NPR People: Frank Langfitt http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4569077&ft=1&f=4569077 Frank Langfitt began work at NPR in December, 2004. His stories on labor and the workplace can be heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and other NPR shows. He's covered various subjects from the Sago coal mine disaster and domestic slavery in the suburbs to the nation's Blackberry craze and mass layoffs in the auto industry. Before becoming a journalist, he drove a taxi in Philadelphia and dug latrines in Mexico. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Frank Langfitt http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4569077&ft=1&f=4569077 yes GM's Saab Sale Collapses Koenigsegg Backs Out A deal by General Motors to sell Saab has collapsed. GM says that Koenigsegg Group has decided to end the deal that was announced in June. Analysts say unless another buyer emerges soon, the Swedish car brand could be history. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120809053&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120809053&ft=1&f=4569077 A deal by General Motors to sell Saab has collapsed. GM says that Koenigsegg Group has decided to end the deal that was announced in June. Analysts say unless another buyer emerges soon, the Swedish car brand could be history. 107 no A deal by General Motors to sell Saab has collapsed. GM says that Koenigsegg Group has decided to end the deal that was announced in June. Analysts say unless another buyer emerges soon, the Swedish car brand could be history.

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]]> Industry Hopes Auto Shows Rev Up Demand The auto show season kicks off early next month in Los Angeles, and not a moment too soon. November auto sales remain weak. Analysts say the shows are critical to generating the consumer demand that companies such as General Motors need to start making money. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120602675&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120602675&ft=1&f=4569077 The auto show season kicks off early next month in Los Angeles, and not a moment too soon. November auto sales remain weak. Analysts say the shows are critical to generating the consumer demand that companies such as General Motors need to start making money. 96 no The auto show season kicks off early next month in Los Angeles, and not a moment too soon. November auto sales remain weak. Analysts say the shows are critical to generating the consumer demand that companies such as General Motors need to start making money.

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]]> Taiwan Sees Risks, Rewards In China's Embrace Taiwan and China are enjoying their warmest relations in years, with stronger economic ties that have been welcomed by the business community. As President Obama visits Asia, some Taiwanese warn that their country could pay a price for expanding commerce with China. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120510411&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120510411&ft=1&f=4569077 Taiwan and China are enjoying their warmest relations in years, with stronger economic ties that have been welcomed by the business community. As President Obama visits Asia, some Taiwanese warn that their country could pay a price for expanding commerce with China. 450 no Taiwan and China are enjoying their warmest relations in years, with stronger economic ties that have been welcomed by the business community. As President Obama visits Asia, some Taiwanese warn that their country could pay a price for expanding commerce with China.

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]]> While U.S. Economy Struggles, China's Rises As the U.S. slowly recovers after sparking the global financial crisis, China appears to be leading the world out of recession. But some Chinese say their economy has a long way to go, and America still has some big advantages. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120405700&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120405700&ft=1&f=4569077 As the U.S. slowly recovers after sparking the global financial crisis, China appears to be leading the world out of recession. But some Chinese say their economy has a long way to go, and America still has some big advantages. 458 no As the U.S. slowly recovers after sparking the global financial crisis, China appears to be leading the world out of recession. But some Chinese say their economy has a long way to go, and America still has some big advantages.

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]]> China's Economic Leverage Over U.S. Growing President Obama's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama this week is a reminder of Beijing's rising power in its relationship with Washington. Longtime China watchers say it's also a sign of how economic and other interests have come to trump human-rights issues. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:22:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113604861&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113604861&ft=1&f=4569077 President Obama's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama this week is a reminder of Beijing's rising power in its relationship with Washington. Longtime China watchers say it's also a sign of how economic and other interests have come to trump human-rights issues. 211 no President Obama's decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama this week is a reminder of Beijing's rising power in its relationship with Washington. Longtime China watchers say it's also a sign of how economic and other interests have come to trump human-rights issues.

