Senate to vote on bill to expand U.S. semiconductor production

Jul 26, 2022
The CHIPS Act would create $52 billion in subsidies to encourage domestic chip production, but some say that isn't enough to bring back the industry.
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Food insecurity, payment trouble hit those who lost jobs during COVID, study finds

Apr 14, 2021
For many who lost jobs, relief payments and safety nets weren't enough to stave off the material hardship.
"About 1 in 3 adults reported food insecurity in 2020, 1 in 5 had trouble paying the rent or mortgage, and utility bills," Michael Karpman at the Urban Institute said of households that lost jobs.
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More people unable to pay utility bills, with colder months coming

Nov 13, 2020
Electric and gas debt is expected to be more than $24 billion by the end of this year, at least three times what it was last year.
The protections against shut-offs are lifting and disconnections have already begun.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Why credit scores are up — for now

Oct 20, 2020
Many people have been using their stimulus checks and extra unemployment benefits to keep up with bills and pay down debt.
With government aid and other pandemic relief, people have generally been able to pay down debt and keep up with bills. But the lack of additional assistance could mean a wave of missed payments is about to hit.
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Facing another month of costs in the coronavirus economy

Jun 2, 2020
We check in with two people whose employment has been disrupted by the pandemic.
Another month, another monthly credit card bill.
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For people not working because of COVID-19, April 1 means trouble

Apr 1, 2020
For many Americans, the first of the month has loomed in a way it hasn't before.
How can you shelter in place if you can't afford to pay for your shelter? Above, a person gets some fresh air by sticking their head out their window in New York City on March 24.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Fed workers face a zero-dollar pay stub

Jan 11, 2019
As the shutdown continues, nonessential workers face their first pay period without paycheck.

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Why the middle class has less money and bigger bills

Jun 9, 2016
An economist explains why things have gotten more expensive and we make less money.
 Middle-class life has become 30 percent more expensive in the past 20 years.
Brendan Wood/Flickr

Presidents Day sales may struggle

Feb 15, 2016
The sales on furniture and appliances are still important to the bottom line for brick-and-mortar retailers.
Presidents Day may be "the un-sexiest of all the shopping holidays." 
KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images
Illustration by Danielle Chiriguayo/Marketplace and Photo Courtesy of National Museum of American History