Economy

July 10, 2013 - The Trans-Pacific Partnership -- a trade agreement written with help from the likes of Walmart and Halliburton -- would enhance corporations' power to sue governments over laws they don't like, increase pressure for fracking, and make job-killers like NAFTA look puny. Congress will soon debate whether to fast-track it.

July 3, 2013 - Wal-Mart is disciplining and firing employees who are demanding improved working conditions -- a sign the Arkansas-based retail giant is worried about historic job actions spreading through its U.S. operations.

June 24, 2013 - An annual report that measures the well-being of U.S. children finds improvements among some Southern states -- and slippage among others. Where does your state stand?

June 21, 2013 - At the end of this month, 71,000 jobless North Carolinians will lose federal extended unemployment benefits unless state lawmakers act soon.

June 17, 2013 - Former employees of Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America gave sworn statements that the bank lied to homeowners, denied loan modifications for bogus reasons and rewarded employees for sending homeowners to foreclosure.

June 10, 2013 - Taxpayers help support companies that are hostile to worker organizing through economic development subsidies and also through social safety net programs such as Medicaid and food stamps.

June 5, 2013 - Though some politicians are trying to repeal the state's renewable energy standard, the policy continues to help make North Carolina a national leader in creating clean-energy jobs.