Consumer prices are even higher as businesses try to keep up with people eager to buy Consumer prices were 7% higher in December than the year prior — the sharpest increase in nearly four decades. Many expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to try to bring inflation down. Scott Horsley
Grocery store shortages are back. Here are some of the reasons why Bare shelves at supermarkets are attributed to omicron, a labor shortage, climate change and other reasons. "We're really seeing the perfect storm," one industry expert told NPR. Joe Hernandez
New businesses soared to record highs in 2021. Here's a taste of one of them The number of business applications reached 5.4 million last year, surpassing the 2020 record of 4.4 million. In the pandemic, millions of people have decided this is the moment to chase their dreams. Andrea Hsu
NPR hosts' departures fuel questions over race. The full story is complex NPR faces tough questions about race after the departures of prominent hosts Audie Cornish, Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Noel King. Yet their decisions also reflect major forces transforming the media. David Folkenflik
United says 3,000 employees have COVID, but its vaccine mandate has saved lives In a memo to employees, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline has 3,000 employees who are currently positive for Covid but that zero of its vaccinated employees are currently hospitalized. Andrea Hsu
A potentially deadly risk to kids prompts 3 companies to recall in-home elevators Bella Elevator, Inclinator Company of America and Savaria Corporation recalled about 69,000 elevators that pose a risk of pinning children between the elevator car door and the exterior landing door. Joe Hernandez
People hate overdraft fees. Capital One is ditching them and other banks may follow One of the nation's biggest banks says it will stop charging overdraft fees to all of its customers. These hefty fees hit people with low incomes the hardest. More banks could follow suit. Chris Arnold
Death rituals in Black communities have been altered or forgone in the pandemic Ayesha Rascoe speaks with mortician Stephen Kemp about how the pandemic is affecting the role of funeral homes in Black communities. Ayesha Rascoe
Airlines are concerned 5G wireless service may affect the ability to land planes The Telecom industry agreed to delay the launch of 5G wireless services to try to resolve concerns that 5G signals can interfere with automated systems that pilots use when landing in poor weather. David Schaper
Conditions that are causing burnout among nurses were a problem before the pandemic In hospitals, it's standard for nurses to work a 12-hour shift. But research shows that may not be such a good idea for patients — or nurses. Adrian Ma
