earners in New York and big businesses.  Hochul today reiterated she's not on board with that. 

>>Hampshire College Closing After Fall Semester 

(Amherst, MA)  --  A small liberal arts school in Western Massachusetts is planning to close permanently after the fall semester. Many small schools have struggled to enroll students, and Hampshire College will be the latest to join an epidemic of closures over the past two decades. According to Hampshire President Jennifer Chrisler, the college has about 625 students which is almost half the school's enrollment in the early 2000s. The 56-year-old college underwent a multiyear effort to refinance debt, raise funds, pursue land development and increase enrollment, but it failed to produce a viable path to saving the institution.   

>>AMC Raising Price Of Stubs A-List Program

(Undated)  --  AMC Theaters is raising the price of their Stubs A-List program.  The cinema chain revealed the plan for the price hike following the rising costs of operating its venues.  The subscription membership will go up to 29-99 per month, a two-dollar increase from May 2025's price increase.  Perks are slated to remain the same, with moviegoers being able to see up to four movies per week, free upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks and a five-dollar reward for every 50-dollars spent.  

For: April 15, 2026 

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed higher yesterday on Wall Street.  Stocks posted solid gains after President Trump said a second round of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran could happen soon in Pakistan.  Market sentiment also got a boost from falling oil prices and a surge in technology shares.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 317 points to 48-535.  The S&P 500 rose 81 points to 69-67.  The Nasdaq climbed 455 points to 23-639.

>>Taxes Due Today 

(Washington, DC)  --  Tax Day is here.  Tax returns must be postmarked or electronically filed by the end of the day to avoid a late-file penalty.  If you're not ready, you can file for a six-month filing extension, but tax experts caution that's not an extension to pay the IRS if you owe.  You must still pay the estimated tax owed by the April 15th deadline to avoid interest and late payment penalties.

>>IMF Says Middle East War Is Cutting World Growth

(Washington, DC)  --  The International Monetary Fund is cutting its growth outlook due to price increases caused by war in the Middle East.  The organization that ensures stability in global financial systems met Tuesday in Washington, DC and said the world was facing much weaker growth as shipping disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran.  The IMF said it was choosing its most positive scenario for its World Economic Outlook, which assumes the war will end soon and that prices will return to normal.  In its worst-case scenario, the IMF says the global economy is teetering on the brink of recession.

>>Survey: Fertilizer Too Expensive

(Undated)  --  A majority of American farmers say they won't be able to purchase enough fertilizer this year.  That's according to a new survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation that found 70-percent of farmers said fertilizer is too expensive.  There are differences by region, with 80 percent of southern farmers saying they can't afford it compared to just under 50 percent in the Midwest.  Since the start of increased tensions in the Middle East, fertilizer prices have gone up 30 percent.

>>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sold To Nonprofit

(Pittsburgh, PA)  --  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will no longer shut down next month as it is being sold to a nonprofit publishing group. B lock Communications, which is the Post-Gazette's parent company, announced that it sold the paper to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. According to Post-Gazette reporter Kris Mamula, the sale is effective May 4th and the paper will keep its name. Under the new acquisition, the paper's newsroom and local business leadership will remain in the Steel City while other functions will be combined with teams at the institute.  

>>Novo Nordisk To Partner With OpenAI

(Bagsvaerd, Denmark)  --  Novo Nordisk is partnering with OpenAI in its efforts to keep pace with rapid expansion in the weight loss drug race.  The pharmaceutical company announced the partnership in a statement on Tuesday and shared it would use AI to analyze complex datasets, identify promising drug candidates and reduce the time between research and patient application.  The move comes as pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to speed up and simplify clinical development.  The CEOs of both companies welcomed the partnership and potential for accelerated scientific discovery.  

