Inflation moderates again — a bit

<p>Today&#8217;s inflation report showed a slight tapering in rising prices — it was 6.4% compared to 6.5% in December. That&#8217;s a marginal improvement, but it&#8217;s still much too high for comfort for the Federal Reserve and market watchers who may have been expecting a sharper decrease. The Fed&#8217;s Vice Chair, Lael Brainard, has been tapped by President Biden to lead the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers. Some states are moving to expand Medicaid to food-related health services, which would represent a shift from previous programs. And, why colleges may soon begin implementing more programs designed for midcareer professionals.</p>