May 08 Jobs Reports Shows Layoff Pace Slowed in April By PBS News Hour The pace of layoffs slowed in April as employers cut 539,000 jobs, the fewest in six months, according to a Labor Department report released Friday. But the unemployment rate climbed to 8.9 percent, the highest since late 1983. Continue reading
Apr 27 How Does InBev’s Purchase of Anheuser-Busch Affect St. Louis? Question: For nearly 150 years, Anheuser-Busch was locally owned here in St. Louis. Now, it’s owned by someone in Belgium. Does this really mean anything for St. Louis beyond those who work for Anheuser-Busch/InBev? Paul Solman: It certainly might. A… Continue reading
Feb 26 What About the Recession’s Effects on the Arts? Question/Comment: Is there a possibility that you would do a piece on the Brandeis decision to close the Rose Art Museum and sell the collection? I know you’re a graduate, as I am. It strikes me a bad decision… Continue reading
Feb 19 After Long Battle, Calif. Budget Heads to Governor By PBS News Hour The California Assembly approved the state's long-awaited budget, sending the package to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after several all-night sessions and political concessions. Continue reading
Feb 18 GM, Chrysler Paint Dire Picture in Plea for More Federal Aid By Admin, PBS News Hour Nine weeks after automakers made their first plea to Congress for emergency aid, General Motors and Chrysler submitted new restructuring strategies and requests for additional federal funds that could bring the government's total tab to $39 billion. Continue reading
Jan 30 Are We Headed to a Shorter Work Week? Question/Comment: The Independent mentions that the United Kingdom might move to a three day work week. While some companies have resorted to this kind of solution, most have not. Would this kind of measure be of any help if… Continue reading
Jan 30 U.S. Economy Shrinks at Fastest Rate in 26 Years By Admin, PBS News Hour The U.S. economy shrank at its fastest rate in more than a quarter century between October and December, according to federal government data released Friday. Continue reading
Nov 24 Could You Explain How Deflation is Different From Companies Setting Prices to Reflect Input Costs and Efficiencies? Question/Comment: Dear Mr. Solman, I’ve read several articles recently discussing the risk of deflation. I think I understand broadly why deflation is bad for the economy in general. Could you explain how deflation is different from companies setting prices to… Continue reading
Nov 17 Citigroup Plans to Slash Another 50,000 Jobs By PBS News Hour Banking giant Citigroup Inc. announced Monday that it plans to trim approximately 50,000 more jobs as it struggles to steady itself after suffering massive losses from deteriorating debt. Continue reading
Nov 07 U.S. Unemployment Surges to 6.5 Percent in October By Admin, PBS News Hour Fueled by an economic downturn, the U.S. economy lost 240,000 jobs in October, the Labor Department said Friday. The numbers helped push the employment rate to 6.5 percent, its highest level in 14 years. Continue reading