PBS NewsHour - Making Sen$e

Thousands of investors apply and participate annually in the little-known EB-5 visa program, designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports that recently, one real estate business in particular has put it back in the spotlight: that of the family of Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law.

Attract members of the "creative class" to a city and they will create jobs and spur urban renewal. But that idea, championed by noted urbanologist Richard Florida, has a double-edged downside: increased economic segregation and less affordable housing. Economics correspondent reports on how Florida wrestles with that tension in his latest book, "The New Urban Crisis."

Men are a rarity in early education, a fact of which second grade teacher Harold Johnson has taken full advantage: In a job traditionally held by women, Johnson’s gender has been an asset. Economics correspondent Paul Soloman talks to him about why he became an elementary school teacher despite the cultural stigma.

Millions of jobs in industry, held mostly by men, have disappeared in the last two decades. But at the same time, the economy has gained 9 million jobs in education and health services, which are more frequently associated with women. So why don't more men get into those professions? Is it limited economic prospects? Cultural or gender stigma? Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

Once a proud industrial town, Janesville, Wisconsin, was knocked for a loop in 2008 when General Motors idled its assembly plant, the area's long-time largest employer. Economics correspondent Paul Solman talks to Amy Goldstein, author of "Janesville: An American Story," about the complicated picture of how the town and its people have tried to recover and adapt.

Why are American health care costs by far the highest in the world? Journalist and former practicing physician Elisabeth Rosenthal chronicles how we got here in her new book, "An American Sickness." Economics correspondent Paul Solman talks with Rosenthal about the forces driving high prices and what could be done to bring costs down.

The global airline industry, famous for losing money for decades, is now making billions of dollars in profit every year. Economics correspondent Paul Solman looks back to understand the changing fates of airlines.

Filing your taxes in other countries is not a work-intensive process that can take days or weeks; it can be as simple as clicking a confirmation sent online by the government. For his latest book, "A Fine Mess," J.R. Reid went on global quest for a better system. Economics correspondent Paul Solman asks Reid about what he sees are the biggest absurdities of American taxes and how we could improve.

Federal Reserve governor Daniel Tarullo was central to the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act, which imposed tougher regulations on banks in the wake of the financial crisis. Though his term isn't up until 2022, Tarullo is now stepping down, just as President Trump is expected to scale back much of the regulation put in place. Tarullo joins economics correspondent Paul Solman for a conversation.

Personal finance guru Beth Kobliner thinks kids should be learning about money and key economic concepts early. She hopes to break the taboo of talking money with your kids with her new book, "Make Your Kid a Money Genius." Economics correspondent Paul Solman gets lessons on how to instill economic lessons in young people from Kobliner, as well as some actual kids.

The political prediction markets -- where you can bet real money on political outcomes -- have a track record of being better than any poll, yet they failed spectacularly in the November election. Even so, people are flocking to bets about the Trump administration, including the president's odds of winning a second term and even his impeachment. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

The unemployment rate for people with a disability is more than double than for those without. Even though the law bars such discrimination, it can be difficult for these Americans to get hired. But that’s not the full story: Some employers are seeing how the special abilities of workers on the autism spectrum can boost their bottom lines. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

At Zappos, an engaging work culture comes first; the company lavishly invests in morale. But what's the business rationale for spending generously to make employees happy? Economics correspondent Paul Solman visits the eccentric Las Vegas headquarters of Zappos, a company that's known for its devoted customer service and philosophy of self-management rather than hierarchy.

Why have middle aged, white Americans experienced a stunning rise in premature deaths due to alcoholism, suicide and drug abuse? Economists who have documented the dramatic decrease in life expectancy say an obvious place to look is the loss of work and economic status for the working class. But economics correspondent Paul Solman finds that’s not the whole story.

In spite of decades of advancements in health care, diet and safety, white Americans are now living shorter lives, a trend that has surprised experts. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports out of Maysville, Kentucky, an area struggling with an increase in addiction, overdoses and suicide.