Business

Deandrea Rahming was apprehensive about going back to work after more than a decade out of the job market, but in the wake of the pandemic she found employers eager to hire.

Economy

Women are returning to the job market in droves, just when the U.S. needs them most

11:15am July 05, 2023

by Scott Horsley

The pandemic was hard on working women, but they've come roaring back into the labor force. The share of working-age women who have jobs or want one hit an all-time high in May.

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Politics & Government

Judge blocks government agencies from most communication with tech companies

7:14am July 05, 2023

NPR's Michel Martin talks to Washington Post reporter Cat Zakrezewski about the judge's decision which was in response to a lawsuit that claims right-wing viewpoints are being suppressed online.

Some staff are disenchanted after REI did not voluntarily recognize new union

5:05am July 05, 2023

by Alina Selyukh

Despite its reputation as a progressive employer, REI has balked at recognizing its newly unionized workers.

A Chinese microchip is seen through a microscope at the 21st China Beijing International High-tech Expo in Beijing, China, in 2018. China has imposed export curbs on two metals used in computer chips and solar cells, expanding a trade squabble with Washington.

World News

China imposes export controls on 2 metals used in semiconductors and solar panels

1:46pm July 04, 2023

by Camila Domonoske

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue, Beijing is now requiring buyers of germanium and gallium to ask for approval from the Chinese government.

The Explosive Growth Of The Fireworks Market

7:58am July 04, 2023

Over the last few decades, states and counties across America have liberalized the use of fireworks. It's just one reason why sales of fireworks have exploded.

Travelers wait in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on June 30, 2023, ahead of the 4th of July holiday weekend. Consumers are traveling and eating out more though they are paring down spending in other ways.

Economy

Here are the 5 things to know about the state of the economy this Independence Day

6:00am July 04, 2023

by Scott Horsley

As the U.S. celebrates its birthday with hot dogs and fireworks, the economy continues to grow, the job market is strong, but inflation and rising interest rates are keeping recession fears alive.

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Striking hotel workers rally outside the InterContinental Hotel after walking off their job early Sunday, July 2, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles.

Hotel workers' strike disrupts July 4th holiday in Southern California

7:19pm July 03, 2023

by Andrea Hsu

Hotel workers in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Orange County are striking for better wages and working conditions, affecting scores of hotels over the July 4th holiday.

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A lone Chia Pet sits on a shelf, a titan of 80's kitsch.

Arts

The marketing whiz behind chia pets and their iconic commercials has died

6:20pm July 03, 2023

Joseph Pedott was ahead of the wave on ch-ch-ch-chia seeds, TV advertising, and plants as the new pets.

The factors behind the huge resurgence of women in the workforce

5:29pm July 03, 2023

by Scott Horsley

The pandemic was hard on working women, but they've come roaring back into the labor force. The share of working-age women who have jobs or want one hit an all-time high in May.

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National

Joseph Pedott, man behind the ch-ch-ch Chia Pet, dies at 91

5:29pm July 03, 2023

Joseph Pedott, the advertising executive who popularized the Chia Pet, died June 22 at age 91.

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