>>Amazon Acquiring Satellite Firm To Challenge Musk's Starlink

(Seattle, WA)  --  Amazon is looking to acquire the satellite firm Globalstar in a multi-billion-dollar deal. The eleven-point-57-billion-dollar deal gives Amazon access to Globalstar's network of two dozen satellites. The move will boost the tech giant's ambitions to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink, which currently has about ten-thousand units in orbit. Amazon has been working to ramp up its network by deploying about three-thousand-200 satellites in Earth's low orbit by 2029, and roughly half are required to be in place by a July 2026 regulatory deadline.     

For: April 14, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed higher on Wall Street Monday to start off the week.  Stocks rebounded in late trading as technology shares helped boost the broader market.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 301 points to 48-218.  The S&P 500 rose 69 points to 68-86.  The Nasdaq climbed 280 points to 23-183.  

>>Producer Prices Up

(Washington, DC)  --  Wholesale prices went up in March but much less than expected.  Numbers out from the Labor Department today show the producer price index rose half a percent, well under the one-point-one percent markets were expecting.  Much of the costs were driven by an increase in energy costs due to the Iran war.  Excluding food and energy, producer prices went up just a tenth of a percent.

>>Meta Working On AI Zuckerberg

(Menlo Park, CA)  --  Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly making an interactive AI version of himself so that employees might feel more connected to him.  That's according to the Financial Times, which reports the company is training the avatar with Zuckerberg's image, voice, mannerisms and tone.  The company might start letting people make AI copies of themselves if the Zuckerberg clone works out.

>>Hollywood Figures Against Paramount And Warner Brothers Merger

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Entertainment professionals are speaking out against a planned merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers.  More than one-thousand Hollywood figures have signed an open letter arguing the merger would "further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape." It also claims it would reduce competition at a moment when both the industry and audience "can least afford it."  The letter comes as Paramount and Warner Brothers eye a deal that would deliver a major shake-up to the TV and movie business.  According to stars who signed, "the result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences."  

>>United Air Proposed Merger With American Airlines To Trump

(Chicago, IL)  --  The CEO of United Airlines reportedly proposed a merger with American Airlines to President Trump back in February.  Sources say United CEO Scott Kirby suggested that move would result in a stronger competitor in international markets - a nod to the administration's focus on U.S. trade deficits around the world.  Industry experts say approval of such a merger would be unlikely due antitrust and other challenges.

>>UPS To Cut Dozens Of Louisville Jobs

(Louisville, KY)  --  UPS has announced it's laying off dozens of workers at its Bluegrass facility in Louisville, Kentucky.  In a notice filed with the state, UPS says 65 employees will be let go in June when the facility is closed.  The company says it will try to offer those employees positions elsewhere within UPS if possible.  UPS officials say the cuts are part of the largest reconfiguration in its history as it tries to be more efficient.  The union that represents the UPS workers -- Teamsters Local 89 -- says it's supposed to receive more information on the cuts today. 

For: April 13, 2026

>>Watching Wall Street 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning to kick off a fresh trading week after stocks closed mostly lower on Friday.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 269 points to 47-916.  The S&P 500 lost 7 points to 68-16.  The Nasdaq gained 80 points to 22-902.

>>Tax Day Is April 15th  

(Undated)  --  Taxes are due this week.  The deadline to file is Wednesday, but if you haven't even started or aren't done yet, there's still hope.  If you're in a crunch, you need to file for an extension.  The key thing to keep in mind is to file your extension by April 15th. 

>>Los Angeles Public School Teachers Move To Avoid Strike 

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  It looks like school will be in session this week in the country's 2nd largest school district.  Los Angeles Unified announced Sunday morning that the district and the teacher's union struck a tentative two-year agreement, possibly avoiding a strike that was set to start Tuesday.  LAUSD says teacher pay scales will go up and the starting salary for a teacher will be 77-thousand dollars a year. 

>>NJ Leads Nation In Young Adults Living At Home With Parents 

(Trenton, NJ)  --  New Jersey leads the nation in the number of young adults living at home with their parents.  Forty-four percent of New Jerseyans ages 18 to 34 are living with their folks, compared to 33-percent nationwide.  The median sales price of a home in New Jersey was 558-thousand-dollars in February, 140-percent higher than the national median sales price.  Realtors say that fact, plus job market uncertainty, inflation and student loan debt are fueling the young adults at home trend, driving demand for in-law suites and finished basements with separate entrances.   

