Economy Aug 30 How homebuyers of color are disproportionately impacted by rising mortgage rates Rising mortgage rates and lingering inflation are forcing many Americans to put plans to buy a home on hold. That is pushing up rent prices for others. As economics correspondent Paul Solman explains, no one has experienced that more acutely…
Economy Aug 11 Firearms industry scrutinized for how it markets to consumers The debate over gun control in America often centers around firearms production and distribution. But in recent years gun company marketing techniques have come under scrutiny, as major manufacturers seek out a new and arguably vulnerable audience. Paul Solman has…
Science Aug 04 ‘TeamSeas’ uses YouTube to tackle the global plastic problem Social media can certainly motivate people for good and otherwise. Calls to action to clean up the oceans, rivers, and beaches have galvanized volunteers and gone viral. But given the magnitude of the problem, how should we assess the impact?…
Health Jul 31 Early America’s complicated history with abortion access The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade relied heavily on the argument that, in Justice Samuel Alito’s words, “a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the nation’s history and traditions.” Paul Solman takes a look at that…
Economy Jul 29 Manufacturers use ‘shrinkflation’ to pass costs on to consumers With inflation at a 40-year high in the U.S., we are all spending more when we go to the store. But there is another dimension of inflation these days called "shrinkflation." Economics correspondent Paul Solman explains.
Economy Jul 27 Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid stubbornly high prices and recession concerns The Federal Reserve raised interest rates significantly again Wednesday in a bid to put the brakes on inflation. The economy is no longer running nearly as hot as it did last year, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell said it was…
Economy Jul 11 Inflation and high housing costs spur more baby boomers to find roommates Amid high inflation and rising housing costs, some seniors are turning to home-sharing. Economics correspondent Paul Solman has the story about a growing number of baby boomers who are becoming "boommates."…
Economy Jun 15 Federal Reserve implements highest interest rate hike in decades to combat inflation The Federal Reserve on Wednesday ramped up its efforts to fight inflation with a notable interest rate hike. Officials voted to raise rates by three-quarters of a point, a jump higher than expected just a week ago. Fed chair Jerome…
Nation Jun 06 How ‘green gentrification’ is pricing out longtime East Boston residents The city of Boston faces two enormous problems: Sea level rise in its harbor that is getting worse with climate change and a dearth of affordable housing, pricing out many longtime residents. Solutions to one of the problems may compound…
Economy May 04 Federal Reserve implements largest interest rate hike since 2000 The Federal Reserve raised interest rates again Wednesday in an effort to stamp down surging inflation. It increased rates by a half-percentage point, a move that will affect the pocketbooks of millions of Americans. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said more…