Gas, groceries and no room for mistakes – Americans are feeling inflation
Americans tell us how the rising costs of goods – driven by inflation – is affecting their lives.
Economy
Unpacking the Dollar Tree price hike
NPR's David Folkenflik speaks with Harvard Business Professor Willy Shih about Dollar Tree increasing its prices by 25% and what that says about the state of the U.S. economy.
The Dow just had its worst day all year
Stocks tumbled on Friday, with the Dow losing 905 points, amid the naming of another coronavirus variant and worries over more potential economic disruption.
Making sense of Americans' current spending habits
NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Oxford economist Mahir Rasheed about Americans spending money this holiday season despite poll numbers saying people are worried about their future economic state.
Black Friday is expected to deliver record-setting sales despite supply chain issues
Some items are in short supply, prices are rising and deals aren't as good this Black Friday. But with widespread vaccinations, shoppers have returned to malls in droves, promising record spending.
Morning news brief
Europe and Asia are facing COVID-19 surges. Iran nuclear deal talks resume. And, Americans are buying more than ever.
How a meatpacking plant sent 2 towns down very different economic paths
40 years ago, two Great Plains towns were sent on very different paths. While a meatpacking plant has allowed one town to prosper, another regrets that its former leaders once feared change.
A complete guide to what is — and isn't — open this Thanksgiving Day
Many major retailers and fast-food chains have announced they will be closed this Thanksgiving. A few, however, will stay open for customers.
As food prices rise, non-profits try to keep serving clients
NPR's Ari Shapiro checks in with Brooke Neubauer, who owns a non-profit in Las Vegas, Nev., about how the community she serves is holding up as food prices surge.
The Biden administration's plan to tap into oil reserves is drawing criticism
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to economic policy consultant Tony Fratto, who says releasing oil from the strategic petroleum reserve is little more than a "political messaging device."