>>Netherlands 1st European Country Approve Tesla's FSD Supervised Feature

(Austin, TX)  --  The Netherlands is the first European country to approve Tesla's Full Self-Driving - Supervised - feature.  Government officials say drivers must be in the vehicle and must monitor it closely while in FSD mode.  Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he plans to expand the rollout of the feature to other European countries soon. 

>>5 Cheapest States To Retire In 

(Undated)  --  The Motley Fool's 2026 Best Places to Retire reports has been released.  The report found that Arkansas is best for costs of living and number five for housing costs.  Indiana came is second for costs of living and 11th for housing.  Ohio follows with third for living costs and tenth for housing.  Rounding out the top five list of cheapest states to retire in were Kentucky and Texas. 

For Friday, April 10th, 2026

>>Stocks Close Higher On Wall Street

(New York, NY)  --  Wall Street closed with stocks higher Thursday.  It comes as optimism continues that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could be sustained.  However, very little traffic has been seen going through the Strait of Hormuz after the reopening of the waterway was listed as a main condition of the deal. President Trump says U.S. military forces will remain in  Middle East until an agreement to fully end the war is reached.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 275 points to 48-185.  The S&P 500 climbed 41 points to 68-24.  The Nasdaq rose 187 points to 22-822.

>>Consumer Prices Jump, Led By Energy Costs

(Washington, DC)  --  Consumer prices jumped in March, led by surging energy costs due to the war in Iran.  According to Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers out this morning, the consumer price index jumped nine-tenths of a percent for the month, pushing the annual inflation rate to three-point-three percent.  Energy prices jumped by 10-point-nine percent.  The jump is in line with what analysts were expecting.  Excluding energy costs, however, prices rose point-two percent for the month and up two-point-six percent from last year.  The Federal Reserve has a target inflation rate of two-percent when it makes decisions on interest rates.

>>Economic Growth Downgraded In Fourth Quarter Of 2025

(Washington, DC) -- New government data shows economic growth slowed more than expected during the fourth quarter of last year. According to a Commerce Department report, the GDP from last October, November and December increased by an annual rate of point-five percent, which is below the point-seven percent estimate. The department said consumer spending and investment largely drove GDP growth, while decreased government spending and exports detracted from it. It also noted that a 43-day lapse in federal funding led to gaps in expected spending as well. 

>>Bessent Presses Congress To Pass Crypto Rules

(Washington, DC) -- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling on Congress to pass a cryptocurrency bill that would clarify rules for the market. Bessent argued in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the U.S. is risking its role as a global financial leader and pushing the industry offshore by failing to pass the Clarity Act. The bill aims to provide a framework for determining when digital assets are considered securities or commodities as well as which financial regulator has jurisdiction over them. It passed in the House last July, but the Senate has not taken up the House bill and has sought to develop its own legislation.   

>>Jobless Claims Up

(Washington, DC)  --  First time jobless claims were up last week more than expected.  Numbers from the Labor Department out this morning show 219 thousand claims were filed, compared to forecasts of 215-thousand.  That's up from 203 thousand the previous week.  

>>Lawsuit Filed Against Energy Drink Company After Texas Teen's Death

(Edinburg, TX)  --  A Texas family is suing an energy drink distributor following their teenage daughter's death from an enlarged heart.  Their attorney Bennie Agosto, Jr., says 17-year-old Larissa Rodriguez began drinking Alani Nu energy drinks in the year before she died.   The suit alleges that the constant ingestion of excessive caffeine led to the high school student's death.  The lawsuit is seeking a million dollars in damages from Glazer's Beer and Beverage, which distributes the energy drink in Hidalgo County.

