Correction: Americans are spending, despite inflation; the scientists flying into winter storms; Jonathan Majors' meteoric rise

Plus, how to help teens cut back on social media and improve their self-esteem.

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen Good morning and happy Pokémon Day! The first games were released on this dates in 1996. Some of NPR's top Pokémon fans share their favorite memories of the pocket monsters. Here's what else we're following today: 🥇 First up Spencer Platt/Getty Images Americans are doing something weird. Despite high inflation, they've been spending like crazy, and personal spending went up 1.8% in January. Is this a good thing? It's hard to tell. If spending continues to grow, the Fed could raise interest rates again. But if spending cools, it would raise concerns of a recession. 🎧 Listen to whether the spending trend will last. An earlier version of this newsletter omitted the word "inflation." Winter storms usually send us indoors to bundle up and hunker down. But a plane loaded with scientists has been flying through the frozen skies this winter. They're sampling cloud particles in hopes their research can help forecasters better predict whether a winter storm might cause treacherous conditions.  Republicans have been accusing Biden and his administration of wrongdoing. Now, with the GOP controlling the House, they have real power to demand documents and compel testimony. 🎧 Listen to how a team of about two dozen White House lawyers, strategists, and Capitol Hill veterans have been working to respond. East Palestine, Ohio, has been devastated by a train derailment and chemical burn-off that has threatened the health of residents. Now, it's also become the center of political controversy. Republicans have criticized Biden for not showing up, but Biden says his administration is engaged and federal teams have been going door to door, checking on families. Newsletter continues after sponsor message 🌱 Life advice LA Johnson/NPR American teens spend more than eight hours a day on social media on average, and a new study shows cutting back can help them feel better about themselves. These five tips can help teens with screen-life balance, 🎧 Listen to how it can help their self-esteem. 🎧 Today’s listen Nickolai Hammar/NPR Jonathan Majors is here, and there's no end in sight to his meteoric rise to fame. He's got a major role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Creed boxing franchise, and an art film that's already getting Oscar buzz. 👀 Watch or 🎧 listen to his full interview with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe. Or read the highlights here. 🛑 Before you go Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and other newspapers have dropped the comic "Dilbert" after its creator, Scott Adams, went on a racist rant in an interview and said a recent opinion poll changed his mind about "helping Black Americans." Brittany Griner spoke at the 54th NAACP Image Awards this weekend, thanking the nation for its support and calling for a return of all Americans detained abroad. "Fat," "ugly" and "horsey face" will remain in Roald Dahl's children's books in the U.K. after all. After a fierce backlash to proposed changes, Dahl's U.K. publisher announced a "classic collection." You can soon test yourself for COVID and the flu at the same time, all from the safety of your own home. The FDA issued an emergency authorization for the single-use kits that can provide results within 30 minutes. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy