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Factories have been closing in southwest Ohio for years. This Delphi factory in Dayton shut down in 2006. Economists say that to a large degree, the decline in middle incomes reflects the loss of factory jobs.

In 9 Out Of 10 Cities, Middle-Income Families Are Slipping Away

6:12pm May 12, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

A new study by the Pew Research Center shows the share of middle-income households is shrinking. That's because more households are moving into the upper class, while others are sinking lower.

A Lyft van sits outside the Austin Convention Center in March, during the 2016 SXSW Festival. The ride-hailing company, along with its competitor Uber, has now vowed to "pause" operations in the city, after Austin voters sided against the ride-hailing app

Uber, Lyft Vow To Stop Driving In Austin After Voters Keep Regulations

9:34am May 09, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The ride-hailing firms spent millions trying to persuade city voters to reject rules requiring drivers to be fingerprinted. But they lost, and now say they're "pausing" operations in Texas' capital.

Economy

Ice Is Nice, But Do I Have To Say Venti To Get A Large Coffee?

8:39am May 07, 2016

by Lynn Neary

A woman is suing Starbucks for putting too much ice in her iced coffee. NPR's Lynn Neary wonders if asking the barista for light ice could fix things, then decries the Starbucks' naming conventions.

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Graduates celebrate during commencement ceremonies at Harvard University.

Job Growth Might Be Slowing Overall — But It's Surging For New College Grads

5:35pm May 06, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Congratulations to the Class of 2016! They are graduating into the best job market in a decade, especially for those with degrees in business, technology or engineering.

Seattle chef Renee Erickson won the 2016 James Beard Award as best chef in the Northwest. She employs 100 people at her restaurant group.

Why This Seattle Chef Is Embracing A Higher Minimum Wage For Employees

11:50am May 06, 2016

by NPR Staff

Small businesses in Seattle have to pay a minimum of $15 an hour starting in 2021. But chef Renee Erickson has adopted higher pay for employees of her restaurant group ahead of schedule.

Buying a car is a big expense - but it doesn't have to be a stressful one.

Economy

How To Buy A Car: Start With Some Patience

6:38pm May 05, 2016

by Sonari Glinton

A car is one of the larger purchases most people make. How can you make sure that purchase isn't a mistake? Don't "buy it today." Do your research. Don't panic. Easy, right?

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Jennifer Kaiser, a 44-year-old legal assistant from Indianapolis, who said her yearly raises are eaten up by expenses.

Politics In Real Life: What Wage Stagnation Looks Like For Many Americans

6:33pm May 05, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

How the economy feels can be key in an election, and due to wage stagnation, the economic recovery doesn't feel real to many Americans, including Jennifer Kaiser of Indianapolis.

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray says financial firms use arbitration to

New Rule Would Make It Easier For Consumers To Sue Banks

1:36pm May 05, 2016

by Chris Arnold

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed banning financial firms from forcing arbitration to avoid lawsuits. But industry officials say the rule will lead to frivolous legal action.

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A customer receives a slice of pizza from the prepared food section of the new Whole Foods Market Inc. store in downtown Los Angeles. Prepared foods sold at supermarkets, big-box and convenience stores are a bigger and bigger portion of those companies' p

What's For Dinner? The Options For A Fast Answer Multiply

3:35pm May 04, 2016

by Sonari Glinton

As many as 80 percent of Americans don't know what's for dinner by 4 p.m. that same day. From in-grocery store restaurants to local, organic cafeteria fare, new options for fast meals are cropping up.

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Delaware Gov. Jack Markell says his state is exploring blockchain technology for various transactions.

Not Just Bitcoin: Why The Blockchain Is A Seductive Technology To Many Industries

1:56pm May 04, 2016

by Naomi LaChance

From bank regulation to military messaging, the blockchain is offering a wide potential to change the way online transactions and communications are carried out.