Sanctions on Ice
A story of sanctions, the Olympics, and a secret wing of the North Korean government.
Economy
Cost Of U.S. Opioid Epidemic Since 2001 Is $1 Trillion And Climbing
Economists tracking federal mortality data say the opioid crisis is undercutting the productivity of people in their prime working years — 30s and 40s.
Trump Offers Spending Blueprint, But Congress Already Wrote The Check
President Trump has unveiled his spending priorities Monday, calling for more spending on the military, border security and the opioid crisis.
Trump Administration Plans To Defang Consumer Protection Watchdog
The new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is making the agency less aggressive in its mission. A new plan calls for it to fulfill "its statutory responsibilities, but go no further."
Stock Market Swings May Rock More Minds Than Wallets
Many consumers will watch to see where the market swings this week. Few take a direct financial hit when the markets fall, but that can still affect attitudes about the economy — and the president.
Trump To Unveil Long-Awaited $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
The proposal is expected to shift much of the funding burden onto states and local governments. Critics say that will lead to higher state and local taxes and an increased reliance on user fees.
All About The Deficit
Congress' two-year budget deal includes spending increases for the military, domestic programs and disaster relief. But it might also bring back trillion dollar annual deficits.
A Republican Case For Supporting A Budget-Busting Spending Bill
Congress passed a budget deal this week to avert a government shutdown. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Republican Congressman Bill Flores of Texas about why he voted for the budget.
Driver's Suicide Highlights 'Race To The Bottom' In Cab Industry, Union Director Says
NPR's Scott Simon talks with Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, about a driver's suicide and the financial challenges drivers face in a changing economy.
The Stock Market's Week
Wages are up but stocks are on a roller coaster. NPR's Scott Simon talks with former Obama administration economist Jason Furman.