Economy

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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Jerome Gage, a Lyft driver in Torrance, Calif., has been joining protests urging the ride-hailing companies to treat workers better.

He Keeps Driving For Lyft 'Because People Need Us'

4:45pm April 23, 2020

by Shannon Bond

Many Lyft and Uber drivers have given up on driving, because they aren't making enough money to take the risk of potentially exposing themselves to the coronavirus. Jerome Gage is still at it.

Louisiana Senator Comments On The Suggestion That States File For Bankruptcy

4:12pm April 23, 2020

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., about the suggestion that states should seek bankruptcy filings in lieu of another relief package.

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Drained By Pandemic, States Are Asking For Federal Aid

4:12pm April 23, 2020

by Bente Birkeland

State coffers have been wiped out by a loss of income and sales tax revenue and the cost of fighting the coronavirus. States are begging the federal government to help with massive budget shortfalls.

How Government Agencies Determine The Dollar Value Of Human Life

4:12pm April 23, 2020

by Sarah Gonzalez

Reopening the economy requires contemplating the trade-off between lives and money. Government agencies are already used to putting dollar values on human life when considering safety regulations.

Coronavirus Updates: The Latest Unemployment Data In The U.S.

4:12pm April 23, 2020

In the last month, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed the jobs of one in six workers in the United States. NPR economic, science and congressional correspondents discuss the latest coronavirus news.

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Testing Capacity Will Determine Abilities Of States To Reopen

4:12pm April 23, 2020

Where is the United States on COVID-19 testing capacity — and what's the testing baseline to states to reopen?

David Roode and his wife, a concert pianist, have done some recording while on lockdown in Cincinnati. And they've tapped into savings they typically rely on during the slower summer months.

A Trombonist Wonders When An Audience Will Gather To Hear Music

2:06pm April 23, 2020

by Scott Horsley

David Roode's musical career went abruptly on hold when stay-at-home orders took effect. He predicts that when the crisis passes, people will want to enjoy the experience of attending concerts again.

Beverly Pickering goofs around with client Bella the husky. Pickering's dog walking and pet sitting business relies on people traveling. People aren't doing that much these days.

Dog Walkers Not Wanted: Her Job Evaporated When People Stayed Home

1:48pm April 23, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

Most of Beverly Pickering's dog walking and pet sitting business relies on people traveling. People aren't doing that much these days.