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The Mortgage Deal: A Reality Check

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:19:00 -0500

The $26 billion settlement reached by the federal government, most states and the nation's largest banks to compensate homeowners for abusive foreclosure practices is unlikely to end the housing crisis, analysts say. It could also lead to a new round of foreclosures, which would drive prices even lower.

The GOP Elixir: Candidates Campaign On Tax Cuts

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0500

All four of the remaining Republican presidential candidates have proposed cutting business and personal income taxes — the only difference is by how much.

Foreclosure Deal May Mean More Foreclosures This Year

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:46:00 -0500

Foreclosures slowed as big banks waited for the details of the settlement to become clear. Now, they're likely to pick up the pace.

Settlement Reached With Banks On Relief For Some Homeowners

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:10:00 -0500

Officials have been pressing five banks to offer mortgage relief and some financial aid to homeowners who got crushed when the housing bubble burst or were caught up in the "robo-signing" scandal that sped up the foreclosure process.

The Wage Gap Between Moms, Other Working Women

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Moms earn up to 14 percent less than women who don't have children, says a University of New Mexico study. Host Michel Martin discusses the gap with UNM economist Kate Krause; Dina Bakst of A Better Balance, a workplace rights organization; and Dawn Porter, founder of Trilogy Films and a mother of two.

Applying For Financial Aid Without The Fear Factor

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Application deadlines for financial aid like grants, scholarships and student loans are just around the corner. But many students may need help getting their paperwork in order. Host Michel Martin speaks with Adrianna Badillo. She's the director of Gear-Up, a program designed to guide low-income students into higher education.

Chinese Labor Practices Sour Apple Consumers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0500

Apple products' manufacturers have been accused of exposing workers to toxic chemicals, hiring the underage, and improperly disposing of waste. Host Michel Martin talks with C-Net Editor Rafe Needleman about whether it's possible to make an ethical smartphone.

UC Students Propose Alternative To Tuition Increases

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

Tired of tuition increases within the cash-strapped University of California system, a group of students has suggested eliminating tuition entirely. Instead, they propose that graduates pay the system a percentage of their income over the subsequent 20 years.

Freddie Mac Good For Business, Bad For Homeowners?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

An investigation by ProPublica and NPR sheds light on questionable practices by the government-owned mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Guest host Jacki Lyden speaks with NPR's Chris Arnold and Arturo de los Santos, who is trying to save his house.

In Idaho, Two Workers Take Jobs, And Hope For Best

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

Before the recession, Idaho had one of the fastest growing economies in the country. But last year, its jobless rate peaked at nearly 10 percent. That number has begun to creep down – but many workers in the state are still struggling to replace the jobs they've lost.

Have Economists Got It Wrong About The U.S.?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:53:00 -0500

Five years ago, Federal Reserve head Ben Bernanke said the housing sector wasn't a major economic concern. In fact, most experts failed to see the looming subprime mortgage crisis that sank the U.S. economy. If they were so wrong about the Great Recession, it's possible they could also be blind to a "Great Recovery."

Cheap Chic: Couture Comes To Discount Retailers

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

It used to be unthinkable for high-end designers to sell their clothes at mass retailers. Now they regularly team up with Gap, Macy's and Target to bring fashion to the masses. The arrangement can help both the designers and the retailers.

Freddie Mac's Conflict Is 'Unsavory,' 'Shocking,' 'Stunning,' Key Senators Say

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:45:00 -0500

Two senators who have taken the lead on legislation aimed to help homeowners refinance are blunt about how concerned they are by the news NPR reported about Freddie Mac's "multibillion-dollar bets against American homeowners being able to refinance."

Two-Tier Wage System Shortchanging Workers?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0500

When the auto industry was struggling financially, UAW and Detroit's Big Three automakers negotiated a system giving new employees lower wages and fewer benefits than employees hired before the deal was struck. Host Michel Martin speaks with a local reporter, as well as an autoworker who took a buy-out and was rehired at the same plant.

Treasury To Probe Freddie Mac's Investments

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:24:00 -0500

Freddie Mac last month said it would stop making risky bets against homeowners after concerns were raised by its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The statement by the FHFA was issued in response to an investigation by NPR and ProPublica that disclosed how Freddie Mac bought billions of dollars in securities that turned a profit if homeowners remained stuck in high rate mortgages. The White House said the Treasury Department is looking into Freddie Mac's investments. Steve Inskeep talks with NPR's Chris Arnold and Jesse Eisinger of ProPublica about their report.

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