The latest numbers on the job market may not align with Trump’s goal

Jun 2, 2017
We’ll get the latest government data on the labor market in a couple hours. Analysts are predicting unemployment held steady in May at 4.4 percent, with 185,000 jobs added — right in line with average job growth for the past six months. Now President Trump has promised faster job growth under his administration—25 million new […]

Illinois already had the worst credit rating of any state, and it just got lower

Jun 1, 2017
Illinois’ credit rating is now just short of junk. That’s the news after a downgrade from S&P Global Ratings. The agency cited Illinois’ budget stalemate and its $14.5 billion in unpaid bills. It will take more revenue and more cuts to make any progress, but the state’s regular legislative session just ended — with no […]

How an Atlanta airport is using drones to help with runway maintenance

May 31, 2017
Normally airports send out teams on foot to assess wear and tear on runways, work that drones can finish in half the time.
Jim Duguay and Katie Eleam pilot a drone over runway 27R at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Sam Whitehead

Goldman Sachs: When protests and profits collide

May 31, 2017
There were protestors in front of Goldman Sachs’ offices in Manhattan yesterday who were angry with the bank for a purchase it made. Goldman bought $2.8 billion worth of Venezuelan bonds from the state-owned oil company through a broker. It struck a real bargain, too, getting them for 31 cents on the dollar. That means […]

With lagging sales and consumer demand for discounts, Michael Kors to close up to 125 of its full-price stores

May 31, 2017
In yet another blow to the brick-and-mortar retail business, luxury retailer Michael Kors announced it will close up to 125 of its full-price stores. The company and its competitors have been facing slowing sales as more customers shop online and spend less on apparel.  Michael Kors CEO John Idol announced the store closures in today’s […]

U.S. foreign tourism loss may be Canada’s gain

May 31, 2017
International visitors spent nearly $250 billion in the U.S. last year, according to federal data. Now, a report shows that foreign tourism is down 16 percent from a year ago. That’s from the location intelligence company Foursquare. Major destinations like New York and Los Angeles have separately reported their own declines. Canada and other countries […]

Americans have higher credit scores, but also higher household debt

May 30, 2017
Americans’ credit scores are averaging way higher, around 700 according to a new report from FICO. Credit agencies are also cleaning up their rolls and getting old or bad data off people’s reports. Plus, many people who went into bankruptcy during the financial crisis are now returning to credit-worthiness as the statute of limitations comes […]

For public good, not for profit.

T-Mobile’s getting rid of that second phone problem. Wait, hasn’t that been solved?

May 30, 2017
If you use T-Mobile as your cellphone carrier, you’ll be getting a new, free service called DIGITS tomorrow (Weds 5/31). Here’s how it works: You can get calls from multiple numbers to one phone or use one phone number across multiple devices. So, for example, send text messages from your laptop or redirect work calls […]

What it takes for one apparel company to make its clothes in the U.S.

May 29, 2017
"It’s almost like letting go of a child," the American Giant CEO says of sending the company's pieces to market.
American Giant CEO Bayard Winthrop at Carolina Cotton Works in Gaffney, SC examines fabric for his line of casual clothing. 
Leoneda Inge

Baby boomers begin mandatory retirement account withdrawals. Are they ready?

May 29, 2017
Seventy and a half. That is the magic age that starts mandatory withdrawals from 401(k)s and other tax-deferred retirement accounts. The oldest members of the baby boom generation start hitting that age this year, and the milestone is expected to have significant implications for the financial services industry. Click the audio player above to hear […]