U.S. consumer prices rise 0.2% as cost of used vehicles spike
Prices for used cars and trucks are up 10.3% in the past 12 months. The September increase in used vehicle prices was the largest monthly increase since February 1969.
Social Security recipients to see modest increase in 2021
The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, affects the personal finances of about 1 in 5 Americans, including Social Security recipients, disabled veterans and federal retirees, about 70 million people.
J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine trial paused over unexplained illness
The pause is at least the second such hold to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the United States.
Barrett to face senators on health care, legal precedent
The mood is likely to shift to a more confrontational tone as Barrett is grilled in 30-minute segments Tuesday by Democrats gravely opposed to President Trump’s nominee, yet virtually powerless to stop her rise.
IRT bows to COVID with all-virtual season
Indiana Repertory Theatre announced three of the season’s six productions on Monday, each with a small cast and each dubbed a “classic” from previous performances at the theater.
Strong gains for technology stocks send Wall Street higher
Big Tech stocks, including Apple and Microsoft, powered much of the gains. Their businesses have proven to be practically impervious to the pandemic, unlike companies that would benefit from a strengthening economy.
Supreme Court nominee Barrett vows to interpret laws ‘as they are written’
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett spoke about her judicial philosophy, her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her confirmation hearings, which Senate Democrats are using to brand her as a threat to Americans’ health care during the pandemic.
Health insurance premiums climbed 3% to 5% annually since 2012, survey says
It’s that time of year, when workers gather in the conference room (or through a zoom video conference) and brace for the latest news on health insurance plans.
Indiana reports another 1,581 COVID-19 cases, rise in hospitalizations
COVID-19 cases have increased by 9,835 over the past week in Indiana, an average of 1,405 per day.
Microsoft attempts takedown of global criminal botnet
Microsoft announced legal action Monday seeking to disrupt a major cybercrime digital network that uses more than 1 million zombie computers to loot bank accounts and spread ransomware.
Democrats key in on health care as Barrett Supreme Court hearing opens
Sen. Lindsey Graham opened Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing Monday by acknowledging that the proceedings will surely be contentious but urging senators to hold a respectful process, saying: “Let’s remember, the world is watching.”
Wave of ‘Nutcracker’ cancellations hits dance companies hard
The economic vulnerability inherent in arts organizations is exacerbated when they rely on a major seasonal event—like “The Nutcracker”—for large portions of revenue, said Amir Pasic, dean of the School of Philanthropy at IUPUI.
Global watchdog proposes tax overhaul for Big Tech
If countries don’t all agree on the new tax rules, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned there’s a risk of a global trade war triggered by individual countries launching their own digital services taxes to help their recovery from the pandemic.
Barrett’s Supreme Court hearing expected to focus on health care
Democratic aides said their senators are united in their view that they will not press Barrett about her beliefs—hoping to avoid the mishap from her circuit court confirmation hearing in 2017, when Feinstein told Barrett that “the dogma lives loudly within you.”
Report on Indiana teacher pay on hold until after election
A spokeswoman for Gov. Eric Holcomb said the pandemic substantially altered plans, but the commission is still working on a final report to be released before the end of 2020.
Indiana reports 1,579 new COVID-19 cases, increase in hospitalizations
In addition, the Indiana State Department of Health on Sunday reported seven additional deaths from COVID-19, the first time in six days that reported deaths haven’t been in double digits.
White House virus aid offer panned by Pelosi, Senate GOP
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., rejected the most generous Trump administration plan to date as “one step forward, two steps back.” The Republicans who control the Senate dismissed it as too expensive.
Indiana reports record-high number of COVID-19 cases for second straight day
The Indiana State Department of Health has reported 115 deaths in its daily reports over the past week, an average of 16.4 deaths per day. That’s up from 83 the previous week, an average of 11.9 per day.
Democrats call on Holcomb to bring back restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise
Indiana Gov. Holcomb moved Indiana to Stage 5, which essentially lifted all restrictions, on Sept. 26, but COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are back on the increase.
White House ups offer in virus aid before talks with Pelosi
A GOP aide familiar with the new offer said it is about $1.8 trillion. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s most recent public offer was about $2.2 trillion, although that included a business tax increase that Republicans won’t go for.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
covidresponse@iedc.in.gov State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana