Current Events in November 2020

Starting early next year, Comcast will impose a 1.2TB cap on data usage for customers in northeastern U.S. states. 

The company has had a data cap in effect since 2016 for customers in other parts of the U.S. who aren’t on an unlimited plan. The change will make it so that Comcast has a data cap on all 39 states where it offers home internet service. 

The states that will be affected by the policy change are Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, as well as parts of North Carolina and Ohio.

Monthly data allowance

In the first two months of 2021, Comcast will give its non-unlimited customers a “credit” for any data usage charges in excess of 1.2 TB in order to get customers accustomed to the new data cap. 

Starting in March, these customers will be charged $10 per 50GB of data over the 1.2TB limit (a maximum of $100). Comcast said it will notify customers if they’re getting close to reaching the limit, and those who exceed the data allowance will get one “courtesy” credit every 12 months. 

Comcast said the vast majority of its customers (95 percent) don’t use nearly that much data per month. On its website, the company says 1.2TB of data is equivalent to about 21,600 hours of continuous music streaming or 34,000 hours of gaming. 

However, customers who would rather not worry about data usage limits can spend an extra $30 per month to get an unlimited plan or $25 per month on the xFi Complete package that comes with unlimited data and a modem rental.   

Black Friday might lack some of the excitement and dramatic savings of past years, but Walmart, Target, and Amazon -- the three heavyweights in the retail space -- will still make it worth consumers’ while to shop.

At Walmart, the Black Friday online deals start tonight at 7 p.m. ET and continue at midnight ET on Friday, with stores opening up at 5 a.m. local time. Walmart’s ad circular highlights the following deals:

• Fitbit Inspire 2 --  $69.

• 70-inch Vizio 4K TV --  $478.

• Nintendo Switch Bundle --  $299.

• AirPods Pro --  $169.

• Apple Watch Series 3 --  $119

Thanksgiving will be a big online shopping day

Target’s latest Black Friday ad offers discounts on smart products for the home, toys, electronics, games, toys, and apparel. Some of the deals went live at Target.com on Sunday, but the bulk will be available on Thanksgiving day.

Target stores are closed on Thanksgiving but will open as usual on Black Friday. Here are some of the deals listed in Target’s circular:

• $70 off Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1-inch

• $70 off Fire HD 10 Tablet 

• 50 percent off most board and card games

• $400 Target gift card with purchase of Samsung Note20 5G, Galaxy s20+5G, or Note10+

New deals each day

Amazon, which offered a sneak peek at its Cyber Monday deals earlier this week, has been putting up new deals each day since Friday and will continue the offerings through Black Friday itself. 

Its deals cover a wide range of categories, from health and beauty products to smart devices for the home. Deals include:

• $149.99 for the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and an Echo Show 5

• $129.99 for the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet, a $70 savings

• Up to 30 percent off on select Adidas activewear, backpacks, and more

• Up to 40 percent off on Gillette and Venus razors, refills and more

• Up to 30 percent off on STEM toys from Learning Resources

Despite the expected high volume of shipping resulting from this year’s massive shift to online shopping, Amazon says Prime members in the U.S. can shop a selection of over 10 million items eligible for Prime Free One-Day Delivery with no minimum purchase, and millions of items available for Same-Day Delivery in 47 major metropolitan areas. 

Consumer confidence has fallen sharply as the nation’s retailers hope to make up some ground lost to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with a robust holiday shopping season.

The Conference Board’s overall Consumer Confidence Index declined only slightly, buoyed by long-term expectations for the economy. But as for the short-term, many people are significantly less optimistic.

The Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – fell from 98.2 in October to 89.5 this month, a fairly significant one-month decline.

"Consumer confidence declined in November, after remaining virtually flat in October," said Lynn Franco, senior director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. "Heading into 2021, consumers do not foresee the economy, nor the labor market, gaining strength. In addition, the resurgence of COVID-19 is further increasing uncertainty and exacerbating concerns about the outlook."

Spike in COVID-19 cases

During the time that the survey was taken by Nielson, the country was recording more than 100,000 new cases of COVID-19 each day, the fastest rate since the beginning of the pandemic. The surge prompted governors in some states to renew restrictions on some businesses and to limit public gatherings.

The Conference Board notes that consumers have grown less optimistic about the short-term outlook for the economy and their personal circumstances. When asked if business conditions would improve over the next six months, only 27.4 percent said they would. In October, 36 percent gave an affirmative answer.

