According to the latest statistics on the COVID 19 epidemic released by Johns Hopkins University on the 9th (Sunday), the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the United States has exceeded 60 million. (Photo is from Johns Hopkins University website)

(We Chinese in America Media Editor Tang Zhao, January 9, 2022) According to the latest statistics on the COVID 19 epidemic released by Johns Hopkins University at 5:21 p.m. Eastern Time on the 9th (Sunday), the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the United States has exceeded 60 million, reaching 60,062,077. The death toll was 837,504. There were 9,873,110 new confirmed cases in the last 28 days and 38,476 deaths.

(Source: World Journal)

Apple's iPhone and its ecosystem have what it takes to become the ultimate financial management tool, said German, a reporter for Bloomberg's Power On Newsletter. (Photo from Reuters)

(We Chinese in America Media Editor Tang Zhao, January 10, 2022) More than 1 billion people currently use iPhones to track their health information and home devices, including starting their BMWs. But in terms of financial management, although Apple Pay has become the most frequently used mobile payment in the United States, Apple Card has not caused a big stir.

According to Mark Gurman, a reporter who wrote the "Power On" Newsletter for Bloomberg, with its relationships with banks, consumers' credit card and bank account data, an image of trustworthiness and privacy, and the ability to simplify complex tasks, and with its history, Apple has the cornerstone to turn the iPhone and its ecosystem into the ultimate financial management tool.

First, Apple has to launch its credit card outside the US. The Apple Card, which launched in 2019, is three years old, and Apple has surprisingly yet to expand on this key product.

Secondly, the main function of Apple Card is to provide installment options for purchasing Apple products. Gurman suggested to upgrade and launch Apple Card+ with better rewards, to challenge American Express debit card American Express Platinum and JPMorgan Chase bank credit card Chase Sapphire Reserve. Apple can work with its partner Goldman Sachs Group to ensure that consumers get the right line of credit and will not be arbitrarily rejected; at the same time, for more valuable consumption, provide 1%, 2%, or 3% cash back.

Third, Apple could follow PayPal and transform its wallet app Wallet into an all-encompassing financial experience, including managing and paying bills, sending and receiving funds, processing buy now pay later transactions, and storing offers for brick-and-mortar and online retailer's coupons or discounts.

Fourth, Apple could also turn the (US-only) cash card into a true debit card, allowing uses other than Apple Pay.

With the debit card, Apple could next introduce digital-first checking and savings accounts. Goldman Sachs, American Express and others have tried it, but are far from revolutionizing banking. Gurman believes that Apple is good at user interface design and has the ability to deeply integrate financial products, so it can truly achieve one-stop fund management.

German also said that if Apple can safely store money digitally for users, it should also assist with the investment. Apple already has a great built-in app for tracking individual stocks, and should partner with a well-known stock exchange company, such as E*Trade or Fidelity, to allow the user to manage and track his investments within the app. Even like health tips in a health app, articles help users understand investments.

Another idea: Automatically invest Apple Card cash back and introduce a change investment feature to challenge Acorns’ and Robinhood's future plans.

Apple is about to report on January 27 how much it made in the first quarter of the year, the 2021 holiday season. The company is expected to report making more money than ever before, surpassing the $111.4 billion it made a year ago.

(Source: World Journal)

16 elite US schools have been charged with conspiracy to restrict students from applying for financial aid. File photo of Cornell University. (World Journal Reporter Zhang Zongzhi / Photography)

 (We Chinese in America Media Editor Tang Zhao, January 10, 2022) The Wall Street Journal reported on the 10th, including Yale University, Georgetown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Northwestern University, California Institute of Technology, and other 16 prestigious schools were accused of conspiring to restrict students from applying for financial aid.

The report pointed out that a law firm representing five alumni filed a lawsuit against 16 schools including Yale University in the Illinois federal court on the evening of the 9th, accusing the school of allegedly restricting students’ application for financial aid by monopoly and unfair means. The complaint states that when the defendant universities review financial aid applications, they take into account the student's ability to repay under certain conditions, so the school should not be exempt from antitrust laws.

In addition to their lawsuit, the five plaintiffs are asking the court to order an end to the practice of collusion among universities in calculating student aid applications.

The five plaintiffs' appointed lawyers said that over the past 18 years, a total of 170,000 university alumni who attended the 16 schools but received only partial financial aid are eligible to join the lawsuit.

Spokespeople for Columbia University, Cornell University, Northwestern University, the University of Pennsylvania and Rice University declined to comment on the lawsuit, the report said.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the attorneys who appointed them said that wealthy donors who had donated to schools received special treatment when their children applied for financial aid from some of the sued schools. The complaint states that some schools were sued to include student financial status when considering candidates for admission on the waiting list, and that the financial background of students applying for certain programs was also used as the review criteria for admission.

(Source: World Journal)

The county police offered a reward of 10,000, hoping that citizens could provide clues to help the police arrest the murderer. (Taken from the official Twitter of the county police)

(We Chinese in America Media Editor Tang Zhao, January 9, 2022) David Van Nguyen, a 28-year-old Asian student from the Alameda County Police Academy in Northern California, was shot at the Oakland Expressway near the toll gate of the Bay Bridge on the afternoon of the 4th. Died. He would have graduated in February and joined the county police.

David Nguyen's relatives and friends also initiated fundraising on GoFundMe to help David Nguyen's family get through the difficulties. Relatives and friends described David as selfless and enthusiastic. Enthusiastic citizens can make donations on the website https://bit.ly/3F6m9En. As of 4 pm on the 8th, the total donation was $53694. At present, it is unclear whether David Nguyen was deliberately targeted or killed by a stray bullet in the exchange of fire. The county police said in an official Twitter statement that they are offering a reward of 10,000, hoping that citizens can provide clues to facilitate the police to arrest the murderer.

The statement on GoFundMe says that David is someone who can attract everyone's attention when he walks into the room. Anyone who is lucky enough to meet him will be attracted by his enthusiasm and love for his companions. He was educated to serve the community and to show what true kindness is. Because of his selfless spirit and natural leadership qualities, he joined the California National Guard and later joined the county police. During his tenure in the National Guard, David was a model soldier. When the call sounded, he was always the first to report. From fighting wildfires and helping citizens to evacuate, to providing supplies and preventing robberies, he did everything he could to ensure the safety, security and comfort of others.

Unfortunately, he was taken away from this world too early before he could reach his great potential. He is a son, a friend, and a brother. He is a leader and mentor, but also the "most ridiculous clown" you can know who brings joy to people. With David, there is never a dull time or a minute to waste. Although he has left, he continues to spread laughter and unity to those who know him.

The statement said, "I know that deep in his heart, he wants us to praise his life, not mourn his death. If you are reading this article, it is because David also has an impact on your life, no matter how much tiny or short-lived. Whether you know him through his service background, as a friend, or just happen to be blessed by his personality, thank you for paying tribute to him and spreading his same sympathy for the world. Not enough Language to express what this hero means to us and the community, so please leave a message and share your good memories with him.”

(Source: World Journal)