When Friedrich Merz came to office in May 2025, corporate boardrooms were abuzz with hope. As he ascended to the chancellorship, the leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) promised nothing less than an "economic turning point."
Rich Henderson and his wife, Rachel Negro-Henderson, grocery shop for their family at the Aldi in Bellmawr, New Jersey. Rachel Wisniewski for NPR hide caption toggle caption Rachel Wisniewski for NPR NPR's series What's Eating America examines the forces shaping our food system and how they're scrambling the way we eat. BELLMAWR, N.J.
The political career of Botswana's ex-President Festus Gontebanye Mogae can be summarized under one heading: "good governance." During his time in office from 1998 to 2008, the southern African country experienced steady economic growth and developed into one of the most prosperous on the continent.
Hungary's premier-in-waiting, Peter Magyar, is keen to secure a return to the European Union mainstream and is moving quickly to mend fences. Part of that mission is a plan to have the country ready to join the euro by the end of the decade.
The adoption of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Union's long-term spending plan, is one of the most sensitive political issues in the bloc. The negotiations are currently entering a critical phase.
Skip next section Germany agrees to split heating costs in reform April 30, 2026 Germany agrees to split heating costs in reform Germany's coalition government has agreed to split key heating costs between landlords and tenants as part of a revised heating law.
The European Parliament has voted in favor of a 10% increase to the EU's next long-term budget and the introduction of new revenue streams. Supporters of the proposal want more funding for agriculture and for poorer regions, calling for nearly €100 billion more than already proposed by the European Commission.
Skip next section Sugar, booze, tobacco: what new health-based levies is the government planning? April 29, 2026 Sugar, booze, tobacco: what new health-based levies is the government planning? One new budget proposal that seemingly won't be finalized in time for 2027, but is planned for introduction by 2028, is a tax on sugary drinks.
The Senate Banking Committee votes Wednesday on Kevin Warsh's nomination to serve as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America hide caption toggle caption Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America Change is coming to the Federal Reserve — even as interest rates are expected to hold steady.
The average salary for a public school teacher in the U.S. rose to $74,495 in the last school year, up 3.5% from the year before. But adjusted for inflation, today's teachers are estimated to be earning less, not more, than they were in 2017.
imagedepotpro/Getty Images This article first appeared in the Planet Money newsletter. You can sign up here . This is Part 2 of the Planet Money newsletter's series on "monopsony power." The first story centered on the labor economics of the classic sci-fi horror movie Alien as an introduction to an extreme version of the concept.
3 things to know about Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh Kevin Warsh speaks during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2025. Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Tierney L.