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Oct. 31, 2021, 9:34 p.m.

News Wrap: U.S. inflation hits 30-year high

Objectives

  • Who is protesting outside a coming gathering of world leaders in Glasgow, Scotland?
  • What did a recent report reveal about how some large forest areas are affecting carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?
  • Where has China recently stepped up a campaign of military harassment, according to this segment?
  • Why is the state of Florida suing the federal government, according to this segment?
  • How has the social media company Facebook chosen to rebrand?

Summary

In this news wrap, inflation hits a 30-year peak, up 4.5 percent from a year ago. The Food and Drug Administration formally recommended Pfizer's COVID vaccine for young children. Southern Australia is recovering from the strongest winds in at least a decade. The White House will try again to stop making asylum seekers wait in Mexico. Key terms: Inflation refers to the increase in the cost of good and services throughout the economy. Inflation is a normal feature of any growing economy, but sometimes it grows at a faster rate and can lead to strain for consumers, especially when wages don't grow as quickly.

Five Facts

  • Who has agreed to hear a case that may determine whether the Environmental Protection Agency can regulate the carbon dioxide emissions that lead to climate change?
  • What Trump-era immigration policy is the Biden administration preparing to change?
  • When was the last time inflation was as high as it is now, according to some measurements?
  • Why did protesters turn out around the world this past weekend?
  • How are authorities proposing changing rules to protect the Mexican gray wolf?

Focus Questions

Why do you think inflation is high right now, and do you think the federal government should do something to address it? If so, what? Media literacy: Was there an item in this news wrap that didn't make sense to you, or that you wish had been covered in more detail? If so, what?

For More

Want to understand more about inflation? See this Vox explainer article or watch this Khan Academy video, What is inflation?

Links

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