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How the consumers of Kent County, Michigan feel about the economy

Aug 6, 2024
The regional economy isn't in bad shape, but many folks say it's hard to get by.
Adreanah Neely says it's hard to find a job right now in Kent County.
Nancy Marshall-Genzer/Marketplace

The CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act — 2 years on

Heather Boushey, a member of the White House's Council of Economic Advisers, on the results of the legislation so far.
"We've now seen announcements of $900 billion of private sector investment all across the country," said Heather Boushey, a member of the White House's Council of Economic Advisers.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Gold rush mines are a 21st century safety hazard. It may take Colorado decades to close them all. 

Jul 30, 2024
The American heyday of gold mining may be in the past, but thousands of abandoned mines remain a problem for governments to clean up.
Inside the Chicago Carr Mine in Colorado.
Courtesy Gilpin Historical Society

Why birth order could make a difference in your career prospects

Jul 29, 2024
Older siblings have an economic leg up on their younger counterparts, according to a growing body of economic research.
Some older siblings have better economic outlooks than their younger counterparts, research shows.
The Montifraulo Collection/Getty Images

Why do fewer Americans think they'll be working past age 62?

Jul 25, 2024
American workers now expect to retire at a younger age than they did before the pandemic. But what kind of retirement will it be?
More Americans believe they won't work past age 62.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

“It's like its own little civilization”: a crash course for educators about jobs in the Port of Baltimore

Jul 23, 2024
Careers at the port range from environmentalist to tug boat captain to welder. But people have to know they exist in order to apply to do them.
More than 20,000 people are employed directly at the Port of Baltimore.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Workplace jargon reflects changing power dynamics

Jul 23, 2024
During the pandemic era, the lingo reflected workers' leverage. Now the dynamic has shifted, and how we talk about work has too.
Employers have regained much of the leverage that workers enjoyed when job openings were plentiful and applicants were scarce.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

A former floral delivery driver looks in the rearview mirror

Jul 19, 2024
Meghan Irby mapped her routes the old-fashioned way before navigation software was a thing. Her boss "used chickens as a landmark."
Meghan Irby circa 2004, when she worked as a floral delivery driver in rural West Virginia. "I was sweaty most of the time, both from the heat and the stress,” she recalls.
Courtesy Irby

Governments at all levels are hiring, and that's boosting the job market

Jul 17, 2024
The public sector is still recovering from pandemic turbulence. Due to upcoming retirements, it may stay active in the labor market for years.
Earlier in the pandemic, governments lost many workers to burnout and private-sector wage offers.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Teen summer employment is still booming

Jul 16, 2024
In June, 37.4% of 16- to 19-year-olds were either working or looking for a job, according to the latest jobs report. That’s just shy of a 15-year high of 38% back in March. 
Teen workers’ pay is up 4% in 2024 over last year, compared to 1.5% for older workers, a Gusto survey showed.
Getty Images