The Glass Incident Fire began raging through Northern California early Sunday morning. Three days later, at least 19 wineries and have been affected, from burnt buildings and warehouses to torched and smoked vineyards.
Fire damaged grapevines sit in front of the destroyed Chateau Boswell Winery after the Glass Incident Fire moved through the area on September 28, 2020 in St. Helena, California.
Castello di Amorosa, a winery in Napa County, sustained extensive damages when the fires ravaged a warehouse holding 120,000 bottles of wine worth about $5 million.
The farmhouse at Castello di Amorosa, decimated by the Glass Fire in Napa County on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in Calistoga, CA.
Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The wine industry in California's Napa and Sonoma counties make more than $10 billion a year, Robert Eyler, a professor of economics at Sonoma State University, told The Atlantic in 2017.
Damaged fermentation tanks are seen at Fairwinds Estate Winery that was destroyed by the Glass Fire on September 29, 2020 in Calistoga, California.
The economic impacts from the disaster are not yet known, but 3.7 million acres of California have burned so far this year. In an average year, less than 350,000 acres of the state burns, per Insider.
A vineyard burns from the encroaching Glass Fire in Deer Park, California, U.S. September 27, 2020.
The Glass Incident Fire is 2% contained and has consumed 48,440 acres of land in Northern California's wine country.
A vineyard is left burned in the aftermath of the Glass Fire in Deer Park, California, U.S. September 28, 2020.
Many buildings and warehouses were destroyed, including the Chateau Boswell Winery.
A general view of the remains of the Chateau Boswell Winery after the Glass Fire came through, in Saint Helena, California, U.S., September 28, 2020.
REUTERS/Fred Greaves
Vineyards that have not been burned also face an economic risk because grapes tainted by smoke can result in ashy-tasting wine.
The Glass Fire approaches grape vines at a vineyard on September 27, 2020 in Napa, California.
With too much exposure to smoke, the grapes are unusable, Bloomberg reported.
A firefighting aircraft drops retardant ahead of the Glass Fire at Davis Estates winery on September 27, 2020 in Calistoga, California.
Mia Van de Water, a master sommelier at Cote Korean Steakhouse in New York, previously told Business Insider that wine exposed to smoke is often blended with other wine to dilute the taste, then sold for cheaper than it would normally cost.
Grapes hang from a vine at Chateau Boswell Winery burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area on September 27, 2020, in St. Helena, California.
To save the harvest from smoke and fire, some wineries will pick the grapes before they are ripe.
Flames are seen on a hill above a vineyard on Crystal Springs Road during the Glass Fire in Deer Park, California, U.S. September 27, 2020.
The alternative to this would be to file an insurance claim after smoke or fire destroys the grapes.
Firefighters protect a residence as the Glass Fire encroaches onto a vineyard in Deer Park, California, U.S. September 27, 2020.
But most insurance companies compensate for losses based on the average value of grapes, which could be cheaper than the compromised grapes. For example, the average value of grapes was $800 per ton in the state of California in 2017, per The Atlantic.
Damaged fermentation tanks are seen at Fairwinds Estate Winery that was destroyed by the Glass Fire on September 29, 2020 in Calistoga, California.
But many grapes are far more valuable, ranging from $100 to more than $7,000 per ton in the last two years, according to a report published by Vintroux, a real estate firm in wine country.
A car that was destroyed by the Glass Fire sits next to a vineyard on September 29, 2020 in Calistoga, California.
Aside from wineries, resorts and restaurants in the area are being consumed by flames. Napa Valley's three-Michelin-star Restaurant at Meadowood burned down on Monday morning.
The main building and restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley luxury resort burns after the Glass Incident Fire moved through the area on September 28, 2020 in St. Helena, California.
The head chef, Christopher Kostow, previously told Insider that the restaurant has plans to rebuild.
A stairway leads to the destroyed main building and restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley luxury resort after the Glass Incident Fire moved through the area on September 28, 2020 in St. Helena, California.
"Napa Valley and California have seen their share of challenges and have always demonstrated a resiliency that others emulate," he said. "The important thing right now is to protect lives and property, and address the bigger issue of climate change."
The main building and restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley luxury resort burns after the Glass Incident Fire moved through the area on September 28, 2020, in St. Helena, California.
Mexican officials announced this week that the facility known as Puente Grande prison will be closed and its inmates transferred elsewhere.
Some of the country's most well known criminal figures have been jailed at Puente Grande, but the prison is best known for the 2001 escape of Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán.
A federal prison that housed some of Mexico's most powerful crime bosses will shut down, marking the end for a facility that saw everything from high-profile escapes to lavish parties with narcocorridos.
Authorities in Mexico announced September 28 that the Federal Center for Social Rehabilitation Number Two in western Jalisco State, better known as the Puente Grande prison, will close and its inmates will be transferred to other facilities.
Guards and officials employed at the prison will also be relocated across the country, according to the statement.
The reason for the shutdown was not specified. The prison was the scene of a brawl in May of this year that left eight people dead and eight others injured, according to state authorities. In the aftermath, officials seized two firearms and an explosive device, but they did not say how the weapons entered the facility.
A year earlier, in August 2019, Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación — CJNG) boss Heleno Madrigal Virrueta, alias "El 20," was found dead in his cell. Authorities reported the death as a suicide, but other organized crime figures in the prison have died under mysterious circumstances.
InSight Crime analysis
Mexican Federal Police outside the Puente Grande prison in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco State, Mexico, on August 9, 2013
HECTOR GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images
Puente Grande was infamous for housing Mexico's cartel kingpins, but it will be remembered most for the prison break of Sinaloa Cartel capo Joaquín Guzmán Loera, alias "El Chapo."
A who's who of crime bosses were incarcerated at Puente Grande, including Guadalajara Cartel kingpin Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, Rafael Caro Quintero and Beltrán Leyva Organization (BLO) leader Alfredo Beltrán Leyva, alias "El Mochomo."
But it was El Chapo who bought his way out of the maximum security prison. In January 2001, he walked out of his electronically secured cell, after which someone then smuggled him out in a laundry truck. Another Sinaloa native, Dámaso López Núñez, the prison's vice director at the time, aided his escape and eventually became a drug trafficker in his own right known as "El Licenciado."
In Puente Grande, guards ceded control to high-profile inmates. A 2017 video of a party thrown by CJNG operative José Luis Gutiérrez Valencia, alias "Don Chelo," showed him surrounded by bodyguards as other prisoners danced and drank beside him. Los Buchones de Culiacán, a musical group famous for its narcocorridos, even played songs praising the CJNG boss during the celebration.
"I'm the one who rules here," Don Chelo said, laying bare the lack of official control in the prison.
Puente Grande's closing is likely to be a positive development given its unruly history. But the levels of corruption in Mexico's prison system and the various legal loopholes still available to those with money mean that maximum security seldom applies to Mexico's most notorious criminals.
The popular dog puzzle toys tap into a dog's natural instincts to forage, scavenge, and problem-solve.
Outward Hound offers 10 interactive toy models available in three levels of difficulty, ranging in price from $11 to $26.
A decade ago, when I was a dog lover working to become a professional dog trainer, a friend gifted me the Nina Ottosson Dog Casino toy. "My dog can't figure it out," she told me. "Maybe you can use it."
Inside the box was a blue plastic tray with drawers tucked into its sides. White bone shapes anchored to the top of the tray had to be moved in order for its corresponding drawer to open, revealing treats hidden inside.
I experimented on little Roo first. He sidled up to the toy, sniffing for the treats hidden in its drawers. I left the dog bones loose to start, making the game a little less complex until he got the hang of it. Half-an-hour later, Roo was moving bones and opening drawers like a champ.
If Roo could work through the Dog Casino in under an hour, what could Bentley, the smartest dog I knew, do? Watching the Australian Cattle Dog figure out how to approach and solve the problem at hand was 10 minutes of pure joy.
Not everyone excelled at the game, which Outward Hound scores a level 3 out of 3. Scully ran around the tray pawing and whining. Within two minutes she had given up. Charlie sniffed it twice, then returned to the couch. But I was hooked. Enrichment had taken on a whole new dimension.
These dog puzzle toys are used for enrichment. The term refers to the activities and objects that provide mental stimulation and encourage a captive or domesticated animal to tap into the natural behaviors they (or their ancestors) would practice in the wild. For dogs, toys that promote scavenging, foraging, and problem-solving, as well as novel sights, scents, and experiences are considered enrichment.
Sold in three different skill levels — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — each Nina Ottosson puzzle requires a dog to problem-solve in order to earn a food reward. The Dog Tornado, for example, has four layers of bone-shaped trays that can be stocked with treats. To release it, the dog must rotate each layer.
Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys are made of high-quality plastic or composite wood-plastic. Even though my Dog Casino regularly earned the scars left by hard-thinking doggy teeth and paws, it never succumbed to a serious injury. The toys are sturdily made. Fill their drawers and nooks with soft food or peanut butter, and they can even be frozen.
I recently traded another trainer my much-loved Dog Casino for the Dog Twister, another Level 3 Nina Ottosson toy where the dog must move blocks around a round tray to locate the treats. For extra complexity, the blocks can be locked with pegs that the dog has to paw open before moving a block.
I introduced the Dog Twister to Ripley soon after. Not the most confident dog on the block, Ripley was uncertain. She considered the toy, sniffed it, retrieved a treat I uncovered for her and then sat staring at the humans like we'd set the whole thing up as an elaborate trick. Maybe she'll get the hang of it in time...
That's the way it goes with the Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson toys. Some dogs excel, others — usually less confident dogs or dogs whose intelligence may not be geared toward complex problem-solving — become confused and quickly give up. If the puzzles aren't a great fit for your dog, there are other options for play and stimulation including the Kong Classic or chew toys.
For those dogs that figure out Level 2 and Level 3 puzzle toys in short order, there's a different problem. Once they know how to solve the puzzle, they do it quickly and unceremoniously. The less of a challenge it presents, the less enriching it becomes over time. If only there were a puzzle toy library for exchanging Nina Ottosson Interactive Toys so boredom would never be an issue.
My only other issue with the toys is in the cleaning department. Though the material is easy to clean, with their rotating pieces and drawers, the puzzles are a challenge to scour properly and, once washed, never seem to completely dry out.
The bottom line
I love Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys for the enrichment they provide, but they are not for every dog. Those with drive and confidence will love these puzzles — at least until they've conquered them over and over. Those who are timid or unmotivated probably won't quite know what to do. For a smarty-pants dog, these toys are a win, but it's worth making an investment in several models (from $10 to $25 per toy) and rotating them to keep the puzzles novel for as long as possible.
Pros: Provides a high level of enrichment and mental stimulation, sturdy and made of high-quality materials, 10 models with different levels of difficulty
Cons: Timid or less motivated dogs may not be interested, difficult to clean, sharp dogs may become bored with them once the puzzle has been solved several times
Athleisure brand Public Rec makes some of the most comfortable and best-fitting pants out there — and they aren't sweatpants.
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the Public Rec All Day Every Day Pants were designed to be better looking than sweatpants and more comfortable than jeans.
When the pants first released back in 2015, they sold out immediately and created a 1,200-person waiting list. They're back in stock now and available in nine colors to incorporate into your wardrobe.
I've owned my pair for three years and still one of my personal favorite pants because they can go where typical sweatpants usually wouldn't. From working out or running errands to going out in public, they've been extremely versatile.
Although $98 might seem like a lot, the All Day Every Day Pants' durability and versatility make them well worth adding to your wardrobe.
While dressing professionally for the office might be routine, it's still only a part of your day-to-day life.
When you're not in work mode, comfort is probably the number one factor in deciding what to wear. For some people, a pair of lazy sweatpants is the default choice.
Sure, sweatpants are fine for sleeping in, lounging around the house, or even working out, but they aren't exactly stylish.
For a day of running errands or a casual night out for drinks with friends, normal sweatpants definitely won't cut it. Thankfully, there's a solution — the Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant.
Known for its technical leisure apparel for men, Public Rec launched in 2015 after a widely successful Kickstarter campaign. With an original goal of raising $15,000, the company exceeded that by more than $160,000.
Using a blend of nylon and spandex, the All Day Every Day Pant is very soft, with the right amount of stretch, and a look suitable for wearing in public. Designed to be more stylish than sweatpants and more comfortable than jeans, the pants quickly sold out and even generated a 1,200-person long waiting list.
They've since been made available again and now there are nine colors available — Navy, Black, Heather Charcoal, Khaki, Fog, Dark Olive, Stone Grey, Heather Navy, and Heather Burgundy. Other members of the Insider Reviews team have reviewed the All Day Every Day Pant in the past, but the company sent over one of the new colors for me to check out.
I almost never wear sweatpants because I believe most options aren't fit for wearing in public, but the Public Rec All Day Every Day (ADED) Pant is an exception to that rule – the look of the pants is definitely my favorite thing about them.
While most other sweatpants come in sizes like small, medium, and large, the ADED Pant uses waist and inseam measurements, so you'll get a fit that's not baggy or sloppy. The waist also features a drawstring for added comfort and fit.
Much like the Go-To Tee, the ADED Pant is super soft and stretchy. With the same attributes that made the T-shirt so great, the pants are amazing, too. The stretch allows for a full range of motion, unlike restrictive jeans.
While most sweatpants have shallow front pockets and maybe one rear pocket, the ADED Pant has two front pockets and two rear pockets — all of which are stretchy, allowing for ample space for your wallet, phone, keys, and other belongings.
Update after 3 years (September 2020)
It's not every day that I wear sweatpants in public, but the All Day Every Day Pant is still my favorite option when I do. With soft materials, the right amount of stretch, and a more personalized fit, they find the perfect balance between being comfortable and stylish. Simply put, you won't feel like you're underdressed while wearing them.
In addition to being attractive, the quality of the pants has really impressed me during my time owning them. It's been three years since I first reviewed the All Day Every Day Pant and they're pretty much identical to when I first got them. After countless washes and wears, normal cotton sweatpants would definitely be pilling by now, but my All Day Every Day Pant still looks new.
The bottom line
Wearing jeans or chinos every day is fine, but if you're looking for extra comfort without sacrificing your style, the Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant is the best option.
At $98, they are a bit more expensive than most sweatpants, but these also aren't your typical pair. They're versatile enough to wear to work during the week, on the weekends, and to the gym — and that's not something that can be said about most pants.
Google's latest Pixel 5 flagship phone and mid-range Pixel 4a 5G phone were announced on September 30, but only the Pixel 5 is available for preorder now.
The Pixel 5 starts at $700 and will be released and available to buy starting on October 29.
The Pixel 4a 5G starts at $500 and will be released and available to buy in November 19. You can sign up to Google's waitlist to get a notification when the Pixel 4a 5G is available for preorder.
The new Pixel phones come with some important fixes over the previous generation, like an ultrawide camera, bigger battery, and no more "forehead" top bezel.
Google announced its latest phones on September 30, including the flagship $700 Pixel 5 and a $500 mid-ranger Pixel 4a 5G.
The Pixel 5 is available now for preorder from both Google and Verizon, and will be fully released on October 29. The Pixel 5 will be available on AT&T and T-Mobile, but both carriers have yet to announce a date. The Pixel 4a 5G isn't available yet for preorder, and will be fully released on November 19.
There's only one model and size of the Pixel 5, but it comes in two different colors, including black and "Sorta Sage." There's only one model and size of the Pixel 4a 5G, too, and it's only available in black. With that said, the Pixel 4a 5G serves as a larger version of the $350 Pixel 4a that was announced earlier in the year.
Both phones come with 5G connectivity, which has become a must-have feature for high-end smartphones in 2020 and beyond. With that in mind, Google's mid-range Pixel 4a 5G is the cheapest phone in recent memory to support 5G at $500.
The Google Pixel 4a 5G costs $499 and will be released on November 19.
Google
Spec-wise, the Pixel 5 isn't especially exciting, even with its comparatively low $700 price tag. On paper, the Pixel 5 is handily beaten by the recently released Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Still, it's not all about specs and numbers, so only a deep, thorough review after spending some quality time with the Pixel 5 will get to the bottom of it.
The Pixel 4a 5G is a different story, showing better value for very similar specs as the Pixel 5. The major differences are memory (RAM), screen size, screen refresh rate, and battery size. The Pixel 5 is also made of aluminum, and the Pixel 4a 5G is made of plastic.
Interestingly, Google has completely done away with the zoom lens and the advanced "Soli" radar technology is was so proud of just one year ago for the Pixel 4. For the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, Google has replaced the Pixel 4's zoom lens with an ultrawide lens (and rightfully so). It was Google's mistake to focus all-in on zooming for the Pixel 4 instead of going for an ultra wide lens, which its competitors were adding to their phones.
The company also replaced the Soli radar tech for facial recognition with a good old-fashioned, reliable, and fast rear-facing capacitive fingerprint sensor. Soli also could detect hand gestures made above the phone to control certain things, like skipping tracks with a wave of the hand. Gesture navigation, as it's called, had previously been tried on previous phones, and it was never a popular feature, and it wasn't popular or well developed with the Pixel 4, either. Ditching the Soli tech also means the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G don't have the Pixel 4's "forehead" — its large top bezel where the Soli tech was.
Google also went with a larger battery for the Pixel 5, as battery life was a constant thorn in the Pixel 4's side, even if it was improved over its life time with software updates.
When I asked Google why it didn't use one of those fancy in-display fingerprint sensors we're seeing in fancy phones these days, the company said that in-display tech is too costly if it wanted to keep the price down for the Pixel phones. The company also said that in-display fingerprint sensor tech aren't as "performant" as traditional capacitive sensors, mentioning especially latency and security, and I couldn't agree more.
For now, check out the specs for the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G:
Pixel 5 specs
Display: 6-inch 1080p OLED with 90Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Memory and storage: 8GB RAM & 128GB storage
Rear camera: 12-megapixel standard wide, 16-megapixel ultra-wide
Selfie camera: 8-megapixel
Battery: 4,080Ah with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
Water resistance: IP68
5G: Yes
Pixel 4a 5G specs
Display: 6.2-inch 1080p OLED
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Memory and storage: 6GB RAM & 128GB storage
Rear camera: 12-megapixel standard wide, 16-megapixel ultra-wide
If investments were students, junk bonds would be the problem kids of the class. They show a lot of promise, but can't get their grades up.
Junk bonds' popularity tends to ebb and flow, depending on the stage of the economic cycle. During recessions or declines, many investors choose to buy junk bonds in the belief that market conditions will soon improve, and that the price of purchased bonds will rise in parallel with the fortunes of the corresponding companies.
What is a junk bond?
A junk bond, like all bonds, is a type of debt security. The party buying the bond is essentially loaning money to the party issuing the bond. In return, the issuer promises to repay the money after a certain period, along with interest payments along the way.
