Apr 7, 2022

The economy is already responding to higher interest rates

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Demand for mortgages dipped last month. We'll also interrogate the low unemployment rate and look at the impact of expanded banking in underserved communities.

Segments From this episode

Is it possible for unemployment numbers to be too low?

by Kristin Schwab

Apr 7, 2022

This week jobless claims were at their lowest since 1968. What's the economic downside of too few people looking for work?

The unemployment rate doesn't necessarily paint the whole jobs picture.

Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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The Fed's interest rate hike is already reducing demand for mortgages

by Justin Ho

Apr 7, 2022

Getting demand to soften is the point because that's expected to help tame inflation.

Applications for home mortgages and loan refinancings are slowing down. Will inflation follow the trend?

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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How could additional capital for banks in communities of color help local businesses?

by Leoneda Inge

Apr 7, 2022

The Treasury Department provided $9 billion to lenders in underserved communities, allowing them to expand and support entrepreneurs.

Toriano Fredericks, owner of Boricua Soul in Durham, North Carolina. It was difficult, but his restaurant was able to survive the pandemic and remain open.

Leoneda Inge/WUNC

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After months of a labor dispute between players and team owners, baseball season finally begins

by Andy Uhler

Apr 7, 2022

Players wanted a bigger slice of the MLB pie.

After a delayed start due to pay disputes, baseball is back.

Quinn Harris/Getty Images

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Cleveland's baseball team takes the field as "Guardians"

by Savannah Maher

Apr 7, 2022

Economic pressures have played a role in the campaigns to change mascot names that many people consider racist.

The team changed its name after being pressured to drop branding that many people considered racist.

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

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Adventures in Housing

Looking for a home that's accessible? That will make your search even harder.

by Sean McHenry

Apr 7, 2022

A retired economist tells the story of her search for an accessible home.

There are no front steps at Nikki Finlay's new home. "I could walk straight in the front door," she says.

Courtesy Nikki Finlay

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Music from the episode

Pacific Theme Broken Social Scene

Palm Trees Loop Schrauber

The World Is Ours Funky DL

Esperar Pra Ver Poolside, Fatnotronic

Respiration Black Star, Common

Juice Lizzo

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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