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Last Notes

2024-08-06 01:09:51

The Dow Jones slumps over 1,000 points as fears about the U.S. economy intensify
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The Dow Jones slumped over 1,000 points amid intensifying fears about the U.S. economy; Kamala Harris is nearing the selection of a running mate; An economist suggests that fears about the global market sell-off may be disproportionate; Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. admitted to dumping a dead bear cub in Central Park; Israelis are preparing for a potential attack from Iran; Farmers are suing Tyson, alleging that the company sacrificed their farms to raise the price of chicken; A Bangladeshi journalist reflects on the resignation of the prime minister, six years after being arrested; Google lost a major anti-trust lawsuit to the Justice Department; Hurricane Debby made landfall in the southeast U.S., causing flooding and power outages; Nigeria detained an American Binance executive over a dispute with the crypto company; Despair in the West Bank is driving a desire among young men to die for a cause; Hurricane Debby is particularly rainy due to forming over abnormally warm water; The new film 'War Game' explores the scenario of a worse repeat of the January 6th events; The hosts of All Things Considered are Ailsa Chang, Ari Shapiro, Juana Summers, Mary Louise Kelly, and Scott Detrow.
https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/

2024-07-19 05:28:19

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#note18um…c44c

2024-07-19 05:28:07

Trump closes out the RNC with a lengthy speech, and details of assassination attempt
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Former President Donald Trump closed out the Republican National Convention (RNC) with a lengthy speech, accepting the party's nomination and discussing unauthorized migrants, climate policies, inflation, and the recent assassination attempt against him. Other highlights of the RNC included speeches by Hulk Hogan, Franklin Graham, and Rev. Lorenzo Sewell. Trump's speech lasted over 90 minutes, breaking his own record for the longest convention acceptance speech. He thanked his family, including his wife Melania Trump, and praised his running mate J.D. Vance. Trump also discussed the issue of unauthorized migrants, mentioning three women who were killed by migrants who entered the country without authorization. He vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. Trump touched on various topics, but did not mention abortion. He also criticized electric vehicles and climate policies, and vowed to make America great again. The RNC featured a mix of speakers and performances, including Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan, and was attended by Trump's family members and supporters. The convention took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and marked the end of the RNC.
#Trump #Rnc #Speech #AssassinationAttempt #UnauthorizedMigrants #ClimatePolicies #Inflation #HulkHogan #FranklinGraham #RevLorenzoSewell #Deportation #Abortion #ElectricVehicles #Milwaukee
https://www.npr.org/live-updates/trump-2024-rnc-milwaukee

2024-07-11 21:05:42

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#note12m7…xjnu

2024-07-11 21:05:31

Biden's top economic adviser on the state of inflation in the U.S.
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NPR’s Scott Detrow talks with President Biden’s top economic adviser, Jared Bernstein, about the state of inflation in the United States according to Thursday's Consumer Price Index report.
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/11/nx-s1-5036448/bidens-top-economic-adviser-on-the-state-of-inflation-in-the-u-s

2024-07-10 23:35:01

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#note1lne…804l

2024-07-10 23:34:49

How much do presidents ACTUALLY influence the economy?
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Voters have a bleak outlook on the economy right now, and many are pointing the finger at President Biden. At the same time, many voters have a rosy view of the economy when Donald Trump was president. The article explores how much credit or blame a president should get for the economy and how partisan politics play into our perception of the economy's performance.
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/10/1197967547/how-much-do-presidents-actually-influence-the-economy

2024-07-10 22:53:48

2024-07-09 11:30:08

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#note1907…wt6x

2024-07-09 11:29:57

How to fight shrinkflation? Pay attention to unit prices at grocery stores
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Shrinkflation is a form of inflation where companies shrink the amount of stuff they provide in packages. To combat shrinkflation, consumers can pay attention to unit prices at grocery stores. Unit prices provide a standardized measure that makes it easier to compare the value of different package sizes. While some states have enacted unit pricing laws, many stores still do not display unit prices. Consumers can calculate the unit price themselves by dividing the total price by the amount in the package. The Food Marketing Institute found that 78% of consumers use unit prices if they're displayed. New Jersey recently fined Walmart over $1.5 million for inaccuracies in displayed unit prices. Bringing a calculator or using a smartphone can help calculate unit prices if they're not displayed. Alternatively, consumers can advocate for policies that encourage stores to post unit prices.
#Shrinkflation #UnitPrices #GroceryStores #Inflation #Consumer #Pricing
https://www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2024/07/09/g-s1-8534/shrinkflation-inflation-price-consumers-law

