ECONOMY

Economy

As Construction Picks Up, American Truck Makers Race

7:34pm March 07, 2013

by Sonari Glinton

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 31 years. Amid rumors of a new version of the Ford truck, GM is readying pickup launches of its own as signs of a housing industry comeback signal increased demand for the heavy-duty vehicles.

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Economy

Social Mobility: Is The American Dream Slipping Away?

2:34pm March 07, 2013

As former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush made the media rounds for his book Immigration Wars, he also addressed what he sees as the biggest structural challenge facing America. "We're no longer socially mobile as a country," he told MSNBC, voicing the concerns of many Americans.

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Economy

Time For The Fed To Take Away The Punch Bowl?

11:49am March 07, 2013

by John Ydstie

The stock market's long climb has some people concerned it may be a bubble about to burst — a bubble artificially pumped up by the Federal Reserve's easy-money policy. That's led to calls — even from within the Fed — for an end to the central bank's extraordinary efforts to keep interest rates low.

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In Sly Self-Help Novel, Selling Clean Water Gets You 'Filthy Rich'

11:18am March 06, 2013

by NPR Staff

In Mohsin Hamid's fictional how-to, a nameless protagonist makes a fortune selling knockoff bottled water in a thirsty Asian metropolis. Hamid joins NPR's Steve Inkeep to discuss the book's conceit and the side effects of rampant development.

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Tilghman Logan and his instructor, Craig Stagg, do some practice turns using sit skis. Some ski resorts have created opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in snow sports.

With Adaptive Skiing, Disabled People No Longer Left Out In The Cold

11:18am March 06, 2013

by Carrie Jung

As the fresh snow falls in New Mexico's ski resorts and mild temperatures welcome visitors into the region, new ski enthusiasts are making their way to the mountain tops. Some ski resorts now offer lessons to people with disabilities, and owners say not only is it a great equalizer, it's also increasing business.

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Kirk Sours says heavy snow creates extra work on his ranch, but he's thrilled that the pending melt will bring his otherwise dry pastures much-needed moisture.

Drought-Stricken Plains Farmers 'Giddy' Over Heavy Snow

5:34pm March 04, 2013

by Frank Morris

More than 2 feet of snow hit the high plains this week, snarling travel and all but shutting down some cities. Despite those hassles, for farmers and ranchers, the snow brings some urgently needed moisture to their drought-stricken fields and pastures.

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Economy

State Of Emergency: Cities In Financial Crisis

2:37pm March 04, 2013

With at least $14 billion in long-term liabilities and $327 million in debt, Detroit has declared a financial emergency. Several cities have tried this approach before, and the results have been mixed.

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Economy

Hard-Hit Boise Subdivision Lacks Owner-Occupied Homes

1:02pm March 04, 2013

by Molly Messick

The housing crisis has taken a toll in Idaho. Home prices dropped by 46 percent in the Boise area and many people lost homes to foreclosure. Before the bubble burst, Charter Pointe became less a neighborhood of neighbors, and more about investor-buyers looking to make money.

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'It Can't Go On Forever': Michigan Steps In To Help Detroit

11:04am March 02, 2013

Host Scott Simon talks with the Republican governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, who on Friday announced he will appoint an emergency financial manager for Detroit. The city faces a $327 million budget deficit and more than $14 billion in long-term debt.

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With a declining population and dwindling tax base, Detroit has grappled with severe financial problems in the past decade.

Michigan Officials Take Control Of Detroit's Empty Wallet

8:01pm March 01, 2013

by Quinn Klinefelter

With Detroit deep in the red, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has announced that the state will take over the city's finances, cut existing labor contracts and sell city assets. The business community and some residents applaud the move, but others fear a greater decline in already faltering city services.

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