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☆ Home Prices Hit Fresh Record in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nicole Friedman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Home sales have slumped from a year ago, but prices aren’t falling because inventory is unusually low. Photo: Gene J. Puskar/Associated PressHome prices rose to a new record in September due to a shortage of homes for sale, even as high interest rates made home purchases less affordable. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, which measures home prices across the nation, rose 3.9% from a year earlier in September, compared with a 2.5% annual increase the prior month. The September level was the highest since the index began in 1987.

Persons: Gene J Organizations: Associated Press

Authorities on Friday identified those missing or killed in a southeast Alaska landslide this week as five family members and their neighbor, a commercial fisherman who made a longshot bid for the state's lone seat in the U.S. House last year. Timothy Heller, 44, and Beth Heller, 36 — plus their children Mara, 16; Derek, 12; and Kara, 11 — were at home Monday night when the landslide struck near the island community of Wrangell. Political Cartoons View All 1265 Images“As a 42-year commercial fisherman I have worn many hats,” he said. The Hellers ran a construction company called Heller High Water, said Tyla Nelson, who described herself as Beth Heller's best friend since high school. “The loss of even one child is a very difficult time, and having an entire family with three students is devastating,” Burr wrote.

Persons: Timothy Heller, Beth Heller, Mara, Derek, Kara, Otto Florschutz, Florschutz's, Don Young, Florschutz, ”, ” Beth Heller, Tyla Nelson, Beth Heller's, Beth, Timothy, Nelson, Nelson sobbed, “, Bill Burr, ” Burr, Aaron Jacobs, Mason Villarma, ” Villarma, ___ Sinco Kelleher, Gene Johnson Organizations: U.S . House, Wrangell ., Alaska Department of Public Safety, Republican, U.S, Rep, Anchorage Daily, Wrangell School, Heller, National Weather Service Locations: Alaska, U.S, Wrangell, Wrangell's Port, Anchorage, Juneau . One, Juneau ., Honolulu, Bellisle, Seattle

The potential Georgia connection surfaced a day after authorities in Washington state said four county election offices had to be evacuated as election workers were processing ballots cast in Tuesday’s election, delaying vote-counting. Election offices in Seattle’s King County and ones in Skagit, Spokane and Pierce counties received envelopes containing suspicious powders. Political Cartoons View All 1237 ImagesTacoma Police spokesperson William Muse said a message inside the envelope received by Pierce County election workers said “something to the effect of stopping the election." It was not immediately clear how authorities came to suspect that a letter might have been sent to the Fulton County election office or whether similar ones went to election offices in other states. "Election officials should be free from fear and intimidation, which is why I’ve called on the General Assembly to increase penalties for election interference,” Raffensperger said.

Persons: William Muse, Muse, Steve Hobbs, ”, Brad Raffensperger, I’ve, ” Raffensperger, accidently, Gene Johnson, Lindsay Whitehurst Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Georgia Emergency Management, Homeland Security Agency, The Associated Press, Tacoma Police, U.S . Department of Justice, FBI, U.S . Postal, Service, AP, Assembly, Associated Press Locations: Fulton County, Georgia, Atlanta, Washington, Seattle’s King County, Skagit , Spokane, Pierce, Kings, Spokane, Pierce County, United States, Seattle

☆ Courts Throw the Book at the Realtors
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Photo: Gene J. Puskar/Associated PressIn the aftermath of “A Big Legal Defeat for the Realtors” (Review & Outlook, Nov. 1), there will be some chaos in the real-estate market. Will a buyer trust the seller’s agent to represent him properly? The United Auto Workers can conspire against three auto makers to increase the cost of automobiles. The teachers unions can conspire for more pay—without any improvement in student results—or to close down schools. Yet it is the real-estate agents and National Association of Realtors who are accused of conspiring to set commission levels, which, from personal knowledge, I know they don’t.

Persons: Gene J Organizations: Associated Press, Realtors, United Auto Workers, National Association of Realtors

☆ Adam Johnson: Police investigating death of US ice hockey player who died in ‘freak accident’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Police are investigating the death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson who died on Saturday after a “freak accident” while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in England. During the second period of the Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers, Johnson appeared to suffer a serious injury after a collision with a Steelers player. It’s just an incredible tragedy.”The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), the governing body of ice hockey in England and Wales, released a statement on Monday detailing its commitment to improving player safety in the aftermath of Johnson’s death. In the short term, the EIHA said it strongly recommended that players at all levels in English Ice Hockey use a neck guard/protector during all on-ice activities. Johnson was born in Hibbing, Minnesota and started out his professional career in the American Hockey League.

