U.S. jobless claims drop to lowest level since pandemic hit
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped by 13,000 last week, to 553,000, another sign the economy is recovering from the coronavirus recession.
Associated Press
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Major companies sound alarm over commodity price hikes
Plastic, paper, sugar, grain and other commodities are all getting more expensive as demand outpaces supply. Companies are also paying more for shipping as fuel costs rise and ports experience longer delays because of congestion.
FDA revives federal effort to ban menthol cigarettes
U.S. health regulators pledged again Thursday to try to ban menthol cigarettes, this time under pressure from African American groups to remove the mint flavor popular among Black smokers.
U.S. economy accelerated at a robust 6.4% rate in first quarter
Growth in the current April-June period is expected to be faster still: Some economists say it could reach a 10% annual pace or more, driven by a surge in people traveling, shopping, dining out and otherwise resuming their spending habits.
One-time transfer rule clears last NCAA step, starts in 2021
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors ratified a rule change Wednesday that will allow all athletes who have not yet transferred the ability to do so one time in a college career and be immediately eligible to play.
FedEx shooting victims to be remembered at Lucas Oil Stadium
The free event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. A full program and list of speakers have not been confirmed, but interfaith leaders and lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels have been invited, event organizers said.
Indiana’s top elections official admits making fundraising error
“The Committee to Elect Holli Sullivan has determined that it made an improper solicitation of campaign funds,” Sullivan’s campaign said in a written statement. “These public solicitations have been removed and all contributions have been returned.”
Add beauty, function to your garden with a path
A well-designed path can do more than keep your feet dry. It can tell you where to walk, and also guide your eyes and imagination.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by upping your gift game this year
Mother’s Day is here again and, yes, we’re still in a pandemic.
NCAA extends Emmert’s contract as president through 2025
Mark Emmert has been NCAA president since November 2010, when he succeeded the late Myles Brand. Only Walter Byers (1951-1988) has headed the NCAA longer than Emmert.
Biden to propose free preschool for 5 million children
Funding the initiative would be a tax increase on the rich, most notably a near doubling of the capital gains tax rate on incomes above $1 million, to 39.6%.
U.S. farmers finally see better outlook after two odd years
It’s hard to overstate how bizarre the past two seasons have been for farmers, who for the previous six years had repeatedly produced near-record harvests but saw little profit because prices were so low.
DoorDash offers lower-priced delivery plans amid criticism
Even before the pandemic, DoorDash, Grubhub and other delivery companies had a rocky relationship with restaurants, who criticized their high fees, lack of transparency and sometimes spotty service. That relationship was further tested by the pandemic.
U.S. releases $8B in push to modernize nation’s electric grid
The president wants the nation to produce 100% clean energy by 2035. But that goal faces massive hurdles. Those include an electric grid that needs enormous expansion to carry electricity from renewable energy sources to densely populated regions.
Indiana governor vetoes bill requiring ethanol warning label
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he found the “additional layer of government unnecessary and confusing.”
Census shows Indiana grows nearly 5%, retains all nine U.S. House seats
Indiana lawmakers face the once-a-decade task of drawing new districts for congressional seats, along with the 100 Indiana House and 50 state Senate districts, based on population shifts.
U.S. marks slowest population growth since Great Depression
The population figures, known as the apportionment count, determine distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year. They also mark the official beginning of once-a-decade redistricting battles.
Student’s Snapchat profanity leads to high court speech case
The topic is especially meaningful in a time of remote learning because of the coronavirus pandemic and a rising awareness of the pernicious effects of online bullying.
U.S. to share 60M AstraZeneca shots with world after safety check
The AstraZeneca vaccine is widely in use around the world but has not yet been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
NCAA’s second in command tapped by Biden for Veterans Affairs
Donald Remy is the NCAA’s chief operating officer and chief legal officer, reporting directly to president Mark Emmert. The Army veteran has been with the NCAA since March 2011.