Business

Lenders Demand Punishing Terms For Struggling Homeowners Amid Pandemic

10:50am April 24, 2020

by Chris Arnold

Millions of homeowners may skip making payments as part of a federal plan meant to ease financial stress during the pandemic. But many Americans say they're running into problems with their lenders.

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The coronavirus pandemic has turned the market for protective gear for health care workers into a free-for-all.

Economy

What It Takes To Get A Mask

8:07am April 24, 2020

by Bronson Arcuri

The way Illinois finally got the masks it needed was practically the plot to a heist thriller — so we turned it into one for the first of our Quarantine Edition of Planet Money Shorts.

Economist Paul Romer's Roadmap To Responsibly Reopen America

7:31am April 24, 2020

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Romer has an idea for reopening the country that balances health concerns with the need to conduct business. NPR's David Greene talks to Romer about his plan.

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Florida Makes Plans To Welcome Back Tourists, Revive Economy

6:15am April 24, 2020

by Greg Allen

Florida officials release a plan Friday to reopen the economy, which is dependent on tourism. Businesses from restaurants to theme parks believe they can open without risking a COVID-19 resurgence.

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Not All Hair Salons In Georgia Are Comfortable With Reopening

6:08am April 24, 2020

Hair salons in Georgia are among the businesses opening back up across the state on Friday. While some stylists are eager to pick the scissors back up, others say it's still not safe.

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News Brief: Virus Warnings Delayed, Nurses' Safety, Mortage Payments Missed

5:49am April 24, 2020

NPR probe finds conflicts and shortages delayed COVID-19 early warning system. Nurses keep risking their lives to treat patients. And, millions of homeowners skip mortgage payments due to pandemic.

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The Office As We Knew It Isn't Coming Back Anytime Soon. Maybe It's Changed Forever

5:01am April 24, 2020

by Uri Berliner

In webinars and conference calls, business leaders and management strategists are discussing what steps must be taken to bring workers back to America's offices. The bar is likely to be high.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, pictured on April 16, insists he is moving forward with plans to allow some nonessential businesses to open their doors to the public. The plan has come under intense criticism.

Georgia Gov. Disregards Trump Criticism, Moves Ahead With Plans To Reopen Businesses

8:40pm April 23, 2020

by Vanessa Romo

"I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers," Gov. Brian Kemp said.

A fatigued health care worker takes a moment outside the Brooklyn Hospital Center in April. Many hospital workers these days have to cope with horrific tragedies playing out multiple times on a single, 12-hour shift.

Health & Safety

Trauma On The Pandemic's Front Line Leaves Health Workers Reeling

7:49pm April 23, 2020

by Yuki Noguchi

Hospital workers face stresses right now that can compare to fighting a war, and recent research suggests medical staff could be among the hardest hit by the mental health effects of the pandemic.

European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen speaks to reporters Thursday in Brussels after a video conference among EU officials about easing the impact of the coronavirus on the bloc's economies.

EU Leaders Fail To Agree On Coronavirus Economic Recovery Program

6:32pm April 23, 2020

by H.J. Mai

The group did endorse the recent recommendation of finance ministers for a short-term rescue package worth more than a half-trillion dollars.