National This skateboarding economist suggests we need more skateparks and less capitalism A skateboarder presented an unusual paper at this year's big meeting of American economists. Greg Rosalsky
National NPR shopped for 96 items at Walmart to track how prices are really changing NPR has tracked the prices of dozens of items at the same superstore in Georgia, including eggs, T-shirts, snacks and paper towels. Here's what got cheaper over the past year, and more expensive. Alina Selyukh Juweek Adolphe
Politics China's exports in December up 10.7%, beating estimates as higher U.S. tariffs loom China has raced to fill orders ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's promised tariffs on Chinese goods. Exports have surged in the country since the pandemic. The Associated Press
Politics U.S. stock markets close to honor former President Jimmy Carter The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will both observe Thursday's national day of mourning in a Wall Street tradition dating back to 1865. Maria Aspan
National What America's top economists are saying about AI and inequality Planet Money attended the annual meeting of American economists — and the most popular topic this year was artificial intelligence. Greg Rosalsky
Business Biden makes an 11th-hour move to block coastal oil drilling President Biden has issued an executive order blocking drilling for oil in more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean. It's the largest such move in history, but is almost guaranteed to be challenged under the incoming Trump administration. Camila Domonoske
Economy Trump points to Gilded Age to push tariffs. Experts say it's a misreading of history In a New Year's Day post on Truth Social, President-elect Trump touted the benefits of tariffs, pointing to the Gilded Age. But economists found tariffs did not make American manufacturing great. Scott Horsley
Economy What's driving the rise in homelessness among seniors The number of seniors who are homeless has increased dramatically. This "gray wave" is being driven by inflation and a lack of affordable housing, especially for older people with disabilities. Aaron Bolton
Economy The stock market had a great 2024. What will next year bring? Investors are watching the Fed, the AI boom, and President-elect Donald Trump's promised economic policies. Maria Aspan
Law & Courts Washington state gets NY bank to pay $10 million for role in pandemic unemployment fraud Metropolitan Commercial Bank will reimburse Washington state $10 million in unemployment funds that were stolen and processed through the bank during the pandemic, the state Attorney General’s office announced this week. KUOW Staff
