Wheels Come Off For Bus Companies, Closing Down Travel Options For Poorer Americans
Demand for bus travel has dropped sharply during the pandemic, jeopardizing an industry that ordinarily serves many lower-income travelers.
inflation
More Groceries, Less Gas: The Pandemic Is Shaking Up The Cost Of Living
Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August and 1.3% over the last 12 months. Some economists say that official measure understates inflation, because the pandemic has changed both what and how we buy.
Fed Prepared To Let Economy Run Hotter
The Federal Reserve is adjusting its long-range policy on inflation and employment. The central bank said it's now more concerned with prices that are too low than with runaway inflation.
The Great Pandemic Bake-Off May Be Over
The price of baking flour has fallen along with the price of eggs, suggesting an easing in the baking craze that gripped hungry and housebound consumers in the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Reserve Vows To Help Economy Weather The Pandemic Recession
The Fed leaves interest rates near zero as expected, and promises to use all of its tools to support the economy. Officials project unemployment above 9% at the end of this year.
We're Eating At Home And It's Costing Us More
The latest inflation data offers a snapshot of Americans' new pandemic spending habits. Prices are down for most goods and services but up sharply for groceries.
Many Venezuelans Can No Longer Afford Beer, So They're Drinking Cheap Agave Liquor
Cocuy was once stigmatized as moonshine, but with hyperinflation putting other drinks out of reach, many Venezuelans have turned to this cheap form of alcohol. It tastes similar to tequila and mezcal.
Trump Administration Considering Changes That Would Redefine The Poverty Line
The possible change involves a different inflation measure to adjust the poverty threshold annually. Anti-poverty groups worry that many low-income people would be pushed off assistance programs.
Unemployment Drops To 3.6%, 263,000 Jobs Added, Showing Economy Remains Strong
Employers added far more jobs than expected in April — another sign the U.S. economy is chugging along as the expansion nears the 10-year mark. The unemployment rate was the lowest since 1969.
Venezuela, Racked With Hyperinflation, Rolls Out New Banknotes
The country is responding to its currency's alarmingly rapid devaluation with an unlikely solution — by devaluing it further. But many economists are not impressed.