Economy  

 

 

INDEPENDENT LENS

As Goes Janesville


WATCH A PREVIEW
Head to the front lines of America’s debate over the future of its middle class — in the normally tranquil state of Wisconsin. As goes Janesville, so goes America, a polarized nation losing its grasp on the American Dream.
Innovation Hub

Encore: New Digs for the Workplace


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
Innovation Hub looks at the changing workplace. Is telecommuting more common? Dogs in the office more acceptable? And what about people who are employed, but with no office at all?
INNOVATION HUB

Checking in on the Job Market


By Kara Miller
Today, we take the pulse of the job market. Are companies finally starting to feel more secure? And what kinds of jobs and skills are now most in demand?
Economy

Is the Housing Recovery Finally Here?


By Sarah Birnbaum
A new report from Harvard University concludes that the housing crisis may be at an end — and this time, they really mean it.
Education

College Is Still Worth It, Says MIT President


MORE FROM THE TAKEAWAY
By Cristina Quinn & John Hockenberry
Despite shaky employment figures, MIT's Susan Hockfield says the chances of finding employment with a college degree are significantly greater than with only a high school diploma.
Economy

Revenues Rise, but Governor's Budget Stays Cautious


By Sarah Birnbaum
A national survey of governors' budgets shows the state's tax revenues are finally projected to hit pre-recession levels. But Gov. Deval Patrick is still taking a tight-fisted approach to budgeting.
Social Issues

Initiative Aims to Get Panhandlers off the Streets


By Anne Mostue
Harvard Square panhandlers talk about their lives — and the Cambridge police commissioner explains a new "ambassador program" to get panhandlers help.
Education

Governor Objects to UMass Tuition Increase


By Sarah Birnbaum
University of Massachusetts trustees have approved a nearly 5 percent tuition and fee increase for undergraduates. Says the governor, "It's a crummy time to ask students to pay more."
Boston

Is Boston Stodgy?


By Will Roseliep
A video from the Future Boston Alliance has reawakened the debate over whether Boston is a stodgy city — and whether that could make a difference in new grads' decisions to leave or stay.
Economy

State Unemployment Hits Lowest Level Since 2008


By Cristina Quinn
Figures show the Massachusetts jobless rate dipped to 6.3 percent in April, down from 6.5 percent in March.
Research News

Invest in Higher Ed for Jobs, Study Says


By Bob Seay
April saw 2,500 new jobs in the state. If we want even more, a UMass economist says we should fund state colleges and universities — to the tune of $800 mil.
Economy

Paul Krugman Talks Solutions on Greater Boston


KRUGMAN ON THE FORUM NETWORK
By Jared Bowen
Forget "recession," forget "downturn." We're in a depression, Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman says — and he thinks he knows how to fix it.
Economy

MIT Aerospace Center Could Save Hanscom Jobs


By Sarah Birnbaum
MIT is proposing a multi-million-dollar new research facility at Hanscom Air Force Base at a time when state officials are worried Pentagon cutbacks could mean steep job losses.
Government

Beacon Hill Examines Municipal Unemployment System


By Sarah Birnbaum
City and town leaders pleaded with state lawmakers to fix the municipal unemployment system, saying that questionable claims are draining town budgets.
Economy

New Jobs Report Contradicts Previous Data


By Cristina Quinn
It looks like the job market in 2011 wasn’t as bad as we thought. A new report shows that Massachusetts added 38,900 jobs in the first nine months of 2011.
Business

Postal Workers Protest Planned Closures


TWO POST OFFICES, TWO STORIES
By Sarah Birnbaum
Advocates and employees warn that a plan to save $20 billion will result in furious customers and lost jobs.
Innovation Hub

Race Against the Machine


MORE INNOVATION HUB
By Kara Miller
Hear from the the authors of the book Race Against the Machine, who argue that the stagnant unemployment rate may not be getting better any time soon.
Energy

The Question of Green Jobs and Energy Costs


Sean Corcoran's Cape Wind blog
By Sarah Birnbaum
A bill aimed at lowering state electricity prices spurred a debate on jobs Thursday at a hearing of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Utilities and Energy. 
Economy

Optimism Continues among Local Employers

By Jordan Weinstein
Associated Industries of Massachusetts reported that its business confidence index for February rose to its highest level in nearly a year.
Xconomy

