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Many people feel “that they’re not getting enough back, that a college education isn’t worth enough,” said Paul Peterson, a professor of education policy and governance at Harvard University. The data says that college education is worth more than ever.”The dissonance shows how higher education has become another slice of the economy where the vibes are worse than the numbers might suggest — and risks exacerbating Democratic losses with working-class voters. Andrew Smith, director, University of New Hampshire Survey CenterThere are many reasons why improving college affordability may not register widely. Given other budget pressures — from child care to car insurance — college expenses simply might not have fallen enough to matter. A polling site in Vienna, Va., on Election Day, which saw working-class voters further embrace Republicans.

Persons: they’re, ”, Paul Peterson, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Trump, Andrew Smith, Pew, “ We’ve, Robin Isserles, ” Isserles, “ I’ve, Bill Clark, Ashley Koning, Harris, ” Koning, Sallie Mae Organizations: Harvard University, “, NBC, Pew, University of New Hampshire Survey, grads, National Center for Education Statistics, Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, Manhattan Community College, Trump, Voters, Inc, Getty, Eagleton Center for Public, Rutgers University, Democrats, College Board, Republicans Locations: New York City, Staten Island, Long, Nassau County, Vienna, Va, New Jersey, New Jersey , New Hampshire, Pennsylvania

“Too frequently, large grocery companies use their significant market power to hike prices for essential goods and take advantage of customers,” the letter said. Grocery prices shot up 20% between January 2021 and December 2022, causing some consumers to cut back on common purchases like red meat and eggs. But inflation is now virtually back to normal; since November 2023, grocery prices have been increasing by less than 2% on an annual basis. The companies say the tags let employees change prices up to every 10 seconds, allowing them to streamline operations and restock faster. Kroger has denied that claim, saying electronic pricing would only be used to lower prices whenever possible.

Persons: Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Adam Schiff, Warren, Schiff, Harris, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, they’re, Vons “, ”, Bernie Sanders, —, ” The, Kroger Organizations: Democratic, NBC News, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Agriculture, ”, Republicans, Biden, Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, FTC, USDA, Fair, ” The Biden, Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, of America Locations: California

The fee turned up in September 2019, after Trump placed 25% tariffs on steel, and hasn’t gone away since. So far, the tariffs in force under both White Houses have cost Americans $79 billion, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimated this summer. The nation’s roughly 33 million small businesses employ nearly half the nation’s workers and generate more than 43% of the gross domestic product, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates. “Whether we like it or not, Asia is the bike manufacturing hub of the world,” said Zagata, who raised prices by between 18% and 22% after the Trump tariffs took hold. San Diego-based entrepreneur Nichole MacDonald said profit margins for her patented, 10-pocket Sash Bag have been thinning in recent years as material and freight costs have jumped, and tariffs aren’t helping.

Persons: Donald Trump, Chris Smith, Trump, hasn’t, Smith, ”, Biden, —, who’ve, Erica York, Julia Demaree Nikhinson, they’re, Jonathan Gold, Gold, “ they’ve, Ryan Zagata, Zagata, he’d, Felix Tintelnot, Trump’s, ” Trump, Brian Hughes, Nichole MacDonald Organizations: Virginia Beer Co, Constellation Brands, Corona, Trump, Foundation, Tax, National Retail Federation, U.S . Chamber, Commerce, Brooklyn Bicycle Co, GOP, Duke University, “ Locations: Williamsburg , Virginia, U.S, China, Modelo, Mexico, New York City, Asia, York, Germany, Diego, India

Despite a difficult quarter, McDonald’s looks resilient in the face of various pressures, analysts say — something the company shares with U.S. consumers overall. “The spotlight is always on McDonald’s because it’s so big” and something of a “bellwether,” she said. That spurred former President Donald Trump to sling fries this month at a Philadelphia-area McDonald’s in a photo op. Like many major brands, McDonald’s raked in big profits as the economy reopened from the pandemic. “The thing that McDonald’s had struggled with, and why I think we’re seeing kind of an inflection point, is a value proposition,” Senatore said.

Persons: McDonald’s, Mickey D’s, Chris Kempczinski, Kempczinski, Gordon Haskett, ” Kempczinski, Ravi Dhar, ”, Sara Senatore, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Mickey D’s ’, Senatore, they’d, —, Eric Thayer, ” Senatore, Sam Oches, Oches, ‘, “, Jim Salera, Stephens, Jack Kleinhenz, hasn’t, “ They’re, ” Oches Organizations: U.S, Yale University’s Center, Bank of America, Bloomberg, Getty, Coca, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, JetBlue, Democratic, National Retail, JPMorgan Locations: U.S, Philadelphia, Connecticut, Amazon

But Clark and others in Asheville’s music scene — which has a spunky, up-and-coming reputation — foresee a long recovery ahead. A key question now is how to rebuild lives and livelihoods in Asheville as attention on the region wanes. Debris covers the River Arts District in Asheville, an area popular among artists and musicians. Tim Gormley, who co-owns Burial Beer Co., decided to scrap Burnpile, a music and beer festival that he called his company’s annual “Super Bowl” event. Burial Beer Co.'s Burnpile festival typically draws crowds every fall, but this year's was canceled after Hurricane Helene.

