Economy

What States Are Doing To Stop Rural Money Drains

4:40pm November 23, 2017

by Frank Morris

Farmers survive by sending food to cities, and when they die their assets often leave just as fast, going to heirs living in urban areas. That financial drain helps accelerate small town decline. So, some states are working systematically to keep a fraction of that outward bound money — billions each year — at home.

A University of Chicago poll asked top economists what they think of the Republican tax plan. Figures may not add up to 100 because some economists did not answer.

Poll: Economists Unanimous That Debt Would Balloon Under GOP Tax Plan

6:01am November 23, 2017

by Danielle Kurtzleben

A poll found that 38 economists agree the GOP tax plan will not pay for itself through growth. In fact, they're doubtful that growth will happen anyway.

Taxes, Big-Box Stores And The 'Dark Store Theory'

5:08am November 23, 2017

by Sehvilla Mann

Some towns rely on taxes that big-box stores pay to help keep their lights on. But in several states, cities accuse those retailers of undervaluing their own properties so they can pay less tax.

Economy

Walmart And Amazon's Food Fight

5:08am November 23, 2017

by Julia Dewitt

Amazon and Walmart each want to sell you groceries as part of their plan to sell everyone everything. So now Walmart is inventing new kinds of foods to lure customers into the store.

Despite Trump's Promises, Coal Plants Keep Closing

5:08am November 23, 2017

by Mose Buchele

Despite President Trump's vow to put coal miners back to work, coal plants keep closing. We visit a Texas town where one is slated to shut down soon.

Companies Are Trying To Get Shoppers Back In The Stores With Doorbusters

4:45pm November 22, 2017

Stores are bringing back doorbuster deals that are available in-store only — a gambit to get more people physically shopping on the Thanksgiving weekend. One of the best discounts this year is 4K televisions.

After Maria: Puerto Rico & Thanksgiving

1:28pm November 22, 2017

How many people really died after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico? The official death toll is 55. New evidence suggests that's wrong and by a lot.

Identity thieves can strip personal information off of public Wi-Fi and your smartphone.

Economy

Don't Compromise Your Personal Information This Holiday Shopping Season

10:30am November 22, 2017

by Emily Sullivan

Consumers say they're worried about identity theft this holiday season, but they say these concerns won't affect how they shop. Here are steps you can take to protect your data online and in stores.

Economy

Tax Cuts And The Deficit

7:32am November 22, 2017

by Jim Zarroli

Critics of the tax cuts now being debated in Congress say they would cause the budget deficit to soar. But Republicans often have claimed that tax cuts lead to more growth and pay for themselves.

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Study Finds Republican Tax Bills Directly Benefit Businesses, Not The Middle Class

4:53pm November 21, 2017

by John Ydstie

In an effort to sell their tax plan, Republicans in both House and Senate have touted the benefits for the middle class. But a close review of the plans reveals that such claims are misleading.

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