Dec 15, 2022

The 411 on 2%

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has reiterated the importance of the central bank's 2% inflation target. But what's so special about that number? Plus, the hidden costs of school bus delays.

Segments From this episode

The Fed wants to bring inflation down to 2%. But why not 3%? Or 5%?

by Matt Levin

Dec 15, 2022

There's not much evidence to suggest that 2% leads to economic magic.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday reiterated the importance of the central bank's 2% inflation target. Backing off that number now could send the wrong message, some economists believe.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

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Rents are finally starting to fall. Here's why.

by Lily Jamali

Dec 15, 2022

There was a huge surge in demand early in the pandemic. That has cooled down dramatically, and in some areas, demand is starting to be met.

Rents in some of the country's most unaffordable markets have begun to dip.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Downtowns plan for a future with far fewer office workers

by Samantha Fields

Dec 15, 2022

In New York City, daily office vacancy rates average about 50%. So it and other cities are trying to attract more visitors by converting office space to housing, improving public transit, and making their streets a destination.

Downtown Crossing, a major shopping area in Boston, on March 26, 2020.

Scott Eisen/Getty Images

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When school buses are delayed, the costs add up

by Stephanie Hughes

Dec 15, 2022

Nearly 8% of all transportation positions in American public schools were vacant as of this October. The lack of staff can lead to delays.

A school bus pulls up to Dumbarton Middle School in Baltimore County, Maryland, on Dec. 13.

Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

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5 years later, economics faces another #MeToo moment

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Dec 15, 2022

Despite being part of a field that studies inequality, women in economics are taking to Twitter to share stories of continued mistreatment.

Janet Yellen, the current U.S. secretary of the treasury, was president of the American Economic Association in 2020 and advocated for gender parity in the profession.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

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Race and Economy

A sneakers store builds a bridge where Black Wall Street once stood

by Sean McHenry

Dec 15, 2022

Venita Cooper says Silhouette Sneakers & Art is "destination retail." But the store is helped by tourists visiting the historic site.

"We have a very fraught history of separation and division," Venita Cooper says. "Sneakers is one of those things that really brings people together."

Courtesy Gary Mason

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Music from the episode

Rainy Daze - White Cliffs Remix Poolside, Stems DAO, White Cliffs

City Music Kevin Morby

Mad Solange feat. Lil Wayne

Lost Girl GlitchxCity, DJ Cutman

State of the Art Gotye

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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