Inflation

The agriculture department’s annual projections show a slowing economy and lower crop prices for the upcoming year. The USDA also looks ahead to the next decade, showing rising crop yields but a competitive job market.

Spending from consumers largely held up in the face of concerns of a recession or that it would just drop off, but there’s a limit to how much people are willing to shoulder higher costs.

A slowdown in the agricultural industry is "going to put a strain on farmers." But analysts say the rural economy in the Midwest and Great Plains is still doing well.

The state’s funding for school districts has remained relatively unchanged as inflation sped up in the past decade.

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.