The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

The Securities and Exchange Commission came under scrutiny today at a hearing of a House committee exploring how Bernard Madoff got away with his Ponzi scheme, even after the SEC had been warned about him. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

Of all the slaves in the world, about 4% are sex slaves. Yet, they account for an estimated 40% of all slave-trade profits. Kai Ryssdal takes a look at the problem with Siddarth Kara, who has written a book about the business of sex trafficking.

Does endlessly hearing about the likes of Bernie Madoff affect everyone else's sense of right and wrong? Kai Ryssdal speaks with behavioral economist Dan Ariely, who's been doing some research into that topic.

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

President-elect Barack Obama made the rounds on Capitol Hill to drum up support for his $750 billion stimulus package. A part of the plan getting attention is its proposal for $300 billion in tax cuts. John Dimsdale reports.

Cheating, scheming and scamming-- it's not just happening on your favorite soap opera, it's also occurring on Wall Street. But when do people think it's OK to play outside of the rules in the first place? Kai Ryssdal speaks with behavioral economist Dan Ariely about how cases like Madoff affect our …

The latest news happenings in the U.S. and around the world.

President-elect Barack Obama made the rounds on Capitol Hill in an effort to drum up support for his nearly $800 billion stimulus package. As specifics of the plan unfold, one surprising detail is that Obama is seeking $300 billion in tax cuts. John Dimsdale reports.

Home values may be falling, but property taxes are up. As Jeremy Hobson reports, the rise in taxes has some angry homeowners calling for a cap.

Ford and Toyota are among the automakers that reported December earnings, and the numbers aren't too pretty. Carmakers preparing for another potentially bad year are being forced to spend less on advertising. As Ashley Milne-Tyte reports, that's bad news for more than just the automakers.

As Congressional leaders meet to discuss Obama's new stimulus package, many people are questioning what should be included. But commentator Tyler Cowen questions whether or not a fiscal stimulus is the best way out of a bad economy.

Sex slaves represent 4 percent of slaves around the world and account for big profits. But the low costs and high demand for captive women and children are putting their lives at risk. Kai Ryssdal speaks with author Siddarth Kara about the business of sex trafficking.

The Securities and Exchange Commission came under fire at a hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee. The committee is exploring how Bernard Madoff got away with his Ponzi scheme and managed to fool the SEC, even after the agency had allegedly been warned about the investment banker. N …

Choosing a salad over a cheeseburger is a choice some companies want you to make. To promote healthy living -- and save money -- companies are subsidizing the costs of healthier meals. Shia Levitt reports.