>>Paramount Skydance To Launch Book Publisher

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Paramount Skydance is branching out into book publishing.  The multimedia entertainment giant says its launching a new publishing firm called Paramount Global Publishing, which will focus on content inspired by its iconic portfolio of brands and franchises.  Paramount says it will also generate new intellectual property through the creation of original stories.  The move comes two years after Paramount Global sold its publisher Simon & Schuster to a private equity firm for about one-point-six-billion dollars.

>>Amazon Ending Support For Old Kindles

(Seattle, WA)  --  Amazon is ending support of Kindle e-readers made before 2012.  They'll be bricked May 20th, after which they won't be able to connect to the Kindle Store and download new content.  Users will still be able to read content downloaded before that date.  

>>Minivans Making A Comeback With Buyers

(Undated) - Minivans may be making a comeback. Though formerly associated with soccer moms, experts say middle-aged men are driving the change behind the reemergence. Minivans are now being rebranded as lifestyle vehicles and one New Jersey dealership owner said the vans provide additional utility. However, the shift is also about economics as data from Edmunds shows a full-size SUV averages just over 77-thousand dollars while a minivan costs approximately 48-thousand dollars.

For: April 9, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed sharply higher yesterday.  Investors continue to keep their eye on developments with Iran after President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.  The ceasefire came under the condition that the Strait or Hormuz will be reopened to oil shipping in the Persian Gulf.  However, Iranian media says traffic into the Strait has been halted after attacks by Israel on Lebanon.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1,325 points to 47-909.  The S&P 500 climbed 165 points to 67-82.  The Nasdaq rose 617 points to 22-634.

>>Meta Unveils New AI Model

(Menlo Park, CA)  --  Meta is debuting its new AI model.  It comes after the tech giant's disappointing rollout of its Llama 4 family of AI models in April.  Since then, Meta invested over 14-billion-dollars in Scale AI for a 49-percent stake in the company, and hired Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang as its first-ever Chief AI Officer.  Industry insiders says the move was an attempt to catch-up in the AI market that's being dominated by Google, Open AI and Anthropic.  Meta's new AI model is the first from the company's new "Muse" series. 

>>FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report Shows Crypto Scams Drove Huge Losses

(Washington, DC)  --  The FBI says cryptocurrency scams resulted in the most losses out of all scams last year.  The bureau's annual report shows the Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than a million complaints overall last year with losses close to 21-billion dollars.  Crypto-related scams accounted for more than half the losses.  

>>Popular Retailer Files Bankruptcy Reorganization Plan

(New York, NY)  --  Saks Global Enterprises is previewing its plans to emerge from bankruptcy.  According to documents, the parent company of the luxury stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus filed for a Chapter Eleven plan of reorganization earlier this week.  The company will be rebranded as New Saks and have new board members directing it, new management incentive plans and new agreements with vendors.  It entered into a restructuring agreement with capital partners who pledged 500 million dollars in financing once the company emerges.  

>>In N Out Burger Will Not Do Online Ordering, Pickup 

(Irvine, CA)  --  In N Out Burger will not adopt online ordering and pickup.  Company owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson made the announcement during a recent talk at Pepperdine University.  Snyder-Ellingson was asked if In N Out ever intends to embrace automation.  She said no, explaining she wants to keep the company running the way her grandparents founded it.  She also says mobile ordering would take a piece of In N Out's culture away, mentioning interactions and customer service, and could also jeopardize freshness.  

>>Rice Recall 

(Rochester, NY)  --  Wegmans is announcing the recall of a product that's been sold on its store shelves.  The supermarket chain says the recall involves two pound bags of Lundberg Organic Jasmine White Rice.  There are concerns the rice could be contaminated with a foreign material but so far no illnesses have been reported.  Walmart, Target and Whole Foods also sell the brand of rice in question but have not announced the recall.
 

For: April 8, 2026

>>Watching Wall Street

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed mixed yesterday as investors kept a close eye on the situation in the Middle East.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 85 points to 46-584.  The S&P 500 added 5 points to 66-16 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 21 points to 22-017.

