Social programs that helped millions during pandemic are ending
During the pandemic, the government implemented social programs that helped millions. But many of those programs are now ending.
Economy
FAFSA to be overhauled, making it easier for students to apply for financial aid
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Rachel Burns, author of a new report assessing what changes to the Free Application for Federal Aid could mean for students in the 2024-25 academic year.
Why workers are resorting to more strikes this year to pressure companies
This has been a watershed year. So far in 2023, there have been 22 major strikes: 17 at companies, making it the largest number of strikes in the private sector since 2011.
5 things to know about a stunning week for the economy
The U.S. economy continues to defy gravity, growing rapidly despite high interest rates. Consumer spending is powering the expansion, but it's not clear how long that can last.
Economic numbers show Americans are on a spending kick. How long can that keep up?
Americans opened their wallets again in September, spending freely on cars, concert tickets and more. Income didn't keep pace with spending, though, raising questions about how long it can continue.
Feeling the pinch of high home insurance rates? It's not getting better anytime soon
Homeowners in Florida, like other states, are seeing their home insurance rates soar. Multibillion-dollar disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires have led insurers to hike premiums.
The U.S. economy is humming. So why are Americans so grumpy about it?
Rising interest rates haven't slowed the economy. GDP numbers out Thursday show the economy grew more than twice as fast in July, August and September as in the previous quarter.
The U.S. economy posted stunning growth in the third quarter — but it may not last
Gross domestic product surged from July to September as Americans opened their wallets big time, but there are doubts about how long this blistering pace of growth can last.
To tackle homelessness faster, LA has a kind of real estate agency for the unhoused
A Los Angeles program aggressively scouts vacant units and lobbies landlords in one of the country's tightest real estate markets. Some landlords offer up units even before putting them on the market.
Why children of married parents do better, but America is moving the other way
Almost half of all babies born in the U.S. are born to unmarried mothers. That's not good for children, says progressive economist Melissa Kearney in her new book, The Two-Parent Privilege.