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]]> New Jobs Numbers Point To Fragile Recovery The jobs market deteriorated in September as employers cut 263,000 jobs, far more than expected. The unemployment rate for the month was 9.8 percent, the highest since June 1983. The quickening pace of layoffs deals a blow to hopes for a solid economic recovery. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113448149&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113448149&ft=1&f=4569077 The jobs market deteriorated in September as employers cut 263,000 jobs, far more than expected. The unemployment rate for the month was 9.8 percent, the highest since June 1983. The quickening pace of layoffs deals a blow to hopes for a solid economic recovery. 222 no The jobs market deteriorated in September as employers cut 263,000 jobs, far more than expected. The unemployment rate for the month was 9.8 percent, the highest since June 1983. The quickening pace of layoffs deals a blow to hopes for a solid economic recovery.

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]]> Jobless Rate 9.8 Percent, 263,000 Jobs Cut The government's closely-watched monthly employment report came out Friday morning, and it was disappointing. Employers cut 263,000 jobs in September. That pushed the overall unemployment rate up to 9.8 percent from 9.7 the previous month. Economists already are talking about the possibility of a "doube dip" recession, where the economy drops back to negative territory. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113428610&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113428610&ft=1&f=4569077 The government's closely-watched monthly employment report came out Friday morning, and it was disappointing. Employers cut 263,000 jobs in September. That pushed the overall unemployment rate up to 9.8 percent from 9.7 the previous month. Economists already are talking about the possibility of a "doube dip" recession, where the economy drops back to negative territory. 210 no The government's closely-watched monthly employment report came out Friday morning, and it was disappointing. Employers cut 263,000 jobs in September. That pushed the overall unemployment rate up to 9.8 percent from 9.7 the previous month. Economists already are talking about the possibility of a "doube dip" recession, where the economy drops back to negative territory.

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]]> Auto Sales Plummet After Cash For Clunkers After a booming August, auto sales collapsed in September. Dealers call it the Cash for Clunkers hangover. They say there are two main reasons for the numbers: The government incentives encouraged some buyers to pull their purchases forward. The other reason: Cash for Clunkers was so popular that when September rolled around, many dealers didn't have enough cars on their lots to meet customers' needs. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113405191&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113405191&ft=1&f=4569077 After a booming August, auto sales collapsed in September. Dealers call it the Cash for Clunkers hangover. They say there are two main reasons for the numbers: The government incentives encouraged some buyers to pull their purchases forward. The other reason: Cash for Clunkers was so popular that when September rolled around, many dealers didn't have enough cars on their lots to meet customers' needs. 233 no After a booming August, auto sales collapsed in September. Dealers call it the Cash for Clunkers hangover. They say there are two main reasons for the numbers: The government incentives encouraged some buyers to pull their purchases forward. The other reason: Cash for Clunkers was so popular that when September rolled around, many dealers didn't have enough cars on their lots to meet customers' needs.

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]]> GM To Close Saturn After Talks With Penske Fail Automaker General Motors on Wednesday announced it would close its Saturn division after a deal to sell it to Penske Automotive Group Inc. fell apart. Penske was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles after a contract with GM runs out in 2011. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113358502&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113358502&ft=1&f=4569077 Automaker General Motors on Wednesday announced it would close its Saturn division after a deal to sell it to Penske Automotive Group Inc. fell apart. Penske was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles after a contract with GM runs out in 2011. 230 no Automaker General Motors on Wednesday announced it would close its Saturn division after a deal to sell it to Penske Automotive Group Inc. fell apart. Penske was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles after a contract with GM runs out in 2011.

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]]> Tariff On Tires Ignites Debate On Prices, Jobs When the Obama administration slapped tariffs on Chinese-made tires, the move was cheered by organized labor. But analysts say the action is not likely to save many jobs. And it may cost consumers more to replace their tires. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:58:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112933573&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112933573&ft=1&f=4569077 When the Obama administration slapped tariffs on Chinese-made tires, the move was cheered by organized labor. But analysts say the action is not likely to save many jobs. And it may cost consumers more to replace their tires. 274 no When the Obama administration slapped tariffs on Chinese-made tires, the move was cheered by organized labor. But analysts say the action is not likely to save many jobs. And it may cost consumers more to replace their tires.