A junk bond is a particular kind of bond that receives a low rating, or grade, from the credit rating agencies that evaluate bonds for investors.
Officially known as high-yield bonds, junk bonds have historically served the purpose of raising funds for financially weaker companies, while also providing investors with higher returns than other debt securities — such as US Treasury bonds, or corporate bonds issued by stronger, richer firms.
To understand how junk bonds work, a little background on bond ratings is in order.
Understanding the bond rating system
Since a bond is like an IOU, knowing the creditworthiness of the issuer — its ability to pay its bills and honor its debts — is important to bond-buyers. That's why all bonds get graded for quality by independent credit rating agencies. And, the same way academic grades symbolize how strong or weak a student is, a bond's grade acts as shorthand for how safe or risky this investment is.
The higher the grade, the better the company (and its bonds) — meaning, the more likely it is to make the interest payments on time and to repay investors in full when the bond falls due. The lower the rating, the less likely the company is to meet these obligations — resulting in it collapsing, defaulting on its debt, and leaving its investors with worthless paper.
Among the credit agencies, the Big Three are Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch. They assign letter ratings to companies and the bonds they issue, based on an analysis of their assets, underlying financial circumstances, and credit history.
While the exact systems differ a bit, depending on the agency, the ratings take the form of letter grades: A, B, C, D. The lowest possible credit rating is D, meaning that a company is in default (and often bankrupt as well).
Anything rated BBB (or Baa, for Moody's) or above is considered "investment-grade," which — as the name implies — indicates the most suitable choice for investors.
The highest rating — the coveted AAA — is generally reserved for bonds issued by the US Treasury (which has never defaulted in its history) and the strongest, blue-chip companies on the stock market.
How junk bonds work
"A junk bond is a bond that falls below the investment grade credit rating provided by credit rating agencies," says John Cronin, a financial analyst with the Ireland-based stockbrokers Goodbody. More specifically, "that is a credit rating below Baa3 from Moody's, a credit rating below BBB- from S&P, and a credit rating below BBB- from Fitch."
While any rating below investment-grade is enough to qualify a bond as "junk," the grade could be issued for different reasons. It could mean that the company is simply new, without much of a track record or credit history. Or it signifies a once-sound firm that has run into business troubles of late, a "fallen angel," as the investment pros like to say.
Whatever the reason, because junk bonds are issued by "riskier" companies — or even governments — they usually pay a higher rate of interest than U.S. Treasury bonds or bonds issued by companies deemed investment-grade — anywhere from 2% to 7% higher, on average.
Currently, the Brazil Federative Republic is offering a 30-year bond (rated BB) with a 12.25% interest rate, while Walmart (rated AA) is offering a 30-year bond with a 7.55% interest rate.
The rationale is simple: Troubled companies have to try harder. The higher interest they pay is intended to compensate for their greater riskiness, attracting investors who might otherwise prefer to play it safe with investment-grade or U.S. Treasury bonds.
What risks are associated with junk bonds?
Junk bonds carry a number of risks for investors. These include risks associated with the company issuing junk bonds, as well as risks arising from wider economic conditions.
1. Default risk
The most obvious danger involves default risk, also known as credit risk. This is the risk that the company issuing a junk bond will fail to meet interest or principal payments, or may even default on its bond.
Default rates on junk bonds vary with the economic cycle. According to data from S&P, default rates hit a peak of around 12% after the 2007-8 financial crisis, before falling to under 3% in 2019.
The risk of default can be reduced depending on the actions of central banks. The Federal Reserve committed to purchasing junk bonds in May 2020, removing some of the dangers for private investors who purchase junk debt.
"Junk is no longer junk, just like being a millionaire nowadays does not mean you are wealthy," says Edward Moya, a market analyst with New-York based forex broker OANDA, adding that "the Fed's decision to buy junk bonds served many purposes, with the biggest benefit allowing many companies to cheaply raise money."
2. Interest rate risk
Another risk for investors in junk bonds involves changes in interest rates. If general interest rates rise significantly after you purchase a junk bond, you can expect its price in the bond market to decrease.
Bonds that take longer to mature present the greatest risks in this respect.
3. Economic risk
Assuming that the wider economy struggles, investors will increasingly seek to sell high-yield bonds and move to safer assets, such as U.S. Treasury bonds. This could potentially glut the market with junk bonds, sending their prices downwards.
4. Liquidity risk
Related to economic risk, liquidity risk involves the inability to find a seller for a junk bond. Compared to investment-grade bonds, junk bonds are less likely to be traded frequently, so holders may find it difficult to sell at a price that reflects their justifiable value.
Why invest in a junk bond?
Higher income
"Junk bonds historically are an attractive bet for yield," says Moya. While they can be more volatile, junk bonds generally outperform investment-grade corporate bonds, as indicated by a 2019 research paper from Vanguard. From 1987 to 2018, for example, it found that junk bonds offered, on average, yields that were 4.76% over investment-grade bonds'.
This could make them attractive to investors seeking a higher regular income from their assets. And if general interest rates are low, they may be the best option.
Speculative opportunity
Junk bonds can be bought during economic or market downswings and sold during upswings. By purchasing them cheap and then selling when they present less of a risk (due to improved economic conditions), investors can potentially make a profit.
Hedging strategy
High-yield bonds can be purchased as part of a hedging strategy that attempts to balance risk across investments.
For example, one such strategy involves buying junk bonds long and shorting U.S. Treasury bonds, so as to reduce the interest rate risk usually associated with junk bonds. When interest rates rise, the price of U.S. Treasury bonds will fall (due to less demand), thereby offsetting losses in junk bonds for investors selling Treasury bonds short.
How to buy junk bonds
Investors can gain exposure to junk bonds either by:
Purchasing individual junk bonds
Buying into a junk bond mutual fund or ETF (exchange-traded fund)
Individual junk bonds can be purchased directly through financial services companies and broker-dealers such as Fidelity, E*TRADE, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab.
However, because junk bonds are so speculative, a bond fund might be a better choice. Because it holds a diversified portfolio, it carries less risk. It's highly liquid — can be sold at any time. And of course, you have a professional manager evaluating and choosing the bonds, so you don't have to.
The financial takeaway
Junk bonds aren't for everyone. From the specter of default to their illiquidity, they "carry a higher level of risk than investment-grade bonds. While the investor is usually compensated for this risk in the form of a higher return, losses can hurt," says John Cronin.
That said, junk bonds historically offer higher yields than investment-grade bonds. This is particularly the case during stock market and economic downturns, which forces junk bond issuers to offer higher rates.
It all depends on your appetite for risk. The average individual investor probably shouldn't go whole-hog into junk bonds. But as part of a balanced portfolio, they could offer a nice boost to income and overall returns.
Palantir went public via a direct listing Wednesday.
Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters
Palantir insiders were temporarily unable to sell shares Wednesday due to an issue with Morgan Stanley's trading software, Shareworks, CNBC first reported and Shareworks confirmed to Business Insider.
The data-mining company went public Wednesday morning via a direct listing at $10 per share, but took a page from the traditional IPO process by having a "lock-up" period for existing investors.
Palantir still allowed those investors to sell up to 20% of their shares during the lock-up, but according to CNBC, some initially couldn't take advantage of it because of a software glitch.
A spokesperson for Shareworks by Morgan Stanley told Business Insider the company "experienced slowness that may have resulted in delayed logins into our system" but that its call centers were able to execute trades "at all times."
Palantir's stock jumped as much as 14% per share in early hours, but dropped again later in the day.
Palantir went public on Wednesday, giving existing investors a chance to offload some of their shares. But some were temporarily unable to do via Morgan Stanley's trading platform, Shareworks, because of a software glitch, CNBC first reported and Shareworks by Morgan Stanley confirmed to Business Insider.
While Palantir used a direct listing process (DLP) instead of a traditional initial public offering (IPO), it took a page from the IPO process by setting a "lock-up" period for existing investors such as employees, founders, and venture capitalists to limit some volatility.
Still, it allowed those insiders to sell up to 20% of their shares immediately upon the stock's debut Wednesday morning.
But according to CNBC, some current and former employees couldn't get in on the initial action because Morgan Stanley's Shareworks trading platform, through which they were supposed to be able to sell shares, wasn't functioning properly.
"We experienced slowness that may have resulted in delayed logins into our system. At all times our call centers were available to execute trades. We will work through any issue that is brought to our attention and ensure that no employee will be disadvantaged," a spokesperson for Shareworks by Morgan Stanley told Business Insider.
The employees told CNBC the software eventually started to function just a few hours before the market closed.
Palantir's stock opened on the New York Stock Exchange at $10 per share — roughly 38% above the $7.25 reference price set by the exchange on Tuesday — and jumped as much as 14% before closing at $9.50, down 9.5%.
The historically secretive data-mining company has received scrutiny over its direct listing from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who wrote a letter to the US Securities and Exchange Commission in mid-September asking the agency to investigate Palantir over its failure to fully disclose information regarding its business practices, omissions that could lead to material risks for future investors and national security issues as it begins trading.
Singapore Airlines is offering on-the-ground experiences to satisfy the travel cravings of a grounded population.
photosounds/Shutterstock
Singapore Airlines is converting one of its Airbus A380 aircraft into a restaurant, catering to travel-hungry residents of the island nation.
The Discover Your Singapore Airlines program aims to create unique aviation experiences while the population is largely grounded.
The airline has severely cut its international flying schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitors from most countries barred from entry without quarantining for 14 days.
