News

Recession Briefing 4.22

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

Turns out the recession can spice up relationships: Experts say that tough economic times are leading many couples to better appreciate one another — and increase physical intimacy. (Forbes)

With more stories of workplace violence lately, some are worried that the recession is putting a growing strain on anxious workers near the boiling point. (Reuters)

Local leaders in Flint, Michigan — a city notoriously tied to the fortunes of the failing auto industry — may try to stem the city’s economic decline by razing parts of it. (New York Times)

The “peak driving season” that the US has come to love and hate will be another victim of the recession. The government’s Energy Information Administration thinks gasoline prices will keep rising while people will be driving less this summer. (New York Post)

The television networks are planning several new shows that will address American life from the side of the economically downtrodden, trading on the current recession. (SF Chronicle)

Financial firms that have received bailout funds from the TARP program are hoping to ease the cost of repaying the loans, but Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is hinting that he might set a high bar for repayment. (Wall Street Journal, Washington Post)

“The recession may be a factor influencing more Americans to opt out of parenthood with abortions and vasectomies … there is some anecdotal evidence that would-be parents are factoring the rough economic times into the most personal of reproductive choices.” (Reuters)

Teachers across the country are in a kind of limbo as stimulus funds trickle out — school administrators are unsure how many teachers they will be able to afford next year. (Christian Science Monitor)

Surviving a layoff increasingly means having to accept short-term freelance work. The number of unemployed people who’ve accepted short-term assignments is up 73% over the past year.(Money)

Cuts being made now to combat the recession are likely to stick around after the economic picture continues according to a survey of U.S. businesses. (Associated Press)

If you come across a good article or blog post about the recession pass it on.

Tags: bailout, economy