Persons: Kenny Clark, “, ”, Clark, Hurricane Helene, Miranda, Liz Tallent, Grant Halverson, won’t, Tallent, Orange Peel, Katie Cornell, ArtsAVL, “ We’re, Mario Tama, Cornell, Tim Gormley, “ It’s, Gormley, Helene, Anthony Thomas, —, Thomas Organizations: Asheville, Orange, Arts, Cornell, Getty Locations: Nashville , Tennessee, North Carolina, Hurricane, Nashville, Asheville . The, Peel, Asheville, N.C, Tennessee, Charlotte, Raleigh, YMI, American

The costs of caring for ill and aging loved ones don’t show up on store shelves, but they’re front and center for voters like Sharon Zimmer. Chuck and Sharon Zimmer. If we’re looking at child care, we’re being biased if we’re not looking at elder care. Kelsey Flock, Aging and Disability Resource Center, La Crosse County, Wis.Coverage gaps like these are widespread, said David Grabowski, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School. While the child care affordability crisis has gained more attention, including in the 2024 campaign, experts say elder care issues have flown comparatively under the radar.

Persons: Sharon Zimmer, Zimmer, Chuck Zimmer, ”, Sharon —, Kamala Harris, Sharon, Chuck, Harris, she’d, Donald Trump, Kelsey Flock, they’re, ” Flock, ” Trump, aren’t, Shekinah Fashaw, Walters, David Grabowski, Joseph Gaugler, “ It’s Organizations: U.S, AARP, Democratic, Republican, Aging, La, “, Trump, Social Security, University, Pennsylvania’s Perelman, of Medicine, Medicaid, Resource, Harvard Medical School, Center, Healthy Aging, University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health Locations: Onalaska , Wisconsin, Onalaska, “, La Crosse County , Wisconsin, La Crosse County, Wis

The group, calling itself Riverfolk Rescue, has since grown to nearly 200 volunteers who are reaching isolated communities, dropping off supplies and shoveling mud across western North Carolina. Sarah Beth Neal, bottom, with Riverfolk Rescue volunteers. The group’s team in Florida is still assessing the situation there, but local responders so far appeared to have things handled, Neal said. Vast quantities of reddish-brown mud are an added obstacle, said Alexander Smith, a Riverfolk Rescue volunteer. Riverfolk Rescue vehicles drive under a downed tree.

Persons: he’d, didn’t, Tim Rogers, ” Rogers, “, ” Neal, she’d, Neal, Sarah Beth Neal, There’s, Alexander Smith, ”, Hampton, Kristin Kastelic, Kastelic, It’s, ” Kastelic, who’d, ’ ” Organizations: Hampton, U.S . Geological Survey, Facebook, Riverfolk Rescue, East, NBC Locations: Hampton, Charlotte, N.C, “, Sweetwater , Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, NC, U.S, Tennessee, Bryson City , North Carolina, Smoky, Asheville

☆ Asheville's vibrant arts scene has powered its economy. Rebuilding will be hard.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Alexandra Byrne | Alexandra Byrne Is A New York City-Based Reporter | Incoming Intern With The Nbc News Business | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Visitors to Asheville’s Buncombe County spent nearly $3 billion last year, accounting for 20% of the county’s annual economy. “It has been a very vibrant tax base” as well, added Nadine Charlsen, who owns Northlight Studios on Depot Street and served as president of the River Arts District from 2018 to 2021. Asheville’s River Arts District in 2018. Nadine Charlsen, owner of Northlight Studios, Asheville, N.C. Andrea Kulish Wilhelm, an artist and teacher who specializes in pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter eggs, has been walking down to the River Arts District every day since Helene swept through.

Persons: Helene, ”, Max Trumpower, Hurricane Helene, Nadine Charlsen, Vic Isley, George Rose, Katie Cornell, ArtsAVL, she’s, Andrea Kulish Wilhelm, Kulish Wilhelm, can’t, Charlsen, ” Charlsen Organizations: Arts, Asheville, Visitors, “, Explore, Northlight Studios, River Arts District, Arts District, Pink Dog, Cornell Locations: Asheville, North, Hurricane, North Carolina, Asheville’s Buncombe, Explore Asheville, N.C

Furniture and other manufactured goods, especially machinery like farm equipment, vehicles and auto parts, could also be disrupted, the lobbying group said. “There’s no reason for people to go out and do like we did during Covid and hoard,” Ellen said. There’s no reason for people to go out and do like we did during Covid and hoard. “There’s no reason to panic,” he said, adding that many companies and freight operators have spent months preparing for the strike. Agresta advised consumers to consider similar products and local options if shortages arise for perishable goods, including produce.

