CNBC Top Stories

The White House has ordered federal health officials to treat top-level coronavirus meetings as classified, an unusual step that has restricted information and hampered the U.S. government's response to the contagion, according to four Trump administration officials.

Trump is expected to ask the CEOs what steps the banks are taking to help small- and medium-size companies weather the coronavirus.

Companies are increasingly asking employees and contractors to stay home as the new coronavirus quickly spreads throughout the United States.

Boeing reported more cancellations than orders in February as customers opted out of 737 Max planes.

The company has told the majority of its employees to work from home for the next month.

Russell Weiner is a cash-rich billionaire after selling Rockstar Energy Drinks to PepsiCo for $3.85 billion.

Companies continue to warn of the threat that COVID-19 poses, with several anticipating they'll miss guidance for the March quarter.

The plaintiffs argue that SAT and ACT exams are discriminatory against some applicants because they have created a lucrative test-prep industry that is out of reach for many low-income families.

"We're deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction," WHO's Dr. Tedros said.

Blinder said the cause of the current downturn is "fear of shopping" and being in public places where the COVID-19 strain can be spread.

"I am saying that there is no hurry to buy," CNBC's Jim Cramer said.

A congressional hearing was cut short Wednesday after the White House summoned top U.S. health officials to an emergency meeting.

Psychologists spoke to CNBC to weigh in on why our brains push us to panic buy — even when authorities are assuring the public there's no need to.

Goldman's top U.S. stock strategist cut his midyear S&P 500 forecast to 2,450, meaning the bank sees the market falling another 15%.

A multitude of lawmakers have signaled Trump's payroll tax cut proposal would not pass.

"I can say we will see more cases and things will get worse than they are right now," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says.

"We're already looking at how we use our ICU beds, how can we use alternative areas of care, including setting up tents outside of our hospitals," said Rod Hochman, CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health.

About 7 in 10 manufacturers of pharmaceutical ingredients supplying the U.S. are overseas, including 13% in China, according to FDA testimony.

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading.

Following the troubled launch of its Explorer SUV last year, Ford said production and sales of the popular vehicle are gaining momentum.