Singapore Airlines just unveiled its take on the "flight to nowhere" that airlines have been offering in lieu of actual travel amid a pandemic: an exclusive dining experience aboard its largest aircraft that might finally put to bed the age-old question of "what's the deal with airline food?"
Restaurant A380@Changi will be Singapore's most exclusive restaurant for a weekend in late October as Singapore Airlines turns to on-the-ground experiences to satisfy a travel-hungry population while COVID-19 has stripped flying of its appeal. Diners-turned-passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal aboard a Singapore Airlines A380 the weekend of October 24, crafted by chef Shermay Lee.
Patrons can choose from international cuisine or traditional Singaporean meals as they settle into the airline's extravagant A380 seats. And just as if flying across the Pacific Ocean, the airline will provide complimentary alcohol and soft drinks. A press release did not include the cost of the experience, and the carrier did not immediately respond to a request for pricing information.
Entertainment will be primarily provided through the seat-back entertainment screens, as guests will be treated to a history of Singapore Airlines' cabin crew. Passengers will also learn the secrets of the A380 with a tour of the aircraft that includes the hidden rest areas for cabin crew.
Completing the experience is the inclusion of a Singapore Airlines premium cabin amenity kit, an airline-curated playlist, and a choice of wine or champagne. The airline's dining ware will also be available for purchase.
The jet is popular among aviation enthusiasts, given its status as one of the most luxurious in the sky. From swanky first class suites with double beds to a sprawling economy class cabin, the Singapore Airlines A380 has it all.
The abundance of space on the Airbus A380 has allowed airlines to get creative, with Singapore Airlines offering massive first class suites that make long-haul flights a breeze.
Singapore Airlines
Those who can't make the "flight" can still buy Singapore Airlines meals through the airline's SIA@Home experience. First and business class meals, also crafted by Lee, will be delivered with instructions on how to cook and plate the meals just as if they were being served on an aircraft.
Grounded airline, meet obsolete plane
Singapore Airlines, which only flies international routes, has been especially hard hit by the pandemic, and has parked most of its long-range jets. Most foreign visitors to Singapore are forced to quarantine for 14 days at their expense, limiting tourism and business opportunities — and forcing the suspension of the world's longest flight, between Singapore and Newark.
Singapore's flag carrier has the longest relationship with the A380 out of any airline, as the launch customer and operator of Airbus' largest aircraft. October 15 will see the airline mark 13 years of flying the plane, but will not be cause for celebration as the aircraft has wound up a short-lived status symbol for international carriers that will likely disappear from the skies in the next few decades. Airbus has stopped building the superjumbo, which failed to surpass 300 orders, as smaller, fuel-efficient planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWBrender four-engine aircraft obsolete.
The coronavirus pandemic has only accelerated the aircraft's demise. German flag carrier Lufthansa made the decision to retire its A380 fleet while Australian flag carrier Qantas has sent its A380s to California for storage, likely through 2022.
The dining experiences are just some of the opportunities on offer through the Discover Your Singapore Airlines program that also includes a behind the scene tour of the airline's operation. Participants will visit the flight attendant and pilot training centers, with a flight simulator session also on offer.
PayPal is a relatively easy platform to use. Whether you're buying a product or service online, sending money to friends and family, or even receiving funds, it's a pretty simple and straightforward process.
However, if there comes a time when something's not quite right with your account, and you get locked out or have an unexplained hold on funds, you might need to speak with someone who works for the company.
Thankfully, PayPal offers several ways for users to get in touch and resolve their issues. And you can do this in a couple of different ways depending on your preferences.
How to contact PayPal via phone
The easiest way to contact PayPal is probably via their phone number, which is 1-888-221-1161. Try to call from the phone number associated with your PayPal account, if you can — it'll make connecting to a representative faster. All you'll need is the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Via this phone line, you can get immediate assistance with billing issues, account issues, and fraudulent charges.
If you don't want to contact PayPal by phone, you can go online for help. However, this may be slower.
How to contact PayPal online
All other general issues and even transaction disputes can likely be solved via the site's Help Center, PayPal Community Forums and Resolution Center. To access these features, you'll need to be logged into your PayPal account.
The Community Forums and Resolution Center don't involve contacting PayPal directly, and are much slower. So here's how to use the Help Center, likely your next best tool for getting help from PayPal.
2. Once logged in, you can scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click "Contact Us" or go directly to www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/home.
3. This will open the Help Center. Select one of the issues listed here, to find a host of articles on every topic.
4. If you'd rather speak to someone, scroll to the bottom and click "Message us."
You can message PayPal to solve your issue.
Jennifer Still/Business Insider
5. You'll be prompted to enter your issue in a chat window, and you will be given a standard, non-personalized response.
6. If this doesn't solve your query, however, type "Need more help," and your message will then be forwarded to a PayPal agent. They should respond within an hour, depending on what time of day you send your message.
With parents, friends, significant others, coworkers, and more to account for, it's easy for your gifting list to fill up pretty quickly. Luckily, you can get a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list without blowing your budget.
We've been testing products, combing through our favorite sites, and collecting gift ideas all year for nearly every occasion, all to make sure you find the best gifts possible. Below, we've rounded up 51 of our favorites that are $50 or less. Whether these gifts are complements to a bigger present or are the star of the show, we think your recipient will love them.
We love Otherland's candles, whether seasonally inspired or from the classic collection. Notable scent combinations such as champagne, saffron, and leather, gorgeous packaging, and a 55 hour burn time have deemed Otherland's candles as a foolproof gift among the Insider Reviews team.
The Echo Dot is a great pick for anyone who's looking for a speaker, whether they want a smart one or not. The speaker is small enough to fit just about anywhere, but it boasts great sound quality for its size.
MeUndies' collection of plaids prints make a perfect bottom layer for cozy winter days. If classic or bold solids are more of their thing, there are plenty of plain styles to choose from as well.
A smooth olive oil that'll instantly elevate any dish
If they spend a lot of time in the kitchen, they probably already know the merits of high-quality olive oil. A drizzle of Alive from Brightland adds a vibrant, zesty flavor to any dish, plus the beautiful bottle will look great on display in their kitchen.
Help them upgrade their oral care routine with a Quip toothbrush. Not only is it a great electric toothbrush at a reasonable price, but Quip will send them a refill every three months with a new brush head and toothbrush.
This compact waffle maker makes a great addition to any college dorm or small kitchen. All they have to do is plug it in and they can make their favorite breakfast treat in a flash.
Give them everything they need to banish dry, chapped lips. This set includes five of Fresh's popular tinted lip balms and one advanced therapy lip treatment for when their pout needs an extra boost of hydration.
A mini speaker that brings Google Assistant to any room
This little speaker is loaded with smart features thanks to Google Assistant — play music, check the weather, and control your smart home with just your voice.
A streaming stick that turns any TV into a smart one
Upgrade their Netflix binge marathons without actually buying them a whole new TV. The Roku Streaming Stick + offers 4K, HD, and HDR streaming in a portable package and affordable price.
Whether their hair is damaged from heat or just is suffering from seasonal dryness, this deep-conditioning mask kit will refresh their strands with the hydration it needs.
Adventurous foodies will love the chance to taste test a curated box of gourmet Japanese snacks. In this Bokksu box, they can expect to find between 10-14 snacks, a tea pairing, and an in-depth guide that details every product included.
Anyone in on the latest skincare trends will know about this mask. Many claim it has helped clear their skin, and it has over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The best part is that this powerful facial is just $10.
Bring a bit of their favorite restaurant right to their door. From bagels to barbeque, Goldbelly ships food gifts nationwide from iconic eateries in major cities.
With cold weather approaching, there's nothing better than slipping on cozy socks. Made from soft, sustainable hemp fabric, this pair is sure to do the trick.
Smith & Cult's polish is vegan, cruelty-free, and chip-resistant. With 46 fun colors to choose from, you're sure to find one (or two, or three) they'll love.
Fall and winter skin tends to be dry and dull. While you can't change the weather, you can throw on a hydrating face mask to stay moisturized. This one will add lots of soothing hydration to their skin to keep it feeling fresh.
Makeup towels that make washing their face less of a chore
If they've never thought of washcloths as anything special, Weezie towels will change their minds. The adorable towels are embroidered with either hearts, winky eyelids, or the words "stain me." Plus, the dark navy blue color will conceal makeup stains.
If there's nothing they appreciate more than a good night's sleep, they'll love Slip's silk sleep mask. It's made from 100% pure Mulberry silk for a luxe, light feel on their skin.
A simple necklace that reminds them of their intentions
A sweet necklace with an even sweeter mission. Choose from a selection of positive intentions like "optimism," "strength," or "gratitude," which they can carry with them throughout the day. For every necklace sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Girls Inc.
This classy set of loose-leaf teas made it into Oprah's Favorite Things back in 2018. It's filled with three variations of chai tea that any tea lover will appreciate.
Whether they love game night, music, or are equal fans of both, they'll surely get a kick out of these playing cards. The pack features illustrations of all the big names in pop, rock, country, and R&B.
A spray that any sneakerhead needs in their collection
If they love shoes, they should have the right products to take care of their favorite footwear. This spray protects shoes from stains caused by water and oil, and there are multiple people on our team who swear by it for every new pair of shoes they get.
A set of colorful silicone straws that reduce plastic waste
A lightweight, spray formula and refreshing scents make Touchland's hand sanitizer one they'll actually want to use. It dries quickly and doesn't leave residue or stickiness behind.