2024-06-29 12:16:25

Martin Mull, comedian and actor in 'Arrested Development' and 'Roseanne,' dies at 80
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Martin Mull, a comedian and actor known for his roles in 'Arrested Development' and 'Roseanne,' has died at the age of 80. His daughter, Maggie Mull, announced his passing, stating that he died at home after a long illness. Martin Mull gained fame in the 1970s with his role on the satirical soap opera 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' and its spinoff 'Fernwood Tonight.' He was also a guitarist and painter. Mull played memorable characters in various films and TV shows, including 'Mr. Mom' and 'Clue.' He was nominated for an Emmy for his guest role on 'Veep' in 2016. Mull is survived by his wife and daughter.
#MartinMull #Comedian #Actor #ArrestedDevelopment #Roseanne #Death
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/g-s1-7276/martin-mull-comic-actor-dies

2024-06-18 11:11:28

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#note1c27…jhcw

2024-06-18 11:11:17

If AI is so good, why are there still so many jobs for translators?
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Despite advances in AI, jobs for human translators and interpreters are growing. The number of jobs for human translators and interpreters grew by 49.4% between 2008 and 2018, and data from the Census Bureau shows a 11% growth between 2020 and 2023. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in jobs for interpreters and translators over the next decade. AI has not fully automated translation jobs due to the limitations of AI technology. AI struggles with complex linguistic tasks that require creativity, cultural sensitivity, and understanding subtle nuances in meaning. Human translators and interpreters are still needed to ensure reliable and accurate translations, especially in high-stakes projects in fields like legal, medical, and literary translation. AI is used as a tool by human translators and interpreters to increase productivity, and the collaboration between humans and AI has made translation faster and cheaper, leading to increased demand for translation services. However, the automation of translation work may devalue the skills of human translators and interpreters, and the impact on wages is complicated. While the wages of the typical translator and interpreter are growing, there may be a growing disparity between translators who master AI and those who don't.
#Ai #Translation #Translators #Interpreters #Language #Automation
https://www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2024/06/18/g-s1-4461/if-ai-is-so-good-why-are-there-still-so-many-jobs-for-translators

2024-06-16 03:33:09

Fresh Air Weekend: Yo-Yo Ma; Actor Griffin Dunne
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Fresh Air Weekend on June 15, 2024, features Yo-Yo Ma bringing his 18th-century cello, 'Petunia,' to the studio for music and conversation. Actor Griffin Dunne revisits his Hollywood childhood in 'The Friday Afternoon Club.'
#FreshAir #YoyoMa #GriffinDunne #Music #Conversation #HollywoodChildhood
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2024/06/15/fresh-air-for-june-15-2024

2024-06-13 06:34:47

NASA says it accidentally sent out an emergency signal meant for training purposes
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NASA accidentally sent out an emergency signal meant for training purposes during a livestream. The audio was mistakenly picked up on NASA's livestream and was part of a simulation to train crew members for various scenarios in space. The International Space Station crew members were in their sleep period at the time and are healthy and safe. The spacewalk scheduled for Thursday, performed by astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick, will proceed as planned. The walk will start at 8 a.m. ET and last about six and a half hours.
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/13/g-s1-4180/nasa-emergency-signal-space-station

2024-06-11 22:50:46

From the physics of g-force to weightlessness: How it feels to launch into space
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This article discusses the experience of launching into space on a rocket. It explains the physics involved, including Newton's third law of motion and the concept of g-forces. Astronaut Wendy B. Lawrence shares her experience of intense g-forces during a launch. Once the rockets detach, astronauts feel weightless and experience microgravity. The article also explains that orbiting is essentially falling towards Earth but continuously missing it. The article concludes with a preview of the next episode of the Short Wave Space Camp series, which will cover Pluto and the solar system. The article was written by Regina G. Barber and Emily Kwong and was published on June 11, 2024, by NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/11/1254017664/space-launch-nasa-astronaut-wendy-lawrence-physics

2024-06-11 11:00:17

A strong dollar is great news for most of us — but not everybody is a winner
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The American dollar has been soaring this year relative to most currencies in the world. It reinforces America’s economic dominance and helps reduce inflation by making imports cheaper. However, a rising dollar hurts exporters and creates economic headaches around the world. The U.S. dollar index is up nearly 4% this year, and higher interest rates play a part in its strength. A strong dollar benefits almost everybody in the country by lowering the cost of importing goods, helping to counter inflation. It also benefits Americans traveling abroad and reinforces the U.S.'s economic dominance. However, a strong dollar hurts domestic manufacturers and American companies that manufacture abroad. It also wreaks havoc on foreign countries and emerging economies that have borrowed in U.S. dollars. While the strong dollar benefits many Americans, not everybody comes out a winner in terms of currencies.
#Dollar #Economy #Inflation #Exports #Imports #Manufacturing #Travel #CurrencyExchange
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/11/nx-s1-4990256/strong-dollar-overseas-travel-currency-exchange-rate