By the same token, those predicting things would get worse rose from 15.9 percent in October to 19.8 percent this month. The growing pessimism comes amid a record rally on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above 30,000 for the first time on Tuesday.

Consumers' optimism about the job market also eroded in just the last month. In October, 32 percent expected to see more job opportunities in the months ahead -- this month only 25.9 percent do.

But the drop in confidence, at this point at least, doesn’t appear to be based on personal experience. While the percentage of consumers expecting an increase in income was virtually unchanged at 17.6 percent, there were fewer people who expect to lose income over the next few months.

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 760 model year 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and model year 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T.

The tires may have been overcured.

Overcured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them -- as necessary -- free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 12, 2021.

Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.

BMW of North America is recalling 49 model year 2020-2021 Z4s and model year 2020-2021 Toyota Supras.

The weld between the fuel tank halves may have been insufficiently welded, causing the weld to fail.

The failed weld may allow fuel to leak, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

What to do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 4, 2021.

Owners may contact BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417 or Toyota customer service at (888) 270-9371.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 413 model year 2021 RAV4 Prime vehicles.

The headlight aiming caps may have been improperly closed, allowing for horizontal adjustment of the headlight beam.

Adjusting the horizontal headlight beam can increase glare, reducing the visibility of an oncoming driver or the vehicle operator, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will close the aiming caps on the headlights free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 4, 2021.

Owners may contact Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA15.

General Motors Corp. (GM) has announced that it plans to recall 7 million 2007-2014 model pickup trucks and SUVs that contain potentially lethal Takata airbags. Those models include Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups; Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and Avalanche vehicles; GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickups; and various versions of the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon.

Takata airbags have a worrisome, costly, and tragic history. All told, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled for Takata-related problems. In 2016, U.S. senators petitioned that certain Hondas with Takata airbags be taken off the road. 

Between 2017-2018, Nissan reached a class action settlement over Takata airbag cases to the tune of $97.68 million, and Ford reached its own at a cost of $299.1 million. Defective Takata airbags claimed their 17th and 18th lives earlier this year.

Takata’s hazards

The primary issue with Takata’s recalled airbags is that their inflators are made with ammonium nitrate. This chemical can deteriorate over time, and the process can be accelerated by hot and humid conditions. When deterioration reaches a certain point, it can cause the airbags to explode and shoot shrapnel into the passenger cabin. 

GM’s recall could very well close the door on Takata’s future since it accounts for the final group of cars manufactured with Takata airbag inflators. The decision comes after Takata submitted four unsuccessful petitions to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that sought to stop these recalls. 

“The GM recall is a huge step in the right direction,” said Grace Brombach, an associate with U.S. PIRG. “Airbags exist to protect drivers, not to do more harm. Vehicle owners shouldn’t have to worry that their car’s airbag could be the thing that kills them during a minor fender bender or a more serious collision.”

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Vehicle owners can verify whether their GM vehicle is part of the latest recall by visiting https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering their seventeen digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

It might also be good for any vehicle owner to double check to see if their vehicle, especially previously owned ones, was part of any earlier recall.

A new poll conducted by researchers from Michigan Medicine explored older consumers’ feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Their work revealed that nearly 60 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 would get vaccinated, though many still remain unsure about the safety of a vaccine at this point. 

“Effective vaccines will be crucial to getting this pandemic under control and preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, especially among people over 50 and those with underlying health issues,” said researcher Dr. Preeti Malani. 

“Our findings point to a strong need to communicate effectively and transparently about how well the vaccines work, the safeguards built in to protect the safety of recipients, and the public health importance of widespread vaccination starting with priority groups.” 

Differing viewpoints about vaccination

For this study, the researchers analyzed nearly 2,000 responses to a survey created by the National Poll on Healthy Aging. All participants were between the ages of 50 and 80, and they were asked a variety of questions that gauged their perception of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Overall, the researchers learned that nearly 60 percent of the participants reported that they would get vaccinated to protect against COVID-19. However, just 20 percent of participants said they’d get vaccinated right away; more than 45 percent said they were interested in a vaccine but wanted others to get it first. Those who were between 65 and 80 were the most likely to want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

The poll also revealed that respondents with lower incomes, people of color, and women were among the groups who were still hesitant about getting vaccinated. Conversely, those who had higher education levels and those who lived in houses with many people expressed interest in getting vaccinated. 

