Economy

Following a rally in Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park, hundreds of union members march across the Brooklyn Bridge in support of IBEW Local 3 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), September 18, 2017, in New York City.

You may have heard of the 'union boom.' The numbers tell a different story

6:31am February 28, 2023

by Greg Rosalsky

Despite a stream of headlines last year about unionization drives throughout the nation, the share of American workers in unions fell to its lowest level on record. What's going on?

New homes under construction in the desert west of Phoenix.

Here's why Arizona says it can keep growing despite historic megadrought

9:58pm February 27, 2023

by Kirk Siegler

Phoenix has long been one of America's fastest growing cities. But central Arizona may finally be facing a reckoning as much of its groundwater supplies are becoming tapped out.

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How to score better savings account interest rates

5:10pm February 27, 2023

by Arezou Rezvani

Many big banks are offering shockingly low interest rates on basic savings accounts. Experts say moving your money to a credit union or smaller institution could be a much better deal.

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Economy

Interest rate hikes widen the wealth gap, an economist argues

5:31pm February 26, 2023

NPR's Michel Martin talks with Darrick Hamilton, economics professor at The New School in New York City, about the relationship between interest rates and wealth inequality.

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People walk along 5th Avenue in Manhattan, which is one of the nation's premier shopping streets, on Feb. 15, 2023. Consumer spending was unexpectedly strong last month. That's good for the economy – but not so good for inflation prospects.

Economy

Despite high inflation, Americans are spending like crazy – and it's kind of puzzling

5:00am February 25, 2023

by Scott Horsley

Americans began the new year with a spending spree, but businesses are not sure how long it can last. There's a lot riding on the answer, since consumer spending is the backbone of the U.S. economy.

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Do work requirements for SNAP assistance actually lead to economic self-sufficiency?

6:58pm February 24, 2023

SNAP, a federal nutrition assistance program, will again require some recipients to work in order to receive aid. But new research raises questions about whether work requirements actually work.

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Las Vegas food bank prepares for the end of pandemic relief SNAP benefits

5:55pm February 23, 2023

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Brooke Neubauer, founder and CEO of The Just One project in Las Vegas, about how the end of COVID food benefits will affect the community.

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Most Americans want to raise debt ceiling, but disagree on how to lower national debt

5:55pm February 23, 2023

by Domenico Montanaro

The country's credit rating could be downgraded if the debt ceiling isn't raised, but a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds Americans split on whether to raise it and how to deal with the debt.

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Americans' spending (which has been up in 2023) will help shape the economic future

5:41pm February 23, 2023

by Scott Horsley

Consumers began 2023 with a surprisingly strong spending spree, but businesses aren't sure it will last. People's spending will play a big role in shaping the economic outlook and future of inflation.

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NPR will cut 10% of its workforce, CEO John Lansing said Wednesday. Lansing blamed a slowdown in advertising dollars.

Economy

NPR says it's cutting jobs by 10% as ad revenue drops

4:47pm February 22, 2023

by David Folkenflik

NPR must lay off 10% of its workforce to address an advertising shortfall of about $30 million, CEO John Lansing says. Lansing says marketers are nervous about the economy.