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Livi Burdette

Latest Stories (31)

AI lessons from the telephone operators of the 1920s

Aug 17, 2023
In the early 20th century, thousands of young women worked as telephone switchboard operators. Automation changed that.
If you were a working woman in the early 20th century, there's a good chance you were a telephone operator — until mechanical switching took over the job.
-/AFP via Getty Images

The second-hand clothing reseller who’s bundling up style

Aug 17, 2023
College student Bella McMinn of Nevada creates custom clothing bundles sourced from local thrift stores for her online clients.
"It's been a really great progression from feeling like this is only ever going to be a side hustle to the possibility of actually turning into a career," says Isabella McMinn.
Courtesy Isabella McMinn

Cars: Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em

Aug 15, 2023
Affordability has broken down, but the costs of not having your own vehicle are even higher for many. Marin Cogan of Vox explains.
The average new car costs a record $48,000 — up 25% between May 2020 and May 2023. During the same time, used car prices soared 50%.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Debunking the myth of the male hunter

Aug 8, 2023
An anthropologist found evidence of women hunting in nearly 80% of societies studied.
"Being flexible is your evolved purpose in life. That is what humans do," said anthropologist Cara Wall-Scheffler. Above, cave drawings of a hunting scene in what is now Libya.
Taha Jawashi/AFP via Getty Images

Business is still unpredictable for this Hawaii boat tour owner

Aug 4, 2023
The pandemic almost sunk Manu Powers' company. Though it's mounted a recovery, the summer rush still isn't what it used to be.
Manu Powers and husband Liam outside the office of Sea Quest Hawaii.
Courtesy Manu Powers

Are we finally exiting the "vibecession"?

Aug 2, 2023
We asked content creator and independent economics educator Kyla Scanlon if consumer sentiment is finally matching up with economic data.
"I think things are trending upward for most people," says economics educator Kyla Scanlon. "But still, it can feel like there's sometimes maybe something missing or something a little bit off."
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

How an Iowa farmer pushes through less-than-average crop yields

Jul 27, 2023
It takes a "that's farming, buddy!" attitude — and crop insurance helps, too.
April Hemmes says farmers like her are "running scared" because over half of their soybeans are exported to China.
Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

Who will clean "thousands of tiny toxic waste sites all over our cities"?

Jul 19, 2023
Leaking gasoline storage tanks pose an environmental — and financial — risk to fueling stations across the country.
Photo Illustration by Miguel Villagran/Getty Images

The newest viral TikTok trend? Cottage cheese

Jul 12, 2023
Cottage cheese, the curd-filled dairy product of 1970s diet fad fame, is back and trendier than ever.
This newly viral ingredient has been in the dairy aisle for decades.
Tim Graham/Getty Images

Summertime is stocking season for this toy store owner

Jul 3, 2023
Ali Cat Toys is doing the bulk of its holiday buying now, and even stocking up for next Easter season.
"Slime has started to make a comeback, believe it or not, and as much as parents may or may not want to hear" says Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys in Carrboro, North Carolina.
Tolga Akman/AFP via Getty Images