COVID-19: 500,000 infected worldwide as economic toll rises

COVID-19: 500,000 infected worldwide as economic toll rises

MADRID, Spain — The human and economic toll of the lockdowns against the coronavirus mounted Thursday, March 26, as India struggled to feed the multitudes, Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits in a single week.As the number of infections around the globe reached a half-million and world leaders held a video summit to grapple with how long to keep the economy at a standstill to help flatten the rising curve, the damage to people's livelihoods and their well-being started to come into focus.In India, where the country's 1.3 billion people were under orders to stay home, legions of poor were suddenly thrown out of work, and many families were left struggling for something to eat.“Our first concern is food, not the virus,” said Suresh Kumar, 60, a bicycle rickshaw rider in New Delhi whose family of six relies on his daily earnings of 300 rupees, or $4. “I don’t know how I will manage.”India has the world's second-highest number of people living in extreme poverty.

MADRID, Spain — The human and economic toll of the lockdowns against the coronavirus mounted Thursday, March 26, as India struggled to feed the multitudes, Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits in a single week.As the number of infections around the globe reached a half-million and world leaders held a video summit to grapple with how long to keep the economy at a standstill to help flatten the rising curve, the damage to people's livelihoods and their well-being started to come into focus.In India, where the country's 1.3 billion people were under orders to stay home, legions of poor were suddenly thrown out of work, and many families were left struggling for something to eat.“Our first concern is food, not the virus,” said Suresh Kumar, 60, a bicycle rickshaw rider in New Delhi whose family of six relies on his daily earnings of 300 rupees, or $4. “I don’t know how I will manage.”India has the world's second-highest number of people living in extreme poverty.

State helps those out of work connect with 'employers who deliver essential services'

State helps those out of work connect with 'employers who deliver essential services'

MADISON -- Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Thursday, March 26 announced a new effort aimed at connecting unemployed job seekers with employers that run essential businesses and offer essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic -- setting up a new webpage listing these in-demand jobs.While many businesses have temporarily closed and laid off their workers to help slow the spread of COVID-19, others are ramping up to fill new jobs that provide essential services during the pandemic.

MADISON -- Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development on Thursday, March 26 announced a new effort aimed at connecting unemployed job seekers with employers that run essential businesses and offer essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic -- setting up a new webpage listing these in-demand jobs.While many businesses have temporarily closed and laid off their workers to help slow the spread of COVID-19, others are ramping up to fill new jobs that provide essential services during the pandemic.

Stocks rise sharply on Wall Street, heading for 3-day rally

Stocks rise sharply on Wall Street, heading for 3-day rally

NEW YORK — Stocks marched higher on Wall Street Thursday, putting the market on track for its first three-day rally in six weeks, even as the astonishing scale of the downturn slamming the economy because of the coronavirus becomes more apparent.Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, easily shattering the prior record set in 1982, as layoffs and business shutdowns sweep across the country.

NEW YORK — Stocks marched higher on Wall Street Thursday, putting the market on track for its first three-day rally in six weeks, even as the astonishing scale of the downturn slamming the economy because of the coronavirus becomes more apparent.Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, easily shattering the prior record set in 1982, as layoffs and business shutdowns sweep across the country.

University of Florida designing low-cost, 'open source' ventilator made from hardware store items

University of Florida designing low-cost, 'open source' ventilator made from hardware store items

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida is building an "open source" ventilator out of common items from hardware stores, in an effort to meet the desperately high demand internationally due to the coronavirus pandemic.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida is building an "open source" ventilator out of common items from hardware stores, in an effort to meet the desperately high demand internationally due to the coronavirus pandemic.

FBI says slain suspect intended to bomb Missouri hospital over handling of coronavirus

FBI says slain suspect intended to bomb Missouri hospital over handling of coronavirus

BELTON, Mo. (WDAF) -- A man frustrated with government action to stop the spread of the coronavirus was planning to bomb a hospital in Missouri, according to the FBI.The FBI says 36-year-old Timothy Wilson was shot and killed Tuesday by an agent after the FBI tried to arrest him.

BELTON, Mo. (WDAF) -- A man frustrated with government action to stop the spread of the coronavirus was planning to bomb a hospital in Missouri, according to the FBI.The FBI says 36-year-old Timothy Wilson was shot and killed Tuesday by an agent after the FBI tried to arrest him.

Taylor Swift surprises some fans with cash donations

Taylor Swift surprises some fans with cash donations

LOS ANGELES -- Taylor Swift is helping fill the blank space where incomes have gone for several of her fans.

LOS ANGELES -- Taylor Swift is helping fill the blank space where incomes have gone for several of her fans.

Amazon fights coronavirus price-gouging, suspends 3,900 accounts

Amazon fights coronavirus price-gouging, suspends 3,900 accounts

SEATTLE -- Amazon officials said Monday, March 23 that more than 3,900 seller accounts were suspended for price-gouging during the coronavirus outbreak, a disclosure that came on the same day President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at curtailing the practice.Officials with the e-commerce giant said the banned accounts were all active on its U.S. marketplace and were suspended for “violating our fair pricing policies.” More than 500,000 product listings were removed over price-related violations related to the outbreak.“We are constantly monitoring our stores for unfair prices and listings that make false claims in regards to COVID-19,” Amazon said in a blog post. “We have dynamic, automated systems in place that locate and remove unfairly priced items.”Amazon officials said that sellers found to have violated its policies are referred to law enforcement agencies for potential action.

