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P PBS· 49m

Inflation runs hotter than expected as higher prices extend beyond the gas station

U.S. inflation was higher than expected last month as the rising prices that powered sweeping Democratic victories in last week's midterm elections appear likely to pose ongoing challenges for the White House and the Federal Reserve.

Analysis

11 developments from 11 outlets in the past week.

11 stories 11 outlets
Reported by several outlets

Forecast

What will the US year-over-year CPI inflation rate for December 2026 be, as first published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics by January 31, 2027?
2.5% to 2.9% 34%
3.0% to 3.4% 26%
Below 2.5% 24%

Poll

Which rising cost hits your budget hardest right now?

Poll

Compared with a year ago, is your household better or worse off?

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C CNBC· 49m

Homeowners tap equity as HELOC balances post biggest jump since 2005: New York Fed report

The rise in balances on HELOCs marks the 18th consecutive quarterly increase, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Analysis

The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady despite internal dissent and ongoing inflation concerns, while European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced she will step down early. These decisions influence consumer borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans, and signal potential shifts in global monetary policy. Investors are now watching for future rate adjustments from the Bank of Japan and potential policy changes following the leadership transition at the ECB.

5 stories 5 outlets
Reported by several outlets

Forecast

By how much will the Federal Reserve's federal funds target range change between October 18, 2026 and January 31, 2027?
No net change 33%
Net cut of 25 bp 30%
Net cut of 50+ bp 27%

Poll

Should central banks be more worried about inflation or jobs right now?

Forecast poll

Will the Federal Open Market Committee lower the federal funds target range at its next meeting by October 31, 2025?

Forecast · closes Nov 30
Readers say yes –
70%

Reader odds appear once enough people forecast · resolves automatically from reported evidence.

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P PBS· 49m

At UN climate talks, 5 nations back plan to double rooftop solar panels by 2030

Five countries have backed a plan to double the number of homes with rooftop solar panels worldwide by 2030, as U.N. climate talks in Turkey focus on expanding access to electricity and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Analysis

Recent reports highlight a surge in extreme weather events, including devastating wildfires in Indonesia, deadly storms in the UK, and typhoons in Taiwan, which are disrupting daily life through school closures, power outages, and travel delays. These events coincide with scientific warnings that 96% of coral reefs face collapse and that global health is increasingly threatened by climate-linked heat and drought. Observers are now monitoring the potential for further policy shifts regarding environmental regulations and the ongoing global efforts to address rising emissions and temperature limits.

8 stories 8 outlets
Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Where will 2026 rank among the warmest years on record for global average surface temperature, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), as reported by January 31, 2027?
Second warmest on record 41%
Third warmest or lower 39%
Warmest year on record 20%

Poll

Who should pay most for climate damage?

Poll

Would you accept higher energy bills to cut emissions faster?

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P Politico· 49m

Wes Moore wants immigration reform. Can he work with Stephen Miller?

The possible 2028 contender told POLITICO that Democrats should try to work with the president’s new chief of staff despite a “well of distrust.”

Analysis

Recent reports highlight growing scrutiny over the treatment of detainees, including investigations into the detention of U.S. citizens and demands for data on pregnancy-related medical issues within ICE facilities. These developments are significant as public disapproval of the current administration's immigration crackdown rises, potentially impacting political campaigns and the rights of both citizens and residents. Observers should watch for further congressional inquiries into detention conditions and potential legal challenges regarding the scope of federal immigration enforcement powers.

12 stories 13 outlets
Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the United States government implement a large-scale program for the denaturalization and deportation of naturalized citizens by March 31, 2027?
No large-scale program 72%
Program implemented 28%

Poll

Should asylum claims be processed outside the country?

Forecast poll

Will the Supreme Court rule to allow judges to quickly reverse immigration detentions by January 25, 2027?

Forecast · closes Jan 30
Readers say yes –
70%

Reader odds appear once enough people forecast · resolves automatically from reported evidence.

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P PBS· 49m

A breakdown of the impeachment articles filed against Pete Hegseth

For a legal perspective on the effort to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Geoff Bennett spoke with Eugene Fidell. He's a longtime military law expert who served as a Coast Guard lawyer and later practiced military law in the private sector. He also co-founded the National Institute of Military Justice, an organi

Analysis

Recent reports confirm new Ebola cases in Nigeria and Kenya, while the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded to an eighth province. These developments raise concerns about regional public health preparedness and the potential for cross-border transmission. Observers are now monitoring how health authorities in affected nations manage containment efforts and border screenings to prevent further spread.

12 stories 12 outlets
Reported by several outlets

Forecast

By February 28, 2027, how many countries other than the Democratic Republic of the Congo will have reported at least one laboratory-confirmed Ebola case linked to the current Congo outbreak?
One or two countries 45%
Three or four countries 35%
Five or more countries 21%

Poll

If a new outbreak spread widely, which measures would you support?

Poll

How much do you trust official health advice right now?