2024-06-08 14:02:52

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#note1lp6…3z6r

2024-06-08 14:02:40

Tough New Immigration Policy, Heavy SCOTUS Caseload, State of U.S. Economy Now : Up First
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A series of new executive actions are aimed at improving security at the southern border. The changes are being received at the border. The U.S. Supreme Court still has 16 fairly major cases to consider. It's June, usually around the time the U.S. Supreme Court goes into recess. We'll check in on the health of the U.S. economy, looking at barometers like inflation, mortgage rates, and employment numbers.
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/08/1198912936/up-first-new-immigration-policy-scotus-caseload-economy-06-08-2024

2024-05-15 18:14:16

Eggs, milk and other grocery prices fall, as overall inflation eases
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In April 2024, consumer prices were up 3.4% from a year ago, a smaller annual increase than the previous month. The cost of living rose 0.3% between March and April. Grocery prices fell, including a 0.8% drop in milk prices and a 7.3% decline in egg prices. 'Core' inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was 3.6% in April, the lowest reading in three years. The Federal Reserve may be able to start cutting interest rates later this year if inflation continues to moderate. Retail sales were flat in April, with spending at gas stations rising 3.1%. Some consumers are maxed out, with nearly one in five credit card users reaching their credit limit. The Federal Reserve is opening the door to possible interest rate hikes earlier next year due to high inflation.
#Inflation #ConsumerPrices #GroceryPrices #FederalReserve
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/15/1251545285/eggs-milk-and-other-grocery-prices-fall-as-overall-inflation-eases

2024-05-13 10:30:02

Tax policy think tank founder was curious if disclaimers' fine print was being read
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Dan Neidle, founder of a tax policy think tank in the UK, inserted a sentence into the privacy policy on the think tank's website in February. The sentence stated that they would send a bottle of good wine to the first person to read it. Neidle received a response to the sentence this month.
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/13/1250855157/tax-policy-think-tank-founder-was-curious-if-disclaimers-fine-print-was-being-re

2024-05-10 19:52:55

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#note16up…enj0

2024-05-10 19:52:44

Our tech has a climate problem: How we solve it
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AI, EVs, and satellites can help fight the climate crisis, but they also have environmental costs. TED speakers discuss how to use these innovations without exacerbating the problem. The TED Radio Hour features discussions on the hidden environmental costs of AI, the ethical dilemma of EVs, the risk of space junk to climate-monitoring satellites, and how AI can help with the unpredictability of wind energy.
#ClimateCrisis #Technology #Ai #Evs #Satellites #EnvironmentalImpact
https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/1250016713/our-tech-has-a-climate-problem-how-we-solve-it

2024-05-03 18:57:27

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#note139m…3v2g

2024-05-03 18:57:15

Morning Edition for May 3, 2024
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Iowa recently became the fourth Republican-led state to ban spending public money on basic income programs that do not have a work requirement. Four states have passed laws prohibiting the use of public money for no-strings cash aid. Advocates for basic income say the backlash is being fueled by a conservative think tank. Steve Inskeep celebrates 20th anniversary as host of 'Morning Edition'. Hiring slowed in April. The U.S. economy added 175,000 jobs. Some video game workers aim to unionize to push for better working conditions. Wild orangutan uses a plant to treat a wound under his right eye, scientists say. Ukraine cancels its consular services for all military-aged men living abroad. College student explores rare mental health condition in award-winning podcast. Maryland gets tough on youth crime while trying to help young offenders thrive. Blues legend Sugar Pie DeSanto reflects on decades of being on stage. A judge hears closing arguments in an antitrust case against Google. Protestors in Georgia say Russia-style draft law will damage free speech. Gather your loot, Dungeons & Dragons is on a quest to make it to the big stage. What are college students potentially risking when they engage in protests? Biden calls for peace after tense pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. U.S. university protests over the war in Gaza galvanize other demonstrations. Whistleblower Joshua Dean, who raised concerns about Boeing jets, dies at 45.
https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2024/05/03/1248860563/morning-edition-for-may-3-2024

2024-05-01 11:58:30

The Federal Reserve is weighing what to do about interest rates
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The U.S. economy has been sending mixed signals lately. Consumers say they're less confident, but they keep spending more money. The Federal Reserve is trying to figure out what to do about interest rates.
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/01/1248403442/the-federal-reserve-is-weighing-what-to-do-about-interest-rates

