2026-09-20 – BEO – TWIB Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly is intriguing investors with a recent acquisition.  The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by 25 basis points, or, one quarter of one percent. This marks the first increase in more than three years. Officials and experts say the move was intended to combat rising inflation, but higher interest rates also mean more expensive borrowing for small businesses owners.  Volatility surrounding artificial intelligence companies continues to keep the stock market on edge as several major AI CEOs called for a slowdown in research and development amid warnings about the potential risks of increasingly powerful AI systems. Meanwhile, President Trump argued that those concerns were being overstated and that AI research should continue for national-security reasons.   Kroger lowered its full-year same-store sales outlook as shoppers faced tighter budgets and concerns about cyclospora. Although store traffic increased, Kroger says customers are purchasing fewer items during their trips.  Eli Lilly announced the completion of its acquisition of biopharmaceutical company EtaiBexli, which is developing treatments for mental health conditions including treatment-resistant depression.  Purdue University was granted a position in the 2027 college free-speech rankings, placing third among public universities and seventh nationally overall according to College Pulse and FIRE.  ...read more read less