All Economy
A night (or day) at the museum: Getting better for workers?At museums and other cultural institutions, traditions of low pay are changing as employees seek a stronger voice.
Why FTX collapse doesn’t mean an end for cryptocurrencyThe big question: If most of the trading in cryptocurrencies is high-risk speculation and they will require traditional regulation anyway, does the world really need such alternative money?
Utah is growing fast. Will there be enough water for everyone?Some Utah towns are slowing development in the face of drought. Would conservation and higher rates work to limit water consumption?
US stopped being a nation of workaholics. Enter Elon Musk.Twitter might be one of the most extreme examples of workplace culture issues that have been playing out in the U.S. since the pandemic.
No zoning: Is Houston an affordable housing model or morass?Zoning and regulations face scrutiny for making it harder to build housing. One Texas region shows how it might look to remove red tape.
FocusThe rent is too high. After historic surge, is relief on the way?Double-digit rent hikes are squeezing many Americans. But inflation appears to be cooling amid shifting marketplace realities for landlords, tenants, and builders.
First LookInfluencers debate leaving Twitter, but where would they go?Elon Musk has signaled his intent to loosen Twitter's guardrails. The use of racial slurs quickly surged in an apparent test of his tolerance level. As Twitter users consider whether to stay or go, the debate is especially fraught for people of color.
First LookUS economy returns to growth as record inflation persistsDespite concerns of an approaching recession, the U.S. economy grew at 2.6% from July through September, more than was expected. Most economists, however, believe the economy skirted recession, noting the resilient job market and steady consumer spending.
First LookLow-income workers weigh lifelong costs of unwanted pregnanciesAs abortion bans throughout the United States begin to take shape, the stakes are highest for low-wage workers who cannot afford child care expenses. A combination of factors makes unwanted pregnancies exceptionally difficult for lower-income women.
First LookCan Amazon workers keep unionization momentum going?Despite recent losses and fractures in union leadership, the Amazon Labor Union is voting to organize a second warehouse in upstate New York. The vote comes amid fierce opposition from Amazon.
The ExplainerShould gig workers become employees? A fairness question resurfaces.Explainer: A Biden administration rule change would shift the balance on a difficult question – distinguishing contractors from employees.
First Look'Welcome news': Social Security offers biggest boost in 40 yearsAs inflation reaches record highs, Social Security recipients will receive an 8.7% increase in benefits in 2023 – the largest in four decades. Retirees will get the most from the adjustment, which is a response to higher costs of living.
Home prices are dropping. That doesn’t mean buyers can afford them.Why has affordable housing been in such short supply, even before mortgage costs spiked? It’s market forces but also choices about local land use.
Supply-chain snarls are receding. Will that curb inflation?The fight against inflation isn’t all up to the Fed, it’s also a supply issue. So how close are we to solving supply-chain and labor shortages?
First LookPaid internships can diversify workforce, combat wealth gapUnpaid internships are facing critique from student activists, lawmakers, and universities due to the unfair advantage they give to those from wealthier backgrounds. Almost half of all internships are unpaid, and many students say they can’t afford them.
Cover StoryFour-day workweek: Why more companies are taking the plungeTaking a fresh look at the traditional Monday-Friday grind, companies and employees are experimenting with rebalancing the work-life scales.
Minneapolis seeks housing equality. Is building more homes enough?Does building more multifamily homes make housing more affordable? Not so far in Minneapolis, where residents are finding that factors like NIMBY and racism are keeping housing equality elusive.
Behind a coal mine strike: Who cares for workers in a fading industry?Coal miners have been on strike for 18 months in Alabama. Their struggle points to the wider search for a “just transition” for an industry squeezed by energy trends and the fight against climate change.
First LookHas inflation peaked? US gas prices lower second month in a row.Gas prices and used car prices are continuing their downward trend since July. Although consumer prices remain high, economists and Democrats heading into midterm elections hope signs that inflation has almost peaked will turn out to be true.
The ExplainerIndependent unions are having a moment. But are they here to stay?A new wave of labor organizers is bucking the old guard, raising questions about the future of power in the workplace.