Clarity is key

The researchers say that clear communication with consumers about the vaccine and its potential side effects is key to getting more people vaccinated. While few participants were swayed by their own personal experiences with the virus, the biggest factors in making a decision were the vaccine’s effectiveness, personal research, and doctor’s recommendations. 

This means that it’s of the utmost importance for all messaging and official reports to be as clear as possible to ensure that consumers -- especially those who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 -- are getting the most accurate information. In recent weeks, companies like Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca have all completed trials of a vaccine that yielded more than a 90 percent success rate, which means that deciding on getting vaccinated could be a reality for consumers sooner rather than later. 

“Any coronavirus vaccine must be FDA-authorized or approved, safe, effective, and accessible,” said researcher Alison Bryant, PhD. “Once vaccines are available, it will be important for Americans to talk to their providers to understand which vaccine is best for them and make an informed choice, and for public health officials to monitor uptake and the impact on community health.”

“It is also important to engage higher-risk groups, hear their concerns, and work to address them honestly and with sensitivity,” she added. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 12,433,676 (12,261,424)

Total U.S. deaths: 258,172 (256,837)

Total global cases: 59,401,413 (58,819,529)

Total global deaths: 1,401,106 (1,391,311)

Model projects 20 million cases by January 20

A new model constructed by researchers studying the coronavirus (COVID-19) estimates that the U.S. could reach a total of 20 million cases of the virus in just two months. That’s nearly double the current level of cases in the pandemic that began in March.

The forecasting model, produced by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, predicted that the U.S. would hit the 20 million infections mark by January 20, the day President-elect Biden is sworn in.

Cases have been rapidly increasing since early October. The severity of the illnesses is rising along with the number of cases, with a record 85,000 people being hospitalized with COVID-19.

Death rate appears to be leveling off

Despite the surge in new COVID-19 cases and the dramatic rise in hospitalizations, researchers say patients are surviving at a greater rate than early in the pandemic.

STAT News cites health experts who suggest the improvement is driven by a more refined understanding of the disease and how to treat it, along with less strain on the health care system. They cite other factors as well.

Steroids that help save some lives are being used more widely. Also, many of the recent infections involve younger, healthier people who sought treatment in the early stages of the disease’s progression.

COVID-19 forces changes in Black Friday plans

The trend was in place for the last several years, but this year, for the first time, consumers are expected to do more Black Friday shopping online than in stores. A survey by Deloitte suggests that 61 percent of consumers plan to look for bargains online instead of in stores.

For those who do plan to visit retail stores on Friday, 30 percent said a retailer’s COVID-19 safety precautions are almost of equal importance to getting a great deal on a gift.

"As COVID-19 brings added health and financial concerns, both consumers and retailers are reimagining Thanksgiving shopping traditions,” said Rod Sides, vice chairman at Deloitte. 

AAA predicts 50 million Thanksgiving travelers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) couldn’t have made it any clearer. It “strongly advised” Americans not to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Americans appear to be ignoring the warning. AAA estimates that 50 million people will travel over the “Thanksgiving holiday travel period,” the five-day period beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25. 

The U.S. just recently surpassed 12 million cases of COVID-19, and Dr. Anthony Fauci -- the nation’s top infectious disease expert -- is warning that Thanksgiving travel could have a grim ripple effect this holiday season.

Boys more at risk of falling behind with remote learning

When schools closed with most of the economy during the spring, classes became virtual. While it was an adjustment for just about everyone, pre-pandemic studies suggest that boys struggle more than girls with virtual learning and are more at risk of falling behind.

The Wall Street Journal reports that researchers have now found that students have fallen far behind in math because of the loss of in-person instruction that began last spring. The reading losses weren’t as steep.

“I expect that remote learning will widen the existing achievement gap between boys and girls, assuming that remote learning demands greater conscientiousness than classroom learning,” Rose O’Dea, a postdoctoral researcher who led the analysis, told The Journal.

Around the nation

• California: Gov. Gavin Newsom and his family are spending Thanksgiving week in quarantine. The governor’s family is taking that precaution after three of his children were exposed to someone with the coronavirus. 

• Texas: State health officials have compiled a list of the first health care workers who will get the coronavirus vaccine once one receives government approval. They include hospital-based nurses, doctors, custodians, and other workers who have direct contact with patients, as well as the staff of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities who work directly with residents.

• New Jersey: New statewide restrictions took effect this week in a bid to slow the surge in new coronavirus cases. The outdoor gathering limit is now 150 people, down from 500.

