Despite supply issues and omicron, holiday sales rise 8.5%
The results, which covered Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, were fueled by purchases of clothing and jewelry.
Associated Press
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Consumer prices up 5.7% over past year, fastest in 39 years
Personal incomes, which provide the fuel for future spending increases, rose 0.4% in November, slightly lower than the 0.5% increase in October.
Buttigieg announces $241M—including $1.6M for southern Indiana—to help U.S. ports boost supply chain
The grants are part of the Biden administration’s near-term plan to address America’s clogged supply chain with infrastructure improvements to speed the flow of goods.
Explainer: What caused Amazon’s cloud computing outage? Will there be more?
Another major outage in Amazon’s cloud computing network has raised questions about the vulnerability of the internet and its concentration in the hands of a few firms.
LGBT school group in Pendleton wins injunction, can promote activities
The principal at Pendleton Heights had barred the group from advertising on school bulletin boards or anywhere else on school property, according to the group’s lawsuit.
Biden extends grace period on student loan payments through May 1
Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic, but were set to expire Jan. 31.
Pfizer pill becomes first U.S.-authorized home COVID treatment
The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster, cheaper way to treat early COVID-19 infections and head off the worst effects of the virus. But initial supplies will be extremely limited.
U.S. consumer confidence rises despite omicron, higher prices
The consumer confidence index—which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and the their outlook for the future—rose to 115.8 in December, the highest reading since July.
U.S. economy grew at 2.3% in third quarter, up from earlier estimate
But prospects for a solid rebound going forward are being clouded by the rapid spread of the latest variant of the coronavirus.
Secret Service: Nearly $100B stolen in pandemic relief funds
The Labor Department has reported about $87 billion in unemployment benefits could have been paid improperly, with a significant portion attributable to fraud.
New lawsuit could further snarl-delayed Terre Haute casino plans
One of the companies that was pass over for the license, Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts, has sued the Indiana Gaming Commission, claiming it didn’t follow state law when it picked Churchill Downs to develop the casino.
Biden pivots to home tests to confront omicron surge
A cornerstone of Biden’s plan to battle omicron is to purchase 500 million coronavirus rapid tests for free shipment to Americans starting in January.
NHL shuts down Wednesday through Saturday, postponing five games
The National Hockey league is temporarily shutting down amid a rise in positive COVID-19 tests among players, and with 10 of the league’s 32 teams’ schedules already paused and their facilities closed.
Omicron casts new shadow over economy’s pandemic recovery
A heightened sense of anxiety has begun to erode the willingness of some people and some businesses to carry on as usual in the face of the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant.
Democrats try to ‘build back’ after Manchin tanks $2T bill
But they face serious questions whether the $2 trillion initiative can be refashioned to win his crucial vote or the party will be saddled with a devastating defeat.
New I-69 section reopens in central Indiana
The northbound lanes of I-69 through Martinsville were opened Monday morning following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The southbound lanes are expected open later in the week.
Biden boosts fuel-economy standards to fight climate change
A final rule being issued Monday would raise mileage standards starting in the 2023 model year, reaching a projected industry-wide target of 40 miles per gallon by 2026
Inflation squeezes holiday budgets for low-income shoppers
The government’s report last week that consumer prices jumped 6.8% over the past year showed that some of the largest cost spikes have been for such necessities as food, energy, housing, autos and clothing.
Larry Bird museum shooting for 2023 opening
The museum honoring the Hoosier basketball legend is budgeted for $1.5 million as part of a $28 million convention center project.
NBA postpones 5 more games; Young, Vogel enter protocols
Leaguewide, through Sunday afternoon, there were at least 68 players who have either been ruled out to play — or in the case of the postponed games, would have been ruled out — because they are in the protocols.