University of Chicago scholar Richard Thaler was honored with the 2017 Nobel Prize in economics for his work questioning traditional assumptions that markets act rationally, and for taking human nature into account. Economics correspondent Paul Solman helps explain Thaler's theories, then Judy Woodruff speaks with Thaler about his honored work.

This hurricane season has caused widespread damage and left some parts of the U.S. and its territories in complete ruins. The National Flood Insurance Program was created in the 1960s to insure high-risk areas like these. But by bailing out homeowners, is the program encouraging people to live in flood-prone areas? Economics correspondent Paul Solman explores the problems plaguing this program.

Despite a prestigious career and graduate degrees from top schools, Elizabeth White stood at the edge of a financial cliff for many years following the Great Recession. Author of “55, Unemployed, and Faking Normal,” White is among many who have been thrown out of the work force in the midst of a changing job market. Economics correspondent Paul Solman gets an update from White about how she’s faring.

Futurologists have been predicting the automation armageddon -- robots replacing human workers -- for decades. Has the future finally arrived? Economics correspondent Paul Solman visits Silicon Valley to talk with leading tech thinkers and computer scientists about whether humanity is at a tipping point.

Is traditional retail dead? There have been more store closings this year than any since the Great Recession, with retailers filing for bankruptcy at a record pace. And yet online retailers like Amazon and Warby Parker are adding brick-and-mortar stores. What’s the secret to keeping afloat as shopping evolves? Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

The growth of e-commerce continues to wreak havoc on traditional retail and its workforce, with 5,300 store closings announced in the first half of 2017 and 64,000 job cuts expected. What will become of the 16 million Americans who work in the retail industry as current trends toward online shopping continue? Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.