Economy

Conservative Economist Blames High Unemployment On 'Richer' Benefits

5:40pm May 16, 2021

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin about why some Republican governors are opting out of receiving federal unemployment benefits for their state.

Economics Correspondent Says Few People Opt For Unemployment Over Work

5:34pm May 16, 2021

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Washington Post's economics correspondent Heather Long about what the unemployment numbers say about the state of the country's economic recovery.

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Motorists line up at a gas station on New York's Long Island, hoping to fill their tanks during the gasoline shortage of 1973-74. Long lines and fuel restrictions were common across the country.

Pipeline Panic Recalls Perils Of Gas Lines For Past Presidents

8:01am May 16, 2021

by Ron Elving

Some Americans actually remember the gas lines of the 1970s and how they contributed to the downfall of two presidents. And if you don't, you've at least heard the stories and seen the pictures.

A screen shows canceled incoming flights at T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I., on March 30, 2020. Consumer advocates and two senators say airlines are sitting on nearly $15 billion in refunds owed to customers for canceled travel.

Complaints Soar As Customers Fight Airlines For Refunds From Pandemic Cancellations

3:18pm May 15, 2021

by David Schaper

Airlines got billions in federal COVID-19 aid over the past year, but consumer advocates and two senators say the companies are sitting on nearly $15 billion in refunds owed for canceled travel.

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President Biden speaks about the economy at the White House Monday. The Biden administration is arguing that higher-than-expected inflation is temporary.

Inflation, Gas Shortage Highlight Peril That Could Threaten Biden's Agenda

7:47am May 15, 2021

by Domenico Montanaro

Americans continue to say they approve of how the president is handling the coronavirus pandemic, but he may be running into speed bumps because of inflation and other issues.

Judge Puts Hold On Ruling That Could Result In Millions Of Families Getting Evicted

5:16pm May 14, 2021

by Chris Arnold

A federal judge that threw out an eviction moratorium by the CDC has now put the ruling on holding pending appeal. The fate of many of the 7 million households behind on rent hangs in the balance.

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A bartender mixes a drink inside a bar last week in San Francisco. The latest retail sales data out on Friday showed an increase in sales at restaurants and bars as more people venture out amid the continued reopening of the U.S. economy.

Economy

Americans Dialed Back On Retail Therapy — And Spent More Eating Their Feelings

1:51pm May 14, 2021

by David Gura

Retail sales were flat in April from a month earlier as Americans spent less on things such as clothes or sporting goods but increased their spending at bars and restaurants.

Tia Cunningham says she was able to get out of subsidized housing and use the money as a down payment to buy a house.

Economy

More Cities Are Handing People Cash With No Strings Attached. Here's Why

12:35pm May 14, 2021

by Lily Jamali

Nearly two dozen American cities have signed on to pilot programs that offer basic incomes to low-income residents.

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FCC Program Offers Discounts On Broadband Service, Computers

10:24am May 14, 2021

by Neal Charnoff

A new Federal Communications Commission program is offering consumers discounts on broadband connection and computers.

Economy

The Skinny Jean's Fall From Grace

5:13pm May 12, 2021

Skinny jeans dominated the jeans market for nearly two decades. Now they make up about 33% of jeans sales. The Indicator from Planet Money investigates the possible demise of the skinny jean.

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