AirPods may come in a case already, but this metallic cover keeps that one protected. And, it adds some nice color and shine to the plain white cover that everyone else has.
A coffee mug that keeps their drinks hot or cold for hours
Hydro Flask's Travel Coffee Mug is a team favorite. It combines the classic shape of a mug with Hydro Flask's TempShield insulation to keep beverages hot, or cold, for hours— a great gift for the coffee or tea lover who's always on the move.
An aromatherapy diffuser that'll make their space smell great and help them breathe easier
If they've never dabbled in aromatherapy before, this mini diffuser is a great place to start. It's easy-to-use, whisper-quiet, and works with their favorite essential oils and scents.
It's no wonder these bags are bestsellers — they can hold up to 50 pounds of stuff and come in a range of fun colors and patterns. Plus, at just $12, they're a great deal.
This portable, personal water filter was the bestselling product on Prime Day 2019. It filters water from creeks and rivers, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and travel.
After they fill the three pockets with cables and chargers, all they have do is roll everything up and they're good to go. The soft, supple leather comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns.
This is a great gift that's sure to make anyone sentimental. Whether it's their hometown, college town, or favorite spot to vacation, a Homesick candle, with scents inspired by all sorts of locations, will bring them back to that favorite place.
A cold brew coffee maker to keep up with their iced coffee habit
If their morning ritual includes a cup of cold brew, they'll appreciate this convenient cold brew maker. All they have to do is fill it with their favorite coffee grinds, add water, let it sit, and they've got a glass of delicious cold brew on the way.
Bring some life to their space with this adorable heart-shaped succulent. With little attention needed, it's a great gift for amateur plant parents and experienced ones alike.
By partnering with the same manufacturers that make high-end pieces for brands like Celine, Burberry, and Prada, but ditching the designer labels and opting for a direct-to-consumer model, Italic is able to sell luxury goods at a fraction of the price. This sleek and simple leather card case would go for over $300 with a designer label, but at Italic it's a steal at just $35.
There's a cookbook out there for every type of cook, but this customizable option is one any chef is sure to love. The blank pages are waiting to be filled with family recipes, which can be passed down for generations to come.
A dainty pair of gold hoops that go with everything
Jewelry always makes a great gift, though it's typically pricey. These dainty hoops from Mejuri are the perfect pair for every day, and they're only $50.
Anyone who spends a good amount of time in the kitchen will appreciate this durable apron with its sturdy fabric, clever pockets made to hold the essentials, and pot-holders built right in.
A one-time, $20 payment will get them lifetime access to REI's membership program. The outdoorsy types in your life will appreciate the special offers, 10% back on purchases, member-pricing on REI classes and events, and the host of other membership perks. Learn more about the REI membership program here.
All of Artifact Uprising's customized photo gifts are simple, beautiful, and made from eco-friendly materials. This simple calendar is an easy choice for anyone on your list. Just pick 12 photos (one for each month) of the people and places they love most to add a special sentiment to their desk setup.
Cold-weather accessories make a great gift for anyone who will be braving the cold come winter. Neff beanies come in a wide variety of colors and are the perfect combination of cute and cozy.
Looking to get your fill of paranormal activity this Halloween? We found vacation rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo that claim to be haunted.
Each listing is well-rated and comes rich with historic charm so even if you don't see a ghost, you'll still enjoy a great stay.
Our picks are found in spooky spots like Salem, New Orleans, and others, and range in price from $120 to $540 per night to start.
You might have trouble sleeping with thoughts of ghouls whirring through your head, but rest easy knowing experts consider private vacation rentals to be safer than hotels during COVID-19 as they reduce interaction with others.
Come Halloween season, some people are perfectly satisfied to pour a glass of wine, throw a log on the fire, and click "play" on a spooky flick.
Others would rather insert themselves into the real deal by signing up for eerie ghost tours or, more exhilarating yet, cozying up overnight in an allegedly haunted house or hotel.
I'm certainly in the latter camp. Though I'm far from a paranormal expert, I've always been drawn to eerie homes and locales and a spine-chilling ghost story.
In fact, I once lived a creaky, historic house in Irvington, Indiana, an area with famous claims of haunted activity that's named after Sleepy Hollow. I swore I felt the "presence" of a young boy, and once a chair scraped across the floor entirely on its own around midnight. A couple of years later, after moving away, I went on the Irvington ghost tour. The host stopped very close to the home I'd lived in and told us the story of a young boy that'd been murdered there. Full body chills.
If you're like me — unable to get your fill of catacombs, cemeteries, old houses, and ghost towns — perhaps you're brave enough to stay the night at a possibly haunted house yourself. To make that easier, I combed vacation rental listings on Airbnb and Vrbo listings with claims by hosts or past guests of haunted goings-on, that also met the following criteria to ensure a top-notch stay, sighting or no:
All listings are based in the US with at least some availability in October and through the winter, as of publishing, and priced between $12o and $540 to start.
All are for private home rentals, with the exception of two standout room bookings.
The homes are historic with multiple reports of ghost sightings and other paranormal activity by hosts or past guests, as explicitly noted in the listing and/or review.
I also reached out to hosts to elaborate on reports where possible, but, of course, we cannot validate any ghost claims.
Reviews are all 4.5 and above. We've afforded some slack regarding the wear and tear that comes with older homes.
Each listing has COVID-19 sanitation protocols in place to ensure a safer experience for guests.
Airbnb also announced rigorous new procedures including the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on PPE, disinfectants, and waiting periods between guests.
Of course, without a vaccine, there is no guarantee with regard to safety. It's crucial to follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider your own level of risk, and whether you're traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.
It's also worth noting that cleaning and service fees vary widely from one Airbnb to another, especially post-pandemic, and many homes are also enacting minimum night stays and strict cancellation policies.
Keep reading to book any of these haunted house vacation rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo, sorted by price from low to high.
The Parks-Bowman mansion haunted bedroom in New Orleans, Louisiana, $120
While we typically prefer entire home rentals, sometimes your needs don't require a large home. Plus, when it comes to haunted appeal, this bedroom listing sets a captivating scene as it's dripping in chandeliers, with soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, a music room, and a carved cypress staircase that leads to your third-story bedroom complete with a private balcony. The home was built in the late 1800s, and the host reports that a resident ghost is believed to share this room, believed to be a young girl who lived there from 1887 to 1915.
"Urilda Breedlove Rodd was injured in some kind of an accident when she was young, and her health was frail. She died at a young age, possibly during childbirth," host Adrienne Parks told us. "The room that has the most ghostly appearances is on the third floor, and is called the Haunted Bedroom. People there have seen glowing orbs, heard footsteps and doors opening and closing, lights have been turned on and off, and sometimes small objects have gone missing and then reappeared in unlikely places."
Guests have also reported candy that magically becomes unwrapped, tapping on their back, hearing the sound of lullabies, and feeling a sensation of someone sitting on the bed with them. There have even been sightings of actual figures.
"The previous owner said she saw a young woman in a long yellow dress once in the dining room. I glimpsed a young woman in a long pale garment with loose dark hair once as I was coming down the stairs, but when I got to the bottom of the stairs she'd vanished," says Parks.
Scary tales aside, this private bedroom is modestly appointed with an ensuite bathroom best suited to one or two people. There are three guest rooms in total (the others are less haunted) for an intimate B&B feel with shared access to the dining and living rooms, as well as the front and back porches, and a swimming pool.
Availability is open in October and well into 2021.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home doesn't participate in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, but the Superhost has taken extended measures to ensure social distancing and a clean environment, including requiring a face covering in common spaces and temporarily restricting access to shared areas such as the kitchen. Surgical masks will be provided to guests that do not have their own, rooms are sanitized rooms before and after each reservation, and disinfectant is supplied as well.
The haunted honeymoon cottage in Jerome, Arizona, $150
Jerome is easily one of Arizona's kitschiest destinations with a reputation for being haunted. The former copper mining town — situated sideways on Cleopatra hill — boomed in the early 1900s. In that time, there were murders and crimes, mining accidents, rowdy saloons, and busy brothels — all activities that people attribute to paranormal activity today, now that it's been revived by tourism, many years later.
Jerome was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1967 and today is rife with museums, art galleries, wineries, restaurants (like the Haunted Hamburger), and plenty of spooky spots.
The haunted honeymoon cottage is reportedly one of those spots. The listing states that friends and family have reported seeing a thin lady dressed in white with dark hair, a grumpy old miner, and a tall gentleman wearing a top hat. Others have heard faint parlor music and the sound of wind chimes when no wind is present.
This one bedroom, one bathroom guesthouse accommodates two and comes with a private entry that overlooks the San Francisco peaks, Sedona red rocks, and Verde Valley. The room is simple but comes with a seating area, a small dining table, and mini-fridge.
Weekend availability exists in October and well into 2021.
Rating: 4.75
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program. The host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
This Oberlin, Ohio listing — built in the 1870s — is proof that you should read the fine print. At first glance it seems open and bright, and the listing promotes its central location and unplugged mentality before adding in this little number: "A word to the wise: we suspect the place is haunted."
Those who miss that little detail before booking, however, can rest assured that it's a friendly ghost residing there.
"Inspiration House is perfect for anyone who wants to experience a haunting without the scare factor. Guests regularly report footsteps, apparitions, voices, and some of the music boxes play by themselves," host Elyria Rose Little told Business Insider. "When my partner Michelle Belanger (of Paranormal State & Portals to Hell) and I were looking for a property with a cozy haunting a couple of years ago, we knew there was something special about this place as soon as we set foot inside."
