Economy

The disconnect between facts and feelings when it comes to voters and the economy

6:00pm April 24, 2024

Why is there a disconnect at times between good news about the economy, and how voters actually feel about the economy? And how is that likely to play out in the 2024 election?

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Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

1:26pm April 24, 2024

by Joel Rose

In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the Biden administration announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections.

Players are pushing back against free video games that rely on in-game purchases

5:11pm April 23, 2024

In 2012, a studio had a game with no publishers. So it tried something new. Now, many studios use the "live service model." Rather than costing money upfront, games are free with "in-game purchases."

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Sleep training: Life preserver for parents or "symptom of capitalism"?

6:30am April 23, 2024

by Greg Rosalsky

The raging debate over how to juggle kids and work.

Lisa Winton, co-founder of Winton Machine Company, sees herself as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. She is currently undecided, and would like to see a better solution.

Four 'American Indicators' share their view of the U.S. economy — and their politics

4:26pm April 22, 2024

The economy is a top voting issue for many Americans. Four "American Indicators," people reflecting different sectors of the economy in different parts of the country, talk about their politics.

Diego Aguilar works at a trade center at East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, Calif.

Many in Gen Z ditch colleges for trade schools. Meet the 'toolbelt generation'

1:47pm April 22, 2024

by Windsor Johnston

With demand for jobs like HVAC technicians, electricians and wind turbine installers, enrollment is ticking up at vocational schools as four-year college costs continue to soar.

Andrew Song and Luke Iseman of Make Sunsets ready for a launch. Iseman says they hope to someday cool the earth on a larger scale.

Startups want to geoengineer a cooler planet. With few rules, experts see big risks

2:05pm April 21, 2024

by Julia Simon

In a parking lot and on San Francisco Bay, NPR witnesses two different tests for solar geoengineering to tackle climate change. With much science unsettled, experts say regulations aren't keeping up.

Timber mill workers in Montana have a tough time finding affordable housing

8:10am April 19, 2024

by Austin Amestoy

One of the last remaining sawmills in Montana is closing, but not for lack of logs. Housing is too expensive for the labor force, and the mill can't hire enough workers.

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It's been an up and down week for Trump's DJT stock

6:21pm April 18, 2024

by Rafael Nam

Shares of the company behind Truth Social — under stock ticker DJT — have had quite a volatile ride since their debut last month. Here's a look at what's been going on.

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Image shows image of High Point Furniture Market

Economy

International travel remains a concern for High Point Market

3:24pm April 18, 2024

by Sheryl Zhang

The High Point Furniture Market wrapped up its spring session this week. The last two spring markets brought big crowds, a continuing

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