Making Sen$e Sep 10 One survey shows jobs added, another fewer Americans employed. How can that be? While one survey showed 201,000 jobs added in August, other government data recorded 423,000 fewer Americans “employed.” How can that be?…
Making Sen$e Sep 06 How Wisconsin is trying to head off a major worker shortage In Wisconsin, "Help Wanted" is on virtually every restaurant window, store front and city bus. With an aging population and few immigrants, the state could have a shortage of 45,000 workers by 2024, which could pose a threat to business.
Making Sen$e Aug 23 Why recent stock market gains might not benefit the economy This week has marked the longest uninterrupted stock market gains in U.S. history, thanks in part to a steady economic recovery now nine years old. But another driver is the growth of stock buybacks: companies purchasing their own shares. Whether…
Making Sen$e Aug 16 The economic principle that powers this kidney donor market A hundred thousand Americans are on a waiting list for a kidney from a deceased donor. But another option is the paired-organ exchange, which allows living kidney donors who are not a match with their intended recipient to network with…
Making Sen$e Aug 09 The U.S. needs more home care workers. Is this the solution? America's home care shortage is critical, and growing. The industry's shortage seems to be driven by low wages, few benefits and a lack of respect for workers, 90 percent of whom are women. Would giving them more responsibilities and more…
Making Sen$e Aug 03 How online video sensation Shonduras reinvents himself regularly to stay successful After making a career out of stunts like refrigerator-skiing -- drawing millions of eyeballs from the coveted under-35 demographic -- Shaun McBride has learned how to adapt to new platforms and invest in evolving business models.
Making Sen$e Jul 26 Why does one of the most needed jobs pay so poorly? With about 10,000 baby boomers retiring every single day, home care is one of the fastest growing, most needed occupations in America. But there's a problem: The current median pay is just $10.49 per hour. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports…
Making Sen$e Jul 19 Iran pays kidney donors. Should the U.S. follow? In the U.S., Medicare spending on dialysis accounts for nearly 1 percent of the entire federal budget, and the cost is growing. On the other hand, kidney transplants are actually less expensive and offer the possibility of getting back to…
Making Sen$e Jul 12 The highs and lows of being a professional online streamer As more people consume video online, "streaming" is the internet's version of live TV, but with instant feedback from fans. How have star streamers turned activities like taping themselves playing video games into profitable careers? Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports…
Making Sen$e Jun 28 How a new aristocracy’s self-segregation puts stress on society Growing class division is destabilizing our society, argues author and philosopher Matthew Stewart in a provocative Atlantic magazine cover story. He says there's a group in between the top 0.1 percent and bottom 90 percent that plays an important role…