ECONOMY

Lenders Demand Punishing Terms For Struggling Homeowners Amid Pandemic

10:50am April 24, 2020

by Chris Arnold

Millions of homeowners may skip making payments as part of a federal plan meant to ease financial stress during the pandemic. But many Americans say they're running into problems with their lenders.

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The coronavirus pandemic has turned the market for protective gear for health care workers into a free-for-all.

Economy

What It Takes To Get A Mask

8:07am April 24, 2020

by Bronson Arcuri

The way Illinois finally got the masks it needed was practically the plot to a heist thriller — so we turned it into one for the first of our Quarantine Edition of Planet Money Shorts.

Economist Paul Romer's Roadmap To Responsibly Reopen America

7:31am April 24, 2020

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Romer has an idea for reopening the country that balances health concerns with the need to conduct business. NPR's David Greene talks to Romer about his plan.

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Florida Makes Plans To Welcome Back Tourists, Revive Economy

6:15am April 24, 2020

by Greg Allen

Florida officials release a plan Friday to reopen the economy, which is dependent on tourism. Businesses from restaurants to theme parks believe they can open without risking a COVID-19 resurgence.

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News Brief: Virus Warnings Delayed, Nurses' Safety, Mortage Payments Missed

5:49am April 24, 2020

NPR probe finds conflicts and shortages delayed COVID-19 early warning system. Nurses keep risking their lives to treat patients. And, millions of homeowners skip mortgage payments due to pandemic.

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The Office As We Knew It Isn't Coming Back Anytime Soon. Maybe It's Changed Forever

5:01am April 24, 2020

by Uri Berliner

In webinars and conference calls, business leaders and management strategists are discussing what steps must be taken to bring workers back to America's offices. The bar is likely to be high.

Economy

What Happened Today: New Relief Package, Unemployment Numbers

9:27pm April 23, 2020

by Scott Horsley

NPR's global economics correspondent talks about the new relief package passed by the Senate, updates the latest unemployment numbers and answers listener questions about the economy.

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, pictured on April 16, insists he is moving forward with plans to allow some nonessential businesses to open their doors to the public. The plan has come under intense criticism.

Georgia Gov. Disregards Trump Criticism, Moves Ahead With Plans To Reopen Businesses

8:40pm April 23, 2020

by Vanessa Romo

"I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers," Gov. Brian Kemp said.

Texas Economy Takes A Big Hit Due To Pandemic And Oil Crisis

6:14pm April 23, 2020

In Texas, more than 280,000 people claimed unemployment last week. NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Ed Serna, the executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission, about the weekly job numbers.

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Hospitals are receiving federal aid through the CARES Act. But will it be enough?

U.S. Hospitals Hit By Financial 'Triple Whammy' During Coronavirus Pandemic

5:04pm April 23, 2020

by Ailsa Chang

The CEO and president of the American Hospital Association says members are losing billions due to the cost of treating COVID-19, the rise in uninsured and loss of revenue from elective procedures.

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