>>Gas Prices Likely To Stay High

(Undated)  --  Gas prices will likely keep rising even after the Strait of Hormuz reopens.  The U.S. Energy Information Administration said yesterday that restoring full flows of oil through the critical waterway will take months, keeping prices higher until output can return to normal.  The agency says it expects gas averages in the U.S. to peak at at least four-dollars and 30 cents a gallon this month.  Meanwhile, Triple-A puts today's nationwide average for a gallon of regular unleaded at four-16, up ten cents from a week ago.  

>>Delta Air Lines Increases Checked Bag Fees

(Atlanta, GA)  --  Fuel prices aren't the only thing going up -- starting today, Delta Air Lines is increasing checked bag fees.  The carrier will charge 45 dollars for the first checked bag on tickets purchased from April 8th, and the price continues to rise from there.  The second checked bag will now cost travelers 55 dollars, up from 45, and the third checked bag will increase from 150 to 200 dollars.  Delta joins other airlines, including JetBlue and United, in raising baggage fees to address the financial impact of high fuel costs.

>>Anthropic Says New AI Is Too Powerful For Broad Release

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Anthropic says its latest artificial intelligence model is too powerful for public release.  The model, Claude Mythos [[ clod  mith-ohs ]], proved to be extremely good at finding critical vulnerabilities in operating systems and web browsers.  The company said Tuesday that it would instead use Mythos as part of a cybersecurity program with a handful of trusted partners like Google and Microsoft.  The AI was apparently able to breach virtual containment on its own, showing a dangerous potential for circumventing safeguards. 

>>Pershing Square Intends To Acquire UMG  

(Hilversum, NL)  --  Pershing Square intends to purchase Universal Music Group.  CEO Bill Ackman says they're offering cash and stock worth about 64-billion-dollars.  He says the merger will strengthen the weak stock price and will list on the New York Stock Exchange.  The deal should close by the end of this year. 

>>Deere Reaches Settlement In Class Action Lawsuit

(Moline, IL) -- Deere and Co. is agreeing to pay 99 million dollars to settle a class action lawsuit. The Moline, Illinois-based manufacturer behind the John Deere brand was accused of conspiring with authorized dealers to force farmers to use their services for repairs and limiting independent repair options. As part of the settlement, Deere will provide farmers with digital tools needed for maintenance and repair of large agricultural equipment for the next ten years. However, the settlement does require court approval, and the manufacturer is still facing a separate lawsuit from the FTC concerning similar "right to repair" issues. 

For Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

>>Stocks Close Higher On Hopes Of Iran Ceasefire

(New York, NY)  --  Wall Street closed higher Monday as investors weigh developments in the U.S.-Iran war.  Oil prices remained volatile as President Trump repeated his stance that the U.S. would destroy Iran's energy infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline.  Markets posted slight gains to start the week on hopes of a last-minute ceasefire deal that could pave the way for an end to the conflict.  At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 165 points to 46-669.  The S&P 500 added 29 points to 66-11.  The Nasdaq rose 117 points to 21-996.

>>Oil Prices Up

(Undated)  --  Oil prices continue to climb as President Trump keeps up threats to destroy Iranian energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.  West Texas Intermediate oil futures were at around 115-dollars barrel as of Tuesday morning.  Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, were at about 111-dollars a barrel.

>>OpenAI Publishes Policy Blueprint For Artificial Intelligence

(San Francisco, CA) -- OpenAI is unveiling its policy blueprint proposal for artificial intelligence. CEO Sam Altman compared today's circumstances to the transition out of the Industrial Age into the Progressive Era, and the 13-page document argues the governing of AI must "keep people first." Recommendations include the creation of a public wealth fund, taxes "related to automated labor" and new ways for public input. OpenAI's sweeping recommendations appear to be an attempt to get ahead of the growing fears around AI.  

>>Pershing Square Intends To Acquire UMG   (Hilversum, NL)  -  Pershing Square intends to purchase Universal Music Group.  CEO Bill Ackman says they're offering cash and stock.  He says the merger will strengthen the weak stock price and will list on the New York Stock Exchange.  The deal should close by the end of this year. 

