Economy

Economy

A business owner reflects on the state of the economy amid its 'soft landing'

8:00am February 03, 2024

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Marvin Companies CEO Paul Marvin about opening a new manufacturing plant amid what economists are calling a "soft landing."

An ancient law determines how sea rescuers get rewarded

5:26pm February 02, 2024

by Jeff Guo

In 1994, a crew of sailors pulled off a daring rescue in the middle of a tropical storm. To their surprise, their efforts would be rewarded thanks to an ancient law of the sea.

A construction worker is seen in Miami on Jan. 5, 2024. U.S. employers added more jobs than expected in January including in the construction sector.

Economy

The U.S. created an extraordinary number of jobs in January. Here's a deeper look

4:27pm February 02, 2024

by Scott Horsley

U.S. employers added 353,000 jobs in January — far more than forecasters expected. The sizzling job market is good for workers but could cause the Federal Reserve to postpone a cut in interest rates.

Former Marine Jason Miles stands in front of his home in Clinton, Miss. He lost a sales job during the pandemic and had to take a forbearance.

Lawmakers move to help veterans at risk of losing their homes

6:31pm February 01, 2024

Senators are introducing a new bill to help thousands of veterans who, through no fault of their own, were left facing foreclosure when a VA COVID-assistance program ended abruptly.

Jackson, Miss.' water utility says the system is improving. Others disagree

6:02pm February 01, 2024

by Stephan Bisaha

After an eight-year pause, the troubled water system in Jackson, Miss., will resume cutoffs for unpaid bills. But some say billing issues, which prompted the moratorium, persist.

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A new expanded child tax credit would include families who need it most

4:40pm February 01, 2024

The new tax bill passed expands the Child Tax Credit but doesn't include monthly payments. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks about the changes with Kris Cox of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

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Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference after the concludion of the Fed's policy meeting in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2023. The Fed held interest rates steady on Wednesday but indicated it could cut rates this year while also noting it would move cautiously.

Economy

The Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but signals rate cuts may be coming

6:02pm January 31, 2024

by Scott Horsley

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, but indicated that rates could fall in the coming months if inflation continues to cool.

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Image shows storefront of Harvest Market

Economy

Harvest Market co-op closes, leaving grocery gap in Winston-Salem neighborhood

4:55pm January 31, 2024

by Paul Garber

A Winston-Salem co-op intended to address food shortages in an area south of downtown is closing.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has led the department through a massive FAFSA overhaul mandated by Congress about three years ago.

A new FAFSA setback means many college financial aid offers won't come until April

10:50am January 31, 2024

by Cory Turner

The department needs extra time to fix a mistake that could have hurt lower-income borrowers, but the delay means all students will have to wait longer for their college aid offers.

The Groundlings opened a new facility in West Hollywood, California, in 2016.

Economy

Up First briefing: Fed weighs cutting interest rates; 50 years of Groundlings comedy

7:48am January 31, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

A Federal Reserve meeting ending today could offer clues about potential interest rate cuts in the future. The Groundlings improv and sketch group celebrates 50 years as an incubator for comedy stars.

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