Are videocameras at traffic lights meant to make roads safer? Or just serve as an easy way for states and municipalities to dish out tickets and raise revenues? Considering the serious money generated by cameras—as much as $480 …
government
How to Get the Government to Cover Your Cell Phone Bill(s)
Last year, a federal program paid out $1.6 billion to cover free cell phones and the monthly bills of 12.5 million wireless accounts. The program, overseen by the FCC and intended to help low-income Americans, is popular for …
Curious CapitalistDavos
Are Companies More Powerful Than Countries?
In 2008, after Lehman Brothers fell and the financial crisis and global recession began, the conventional wisdom was that we were entering an era in which government would take back power from business. In fact, just the opposite …
To Kick Off the Labor Day Festivities, Some Grim Employment Statistics
Labor Day weekend is celebrated in honor of workers everywhere. Now, if only there were more companies willing to do the honorable thing and put more workers to work …
Success at the Post Office: Fewer Workers Are Paid to Do Nothing
The U.S. Postal Service, which is expected to lose $9 billion in 2011 and may have to close 10% of post offices and resort to five-day-a-week mail delivery, has figured out at least one way to cut costs. By more carefully …
Comcast’s Internet Essentials: $10-a-Month Service for Low-Income Families
If you live in an area served by Comcast and your kids receive free lunches at school through the National School Lunch Program, you may qualify for a new Internet service from Comcast, which costs just $9.95 a month.
Pensions by the Numbers
Here’s a roundup of revealing figures and interesting survey stats regarding a topic that’s certainly known for get people worked up, so to speak.
State Govts Catch on to Saving Strategies Every Consumer Knows About
Did you know that shopping around can save you money? Or that it is unwise to spend money you don’t have? Apparently, state governments are just catching on to these and other innovative saving strategies.
Members of Congress Clueless About ATMs and Fees
Here’s one reason that Congress seems unsure about whether to limit ATM transaction fees to 50¢, as it’s been suggested: Some Senators aren’t exactly sure what ATM cards are, or how they work. “I’ve never used an ATM, so I don’t know what the fees are,” says one Senator. “It’s true, I don’t know how to use one.”
Would You Mind Sharing Some of Your Job?
Work-sharing could help tens of thousands of employees to avoid layoffs. Here, an argument for how the American worker might spread the wealth—and the pain—during tough economic times.
How the Economy Is Still Affecting How We Work, Shop, and Live—and How Many Ex-Cons Are Out on the Streets
Compared to the recent past, you’re far more likely to be driving an old clunker, piling up speeding tickets, and living with either Grandma or a spouse you can’t stand. You’re also less likely to reside in Las Vegas, Orlando, or a state prison.
What’s Up? Also, What’s Down
The economy has had its ups and downs—OK, mostly downs of late. Here, some statistics showing the economic fallout on all sorts of things, including cheap booze sales (they’re up), military recruits with college degrees (also up), and excuses for getting out of jury duty (way up).