Despite the fact that many Americans are ignoring health officials’ advice and plan to gather for a holiday meal, many more will stay home on Thanksgiving and safely “visit” friends and family by phone and Zoom.

But everyone has to eat, and if there is no enthusiasm to cook for one or two people, there are plenty of restaurants -- from fast-food to full service -- open on Thanksgiving day. Most offer takeout or delivery.

The list below, compiled by USA Today, includes national restaurant chains that have said they will be open at some locations, though hours may vary from those posted online. Some local, independent restaurants may also be open.

• Applebee's

• Bertucci's (stand-alone locations)

• Black Bear Diner

• Bob Evans

• Boston Market

• Bravo! Italian Kitchen 

• Buca di Beppo 

• Burger King

• Capital Grille

• Cracker Barrel

• Del Taco

• Denny's

• DoorDash

• Dunkin'

• Einstein Bros. Bagels

• Famous Dave's (only corporate locations)

• Fogo de Chão

• Golden Corral

• IHOP

• Jack in the Box

• Maggiano's Little Italy

• McDonald's

• Metro Diner

• Morton's The Steakhouse

• Pollo Campero 

• Postmates

• PT's Taverns

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

• Papa John's

• Popeyes

• Smokey Bones BBQ 

• Sonic Drive-In

• Starbucks

• Steak 'n Shake

• Uber Eats

• Waffle House

• Wendy's

Many people who plan to cook at home on Thanksgiving apparently are serving a smaller gathering this year. NPR reports that turkey farmers have fielded many requests for “the smallest turkey you have” over the last week.

This year, thanks to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Black Friday has been extended from just one day to most of the month of November. Deals are increasing this week as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season approaches.

According to BestBlackFriday.com, most retailers are staging week-long sales promotions that lack the “OMG doorbuster” deals from previous years. But the savings are there, especially when it comes to technology and gadgets.

The iPhone 12 is reportedly high on many people’s gift lists this year. Other tech items consumers say they want to find under the tree are video game consoles, which got a workout as people spent a lot more time at home during the pandemic.

BestBlackFriday’s survey of consumers about what tech gifts they valued most found that 17 percent asked for a Playstation 5. Another 9 percent wanted an Xbox Series X/S.

Fourteen percent requested smart devices for the home, and 7 percent hoped for a foldable phone in their stockings.

Just three retailers

The survey also shows that 64 percent of consumers planned to do the bulk of their shopping at three retailers -- Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

"We're seeing that U.S. consumers are prioritizing electronics purchases and flocking to online marketplaces as many face new `stay at home' orders," said David Sykes, Head of U.S. at Klarna, a payments and shopping service. "Recent Wish List data from the Klarna app echoes these trends, showing that shoppers across all age demographics are particularly interested in personal electronics, footwear and home items as we enter the holiday season."

Klarna’s survey of consumers also reveals a gift list top-heavy with technology products. The top 10 requested gifts are:

1. Apple AirPod Pro

2. Nike Air Force 1

3. Nintendo Switch

4. Gramercy Kitchen Glass Food Storage Containers

5. Vans Canvas Old Skool

6. MacBook Pro

7. Apple iPhone 12

8. Apple Watch Series 5

9. Adidas Superstar Athletic Shoe

10. Food Network Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Set

Electronics sale growing faster than other categories

Consumers have already made a lot of electronics purchases. Klarna's app data showed that the share of wallet in the electronics category grew by 15 percent in the week ending November 15 when compared to the previous week - the most of any category during the comparison period. 

The company said this was especially pronounced among Gen Zers and baby boomers, who increased their share of wallet in the category by 19 percent and 21 percent week-over-week, respectively.

It’s still 2020 and there’s plenty of time before the next April 15 Tax Day, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is encouraging taxpayers to take necessary actions now to facilitate a timely and accurate filing of federal tax returns in 2021.

The IRS knows what a crazy year 2020 has been because of the pandemic, and it’s certainly been a part of that craziness due to changing tax deadlines and extensions. Its basic reason for urging taxpayers to move ahead now is that there are several changes in forms that many filers will have to address. 

The agency says it may also help people discover potentially overlooked deductions or credits.

Changes to start preparing for

Unemployment, gig economy, or refund interest income: On top of the standard documents such as Forms W-2 from employers, Forms 1099 from banks and other payers, and records of virtual currencies, the IRS reminds taxpayers that “income” also includes unemployment income, refund interest, and any income from the gig economy. For example, this could include if an unemployed person started driving for Uber to try and keep their lives afloat during the COVID-19 intermission.

