ECONOMY

Americans continue to say they approve of how the president is handling the coronavirus pandemic, but he may be running into speed bumps because of inflation and other issues.

A federal judge that threw out an eviction moratorium by the CDC has now put the ruling on holding pending appeal. The fate of many of the 7 million households behind on rent hangs in the balance.

Retail sales were flat in April from a month earlier as Americans spent less on things such as clothes or sporting goods but increased their spending at bars and restaurants.

Nearly two dozen American cities have signed on to pilot programs that offer basic incomes to low-income residents.

Skinny jeans dominated the jeans market for nearly two decades. Now they make up about 33% of jeans sales. The Indicator from Planet Money investigates the possible demise of the skinny jean.

Inflation accelerated in April. Companies have been forced into raising prices for everything from cars to cereals amid a shortage of critical materials like lumber.

Prices for a range of goods from used cars to bacon surged last month, pushing consumer inflation to 4.2% in April, the highest since September 2008.

The latest data will likely show prices for everything from cereals to cars have risen as shortages of critical materials like lumber force companies to raise prices.

Violence between Israelis and Palestinians stoke fears of war. House Republicans will vote on whether to remove Liz Cheney from her leadership post. Economists monitor data for signs of inflation.

Many companies have been racking up record sales and profits so far this year. Their earnings are shattering expectations.

A program called Ascend West Virginia hopes to draw remote workers to the Mountain State, even to the point of paying $12,000 to selected applicants.

A new book argues that the growing profitability of big business is bad news for workers.