In economic news, the soaring price of energy and food has led consumer prices in the United States to rise by 8.5% in March compared to last year. Inflation is now at its highest rate since 1981, according to a report from the Labor Department. On Tuesday, President Biden visited Iowa, where he announced a plan to suspend a rule preventing the sale of higher ethanol blend gasoline this summer, in a move to lower prices at the pump. Environmental groups warn the decision could lead to more smog this summer. The Center for Biological Diversity criticized the decision, saying, “The ethanol lobby will be happy and kids with asthma will be sicker.”