Economy Update From NPR: ‘Limitless’ makes the case that the Federal Reserve is more powerful than we realize

‘Limitless’ makes the case that the Federal Reserve is more powerful than we realize NY Times journalist Jeanna Smialek says the Fed has expanded its reach in recent years — in part because of the pandemic, but also due to changing expectations related to accountability and fairness. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: As G-20 ministers gather in Delhi, Ukraine may dominate — despite India’s own agenda

As G-20 ministers gather in Delhi, Ukraine may dominate — despite India’s own agenda India wants to steer talks away from Russia, with which it’s maintained ties despite the Ukraine invasion. Russia’s top diplomat walked out of a previous G-20 summit over criticism of the war. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: You may have heard of the ‘union boom.’ The numbers tell a different story

You may have heard of the ‘union boom.’ The numbers tell a different story Despite a stream of headlines last year about unionization drives throughout the nation, the share of American workers in unions fell to its lowest level on record. What’s going on? Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Here’s why Arizona says it can keep growing despite historic megadrought

Here’s why Arizona says it can keep growing despite historic megadrought Phoenix has long been one of America’s fastest growing cities. But central Arizona may finally be facing a reckoning as much of its groundwater supplies are becoming tapped out. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: How to score better savings account interest rates

How to score better savings account interest rates Many big banks are offering shockingly low interest rates on basic savings accounts. Experts say moving your money to a credit union or smaller institution could be a much better deal. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Interest rate hikes widen the wealth gap, an economist argues

Interest rate hikes widen the wealth gap, an economist argues NPR’s Michel Martin talks with Darrick Hamilton, economics professor at The New School in New York City, about the relationship between interest rates and wealth inequality. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Despite high inflation, Americans are spending like crazy – and it’s kind of puzzling

Despite high inflation, Americans are spending like crazy – and it’s kind of puzzling Americans began the new year with a spending spree, but businesses are not sure how long it can last. There’s a lot riding on the answer, since consumer spending is the backbone of the U.S. economy. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Do work requirements for SNAP assistance actually lead to economic self-sufficiency?

Do work requirements for SNAP assistance actually lead to economic self-sufficiency? SNAP, a federal nutrition assistance program, will again require some recipients to work in order to receive aid. But new research raises questions about whether work requirements actually work. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Most Americans want to raise debt ceiling, but disagree on how to lower national debt

Most Americans want to raise debt ceiling, but disagree on how to lower national debt The country’s credit rating could be downgraded if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, but a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds Americans split on whether to raise it and how to deal with the debt. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Las Vegas food bank prepares for the end of pandemic relief SNAP benefits

Las Vegas food bank prepares for the end of pandemic relief SNAP benefits NPR’s Ari Shapiro speaks with Brooke Neubauer, founder and CEO of The Just One project in Las Vegas, about how the end of COVID food benefits will affect the community. Read more on NPR