Jul 24, 2024

Ringing in 15 years of the $7.25 federal minimum wage

kirin photo/Getty Images

Adjusted for inflation, the current minimum wage has the least purchasing power since 1949. Why won't Congress increase it? Plus, tax reform in China and DIY vehicles in New York.

Segments From this episode

How a slowing GDP might be good news for the economy

by Mitchell Hartman

Jul 24, 2024

The Federal Reserve will be looking for signs that the economy is slowing in a manageable way so that it can cut interest rates.

“Sometimes, bad news is good news," says Paul Christopher at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. "And right now, a slowing economy is that bad news that’s really good news."

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Apartment vacancies up across Sun Belt after building spree

by Matt Levin

Jul 24, 2024

The pandemic exodus from coastal areas to cities like Austin and Atlanta has cooled off, and rental supply is outstripping demand.

Cities like Austin, Texas, saw a surge of new residents early in the pandemic. Now the scales have tipped the other way, and rental supply is greater than demand.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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

by Caleigh Wells

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

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My Analog Life

“Horses blink”: An equestrian sports journalist unwinds memories of 35-millimeter film

by Maria Hollenhorst

Jul 24, 2024

L.A. Berry, a longtime equestrian sports journalist, remembers the attire, hassles and camaraderie of the pre-digital age.

L.A. Berry, wearing a fishing vest while reporting on an equestrian event circa 1995.

Tony DeCosta

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China pledges tax reform. That is a big deal for this socialist country.

by Jennifer Pak

Jul 24, 2024

Why China's leaders have long delayed tax reforms in the socialist country.

A shelf displaying China's national drink - a fiery grain spirit called baijiu. A change in consumption tax may soon push prices up even further.

Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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Shrinking batteries unleash DIY vehicles onto streets of New York

by Kai Ryssdal and Aleezeh Hasan

Jul 24, 2024

Though the creative contraptions might help riders get around traffic jams, they also pose serious safety concerns.

From electric unicycles to jerry-rigged jitneys, New Yorkers are finding unorthodox ways to get around.

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

How's It Wrong Toro y Moi

Chevalier Bulltoe Totorro

Go To Town Doja Cat

K.I.S.S.E.S Bent

Feel It Still Portugal. The Man

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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