Americans’ net worth tumbled last quarter
WASHINGTON – The stock market’s sharp decline in August and September took its toll on Americans’ finances in the third quarter. Household net worth fell for the first time in four years.
The Federal Reserve said Thursday that Americans’ stock and mutual fund portfolios plunged $2.3 trillion in the July-September quarter. That far outweighed a $482 billion increase in home values. Overall, household net worth fell to $85.2 trillion from $86.4 trillion in the second quarter.
Less household wealth can cause consumers to pull back on spending to rebuild savings.
Hoverboards banned from many U.S. flights
DALLAS – The three largest U.S. airlines are banning hoverboards because of the potential fire danger from the lithium-ion batteries that power the devices.
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines said Thursday they are banning hoverboards in checked or carry-on luggage. JetBlue Airways has already prohibited them.
Hoverboards are motorized, two-wheel, skateboard-sized scooters that users stand on. They have been a hot gift item at some retailers.
United said its ban took effect immediately, Delta’s ban takes effect Friday, and American’s on Saturday. Southwest Airlines prefers that passengers with a hoverboard or other items that use lithium batteries carry them on the plane, but a spokeswoman said the airline is discussing the topic further.
Several smaller airlines, including Alaska, Virgin America, Hawaiian, Spirit and Allegiant, said they too had banned hoverboards.
Bergdahl explains why he left military base
BOISE, Idaho – Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl says he walked off his base in Afghanistan to cause a crisis that would catch the attention of military brass.
He wanted to warn them about what he believed were serious problems with leadership in his unit. And he wanted to prove himself as a real-life action hero, like someone out of a movie.
Bergdahl hasn’t spoken publicly about his decision or his subsequent five-year imprisonment by the Taliban and the prisoner swap that secured his return to the United States. But over the past several months, he spoke extensively with screenwriter Mark Boal, who shared about 25 hours of the recorded interviews with Sarah Koenig for her popular podcast, “Serial.”
“As a private first-class, nobody is going to listen to me,” Bergdahl says in the first episode of the podcast, released Thursday.
Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, was charged in March with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. He faces up to life in prison, though an Army officer has recommended that Bergdahl’s case be moved to a special misdemeanor-level military court.
Associated Press
