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Two office supply giants are hoping to join together to increase their value. Staples is planning to buy Office Depot so that they can compete with the sale of inexpensive office supplies at stores like Walmart as well as online. This shift says something larger about the economy and the way we work, buy and use technology. Listen to learn how the market is changing as we digitize work
Story Length: 6:07
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September 12, 2014
4:22
This summer pork and beef prices are 11% higher than they were last summer. This rise in cost has not changed the buying habits of consumers. Today’s public radio story looks at the economics behind this rise in cost, and how supply and demand play into cost. It also features the perspective of farmers and people in the pork industry. Listen to learn why the supply of pork and beef is much lower this year than in years past.
Read MoreSeptember 1, 2014
2:10
High School students often begin class between 7 and 8 a.m. despite medical recommendations that schools start later to give student more time to sleep. The negative effects of sleep deprivation, including lower academic performance, has pushed some experts to argue that this is one of the least expensive ways to increase student performance. However, efforts to push back start times have a big roadblock: bus schedules. Listen to today’s public radio story to learn more about why the economics of an earlier school day might not work.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2014
7:47
Tourism in Cuba makes up 10% of the island nation's gross domestic product. If America ever lifts its ban on travel to Cuba, its expected there could be a surge of at least a million Americans visiting. But tourism also brings wage disparity to the Communist country. Those who work in the tourism industry earn much more than other professions. Listen to this public radio story to learn why tourism is important to Cuba's survival.
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