Dial M For Money: Can Mobile Banking Lift People Out Of Poverty?
We look at the remarkable findings from a new study of Kenya's M-PESA system, out in 'Science.'
Economy
Economists Chart 'Index Of The American Dream' In 'The New York Times'
New economic research shows Americans are no longer as likely to make more than their parents did at the same age. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to New York Times columnist David Leonhardt about what he calls the "Index of the American Dream."
U.S. Kids Far Less Likely To Out-Earn Their Parents, As Inequality Grows
"It's basically a coin flip as to whether you'll do better than your parents," a Stanford economist says.
Washington State Dairy Workers Challenge Their Exemption From Overtime Pay
The dairy industry runs 24/7, but federal law excludes its workers from overtime pay. A new class-action lawsuit in Washington state is the latest challenge to that law.
Trump Picks Fast-Food Executive Andrew Puzder As Labor Secretary
The chief executive of CKE Holdings, the parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr., is an outspoken critic of raising the minimum wage and increasing overtime and workplace safety regulations.
Federal Report Raises Red Flags For E-Cigs
U.S. health officials are sounding the alarm on e-cigarettes, with the surgeon general saying the product is a growing threat to the nation's youth.
Retired Coal Miners At Risk Of Losing Promised Health Coverage And Pensions
A fund guaranteeing health coverage and pensions to retired mine workers is about to run dry. Congress has been reluctant to pick up the tab. Democrats from coal country say it's time to act.
Former Mich. Governor Outlines How To Convince Companies To Stay
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, about how she convinced companies to stay in the state during the economic recession by offering a package of tax incentives and other perks.
Blue Seal: The GI Ice Cream That Okinawans Made Their Own
Blue Seal ice cream was launched after World War II for American soldiers stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Today, it's a fusion of American and Okinawan tastes that's loved by locals and tourists alike.
Economists Debate Trump's Economic Vision For The U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump is already addressing trade issues. We hear from Jared Bernstein and Peter Morici, economists on the left and the right, about Trump's economic vision for America.