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Saturday July 30, 2016

For Democrats, The Weak GDP Report May Have Silver Linings. Maybe.

July 30, 2016 • At first glance, Friday's report on economic growth looked dismal. But most of the GDP trouble centered on weak inventory accumulation this spring. As companies restock this fall, growth may rebound.

Friday July 29, 2016

The Economy And Politics Of 1968: Now Playing In Reruns

Demonstrators in Philadelphia during this week's Democratic convention echo another presidential election year, 1968. John Minchillo/AP hide caption

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John Minchillo/AP

The Economy And Politics Of 1968: Now Playing In Reruns

July 29, 2016 • Both 1968 and 2016 can be seen as good years for the economy. And yet both may be remembered for their extreme political discontent. Shouldn't good economic times make us less cranky? Apparently, not.

Thursday July 28, 2016

Regulators Draw Up New Rules To Stop Abusive Practices By Debt Collectors

Richard Cordray, shown here at a March 2015 hearing, directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has proposed new rules to overhaul the multi-billion dollar debt collection industry.) Steve Helber/AP hide caption

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Steve Helber/AP

The Two-Way

Regulators Draw Up New Rules To Stop Abusive Practices By Debt Collectors

July 28, 2016 • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau receives more complaints about debt collection than any other issue.

The New Middle

What Does 'Middle Class' Mean In America? We Asked, You Answered

July 28, 2016 • As part of the series "The New Middle," All Things Considered is hearing from people across the U.S. about what it means to be middle class in America today.

What Does 'Middle Class' Mean In America? We Asked, You Answered

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Tuesday July 26, 2016

Insurers May Share Blame For Increased Price Of Some Generic Drugs

When your health insurer reclassifies a prescription drug you take from tier 1 to tier 2, it can sharply increase the portion of the drug's cost that you're expected to pay. Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption

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Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Insurers May Share Blame For Increased Price Of Some Generic Drugs

KFF Health News

July 26, 2016 • Consumers often blame drug companies for the rapidly rising costs of some commonly used generic drugs. But changes made by insurers influence the price of these drugs, too, it turns out.

LA Johnson/NPR

NPR Ed

Good News On Student Loans ... For Some

July 26, 2016 • More students are getting affordable payments, a new report says. But they might not be the ones who really need it.

Monday July 25, 2016

Michelle Kondrich for NPR

NPR Ed

Why Summer Jobs Don't Pay Off Anymore

July 25, 2016 • The minimum wage is flat, college tuition is up and students are broke: Summer jobs just don't have the purchasing power they used to, especially when you look at the cost of college.

Sunday July 24, 2016

National

With More Money In Consumer Pockets, Back-To-School Sales Give Retailers A Boost

July 24, 2016 • The National Retail Federation predicts this year's back-to-school spending will shoot up. With a fall in gas prices, and lower inflation and interest rates, economists say Americans have extra cash.

With More Money In Consumer Pockets, Back-To-School Sales Give Retailers A Boost

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Sunday July 17, 2016

Summer Isn't Always A Vacation For Families Who Can't Afford It

When the school year ends, lower-income families can't afford the costs of summer — and kids fall behind in learning. LA Johnson/NPR hide caption

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LA Johnson/NPR

National

Summer Isn't Always A Vacation For Families Who Can't Afford It

July 17, 2016 • If you've got kids, the summertime costs families who have to look for creative ways to afford it — and not just financially. Research shows lower-income kids typically fall behind over the summer.

Summer Isn't Always A Vacation For Families Who Can't Afford It

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Saturday July 16, 2016

Uber But For Energy: Utility Surge Pricing Threatens Summer Cool

Consumer advocates took to the streets of Phoenix recently to protest against an Arizona utility's efforts to bill customers using a so-called "demand charge." If approved, Arizona Public Service would be the first utility in the country to place most of its residential customers on that kind of rate plan. Will Stone/KJZZ hide caption

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Will Stone/KJZZ

Energy

Uber But For Energy: Utility Surge Pricing Threatens Summer Cool

KJZZ

July 16, 2016 • Power companies are rushing to keep pace with the changing energy landscape. This transition is especially contentious in the desert Southwest, where energy needs are enormous during the summer.

Uber But For Energy: Utility Surge Pricing Threatens Summer Cool

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Friday July 15, 2016

That First Paycheck Is An Exciting Moment ... And A Teachable One

Stuart Kinlough/Getty Images/Ikon Images

Social Entrepreneurs: Taking On World Problems

That First Paycheck Is An Exciting Moment ... And A Teachable One

July 15, 2016 • Your first job can be a critical moment that sets you on a good financial path or a bad one. One group is trying to make sure low-income young adults get off to the right start.

That First Paycheck Is An Exciting Moment ... And A Teachable One

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'Summer Of Love' Was More Fun, But 'Summer Of Loans' Is Good Too

A home is offered for sale in Chicago. Mortgage interest rates have been falling, helping potential homebuyers. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

The Two-Way

'Summer Of Love' Was More Fun, But 'Summer Of Loans' Is Good Too

July 15, 2016 • Lending rates have been bumping along at historic lows this summer. That has helped a lot of people, such as home and car buyers. But it has hurt some too, including retirees and bankers.

Thursday July 14, 2016

The Two-Way

Feeling Squeezed? Many Others Wedged Into The Same Tight Economic Spot

July 14, 2016 • A new study shows that it's not your imagination: Far more people are seeing stagnant or falling wages. In 25 advanced economies, it's the same story.

Monday July 11, 2016

'I'm A Student-Debt Slave.' How'd We Get Here?

Chris Nickels for NPR

NPR Ed

'I'm A Student-Debt Slave.' How'd We Get Here?

July 11, 2016 • This election season, the student debt crisis has finally gotten the attention it deserves. A look at how we got here, who has profited and just a few of the lives affected.

Saturday July 9, 2016

We Could All Use A Vacation Right Now; And Firms Are Staffing Up To Help

Tourists relax on Miami Beach last August. Travel experts had been predicting that this summer would bring out our desire to take vacations and have fun. The latest jobs report confirms it: Employers are hiring to help you enjoy the season. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Two-Way

We Could All Use A Vacation Right Now; And Firms Are Staffing Up To Help

July 9, 2016 • Travel experts had been predicting that summer 2016 would bring out our desire to take vacations and have fun. The latest jobs report confirms it: Employers are hiring to help you enjoy the season.