Economy

Economy

Why one NPR correspondent finally ditched DVDs for streaming

8:26am December 31, 2022

by Scott Horsley

It was once cutting edge to get DVDs in the mail for a low monthly subscription. Then came the fragmented world of streaming. But what about the last holdouts who are all about the disc?

A boy works in a coal mine north of Kabul. Afghanistan's state-run coal industry is going strong in an otherwise shattered economy. Many underage workers are the ones who are extracting the coal.

In Afghanistan, coal mining relies on the labor of children

5:02am December 31, 2022

Since the return of the Taliban, Afghanistan's coal exports have increased — and so has child labor. At a coal mine in Baghlan province, boys earn between $3 and $8 for a day's work.

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Economy

Encore: Rising interest rates plunge the housing market into a deep freeze

4:47pm December 30, 2022

by Arezou Rezvani

With interest rates creeping up month after month, many buyers and sellers have put their plans on hold, and that's plunged the housing market into a deep freeze.

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The end-of-year federal spending bill contains major changes to retirement savings in the U.S.

Economy

The federal spending bill will make it easier to save for retirement. Here's how

10:29am December 30, 2022

by Arezou Rezvani

From emergency savings accounts to assistance for student loan borrowers, the new federal spending bill aims to make it easier to save for retirement.

Southwest Airlines has canceled more than 15,000 flights in the last week and has lost thousands of bags.

Economy

Southwest Airlines' #epicfail takes social media by storm

7:32pm December 29, 2022

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Thousands of cancellations, lost bags and endless lines have angry customers taking to social media to voice their discontent.

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Economy

A day-in-the-life challenge with inflation

3:58pm December 29, 2022

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Inflation invaded every waking moment of 2022. But just how bad was it? Cue: Day-in-the-life challenge.

Barges were stranded by low water levels along the Mississippi River in October, driving up shipping prices and threatening crop exports and fertilizer shipments. Scientists at the University of Memphis expect more dramatic swings in water levels on the river due to climate change.

Republicans plan more attacks on ESG. Investors still plan to focus on climate risk

1:20pm December 29, 2022

by Michael Copley

Investors still view climate change as a serious financial risk. But Republican attacks could have a chilling effect on the kinds of actions they're willing to take to deal with the problem.

Economy

New president at Old Salem navigates the changing COVID landscape

5:06am December 27, 2022

by David Ford

Old Salem Museum and Gardens has new leadership. After serving as interim president and CEO following the departure of Frank Vagnone, Terry Taylor was selected by the trustees to take the reins permanently. His tenure begins at a challenging time for historic properties.

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Economy

Food banks in the U.S. are feeling the pinch of inflation

5:06am December 27, 2022

by A Martínez

Food banks say inflation is increasing demand while making it more expensive to keep shelves stocked and donations aren't going as far.

Economy

New United Way director felt called to help people out of poverty

6:00am December 26, 2022

by Paul Garber

2022 marks a transition year for the United Way of Forsyth County, with new leadership for the first time in more than a decade.