Episode 733: A Trunk Full of Truffles
Truffles are a lumpy, smelly fungus. They're also one of the most coveted foods in the world. Why are they so expensive? And why are people willing to pay so much for them?
Economy
Manure Happens, Especially When Hog Farms Flood
When Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina last month, it flooded more than a dozen manure lagoons at hog farms. Environmentalists say it shows that these farms are too risky for the state.
October Jobs Report Shows Significant Growth In Wages
The jobs report released Friday morning came in a little weaker than expected, but there was one very big positive. Wages are growing at a respectable clip again, and that's the first time that's happened on an annual basis since the recession.
U.S. Wages Rising At The Fastest Pace In Years Amid Solid Hiring
The Labor Department's latest jobs report shows that average hourly earnings have risen by 2.8 percent since last year, outpacing inflation. Economists say that will boost consumer spending.
U.S. Added 161,000 New Jobs In October; Wages Rise By 10 Cents
The unemployment rate was little changed, ticking back down to 4.9 percent. Hourly earnings rose 10 cents over last month — in total, wages are up 2.8 percent year over year.
One Arizona Group Goes To Court For The Disabled — More Than 1,500 Times
An advocacy group in Arizona is creating controversy by tackling enforcement of the law on its own. But the growing number of lawsuits recently led Arizona's attorney general to intervene.
Last Pre-Election Jobs Report Due Out Friday
Economists expect the report to show about 175,000 new jobs created last month.
Is Capitalism Compatible With Democracy?
Yanis Varoufakis proposes a provocative idea: democracy is not compatible with capitalism. He argues corporations have gained too much control and advocates for an "authentic democracy."
Administration Gives Electric Car Charging Grid A Boost
The White House announced it is establishing 48 corridors on America's highways for charging electric vehicles.
Financial Markets Get The Jitters Ahead Of Election Day
With less than a week to go to voting day for the presidential election, and the race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton tightening, financial markets are starting to get the jitters. With the election almost upon us, the stock market is paying close attention — and that's unusual. Markets don't usually move too much based on who wins the presidency. But this time around it's a different story, and as Donald Trump's prospects have improved, stocks have been falling.