Maria Aspan
@mariaaspan.bsky.social
Business correspondent @NPR. Newsletter: https://ladybiz.substack.com/
Sometimes it's nice to report on solutions, however partial ... as even the people behind them are quick to point out: "At the end of the day, the single biggest thing we can do in this country is to get SNAP back online."
Propel makes a free app for people on food stamps. Now it's giving some of them $50 each, as some private companies, nonprofits, and individuals scramble to help. n.pr/4hKqa6z
How one tech startup is giving cash to SNAP recipients
Propel makes a free app for people on food stamps. Now it's giving some of them $50 each, as some private companies, nonprofits, and individuals scramble to help.
n.pr
November 4, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Sometimes it's nice to report on solutions, however partial ... as even the people behind them are quick to point out: "At the end of the day, the single biggest thing we can do in this country is to get SNAP back online."
"It really stemmed likely from being Canadian. I ... took for granted, 'Oh, of course I don't pay for health care.'" www.npr.org/2025/10/16/n...
Health insurance premiums are going up next year — unless you work at these companies
As U.S. health insurance costs rise, some companies are paying for all of their workers' premiums. It's a big expense — but they say it pays off.
www.npr.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:56 PM
"It really stemmed likely from being Canadian. I ... took for granted, 'Oh, of course I don't pay for health care.'" www.npr.org/2025/10/16/n...
Looking forward to joining @whyy.org's Studio 2 shortly to discuss the economy, everything going on in the markets, and the recent surge in gold & silver prices: www.npr.org/2025/10/08/n...
Why gold is having its best year since 1979
The price of gold hit $4,000 per ounce for the first time ever. It's a bad sign for the U.S. economy
www.npr.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Looking forward to joining @whyy.org's Studio 2 shortly to discuss the economy, everything going on in the markets, and the recent surge in gold & silver prices: www.npr.org/2025/10/08/n...
Trump’s new $100K fee for H-1B visas created panic this weekend for some half a million workers, and their employers.
I discussed the fallout, and the longstanding bipartisan criticism of H-1Bs, with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social this morning:
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
I discussed the fallout, and the longstanding bipartisan criticism of H-1Bs, with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social this morning:
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
Trump's $100K fee for H-1B visas creates chaos, confusion for employers and workers
President Trump signed an executive order Friday that adds a $100,000 fee for high-skilled workers to enter the country through the H-1B visa program, creating panic for employers and workers.
www.npr.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Trump’s new $100K fee for H-1B visas created panic this weekend for some half a million workers, and their employers.
I discussed the fallout, and the longstanding bipartisan criticism of H-1Bs, with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social this morning:
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
I discussed the fallout, and the longstanding bipartisan criticism of H-1Bs, with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social this morning:
www.npr.org/2025/09/22/n...
Had fun joining @tamarakeithnpr.bsky.social and @ashleynpr.bsky.social yesterday to talk all things Fed, and why the economy feels like a summer picnic, for the NPR Politics Podcast:
www.npr.org/2025/09/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/19/n...
Federal Reserve lowers rates, but less than Trump wants : The NPR Politics Podcast
The Federal Reserve voted this week to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. We discuss the factors behind the agency’s decision, as well as President Trump’s legal fight to fire Fed Gover...
www.npr.org
September 20, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Had fun joining @tamarakeithnpr.bsky.social and @ashleynpr.bsky.social yesterday to talk all things Fed, and why the economy feels like a summer picnic, for the NPR Politics Podcast:
www.npr.org/2025/09/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/09/19/n...
"In general for workers, it's kind of take it or leave it. And they really don't have much of a choice but to take it."
Some 154 million people in the United States get health care through their employer — and for many, their costs are about to go way up.
Health care costs are soaring. Blame insurers, drug companies — and your employer
Some 154 million people in the United States get health care through their employer — and for many, their costs are about to go way up.
n.pr
September 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
"In general for workers, it's kind of take it or leave it. And they really don't have much of a choice but to take it."
New favorite dystopian corporate-speak dropped
September 3, 2025 at 7:14 PM
New favorite dystopian corporate-speak dropped
Listen to our full conversation on Up First here: one.npr.org?sharedMediaI...
September 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Listen to our full conversation on Up First here: one.npr.org?sharedMediaI...
"They are now ground zero for a big polarizing political and cultural issue." Great story by @alinaselyukh.bsky.social and Liz Baker: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
Home Depot keeps quiet on immigration raids outside its doors
The home-improvement chain is now one of the companies most caught up in Trump's immigration crackdown. The retailer's history with day laborers is long. So far, it's choosing to keep its distance.
www.npr.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM
"They are now ground zero for a big polarizing political and cultural issue." Great story by @alinaselyukh.bsky.social and Liz Baker: www.npr.org/2025/08/19/n...