2024-04-30 21:34:50

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#note16m8…q80e

2024-04-30 21:34:39

Morning Edition for April 30, 2024
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The article discusses various topics covered in the Morning Edition program on April 30, 2024. The topics include the financial agreements between doctors and patients, the use of AI in writing, pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses, the impact of stress on sleep, Taylor Swift's new album, a legal victory for transgender rights advocates, victims of harassment by federal judges, HIV infections from vampire facials, the success of the IRS Direct File test program, the second week of testimony in Trump's hush money trial, the situation in Rafah, the identification of a 17-second song clip, the shooting of law enforcement officers in North Carolina, Ukraine's call for military-age men to register for service, the Israel-Hamas war, health risks from uranium ore hauling in the Navajo Nation, and more.
https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2024/04/30/1248011208/morning-edition-for-april-30-2024

2024-04-30 21:30:34

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#note1hsx…trxh

2024-04-30 21:30:23

Top companies are on students' divest list. But does it really work?
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Protesters at universities across the country are calling for divestment from companies with ties to Israel due to the country's invasion of Gaza. The calls vary, with some targeting companies like Google, Amazon, and Airbnb, while others focus on defense-related companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Divestment campaigns have a long history, with successful efforts in the past to divest from companies doing business with South Africa during apartheid and from fossil fuel companies. However, analysts argue that divestment does not usually change corporate behavior and can be worse in the long run. Universities that divest from companies with ties to Israel risk blowback from students, faculty, and alumni who support Israel. While divestment may not directly influence the companies or industries being targeted, it can create a stigma and draw attention to the issue. Divesting from companies with ties to Israel can be complicated for universities due to the size of their endowments and the complex nature of their investments. Despite the challenges, protesters continue to press for divestment as it would achieve their goals and generate headlines and debate.
#Divestment #Universities #Israel #Protests #Companies #Investments
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/30/1248088063/divest-divestment-university-college-protesters-campus-israel-gaza-invasion

2024-04-29 09:56:43

Tiny Desk Premiere: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
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Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives perform an excellent set at NPR Music headquarters. Stuart, a country and bluegrass music legend, has been performing for almost 55 years and is a five-time Grammy winner, Country Music Hall of Famer, and AMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The performance showcased beautiful harmonies, precise rhythmic precision, and perfectly blended arrangements. The set ended with the song 'Heaven' in the spirit of the church. The band members include Marty Stuart on vocals, guitar, and mandolin; Kenny Vaughan on guitar and vocals; Chris Scruggs on bass and vocals; and Harry Stinson on drums and vocals. The Tiny Desk team responsible for the production includes Suraya Mohamed as the producer, Kara Frame as the director/editor, Josephine Nyounai as the audio technical director, and Bobby Carter as the host/series producer. The concert was recorded just a few days before Easter.
#MartyStuart #FabulousSuperlatives #CountryMusic #BluegrassMusic #LivePerformance
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/29/1247449602/tiny-desk-concert-marty-stuart-and-his-fabulous-superlatives

2024-04-23 09:36:33

After 26,000 public comments, FTC to vote on rule banning noncompete agreements
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to vote on a rule that would ban noncompete agreements after receiving 26,000 public comments. The rule aims to address the prevalence of noncompete agreements that many workers sign without realizing the implications until they try to change jobs. The FTC's decision comes as part of their crackdown on location data brokers and their efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The vote on the rule is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
#Ftc #NoncompeteAgreements #Workplace #Employment
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246430110/noncompete-agreements-ftc-ban-lina-khan

2024-04-22 09:50:11

Four 'American Indicators' share their view of the U.S. economy — and their politics
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The article discusses the views of four 'American Indicators' who represent different sectors of the economy in different parts of the country. Bhavesh Patel, a franchise hotel owner, is currently undecided on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election. Lee Camp, a housing attorney, is concerned about high rents and limited access to housing, as well as the resumption of student loan payments. Brooke Neubauer, the founder of The Just One Project, wants a president who will invest in social services. Lisa Winton, co-founder of Winton Machine Company, is fiscally conservative but socially liberal and is currently undecided. The article highlights the importance of the economy as a top voting issue for many Americans.
#UsEconomy #Politics #PresidentialElection
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/22/1245872098/four-american-indicators-share-their-view-of-the-u-s-economy-and-their-politics

