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By Rose Khattar, Colin Seeberger, & Emily Gee
Recent economic data suggest that the U.S. economy is successfully transitioning from a strong and swift recovery following the COVID-19 recession to a period of steady and stable growth—including a growing economy a historically strong labor market resiliency in consumers’ spending and below pre-pandemic levels of mortgage and consumer debt delinquency. This also comes with a drop in annual inflation in each of the last six months. In light of this data, experts, including the International Monetary Fund, are finally acknowledging that the United States may be positioned to defy the odds and avoid a recession—otherwise known as achieving a “soft landing.” -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE

By Anne Christianson, Miriam Goldstein, and Angelo Villagomez
Scientists have sounded the alarm over the state of the ocean for decades, and overfishing, pollution, plastic waste, climate change, and unsustainable coastal development have taken their toll. As a result, only 3 percent of the ocean is free from human pressure one-third of fish stocks are overexploited and 2 degrees Celsius of global warming will cause more than 99 percent of coral reefs to decline. In practice, this has meant families losing their homes in extreme climate events, local fishers unable to care for their children, and average beachgoers swimming around plastic waste. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE

By Sam Zeno

For more than half a century, Indigenous communities and conservationists in southern Nevada have advocated for the protection of Avi Kwa Ame, the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding landscape. In November 2022, President Joe Biden committed to protecting the site at the White House Tribal Nations Summit, saying:

"When it comes to Spirit Mountain and its surrounding ridges and canyons in southern Nevada, I’m committed to protecting this sacred place that is central to the creation story of so many Tribes that are here today." -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE

By Rachael Eisenberg, Brandon Tucker, & Hadi Sedigh

The horrific killing of Tyre Nichols by several Memphis police officers is yet another searing reminder of the dangers of driving while Black in America. It has focused the national spotlight, yet again, on how police disproportionately stop Black drivers and, even worse, the alarming numbers of Black Americans who are killed while stopped for alleged traffic or other minor violations by the very officers sworn to keep us all safe. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE

By Jean Ross & Kyle Ross

The Fair Tax Act would replace federal income and payroll taxes with a national sales tax, slashing federal revenues and cutting taxes on the wealthy.

As part of his wheeling and dealing to secure the speakership, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reportedly agreed to allow the so-called Fair Tax Act of 2023 (H.R. 25) to come to a vote on the floor of the House.

* If passed, the Fair Tax Act would radically restructure the nation’s tax system, replacing individual and corporate income taxes, the estate tax, and the payroll taxes dedicated to Social Security and Medicare with a national sales tax. ​. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE

By Beth Almeida & Bela Sala Betsch

Work is essential to women’s economic security, social equality, and a robust and sustainable economy for all. Three-quarters of so-called prime-age women—those ages 25–54—hold down a job today, compared with slightly more than two-thirds a decade ago. Women are also working longer hours: Today, 84 percent of employed, prime-age women work full time. These gains come despite the coronavirus pandemic’s disproportionate impacts on women’s employment. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE