Latest from Aaron Schrank

• Apr 5, 2017

  U.S. ports are consolidating, as shipping lines have

  The container-shipping industry is more consolidated than ever. As of this month, the world’s top ocean carriers are now mostly in three major alliances, set to control 90 percent of seaborne cargo. That changes the game for many of the country’s ports, who are themselves beginning to work together.  Click the audio player above to […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Apr 4, 2017

  Coal’s decline is hitting education budgets, too

  The dramatic downturn in coal and oil prices a couple of years ago may have been good for consumers, but it was very bad news for the economies of many energy-producing states. The consequences are now being particularly felt in Oklahoma, Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming. In recent months, these states have begun cutting funding […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Apr 4, 2017

  What does ‘college affordability’ mean?

  

  The Urban Institute has some answers in an online resource.

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Apr 3, 2017

  Air miles sales increasingly bolster carriers’ profits

  Flying can be a hassle nowadays, but when you pay for your flight with air miles, maybe that takes some of the sting out of it. It’s a sweet deal for the airlines too — some carriers could soon start to make more profit from selling air miles than from selling regular tickets.  Click the […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 31, 2017

  A new Senate bill puts pennies in the crosshairs

  A new Senate bill proposes some changes to American currency — switching from dollar bills to coins, making nickels out of cheaper metals and suspending production of the penny. But why are these copper-colored coins in the crosshairs? Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 30, 2017

  SpaceX to make historic re-usable rocket launch

  Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to launch a commercial satellite into orbit today using a recycled rocket booster. It’s the first time SpaceX will attempt to use one of its re-landed rockets. And the Falcon 9 would be the first liquid-fueled rocket sent into space using this method.  Click the audio player above to hear the […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 27, 2017

  The IMF faces scrutiny by Trump team

  President Trump’s “America first” rhetoric has been critical of international cooperation across the board. Trump called NATO “obsolete” and NAFTA the “worst trade deal ever.” And his administration announced plans earlier this month to nominate a fierce critic of the International Monetary Fund to a key role at the Treasury Department. Here’s what that could […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 24, 2017

  New York plans to boost broadband infrastructure

  New York is looking to bridge the digital divide by bringing broadband access to every household in the Empire State by the end of next year. It would be the first state in the country to pull that off. Many poor and rural areas lack broadband.  Click the audio player above to hear the full […]

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 22, 2017

  Existing home sales likely to show a drop in February, economists say

  Existing home sales numbers for February are out today. January sales increased 3.3 percent to a 10-year high, but economists anticipate a dip for February, although that’s still up from last year. One factor: an improving job market.  Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

  Read MoreSaveShare
• Mar 21, 2017

  Nike makes a full-court press

  March Madness is upon us and college basketball teams aren’t the only ones competing. The games are also a battleground for shoe and apparel brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. Nike still rules when it comes to sponsorships, but the competition is gaining. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

  Read MoreSaveShare