Inflation

Increased limits on a loan program for new farmers and expanded tax credits for small farmers could help producers as inflation continues, but more could be taking advantage of the opportunities.

The consumer price index is widely used by Americans to determine inflation, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics only surveys counties that include a metro or micropolitan area.

Local shelters are overwhelmed and at capacity. Inflation and evictions this year are increasing the number of pet surrenders.

Surveys say the price of Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, is up this year. Economists attribute the price increase largely to inflation. While experts say there’s no shortage of turkeys, 8 million birds have died or been culled this year because of a viral disease.

Those households are struggling to stay afloat, according to a new poll from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

While COVID isn’t as big a concern this year, fairs are keeping in place some of the protocols they picked up during the pandemic. At the same time, they are keeping an eye on other threats to crowd levels.

The annual inflation rate eased somewhat in April, but not enough to meaningfully reduce the burden on lower-income Americans.

The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute is projecting a trip to the grocery store will cost 5% more in 2022 compared to last year.

The governor intends to soften the effect of inflation on Illinoisans by suspending the grocery tax, increases in the motor fuel tax and providing a 5% property tax rebate to some owners.

Consumer prices are soaring at a rate not seen since Ronald Reagan was President. Economists are trying to figure out if it's an economic hiccup or whether higher costs are here to stay.