Scott Horsley

The massive winter storm that blanketed the country this weekend forced the cancellation of more than 29 percent of all flights on Sunday.

It was the biggest disruption to air travel since the pandemic.

Scott Horsley, Empire News, Washington.

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates at its last three meetings in an effort to prop up the sagging job market.

But with inflation still elevated, the central bank has signaled it will be cautious about additional rate cuts.

President Trump, who wants much lower rates, has gone to great lengths to bend the Fed in that direction.

The Justice Department has even launched an investigation of the central bank.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has generally tried to avoid getting dragged into a fight with the president.

But earlier this month, Powell said public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats.

This week's post-meeting news conference will give Powell another chance to make the case for why the Fed should be insulated from political interference.

Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

Natural gas prices soared earlier this week as forecasters predicted snow, ice, and arctic temperatures across much of the country.

But prices have since fallen back a bit.

Natural gas is used to heat nearly half the homes in the country, and it's a major fuel for electricity generation as well.

Stock in Intel fell after the chipmaker issued a cautious sales forecast.

Intel's enjoying strong demand for its computer chips thanks to the artificial intelligence boom.

but the company says supply constraints are making it hard to keep up.

Japan's central bank held interest rates steady and raised its forecast for both inflation and economic growth.

Stocks in Tokyo and elsewhere in Asia were higher overnight.

Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.