Nov 26th, 2008 · Americans cut back on their spending in October by the largest amount since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Meanwhile, orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods plunged by the largest amount in two years.
Nov 14th, 2008 · As the economic crisis continues, the possibility that U.S. consumers will spend less next year than they did this year is causing worldwide concern. In Vietnam, which exports a large share of its products to the U.S., garment factory workers are already worried about their jobs.
Nov 13th, 2008 · The slowing economy is hitting Renault and other European automakers, forcing them to slash production. In the French car racing town of Le Mans, the temporary shutdown at the Renault factory has many worried about the future.
Nov 3rd, 2008 · Boeing's commercial aircraft workers are heading back to factory floors. The union and company executives agreed on a contract that ended the costly two-month walkout. In the end, Boeing and the union forged a compromise on the thorny issue of hiring non-union contract workers. The machinists union also won raises of 15 percent over four years, as well as bonuses.
Oct 29th, 2008 · The diminished market for SUVs and the soured economy have forced General Motors to close its factory in Janesville, Wisc., sooner than expected. The loss of the plant, by Christmas, will have ripple effects that Janesville officials will need to address. Brian Bull of Wisconsin Public Radio reports.
Oct 14th, 2008 · Author Leslie Chang followed two girls from their rural homes in China to a city called Dongguan, where they became "factory girls." Life in these makeshift cities can actually be quite exciting and lucrative for these young hard-working ladies.
Oct 14th, 2008 · Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Security Agency stepped up its efforts to collect intelligence domestically by filtering millions of conversations and e-mail messages. In his new book, The Shadow Factor, journalist James Bamford reveals that the ultra-secret agency has half a million people on its watch lists.
Oct 2nd, 2008 · Marshall Brain, an engineer-turned-TV-host, takes viewers behind the scenes to see what goes into producing common consumer products — from tennis balls, to escalators, to frozen pizza. His show "Factory Floor" airs on The National Geographic Channel.