NEW YORK (AP) — The stock market is flipping between slight gains and losses today, keeping the Standard & Poor’s 500 index on course for its third monthly drop this year. Trading has turned choppy since the S&P 500 hit a record Sept. 18. Part of the reason is lingering concern over conflicts around the world, corporate profits and the global economy.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation imposing the nation’s first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. Plastic bags will be phased out of large grocery stores starting next year and convenience stores and pharmacies in 2016. The legislation is meant to encourage consumers to bring their own bags and as a way to reduce litter. Grocers will also be able to charge customers a 10 cent fee for a paper bag.
NEW YORK (AP) — Kroger is recalling nearly 8,000 children’s hoodies because of a possible choking risk. No injuries have been reported, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the hooded sweatshirts have drawstrings around the neck that can get caught in playground slides or school-bus doors and choke or strangle a child. The sweatshirts were sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer supermarkets nationwide between June and August for about $18.
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence dropped in September after hitting the highest level in nearly seven years in August. The Conference Board says that its confidence index fell for the first time after four months of gains. The board’s economists say the decline reflected a less positive view of the current state of the job market.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will push for creating more jobs and improving wages when he delivers a speech Thursday at Northwestern University. The White House says Obama will use his address at the university’s School of Management in Evanston, Illinois, to draw attention to economic advances since he took office.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.