Some companies are using bankruptcy courts to block lawsuits J&J used a complex bankruptcy maneuver to delay thousands of lawsuits linked to asbestos contamination in its baby powder. One woman suing the company died while her case was in legal limbo. Brian Mann
There's never been such a severe shortage of homes in the U.S. Here's why Home prices rose nearly 20% last year, in large part because the U.S. is several million homes short of demand. Builders say the pandemic is partly to blame, but the problem goes deeper than that. Chris Arnold
An Illinois woman is tired of having 'tacky' shoes delivered to her address UPS says a clerical error made Simone Boutet's home a return address for a shoe vendor. She wants the mistake corrected. Boutet says the shoes arriving at her house are "really, really, really tacky."
With high gas prices and a war in Ukraine, airlines face a bumpy ride ahead Springtime air travel is stronger than at any time since the pandemic began. But airlines still worry that soaring fuel prices and a war in Ukraine could cut into travel plans and revenues. David Schaper
We may be going back to the office, but the sweatpants are staying on and the bra off People returning to the office are refusing to give up their work-from-home casual wear. But what was once viewed as unprofessional dress could make their work performance better. Ayesha Rascoe
To help everyone, help the most marginalized first, says new congressional report NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman about "Black Women Best," an economic framework challenging leaders to enact reform centered on improving the lives of Black women. Ayesha Rascoe
Gas prices got you wanting an electric or hybrid car? Well, good luck finding one Soaring gasoline prices have fueled increased demand for electric cars, hybrids and smaller gasoline-powered vehicles. But shoppers may not find much to choose from. Scott Horsley
Vanessa Bryant reaches new deal with Nike on Kobe Bryant shoes The wife of the late sports legend says the proceeds from Gigi's shoes will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, the nonprofit charitable organization. Ayana Archie
As Ballard grows, new apartments churn out regulars for local businesses In Ballard, some businesses say they've found a reliable customer base living in new apartments nearby. But dwindling tourism and online shopping have changed the way some do business. Joshua McNichols
So you've unionized your Starbucks. What comes next? This week, Starbucks partners at the Broadway and Denny Location in Capitol Hill clocked in to their first shift at a unionized Starbucks. Libby Denkmann