SEATTLE -- Amazon officials said Monday, March 23 that more than 3,900 seller accounts were suspended for price-gouging during the coronavirus outbreak, a disclosure that came on the same day President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at curtailing the practice.Officials with the e-commerce giant said the banned accounts were all active on its U.S. marketplace and were suspended for “violating our fair pricing policies.” More than 500,000 product listings were removed over price-related violations related to the outbreak.“We are constantly monitoring our stores for unfair prices and listings that make false claims in regards to COVID-19,” Amazon said in a blog post. “We have dynamic, automated systems in place that locate and remove unfairly priced items.”Amazon officials said that sellers found to have violated its policies are referred to law enforcement agencies for potential action.

Crocs donating shoes to health care workers during coronavirus outbreak

Crocs donating shoes to health care workers during coronavirus outbreak

ORLANDO, Fla. - Health care workers have been working tirelessly on their feet during the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Health care workers have been working tirelessly on their feet during the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Video: Kenosha family turns to RC trucks, cars to get snacks from one room to the next

Video: Kenosha family turns to RC trucks, cars to get snacks from one room to the next

KENOSHA -- Some families are taking advantage of the "Safer at Home" order by coming up with creative ways to entertain themselves.In Kenosha, Nik Babel and his boys, Jaxson (soon turning 5) and Brody (age  6), are turning to remote control trucks and cars to pass the time.

KENOSHA -- Some families are taking advantage of the "Safer at Home" order by coming up with creative ways to entertain themselves.In Kenosha, Nik Babel and his boys, Jaxson (soon turning 5) and Brody (age  6), are turning to remote control trucks and cars to pass the time.

Bleach does kill germs, but there are specific ways it has to be used to be effective

Bleach does kill germs, but there are specific ways it has to be used to be effective

As many continue to disinfect their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, health officials say you may be using bleach all wrong.According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the main ingredients in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, can kill the COVID-19 virus.However, you can't immediately wipe it off surfaces once you finish washing them.The EPA says bleach effectively kills germs after around ten minutes.The Centers for disease Control and Prevention recommends making a cleaning solution with one cup of bleach per five gallons of water.Once you're finished disinfecting with the solution, make sure to leave it on for ten minutes before wiping up any of the residual.Health officials say the COVID-19 virus can live for up to 72 hours on standard items -- including glass and plastic surfaces.

As many continue to disinfect their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, health officials say you may be using bleach all wrong.According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the main ingredients in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, can kill the COVID-19 virus.However, you can't immediately wipe it off surfaces once you finish washing them.The EPA says bleach effectively kills germs after around ten minutes.The Centers for disease Control and Prevention recommends making a cleaning solution with one cup of bleach per five gallons of water.Once you're finished disinfecting with the solution, make sure to leave it on for ten minutes before wiping up any of the residual.Health officials say the COVID-19 virus can live for up to 72 hours on standard items -- including glass and plastic surfaces.

'Assistance, as well as hope:' Northwestern Mutual donates $1.5M toward COVID-19 relief

'Assistance, as well as hope:' Northwestern Mutual donates $1.5M toward COVID-19 relief

MILWAUKEE -- Officials with Northwestern Mutual, through the company's foundation, on Thursday, March 26 announced a donation of more than $1.5 million to support its nonprofit partners nationwide in leading efforts to provide immediate relief in response to the effects of COVID-19.According to a press release, these grants will address the anticipated food and essential supply needs.To support those in need of critical household supplies and food, the company will be donating $1 million to Feeding America for efforts nationwide and an additional $50,000 to Feeding America in the Milwaukee community.Regionally, the release said the company is also providing donations to Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Milwaukee Christian Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, United Performing Arts Fund and the United Way of Milwaukee and New York City.These funds also include a financial commitment from the foundation to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund.Additionally, the release said Northwestern Mutual is expediting its annual grant of $250,000 to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery program which enables relief efforts, including storage, food, shelter, supplies and medical and emotional support.“During this time of uncertainty, our nonprofit community will become an even more critical provider of assistance, as well as hope,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation in the release. “Through our nonprofit partners, who are working tirelessly to respond to the elevated needs of our communities, it is of the utmost importance to us to serve as a resource as we face this unprecedented health crisis together.”To align with Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program, the release said the firm will also contribute to its national childhood cancer research partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, to support the expansion of its Travel for Care Fund.

