All Economy
First LookIs a recession inevitable? Maybe not, say economists.Inflation has been one of the most pressing issues for Americans as consumers struggle to keep up with rising prices. Now economists have hope that a recession might not hit in 2023 as wages have risen and prices cooled in recent months.
First LookNurses on strike: Walkout in New York ends with mutual dealNurses at two privately owned New York hospitals returned to work on Thursday, ending a strike calling for better working conditions and higher pay. Nurses say they have had to work overtime, handle twice as many patients, and skip breaks.
No ‘winter of discontent’ for West. But energy realities still hit home.The Ukraine war has elevated the importance of energy security worldwide. In practice, this means a push for fossil fuels alongside renewables.
First LookHoliday spending exceeds expected increase, despite inflationDespite the surging costs of food and rent, holiday spending rose by 7.6% – a slower pace than last year, but still a greater increase than expected.
First LookWhat could reparations look like? California task force seeks answers.A first-of-its-kind task force in California met Wednesday to discuss how reparations could work. The task force has a July 1 deadline to complete its final report though lawmakers will need to pass legislation for policy changes to take place.
First LookAs US inflation slows, FED plans interest rates hikeU.S. inflation slowed again in November for the fifth straight month, a sign that price increases are cooling. Despite slowing inflation, the Fed has continued raising interest rates, leading some economists to warn of an impending recession.
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?
