Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Why does the Federal Reserve have blackout periods?

Jul 19, 2024
These are times when Fed policymakers and staff must refrain from speaking about monetary policy with the public.
The Fed's current blackout period will determine how members will communicate information to the public.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images

In an Alaska town, generations of fishers face industry's death

Jul 19, 2024
When Peter Pan Seafood closed in April, King Cove lost its economic engine. Now, the town is struggling to survive.
During a typical summer salmon season, Peter Pan employed around 700 workers and housed them in the company bunkhouses, above.
Theo Greenly/KSDP

Why don’t we have a phone book for cell phones?

Jul 19, 2024
The economic incentives didn’t make sense when cellular services first became available.
A phone book showing "the yellow pages" (business listings) and "the white pages" (residential listings).
jhorrocks/Getty Images Plus

Is the WNBA getting shortchanged on its latest media rights deal?

Jul 19, 2024
The reported 11-year, $2.2 billion deal pencils out to more than three times the league's current media rights income. But some say it undervalues the league's growth potential.
"I think it’s just a cumulative moment where all the forces are aligned to take advantage," said La Quita Frederick, an expert on the business of sports at Georgetown.
Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Why tech billionaires are now flocking to Donald Trump

Jul 19, 2024
The flood of big tech names coming out publicly for Trump and the GOP is a sharp departure from Silicon Valley’s past political practices.
Support for Republicans from figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel comes in part from a strong libertarian, hands-off-my-business ideology, experts say.
Chip Somodevilla/ Getty Images

Republicans embrace economic populism at the RNC

Jul 19, 2024
It's part of the GOP's pitch to working-class voters. Plus, get smarter about lunar caves. Subscribe to get the "Make Me Smart" newsletter every Friday!
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Retirement communities are creating a "steady stream" of spending for local economies

Jul 18, 2024
At Sun City Texas, where the median age is 73, seniors are kicking up their heels and patronizing a variety of nearby businesses.
Many baby boomers are enjoying retirement and spending it up.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Continuing unemployment claims hit highest level in more than 2 years

Jul 18, 2024
It may be another data point that helps convince the Fed to start cutting interest rates.
designer491/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Inflation's way down, but consumers still flinch at high prices, Fed observes

Jul 18, 2024
Price-sensitive shoppers are buying fewer or lower-quality items and retailers are offering discounts, according to the Beige Book.
Many shoppers are looking for discounts these days.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Authors are already squeezed financially. Will AI make it worse?

Jul 18, 2024
Many writers see AI as a threat, says Rebecca Ackermann. Outcomes are uncertain, but there's widespread worry about being replaced as creators.
The Authors Guild recommends that writers try to protect their work by including AI clauses in book contracts, says journalist Rebecca Ackermann.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images