The assumption is that the spirits haunting the hallways of Inspiration House are former residents who love the house too much to move out or move on. Those (now) ghoulish residents include families, writers, abolitionists, and artists and according to one review, the wood floors are exceptionally creaky!
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house accommodates up to five guests, though there's one room that's technically off-limits — a museum-like space filled with paranormal phenomena. You can request to have the room opened if you'd like to explore.
Availability is currently limited in October but opens up in November.
Rating: 4.86
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program. The host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
The haunted bedroom at Enslin Mansion in Troy, New York, $175
This beautiful home with spooky charm has been in the family for six generations and is located in the historic New York village of Lansingburgh. In addition to beautiful hardwood floors, floral wallpaper, antique decor, and vibrant carpet, a booking here also comes with lots of ghost stories from the hosts and perhaps an experience of your own.
"The house was originally built by my great grandfather who came from Bavaria in 1900," says host Michelle Bell. When we asked her to tell us a bit about her ghoulish experiences, she said, "Where do I begin? I've been pushed off of chairs, I've been pushed off of the bed, and I have voice footage. People that worked for me in the house, to help me take care of my mom, have actually left because of seeing the tall, slender man and the heavyset man that walk around the house."
People have also reported things getting misplaced but ending up in bizarre places (like inside of potato chip bags), seeing lights flickering, and hearing unexplainable sounds.
The haunted bedroom, ideal for two guests, is the second-largest room in the house and has a private entrance along with immediate access to the third-floor attic. Though, do note that the bathroom is shared.
There's wide availability in October and through 2021.
Rating: 4.83
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home does not participate in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, but is run by a Superhost with a 5/5 cleanliness score.
The Shamrock House in Rocky Bottom, South Carolina, $375
There are more than a few scary movies that start with a lone log cabin in the woods. Perhaps you'll be the star of your own by staying in this century-old home nestled in South Carolina's Heritage Corridor. It was built in the mid-1920s and served as a place to rest for weary travelers passing through the area. There was even a notable guest who slept here — former president Lyndon B. Johnson.
"Of course, every old home has a ghost story. The weeping sound of Nancy the Ghost is claimed to be heard on occasion," the listing states. "We can't confirm or deny her presence, but we are pretty sure Nancy is a friendly gal and her 'weeping' is just the sounds of the old house creaking."
At 3,500 square feet, Shamrock House is a massive space that can accommodate up to 24 people. In fact, it technically includes three individual spaces — the Main House, the Bunk House, and Trout House — which together have eight bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Availability is open in October and well into 2021.
Rating: 4.6
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home is professionally cleaned after every guest stay.
The Henry Derby House in Salem, Massachusetts, $450
This buttery yellow Victorian home with dark green shutters may look perfectly sweet on the outside, but there have reportedly been numerous ghost sightings here according to the owner. In fact, the house — a former bed & breakfast converted into a rental home — is actually a stop on local ghost tours.
"I grew up in the house and as early as I can remember I had dreams about spirits living on the third floor. I would always sleep with a fan on to drown out the sounds of footsteps in the night, a habit I've yet to break," owner Philip Marchand tells Business Insider. "Since my mother opened the B&B in 2001, we have had countless guests ask about the ghost living in the house. Only a few people have ever seen it, and all have described a young girl in her mid to late teens. There's no doubt in my mind that there is at least one spirit living in the house, and some ghost hunters have claimed to find more."
Fortunately, this is a friendly ghost. Marchland says that nearly all the encounters have been harmless. Most people describe a feeling of a presence at the end of their bed, being tucked in, or having their feet tickled.
The house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and comfortably accommodates 10 guests. There's even a formal dining room, and guests have access to the beautiful garden ripe with rose and hydrangea bushes.
Availability is currently limited in October but opens up in November.
Rating: 4.85
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program. The host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Belle Femme townhouse in Salem, Massachusetts, $540
The Belle Femme townhouse, tucked into the McIntire Historic District of witchy Salem, Massachusetts, includes six bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sweeping front hallway, a historic organ, and a porch that overlooks the gardens and nearby mansions. Every corner of this 18th century home is loaded with character and, according to a handful of guests, is also home to a spirit or two.
"In a recent review for Belle Femme, guests heard footsteps in an empty hallway and doorknobs jiggled with no one there. Perhaps you can enrich your haunted happenings experience by staying in a historic home with a little something extra," says host Liann DiMare.
While visiting, she urges visitors to take advantage of Salem's eerie history. Visit the Witch House and Witch Museum, partake in a haunted ghost walking tour, and consider doing a psychic reading. Even casually strolling through the streets you'll see witch logos adorning police cars, taxis, magazines, and newspapers.
This open concept house sleeps 12, and availability is open in October and well into 2021.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home has a strenuous disinfectant process, including a disinfecting fog treatment and thorough sanitization of surfaces.
Here's the thing — with a few exceptions, even the tip-top quality videos on YouTube are only going to be 1080p resolution, especially considering the millions of videos uploaded using phones or cheap amateur cameras.
And YouTube TV, YouTube's premium subscription service for shows, movies, and live events, does not currently offer 4K streaming.
However, if you want to stream movies, shows, or videos on your TV, luckily some content on YouTube is available in 4K.
YouTube TV doesn't have 4K streaming — here's how you can find 4K content on YouTube
The easiest way to find 4K content on YouTube is to simply add the term "4K" to your search terms. However, you should note that not all content labeled as "4K" is necessarily 4K-quality.
The standard video format for YouTube is 1080p, which looks great on a computer monitor as well as most TVs.
Steven John/Business Insider
You can also find some 4K content available on YouTube for an extra fee. YouTube offers a library of movies and shows that you can rent and stream in 4K UHD resolution that will look amazing even on the largest of TVs. These include many recent movies, as well as classic titles.
The standard video format for YouTube is 1080p, which looks great on a computer monitor as well as most TVs.
Steven John/Business Insider
And if you're looking for 4K streaming content, try Hulu, Netflix or Prime Video.
Black Lives Matter protesters march in Los Angeles on August 28.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Wednesday creating a task force to study the issue of reparations for Black Americans.
"After watching last night's debate, this signing can't come too soon," Newsom, a Democrat, said on a phone call.
A nine-member task force has one year to study the issue and report back.
"California tries to lead the way in terms of civil rights, and we have a responsibility to do that," state Rep. Shirley Weber said on a press call. "But it has yet to come to terms with its role in slavery."
California is the first state in the nation to consider reparations for those harmed by slavery and racial discrimination. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Wednesday that will create a task force to study the issue.
"After watching last night's debate, this signing can't come too soon," Newsom, a Democrat, said on a phone call announcing the decision.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 3121, calls for a nine-member task force to document the historical and present effects of enslavement on African Americans and "recommend appropriate remedies." Those recommendations, including the possibility of "full reparations," will be presented in a report one year from now.
A majority of the task force's members will be appointed by Newsom, and the rest will be chosen by California's state legislature.
Though California formally entered the union as a "free state" in 1850, chattel slavery continued to exist in the state, with newspapers openly advertising the sale of enslaved people, according to the California Historical Society. State officials and citizens also enforced the federal Fugitive Slave Act, tracking down Black men and women who had escaped from the South.
State Rep. Shirley Weber, a Democrat from San Diego who sponsored the bill, said a reckoning was long overdue.
"California tries to lead the way in terms of civil rights, and we have a responsibility to do that," Weber said on a press call. "But it has yet to come to terms with its role in slavery."
Google made a big statement about how it hopes to differentiate its Pixel smartphones in an already crowded market: by offering lower prices.
Google took the wraps off its new Pixel 5 flagship on Wednesday, which starts at $700 and is among Google's first phones to offer 5G support.
The Pixel 5's $700 price tag might not seem unusually cheap compared to some of its rivals. But the fact that it's the priciest phone in Google's lineup, not a starting point, says a lot about the search giant's approach to the industry.
"What the world doesn't seem like it needs right now is another $1,000 phone," Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president of devices and services, said on a call with reporters on Wednesday.
Other than 5G, the Pixel 5 doesn't offer much that's new to the industry, marking a stark contrast from last year's Pixel 4. The headline feature of that phone was its Motion Sense capabilities, which allow users to control the device using gestures without physically touching it.
But it also came with a higher starting price of $800. This year, Google is doubling down on value and catching up where the Pixel 4 fell short, particularly when it comes to its camera and battery life.
Google isn't finished with its Soli technology, the miniature radar it built into the Pixel 4 that powers its motion sensing features, according to Osterloh. But it's focus for 2020 is on delivering 5G at an accessible price. Early phones that supported 5G all came at a premium price, but that's started to shift over the past year as companies like Samsung and OnePlus have launched affordable 5G devices.
"I'm really glad we built these technologies, they'll be used in the future," he said. "But they're very expensive, and so we wanted to try to offer a lot of value this year and that's what we did."
To accomplish this, Google is building off the success of its cheaper A-series line of devices. Last year's $400 Pixel 3a became the best-selling unlocked phone on Amazon in the US shortly following its launch. It released a follow-up to that phone in August, the $350 Pixel 3a, and on Wednesday introduced a 5G version for $500.
"I think the easiest way to think about it is: Pixel 4a, I think, has done a great job of delivering the essential smartphone elements," Osterloh said. "And we built out from that."
Google's Pixel 3a and 4a have earned praise from tech critics, but the competition for cheaper smartphones has only increased since the 3a's launch last May. Apple introduced a direct rival in its $400 iPhone SE, which it began selling in April. One analyst also expects it to launch a cheaper version of the upcoming iPhone 12 without 5G in 2021.
