President Obama plans to extend tax cuts for all but the wealthiest Americans, but hopes to end similar tax cuts for top earners. But how do tax cuts work? Can cuts that benefit individuals be bad for the economy? NPR's Scott Horsley and the Tax Policy Center's Donald Marron explain Tax Cuts 101.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

Nikki Stern's husband was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Stern says a sense of national unity after the attacks was short-lived, and now she hears only anger, fear and mistrust when Americans discuss 9/11. Nine years on, Stern says division is not a fitting tribute for those killed in the terrorist attacks.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

As a child, Liz Murray dealt with the typical stresses of growing up. But she also grappled with going days without food and living on the streets. Despite these obstacles, Murray finished school and went on to attend Harvard University. Murray talks about her memoir, Breaking Night.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

Commentators from across the political spectrum have weighed in on the planned burning of the Koran by a Florida Minister. Many have argued against the minister's plan, while others argue the Constitution protects even extreme speech. NPR's Jennifer Ludden shares a roundup of national opinion on the planned event.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

Even when it's meant to be polite, or deferential, for many women 'ma'am' is as welcome as a poke in the eye. The New York Times' Natalie Angier describes the politics of polite, and how women can be addressed politely without inferring their age or marital status.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

After big wins in the Utah, Nevada and Alaska primaries, the tea party hopes candidate Christine O'Donnell can pick up the Republican Senate nomination in Delaware. Amy Kremer of the Tea Party Express shares why she backs O'Donnell, and Del. Republican Chairman Tom Russ explains why candidate Mike Castle is right for the job.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

Grounding once meant being confined to the house or handing over the car keys. But isolating a teen to reflect on his misbehavior is harder in the age of Facebook and cell phones. The Pew Internet Project's Amanda Lenhart describes how more parents are taking away social media tools to keep kids in line.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

When Arianna Huffington immigrated to the United States in 1980, she knew there was no place she'd rather live. Three decades later, she says that's still true -- but that America has gone astray.  Huffington discusses her new book, Third World America, and her plan to rescue the middle class.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

Tax credits for buyers, mortgage help for homeowners and new rules for lenders haven't stopped the slide in the housing market. Some economists argue the best way to balance the market in the long term is to let it crash in the short run. Many homeowners and prospective homeowners are unsure if it's time to buy, to rent, or to wait.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]

While coming out can be especially challenging for people in the public eye, it's a complicated decision for the vast majority of gay workers. While many say it's liberating to be honest with colleagues, coming out at work can have significant consequences for individuals in many careers.
[More at npr.org] [mp3] [Share]