A close read of the complicated, increasingly conflicted (and maybe Chinese-Communist?) relationship between the president and corporate America, for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/08/14/n...
Trump is tightening the screws on corporate America — and CEOs are staying mum
Critics warn that Trump's demands for business leaders to step down, and for the government to take a cut of sales, threaten American-style capitalism.
www.npr.org
August 14, 2025 at 7:57 PM
A close read of the complicated, increasingly conflicted (and maybe Chinese-Communist?) relationship between the president and corporate America, for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/08/14/n...
"We are woefully dependent on foreign oil." Olive oil, that is: www.npr.org/2025/08/05/n...
This Tuscan startup sold all its olive oil in the U.S. Then came Trump's tariffs
Americans love olive oil — and import 95% of it. But tariffs are making it harder for Europeans to sell it to Americans.
www.npr.org
August 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM
"We are woefully dependent on foreign oil." Olive oil, that is: www.npr.org/2025/08/05/n...
About to go on @msnbc.com to discuss the economy, the Fed, tariffs, and corporate America’s weird tariff summer with @nicollewallace.bsky.social www.npr.org/2025/07/26/n...
Corporate America is having a weird tariff summer
Some big companies are reporting real financial pain from tariffs and economic uncertainty — but for others, business is booming.
www.npr.org
July 30, 2025 at 8:32 PM
About to go on @msnbc.com to discuss the economy, the Fed, tariffs, and corporate America’s weird tariff summer with @nicollewallace.bsky.social www.npr.org/2025/07/26/n...
I joined the greats @sarahmccammon.bsky.social and Mara Liasson for today’s @npr.org Politics Podcast, on the Fed, tariffs, earnings, and this really weird time in markets. one.npr.org/i/1256157825...
🔊 Listen Now: Trump's Attacks On Federal Reserve's Powell Could Bring Economic Pain
The NPR Politics Podcast on NPR One | 15:28
one.npr.org
July 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
I joined the greats @sarahmccammon.bsky.social and Mara Liasson for today’s @npr.org Politics Podcast, on the Fed, tariffs, earnings, and this really weird time in markets. one.npr.org/i/1256157825...
"We've done a lot of winning already — and we do have a lot to lose."
As they process President Trump's chaotic tariffs and other economic policies, some of the country's most powerful CEOs are moving from denial and bargaining to public anger and depression. https://n.pr/3HAOQ3e
Wall Street CEOs are cycling through the five stages of tariff grief
As they process President Trump's chaotic tariffs and other economic policies, some of the country's most powerful CEOs are moving from denial and bargaining to public anger and depression.
n.pr
June 10, 2025 at 3:42 PM
"We've done a lot of winning already — and we do have a lot to lose."
Three years ago, as Zaslav put WBD together, I wrote a cover story for Fortune dubbing him one of "the most overpaid CEOs in America." Today, well:
Warner Bros. Discovery to be split, as Zaslav retreats from grand ambitions
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/06/09/n...
My story for NPR
www.npr.org/2025/06/09/n...
Warner Bros. Discovery to be split in two, in retreat of Zaslav's grand ambitions
Warner Bros. Discovery is to split into two, separating streaming and studios from its cable channels. The company has been burdened by debt and the decline of cable TV.
www.npr.org
June 9, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Three years ago, as Zaslav put WBD together, I wrote a cover story for Fortune dubbing him one of "the most overpaid CEOs in America." Today, well:
Thanks so much to @lorichung.bsky.social and @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social for inviting me to discuss my reporting on what Corporate America’s DEI retreat means for everyone working in this once-hot professional field
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
June 6, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Thanks so much to @lorichung.bsky.social and @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social for inviting me to discuss my reporting on what Corporate America’s DEI retreat means for everyone working in this once-hot professional field
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
This was a fun conversation!
had a great time on a NY Tech Week panel yesterday about AI + the supply chain with @mariaaspan.bsky.social & @miyadavid.bsky.social ✨
June 5, 2025 at 10:10 PM
This was a fun conversation!
As companies end their DEI promises, what happens to all the people they hired to implement them?
“It’s been pretty tough,” one executive told me. She’s one of 2600 people working in DEI whose jobs have been eliminated since 2023, I report for @npr.org:
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
“It’s been pretty tough,” one executive told me. She’s one of 2600 people working in DEI whose jobs have been eliminated since 2023, I report for @npr.org:
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
Corporate America's retreat from DEI has eliminated thousands of jobs
"I just didn't think it would take this long," one veteran head of diversity, who's been job-hunting since last summer, tells NPR.
www.npr.org
May 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
As companies end their DEI promises, what happens to all the people they hired to implement them?
“It’s been pretty tough,” one executive told me. She’s one of 2600 people working in DEI whose jobs have been eliminated since 2023, I report for @npr.org:
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
“It’s been pretty tough,” one executive told me. She’s one of 2600 people working in DEI whose jobs have been eliminated since 2023, I report for @npr.org:
www.npr.org/2025/05/27/n...
