Mar 14th, 2010 · The banking industry has been raking in billions of dollars in overdraft fees from people who use their debit cards without enough money in their accounts. This summer, banks will be required to get customers to "opt in" if they want overdraft protection on debit card purchases. NPR's Tamara Keith reports industry analysts say banks will be scrambling to replace the lost revenue.
Nov 12th, 2009 · The Federal Reserve announced new rules Thursday on when banks can charge overdraft fees on ATM and debit card transactions. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke called the new rules an important step forward in consumer protection. Starting July 1 of next year, banks will not be allowed to charge an overdraft fee unless the account holder has asked to be covered by an overdraft plan. Melissa Block talks to NPR's Tamara Keith about the new rules.
Nov 7th, 2009 · A 10.2 percent unemployment rate is like a gut punch. It's just such a big number, a level of joblessness we haven't experienced here in the U.S. since the early '80s. This, even as the economy is actually growing again. But as NPR's Tamara Keith reports, many employers just aren't ready to start hiring yet.
Nov 28th, 2008 · Move over Turkey Day — Black Friday is here. That's the day when merchants hope to get into the black. Given the current economic turmoil, retailers are using drastic sales to try to attract business. NPR's Tamara Keith, is at Best Buy outside Washington, D.C., and she talks with Steve Inskeep about whether the economic downturn has shoppers reining in their spending.
Nov 19th, 2008 · New homes sales figures are out, and it's not good news. The National Association of Realtors says 4 out of 5 metropolitan areas saw home prices drop in the third quarter compared to the year before. Meanwhile, sales of existing homes fell in 32 states. NPR's Tamara Keith reports.
Jun 24th, 2008 · More than 200 homes were lost in last year's Angora Fire in scenic South Lake Tahoe. The community is rebuilding quickly but now faces tough new building codes, requiring fire-safe construction methods. Tamara Keith reports from member station KQED.
Apr 12th, 2008 · When poachers illegally used baby salmon as bait for ancient sturgeon in the Sacramento Delta, California fish and game wardens were there to break the doors down and haul the alleged offenders away. But that single operation took 1/5 of the state's whole force of wardens. The problem is, the force charged with protecting threatened species and enforcing California's tough environmental laws is understaffed and under paid. From member station KQED, Tamara Keith reports.
Mar 13th, 2008 · School districts across California are reeling because of millions of dollars of proposed education cuts in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget. March 15 is the deadline to give teachers layoff notices, and thousands of them will go out across the state. A particularly hard-hit school district offers a look at the reality of the cuts. Tamara Keith reports from member station KQED.