Miscellaneous Income form has changed: Also beginning in 2020, some individuals will receive Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, instead of Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, if they performed certain services for and received payments from a business. The IRS suggests that anyone in that position refer to the Instructions for Form 1099-MISC -- for miscellaneous income like from a rental property -- and Form 1099-NEC to ensure they’re filing the appropriate form and are aware of this change.

The IRS also wants taxpayers who have received substantial amounts of non-wage income like self-employment income, investment income, taxable Social Security benefits, and, in some instances, pension and annuity income to consider making quarterly estimated tax payments. The last payment for 2020 is due on Jan. 15, 2021. Payment options can be found at IRS.gov/payments.

Stimulus check recipients: Taxpayers may also need Notice 1444, Economic Impact Payment (aka the stimulus check), which shows how much of a payment they received in 2020. The IRS says this particular amount is needed to calculate any Recovery Rebate Credit a taxpayer may be eligible for when they file their federal income tax return in 2021. Conversely, people who didn’t receive an Economic Impact Payment in 2020 may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 taxes in 2021.

Did you move during the pandemic? It may come as a surprise to those who hunkered down in their own homes since the coronavirus outbreak, but nearly 16 million people moved according to USPS data. Those taxpayers should update their records to avoid delays in tax return processing.

Double-check tax ID numbers: Taxpayers with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) should ensure it hasn’t expired before filing a tax return in 2021. For example, ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years will expire on Dec. 31, 2020. If the ITIN has expired, the IRS recommends taxpayers submit Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, now to renew it. Taxpayers who fail to renew ITINs before filing a tax return next year could face a delayed refund and may be ineligible for certain tax credits.

Consider having more tax withheld from paychecks: It’s not a mandatory requirement, but the IRS encourages everyone to do a “paycheck checkup” by using its Tax Withholding Estimator. This will help you make sure you have the right amount of tax withheld from your paycheck and, if not, you can adjust accordingly before 2020 ends.

Amid the turmoil and uncertainty of 2020, Bitcoin has rallied to levels not seen in several years. The volatile digital coin broke $19,000 on Tuesday, up 166 percent year-to-date.

Bitcoin’s recent gains pushed it closer to its first record high of almost $20,000, which it hit in December 2017 before falling to as low as $3,122 the following year. 

Industry analysts say Bitcoin’s bull run this year was set in motion for a variety of reasons, all of which stem from the pandemic. The coin has seen adoption from traditional investors and major players like PayPal and Square, which in turn bolstered the coin’s acceptance on a larger scale. 

In October, Square purchased $50 million worth of the currency. The company said at the time that it sees in Bitcoin the potential to become “a more ubiquitous currency.” PalPal recently announced that it would allow its users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, which prompted the digital currency’s value to break $13,000. 

Experts say Bitcoin has also benefited from a weaker dollar. It’s been embraced by a growing number of people for being a more solid alternative to government-backed paper currency. Millennials’ interest in digital payments has also been a factor in the coin’s extended rally, according to Wall Street experts.

“The crypto industry has consolidated, matured and is seeing real traction with institutional investors. Investors are using bitcoin as an inflationary hedge to combat the prospect of continued government stimulus,” Simon Peters, an analyst at investment platform eToro, told Reuters last week. 

General Motors, which is currently aiming to go fully electric by 2030, is offering Cadillac dealerships a buyout if they aren’t interested in making the changes necessary to accommodate electric vehicles. 

Mandated charging and service upgrades will total around $200,000, but GM has said it’s willing to give Cadillac dealerships up to $500,000 if they aren’t willing to invest in the company’s future as an electric vehicle brand. 

The 880 Cadillac dealers in the U.S. will have until November 30 to decide whether or not to accept the buyout offer. Dealers who take the buyout will be able to acquire new Cadillacs through the end of 2021. 

"We wanted to move fast and make sure dealers are ready for the acceleration," Cadillac North America Vice President Mahmoud Samara told Automotive News. "This is purely an option for those dealers who feel the EV journey is not suitable for them."

Last week, GM announced that it was expediting its shift to an all-electric future. The automaker plans to introduce 30 new models by the end of 2025. About half of the nation’s Cadillac dealers sell fewer than 50 vehicles each year.

With a successful COVID-19 vaccine on the way, doctors are urging CDC officials to make sure patients are prepared for the possibility of side effects after getting vaccinated against the coronavirus.

During a virtual meeting on Monday with CDC advisors, Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association emphasized the need for drugmakers and health officials to be transparent about side effects. 

Both Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines require two doses in order to be fully effective. Fryhofer expressed concern that patients may decide not to come back for the second dose of the shot due to the side effects they may experience after the first shot. 

“We really need to make patients aware that this is not going to be a walk in the park,” Fryhofer said. “They are going to know they had a vaccine. They are probably not going to feel wonderful. But they’ve got to come back for that second dose.”

Uncomfortable side effects possible 

In clinical trials for both of the vaccines, patients reported experiencing symptoms including high fever, body aches, bad headaches, and daylong exhaustion, CNBC reported. However, most patients said the symptoms subsided after a day. Participants also said short-lived side effects were better than getting COVID-19. 

Pfizer and Moderna have both said their vaccines could cause side effects like muscle pain, chills, and a headache -- symptoms that experts say indicate that the body is starting to develop immunity to the virus.

One participant in the Moderna study said she got a migraine that interfered with her ability to focus. She reported feeling better the following day after taking Excedrin, but she said Moderna should consider advising people to take the day off after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. 

“The first dose is no big deal. And then the second dose will definitely put you down for the day for sure,” she said. “You will need to take a day off after the second dose.” 

States are gearing up to start distributing a vaccine as early as next month. Vulnerable populations, such as elderly people in nursing homes, are expected to be first in line to be given the option of getting the vaccine. 

Managing stress during pregnancy is important for countless reasons. Recent studies have found that heightened stress while pregnant can affect everything from newborns’ behavior to their overall well-being. 

Now, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that high levels of stress during pregnancy can affect infants’ brain development. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, and the researchers found that higher levels of cortisol can have an effect on brain development. 

“Our findings are a call to action to detect and support pregnant women who need extra help during pregnancy as this could be an effective way of promoting healthy brain development in their babies,” said researcher James Boardman. 

Concerns related to heightened stress

To better understand how stress during pregnancy can affect newborns’ brain development, the researchers had 78 pregnant women participate in the study. The researchers analyzed hair samples from the women after they had given birth to analyze their cortisol levels, and they performed MRIs on the newborns to see how their brains were developing. 

The study revealed a connection between women who had the highest cortisol levels and infant brain development. High stress during pregnancy was associated with changes in the development of the amygdala, which is responsible for producing our fear response and can also affect other social and emotional responses. 

Because these changes were noticeable at such a young age, the researchers worry about the effect this could have on the newborns’ emotional development throughout childhood and adolescence. However, the team also explained that getting support for stress during pregnancy can be a great way to ensure infants’ health and wellness, and boost overall mood and mental health for pregnant women. 

“Thankfully, psychological treatments are very successful at helping mothers and children and we hope that our findings could guide therapies in future to help spot those who might be most in need of support,” said researcher Rebecca Reynolds. 

Just as women prioritize their physical health during pregnancy, the researchers hope that these findings inspire pregnant women to also keep their mental wellness top of mind. 

“This research highlights how important it is to support women’s health during pregnancy to ensure that their needs are met and that their babies have the best start in life,” said researcher Sarah Brown. “Helping mothers cope with stress is an important step to ensure both mom and baby thrive.” 

Polaris of Medina, Minn., is recalling about 19,000 model year 2020-2021 RZR ROVs sold in the U.S. and Canada.

The vehicle’s clutch can fail, posing an injury hazard.

The firm has received 136 reports of clutch failure, including eight reports of debris and clutch component ejection that damaged nearby parts of the vehicle. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves model year 2020 RZR PRO XP and RZR PRO XP 4, and model year 2021 RZR PRO XP, RZR PRO XP 4, RZR Turbo S, RZR Turbo S 4, RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles.

The two or four-seat vehicles were sold in the following colors: Black, blue, gray, lime (green), sand (light brown), orange, red, titanium (silver) and white.

POLARIS is stamped on the front grille and POLARIS and RZR are printed on the sides of the vehicles.

The ROVs, manufactured in Mexico, were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from March 2019, through October 2020, for between $18,600 and $32,300.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Polaris is notifying all dealers and contacting registered owners directly.

Consumers may contact Polaris at (800) 765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

In addition, owners may check their vehicle identification number “VIN” on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 60,097 year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled.

Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.

An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the valve cover gasket and repair it as necessary free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2021.

Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 197.