Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press, Author at Magnolia Tribune

Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

September 16, 2026

Federal Reserve hikes key rate for first time in 3 years, defying Trump demands for a cut

The quarter-point increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to about 3.9% and, over time, could result in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

September 15, 2026

Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark rate, defying Trump’s demands

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lift its short-term interest rate for the first time in three years to fight stubbornly high inflation.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

September 11, 2026

U.S. inflation picked up as gas prices marched higher due to conflict in the Middle East

The Labor Department said Friday that the consumer price index rose 3.4% last month compared with a year ago, the same as in July. But on a monthly basis, inflation accelerated, as costs jumped 0.4% from July to August, up from an increase of just 0.1% the previous month.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

September 10, 2026

U.S. wholesale prices rise in latest sign of stubborn inflation as oil prices continue to climb

Inflation has shown some signs of easing in recent months but is still high, frustrating consumers who are struggling with more expensive gas, groceries, clothing and other essentials.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

August 28, 2026

Fed Chair Warsh signals rate hikes may be needed with inflation still elevated

Warsh says inflation is still too high and suggested the central bank may have to raise interest rates in the coming months to bring it down, a clearer signal than he has sent before about his economic outlook.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

August 13, 2026

Wholesale price inflation slowed last month as gas, food costs fall

The Labor Department’s producer price index — which captures inflation before it reaches consumers — rose 4.7% in July from a year ago, down from a much larger 5.5% increase in June.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

August 12, 2026

Inflation slows but prices remain elevated as Iran war and spending on AI push up prices

U.S. inflation slowed last month and a measure of underlying price pressures also cooled, suggesting higher oil and gas prices from the Iran war are only having a limited impact on broader costs in the economy.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

July 14, 2026

Inflation cools more than expected in June as gas costs fall, underlying prices ease

Prices dropped 0.4% in June from May, the largest monthly drop in four years, the Labor Department said Tuesday. On a yearly basis, inflation declined to 3.5%, down from a year-over-year gain of 4.2% in May and lower than many economists expected.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

July 3, 2026

U.S. employers still reluctant to add many jobs as hiring slows in June

The Labor Department said Thursday that the unemployment rate declined to a low 4.2% from 4.3% in May, though the drop mostly occurred because many people out of work gave up looking and were no longer counted as unemployed.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

June 10, 2026

Inflation rises to a 3-year high on spiking gas prices, highlighting affordability challenges

Consumer prices rose 4.2% in May from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Wednesday, up from 3.8% in April and the third straight increase.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

June 1, 2026

Young and unemployed? Remote work, not AI, may be the problem, study finds

A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York calculates that remote work is responsible for nearly two-thirds of the rise in the unemployment rate for young college graduates since the pandemic.

Economy | Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press •

May 28, 2026

Key inflation gauge worsens as Americans’ income and spending power erodes

Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April compared with a year ago, the Commerce Department said Thursday, up from 3.5% in March and the highest since May 2023.

News

News | Jeremy Pittari •

September 18, 2026

Lawmakers say Ag Commissioner order on excused school absences is non-binding

News | Jeremy Pittari •

September 18, 2026

House lawmakers exploring ways to cut Mississippi property taxes, car tag fees

News | Cass Rutledge •

September 18, 2026

Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment

Business

Business | Frank Corder •

September 15, 2026

Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. investment to date to Mississippi

Business | Frank Corder •

September 10, 2026

General Atomics announced second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon

Business | Frank Corder •

September 10, 2026

C Spire expanding fiber network with new high-capacity corridor between Jackson and Olive Branch

Culture

Culture | Brett Martel, Associated Press •

September 18, 2026

Kiffin’s return to face the program he spurned looms over No. 7 LSU’s visit to No. 8 Ole Miss

Culture | Susan Marquez •

September 18, 2026

Acclaimed graphic novelist John Jennings to lead weeklong residency at The MAX

Culture | Alistair Begg •

September 18, 2026

Preparing for death

Opinion

Opinion | Sid Salter •

September 16, 2026

Despite many statutory protections, there is no clear constitutional right to clean water

Opinion | Russ Latino •

September 15, 2026

Sydney Sweeney Novig Ad: Body positivity’s double standard

Opinion | Merle Flowers •

September 10, 2026

Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

Federal Reserve hikes key rate for first time in 3 years, defying Trump demands for a cut

Federal Reserve is expected to raise its benchmark rate, defying Trump’s demands

U.S. inflation picked up as gas prices marched higher due to conflict in the Middle East

U.S. wholesale prices rise in latest sign of stubborn inflation as oil prices continue to climb

Fed Chair Warsh signals rate hikes may be needed with inflation still elevated

Wholesale price inflation slowed last month as gas, food costs fall

Inflation slows but prices remain elevated as Iran war and spending on AI push up prices

Inflation cools more than expected in June as gas costs fall, underlying prices ease

U.S. employers still reluctant to add many jobs as hiring slows in June

Inflation rises to a 3-year high on spiking gas prices, highlighting affordability challenges

Young and unemployed? Remote work, not AI, may be the problem, study finds

Key inflation gauge worsens as Americans’ income and spending power erodes

News

Lawmakers say Ag Commissioner order on excused school absences is non-binding

House lawmakers exploring ways to cut Mississippi property taxes, car tag fees

Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment

Business

Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. investment to date to Mississippi

General Atomics announced second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon

C Spire expanding fiber network with new high-capacity corridor between Jackson and Olive Branch

Culture

Kiffin’s return to face the program he spurned looms over No. 7 LSU’s visit to No. 8 Ole Miss

Acclaimed graphic novelist John Jennings to lead weeklong residency at The MAX

Preparing for death

Opinion

Despite many statutory protections, there is no clear constitutional right to clean water

Sydney Sweeney Novig Ad: Body positivity’s double standard

Mississippi does not have pharmacies to spare

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