For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment.

WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in October, the lowest reading in five months, suggesting that a price spike over the summer is beginning to fade as coronavirus cases spread. The new CPI report showed that used car prices, which had been surging, retreated slightly in October, dropping 0.1% after a 6.7% jump in September which had been the largest one-month gain in 51 years. Even with the drop in October, used car prices are 11.5% higher than a year ago. New car prices were up 0.4% in October and 1.5% higher than a year ago. Energy prices edged up a slight 0.1% in October as gasoline prices fell by 0.5%.

The Labor Department reported Tuesday, Oct. 13 that the consumer price index rose 0.2% last month. – U.S. consumer prices rose slightly in September, led again by sharp increases in the index for used vehicles. The consumer price index rose 0.2% last month, after gaining 0.4% in August, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. Prices for used cars and trucks rose 6.7% in September after a 5.4% gain in August and are now up 10.3% in the past 12 months. Overall food prices were flat last month but are 3.9% higher for the 12 months ending in September.