Economy

September 21, 2012 - From arranging their affairs so they get checks from the IRS rather than writing them, to their reliance on government contracts, U.S. corporations show a serious dependency on public assistance.

September 21, 2012 - From the health costs of air pollution, to the expense of preparing first responders for dealing with disasters, fracking for natural gas comes at a heavy price to local communities.

September 19, 2012 - In a speech to wealthy donors, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said 47 percent of Americans "pay no income tax," are "dependent upon government," and "will vote for the president no matter what." A look at the numbers behind those claims.

September 14, 2012 - Since Hurricane Isaac, oily tar has washed ashore along the beaches and bayous of the Gulf -- some of it linked to BP's Deepwater Horizon disaster, which locals report is having a lasting impact on their treasured fishing grounds.

September 14, 2012 - The U.S. solar market is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks in part to policies pursued by the Obama administration. But fossil fuel interests are spending heavily in this election to ensure it's a one-term administration.

September 13, 2012 - It's time to take the conversation about union rights out of the technical and often confusing arena of labor law and into the realm of civil rights, which has a moral grounding that resonates with a far greater number of Americans than just those in unions.

September 10, 2012 - Sanderson Farms of Mississippi just posted a 22 percent jump in revenue and announced plans to build a new plant in North Carolina. Meanwhile, workers at its Hazelhurt, Miss. plant are protesting poor working conditions.