Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Why does the Federal Reserve maintain its independence?

Aug 9, 2024
The insulation of the Central Bank from political headwinds helps the U.S. economy run.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

As wildfires scorch the West, Eastern Oregon ranchers deal with major losses

Aug 9, 2024
It’s been a big fire season so far across the West, including in Oregon where more than 1.2 million acres have burned this season. On the eastern side of the state, the fires have left many cattle displaced or dead, leaving ranchers with significant losses.
Jared Smull points out burned land at the beginning of the drive into Rye Valley, where he and his family grazed their cattle for many years before the Durkee Fire on July 31. The Smull family lost thousands of acres of grazeable land in the fire.
Anna Lueck/OPB

Can you live in the Olympic Village after the games are over?

Aug 9, 2024
Some countries are able to convert the Olympic Village into residential housing, but the price is out of reach for many.
A view of Paris' Olympic Village during the 2024 Summer Games.
Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

Oklahoma turned down federal food aid for kids. Tribal nations stepped up.

Aug 9, 2024
Cherokee, Chickasaw and Muscogee nations are offering Summer EBT in an area home to over 100,000 eligible Native and non-Native kids.
Oklahoma declined to participate in the USDA Summer EBT program. Above, Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Breaking — also known as breakdancing — is making its Olympics debut

Aug 9, 2024
It all started in the Bronx in the 1970s. Now, breaking has made it to the biggest stage in sports.
Above, Australian breaking athlete Rachael Gunn trains in April. Also known as B-Girl Raygun, Gunn will make her Olympics debut in Paris.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

What can we learn from political polarization in a Michigan swing county?

Marketplace's Nancy Marshall-Genzer visited Kent County, Michigan, to hear how voters there feel about the economy. Here's what she learned.
Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

What would a lower Fed rate mean for spenders and savers?

Aug 9, 2024
A Fed interest rate cut would impact interest rates for consumer debt and savings accounts.
Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve would impact everything from interest on savings to mortgage rates.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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How one Oregon summer camp is using music to help teens explore STEM careers 

Aug 9, 2024
What do science, technology, engineering and math have to do with mariachi music? Mariachi STEAM camp is using the music to show young people — especially Latino youth — the opportunities available in different professions. 
From left to right, Oregon high school students and Mariachi STEAM camp violinists Dulceluna Cebrera Gomez, Keili Piña Cisneros and Isabel Uribe-Jensen practice in July.
Kyra Buckley

Why investors backed away from carry trades this week

Aug 9, 2024
Investors are reminded why its risky to invest with borrowed money. Subscribe to get the "Make Me Smart" newsletter every Friday!
Richard A. Brooks/ AFP via Getty Images
Richard A. Brooks/ AFP via Getty Images

A former projectionist remembers his reel life

Aug 8, 2024
Projectionists wrangle miles of film for some movie screenings.
“Movies, in every single way, are a form of art,” says Austin Andrie-Grondek. “Even projecting it.”
Ignacio Sanchez Mello/AFP via Getty Images