America is facing a child care crisis
The American Rescue Plan of 2021 provided $39 billion in child care relief funds that are starting to run dry.
Economy
Wholesale inflation in US slowed further in December to 6.2%
The latest year-over-year figure was down from 7.3% in November and from a recent peak of 11.7% in March.
| AP
30% of Americans relying on tax refunds to make ends meet this year
Gen Z (40%) and millennials (46%) count on the tax-time cash infusion the most, according to the study by Qualtrics on behalf of Credit Karma.
Joe Burrow, Blake Griffin among athletes investing in farming
Athletes are buying land and leasing the land to farmers, earning a single-digit-percentage annual return on the investment.
How is the role of cash evolving?
Digital banking is on the rise. About 197 million people used it in 2021 and that number increased to 203 million in 2022.
US consumer inflation eased again to 6.5% in December
The Federal Reserve doesn’t expect inflation to slow enough to get close to its 2% target until well into 2024.
| AP and Bianca Facchinei
Resurgence of a Vermont ski area brings hope to rural communities
Ascutney Mountain first started welcoming skiers in the winter of 1935. Seventy-five years later it went into foreclosure.
Ways To Decrease Economic Anxiety
While you might be concerned about the economy in the short term, experts say not to lose sight of long-term goals.
President Biden's New Year Pitch Focuses On Benefits Of Bipartisanship
President Biden and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell will make a rare joint appearance in McConnell's home state of Kentucky on Wednesday.
| AP
Applications For U.S. Unemployment Aid Rose Slightly Last Week
Applications for unemployment aid for the week ending Dec. 24 climbed 9,000 to 225,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
| AP
Holiday Sales Up 7.6% Despite The Squeeze Of Inflation
U.S. sales between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, a period that is critical for retailers, were fueled by spending at restaurants and on clothing.
| AP
An Inflation Measure Watched By The Fed Eases To 5.5%
Inflation still remains well above the 2% year-over-year growth the Fed wants to see.
| AP
U.S. Applications For Jobless Claims Rose Slightly Last Week
Jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 17 inched up by 2,000 to 216,000 from the previous week’s 214,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
| AP
U.S. Economy Grew 3.2% Last Quarter, Outperforming Estimates
The economy's gross domestic product — output in goods and services — grew 3.2% from July through September.
| AP
Housing Market Sees Fewer First-Time Homebuyers
The National Association of Realtors found first-time homebuyers made up just 26% of all homebuyers this year.
Fewer Americans Filed For Jobless Benefits Last Week
Applications for jobless claims fell to 211,000 for the week ending Dec. 10, down by 20,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported.
| AP
U.S. Inflation Drops To 7.1% Over Past 12 Months
November consumer prices dropped sharply from 7.7% in October, but grocery prices remained a troubled spot last month, rising 0.5%.
| AP
Feds Warn Of Dangers Of Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy now, pay later companies are giving people extra credit, but the government warns there are some downsides — fees, charges and data harvesting.
Average Long-Term Mortgage Rate Falls A Fourth Straight Week
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate dipped to 6.33%. A year ago the average rate was 3.1%.
| AP
U.S. Jobless Claims Rose Modestly Last Week
Applications for unemployment benefits rose to 230,000 for the week ending Dec. 3, up by 4,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported.
| AP
Why Are Factory Jobs Making A Comeback?
The economy is changing and manufacturing jobs are on the rise.
U.S. Hiring Stays Strong, Complicating Fed's Inflation Fight
With not enough people available to fill jobs, businesses are having to offer higher pay to attract and keep workers.
| AP and Ben Schamisso
Rail Strike Averted: Biden Signs Bill Enforcing Agreement
President Biden signed the measure Friday after it was approved Thursday by the Senate and Wednesday by the House.
| AP and Scripps News Staff
Congress Votes To Avert Rail Strike Amid Dire Warnings
The Senate vote was 80-15. It came one day after the House voted to impose the agreement.
| AP and James Packard
Applications For Jobless Benefits Decline Last Week
The Labor Department said Thursday that 1.61 million people were receiving jobless aid the week that ended Nov. 19, up 57,000 from the week before.
| AP
More Than 400 Groups Urge Congress To Act To Prevent Rail Strike
As rail companies and unions have yet to strike a deal, groups are urging leaders to act before a rail stoppage affects the supply chain.
President Biden Calls On Congress To Prevent Potential Rail Strike
Biden asked lawmakers to impose a tentative agreement from September that provides pay raises, protected health care benefits and better leave policy.
| Kellan Howell and AP and Scripps News Staff
Walmart Mass Shooting Could Affect Retailers And Consumer Confidence
The mass shooting at Walmart on the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday could impact retail and consumer confidence.
Why Does OPEC Control Oil Prices?
OPEC comprises 13 countries including some of the world’s largest oil exporters.
Food Prices Are Affecting Many Americans' Typical Thanksgiving Meal
As Thanksgiving approaches, inflation isn't the only reason the holiday dinner may be more expensive this year.
