>>CPI Report Shows Inflation Cooling
(Washington, DC) -- New consumer price numbers show inflation is cooling. The Labor Department says the consumer price index was flat in October while most economists expected a slight rise. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy rose two-tenths of a percent for the month. It increased three-point-two percent from a year ago which is also less than expected.
>>Classes Canceled Again As PPS Teachers Strike Continues
(Portland, OR) -- Classes are canceled again today in the Portland Public Schools district as the teachers' strike continues into its third week. The district said yesterday its bargaining team is continuing to work to negotiate an agreement with the teachers union for a new contract for the teachers. The district says the teachers union is calling for changes that would cost 220-million dollars more than it currently has in its budget. Teachers say the district has the money to meet their demands. The Portland Association of Teachers is demanding smaller classroom sizes and a pay raise of 21-percent over three years.
>>UAW President To Appear Before Congressional Committee
(Washington, DC) -- The president of the United Auto Workers union is headlining a Democrat-controlled hearing today to talk about the resurgence of unions. UAW President Shawn Fain will discuss the role of unions in Senator Bernie Sanders' committee. Fain's testimony will come about two weeks after the UAW reached a tentative agreement to end a strike against the Big Three automakers. Fain will be joined by the Teamster's president who is coming off a victory over UPS, and the head of the flight attendants' union.
>>Amazon Trims Nearly 200 Jobs In Gaming Division
(Seattle, WA) -- Amazon is trimming nearly 200 jobs in its games division. According to CNBC, the cuts were announced in an internal memo on Monday. The vice president of Amazon Games called it "difficult news." The memo noted Amazon will now focus on upcoming launches such as "Throne and Liberty" and "Blue Protocol" along with future initiatives. The company plans to close its Game Growth and Crown Channel initiatives as part of restructuring.
>>Nurses Strike at RWJUH Continues with No End in Sight
(New Brunswick, NJ) -- The strike by nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is in its third month -- with no end in sight. The strike passed its 100-day mark this past weekend. More than 17-hundred nurses have been on the picket line since early August, demanding better staffing ratios, better pay and a cap on health insurance costs. Nurses contend their demands would ensure better patient care and safety. The hospital maintains it has given its best offer and would make staffing levels the highest in the state. Governor Phil Murphy has called on both sides to settle the strike but otherwise he has not intervened.