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]]> Reflecting On A Legacy Of Recessions: Job Losses By any measure, the human toll of this recession has been great. More people are jobless for longer periods than at any time since the late 1940s. Since last September, nearly 6 million jobs have disappeared. Mark Sharps' was one of them. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:55:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112684951&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112684951&ft=1&f=4569077 By any measure, the human toll of this recession has been great. More people are jobless for longer periods than at any time since the late 1940s. Since last September, nearly 6 million jobs have disappeared. Mark Sharps' was one of them. 283 no By any measure, the human toll of this recession has been great. More people are jobless for longer periods than at any time since the late 1940s. Since last September, nearly 6 million jobs have disappeared. Mark Sharps' was one of them.

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]]> August Unemployment At 26-Year High The Labor Department said Friday the nation's unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent in August, the highest since 1983. But the economy shed a net total of 216,000 jobs, the fewest monthly losses in a year. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:31:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112566449&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112566449&ft=1&f=4569077 The Labor Department said Friday the nation's unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent in August, the highest since 1983. But the economy shed a net total of 216,000 jobs, the fewest monthly losses in a year. 245 no The Labor Department said Friday the nation's unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent in August, the highest since 1983. But the economy shed a net total of 216,000 jobs, the fewest monthly losses in a year.

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]]> High Unemployment Rate Spoiling Recovery Rate The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August. That's the highest level since 1983. A poor job market will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. The recession has eliminated a net total of 6.9 million jobs since it began in December 2007. There are now 14.9 million Americans unemployed. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:48:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112551228&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112551228&ft=1&f=4569077 The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August. That's the highest level since 1983. A poor job market will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. The recession has eliminated a net total of 6.9 million jobs since it began in December 2007. There are now 14.9 million Americans unemployed. 212 no The unemployment rate jumped almost half a point to 9.7 percent in August. That's the highest level since 1983. A poor job market will make it hard for the economy to begin a sustained recovery. The recession has eliminated a net total of 6.9 million jobs since it began in December 2007. There are now 14.9 million Americans unemployed.

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]]> Post Recession: Some Jobs Gone For Good The labor market will remain tough for many months to come. But when jobs eventually come back, traditionally strong areas such as health care and education are expected to lead the way. Analysts say weaker ones — such as construction — could take years to return. And many jobs in areas such as autos and newspapers are gone for good. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112460650&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112460650&ft=1&f=4569077 The labor market will remain tough for many months to come. But when jobs eventually come back, traditionally strong areas such as health care and education are expected to lead the way. Analysts say weaker ones — such as construction — could take years to return. And many jobs in areas such as autos and newspapers are gone for good. 304 no The labor market will remain tough for many months to come. But when jobs eventually come back, traditionally strong areas such as health care and education are expected to lead the way. Analysts say weaker ones — such as construction — could take years to return. And many jobs in areas such as autos and newspapers are gone for good.

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]]> FDIC Deposit Insurance Fund Shrinks The government fund that protects most bank deposits has fallen to $10.4 billion, from more than $45 billion last year, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced Thursday. The FDIC also said its list of "problem banks" grew to more than 400 institutions since the spring. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:12:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112304551&ft=1&f=4569077 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112304551&ft=1&f=4569077 The government fund that protects most bank deposits has fallen to $10.4 billion, from more than $45 billion last year, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced Thursday. The FDIC also said its list of "problem banks" grew to more than 400 institutions since the spring. 205 no The government fund that protects most bank deposits has fallen to $10.4 billion, from more than $45 billion last year, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced Thursday. The FDIC also said its list of "problem banks" grew to more than 400 institutions since the spring.

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