Episodes

  • Trump-era Opportunity Zones meant to help low-income communities exploited by investors

    Trump-era Opportunity Zones meant to help low-income communities exploited by investors
    Nov 11 2021
    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 the way it had been envisioned. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    9 mins
  • As housing costs boom, how home-buyers in one city search for affordability

    As housing costs boom, how home-buyers in one city search for affordability
    Aug 4 2021
    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. Economics correspondent Paul Solman turns to potential home-buyers in Boise, Idaho, one of the many areas in the country that has seen a stark increase in prices. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    8 mins
  • Exploring the economic argument for a return to open US borders

    Exploring the economic argument for a return to open US borders
    Jun 16 2021
    Since taking office in January, President Joe Biden has made a number of moves to change former President Trump's hardline immigration policies. But just last week, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a tough message in Guatemala, telling its citizens not to come to the U.S. For the series "Making Sense," Paul Solman explores the economic debate around fully opening the country's borders. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    9 mins
  • How a rise in remote employment may impact post-pandemic work life

    How a rise in remote employment may impact post-pandemic work life
    Jun 3 2021
    Unemployment claims dropped again Thursday, and this week may also bring a clearer picture of what's happening with the job market. As more Americans get vaccinated, workers and companies are figuring out what post-pandemic work life will look like -- and how it may change permanently. NewsHour's Paul Solman has the story as part of his series, "Making Sense." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    9 mins
  • The US has a 'thirst' for immigrant workers. Why do so many struggle to get legal status?

    The US has a 'thirst' for immigrant workers. Why do so many struggle to get legal status?
    May 20 2021
    President Joe Biden has said that changing immigration law remains an important piece of his agenda. But the path to new legislation is complex and hardly clear. One of the biggest flashpoints in this debate are questions about undocumented workers and their role in the economy. Paul Solman dives into those questions for his latest report for "Making Sense." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    8 mins
  • A look into Amazon's employee conditions as the company pushes back against unionization

    A look into Amazon's employee conditions as the company pushes back against unionization
    Mar 29 2021
    For almost two months, Amazon workers have been voting on whether to unionize at one of the company's major warehouses in Alabama. The voting concludes today. Since Amazon is the second-largest private employer in the country, the stakes are high and the battle is being closely watched. Paul Solman reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    8 mins
  • The fate of bats is hanging in the balance. That could have very real consequences for us

    The fate of bats is hanging in the balance. That could have very real consequences for us
    Mar 17 2021
    The World Health Organization is expected to release a report on its investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus in the coming days. Among the many theories is the unproven belief that it was passed on from bats -- leading to much public fear of the mammals. But the growing threat to bats could mean bad news for us too. Special correspondent Catherine Rampell reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    8 mins
  • Millions of Americans saddled with student debt as debate continues over relief

    Millions of Americans saddled with student debt as debate continues over relief
    Mar 3 2021
    As Washington debates how to provide economic aid during the pandemic, many say one critical component should be part of future deals: forgiving student debt. But determining how much could or should be forgiven is a complicated question. Paul Solman looks at the pressure to make changes for our series, "Making Sense." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
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    8 mins