From ranch houses to college dorms, “Marketplace” has been delving into the interesting history of American housing. But beyond the architectural styles and trends, it’s the people who inhabit these spaces that truly bring them to life.
Writer Melissa Mesku, formerly a resident of New York city, recently joined “Marketplace” to reminisce about her time in the city and a particular apartment that holds a special place in her memory.
“I don’t know [the apartment’s] current status,” Mesku shared.”I don’t know if it’s still a rent-stabilized place or not.Maybe it got renovated. maybe the old parquet floor is gone. But the apartment was really special.”
Listen to the full story in the audio player above.
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The global economy is facing a period of uncertainty as the International Monetary fund (IMF) has downgraded its growth forecast for 2023. Citing persistent inflation and rising interest rates, the IMF now predicts a growth rate of 2.9%, down from its previous estimate of 3.4%.
“The global economy is in a very difficult place,” said Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s chief economist. “We are seeing a confluence of shocks that are hitting the global economy concurrently.”
gourinchas highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and tightening monetary policies by central banks worldwide as key factors contributing to the downgraded forecast. These factors are creating a challenging environment for businesses and consumers alike.
The IMF’s report also warned of the potential for further economic slowdown, notably in advanced economies. The United States, the Eurozone, and China are all expected to experience slower growth than previously anticipated.
“The risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside,” the IMF stated. “There is a significant risk that the global economy could fall into recession.”
The IMF’s downgraded forecast underscores the fragility of the global economic recovery. Policymakers around the world are facing a difficult balancing act as they try to combat inflation without triggering a recession.
the IMF’s report serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of the global economy and the need for international cooperation to address shared challenges.
## From Brooklyn Bungalow to ”Marketplace”: A Conversation with Writer Melissa Mesku
**World Today news Interview**
**Senior Editor:** Welcome, Melissa, to *world Today News*. We’re so excited to have you discuss your recent piece for *Marketplace* exploring your experiences living in New York City. Your reflections on a particular Brooklyn apartment resonated with many readers.What sparked your desire to revisit this specific time and space in your life?
**Melissa mesku:** Thank you for having me. You know, *Marketplace* has been doing this fantastic series on the history of american housing, looking at architectural trends and everything. It made me think about how our homes, even the seemingly mundane ones, hold such powerful memories.
When I was asked to contribute, my mind immediately went back to this tiny, quirky bungalow in Brooklyn.
It wasn’t much to look at, but for a young writer fresh out of college, it was pure freedom. ther was a sense of possibility in those walls.
**Senior Editor:** It’s interesting how a space can hold so much emotional weight, isn’t it? Can you tell us a bit more about this Brooklyn bungalow? What made it so special to you?
**Melissa Mesku:** Absolutely. something about its history resonated with me. It was built in the early 1900s, and you could see the layers of life that had unfolded there. There were imperfections everywhere, from the crooked floorboards to the faded wallpaper, but they felt charming rather than dilapidated. It felt like a place that had truly lived, and in a way, I became part of its story during the time I spent there.
**senior Editor:** This sense of “becoming part of the story” truly comes through in your writng. You mentioned this bungalow gave you a sense of freedom. How did living there influence your writing?
**Melissa Mesku:** It definitely changed my viewpoint. I was surrounded by a vibrant community, a mix of artists, musicians, and everyday New Yorkers. Their stories found their way into my work. That bungalow became a microcosm of the city itself, filled with diverse voices and experiences.
**Senior Editor:** What advice would you give to young writers today,perhaps those facing the challenges of finding affordable housing in cities like New York?
**Melissa Mesku:** Don’t underestimate the power of finding a space that inspires you,even if it’s not perfect. Look beyond the superficial and appreciate the history and character of a place. It might surprise you what you discover, both about the space itself and about yourself.
**Senior Editor:** Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your insights and your story. Your piece for *Marketplace* serves as a powerful reminder that it’s not just bricks and mortar; it’s the human experiences within these spaces that truly make a house a home.
**Melissa Mesku:** my pleasure.I hope my story encourages readers to appreciate the unique history and resonance of their own living spaces.
