Economy
BLS revision shows hiring was overstated by 911,000 jobs in past year
The U.S. likely added 900,000 fewer jobs in the 12 months ending in March than had been reported, according to a preliminary Labor Department report.
Inflation remains elevated as Trump’s tariffs take hold
Inflation remained elevated last month as President Trump's tariffs continued to make their way into the prices that consumers pay. The average cost of living in July was up 2.7%.
The job market is showing signs of weakness as Trump’s tariffs take effect
U.S. employers added just 73,000 jobs in July, according to a report from the Labor Department Friday, as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for May and June were also revised sharply lower.
The U.S. economy rebounds to 3% growth in second quarter — but tariffs skew picture
The U.S. economy grew this spring after a slowdown earlier this year. A report from the Commerce Department shows the nation's GDP grew at an annual rate of 3% in the second quarter of the year.
Mississippi’s tech scene is in a catch-22. How can it move forward?
Mississippi ranks near the bottom for the size of its tech industry. But despite its shortcomings, some believe the state is not far from its own tech boom.
In first 100 days, Trump tests limits, creates chaos and turns from allies
From foreign policy and tariffs to immigration changes and targeting of DEI, here's a look back at some of the major moves made in the past 100 days of President Trump's second administration.
Tariffs are fueling fears of a recession. What does it take to actually declare one?
The Trump administration's tariffs are fueling concerns about a potential recession, with several major banks increasing their forecasts. What is recession and who declares one?
UAW President Shawn Fain explains why he supports Trump’s tariffs
Shawn Fein supports auto industry tariffs but calls broad tariffs "reckless."
How much will tariffs raise prices? Trump’s economists just revealed their answer
The administration revealed how they calculated the tariffs. Buried in that math is a straightforward answer to a question Trump has long refused to answer: How much will his tariffs raise prices?
Did tariffs contribute to the Great Depression? Here’s what to know
Several factors led to the Great Depression, one of the most severe economic crises in U.S. history. NPR interviewed economists who discussed the causes of the Great Depression.
Why economists got free trade with China so wrong
The "China Shock" is revisited, and it raises questions about why economists failed to see the costs of free trade.
It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time in McCalla: Smuckers opens biggest Uncrustables factory in the country
The facility represents a more than $1 billion capital investment from Smuckers and is predicted to bring in 750 jobs to the community.
Inflation is slowing, unless you’re ‘makin’ groceries’ for New Orleans gumbo. Here’s why
With a variety of ingredients from across the region, making a pot of gumbo can illustrate a lot of the ways inflation impacts the average grocery shopper.
Despite strong economic signs, food pantry lines are still growing in the Gulf South
The U.S. economy had a strong year, but more people found themselves in line at their local food pantry due to inflation and a weakened social safety net.
How One Utility In The Mississippi Delta Is Using Teamwork To Keep Faucets Flowing
Water providers in some rural communities across the region often fail to deliver clean and reliable water. Black Bayou Water Association is addressing that issue by connecting small utilities.
Will The Gulf Coast Amtrak Line Ever Leave The Station?
Plans for a passenger line connecting New Orleans with Mobile are underway, but opposition from the freight train industry could derail the service – and possibly President Joe Biden’s vision for an Amtrak resurgence.
Alabama Is In ‘Survival Mode’ Says University Of Alabama Economist
One economist says the country's deficit isn't as important as surviving the pandemic. He's advocating for renewed extra unemployment checks, injection $1 trillion a month into the country's budget and issuing another round of stimulus checks to working Americans.
Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach
On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.
Despite Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions, Many Plan To Stay At Home
Gov. Kay Ivey will ease coronavirus restrictions starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. Under the new rules, businesses and all retailers can reopen. So will beaches and doctors offices. Nevertheless, many people plan to stay put.
Gov. Kay Ivey Taps Committee to Plan For Reopening Alabama’s Economy
Gov. Kay Ivey is creating a new executive committee that’ll field recommendations on when to reopen the state’s economy.
COVID-19 Repercussions Will Strain Next Fiscal Year’s State Budget
The state budget is sure to take a hit next year. Lawmakers say it's too early to tell how big it will be.
Ivey Proposes Education Investments, Cautious on Lottery in State of the State Address
Pay raises, new prisons, and a shift from and elected state school board to an appointed one were among the highlights of Gov. Kay Ivey's State of the State address.
How the Shipt-Target Deal Could Affect Birmingham
Target wants in on the same-day delivery business. And last week it announced it’s spending $550 million to buy the Birmingham-based startup, Shipt. The deal could have ripple effects for Birmingham.
What Birmingham Businesses Want From City Leaders
Birmingham business leaders weigh in on what they expect from city leadership. Birmingham's municipal elections will be August 22.
Climate Change Analysis Predicts Losses for South
Scientists and economists have put together a detailed analysis of potential economic damage from climate change. One takeaway: Alabama and the rest of the South could suffer more than other parts of the country.
When the Nation’s Top Polluter Drives a Small-Town Economy
The Miller Electric Generating Plant in West Jefferson is the nation's top greenhouse gas polluter. But it's boosted the town's economy, and many residents aren't concerned about pollution.
How the Transgender Bathroom Bill Could Affect Business
One item soon to make its way through the Alabama Legislature is the bathroom bill. It’s officially known as the Alabama Privacy Act, and it’s believed to target transgender people. […]
Investment in Alabama Doubled in 2015, Report Finds
A report out today from state officials shows Alabama attracted more than $7 billion in investments and added nearly 20,000 new jobs last year.
Bilingual Ed in the South: Enormous Economic Consequences
Students who don’t speak English as their first language – or “language minorities” – rank toward the bottom in almost every measure of academic achievement. Moral and legal concerns aside, […]
President Obama Speaks in Birmingham
More than a thousand people gathered Thursday afternoon at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham to hear a speech by President Barack Obama. He used the visit to promote ideas he says will help working families and to tout proposed new rules on payday lenders. While the remarks were about policy, for many people, the fact they heard a sitting president speak in Birmingham represented a once in a lifetime opportunity.
