Economy

A closed barbershop in Cleveland in May 2020. Small businesses were in limbo as the coronavirus outbreak raged and the first round of the government's multibillion-dollar Paycheck Protection Program drew to a close.

Virtually all PPP loans have been forgiven with limited scrutiny

5:22pm October 12, 2022

Officials promised a robust review process before forgiving PPP loans, but most loans could be forgiven with a simple, one-page form. Meanwhile, just 2% of loans have gotten close, hands-on reviews.

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Economy

Greensboro convention brings ideas for keeping young talent local

4:50pm October 12, 2022

by Paul Garber

A three-day convention in Greensboro this week looked at ways to keep talented college students in the local workforce after they graduate.

Journalist Jacob Goldstein traces the advent of paper money back to 1000 AD China. Above, $100 notes are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C.

Money is 'A Made Up Thing' — but that doesn't change rising inflation

1:49pm October 12, 2022

by Dave Davies

Author and podcaster Jacob Goldstein says we don't think of money as a technology, but we should. He traces the first paper currency to China's Sichuan province, and ponders the Fed's next move.

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Mike Johansen stands by the door of the camping trailer where the couple is living while they wait for construction on their new home to be finished.

With mortgage rates near 7%, the housing party is over. Now it's hangover time

1:13pm October 12, 2022

by Chris Arnold

Higher rates are dashing the dreams of some would-be homebuyers while others stretch to buy but spend close to $1,000 a month more in monthly payments for a typical house.

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Economy

As mortgage rates rise, some people are giving up on owning a home

9:21am October 12, 2022

by Chris Arnold

Mortgage rates are up near 7%. That's adding nearly $1,000 a month to the mortgage payment for a typical house, sending home ownership beyond reach for more and more Americans.

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Economy

Examining the issues behind a possible rail strike

5:09am October 12, 2022

NPR's A Martínez talks to Justin Roczniak — co-host of the podcast "Well There's Your Problem" — about the broader issues behind a looming railroad strike.

The Mexican, U.S. and the Canadian flags.

Why the U.S. might not win the global economy without Canada and Mexico

6:31am October 11, 2022

by Greg Rosalsky

A new book argues that for the U.S. to become more globally competitive and create good jobs, we must embrace and expand trade with Canada and Mexico.

The mental health crisis and shortage of providers is creating big debt for Americans

4:19pm October 10, 2022

by Yuki Noguchi

The mental health crisis and the shortage of providers to treat them is creating a parallel problem for families: debt. But how much Americans are having to pay for this care is hidden in the shadows.

Economy

This years Nobel Prize in economics was awarded for work on preventing bank runs

4:19pm October 10, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics, along with economists Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig for their work on bank runs and how to prevent them.

Former Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Economy

Ben Bernanke among 3 American winners of Nobel Prize in economics

7:33am October 10, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and two academic economists — Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig — share this year's Nobel Prize in economics for their work on bank runs.