How A Single Missing Part Can Hold Up $5 Million Machines And Unleash Industrial Hell
U.S. manufacturers are still struggling to keep pace with booming demand. The culprit? Sometimes, it's a single missing part.
manufacturing
American Indicators: The Faces And Stories Behind The Economic Statistics
Some sectors are thriving, while others continue to struggle, putting different people in vastly different situations. NPR is following four people who will help illustrate the arc of the recovery.
Why N95 Masks Are Still In Short Supply In The U.S.
Early in the pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators and other medical gear prompted panic across the world. A year later, the masks still aren't widely available to U.S. consumers.
Why It's So Hard To Buy A New Refrigerator These Days
Some shoppers looking to buy new fridges, freezers or washers have been finding themselves out of luck. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench into both supply and demand.
This Charmin Factory Keeps Humming Even As Much Of America Is Hunkered Down
Although millions of Americans are out of work or working from home, many are still working at factories nationwide. They have some lessons on what it will take to "reopen" the country safely.
Factories Feel The Coronavirus Slump
The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on the nation's factories. Manufacturing activity slumped in March as the virus cut into both supply and demand.
Hiring Picks Up As Employers Add 225,000 Jobs In January
U.S. employers added more jobs than expected last month, while the unemployment rate inched up to 3.6%. Unusually warm weather contributed to job gains for construction workers.
Women Now Outnumber Men On U.S. Payrolls
Women got the lion's share of new jobs in December and now outnumber men on U.S. payrolls. This unusual situation reflects the growth of industries like health care where women dominate.
U.S. Job Growth Cools In December As Employers Add 145,000 Jobs
December's job growth is down slightly from the three previous months, when employers added an average of 200,000 jobs. But the unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, matching a 50-year low.
Boeing Is So Big That Its 737 Max Production Halt Will Slow The Economy
The aircraft giant is the top U.S. exporter, and its decision to suspend production of the 737 Max is likely to ripple through the supply chain. Several analysts project that the move will cut growth.