Persons: Adam Johnson, Johnson, ”, “, ” SYP, Joe Otten, Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, I’ll, Gene J, Mike Sullivan Organizations: CNN — Police, Nottingham Panthers, Panthers, Sheffield Steelers, Steelers, South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield City Council, CNN, Sheffield Council Waste, Safety, Pittsburgh Penguins, National Hockey League, Anaheim Ducks, PPG, The Pittsburgh Penguins, Ice Hockey Association, Elite Ice Hockey League, American Hockey League, NHL, Penguins Locations: England, Sheffield, Nottingham, Wales, Hibbing , Minnesota, Sweden, Germany

☆ Smoke will keep pouring into the US as long as fires are burning in Canada
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Alaa Elassar | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Massive fires burning in remote areas – like some of those currently burning in northwestern Quebec – are often too out of control to do anything about. Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images Smoke from wildfires in Canada shrouds the view of the Statue of Liberty on Friday in New York. Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Smoke and haze is seen from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 27. Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty Images Smoke from Canadian wildfires obscures the visibility in Pittsburgh on June 8. Another issue is the increase in the wildfires are caused by climate change, and are simultaneously making climate change worse.

Persons: ” Robert Gray, you’ve, they’re, “ There’s, don’t, ”, Daniel Perrakis, ” Gray, Shiraaz Mohamed, Gray, “, ” Perrakis, Ed Jones, David Dee Delgado, Gary Hershorn, Haze, Gene J, Jim Watson, Megan Smith, Kamil Krzaczynski, Cpl Marc, Andre Leclerc, Drew Angerer, Shannon Stapleton, Ronald Reagan, Saul Loeb, Matt McClain, Emmalee Reed, Hannah Beier, Mandel Ngan, New York City, Timothy A, Clary, Mike Segar, John Minchillo, Shanita Hancle, Seth Wenig, Matt Rourke, Ting Shen, Matt Slocum, Amr Alfiky, John Meore, Leah Millis, George Washington, Peter Carr, Yuki Iwamura, Kareem Elgazzar, Carlos Osorio, Frank Franklin II, Merrily Cassidy, Spencer Colby, Jason Rock, BJ Fuchs, Anne, Sophie Thill, we’ve, it’s Organizations: CNN, Canadian Forest Service, Firefighters, Getty, ” “, Nature Conservancy, Rockefeller Center, North, Corbis, PNC Park, Major League Baseball, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Traffic, Chesapeake, Lincoln Memorial, USA, People, Canadian Forces, Reuters, BC, Service, Xinhua, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Post, Bloomberg, Capitol, Trade, AP Transit, T, Alberta Wildfire, New, New York City, Getty Images Workers, Citizens Bank, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Empire, George Washington Bridge, New York State Thruway, Cincinnati Enquirer, Cape Cod Times, Anadolu Agency, Canadian Press, AP, Wildfire Service, Communications, Space, NASA, Reuters Firefighters, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Shining Bank Locations: Wisconsin, Vermont, North Carolina, Canada, Quebec, Canadian, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, France, AFP, New Jersey, Manhattan, New York, North America, New, Pittsburgh, Stevensville , Maryland, Washington ,, Chicago, Lake Michigan, Mistissini, Ronald Reagan Washington, Arlington , Virginia, Washington, Philadelphia, Elmont , New York, Baltimore, Evansburg , Alberta, Brooklyn , New York, Piermont , New York, Fort Lee , New Jersey, George, West Nyack, New York's, New York City, Cincinnati, Rock Harbor, Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Ottawa, Fort Nelson, Shelburne County , Nova Scotia, Communications Nova Scotia, Shelburne , Nova Scotia, Fort St, John, Kamloops, Shining Bank , Alberta, Lytton

☆ Bud Light lost its sales crown to Modelo Especial amid right-wing backlash, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-10 | by ( Leslie J. Allen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Bud Light sales dropped 23% in May, according to data from research firm Circana. Bud Light sales plunged 23% year-over-year in May to $297.3 million, according to data compiled by consumer-behavior research firm Circana and shared with Insider. Anheuser-Busch suffered weeks of backlash from a Bud Light promotion featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Analysts at JPMorgan recently warned that Bud Light sales could drop as much as 13% this year. Rounding out the top five in beer sales for May were Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Miller Lite, Circana reports.

Persons: Bud, —, Bud Light, influencer Dylan Mulvaney, Dylan Mulvaney, Gene J, Rob Kim, Bud Light's, Miller Organizations: Bud Light, Modelo, Service, Especial, Constellation Brands, Conservative, Anheuser, Busch, Associated Press, JPMorgan, Coors

☆ Coca-Cola’s CFO Expects to Slow Price Hikes as Inflation Cools
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Jennifer Williams-Alvarez | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Coca-Cola is using lessons learned over the past few years with the pandemic to keep up with and pivot based on consumer preferences. Photo: Gene J. Puskar/Associated PressAfter increasing prices last year and into 2023 to offset the impact of inflation, Coca-Cola Co. is expecting to slow price hikes later this year. The Atlanta-based beverage giant anticipates that inflationary pressures will moderate this year, particularly in the second half of 2023, and that means it will institute fewer price increases. “Our approach to pricing, whether it’s in inflationary times or not, is to make sure that we keep pace with inflation,” said President and Chief Financial Officer John Murphy . “Our pricing in 2022 and even in some markets in the early part of 2023 reflects that.”