2024-04-22 09:49:03

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#note1gy8…j90l

2024-04-22 09:48:52

2024-04-19 20:33:01

What World War II taught us about how to help starving people today
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Lessons from World War II: The liberation of concentration camp survivors sparked the modern study of starvation. Starvation throws survivors' biological functions out of whack, making it difficult for their bodies to handle regular eating. This is known as the re-feeding syndrome. Severe acute malnutrition can cause volatile blood sugar and electrolyte levels, which can be upset by feeding regular foodstuffs. The Dutch "hunger winter" during Germany's occupation of the Netherlands revealed long-term impacts of extreme malnutrition, including stunted growth, cognitive deficits, poor school performance, and more health problems in adulthood. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lasting effects of malnutrition due to brain development. Aid groups have developed specialized care for malnourished children, including therapeutic feeding and medical interventions. However, ongoing conflicts in hunger-stricken areas make it difficult for aid workers to provide this care. Sudan and Northern Gaza are currently facing severe hunger crises, with millions of children at risk of acute malnutrition and life-threatening stages.
#Starvation #Malnutrition #WorldWarIi #Aid #HungerCrises
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/04/19/1245553753/starvation-malnutrition-holocaust

2024-04-12 22:56:42

U.S. drug makers see big profits — but many pay taxes far below the corporate rate
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Drugmakers in the U.S. are making big profits, but many are paying taxes far below the 21% corporate tax rate. For example, Pfizer's effective tax rate is so low that it is receiving a big refund despite booking $59 billion in revenue.
#DrugMakers #Taxes #CorporateTaxRate #Profits
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/12/1244509038/u-s-drug-makers-see-big-profits-but-many-pay-taxes-far-below-the-corporate-rate

2024-04-12 09:55:37

The U.S. counterintelligence head says the list of threats is long and getting longer
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Mike Casey, the head of American counterintelligence, states that the scale of foreign spying operations and economic espionage against the United States is impressive and terrifying. The list of threats is long and getting longer, with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea being the usual suspects. However, private sector entities and cybercriminals are also involved. China stands out for the ambition and scale of its espionage efforts, aiming to supplant the United States in key technology and establish an international regulatory scheme. Russia focuses more on government and military secrets. Smaller nations like Cuba cannot be overlooked, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of a former U.S. ambassador charged with spying for Cuba. Casey emphasizes the importance of counterintelligence and the need to remain vigilant.
#Counterintelligence #Spying #Threats #China #Russia #Iran #NorthKorea #Cybercriminals #PrivateSector #Espionage
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/12/1244101861/mike-casey-counterintelligence-spy-threats

2024-04-10 03:02:06

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust
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NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. The editor, Uri Berliner, criticized NPR's push for diversity and inclusion, claiming it has led to a lack of viewpoint diversity. NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, rejected Berliner's assessment and emphasized the importance of inclusion in their coverage. Berliner's essay has sparked internal arguments within NPR, with some colleagues questioning his trustworthiness and others defending the network's efforts to diversify its workforce and sources. Former NPR CEO John Lansing supported NPR's diversity mission and welcomed the argument against Berliner's critique. The new NPR CEO, Katherine Maher, also supports Chapin's response to Berliner's critique.
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/09/1243755769/npr-journalist-uri-berliner-trust-diversity

2024-04-10 02:56:48

2024-04-07 12:45:49

Using your phone to pay is convenient, but it can also mean you spend more
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Consumers tend to spend about 10% more when they adopt mobile contactless payment methods, according to research from Assistant Professor Yuqian Xu at UNC-Chapel Hill. The paper's lead author, Yuqian Xu, estimates that approximately 4.5% of total credit card usage in the US is due to the influence of frictionless payments, contributing to about $50 billion of the $1.13 trillion in current consumer credit card debt. The convenience of mobile payments, including the swift transaction process and the absence of the need to carry physical cards or a wallet, contributes to increased usage. However, Xu advises people to be aware of these dynamics and manage their financial resources to potentially reduce impulsive expenditures.
#MobilePayments #FrictionlessPayments #CreditCardUsage #ConsumerCreditCardDebt #FinancialTransactions
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/07/1241841908/apple-pay-phone-credit-spending-frictionless-payments

2024-04-06 07:56:20

Chris Pine tells us where he ranks on the list of Hollywood Chrises : Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
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Chris Pine joins Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! to talk about his new movie, imitating William Shatner, and where he ranks on the list of Hollywood Chrises. He has starred in Star Trek, Wonder Woman, and Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement. He has also written and directed his own movie. The interview was published on April 6, 2024.
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/06/1198908680/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-draft-04-06-2024