Samsung is also launching the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, a $700 version of its flagship phone that comes with differences in terms of its design and camera.
Still, that doesn't mean Google is completely done with high-end phones.
"I wouldn't rule it out," Osterloh said in response to a question about whether Google would compete in the $1,000 smartphone market again. "Certainly what we announced today is where we're at right now."
President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden participate in their first 2020 presidential campaign debate held on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, September 29, 2020.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Chris Wallace, the Fox News anchor who moderated the first presidential debate on Tuesday night called the event a "terrible missed opportunity," The New York Times reported.
President Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted both the Democratic nominee Joe Biden and Wallace throughout the 90-minute debate.
The debate garnered criticism and worry from both domestic and international observers.
Chris Wallace called the first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden a "terrible missed opportunity," The New York Times reported.
"I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did," Wallace, a "Fox News Sunday" anchor who moderated the debate said.
The debate between Trump, the Republican nominee, and Biden was a chaotic and tense 90-minute affair, with Trump relentlessly talking over and insulting Biden, prompting the former vice president to scold Trump within the first 20 minutes of the debate.
"I'm just disappointed with the results. For me, but much more importantly, I'm disappointed for the country, because it could have been a much more useful evening than it turned out to be," Wallace told The Times about the debate.
The debate garnered criticism and worry from both domestic and international watchers.
France's Le Monde described it as "worrying for American democracy," and The Guardian in the UK called the debate "a national humiliation."
Wallace was incredulous in his interview with The Times: "I guess I didn't realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president's strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate."
Wallace said that while he initially thought Trump directly speaking to Biden was setting the stage for an actual debate, he grew more alarmed as Trump refused to back down.
"If I didn't try to seize control of the debate — which I don't know that I ever really did — then it was going to just go completely off the tracks," he told the newspaper.
Wallace said he did the best he could and advised the moderators for the upcoming debates to "be quicker to realize what's going on than I was. I didn't have that advance warning."
Moderator Chris Wallace tried to keep order during the debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
The first 2020 presidential debate was a chaotic mess filled with yelling, constant interruptions, and unintelligible cross-talk.
Melissa Petro, a New York-based freelance writer with two small children, says that next time around, we should give the job of moderator to a mother — "assuming there's one out there with some room on her plate."
Mothers know how to confront bullies, institute moral behavior in others, and lead by example, she writes.
We need a grown-up in the room — and studies show that women's participation in peace negotiations leads to more successful outcomes.
Thirty minutes into the exchange between President Trump and Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden, I fell asleep on the sofa, a pile of unfolded laundry at my feet.
As the mother of two children under three — our second born just weeks before our toddler's daycare was shuttered as New Yorkers were ordered to "shelter in place" — this is a typical scenario: It's hard to stay awake through a favorite TV program, let alone what is being described as "a shambolic shout fest, with scarcely a single morsel of substance to be found."
From what I saw, this analysis sounds accurate: Instead of a constructive dialogue, two grown men — bidding for control of what was once a powerful nation — interrupted one another and volleyed personal attacks.
For his part, Biden tried to address the American people and present his plan to lead the nation out of an unprecedented public health crisis and the worst economic downturn since the Great depression, while Trump lobbed unfounded accusations and made-up statistics, displayed his racism, and stoked division between moderate Democrats and the Progressive Left.
Moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News lost control within minutes.
After convivially welcoming all and explaining the rules, both candidates spoke for their allotted two minutes before the debate devolved into what Wallace called "open discussion." Wallace struggled to regain an appearance of authority, admonishing the president for speaking over Biden and disregarding the rules. The awkward exchange repeated throughout the night, Wallace rebuking the president, who'd respond with something along the lines of "nu uh, I did not!" and "he did it first!"
Writer Melissa Petro is a mom of two.
Melissa Petro
You know, the kind of retorts you'd expect from a badly behaved preschooler — not a 74-year-old man. And certainly not the president.
I imagine mothers across America, if not passed out from exhaustion, poised on the edge of their seat, all but jumping through their TV screen to intervene just as we would if we witnessed a squabble in a sandbox. It made me think: Next debate, we ought to hand the job of moderator over to a mother — assuming there's one out there with some room on her plate.
Moms know how to deal with bullies.
Temper tantrums. Not listening. Poor impulse control. President Trump is incoherent but speaks vigorously, much like my toddler desperately negotiating one last story before bedtime or adamantly refusing to eat anything other than green Jell-O for lunch.
When he snatches a toy from his playmate's hands, then cries victim as his friend takes it back, or insists he didn't hit his sister when I literally just saw him do it, my son isn't being a manipulative little jerk; he's being a typical 3-year-old, still learning social conventions and moral behavior, and developmentally incapable of moral beliefs.
Children display these traits because their communication skills are limited, and they have immature egos. What's your excuse, Trump?
Moms know a lot about instituting moral behavior in others.
Had a mom been last night's moderator, instead of the night descending into madness, I imagine she'd have brought the discussion back to the issues at hand.
One pressing issue: In a consequential number of American homes, it has become the mother's job — in addition to her paid work and other unpaid responsibilities — to keep our families safe during a global pandemic and somehow replicate what is being lost with the closure of schools, libraries and community centers.
I am one of four moms wrangling a pod of four toddlers plus the baby four days a week, tasked with a professional educator's job of socializing my neighbors' children along with my own. Moms like me across America are teaching the next generation the social conventions that President Trump seems to lack, along with everything else kids typically gain from in-person social encounters.
It's rewarding work, but it's also exhausting — and it is repugnant to think this hard work is necessary as a consequence of our president's incompetence.
Last night's debate failed to hold President Trump accountable.
While other nations heeded scientists' advice and took the COVID-19 pandemic seriously — shutting down nonessential businesses, and ordering citizens to shelter in place — Trump lied to Americans, and downplayed the threat.
Leaders of other countries mandated masks, conducted mass testing and instituted contact tracing to contain the situation so that their schools could safely reopen in the fall. By contrast, our leader repeatedly undermined experts, said COVID-19 would go away on its own, and asked why we couldn't just inject ourselves with disinfectant. It's a great question when asked by a 4-year old; it's terrifying coming from the Chief of State.
I vividly recall how, during the 2016 debate, he skulked behind then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, attacking her in ways that only a man can attack a woman, that smug sneer on his face. His demeanor is triggering, particular for women and others who've grown up in chaotic homes or experienced abuse.
After a long day with my kids, perhaps my disengaging last night was a much-needed if not inadvertent act of self care. Day after day, my toddler tests me, and I frequently lose my temper — and so I sympathize when Biden capitulates to Trump's taunts.
Last night, Biden called Trump a "clown," and said "you are the worst president in American history." When Biden said "Will you just shut up, man," I realize he was only being human. Still, as a mother, I cringed. So much for modeling kindness and respect.
We need a moderator who will keep the focus — not get caught in the fray.
The risk in allowing the next debate to turn into mayhem is that it alienates both sides, and the pandemic is already expected to suppress voter turnout. We can't let that happen — not when nothing short of our children's futures is at stake.
Black children and families are in particular peril. Last night Biden cited a horrific statistic to argue that President Trump has not been good for Black Americans: 1 in 1,000 Black Americans have died in the COVID-19 pandemic. We need a moderator who takes that seriously, as opposed to Wallace who said "I'm going to ask a question about race. If you wanna respond about something else, you can." A mother would say something more along the lines of, "Oh no, mister, you are going to answer that question" and then withhold dessert until they do.
Red Bull has laid off around 50 people in recent weeks and named a new CMO in Ken Turner, reports Patrick Coffee.
The employees affected were mostly in its culture marketing teams that oversaw projects tying the energy drink brand to hip-hop music and breakdancing culture.
The shakeup follows the firings of North America CEO Stefan Kozak and CMO Amy Taylor after leaks of an employee letter urging more support for Black Lives Matter and a racially offensive slide from a company meeting.
It's not just brand promotions — creators make money off their online success in a number of ways, report Amanda Perelli, Sydney Bradley, and Dan Whateley.
From ads on videos to selling merchandise, and earning revenue through affiliate marketing, creators have several potential revenue streams across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Molson Coors is making Topo Chico its third hard seltzer launch of 2020 under a deal with Coca-Cola, reports Alex Bitter.
Topo Chico's "really strong following," stemming from its origins as a brand popular in Texas and Mexico, will help it grow across the US, Molson Coors CMO Michelle St. Jacques told Business Insider.
Beverage companies have piled onto hard seltzer, and St. Jacques said that the company's strategy, which includes expanding into the category, "still holds true despite the pandemic."
When people came into the ICU with the coronavirus in March, doctors were hamstrung. Their only option was to make patients as comfortable as possible until they either recovered or died.
"We didn't really have anything other than supportive therapy," Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonary physician at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, told Business Insider, "which would be giving them oxygen if their oxygen was low, breathing devices if they were struggling to breathe, fluids if they were dehydrated — that was it."
For the sickest individuals, doctors can prescribe dexamethasone, a cheap steroid that's been shown to significantly reduce mortality among critically ill COVID-19 patients. A recent analysis from the World Health Organization found that corticosteroids in general can lower death rates among these patients.
"We've gotten really good at knowing when to pull the trigger for those," Galiatsatos said.
Researchers are still looking to add more tools to that arsenal — particularly when it comes to treating less severe cases. Hundreds of experimental COVID-19 therapies are being developed and tested. In the last few weeks, a spate of promising results have brought attention to two types of potential treatments: new antibody drugs and repurposed rheumatoid arthritis medications.
One antibody drug, from pharma giant Eli Lilly, was found to lower the chances that a COVID-19 patient requires hospitalization. Another, from the biotech company Regeneron, seemed to lower the amount of the virus detected in non-hospitalized patients.
The rheumatoid arthritis drugs gaining attention, meanwhile, come from Eli Lilly and Swiss drug company Roche. Eli Lilly's baricitinib was found to reduce recovery times among COVID-19 patients when combined with remdesivir. Roche's therapy, Actemra, seemed to reduce the need for ventilators.
But some of this data still needs review, and more research is needed before any of the companies can seek emergency approval.
Here's what to know about the newest developments in the race for COVID-19 treatments.
Eli Lilly's antibody drug may reduce the risk of hospitalization
A person receives an injection at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore on May 4, 2020.
University of Maryland School of Medicine/AP Photo
Neutralizing antibodies are our body's natural response to a foreign pathogen. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has called them "the gold standard of protection against a viral infection."
To make an antibody therapeutic, scientists hunt for the most potent antibodies among a large pool, then clone and produce those antibodies at scale.
In June, Eli Lilly's antibody drug, LY-CoV555, entered a phase 2 trial among people with mild to moderate COVID-19. The company announced preliminary results in September: Of more than 450 newly diagnosed patients, only 1.7% of those who got the drug were hospitalized, compared to 6% of patients who got a placebo. That's a 72% lower risk of hospitalization.
"Since these are the first clinical data we've seen from neutralizing antibodies, I find the results quite encouraging," Eric Topol, a cardiologist who directs the Scripps Research Translational Institute, told Science Magazine.
This class of antibody drugs, he added, "represents our best shot for a near-term, potent intervention, even though they are difficult to produce at scale and will likely carry a high cost."
There are still reasons to be skeptical, however. The results haven't been vetted yet by independent scientists or published in a peer-reviewed journal. Eli Lilly also hasn't confirmed whether they were statistically significant.
The phase 2 trial is still ongoing: Eli Lilly hopes to enroll 800 participants in total.
Regeneron's drug lowered viral load
Workers at a pharmaceutical factory in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on March 2, 2020.
Regeneron started clinical trials for REGN-COV2, its two-antibody cocktail, in June. On September 29, the company announced that the drug had reduced the viral load — the amount of virus in a person's body — among 275 non-hospitalized patients. Those who got the treatment also saw their symptoms resolve more quickly than those who received a placebo.
"The greatest treatment benefit was in patients who had not mounted their own effective immune response, suggesting that REGN-COV2 could provide a therapeutic substitute for the naturally-occurring immune response," George Yancopoulos, Regeneron's president, said in a statement.
The antibody cocktail is also being studied in one of the world's largest clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments: the University of Oxford's Recovery trial.
"The Recovery trial was specifically designed so that when promising investigational drugs such as REGN-COV2 became available, they can be tested quickly," Peter Horby, the trial's chief investigator, said in a September statement. "We are looking forward to seeing whether REGN-COV2 is safe and effective in the context of a large-scale randomized clinical trial."
Actemra reduced the need for breathing machines
A nurse checks the intravenous solution while treating patients for cholera in an International Red Cross cholera treatment facility in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Getty Images/Joe Raedle
Scientists have a few theories about why some coronavirus patients make a rapid turn for the worse. One is that an aggressive immune response leads the body to attack its own cells — what's known as "cytokine storm." Cytokines are small proteins that can trigger immune activity and inflammation in the body.
Roche's anti-inflammatory drug Actemra targets a key cytokine called interleukin-6. Studies have observed increased levels of interleukin-6 among critically ill patients, and significantly higher levels in severe cases than mild ones.
Over 28 days, only 12% of patients who received the intravenous drug required a breathing machine, compared to 19% of those who got a placebo.
About 85% of the nearly 390 study participants were Hispanic, Black, Native American, or identified with another ethnic or racial minority group. That makes the trial the first global, phase 3 clinical study of a COVID-19 treatment that enrolled mostly minority patients.
Eli Lilly's rheumatoid arthritis drug could lower recovery times
A pharmacy tech holds a pill in Provo, Utah, on May 20, 2020.
GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images
Eli Lilly's baricitinib — known commercially as Olumiant — is already approved to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of anti-inflammatory drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which help calm cytokine storms.
The drug, administered in pill form, is showing early promise as a COVID-19 treatment when combined with remdesivir.
The combo entered a phase 3 trial in May that involves more than 1,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Last month, Eli Lilly announced that together, Olumiant and remdesivir reduced patients' average recovery time by one day compared to patients who only received remdesivir.
The results put the company a step closer to seeking emergency authorization from the FDA.
A WHO analysis found steroids could lower mortality
A pharmacist displays a box of dexamethasone at the Erasme Hospital in Brussels, Belgium.
Reuters
US treatment guidelines already recommend giving the corticosteroid dexamethasone to patients who are on ventilators or need oxygen support.
A major UK trial found in June that dexamethasone reduced the number of deaths by one-third for people on ventilators, and by 20% among patients who were getting extra oxygen. A Brazilian study also found that patients who took dexamethasone spent fewer days on a ventilator.
Research suggests other corticosteroids could be effective, too.
A WHO group analyzed seven trials of corticosteroids that in total involved more than 1,700 critically ill COVID-19 patients. Some received dexamethasone, while others received hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone. Overall, the researchers found fewer deaths among patients who received the steroids relative to those who received standard care or a placebo.
That led the WHO to issue a "strong recommendation" for the use of steroids.
This story has been updated with new information. It was originally published September 23.
The White House plan's hefty price tag could be a gamble, given that many Senate Republicans oppose spending large sums of federal money that could swell the national debt.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tore into the White House's $1.6 trillion stimulus package on Thursday, saying it wouldn't do enough to address the twin economic and public-health crises stemming from the pandemic.
"This isn't half a loaf. What they're offering is the heel of the loaf," Pelosi said in a Bloomberg TV interview, adding that "it's no use going into a negotiation if you say, 'I'll just take the path of least resistance.'"
The California Democrat brought up a new area of contention between Democrats and the Trump administration: the child tax credit, which reduces the taxes owed by families with kids 17 and under. House Democrats are seeking to give people with children the option of receiving a modest monthly federal payment regardless of their income.
Pelosi told Bloomberg that the White House excluded all funding for the credit, which 40 million families claim every year.
Earlier in the day, she said she was cautiously optimistic about striking a bigger spending deal with the White House. Democrats this week rolled out a $2.2 trillion spending plan that includes a $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit, another wave of $1,200 stimulus checks, and aid to states and small businesses.
"We're hopeful that we can reach agreement, because the needs of the American people are so great," Pelosi told reporters on Capitol Hill. "But there has to be a recognition that it takes money to do that."
The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, confirmed on Thursday that the administration put forward a $1.6 trillion proposal in coronavirus relief negotiations with Democrats. She called it "a good proposal" with more spending than what Republicans had unveiled.
But McEnany said Pelosi was "not being serious" with her insistence on robust spending. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Pelosi have been in talks for five days straight.
The White House's plan could be a tough sell to Republicans
The White House plan's hefty price tag could be a gamble, given that many Senate Republicans oppose spending large sums of federal money that could swell the national debt.
But pressure has risen on lawmakers to strike a deal before they adjourn next week until after the election. Millions of Americans are out of work and struggling to afford food and rent. And many economists have urged Congress to authorize additional spending to keep people and businesses afloat.
Both the Democratic-led House and the GOP-controlled Senate have to approve identical relief legislation and send it to President Donald Trump's desk for it to become law.
Key elements of the White House's plan include:
$300 billion for another round of direct payments to taxpayers.
$250 billion for aid to state and local governments.
$175 billion in health spending, coronavirus testing, and contact tracing.
$160 billion for small-business aid through the Paycheck Protection Program.
$150 billion for education and aiding school reopenings.
$100 billion for restaurants in dire financial straits.
Democrats and the Trump administration agree on including stimulus checks in another relief package, as well as providing money to help small businesses and schools.
Still, big differences remain. The administration is seeking to implement a federal unemployment benefit that's $200 per week less than what Democrats want. And it would provide less in federal aid to cash-strapped states.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tore into the Democratic plan on Wednesday, characterizing it as outlandish. "We're very, very far apart on a deal," McConnell told reporters on Capitol Hill.
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Amazon
If you're not an Amazon Prime member, shipping is free with a purchase of $25 or more, but not all items on the site count toward that $25 order total.
An Amazon Prime subscription offers its members many benefits (more than 25, in fact), but one of the best and most popular perks is free two-day shipping. The convenience of purchases delivered straight to your door, sometimes only within hours of ordering, is well worth the annual cost of Prime alone — long-time members will tell you.
If you're in the Contiguous US and willing to pay the yearly fee, you'll have a handful of different shipping options at your disposal, year-round:
No matter how many benefits Prime membership offers, it's inevitably up to you to determine if it's worth the cost to join. Whether it's because you're not much of an online shopper or you just don't feel like the $119 membership is for you, you can still find ways to qualify for free shipping that's fast enough.
Non-Prime members have to order at least $25 of eligible items to get free shipping, and orders aren't guaranteed to arrive within two days. If you order less than $25, you'll be charged an additional fee, which varies on the shipment weight and selected shipping speed. If you want same-day delivery, you could pay up to $10 per item.