Xconomy Report: Tech in the Air


By Xconomy.com
A Google-owned Cambridge software company will introduce a new reservation system for airlines, starting with Hyannis-based Cape Air.
Race & Ethnicity

African American Teen Unemployment: A Growing Problem


By Cristina Quinn
Teens were at the mall during school vacation, but they weren't all just hanging out. Some were looking for a job — and black teens in particular are finding those jobs hard to come by.
Society

Withstanding a Reversal of Fortune


LISTEN TO HUMANKIND
By WGBH News
When John Robbins learned his fortune had disappeared at the hands of Bernie Maddoff, he kept his resolve to be compassionate and focus on the important things in life: not money, but famiily and friends.
Economy

At a Farm Stand, Jobs — and People to Fill Them


By Toni Waterman
Here's a bit of good news on the economic front: a beloved family-run business in Needham is expanding — and hiring.
Greater Boston

A Conversation with Lawrence Summers


By Adam Reilly
The renowned economist, former presidential advisor and former Harvard University president has a sunny prediction for the U.S. economy.
Education

Studying Libraries, Part 1: More with Less


WCAI
By Sean Corcoran
People are looking to libraries to respond to technology and make up for cuts in their own household budgets — and libraries are answering the call.
Social Issues

In Lowell, A Successful Art Space Expands


By Ibby Caputo
After five years of running a successful artists' studio space in Lowell, a developer is back for the next round: 50 units in a converted factory next door — and this time, the artists can live there as well as work.
WGBH Local News

Gov. Patrick On Community Colleges, Jobs And Income Inequality


WATCH THE INTERVIEW
Governor Patrick talks on WGBH's "Basic Black" about his vision for unifying community colleges and the impact on people of color.
WGBH Local News

J.C. Penney Gets A Makeover


By Toni Waterman
Have the lambs stopped screaming yet, Clarice? Maybe not — but those maddening shoppers have!  J.C. Penney has become the latest business to reinvent itself for the 21st century.
Education

Going To Community College, Or Not


By Cristina Quinn
Gov. Deval Patrick is advocating community college for those out of work ... but sometimes it's not that easy. 
Business

Paying The Bills One 'Gig' At A Time


By Ibby Caputo
Even when the economy turns around, it will take years for jobs to return to pre-recession levels. That’s why more and more people are re-inventing their work lives in nontraditional, innovative ways.
Economy

Update On The New England Economy


By Bob Seay
The president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston says that the region's economy is growing, but ever so slowly.
Economy

Mass. House Passes Spending Increase for Social Programs


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a $130 million spending bill on Wednesday that will restore some programs cut from this year's budget.
Economy

Holiday Sales Up In Mass.


By Jordan Weinstein
Massachusetts retailers say they enjoyed an unexpected 5.1 percent surge in 2011 holiday sales, about twice what was expected.
Social Issues

To More Americans, Class Matters


By Jordan Weinstein
A growing number of Americans believe there are class conflicts, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. 
Innovation Hub

Innovation Hub: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

By Kara Miller
The new unemployment rate is giving hope to those who are out of work. Our experts share some ways you can improve your personal jobs outlook. INNOVATION HUB
Economy

Unemployment Drops: Why?


STUDIES SEE GROWING INEQUALITY
By Jordan Weinstein
Increased spending on arts, entertainment, dining out and recreation may be behind the latest Mass. unemployment rate, which dropped to 7 percent in November.
Holidays

Reclaim The Holidays: Give Time


By WGBH News
In this stressed era, some are finding ways to un-commercialize the holidays.
War & Conflict

Lt. Gov. Murray: Hire Vets!


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By Will Roseliep
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray said that hiring veterans isn't a question of charity: It's good for business.
WGBH Local News

Signed, Sealed, Discontinued? Post Offices In Cambridge


GREATER BOSTON: POST OFFICE CLOSURES
By Ibby Caputo

You may buy your stamps at the supermarket and pay your bills online, but are you ready to see your neighborhood post office close? WGBH News looks into two Cambridge locations on the list for discontinuance.

