Every week, we cover the world of economics like no other podcast. From an inside look at the massive market for collector sneakers to the corporate costs for businesses that dabble in Trump era politics, Making Sen$e will make you think about economics in a whole new way. Episodes are published every Thursday by 9 pm. Is this not what you're looking for? Don't miss our other podcasts for our full shows, individual segments, Brooks and Capehart, Brief but Spectacular, Politics Monday and more. Find them in iTunes or in your favorite podcasting app. PBS News is supported by...
Latest episodes
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9 min
Trump-era Opportunity Zones meant to help low-income communities exploited by investors
Former President Donald Trump's 2017 tax plan created Opportunity Zones — a program of tax incentives to encourage investment in low-income communities. But as Paul Solman reports,…
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8 min
As housing costs boom, how home-buyers in one city search for affordability
As the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus, housing costs are skyrocketing. According to the latest S&P Core Logic Case-Shiller index, home prices were up almost 17 percent over the…
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9 min
Exploring the economic argument for a return to open US borders
Since taking office in January, President Joe Biden has made a number of moves to change former President Trump's hardline immigration policies. But just last week, Vice President…
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9 min
How a rise in remote employment may impact post-pandemic work life
Unemployment claims dropped again Thursday, and this week may also bring a clearer picture of what's happening with the job market. As more Americans get vaccinated, workers and co…
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8 min
The US has a ‘thirst’ for immigrant workers. Why do so many struggle to get legal status?
President Joe Biden has said that changing immigration law remains an important piece of his agenda. But the path to new legislation is complex and hardly clear. One of the biggest…
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8 min
A look into Amazon’s employee conditions as the company pushes back against unionization
For almost two months, Amazon workers have been voting on whether to unionize at one of the company's major warehouses in Alabama. The voting concludes today. Since Amazon is the s…
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8 min
The fate of bats is hanging in the balance. That could have very real consequences for us
The World Health Organization is expected to release a report on its investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus in the coming days. Among the many theories is the unpr…
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8 min
Millions of Americans saddled with student debt as debate continues over relief
As Washington debates how to provide economic aid during the pandemic, many say one critical component should be part of future deals: forgiving student debt. But determining how m…
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9 min
With millions looking for work, stigmas create a dearth of skilled tradespeople
Jobless claims were high again this past week with more than 860,000 people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. Millions of people are still looking for work, but…
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7 min
How unconventional trading led to turmoil on Wall Street
In late January, a handful of unlikely Wall Street stocks began skyrocketing in value, which has led to big market volatility. The spike was driven by an unconventional group of tr…
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7 min
Despite rising salaries, the skilled-labor shortage is getting worse
There's a shortage of skilled tradespeople throughout the American economy, and it is a persistent problem that started well before the pandemic. But what's behind that gap and wha…
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8 min
Trump leaves office facing mounting debt, devalued assets and scarcity of willing lenders
One of the consequences of the chaos of the U.S. Capitol is a distancing of banks and other business from former President Trump. He now faces a delicate and difficult situation wi…
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6 min
Businesses begin backing away from Republicans after Capitol attack
Since last week's riot at the Capitol, more and more companies are cutting ties with Donald Trump, and dozens of corporations suspended political contributions to the 147 members o…
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7 min
With the economy teetering, millions of Americans try to launch new businesses
With the pandemic raging and the nation’s economy teetering, now might seem like a curious time to start a business. But is it? Paul Solman asks the question, and answers it. Trans…
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8 min
Older workers carry on, even when life itself is life-threatening
Americans are living longer, with average life expectancy in the U.S. rising from age 71 in 1970 to age 79 last year, leading many to stay employed far past retirement age. Paul So…
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7 min
Older workers are facing fewer job prospects and higher COVID risks
Millions of Americans have been crushed by the pandemic but older workers have faced both an economy with high levels of unemployment and a virus that puts them more at risk than y…
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8 min
For older workers, pandemic unemployment could be career-ending
The worsening pandemic continues to mean millions of Americans out of work. For older employees in particular, this kind of long-term unemployment can represent the end of a career…
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7 min
How U.S. history could provide a path out of polarization
The U.S. feels more deeply divided than it has in decades. According to social scientist Robert Putnam, the data backs up that assessment. Putnam, author of the seminal work on soc…
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8 min
How some older Americans are monetizing their #VanLife
With large parts of the economy still sputtering under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are having to scale back. But some older Americans were already living a…
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9 min
These retirement-age nomads find work wherever the road takes them
The pandemic has spurred surges in camping and RV travel due to the need for social distancing and outdoor activity. But it’s not all fun and vacations: one group of Americans adop…