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Latest Stories

Amtrak wants to build a bullet train in Texas. Could it kickstart a rail revolution?

May 10, 2024
The project would cut the Dallas-to-Houston trip to 90 minutes. It’s one of a few high-speed rail projects that’s been getting attention lately.
Japan Central’s N700 high-speed train, above, would be the same train used for the Texas Central railway between Houston and Dallas.
Courtesy Texas Central

One of China's hottest toys sold millions. The inventor made $830.

May 9, 2024
A person who comes up with a good idea might not always reap the rewards in China's manufacturing ecosystem.
It's hard to spot which carrot knives are originals and which ones are copies.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Inflation is "not yet where it needs to be," Treasury Secretary Yellen says

May 9, 2024
Janet Yellen addresses the state of the U.S. economy and underscores the country's rivalry and collaboration with China in an interview.
"I think it's important for Americans to understand how critical democracy is to economic performance," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says. Above, Yellen testifies at a House Ways and Means committee hearing on April 30.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Gen Z is taking on more credit card debt

May 9, 2024
The credit bureau TransUnion is out with a report showing that borrowers aged 22 to 24 are carrying an average of $2,834 in credit card debt — about a quarter more than millennials in the same age range a decade ago.
Adjusted for inflation, members of Gen Z ages 22 to 24 are carrying roughly a quarter more debt than millennials in the same age range a decade ago.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

New drugs transform weight loss industry

May 9, 2024
Weight Watchers holds its annual shareholder meeting today, which includes a presentation by departing board member Oprah Winfrey.
Since weight loss drugs like Wegovy have come onto the scene, the weight loss industry has grown from $76 billion a year to nearly $90 billion in 2023.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Working toward an economy that meets everyone's needs

Natalie Foster, President of the Economic Security Project, discusses the important role of government guarantees in shaping the future of the economy.
In her new book, Natalie Foster explores the feasibility of a new economic framework that would mean more economic stability for everyday Americans.
Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Growing fan interest doesn't mean better pay for women athletes. Yet.

May 8, 2024
Caitlin Clark is bringing more fans, media and money to the WNBA. Many argue that makes her five-figure rookie salary hard to square.
Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd as members of the Phoenix Mercury applaud during a game in 2023. On average, professional female athletes make a small fraction of male athletes' compensation.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

U.S. rents have grown faster than wages for the past 5 years

May 8, 2024
Rent growth is slower in some places, but much faster in others. We're looking at you, New York City.
Rent grew seven times faster than wages last year in New York City; rents also outpace wages in Boston, Cincinnati, Buffalo and Chicago.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Business owners are warily stocking their inventories

May 8, 2024
With interest rate cuts uncertain, businesses owners are keeping their shelves a little leaner. But that's not necessarily a bad sign.
Businesses don't know if the Fed will cut rates this year. As a result, “they’re making decisions, in some cases, to postpone purchases until they absolutely need it,” says Dale Rogers at ASU.
Kylie Cooper/Getty Images

How GE made history: a look back at an iconic conglomerate

May 8, 2024
In April, General Electric split itself up to focus on wind power, aerospace and health care. Its finance and media divisions are long gone.
A General Electric employee viewed rows of wind turbine parts in 2021. GE was an "incredible industrial company and built truly incredible things," reporter Ted Mann said.
Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP via Getty Images