It's the book that made free trade famous: "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith. But who's got time to read its 900-plus pages? Humorist P.J. O'Rourke did and wrote his own book about it. He talks with Kai Ryssdal.
More women now live without a spouse than with one, according to The New York Times. Amy Scott reports that the demographic shift could change how we think about everything from healthcare to the school day.
Democrats are set to take up their next big issue tomorrow: interest rates on student loans. The bill would cut rates on some loans in half. Who's going to pay for that? Hillary Wicai reports.
Despite the usual concerns about consumer spending voiced before the holidays, the Commerce Department reported today that retail sales rose in December — to the highest level in five months. Alisa Roth has more.
The Bush administration has raised the cost for leases that allow oil and natural gas companies to drill in the Gulf of Mexico. But critics say loopholes in the leases could still cost the U.S. billions. Jeff Tyler reports.
The House is expected to pass an increase in the federal minimum wage tomorrow. But economist and commentator Susan Lee says an increase isn't the best way to help those who might need it most.
Alcoa announces its earnings tomorrow amid a steep sell-off in commodities. Some are wondering whether the drop in prices for materials such as copper, aluminum and oil signals an economic slowdown. Sarah Gardner reports.
Five years ago, Argentinians took to the streets in protest of the nation's huge financial crisis. Rachel Hopkin brings us the story of two Buenos Aires teachers and how they're coping today.
The President made sure to get his point to the press today about the budget. Kai Ryssdal takes a look at what he said, and what he didn't, with fiscal policy expert Maya MacGuineas.
