U.S. Prices Rise 0.4% as Inflation Strains Families

But “cooling” does not mean that prices are falling. It means they are rising more slowly.

Exactly. Core inflation, which leaves out food and energy prices, rose 0.3% from September. That was the third month in a row with the same increase. Both figures were higher than economists had expected.

So even the measure that leaves out the most changeable prices was still moving upward.

Yes. Average gas prices fell during October, which helped slow the overall figure. The average price for a gallon of gas fell from $4.41 on October 1 to $4.18 at the end of the month, a drop of more than 5%.

Where did the remaining pressure come from?

Other energy costs were still rising. The gas price index rose 1%, home heating oil rose 2%, and electricity prices rose 0.9%. Diesel costs also matter because they affect trucks, farms, and businesses that move goods.

So cheaper gas brought some relief, but it did not solve the wider energy problem.

That is right. Higher energy costs can spread through the economy. If transport becomes more expensive, companies may pay more to deliver products, and some of those costs can reach shoppers.

Are workers catching up with those higher prices?

No. Prices continue to rise faster than wages. Diane Swonk, the chief economist at KPMG, called it “the worst bout of inflation relative to wage gains since the 1970s.”

That helps explain why a small monthly change can still feel serious in daily life.

Yes. Chris Phelan called the result “not a good number,” and Kevin Hassett called it “a disappointing report.” Inflation remains a political problem as well as an economic one.

What makes longer-term comparisons harder?

A government shutdown in October 2025 forced the Bureau of Labor Statistics to cancel that month’s inflation report. This report therefore has no comparison with the same month a year earlier.

The picture is mixed: some relief at the gas pump, but continuing strain across the economy. Thanks for joining us, Ella.

Thank you, Daniel.

Heavy rain has flooded thousands of tents in Gaza, and a US-backed peace group says the aid response is not enough.

Jack is here with the world story.

Now we go to Jack, our LinguaWire correspondent for security.

Hello, Daniel. The Board of Peace has called on Israel to allow necessary humanitarian supplies into Gaza immediately. The group said the response after the floods remains insufficient, although Israel is considering additional steps.

What is happening on the ground?

Rain has flooded large areas where displaced people are living in tents. Around 65% of Gaza’s population, or about 1.4 million people, now live in tents or other temporary shelters, according to the United Nations.

That number shows why bad weather can become such a serious emergency.

Yes. Many tents are on ground that cannot handle more water. Mohammed Jneid, speaking in Gaza City, said rain came from one side while sewage overflowed from the other. He said people had lost bedding and food.

So the problem affects sanitation, warmth, food, and basic safety.

Exactly. Three children and one woman were reported killed after a sand embankment collapsed onto tents. The incident shows the danger faced by people in temporary shelters.

What does Israel’s military agency say about supplies entering Gaza?

The agency says it has allowed tens of thousands of tents and trucks carrying winter supplies to enter. It also says rebuilding can begin only after Hamas fully disarms. The Board of Peace says delays in approving supplies have made the situation worse.

So one side links rebuilding to disarmament, while aid groups say people need help now.

That is the central tension. The Board also blames Hamas for failing to disarm and transfer power to a temporary government. At the same time, it says more supplies for temporary shelter, water, and sanitation should be approved immediately.

What do United Nations officials say about the amount of aid available?

The UN humanitarian agency says more than 150,000 tents are outside Gaza and ready to enter. But aid work is limited by restrictions on supplies and equipment, as well as a lack of funding. A UN humanitarian coordinator said essential winter and shelter items inside Gaza had run out.

That creates a painful gap: supplies exist nearby, but they are not reaching people quickly enough.

Yes. People are trying to sleep in damaged tents while rain and sewage enter their living spaces.

What does this show about peace plans and daily life?

A political plan cannot protect civilians unless basic goods can move. People also need water, sanitation, and a safe place to stay. Officials disagree about responsibility and conditions, but humanitarian workers say time is running out.

Now let’s review three useful words from today’s news.

pressure

Pressure means a difficult force or demand that makes a situation harder. In the story, consumers faced pressure from high prices.

Many students feel pressure before an important exam.

to ease

To ease means to become less strong or to make something less painful. In the story, gas prices eased during October.

A short break can ease the stress of a busy day.

to spread

To spread means to move from one place or group to another. In the story, higher energy costs could spread through the economy.

A small problem can spread if nobody deals with it.

Prices rose by 0.4% in October.

We use the past simple for a finished event in the past, often with a finished time such as yesterday, last month, or in October.

“Prices rose by 0.4% in October.”

“A sand embankment collapsed onto tents.”

Repeat after me: Prices rose by 0.4% in October.