Dec 25 How Do Senate vs. Detroit Worker Wages Compare on an Hourly Basis? Question/Comment: Hi Paul! I’ve heard certain senators opining about our ‘hourly’ wage earners here in Detroit. I’ve also heard senators earn tiptop health & retirement bennies. How do Senate vs ‘Detroit worker’ wages compare, converted to an hourly… Continue reading
Dec 24 Watch Following the Bailout Money Trail Yields Few Answers With about half of the federal bailout allocation spent, questions remain about how exactly recipient banks used the money. Analysts give an update on where this $350 billion has gone. Continue watching
Dec 24 Watch Toyota’s Losses Reflect Troubles Across the Global Economy With car sales plummeting, giant automaker Toyota Motor Corp., posted its first operating loss in 71 years. Economic analysts examine what impact the company's massive losses will have on the global economy. Continue watching
Dec 24 How Do Some Businesses Remain Prosperous While Others Fail? By Business Desk Question/Comment: I hear plenty about businesses that are failing or have failed in the recent financial turmoil. I heard little about businesses that remain stable or even prosperous. What is making the difference between the two? Paul Solman: If you… Continue reading
Dec 24 In Case You Missed It: Innovative Program Uses Business Methods to Teach Job Skills By Business Desk On Tuesday, Dec. 23, Paul Solman examined an innovative social entrepreneurship program that uses business methods to achieve social change for at-risk urban youth. You can find the transcript here. // <]> // ]]>… Continue reading
Dec 24 Do You Believe FDR’s Big Government Investment Efforts in Fact Helped End the Great Depression, And if So, Would Such Efforts Help Now? By Business Desk Question/Comment: A friend of mine disputes the notion that FDR’s New Deal rescued the nation from the Great Depression; he argues that the war effort was the major contributor. Do you believe… Continue reading
Dec 24 Consumer Spending, Durables Goods Orders Drop as Jobless Claims Rise By PBS News Hour The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that consumer spending fell for a fifth straight month in November, and Americans' incomes dropped as well, partially reflecting massive job layoffs. Continue reading
Dec 23 Watch Report Unearths Regulatory Failures in IndyMac Case Financial regulatory efforts apparently failed in the case of IndyMac, which was reportedly allowed to alter records to appear stronger than it was shortly before the sub-prime meltdown. Analysts take a closer look. Continue watching
Dec 23 Sagging Home Sales, GDP Highlight Dour Economic Reports By PBS News Hour Despite an uptick in consumer confidence in December due to declining prices, most of Tuesday's economic news was gloomy, led by a shrinking economy and falling corporate profits and home sales. Continue reading
Dec 23 LA MOCA Accepts Financial Help From Philanthropist, Director Resigns The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art has agreed to accept $30 million in financial assistance from billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, the Los Angeles Times reported. Continue reading