Rising gas and food prices and the credit crunch may be making it harder for Americans to make ends meet. But economist Chris Ruhm says a tougher economy may also be improving the health of the population as a whole. He explains to Kai Ryssdal.
The Energy Department's summer driving forecast, released today, says demand is expected to be lower this summer than last. But gas prices are expected to average above $3.60 a gallon. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
Shareholders' gambles in the mortgage market didn't turn out so hot this year. Today, Morgan Stanley kicks off a season of shareholder meetings. Jeremy Hobson reports on what to expect.
We continue with our series Housing Madness, a look at the fall-out from the sub-prime meltdown. Small privately-run mortgage brokerages are disappearing fast. From WCPN in Cleveland, Mhari Saito reports.
The U.S. has sent Colombia billions in aid and offers sweetheart trade terms on exports such as flowers and coffee. But when it comes to approving a trade deal, the Democrats in Congress stand in the way.
The Pentagon is expected this week to ask Congress for more than $100 million to pay for the Iraq war through September. John Dimsdale learns that the real cost is actually higher.
The International Monetary Fund's chief has called for global action to tackle the credit crunch. Dominique Strauss-Kahn told Britain's Financial Times that governments around the world will have to intervene with taxpayers' cash. Stephen Beard reports.
Allan Sloan of Fortune magazine thinks Treasury Secy. Henry M. Paulson's bailout plan doesn't have much chance without legislation connected to it. Scott Jagow talks to Sloan about bailouts, the Fed and the rest of us.
As rice prices continue to rise, key rice-growing countries have imposed export restrictions leading to even tighter supplies. Countries needing big rice purchases are in for sticker shock. Jeff Tyler reports.