2024-04-01 09:45:41

Half a million California workers will get $20 minimum wage, starting today
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Starting today, half a million workers in California, including fast-food employees, will receive a minimum wage of $20 per hour, a 25% increase from the previous week. The law affects major restaurant chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks. The increase in labor costs has raised concerns among local franchisees. Fast-food jobs are among the lowest-paying in the U.S. economy, and many workers, who are often women, immigrants, and people of color, live below the poverty line. However, some workers still feel that $20 is not enough to feel financially secure in expensive cities like Los Angeles. The minimum wage for jobs outside of fast food in California remains $16 per hour, but employers paying less than $20 per hour may face stiffer competition for workers. The wage increase has led to potential consequences such as higher prices, automation, reduced work hours, and even closures for restaurant chains and franchisees. Some restaurant owners have already laid off delivery drivers and plan to raise prices. The cost of eating out in the U.S. has been increasing despite overall inflation cooling elsewhere. The wage increase is a result of a deal struck by labor leaders and fast-food companies, and it applies to fast-food chains with at least 60 locations nationwide. A new council has been formed to develop standards, rules, and regulations for the fast-food industry in California. Advocates hope that the increase in fast-food pay will spread to other industries in the state and across the country. The federal minimum wage in the U.S. remains at $7.25 per hour.
#California #MinimumWage #FastfoodWorkers #RestaurantChains #LaborCosts #PovertyLine #WageIncrease #Prices #Automation #WorkHours #Closures #DeliveryDrivers #Inflation #LaborDeal #FastfoodIndustry
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/01/1241743207/california-fast-food-workers-20-minimum-wage-april

2024-03-25 13:41:30

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down, part of a shakeup after 737 Max problems
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Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will step down at the end of the year, along with the retirement of the president of the commercial airplanes division and the non-reelection of the board chairman. The shakeup comes after several difficult months for Boeing, including an in-flight door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max jet in January. The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. Boeing has been struggling since the 737 Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people.
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/25/1240652652/boeing-ceo-dave-calhoun-steps-down-737-max-investigations

2024-03-25 09:41:11

Research balloons will watch the total solar eclipse from above
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On April 8, eclipse day, hundreds of student teams across the country will release hundreds of research balloons to study the atmosphere during the total solar eclipse. The effort, known as the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project, is backed by NASA and aims to make unique atmospheric measurements that can only be done during an eclipse. The balloons will carry scientific instruments into the path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun. The results will provide insights into how heat moves through the atmosphere and could improve predictions of weather and climate change. Over 750 students from 53 teams are participating in the project, which gives students an opportunity to gain real-world experience in aerospace engineering. Balloons are an ideal vehicle for this project as they can drift gently in the eclipse zone for minutes or hours, providing a unique vantage point at altitudes of 75,000 to 80,000 feet. The project also serves as a training ground for students interested in launching rockets and satellites in the future. The launch of the balloons will take place on April 8, and the students are prepared to launch multiple balloons in case of any failures or mishaps.
#SolarEclipse #Nasa #ResearchBalloons #AtmosphericMeasurements #NationwideEclipseBallooningProject #Students #AerospaceEngineering
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/25/1240017029/solar-eclipse-nasa-students-research-balloons-science

2024-03-11 23:44:27

Is the financial media making us miserable about the economy?
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There has been a disconnect between how the US economy is doing and how people feel about it. The financial media is being examined to determine if it contributes to negative economic sentiment. The Indicator from Planet Money podcast explores this issue.
#FinancialMedia #Economy #NegativeSentiment #UsEconomy
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/11/1197962938/negative-consumer-sentiment-npr-indicator-media-economy

2024-03-09 06:03:04

TED Radio Hour
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This episode of TED Radio Hour explores the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy, and our immune system. It pays tribute to environmental researcher and TED speaker Karen Bakker, who passed away in August 2023. The episode features discussions on how plants act smart without having brains, how the insect brain can help develop smarter AI, how the immune system can make us feel sad in a good way, and how AI can help us understand what animals are saying to each other. The episode is hosted by Manoush Zomorodi and features various speakers.
#TedRadioHour #ArtificialIntelligence #NaturalIntelligence #AnimalLanguage #InsectBehavior #PlantAnatomy #ImmuneSystem
https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/1236655145/natural-intelligence

2024-03-05 19:35:19

Bitcoin hits a record high. Here are 4 things to know about this spectacular rally
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Bitcoin hit a record high of $68,990.90, marking a comeback from the 'crypto winter.' The rally was sparked by the approval of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These ETFs allow millions of investors to invest in bitcoin without owning it directly. The approval led to billions of dollars flowing into these funds. Bitcoin also benefited from a strong rally in broader stock markets. The approval of bitcoin ETFs is part of a regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrencies worldwide, with the SEC and the Department of Justice vowing to go after bad actors in the sector. However, there are still risks associated with bitcoin, including its speculative and volatile nature, as well as regulatory uncertainty.
#Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency #Sec #Etfs #CryptoWinter
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/05/1235865112/bitcoin-record-high-rally-crypto-sec-etf

