Inflation

The US Department of Agriculture released a Food Price Outlook economic report forecasting food prices to continue to increase over the next 18 months. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more on how this might impact local food pantries.

Michigan’s jobless rate leveled off to 4.5% in August and September. That followed small increases in the unemployment rate over the summer. We have more from Rick Pluta.

On Tuesday, we will finish up voting in the 2024 election cycle. Food and consumer prices and the economy have been right at the top of the issues people are concerned about. Putting politics aside, the folks at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op have been first-person witnesses to the impacts of these issues. General manager Corinne Sikorski joined WEMU's David Fair with her perspective on what it has meant to the bottom line and to the customers the co-op serves in our community.

Ypsilanti nonprofits that are set up to help those with food insecurities are seeing an increase in the numbers looking for their assistance. On today's "On the Ground Ypsi," WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale discuss how some of those nonprofits are working to address the increased needs with Andrea Kelly, an Eastern Michigan University grad assistant at Swoop's Food Pantry.

Rising inflation and rental costs, combined with the end of federal assistance programs has created a homelessness crisis in Washtenaw County. There is an effort in the works to help people find homes and to keep people in their current homes. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

Food prices are kicking a lot of people right where it hurts…the wallet. Supply issues during the pandemic and inflation are sending prices soaring. As a result, more people are beginning, or returning to, home gardens. Stacy Mates is seed company manager for the Green Things Farm Collective in Ann Arbor. She shares her expertise in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The craft beer industry has been on the rise over the last decade. But coming out of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, it’s been down 9-10% nationally. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

Rising inflation and interest rate hikes are expected to take a toll on holiday shopping in Washtenaw County and across the country. But that doesn’t mean people are spending any less. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran explains.

Inflation and veterinary backlogs are forcing shelters to accommodate more animals. Now, local shelters are reaching their capacity. WEMU's Michael Keegan reports.

The Michigan Legislature is on a three-week summer recess after finalizing budget bills and sending them to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. But lawmakers’ work on spending plans is not over with several billion dollars still waiting in the bank. We have more from Rick Pluta.