All Economy
First LookUnited Auto Workers union is poised to strike. Why now?About 146,000 U.S. auto workers are set to go on strike this week against any automaker that hasn鈥檛 reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers union by the time contracts expire on Sept. 14. The union is asking for 46% in raises, among other demands.
Summer of labor: Why unions win pay hikes and new cloutSome old narratives about labor unions and blue-collar decline no longer seem to apply, as workers win pay hikes and make their voices heard.
First LookChina鈥檚 economic slump: Why is it happening?China鈥檚 exports tumbled significantly in July, adding pressure on the ruling party to buoy the economy. Demand for Chinese exports has slowed as interest rates have gone up and consumer spending in developed nations has dipped.
First LookHollywood is still on strike, so why are some movies being made?Although the actors and writers strikes have shut down nearly all Hollywood films from major production companies, some independent productions are being granted union waivers to continue. The move has proved confusing and divisive to those on picket lines.
First LookThe US lost its pristine credit rating. What does that mean?Citing an 鈥渆rosion of governance,鈥� Fitch Ratings became the second major credit-rating firm to bump the United States government鈥檚 top-notch triple-A assessment.聽The downgrade may have little impact on financial markets or interest rates.
First LookLights off for incandescents: Edison bulbs ruled a relic of the pastThomas Edison鈥檚 pioneering incandescent light bulb is fading into history in favor of more efficient and longer-lasting LED bulbs. New federal rules governing energy efficiency went into effect, ending the manufacture and sale of incandescent bulbs.
First LookInflation battle: Federal Reserve hikes interest rate for 11th timeFor the 11th time in the past 17 months, the Federal Reserve has hiked its benchmark interest rate 鈥� this time from 5.1% to 5.3% 鈥� in an effort to curb inflation. The Fed gave no clear signs, however, of when or whether there will be further increases.
Corporate diversity push: How it鈥檚 shaken as affirmative action endsA recent court ruling on affirmative action is roiling boardrooms 鈥� even as their focus on diversity isn鈥檛 likely to disappear.
First LookUPS strikes historic union deal, averting nationwide disruptionUPS agreed on a contract with its 340,000-member union, preventing a potential nationwide logistics disruption. This 鈥渉istoric鈥� and highly beneficial deal increases part-time starting pay and ensures safety improvements.
First LookUPS negotiations resume but may end in strike. What鈥檚 at stake?Negotiations between UPS and its unionized workers are set to resume Tuesday before their contract expires on July 31. If a new contract is not agreed upon, the workers will strike, slowing supply chains and possibly provoking government intervention.聽
First LookUS inflation hits lowest point since 2021, bringing consumers reliefAfter two years of soaring inflation, the Federal Reserve reported the lowest figure since early 2021 鈥� 3% in June, year over year. The shift, which should ease consumers鈥� minds, comes as prices ease for gasoline, airfares, used cars, and groceries.
Moms navigate a post-pandemic shift back to officesChild care can still be hard to find, yet many mothers are managing the return to in-person work, and female employment has stayed surprisingly strong.
Could battery boom change South鈥檚 views of green energy?Alabama could be the buckle of a new manufacturing 鈥渂attery belt鈥� across the South. The economic activity is putting green energy in a new light.聽
Proposed power plant emission cuts: Can US keep the lights on?A鈥� 鈥媎ebate over how fast to transition to clean energy 鈥媔s gaining urgency, as 鈥媋 proposed 鈥婨PA 鈥媏missions rule stirs concerns about electric grid reliability.
First LookRecession? Why the US may have a 'soft landing' instead.Economists have long predicted that the United States is due for a recession. But, as consumers keep spending and employers keep hiring, some experts now believe the U.S. might manage to avoid a recession in the near future.
Test for humans: How to make artificial intelligence safeAs tools based on artificial intelligence spread, calls for regulating the technology 鈥� and addressing basic questions of trust 鈥� have been rising.
First LookAre your checks safe? Fraud surges, targeting vulnerable groups.Check fraud has doubled since 2021 due to organized crime, forcing businesses to be extra cautious. Americans should minimize mailing checks and seek secure options like post office drop-offs, officials say.
Get a job: After 100 years, states loosen child labor lawsFor the first time in history, both red and blue states are engaged in a nationwide discussion over relaxing rules around children鈥檚 work.
First LookJournalists walk out: Hundreds strike against major paper chainHundreds of journalists across two dozen local papers owned by Gannett, the biggest newspaper chain in the U.S., went on strike on Monday. They demanded an end to painful cost-cutting measures and a change of leadership at their parent company.
First LookWealth over health: Why countries continue to tax tamponsNearly 20 countries have abolished or lowered 鈥渢ampon taxes,鈥� consumption taxes levied on menstrual products, following Kenya鈥檚 decision in 2004. But even amid a push for access to sanitary products, some countries hesitate to relinquish the revenue.聽聽