The U.S. national debt — currently clocked at $15.6 trillion — is a major issue that'll shape the election this fall. But where did it come from and what does it mean for individual Americans? A new book uncovers the numbers.

Our financial troubles here and abroad stem from a confluence of causes. But if governments can do anything to fix our economic situation, shouldn't they have already?

MIT professor Eran Ben-Joseph has a minor obsession: Parking lots. He wants to design and use them better.

Moscow journalist Masha Gessen discusses the reelection of Vladimir Putin and what it means for the people of Russia.

The cost of rent in cities like L.A. or New York stands in the way of many people earning higher wages. Author Matthew Yglesias says the issue could be solved if cities loosen building regulations.

In her new book, journalist Tracie MacMillan explores the various ways that Americans grow, buy, sell and eat their food.

In his new book, "The End of Money," David Wolman explains why he advocates for the elimination of cash.

Maggie and John Anderson started "The Empowering Experiment" to see if they could patronize only black-owned businesses. The results were surprising.

The idea of living alone often conveys loneliness and isolation. But with more and more Americans living alone, author Eric Klinenberg argues that solo living is both enjoyable and economically beneficial.