MILWAUKEE -- Officials with Northwestern Mutual, through the company's foundation, on Thursday, March 26 announced a donation of more than $1.5 million to support its nonprofit partners nationwide in leading efforts to provide immediate relief in response to the effects of COVID-19.According to a press release, these grants will address the anticipated food and essential supply needs.To support those in need of critical household supplies and food, the company will be donating $1 million to Feeding America for efforts nationwide and an additional $50,000 to Feeding America in the Milwaukee community.Regionally, the release said the company is also providing donations to Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Milwaukee Christian Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, United Performing Arts Fund and the United Way of Milwaukee and New York City.These funds also include a financial commitment from the foundation to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund.Additionally, the release said Northwestern Mutual is expediting its annual grant of $250,000 to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery program which enables relief efforts, including storage, food, shelter, supplies and medical and emotional support.“During this time of uncertainty, our nonprofit community will become an even more critical provider of assistance, as well as hope,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation in the release. “Through our nonprofit partners, who are working tirelessly to respond to the elevated needs of our communities, it is of the utmost importance to us to serve as a resource as we face this unprecedented health crisis together.”To align with Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program, the release said the firm will also contribute to its national childhood cancer research partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, to support the expansion of its Travel for Care Fund.

Overweight permits for truckers hauling groceries in Wisconsin extended

Overweight permits for truckers hauling groceries in Wisconsin extended

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced on Thursday, March 26 a two-week extension for overweight permits that allow truckers to supply grocery stores impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.A news release says for the 489 fleet permits already issued, which cover more than 15,000 trucks, no action is required for the automatic extension.

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced on Thursday, March 26 a two-week extension for overweight permits that allow truckers to supply grocery stores impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.A news release says for the 489 fleet permits already issued, which cover more than 15,000 trucks, no action is required for the automatic extension.

'Pitching in to help:' WCTC donates $100K worth of PPE to agencies dealing with COVID-19

'Pitching in to help:' WCTC donates $100K worth of PPE to agencies dealing with COVID-19

PEWAUKEE -- Waukesha County Technical College officials on Thursday, March 26 announced the donation of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supply items to local and state agencies to protect health care workers during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.The College’s School of Protective and Human Services, which includes fire, paramedic and EMS programs, coordinated with the Waukesha County Fire Chiefs Association to provide 14 cases of medical gloves -- thousands of pairs in varying sizes, and 13 canisters of disinfecting and sanitizing wipes.Additionally, the School of Health responded to a request by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) for the urgent and growing need for supplies.

PEWAUKEE -- Waukesha County Technical College officials on Thursday, March 26 announced the donation of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supply items to local and state agencies to protect health care workers during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.The College’s School of Protective and Human Services, which includes fire, paramedic and EMS programs, coordinated with the Waukesha County Fire Chiefs Association to provide 14 cases of medical gloves -- thousands of pairs in varying sizes, and 13 canisters of disinfecting and sanitizing wipes.Additionally, the School of Health responded to a request by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) for the urgent and growing need for supplies.

Tennessee coronavirus patient says he feels guilt over possibly infecting others

Tennessee coronavirus patient says he feels guilt over possibly infecting others

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A Tennessee man who tested positive for coronavirus said he’s had it for about a week but didn’t know it, so he’s been going about his days as usual.Robbie Schaefer found out he was positive Wednesday, becoming one of more than 100 people in Shelby County to test positive for the virus.He was at work Tuesday, so all of his co-workers who came into contact with him will now need to be tested.He says he's wracked with guilt about who else he might have unknowingly exposed to the virus."What I thought was just allergies turned out to be coronavirus, and I've been walking around with it for a week just because I didn’t know to be on the lookout for those symptoms," Schaefer said.He said he began showing mild symptoms last week.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A Tennessee man who tested positive for coronavirus said he’s had it for about a week but didn’t know it, so he’s been going about his days as usual.Robbie Schaefer found out he was positive Wednesday, becoming one of more than 100 people in Shelby County to test positive for the virus.He was at work Tuesday, so all of his co-workers who came into contact with him will now need to be tested.He says he's wracked with guilt about who else he might have unknowingly exposed to the virus."What I thought was just allergies turned out to be coronavirus, and I've been walking around with it for a week just because I didn’t know to be on the lookout for those symptoms," Schaefer said.He said he began showing mild symptoms last week.

US jobless claims hit 3.3 million, quadruple previous record

US jobless claims hit 3.3 million, quadruple previous record

WASHINGTON — Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — more than quadruple the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reflection of the damage the viral outbreak is doing to the economy.

WASHINGTON — Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — more than quadruple the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reflection of the damage the viral outbreak is doing to the economy.

FAQs about stimulus checks: When? How much? Will I be taxed later?

FAQs about stimulus checks: When? How much? Will I be taxed later?

NEW YORK -- The announcement that stimulus checks are headed to the pockets of Americans is certainly welcome news that’s generated plenty of questions.

NEW YORK -- The announcement that stimulus checks are headed to the pockets of Americans is certainly welcome news that’s generated plenty of questions.

Despite challenges of COVID-19, Port Milwaukee steams forward with business

Despite challenges of COVID-19, Port Milwaukee steams forward with business

MILWAUKEE -- Despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, Port Milwaukee remains open for business.A news release indicates transportation operations including rail, trucking, and shipping continue on Jones Island.

MILWAUKEE -- Despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, Port Milwaukee remains open for business.A news release indicates transportation operations including rail, trucking, and shipping continue on Jones Island.