☆ Tree of Life Synagogue Massacre Trial Set to Begin in Pittsburgh
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Kris Maher | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Tree of Life synagogue was the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Photo: Gene J. Puskar/Associated PressPITTSBURGH— Carol Black has honored the memory of her brother who was killed in the Tree of Life synagogue attack by taking on roles he once performed at services and by attending Pitt football games in the seat he had occupied for 35 seasons beside hers. The three congregations that lost 11 members 4½ years ago in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history have largely grieved and tried to heal in private, supporting one another even as they joined the widening community of people scarred by mass shootings.

☆ Warren Buffett praised the practice of long-term investing in his annual shareholder letter. These are the 10 longest-held stocks in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Warren Buffett has long praised the practice of long-term investing when it comes to stocks. "The world is full of foolish gamblers, and they will not do as well as the patient investor," Buffett said in Berkshire Hathaway's 2022 shareholder letter. These are the 10 longest-held stocks in Berkshire Hathaway's $299 billion stock portfolio. These are the 10 longest-held companies in Berkshire Hathaway's $299 billion individual stock portfolio. UPSJustin Sullivan/Getty ImagesTicker: UPSTime Held: 17 yearsPortfolio Value: $10.3 million7.

The barrage helped Oz climb back into a race that Fetterman had led all summer — by double digits, according to at least two polls. Fetterman, whose speech and auditory processing were affected by his stroke, agreed to only one debate, on Oct. 25. His struggles were apparent, stoking alarm the next day among Democrats who worried the performance would scare away voters. Mehmet Oz takes part in a forum for Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidates in Camp Hill, Pa. on Apr. “My wife wants some vegetables for crudité,” Oz said, picking out broccoli, asparagus, carrots, guacamole and salsa for the platter of raw vegetables and dips.

The race is a must-win for Democrats to have any hope of retaining control of the House. It’s one where, on the whole, it might edge Democratic looking at the district but with no incumbent, a pretty well-funded Republican and a good cycle. It makes me mad.”In an interview ahead of the rally with Oz rally in suburban Pittsburgh, Shaffer said Deluzio was “desperate” because his campaign has gained some momentum in the final weeks. As for why the area has become such a significant swing district, Rothfus cited its economic and geographic importance. “It’s the crossroads of a huge section of the country, right between the Midwest and the Northeast,” he said.

In an NBC News poll of registered voters last month, economic concerns beat out every other issue. Recent data from three swing states — Wisconsin, Arizona and Pennsylvania — sheds light on the varying economic pressures that might influence choices at the ballot box. Tony Evers faces Republican challenger Tim Michels, the job market is hot. Gas prices in the state have recently come down to an average of $3.60 a gallon, compared to $3.76 nationally, after this summer’s nationwide surge. Wisconsin’s metro areas aren’t big enough to be broken out in federal data, but food prices in the Midwest have risen by 12.7% over the last year, compared to 11.2% nationally.

☆ Students demand Penn State cancel on-campus comedy show featuring Proud Boys founder: 'They're on the wrong side'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Isabella Zavarise | Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Students at Penn State want the administration to cancel an event with the founder of the Proud Boys. The Proud Boys have been labeled a terrorist organization by the Canadian government. He told Insider he's grateful Penn State is following through with upholding the First Amendment and said he wants the protestors there. When asked by Insider whether Penn State would provide comment on students' demands the event be canceled, the university reiterated the First Amendment. "Penn State is really fighting a losing battle on this one.

☆ Special elections are confusing, chaotic messes that bleed taxpayers — and could often be avoided if politicians quit before leveling up, flaming out, or dropping dead
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-18 | by ( Grace Panetta | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +23 min

Young's death triggered an unprecedented series of three statewide votes — a special primary, a special general election held along with a regular primary, and a regular general election — within five months. The Alaska special election is just one of the more than 120 congressional special elections conducted over the past two decades, an Insider analysis found. Special elections bombard votersSpecial elections routinely attract special attention. Rebecca Blackwell/APIn 2022, special elections are 'a perfect storm of confusion'Special congressional elections are, on balance, less democratic than regular elections. "We knew from the beginning that it would be harder to win a special election," McCready said of his September 2019 special election.

☆ Social Determinants of Health: Technology, examples and healthcare trends in 2021
▼ + stars: | 2021-04-16 | by ( Insider Intelligence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Healthcare payers and providers are broadening the scope of health-influencing factors they address to include social determinants of health (SDOH). The following is a preview of one Digital Health report, the Social Determinants of Health Report. Hospitals and insurers use digital health to tackle nonclinical health factors. What are social determinants of health (SDOH)? Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical, economic and environmental conditions that both directly and indirectly impact one's health, like access to transportation and nutritious food.

☆ J. Crew has filed for bankruptcy: The rise and fall of America's iconic preppy clothing brand
▼ + stars: | 2020-05-04 | by ( Mary Hanbury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

On May 4, the company announced that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, making it the first major retailer to fail during the pandemic. AP Photo/Gene J. PuskarThe company said that it had reached an agreement with its lenders to convert about $1.65 billion of its debt into equity. It has also secured $400 million in funding from its lenders to navigate its way through the restructuring process. "This agreement with our lenders represents a critical milestone in the ongoing process to transform our business with the goal of driving long-term, sustainable growth for J. Crew and further enhancing Madewell's growth momentum," CEO Jan Singer said in a statement on Monday.

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