>>Consumer Confidence Slips Again In September
New York, NY) -- Consumer confidence is down for the second straight month. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell five points in September from its upwardly revised August reading. The board's chief economist said many Americans are worried about rising prices, particularly for gas and groceries. The survey also noted a rise in recession fears and fewer consumers planning to buy homes in the next six months.
>>New Home Sales Slide In August
(Washington, DC) -- Sales of newly built homes slid more than expected in August. According to the Commerce Department, homes under contract totaled 675-thousand for the month, which is down eight-point-seven percent from July. That's more than double the decline analysts had expected The median price of a new home sold in August was just over 430-thousand dollars.
>>Government Shutdown Would Be A Black Mark On U.S. Credit Rating
(Undated) -- America's credit rating could take a hit if there's a government shutdown. Moody's Investors Service sounded the warning Monday as a federal government shutdown looms at the end of the month if Congress can't reach a spending deal. The service said that while debt service payments would still be made, a shutdown would underscore the weakness of the country's institutional and governance strength.
>>Biden To Join UAW Members In Michigan
(Washington, DC) -- President Biden will join the picket lines alongside United Auto Workers members in Michigan later today. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says the president is always going to stand on the side of workers and is hoping for a "win-win agreement." Union members are striking against the big three automakers, calling for higher wages and job protections.
>>WGA Set To Vote On Tentative Agreement To End Writers' Strike
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Writers Guild of America leadership is set to vote today on whether or not to approve a tentative deal that would end the writers' strike. It's negotiating committee reached the agreement with Hollywood's top studios over the weekend, suspending all picketing. If the deal is agreed upon, it would then go to the roughly 11-thousand WGA members for approval. The writers' walkout began more than 140 days ago, bringing the film and TV industry to a halt.
>>Some Oakland, CA Businesses To Strike Today
(Oakland, CA) -- Some businesses in Oakland, California are set to strike today, calling for improved public safety and monetary aid. Their plan is to shut their doors for a day in hopes for more support from the city. A rash of crime in Oakland has hurt businesses because they say there aren't enough cops to address break-ins. The businesses add they are strapped by storefront repairs and losses from theft. Oakland lost out on grants to address crime due to a missed deadline. The city is also still without a police chief with critics claiming it's from the police commission dragging their feet.
>>Florida Gaming Commission Requests Shut Down Of Three Operators
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida gaming regulators are trying to shut down three fantasy sports operators. The state's Gaming Control Commission sent cease-and-desist letters last week to Underdog Sports, PrizePicks and Betr for reportedly taking part in illegal mobile sports wagering. The News Service of Florida reports that the panel did not submit notices to major daily fantasy sports games like DraftKings or FanDuel. The agency was created two years ago as part of an agreement reached with the Seminole Tribe, which gave the tribe control over sports betting in the Sunshine State.
