Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Caleigh Wells

Latest Stories (81)

The EPA will dole out $4.3 billion to cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next six years

Jul 29, 2024
Hundreds of local municipalities, states and tribes applied to get a share of the money; 25 made the cut.
Roughly $1.2 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act's funds earmarked for pollution reduction will go toward transportation, like Austin's light rail system.
Courtesy Austin Transit Partnership

15 years later, the federal minimum wage is still $7.25 an hour

Jul 24, 2024
It's the longest stretch of time Congress has gone without raising the federal minimum wage.
The federal minimum wage has the lowest purchasing power since 1949. Above, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks on raising the federal minimum wage in 2023.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Rising sea level will affect 2 million in U.S. by 2050, analysis finds

Jul 22, 2024
That puts at least 1,100 pieces of critical infrastructure at risk, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
The homes on Broad Beach are wet with ocean spray during a January high tide in Malibu.
Courtesy Michael Quill

What does it mean for the economy when businesses grow their inventories?

Jul 17, 2024
It all depends on why they're doing it.
Business inventories are on the rise, but stocked shelves may have long-term effects on the economy.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Why are Gen Xers worried about retirement?

Jul 10, 2024
According to a new survey from BlackRock, only 60% of Gen Xers say they are on track to have enough retirement savings. And time is running out -- the oldest of them are reaching retirement age.
Unlike younger generations, Gen Xers are struggling to save money for retirement.
Asif Hassan/AFP via Getty Images

Kids want $70 wrinkle creams. Parents and lawmakers are "fighting a losing battle"

Jul 9, 2024
Elementary and middle school kids are flocking to stores to buy products recommended on TikTok. But they may be harming their skin.
Drunk Elephant is one of the most popular skin care brands among children.
Caleigh Wells/Marketplace

More Americans are traveling abroad, thanks to a strong dollar

Jul 8, 2024
The dollar is more than 10% stronger than it was three years ago.
More Americans are traveling abroad as a strong U.S. dollar gives consumers more spending power.
J. David Ake/Getty Images

Federal Reserve, assessing inflation-unemployment link, faces an inflection point

Jul 3, 2024
But some economists say the relationship between inflation and employment is not as black and white as it used to be.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Construction spending fell in May, weighed down by interest rates

Jul 2, 2024
Even massive government spending hasn't been enough to counteract the downturn.
Government-funded construction of infrastructure is doing fine, unlike the residential sector.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

401(k) contributions higher than ever, Vanguard says. But is it enough?

Jun 26, 2024
The investment company found that its 401(k) holders contributed 7.4% of their earnings in 2023. Automatic enrollment is a factor.
Vanguard 401(k) holders contributed 7.4% of their earnings in 2023 — almost 12% if you include employer contributions.
Getty Images