Economy

Low Wages A National Problem


MORE CALLIE CROSSLEY
By Will Roseliep
Finding work may not solve an unemployed person's financial problems. Professor Paul Osterman said that even with a job, a large percentage of the population is still living under the poverty line.
Performing Arts

'Gateway City' Residents Favor The Arts


NEWS: STATE GETS ART GRANT FOR GATEWAY CITIES
By Cristina Quinn
A MassINC poll shows overwhelming support for the arts as a catalyst for economic development in cities such as New Bedford, Lowell and Brockton.
Courts, Crime & Police

Coakley: One Year Is Long Enough


CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW: THE FACE OF FORECLOSURE
By WGBH News & Wires
In an interview with WGBH News, Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley defended her decision to sue five major banks. One of those banks has announced it will stop buying new mortgages written by third parties in Mass.
COURTS AND THE LAW

State Files Suit Against Mortgage Banks


By Sarah Birnbaum
Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit on Dec. 1 against five national mortgage lenders, in what could be a setback for broader national negotiations.
WHERE WE LIVE

Upton: Boom Times In A Sleepy Town


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Jared Bowen
A little town out in the sticks is experiencing a major increase in popularity due to its open spaces, history and community sentiment.
WHERE WE LIVE

Where We Live: Where Next?


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Bob Seay
Our "Where We Live" stories take place in a context of economic struggle. The MassINC research director talks about the ways we can face the challenges that may stand between Massachusetts residents and our dreams of a glowing future.
WHERE WE LIVE

Attleboro: A Dream Between Two Cities


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Jaclyn Cashman
Its factories and diners have closed, but geography, cost and schools are making this commuter town a popular choice.
WHERE WE LIVE

Lawrence: A River Runs Through It


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Phillip Martin
Many residents see the cleaned-up Merrimack River as a metaphor for the positive changes they've been creating in this old mill town. 
WHERE WE LIVE

Chelsea: In Search Of Something Better


WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Whether 100 years ago or now, Chelsea draws immigrants from other countries determined to do better for themselves and their children.
Social Issues

The Face Of Foreclosure In Mass.


WHERE WE LIVE: THE AMERICAN DREAM IN MASS.
By WGBH News
A photo exhibit traveling to Springfield documents families as the banks move in — and they try not to move out.
Where We Live

Norwood: Working Twice As Hard For Half The Money


WHERE YOU LIVE: NORWOOD
GREATER BOSTON: WHERE WE LIVE — NORWOOD
WHERE WE LIVE: COMPLETE SERIES
By Adam Reilly
Norwood business owners don't have a problem with working hard. It can be dispiriting, though, to feel like you're running as fast as you can just to stay in place.
WHERE WE LIVE

Where We Live: The State Of The American Dream In Mass.


WGBH NEWS: WHERE WE LIVE
By WGBH News
The week of Nov. 14, WGBH News brings back our series Where We Live. Follow along to read, watch and hear stories of Mass. residents from eight cities and towns as they try to move forward in an uncertain time — and share your own stories as well.
Greater Boston

The Changing Face Of Hunger


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
According to a Greater Boston Food Bank study, more people in Massachusetts are relying on assistance from food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. The study shows that 47 percent of people in Eastern Mass. don't qualify for food stamps, but still need help making ends meet.
Greater Boston

The Middle Class Index: Is The Dream Deferred?


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By WGBH News
Greater Boston received exclusive access to research conducted by independent think tank Mass Inc. about whether or not Massachusetts residents believe the American Dream is still attainable.
Environment

Has Solar's Time Finally Come?


By Gary Mott
Economically viable solar energy for private homeowners is heating up in the U.S. as more companies seek to enter what they admit is a niche market.
LOCAL NEWS

For Veterans Day, Help With Jobs


By Sarah Birnbaum
With Veterans Day approaching, Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick has unveiled a slate of proposals to help lower high unemployment among returning service members.
LOCAL NEWS

Boston ‘Occupiers’ Respond To Oakland Strike


OAKLAND 'OCCUPIERS' DECLARE VICTORY AT PORT
By Phillip Martin
Several hundred Occupy Boston activists marched Wednesday in support of the General Strike in Oakland, Calif. They picketed Bank of America and other symbols of what they called “corporate greed.”
LOCAL BUSINESS

Resurrection Unlikely For Boston Icon


VOICES FROM THE BASEMENT
EMILY ROONEY SHOW: FILENE'S CLOSING FOR GOOD
By Jordan Weinstein

With parent company Syms filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is it finally time to give up hope for the survival of Filene's Basement?

