Consumer spending growth slowed to 1% in August
Economists fear that without further government support, consumer spending will slow significantly in the final three months of this year.
Diseases
Articles
Experts hope high demand for flu shots means lower chance of ‘twindemic’
A record number of flu vaccine doses are on the way, between 194 million and 198 million for the United States alone.
Initial unemployment claims decline nationally, in Indiana
Fewer Americans than expected sought unemployment benefits last week. The latest claims numbers reflect gradual labor-market improvement but remain well above pre-virus levels.
Airlines say furloughs will begin Thursday after no relief deal is reached
U.S. airlines said they will begin furloughing tens of thousands of employees on Thursday, but they left open the possibility that workers could be called back if a federal relief package is reached in the next few days.
Pelosi, Mnuchin have ‘extensive’ talks on potential COVID relief package
At issue is a long-delayed package that would extend another round of $1,200 direct stimulus payments, restore bonus jobless benefits, speed aid to schools and extend assistance to airlines, restaurants and other struggling businesses.
State health commissioner encourages more individuals to get tested for COVID-19
Despite an increase in testing capacity, the seven-day average number of individuals tested has fallen to around 9,000 per day in Indiana.
Wall Street rallies to close out strong but wild quarter
Prospects for additional support from Congress for the economy helped drive the day’s trading, as they have for weeks.
Mild to severe: Immune system holds clues to virus reaction
One of COVID-19’s scariest mysteries is why some people with it become only mildly ill or have no symptoms, while others rapidly die. Scientists are starting to unravel why.
NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 moving to road course in 2021
The 28th annual running of the race will be part of a doubleheader in which IndyCar will race on the road course on Aug. 14, followed by the NASCAR race on Aug. 15.
Indiana reports 20 COVID-19 deaths for second straight day
The state has reported 100 deaths from COVID-19 over the past week, up from 61 the previous week.
Mnuchin sees one more chance for stimulus, as House readies vote
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggested he’ll offer Democrats a proposal for roughly $1.5 trillion in pandemic relief. He said the plan is similar to one put forward by a bipartisan group of House members.
Cold weather means new challenges for struggling restaurants
Restaurants are trying to figure out how to extend the outdoor dining season using space heaters, tents, temporary igloos and even blankets. Heat lamps are already in short supply.
Federal judge blocks Indiana’s noon deadline for receiving mail-in ballots
The injunction approved by Judge Sarah Evans Barker means that all mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received on or before Nov. 13—10 days after the election—must be counted, if otherwise valid.
Facing online challenges, some rural districts seek longer in-person school days
Even though many Indiana districts have reopened campuses, some school superintendents want the freedom to offer fewer, but longer, instruction days
Pelosi, Meadows say they’re hopeful new economic relief deal within reach
Many lawmakers are feeling intense pressure to make a new deal, with millions still out of work and cities and states delaying infrastructure projects and laying off workers because of massive revenue shortfalls.
COVID-19 cases rising among U.S. children as schools reopen
After preying heavily on the elderly in the spring, the coronavirus is increasingly infecting American children and teens in a trend authorities say appears driven by school reopenings and the resumption of sports, playdates and other activities.
Indiana reports 20 new COVID-19 deaths, 761 more cases
The 20 deaths were the most seen in the daily report since Sept. 15, matching that day’s total. The state has reported 90 deaths over the past week, up from 63 the previous week.
Consumer confidence posts better-than-expected monthly gain
Consumer confidence is closely watched for signals about consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity in the United States.
As COVID deaths hit 1 million, scientist says toll might be double
The coronavirus’s rapid spread and ability to transmit in people who show no signs of the disease have enabled it to outrun measures to accurately quantify cases through widespread diagnostic testing.
Economic relief talks between White House, Pelosi suddenly resume
The White House and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., renewed discussions over a possible economic-relief bill as Democrats offered a $2.2 trillion package and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin immediately engaged in talks.