2024-03-05 07:16:34

Fresh Air
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This article discusses the oral history of the 'Village Voice' newspaper, capturing its creativity and rebelliousness. Tricia Romano's book 'The Freaks Came Out To Write' chronicles the passion and talent that made the newspaper great, as well as the forces that led to its demise. RuPaul is also featured, reflecting on his experiences growing up poor, Black, and queer, and forging his own path.
#VillageVoice #Newspaper #OralHistory #TriciaRomano #Rupaul
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2024/03/04/1235773672/fresh-air-for-march-4-2024-rupaul

2024-03-02 02:07:10

Wendy's pricing mind trick and other indicators of the week
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Tyler Perry halts film studio expansion plans due to AI. Wendy's communications about new pricing board goes haywire. Key inflation measure falls.
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/01/1197962344/weekly-indicators-wendys-tyler-perry-pce

2024-03-02 00:38:32

Shopping for parental benefits around the world
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The article discusses the lack of federal paid parental leave and public childcare in the United States, as well as the financial challenges faced by parents. It highlights that many countries are offering generous benefits to encourage childbirth and address population demographics. The host, Mary Childs, goes benefits shopping in Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Estonia, and Canada to find the best deal for her pregnancy. The article also provides additional resources on parental benefits and fertility rates. The episode was produced by James Sneed, edited by Jess Jiang, fact-checked by Sierra Juarez, and engineered by Cena Loffredo. Alex Goldmark is the executive producer of Planet Money.
#ParentalBenefits #PaidParentalLeave #Childcare #PopulationDemographics #Sweden #Singapore #SouthKorea #Estonia #Canada
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/01/1197958408/maternity-paternity-benefits-sweden-singapore-south-korea-estonia-canada

2024-03-01 06:41:12

Secret Vietnam directive aims to gird the Communist Party
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Last summer, the Communist leadership in Hanoi issued a secret directive known as 'Directive 24' to limit outside influences and protect the party's grip on power as Vietnam deepens ties with the U.S. The directive outlines measures to protect national security, curtail foreign influence, and prevent attempts to exert influence through economic, cultural, and social activities. It aims to stop groups inside and outside Vietnam from using increased international cooperation to promote civil society and domestic political organizations. The directive has been criticized for violating human rights and restricting freedoms. Vietnam's foreign ministry and embassy did not respond to questions about the directive. Directive 24 was issued in July 2023, two months before President Biden and Vietnamese Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong elevated the bilateral relationship to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership'. The Biden administration sees deeper ties with Vietnam as potentially helpful in countering China in the Indo-Pacific. Vietnam has also formed strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan, and is expected to complete a deal with Australia. The directive is seen as a preparation for increased foreign interaction and a signal that Vietnam is not budging politically. It comes amid a crackdown on civil society and human rights advocacy groups in Vietnam. Critics argue that the directive does not provide a compelling national security argument for restricting rights and contradicts international law and the country's constitution.
#Vietnam #Us #CommunistParty #NationalSecurity #ForeignInfluence #HumanRights
https://www.npr.org/2024/03/01/1234582040/as-vietnam-grows-ties-with-u-s-a-secret-directive-seeks-to-gird-the-communist-pa

2024-02-28 20:13:32

Google CEO Pichai says Gemini's AI image results "offended our users"
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai sent an email to staff on Tuesday saying Gemini's release was unacceptable. Last week, Google paused Gemini's ability to create images following viral posts on social media depicting some of the AI tool's results, including images of America's Founding Fathers as black, the Pope as a woman, and a Nazi-era German soldier with dark skin. Pichai acknowledged that the tool's responses have offended users and shown bias, and pledged to take actions to address the issue. Google executive Prabhakar Raghavan explained that the AI service failed to account for cases that should clearly show a range of images and became overly cautious in its responses. Gemini's text-generating capabilities also came under scrutiny for providing controversial answers. Pichai acknowledged that no AI is perfect but expressed the company's commitment to improving the service.
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1234532775/google-gemini-offended-users-images-race

2024-02-20 08:36:40

WikiLeaks founder Assange starts final legal battle to avoid extradition to U.S.
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Julian Assange's lawyers begin their final legal challenge in the UK to prevent his extradition to the US. Assange has been fighting extradition for over a decade, spending seven years in self-exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and the last five years in a high-security prison. His attorneys will ask two High Court judges for a new appeal hearing, and if they rule against him, he can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Supporters are concerned he could be extradited before that happens. Assange is facing 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse for the publication of classified US documents on WikiLeaks. His supporters argue that the prosecution is politically motivated and that he won't receive a fair trial in the US. Assange's legal troubles began in 2010 when he was arrested in London at the request of Sweden for allegations of rape and sexual assault. He sought refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in 2012 but was evicted in 2019 and arrested by British police. Assange's lawyers claim he could face up to 175 years in prison if convicted.
#JulianAssange #Extradition #LegalBattle #Us #Wikileaks
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/20/1232605056/wikileaks-assange-legal-battle-extradition

