Apr 25, 2019 - Economy & Business

"Avengers: Endgame" is set to smash box office records around the globe

Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Marvel's "Avengers: Endgame” opens Thursday night on 4,600 U.S. and Canadian screens — the most for any movie ever, AP's Jake Coyle writes.

The impact: Many theaters will stay open for 24 hours. Seventeen AMC Theatres won’t close for 72 hours straight. Presales set records on Fandango and Atom.

Buzz: Disney said "Endgame" grossed $107 million on Wednesday in China, where it first opened — the most lucrative single day ever in Chinese theaters.

  • The current opening weekend record is held by the last "Avengers" movie — "Infinity War," last year's prelude to "Endgame."
  • Reviews — 97% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes — have been among the best for any Marvel movie.

The big picture: "Endgame" will give a much-needed jolt to the box office, which is 16% behind the pace of 2018.

  • L.A. Times review: Thrilling "Endgame" ... The latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings satisfying closure to the blockbuster 22-film series.

Go deeper: "Black Panther" makes history at the box office

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Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

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Updated 6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

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  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
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  5. Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
  6. World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
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7 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.

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