Economy

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Defends The 'Smart Power' Of Economic Sanctions

5:09pm March 30, 2016

by David Welna

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew granted NPR an exclusive interview to lay out his vision for the role of sanctions in U.S. foreign policy and national security. He touted what he called the success of sanctions on Iran but also conceded they are not a panacea and should not be overused.

The Story Of Line 24: How Performing Artists Landed On The Tax Form

4:52pm March 30, 2016

by Jacob Goldstein

Many of the lines on tax forms like the 1040 seem oddly specific. Some are for farmers, some for divorcees, some for servicemen and women. Behind each of those we can see the process that shapes our tax code. NPR looks at one line — for performing artists — and how it came to be.

IRS Commissioner Details Growing Problem Of Taxpayer Identity Theft

4:36pm March 30, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with IRS Commissioner John Koskinen about the state of e-tax hacks.

Do you see the deer? A Honda Accord four-door with halogen lights (left) was found to have "acceptable" lights, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, also with halogen, was given a "poor" rating, based in part on how well each car lit objects on a straight sec

A Dim View: Only 1 Car Out Of 31 Is Deemed To Have 'Good' Headlights

2:44pm March 30, 2016

by Bill Chappell

A car's cost — and even promises of seeing around curves — have little to do with the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's study of 31 cars and 82 different headlight systems.

Terrell Walker says that her apartment in Washington, D.C., has mold and problems with heating and old appliances. She's been withholding rent in an effort to get her landlord to fix up the apartment.

Low-Income Renters Squeezed Between Too-High Rents And Subpar Housing

10:58am March 30, 2016

by Pam Fessler

Tenants often stop paying rent to force the repair of poor conditions in the only housing they can afford. But landlords say can't fix the problems until they get the rent. It's a vicious cycle.

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Meagen Limes of Washington, D.C., is struggling to pay rent on the apartment where she lives with her 4-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter.

Living From Rent To Rent: Tenants On The Edge Of Eviction

4:29pm March 29, 2016

by Pam Fessler

Most people who end up facing eviction simply can't afford to pay their rent. Many low-income tenants work, but their rent outpaces their wages. An unexpected bill or a lost job can mean homelessness.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announces his veto of legislation that major corporations said could legalize discrimination. He said,

Atlanta Businesses Again Lead Push Against Social Conservatives

11:02am March 29, 2016

Corporations in Atlanta have a long history of supporting a focus on business, not social conservatives' issues. Now the governor is vetoing a bill that LGBT groups say would lead to discrimination.

Shoppers sort through yellow plums at the Union Square Park greenmarket in New York City. A study of retailers in Manhattan finds that organic foods are much more common in affluent neighborhoods.

Organic Foods Still Aren't As Mass Market As You Might Think

4:10pm March 28, 2016

by Tracie McMillan

With Wal-Mart now selling organic food, and Whole Foods testing cheaper stores, it's easy to think organic has gone mainstream. But one study finds organics are still far more common in richer areas.

Grant and Cathy Lowe stand in front of a trailer they just bought. It is part of their retirement plans to own this camper, and they intend to have it paid off before they quit working.

Ready For A Road Trip? RVs Are Rolling Back Into Fashion

2:31pm March 28, 2016

by Frank Morris

More Americans are looking for a second home — on wheels. After crashing hard in the recession, RV sales have rebounded and are on track to approach record levels this year.

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Lawmakers, Unions Reach Deal To Raise California's Minimum Wage To $15

11:16am March 27, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The state's minimum wage is currently $10; under the new agreement between legislators and labor unions, it would rise by $5 over the next six years.