CNE Journal

Arts, Culture and the Economy


By Brian McCreath
In a competitive global economy, how important is culture?
LOCAL POLITICS

Second 'Occupy' Group Presses For Police Accountability


THE CALLIE CROSSLEY SHOW
WGBH NEWS: WHEN PROTESTERS STAY, WHO PAYS?
By WGBH News
The new "Occupy the Hood Boston" wants stronger civilian oversight of Boston law enforcement and better relations with communities of color.
BOSTON

A Report From Boston's 'Occupation'

By Phillip Martin
Over 100 people are continuing to camp out in Dewey Square. WGBH's Phillip Martin reports from the scene. DEMONSTRATORS BRING WALL STREET PROTESTS NORTH
Boston

Happy Hour Could Return To Mass.


By Sarah Birnbaum
For the first time in most than two decades, bars and restaurants may be able to offer discounted drinks in Massachusetts, under a measure passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.
Greater Boston

Can Obama's Jobs Bill Help The Long-term Unemployed?


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Across the country, millions of people have been out of work for months at a time. President Obama is urging Congress to pass his Jobs Bill, which includes incentives for small businesses to hire anyone who's been out of work for over six months. But even if it passes, will President Obama's bill succeed in getting the long-term unemployed to work?
Economy

Unemployment Inequality Is Stark In Massachusetts

By Phillip Martin
Massachusetts' high-tech and biotech industries have helped keep it ahead of 44 other states in terms of employment. But in recent days, economists are warning that even the high-tech and biotech engines are starting to slow down. And that industry doesn't help some parts of the state.
Boston

'Occupy Boston' Demonstrators Bring Wall Street Protests North


By Phillip Martin
Calling themselves Occupy Boston, a group of demonstrators inspired by the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City took to the streets of Boston this weekend and on Monday continued to camp out at Boston's Dewey Square.

Local Politics

After Credit Bump, Mass Gets Low Bond Interest Rate

By Sarah Birnbaum
After securing what officials say is the highest credit rating in the state’s history, Massachusetts has sold $500 million in bonds at an interest rate of slightly below 3 percent.
Business

Patrick Touts Massachusetts At Biotech Conference

By Phillip Martin
Thousands of biotech and pharmaceutical dealmakers from around the work gathered in Boston this week for a Bio-Pharm America 2011 conference in Boston — and Gov. Deval Patrick is stressing the importance of their work to the Massachusetts economy.
89.7 WGBH

State Treasurer Considers Legalizing Online Poker


By Sarah Birnbaum
Momentum may be growing behind efforts to legalize online poker in Massachusetts. State Treasurer Steve Grossman’s Office is considering plans to legalize online poker for state residents.
Business

Gambling Bill Looks Good For Mashpee Wampanoags


By Sarah Birnbaum
The casino gambling bill unveiled by Massachusetts legislative leaders earlier this week could give a boost to the Mashpee Wampanoag Native American tribe, but there are caveats.
Economy

Innovation Economy Growth Leaves Parts Of State Behind


MORE FROM 'THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW'
By Frannie Carr
The local innovation economy is credited with driving up Greater Boston’s median income by 54 percent over the past three decades. But a new study by UMass economists and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that, in some western parts of the state, incomes have fallen 24 percent over the same period.
Economy

July Encouraging For Mass. Home Sales

By The Associated Press
Sales of single-family home in Massachusetts jumped in July for the first time in six months when compared to the year-ago period, an encouraging sign for the state's real estate market.
Boston

Springfield Approves Tough Anti-Foreclosure Laws

By The Associated Press
The Springfield City Council has passed what advocates are calling the toughest municipal anti-foreclosure legislation in the country.
Economy

Mass.'s Unchanged Unemployment Rate Could Belie August Market Turmoil


By Sarah Birnbaum
Despite anxiety about the national economy during the debt-ceiling talks last month, employers in Massachusetts added jobs, according to state labor data released Thursday.
GREATER BOSTON VIDEO

Frank: To Cut Deficit, Cut Military Spending


MORE GREATER BOSTON
With the stock market still feeling the aftershocks of last week’s S&P downgrade, Congressman Barney Frank says it’s time to, quote “stop being the world’s policeman” if it wants to stabilize the economy.
World News

European Stocks Rebound As Banks Recover


By The Associated Press
European stocks rebounded Thursday as banks recouped some hefty losses despite ongoing concerns over their exposure to the debt of countries like Greece and Italy, while Wall Street was poised for a rebound following another rout.
Technology

Mass. Companies Get $27 M To Develop Clean Cars


By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts companies will receive about $27 million dollars from the federal government to help improve fuel efficiency technologies for next generation cars.

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