Latest Stories

Latest Stories

How much will the U.S. energy mix change under Trump? Maybe not much.

Mar 17, 2025
We're likely to continue our all-of-the-above approach that includes fossil fuels and renewables, with price a key factor.
An offshore natural gas rig. Some systems for monitoring and mitigating carbon emissions are likely to stick around. One application is ensuring that LNG exports comply with international standards.
J. David Ake/Getty Images

DOGE, tariffs, recession fears: "There's only so much the Fed can do," economist says

"What is completely uncertain is what the destination looks like," says Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queens' College, about the U.S. economy.
"Think a little bit about you being on a plane and suddenly the decision is to dismantle the engine and put a new one on," says economist Mohamed El-Erian, above. "It's actually very difficult to maintain altitude when you're trying to do that."
Rob Kim/Getty Images

A Federal Reserve index points to a manufacturing slowdown in New York — and possibly elsewhere

Mar 17, 2025
The Fed's Empire State manufacturing index shows weakness in demand and employment, possibly tied to the prospect of tariffs.
Tariffs may have contributed to a slide in manufacturing in New York state, according to new data.
Phynart Studios/Getty Images

Technology and uncertainty expand ranks of Americans working multiple jobs

Mar 17, 2025
About 5.4% of U.S. workers had a second job in February, according to the BLS. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Economist Lonnie Golden estimates that over 20% of U.S. workers had at least one additional job in the past six months.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The benefits and drawbacks of employer-sponsored child care

Mar 17, 2025
"Employers are not going to necessarily be prioritizing what's best for kids; they're going to always have their bottom line as their top priority," explains Vox's Rachel Cohen.
"There’s fear that [employer-sponsored child care] moves further away from the idea of universal child care," said Vox's Rachel Cohen.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

In uncertain times, businesses turn to "just-in-case" logistics

Mar 17, 2025
As trade tensions affect the availability of parts and disrupt supply chains, importers and exporters increasingly need a backup plan.
For businesses, just-in-case logistics means stockpiling extra products or parts.
Kate Dearman for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Who selected the Lady Gaga song you’re hearing at the grocery store? 

Mar 14, 2025
Employees and marketing teams select songs from music providers, taking into account customer and employee feedback.
The right music can boost grocery sales, according to one Norwegian study.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Despite rising egg prices, a historic San Francisco soufflé restaurant hangs on

Mar 14, 2025
Jacqueline Margulis, now 88, opened her soufflé-centric cafe in San Francisco 45 years ago. When will she put down her whisk?
Café Jacqueline has been open for 45 years and is still run by 88-year-old chef Jacqueline Margulis.
Mary Beth Kirchner

Have mortgage rates dropped enough to spur homebuyers this spring?

Mar 14, 2025
Four out of five prospective buyers won’t act until mortgage rates fall further, a recent U.S. News & World Report survey found.
Any improvement in the economic outlook could push mortgage rates up again, says Guy Cecala with Inside Mortgage Finance.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

U.S. wants Chinese consumers to spend more and shrink the trade gap. That won't be easy.

Mar 14, 2025
A look at why consumption in China has been sluggish.
Chinese officials also want consumers to spend more to spur economic growth, but they're not willing to provide a lot of support.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace