Marilyn Geewax

Economists See Trade As Key To World Growth

Marilyn Geewax — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:40:00 +0000

If economists were cheerleaders, their favorite shout-out might be: "What do we want? Growth! When do we want it? Now!"

They won't actually shout those words, but they may be thinking them as global leaders meet this week for a G-8 summit.

No Big Waves In The Labor Pool

Marilyn Geewax — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:19:00 +0000

June is a nice month for treading water — if you happen to be in a swimming pool.

But if you are in the labor pool and trying to make your way toward a job, a stronger current in the right direction would be appreciated.

Unfortunately, the jobs report released Friday by the Labor Department showed that the economy continues to drift along at a languid pace.

"This rate of growth is right in line with the average growth rate of the last year and is a perfect example of t

Can A Huge Hog Deal Pose A National Security Risk?

Marilyn Geewax — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:14:00 +0000

Americans do love their bacon, but is that romance a national security issue?

Maybe.

This week, China's biggest pork producer announced plans to buy Virginia-based Smithfield Foods Inc. Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa wants a national security review by an interagency panel known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., or CFIUS.

"To have a Chinese food company controlling a major U.S.

What's Under Youngstown May Help What's On Top

Marilyn Geewax — Wed, 29 May 2013 19:21:00 +0000

A century ago, when fiery steel mills were roaring to life in Youngstown, Ohio, builders were racing to put up homes, storefronts, barbershops and more.

Today, many of those buildings sit empty and rotting. With the mills mostly gone and the population down 60 percent from 1960, to just 67,000, the city needs millions of dollars to tear down roughly 4,000 vacant structures.

This year, they may get help. It's possible that what's under the city could be converted into cash to help clear away what's on top.

U.S. Airlines Forecast a Sunnier Summer

Marilyn Geewax — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:09:00 +0000

After a long bumpy ride that started five years ago, the domestic airline industry seems to be pulling up and smoothing out.

The number of passengers planning to fly this summer will tick up 1 percent from 2012, climbing back to the highest level since 2008, an industry group said Thursday.

The airlines' profit outlook is also brighter, as jet fuel prices have settled down a bit.

Comp Time Or Cold Cash. Which Would You Pick?

Marilyn Geewax — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Overtime or comp time? Which one suits you best?

Both you and your boss may agree it would be best for you to work a sixth day when a big project is due in March, and then take off for a long weekend in June. No big deal.

But under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, private employers must pay time and a half to workers who put in more than 40 hours on the job in any one week.

In most cases, workers are eager to get that overtime pay.

Flight Delays Push Congress To End Controller Furloughs

Marilyn Geewax — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:35:00 +0000

The U.S. Congress — a body not exactly known for its swift feet — raced Friday to complete legislation to help travelers avoid delays at airports.

The House voted 361-41 to approve legislation that the Senate passed without objection late Thursday.

Still In The Middle Class, But Standing On A Banana Peel

Marilyn Geewax — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:01:00 +0000

Most U.S.

Airport Delays Raise Questions About Controller Furloughs

Marilyn Geewax — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:28:00 +0000

Some air travelers faced delays Monday as furloughs of air traffic controllers began taking effect.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that with fewer eyes on the skies, it was forced to delay some flights.

An Exploration Of The Changing Lives Of Women

Marilyn Geewax — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Many revolutions begin with the sound of explosions and marching boots.

Now, another revolution is shaking up the world, and it's moving forward to the beep of alarm clocks and the clack of heels heading out.

Legions of women around the world are leaving their homes to join the paid labor force.