Business

Bank of America's latest fee arrangements for checking accounts could hit hardest with those who can least afford it, say critics.

National

Bank Of America Ends Free Checking Option, A Bastion For Low-Income Customers

7:07pm January 24, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

The bank is finishing a yearslong phaseout of eBanking, its last option for avoiding fees without keeping a monthly minimum. The move has drawn concerns it will hit low-income customers the hardest.

Douglas Bruce celebrates voters' approval of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights Nov. 3, 1992

Economy

Episode 819: Tax Me If You Can

7:05pm January 24, 2018

Douglas Bruce had a bold vision for Colorado.

Mick Mulvaney, a former Republican lawmaker and current White House budget chief, was also picked as interim head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Under Trump Appointee, Consumer Protection Agency Seen Helping Payday Lenders

6:25pm January 24, 2018

by Chris Arnold

As a congressman, Mick Mulvaney accepted donations from payday lenders. Now he's in control of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has delayed implementing payday lending rules.

Paul Daniel Smith, once reprimanded by the National Park Service, is its new acting director.

Official Who Allowed Tree Cutting By Redskins Owner Named National Parks Director

6:10pm January 24, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

Interior Department Sec. Ryan Zinke announced the promotion of Paul Daniel Smith, who was reprimanded in 2006 for inappropriately using his position on behalf of Dan Snyder, who wanted a better view.

National

Takata Expands Largest Automotive Recall In U.S. History With Additional 3.3 Million Airbags

5:26pm January 24, 2018

Takata recalled an additional 3.3 million airbags this month, expanding what is already the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says additional airbags are scheduled to be recalled through 2020. NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with David Friedman of Consumers Union about why this recall is taking so long.

Queue Listen Now

Tom Hansen's irregular pay leaves him and his wife, Gina Barr, juggling their finances to pay the bills.

For One Family, Contract Work Means 'Feast Or Famine' As Income Varies

5:26pm January 24, 2018

by Jim Zarroli

An NPR/Marist survey found that 1 in 5 workers is a contractor, not a steady payroll employee. For about half of these workers, income can vary greatly from month to month, making budgeting difficult.

Queue Listen Now

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

World News

In Davos, Merkel Warns Against 'Poison' Of Right-Wing Populism

5:19pm January 24, 2018

by Simon Schuetz

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's speech at the World Economic Forum warned against isolationism and nationalism. She never mentioned President Trump by name but the speech was seen as a swipe at him.

Economy

A Long-Term Bet Gone Bust

4:00pm January 24, 2018

Long-term-care insurance seemed like the next big thing. Then insurance companies started losing billions of dollars. What went wrong?

50 Cent was among the first musicians to accept bitcoin for his work, starting with his 2014 album Animal Ambition.

50 Cent: 'I Forgot' Taking 700 Bitcoins For 2014 Album; Stake Is Now Worth Millions

3:50pm January 24, 2018

by Bill Chappell

50 Cent agreed to accept bitcoin from people buying his Animal Ambition album. The value of those sales has now skyrocketed: The rapper's holding is worth more than $7.5 million.

National

Remains Of 5 Gas Rig Workers Recovered After Explosion In Oklahoma

10:37am January 24, 2018

by Doreen McCallister

The workers had been missing since Monday's fiery blast. Sixteen other workers escaped. Investigators are working to determine how the explosion occurred.