Economy

Even With The Economy Down, The Pandemic Sparked A Small Business Boom In America

4:58pm July 22, 2021

During the COVID-19 crisis, almost 7 million Americans have started new businesses. Though an all time record, it's not unusual for such conditions to make people hungry to start their own thing.

Hey Investors: Plan Before The Crash

4:58pm July 22, 2021

by Chris Arnold

Millions of Americans have started investing during the pandemic. For many it's been a great ride, with stocks hitting all-time highs. But now the market is wobbling, with wild swings up and down.

As offices reopen, workers are scrambling to adjust their pets to life outside of the home.

Economy

You Adopted A Pandemic Pet. Now You're Going Back To The Office. What Next?

12:59pm July 22, 2021

by Savannah Sicurella

The luxuries of remote work were temporary for many. As workplaces reopen offices and resume in-person operations, pet owners are scrambling to adjust to a new routine.

Officials remind parents that it will not attempt to gather personal or financial information via email, text or through threatening phone calls.

The IRS Won't Be Calling, Emailing Or Texting. Don't Fall For Child Tax Credit Scams

12:02pm July 22, 2021

by Vanessa Romo

"Be alert to criminals who ask you, by phone, email, text – or even on social media, to verify your information," the IRS cautions.

Economy

The Indicator From Planet Money Probes Inflation's Sneaky Cousin: Shrinkflation

5:30am July 22, 2021

When companies don't want to directly raise prices, they often shrink the size of the product while keeping the same price. This tendency to downsize products has come to be known as shrinkflation.

Michigan's two largest hospital systems, Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health, announced last month they wanted to merge. Hospital mergers and monopolies are increasingly the norm in the United States — which drives prices.

The Untamed Rise Of Hospital Monopolies

7:12pm July 20, 2021

by Greg Rosalsky

America has seen decades of consolidation of its hospitals, raising prices for consumers. President Biden now wants to do something about it.

Lamar Cornett has worked in restaurants for more than 20 years. During the pandemic, he began thinking about leaving that career behind.

Low Pay, No Benefits, Rude Customers: Restaurant Workers Quit At Record Rate

6:50pm July 20, 2021

by Alina Selyukh

Average wages for nonmanagers at restaurants and bars hit $15 an hour in May, but many say no amount of pay would get them to return. They are leaving at the highest rate in decades.

White House Economic Adviser On Inflation, Delta Variant And Recovery

4:39pm July 20, 2021

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Jared Bernstein of the White House Council of Economic Advisers about rising inflation and how an increase in U.S. COVID-19 cases could affect economic recovery.

Economy

Liberty Street Market Returns After 2020 Reboot

2:42pm July 20, 2021

by Paul Garber

A revived urban farmers market in Winston-Salem is back for a second season.

The Spread Of The Delta Variant Is Shaking Confidence And Sinking Stocks

6:52pm July 19, 2021

by David Gura

On Monday, stocks sold off significantly, in part due to lingering fears of sustained inflation and a resurgence of COVID-19.