>>JPMorgan Chase CEO Iran War Recession Warning

(Undated) - The CEO of JPMorgan Chase is warning that the ongoing conflict with Iran could tip the U.S. economy into a recession. Jamie Dimon issued the warning in his annual letter to shareholders on Monday writing, "now, because of the war in Iran, we additionally face the potential for significant ongoing oil and commodity price shocks." According to Dimon, it "may lead to stickier inflation and ultimately higher interest rates than markets currently expect." Despite the warning, the executive noted "the U.S. economy continues to be resilient," and he reiterated his hope for the nation to remain committed to backing its allies.

>>Treasury Department Announces BNY Will Manage Trump Accounts

(Washington, DC) - The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is being tapped to support the implementation of the Trump accounts program. Trump accounts are a new type of individual retirement account set to launch in July that  parents or guardians can elect to open on behalf of eligible children. According to Monday's announcement from the Treasury Department, the BNY will help develop the Trump accounts app and manage the initial accounts while Robinhood will serve as brokerage and initial trustee for the accounts. The CEO of BNY said the company is "honored to be selected as financial agent for Trump Accounts."  

>>Utah Ranked Top State for Remote Work

(Salt Lake City, UT)  --  Utah is ranked the top state in the country for remote work, according to a new report. A study by WalletHub cites Utah's low electricity costs, affordable internet, and high access to broadband as key factors. Analysts also point to the state's larger-than-average homes, with about 25-hundred square feet, giving workers more space to work from home. The report says about 18-percent of Utahns currently work remotely, while more than 95-percent could do so in the future. Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts round out the top five states.

For: April 6, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell 

(New York, NY)  --  The opening bell rings this morning after Wall Street was closed for Good Friday.  Trading wrapped up Thursday with stocks mixed.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 61 points to 46-504.  The S&P 500 gained 7 points to 65-82.  The Nasdaq jumped 38 points to 21-879.

>>Oil Prices Up

(Undated)  --  Oil prices are up after President Trump launched a profanity-laced threat against Iran Sunday.  The President said the U.S. would destroy power plants and bridges Tuesday if Tehran doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial oil traffic.  West Texas Intermediate oil futures are at around 111-dollars barrel after spiking at 115-dollars.  Brent crude futures are at about 110-dollars

>>Gas Prices At $4.11 To Start The Week 

(Heathrow, FL)  --  Gas prices are at four-dollars and eleven cents on average nationwide as we start off the week.  It was at three-99 a week ago, according to Triple-A.  Nevada has now joined the list of states where a gallon of regular unleaded is going for more than five-bucks.  Prices are still highest in California, at five-92 on average.

>>AI Firm Anthropic Launches New Corporate PAC

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Anthropic is launching a new corporate political action committee. The artificial intelligence firm filed a statement of organization on Friday to form "AnthroPAC," and according to reporting from The Hill, it will be funded exclusively and voluntarily by employees. A bipartisan board of directors will oversee the PAC, which is expected to give money to candidates from both parties. Anthropic is now the latest technology firm to start an employee-funded PAC for election season as companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon have similarly structured PACs.

>>JBS Workers End Strike At Colorado Plant

(Greeley, CO)  --  Union employees will get back to work at a one of the largest meatpacking plants in the nation tomorrow - JBS - on the promise of talks.  UFCW Local Seven announced on Saturday that JBS has agreed to resume contract talks later this week.  About 38-hundred union workers began striking at the plant on March 16th.  The union has accused the company of unfair labor practices, an allegation the company has strongly denied.

>>WGA Reaches Deal With Studios 

(New York, NY)  --  The Writers Guild of America has made a surprise deal with major studios.  The guild reached a tentative agreement on Saturday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.  The deal will stand for four years, instead of the typical three-year term.  Details were limited but the deal is expected to include a major cash infusion into the guild's health fund.  The agreement must still be approved by the WGA board and sent to members for ratification. 

