Economy Nov 11 Trump-era Opportunity Zones meant to help low-income communities exploited by investors Former President Donald Trump's 2017 tax plan created Opportunity Zones — a program of tax incentives to encourage investment in low-income communities. But as Paul Solman reports, that program has not necessarily spurred economic growth and jobs in distressed communities…
Education Oct 26 Jobs requiring college degrees disqualify most U.S. workers — especially workers of color It has long been a given that a four-year college degree is a prerequisite for moving up the economic ladder in the U.S. But for others, that requirement is having unintended consequences, including negatively affecting their mental health. Paul Solman…
Economy Oct 08 The pandemic pushed millions of U.S. workers to join the ‘Great Resignation.’ Here’s why The September jobs report shows that the unemployment rate fell to 4.8% and job openings are at a record high with wages increased again last month, as companies tried to attract new employees. But more than 25 million people quit…
Economy Sep 27 Why trade jobs are unpopular, and how low-wage workers can get better opportunities As the American economy recovers from the worst impacts of the pandemic, questions remain about the labor force and the problems that plagued the economy even prior to the start of COVID-19. In the eighth and final installment of our…
Economy Aug 25 How apprenticeships can bridge the employment gap for workers without college degrees Because of the pandemic, millions of lost jobs in the U.S. are not filled yet. While there are reports of labor shortages in many sectors, a large percentage of workers say they are looking for a new job. For some…
Nation Aug 05 Remembering Richard Trumka, a giant in the world of labor and unions Richard Trumka, who was at the helm of the nation's largest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, for more than two decades, died on Thursday. Paul Solman reports, and Robert Reich, former secretary of labor under the Clinton administration, joins Judy Woodruff…
Making Sen$e Aug 04 As housing costs boom, how home-buyers in one city search for affordability As the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus, housing costs are skyrocketing. According to the latest S&P Core Logic Case-Shiller index, home prices were up almost 17 percent over the last year -- and in many places, the jump was worse.
Nation Jul 26 The manufacturing sector needs workers. Training high schoolers could help fill that void Even as the U.S. labor picture improves, the manufacturing sector is still struggling with a shortage of workers and raw materials. An analysis by Deloitte found that over two million manufacturing jobs will be unfilled through 2030. Economic correspondent Paul…
Nation Jul 08 Baby boomers on their role in social change and how luck affected their prosperity The COVID-19 shutdown and recession may have exacerbated an already growing division in popular culture between Millennials and baby boomers. On Wednesday, we heard from millennials. Tonight, we continue our look at generational tensions over economic disparities with perspective from…
Nation Jul 07 ‘OK, boomer’: What’s behind millennials’ growing resentment for their predecessors? The downturn of the pandemic economy has hit many groups hard. But for many millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — and Generation Z, who follow them, that pain — plus a number of other factors — are…