Verizon joins T-Mobile in cancelling some DEI policies to win FCC approval of a business deal.
The FCC has taken an especially active role in the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, also opening investigations into Comcast/NBC and Disney/ABC over “promoting …DEI discrimination."
The FCC has taken an especially active role in the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, also opening investigations into Comcast/NBC and Disney/ABC over “promoting …DEI discrimination."
It's the latest big company to back away from its diversity pledges to keep the U.S. government happy.
Verizon ends DEI policies to get FCC's blessing for its $20 billion Frontier deal
It's the latest big company to back away from its diversity pledges to keep the U.S. government happy.
www.npr.org
May 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Verizon joins T-Mobile in cancelling some DEI policies to win FCC approval of a business deal.
The FCC has taken an especially active role in the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, also opening investigations into Comcast/NBC and Disney/ABC over “promoting …DEI discrimination."
The FCC has taken an especially active role in the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, also opening investigations into Comcast/NBC and Disney/ABC over “promoting …DEI discrimination."
UnitedHealth is the fourth-largest company in the United States. Obviously it has a ton of power in health care … but when it has a terrible week(/month/year) like this one, there are also less obvious ripple effects.
By @mariaaspan.bsky.social
The health care giant's shares are down more than 50% in the last month. That's hurting the powerful U.S. stock-market index.
The health care giant's shares are down more than 50% in the last month. That's hurting the powerful U.S. stock-market index.
Why UnitedHealth's terrible year is dragging down the Dow
The health care giant's shares are down more than 50% in the last month. That's hurting the powerful U.S. stock-market index.
www.npr.org
May 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM
UnitedHealth is the fourth-largest company in the United States. Obviously it has a ton of power in health care … but when it has a terrible week(/month/year) like this one, there are also less obvious ripple effects.
UnitedHealth, one of the world's largest companies, is having a publicly awful year: The killing of a top executive, a massive data breach, and mounting costs in its key Medicare business.
Today, that all caught up w/ now-former CEO Andrew Witty, I report for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/13/n...
Today, that all caught up w/ now-former CEO Andrew Witty, I report for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/13/n...
UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year
The health care conglomerate is facing mounting financial problems – and ongoing consumer anger over high costs and denied claims.
www.npr.org
May 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM
UnitedHealth, one of the world's largest companies, is having a publicly awful year: The killing of a top executive, a massive data breach, and mounting costs in its key Medicare business.
Today, that all caught up w/ now-former CEO Andrew Witty, I report for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/13/n...
Today, that all caught up w/ now-former CEO Andrew Witty, I report for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/13/n...
Some final thoughts from Omaha last weekend about Warren Buffett, and how he used some of his billionaire bully pulpit to mourn Charlie Munger. ladybiz.substack.com/p/love-and-l...
Love and loss in Omaha
Warren Buffett’s cult of personality includes matter-of-fact mourning for his late best friend.
ladybiz.substack.com
May 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Some final thoughts from Omaha last weekend about Warren Buffett, and how he used some of his billionaire bully pulpit to mourn Charlie Munger. ladybiz.substack.com/p/love-and-l...
Thanks so much to @nicollewallace.bsky.social for inviting me on @msnbc.com today to discuss tariffs, business uncertainty, and the economic impact on consumers, with Rev. Al Sharpton and @goangelo.bsky.social m.youtube.com/watch?v=fn-u...
'A sliding doors moment': Donald Trump appears backed into a corner on tariffs
YouTube video by MSNBC
m.youtube.com
May 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Thanks so much to @nicollewallace.bsky.social for inviting me on @msnbc.com today to discuss tariffs, business uncertainty, and the economic impact on consumers, with Rev. Al Sharpton and @goangelo.bsky.social m.youtube.com/watch?v=fn-u...
Some thoughts about what Warren Buffett stands for — and how deliberately he’s created his media image — in this era of Elon Musk and unpopular billionaires. For @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
Why Warren Buffett matters beyond Wall Street
The 94-year-old investor is retiring as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO. He's built both a fortune and a reputation as "the nicest billionaire" — at a time when many other billionaires are widely criticized.
www.npr.org
May 9, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Some thoughts about what Warren Buffett stands for — and how deliberately he’s created his media image — in this era of Elon Musk and unpopular billionaires. For @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
A very eventful day in Omaha, for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/03/n...
Warren Buffett announces his retirement and warns the trade war will hurt America
The billionaire investor, now 94, also said he would be resigning as CEO at the end of the year. He spoke at Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting known as "Woodstock for Capitalists."
www.npr.org
May 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
A very eventful day in Omaha, for @npr.org: www.npr.org/2025/05/03/n...