For: April 3, 2026

>>Wall Street Closed For Good Friday 

(New York, NY)  --  Wall Street is closed for Good Friday.  Trading wrapped up yesterday with stocks mixed a day after President Trump addressed the nation and indicated the war against Iran would carry on.  Thursday's closing bell saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average lose 61 points to 46-504.  The S&P 500 gained 7 points to 65-82.  The Nasdaq jumped 38 points to 21-879.

>>Jobs Report Due 

(Washington, DC)  --  The monthly jobs report will be released this morning.  Most analysts expect to see that non-farm payrolls grew by around 60-thousand in March.  That would follow the loss of 92-thousand jobs shown in the previous month's report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

>>Pain At The Pump Continues  

(Heathrow, FL)  --  Gas prices are closing out the week at four-dollars and nine cents a gallon on average.  Triple-A puts today's national average for regular unleaded a penny ahead of yesterday.  Prices are highest for drivers in California, where a gallon is going for five-89 on average. 

>>Amazon Adding Surcharge Due To Rising Fuel Prices

(Seattle, WA)  --  Amazon will be adding a three-and-a-half percent surcharge for third-party sellers because of rising fuel prices.  The new fee goes into effect for some services April 17th and expands May 2nd.  It comes as the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx are hiking their own surcharges.  

>>United Airlines Raising Checked Bag Fees

(Chicago, IL)  --  United Airlines passengers will have to pay more to check their bags.  The airline announced Thursday it's raising checked bag fees ten dollars.  This comes as the airline industry is dealing with an 80-percent hike in jet fuel costs.  For most United passengers, the prepaid checked bag fee will be 45 dollars.  It'll be 50 bucks if the ticket is purchased within 24 hours of a flight. 

>>L.A. County Federation Of Labor Approves Strike Sanction For LAUSD Teachers

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has unanimously approved a strike sanction for LA Unified School District teachers and education workers.  It means affiliated unions in the nation's second largest school district would support a potential strike by honoring picket lines, taking part in rallies and backing workers.  United Teachers Los Angeles and SEIU Local 99 have set a strike date of April 14th, if leaders can't reach a new labor agreement with the district.  The UTLA is demanding wage increases of about 17 percent over two years, smaller class sizes, expanded student services and protections against layoffs.  

For: April 1, 2026

>>Ahead Of The Bell

(New York, NY) -- The opening bell rings this morning as Wall Street welcomes a fresh trading month. Stocks closed sharply higher yesterday to close out March. Stocks jumped in a broad-based relief rally following new reports that the U.S.-Iran war could be winding down. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1,125 points to 46-341. The S&P 500 rose 184 points to 65-28. The Nasdaq climbed 795 points to 21-590.

>>Gas Prices Shoot Up Past $4

(Heathrow, FL) -- Gas prices are still on the rise after topping four dollars a gallon yesterday. Triple-A puts today's national average at four-oh-six for regular unleaded. Prices at the pump are already well past five dollars on average in three states: California, Washington and Hawaii.

>>Job Openings Decline In February

(Washington, DC) -- The number of job openings fell in February. The Labor Department says six-point-eight million jobs were available which is down 358-thousand from January. Hiring also slowed by nearly a half-million during the month as nonfarm payrolls declined by 92-thousand. According to the JOLTS report, accommodation and food services led the decrease in available jobs last month.

>>TikTok, Cameo Form Partnership

(Undated) -- TikTok and Cameo are teaming up. U.S. based TikTok creators can now sell personalized Cameo videos directly through the TikTok app, letting fans request custom messages for a fee without leaving the platform. Creators who already use Cameo can link their accounts to TikTok. The move comes as TikTok creators have become one of the fastest growing talent categories on Cameo.

>>Easter Spending Expected To Hit Record

(Undated) -- Consumers are expected to spend a record amount on Easter this year. The National Retail Federation says Americans will likely spend around 24-point-nine-billion-dollars. The bulk of the spending will be on candy and food, followed by gifts, decorations, clothing, flowers and cards. That amounts to nearly 200-dollars per person.