PBS News Hour - Making Sen$e

Trump-era Opportunity Zones meant to help low-income communities exploited by investors

Former President Donald Trump's 2017 tax plan created Opportunity Zones — a program of tax incentives to encourage investment in low-income communities. But as Paul Solman reports, that program has not necessarily spurred economic growth and jobs in distressed communities the way it had been envisioned. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As housing costs boom, how home-buyers in one city search for affordability

As the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus, housing costs are skyrocketing. According to the latest S&P Core Logic Case-Shiller index, home prices were up almost 17 percent over the last year -- and in many places, the jump was worse. Economics correspondent Paul Solman turns to potential home-buyers in Boise, Idaho, one of the many areas in the country that has seen a stark increase in prices. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Exploring the economic argument for a return to open US borders

Since taking office in January, President Joe Biden has made a number of moves to change former President Trump's hardline immigration policies. But just last week, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a tough message in Guatemala, telling its citizens not to come to the U.S. For the series "Making Sense," Paul Solman explores the economic debate around fully opening the country's borders. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

How a rise in remote employment may impact post-pandemic work life

Unemployment claims dropped again Thursday, and this week may also bring a clearer picture of what's happening with the job market. As more Americans get vaccinated, workers and companies are figuring out what post-pandemic work life will look like -- and how it may change permanently. NewsHour's Paul Solman has the story as part of his series, "Making Sense." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The US has a ‘thirst’ for immigrant workers. Why do so many struggle to get legal status?

President Joe Biden has said that changing immigration law remains an important piece of his agenda. But the path to new legislation is complex and hardly clear. One of the biggest flashpoints in this debate are questions about undocumented workers and their role in the economy. Paul Solman dives into those questions for his latest report for "Making Sense." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders