Ben Popken

Ben Popken is a business and consumer journalist based in Maine. Previously he was the Senior Business Reporter at NBC News national and Editor-in-Chief of Consumerist.com at Gawker Media Network and Consumer Reports. His work has received awards from the Editor and Publishers, Association of Health Care Journalists, and the Press Club of Atlantic City.

Business & Economy

Top 10 crypto disasters explained, and how to protect yourself

A physical representation of a bitcoin, with the B symbol prominently displayed in the center of the coin, in front of a background of a red, downward-trending line graph.

Careers

What a difference a dollar makes: These are the metros where your paycheck stretches the furthest

Photo collage with bar chart and coins in front of U.S. map.

Business & Economy

As tariffs loom and global currency values fluctuate, goods from these top US trade partners may shift in price

"Made in China" on a T-shirt label.

History

From COVID-19 to financial crises, here's how major global events impact the strength of the US dollar

A man standing in front of a large screen displaying multiple charts, graphs, and financial data. The individual is wearing a suit and has a headset on.

Business & Economy

How restaurants rose to the cutting edge of technology

Children selecting pieces of pie from automat.

Health

'Media multitasking' might be fueling long-term forgetfulness and attention lapses

A person on multiple media devices.

Business & Economy

Who stands to gain the most from new federal overtime rules?

A driver steers behind the wheel of a truck at night.

Politics

5 biggest US presidential election upsets since 1872

Photo illustration with portraits of Donald Trump, Grover Cleveland, Thomas E. Dewey, John F. Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Harry Truman, and Richard Nixon.

Politics

History of third-party votes in US presidential elections

Ross Perot speaks with hands to his ears.

Politics

Which congressional campaigns are drawing the most donations from wealthy donors this election?

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event.