Episode 413: Our Fake Candidate Meets The People
On today's show, Planet Money's economist-approved fake candidate makes his first ads. Then we nervously watch to see what a focus group thinks of them.
Economy
How Venezuela's Economy Collapsed And Led To Political Unrest
Venezuela has one of the worst economies in the world with food shortages and massive inflation. NPR's Planet Money team explains how it got so bad.
Platform Check: Trump And Clinton On Health Care
The candidates diverge sharply on Obamacare but both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump see opportunities to improve health care through the tax code.
Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged, But Signals Increase May Be Coming
Federal Reserve policymakers finished meeting Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day. They left interest rates unchanged but said the case for more expensive loans is strengthening.
Wave Of Mergers Washing Over The Economy: Sinking Or Buoying Consumers?
In recent weeks, U.S. corporations have announced multibillion-dollar deals in a huge wave of mergers. Economists say that can hurt consumers, workers and savers — but also strengthen the economy.
As Scandal Cools, What Next For Volkswagen?
VW introduces a new SUV, the Atlas, as the company tries to turn the page from the diesel emissions scandal. The company agreed to pay $14.7 billion to settle claims by customers and regulators.
U.S. Car Sales Slide In October
Overall, sedan sales in the U.S. are expected to show a drop between 6 and 8 percent. Consumers are going for SUVs and trucks instead.
Economists Warn: Trump 'Promotes Magical Thinking And Conspiracy Theories'
A letter from 370 economists, including eight Nobel Prize winners, says the Republican presidential candidate has misled the country about trade, jobs and growth.
Shock At The Pump: A Jump In N.J. Gas Tax Marks An End To Cheap Fuel
New Jersey drivers have enjoyed relatively cheap gasoline thanks to low taxes. But that changed on Tuesday when the state's gas tax jumped 23 cents a gallon. Station owners fear they'll lose business.
Shopping For Obamacare Opens To Mixed Reviews From Consumers
Conversations with two people show how the cost of insurance through the Affordable Care Act varies widely, because subsidies and deductibles available are based on individual circumstances.