2024-01-14 00:02:29

Fresh Air Weekend: Sterling K. Brown; Paul Giamatti
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Actor Sterling K. Brown recommends taking it "moment to moment," on screen and in life. Paul Giamatti's own high school years came in handy in The Holdovers. Fresh Air Weekend features interviews with Sterling K. Brown and Paul Giamatti. The episode was aired on January 13, 2024. Sterling K. Brown stars in a new film. The host of Fresh Air is Tonya Mosley from WHYY in Philadelphia.
#SterlingK.Brown #PaulGiamatti #Interview #Film
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2024/01/13/1224173744/fresh-air-for-jan-13-2024-sterling-k-brown-paul-giamatti

2024-01-10 04:29:25

The FAFSA rollout has been rough on students. The biggest problem is yet to come
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Since the new FAFSA launched on Dec. 30, 2023, the form has only been available for short periods of time. On Tuesday, the U.S. Education Department said applicants will now have 24-hour access. The Education Department has made a big mistake with this year's FAFSA — one that could cost students financial aid they're entitled to. It's now grappling with how to implement a fix.
https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/2024/01/09/1223623981/morning-edition-for-january-9-2024

2024-01-09 04:55:21

Fresh Air
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Sterling K. Brown, known for his roles in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' and 'This Is Us,' recommends taking life 'moment to moment.' He appears in a new film. The Fresh Air program for January 8, 2024, features an interview with Bradley Cooper and Yannick Nézet-Séguin about 'Maestro.' The host is Tonya Mosley from WHYY in Philadelphia.
#SterlingK.Brown #BradleyCooper #YannickNézet-séguin #FreshAir #Interview #Film #Maestro
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2024/01/08/1223490793/fresh-air-for-jan-8-2024-american-fiction-actor-sterling-k-brown

2024-01-08 01:09:17

Weekend Edition Sunday
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This episode of Weekend Edition Sunday aired on January 7, 2024. The featured story discusses how illiterate fishermen in Pakistan have become citizen scientists, helping to revive the endangered Indus River dolphin. Other stories include a series of attacks in the Middle East, the grounding of over 170 Boeing airliners by the FAA, the Biden administration's move to protect forests with older trees, South Korea's mourning of the death of actor Lee Sun-kyun, older Americans feeling trapped in Medicare Advantage plans, a Sunday puzzle about silent letters, the use of movie soundtracks to bring new listeners to old classics, the start of the 2024 campaigning season with speeches from Trump and Biden, Argentina's newly-elected right-wing president proposing massive reforms, elite colleges reaching out to rural students, using the Inflation Reduction Act to improve home energy efficiency, a memorial in Tel Aviv honoring victims of a music festival, Chinese carmakers flooding the European market with electric vehicles, youth advocates criticizing New Mexico governor's move to ramp up juvenile detention, objections from the Navajo Nation to people paying to deposit human remains on the moon, and jazz musician Aaron Diehl discussing his rendition of 'The Zodiac Suite'.
https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/2024/01/07/1223351600/weekend-edition-sunday-for-january-7-2024

2024-01-06 06:09:12

This article is a summary of the Fresh Air program for January 5, 2024, which pays tribute to Tom Smothers, a TV pioneer and satirist. The program is hosted by Tonya Mosley from WHYY in Philadelphia. The article includes a link to an embedded audio player where listeners can hear the program. The article also provides links to previous episodes of Fresh Air, featuring topics such as the Ozempic revolution, restaurateur Rose Previte, Bradley Cooper and Yannick Nézet-Séguin on 'Maestro', and Barbra Streisand. The article is from NPR and was published on January 5, 2024.
#FreshAir #TomSmothers #TvPioneer #Satirist #AudioPlayer #Whyy #Philadelphia
https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2024/01/05/1223065277/fresh-air-for-jan-5-2024-remembering-tom-smothers

2024-01-05 22:16:31

U.S. employers added 216,000 jobs in December, exceeding forecasters' predictions. This brings the total number of jobs added in 2023 to 2.7 million, despite the impact of rising interest rates.
#U.s.Employers #JobGrowth #December #Forecast #LaborMarket
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/05/1223193861/u-s-employers-surpass-forecasters-predictions-by-adding-216-000-jobs-in-december