Business

Economy

CEOs no longer question if there will be a recession. The question now is when?

7:29am October 13, 2022

by David Gura

As the Federal Reserve maintains it can get high inflation under control without triggering a recession, 98% of CEOs surveyed say they're preparing for a recession in the next 12 to 18 months.

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Starbucks employees and supporters react as votes are read during a union-election watch party on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. Starbucks workers have voted to unionize over the company's objections, pointing the way to a new labor model for the 50-year old coffee giant.

National

Men in unions may make $1.3 million more in lifetime than men not in one, study says

5:35am October 13, 2022

by Ayana Archie

Men who belonged to unions their entire career made up to $1.3 million more, on average, than men who never joined one, according to recently released research.

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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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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Politics & Government

News brief: Crimea bridge blast, possible rail strike, Parkland shooter trial

7:42am October 12, 2022

Russia detains suspects in bridge bombing that prompted it to fire missiles on Ukraine. A railroad strike is still possible in the U.S. Florida jury will decide the fate of Parkland school shooter.

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One union's rejection of a tentative rail deal puts the agreement in jeopardy

7:20am October 12, 2022

A key rail union has voted against a deal brokered by the Biden administration, but talks continue to try to avert a strike next month. We look at what's at stake.

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Another warehouse in New York could become Amazon's 2nd U.S. workplace to unionize

5:09am October 12, 2022

by Lucas Willard

Workers at an Amazon warehouse near Albany begin voting on whether to unionize. The Amazon Labor Union formed last spring after employees at a Staten Island warehouse voted to unionize.

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.