Persons: feedstocks, ” Ellen, Andy Ellen, Joseph Agresta, tammytheblackprepper, Agresta, ”, Ron Vachris, “ Organizations: North Carolina Retail, Rutgers Business School, Walmart, Costco Locations: Canada, Mexico, West Coast

When 36-year-old Nelson Cheney was little, he began eating spicy peppers and sauces to impress his dad. Cheney, known by his social media handle “@craving_capsaicin” — a nod to the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat — got hooked on the adrenaline rush he feels when he eats extremely spicy foods. Both sour and spicy foods generate painful responses, though they activate different nerves in the body. “I’ve got so many people that went from not even eating hot stuff to having a tolerance and now eating spicy food daily. Children and teens tend to be most susceptible to social media challenges, which is why Trucco said parents should pay attention, too.

Persons: Nelson Cheney, Cheney, ” Cheney, “, he’s, ”, Elisa Trucco, Robert Pellegrino, ” Pellegrino, Paul Rozin, That’s, ” Rozin, it’s, Trucco, “ I’ve, ’ cravings, Edwin McDonald, ” McDonald, Chantel Strachan, Strachan, ” Trucco Organizations: Research, Adolescent, Child Health, Florida International University, Senses Center, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago Medical Center, Columbia University’s Vagelos, of Physicians and Surgeons Locations: TikTok, Philadelphia, Massachusetts

What comes next could hinge on who gets to oversee labor relations after the election. The National Labor Relations Board — which polices unfair labor practices and mediates worker-management disputes — has become an aggressive union booster under Biden. While the agency’s policies typically shift depending on who’s in the White House, the change has been pronounced, labor experts and former NLRB staffers say. Before joining the law firm in 2022, White worked for a decade at a regional NLRB field office under the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations. Last year, the NLRB overturned a 50-year precedent, requiring employers to recognize a union if most workers sign authorization cards for one.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, —, ”, Michael LeRoy, haven’t, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, ” LeRoy, “ Biden, Joel White, Fox Rothschild, White, Trump, Peter Robb, Jennifer Abruzzo, “ It’s, Rebecca Leaf, Ballard Spahr, Obama, Leaf, ” White, Kate Bronfenbrenner Organizations: National Labor Relations Board, Biden, NLRB, School of Labor, Employment, University of Illinois, Fox, Obama, Trump, “, Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Hollywood, United Auto Workers Locations: Detroit, Hollywood, University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign, Biden’s, Buffalo , New York

One-fifth of respondents said they follow a “high-protein diet” — more than vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets combined. Before recommending a high-protein diet, she looks at pre-existing health conditions, family history and lifestyle. “I really wanted to show how to include protein, from the stance of here are whole-food lean sources of protein you can incorporate that can follow a higher protein diet, but that are still balanced,” she said. When starting a new diet, Stanford, of Mass General, advised seeing a physician or registered dietitian first to evaluate any individual risks and medical history. If a high-protein diet is deemed safe, Stanford encourages patients to be thoughtful and view it as a long-term commitment.

Persons: ”, Fatima Cody Stanford, “, Teresa Fung, Stanford, Monica D’Agostino, ” D’Agostino, Kristin Kirkpatrick, ” Kirkpatrick, Elisabetta Politi, Politi, ” Politi, dietitians, Influencer Ainsley Rodriguez, ” Rodriguez, D’Agostino, ’ ” Stanford Organizations: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Simmons University, International Food Information, Cleveland Clinic, Duke, Management, Stanford Locations: Massachusetts, New York City, Durham , North Carolina, TikTok

☆ JPMorgan doubles down on startup banking by scooping up SVB veterans. Here's the bank's plan to take advantage of the venture capital slump.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The March implosion of Silicon Valley Bank created a banking vacuum in the startup world. In 2019, the group poached four executives from SVB to work with venture capital funds and their portfolio companies. But these plans were accelerated by the collapse as customers fled to JPMorgan from SVB as well as First Republic, which JPMorgan now owns. First Republic also served emerging venture capital firms, an untapped client segment for JPMorgan's commercial bank. In some aspects, the breakdown of SVB strengthened JPMorgan's appeal to tech upstarts that had previously eschewed too-big-to-fail banks, Smith said.

Persons: John China, Melissa Smith, Smith, playbook, Jamie Dimon, SVB, Darya, fintech Organizations: Valley Bank, JPMorgan, SVB, West Coast, Bay Area, Silicon Valley Bank, Capital, fintech Aumni, Capital Connect Locations: Beijing, Frankfurt, London, Stockholm, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Zurich, San Francisco, New York, Silicon Valley, West, SVB, Republic, Israel, fundraises

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