ECONOMY

South Dakota Governor Rejects Trump's Plan For Expanded Unemployment Benefits

8:58am August 19, 2020

by Scott Horsley

South Dakota's governor has rejected President Trump's executive action to boost unemployment benefits. Critics say that move is shortsighted in a state where tens of thousands of remain out of work.

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People walk near the New York Stock Exchange in June. The S&P 500 index has fully recovered from its plunge earlier this year when the pandemic began shutting down much of the economy.

Economy

The Big Comeback: S&P 500 Closes At Record High 6 Months After Coronavirus Plunge

5:07pm August 18, 2020

by Avie Schneider

After plummeting 34% from its prior peak, the stock index has staged a steady recovery — gaining more than 50% since March, when lockdowns shut down much of the economy.

A sale sign is seen in front of a home in Miami. FHA loans are used by many minority, lower-income, and first-time homebuyers because the low down payments make homeownership more affordable. But this demographic is more likely to be hurt financially duri

Loans For 1st-Time Homebuyers See Record Delinquencies

3:17pm August 18, 2020

by Chris Arnold

It's a sign that minority, lower-income, and first-time home buyers are getting hit hard financially amid the pandemic. But a vast majority are protected by Congress from foreclosure.

Beachgoers, on a nearly empty beach, walk past a lifeguard tower during the coronavirus pandemic, Aug. 11, 2020, on Miami Beach, Fla.

Another Coronavirus Casualty: Florida Tourism

2:58pm August 18, 2020

by Greg Allen

Tourism is one of Florida's biggest and most important industries. But visitors are shying away from the sun-splashed beaches and theme parks. Tourism numbers cratered in the last quarter.

How The Pandemic Is Making The Gender Pay Gap Worse

12:47pm August 18, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

In-person service jobs, which have been hit hard by the pandemic, are disproportionately done by women. Yet the unemployment rate is only part of the story.

The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, S.D., draws a crowd earlier this month during the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

How Bars Are Fueling COVID-19 Outbreaks

9:44am August 18, 2020

by Will Stone

To owners of bars and nightclubs, pandemic restrictions on the industry can feel punitive. But there are important differences, virus hunters say, between a bar and a restaurant that serves alcohol.

Wisconsin Vacation Area Struggles To Survive During Pandemic

8:05am August 18, 2020

by Robert Mentzer

In Wisconsin Dells, tourism is normally a billion dollar business for the town. But this year, because of the pandemic, visitors are scarce, workers are scared and some attractions are shut down.

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Judy Shelton: President Trump's Controversial Nominee To The Federal Reserve Board

4:42pm August 17, 2020

by Scott Horsley

President Trump's nominee to the Federal Reserve board, Judy Shelton, has been a lightning rod. Critics question her unconventional economic views as well as her political allegiance to the president.

Lisa Vrooman with her boyfriend John Rock, dog Umar and cat Mochi. They love the high ceilings in their 650-square-foot apartment, but keeping it cool is costly.

Pandemic Electric Bills Are Searing Hot, As Families Stay Home

10:47am August 17, 2020

by Scott Horsley

With lights out in many offices and millions of people plugging in at home, residential power bills are soaring, even as overall electricity consumption slumps during the recession.

How The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Deepening Economic Inequality In The U.S

7:59am August 16, 2020

NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro speaks with Heather Boushey, President and CEO of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, about how the pandemic is compounding economic inequality in the United States.

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