2021's holiday shopping season is on track to set a record
Shoppers are spending more despite COVID-19 and supply chain issues. At the same time, some people skipped the store in favor of handmade gifts.
ECONOMY
Infrastructure law may help Colorado's aim to tackle poverty and climate change
Colorado is fighting poverty and climate change by retrofitting low-income homes. The state is expected to get a boost from the new infrastructure law. (Story originally aired on ATC on Dec. 2. 2021)
The U.S. economy is slowing as fewer immigrant workers come to fill jobs
The U.S. economy is missing more than 1 million immigrant workers because of the pandemic and Trump-era cuts. Some say that's slowing down industries that depend most on immigrants, like trucking.
It may be more lucrative to invest in collectible LEGO sets than in gold, study finds
LEGO, the world's largest toy maker, is quietly building its reputation as a good investment as select unopened Lego sets have an average annual return of 11%. That's more than gold.
Stocks drop as fears about the omicron variant reach Wall Street
Stocks dropped as investors worried about how the omicron variant would impact the global economy after several countries imposed restrictions.
What an interest hike would mean for credit card holders, mortgages, student loans
NPR's A Martinez asks Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist for The Washington Post, about what the Federal Reserve's plan to consider raising interest rates means for your wallet.
How the government helps investors buy mobile home parks, raise rent and evict people
Investors and companies are swooping in to buy mobile home parks. They raise fees and rents, and evict people who can't pay — using billions of dollars' worth of low interest, government-backed loans.
Inflation may be worse in our heads than in reality
Scott Simon speaks with University of Chicago economist Stefan Nagel about the psychological effects of inflation.
The economy is on edge as COVID-19 cases rise
Rising coronavirus cases are forcing the cancellation of sporting events, Broadway shows and in-person meetings. Economic fallout from the new omicron variant could come next.
Kellogg's workers will vote on another tentative deal, but the strike may still go on
Union negotiators and company officials have reached another possible deal to end the months-long strike by 1,400 workers — but there are signs of opposition to the agreement.