“The tax woes of politicians,”
Marketplace Money, from American Public Media

Every so often, with some regularity, politicians get in trouble for failing to pay their taxes. So, why does it seem politicians make mistakes most of the rest of us don’t? 

“Nuclear regulation needs improvement,”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists concludes better enforcement of nuclear safety regulations in the U.S. would have prevented reactor incidents in 2010.

“What’s next for the Federal Reserve?”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

After meeting yesterday, the Federal Reserve said it’s keeping an eye on what’s happening around the world, but for the time being, it’s still business as usual. 

“The future strain on mobile networks,”
Marketplace, from American Public Media

A new forecast says that by 2015, the level of wireless data traffic will be 26 times greater than it is now. 

“Financial crisis panel: Meltdown was avoidable,”
Marketplace, from American Public Media

But critics say the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission’s report lacks concrete recommendations for preventing another crisis. 

“Obama wants to snip discretionary spending,”
Marketplace, from American Public Media

President Obama proposes budget cuts of $400 billion over a decade. Senator Rand Paul proposes cuts of half a trillion in a year. Cutting what’s realistic is the issue. 

“Fed holds its first policy meeting of 2011,”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

Now that the economy is picking up, Fed leaders have to decide whether it’s time to shift tactics and stop snapping up billions in bonds to keep interest rates low.

“Would small businesses be hurt by extending tax cuts?”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

Proponents of extending the Bush-era tax cuts say that they want to protect small businesses.  But what qualifies for a small business?  

“Effect of higher taxes on rich is unknown,” 
Marketplace, from American Public Media

The deadline on the decision of extending the Bush tax cuts is looming closer. If extended, the wealthy could continue to save hundreds of thousands of dollars, and some deem that as unfair. But with middle-class Americans only saving about $1,000, it begs the question: can helping the rich help others?

“Pressure on Rolls-Royce after Airbus incident?”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

An engine explosion damaged an Airbus A-380 in mid-flight yesterday. Will the engine maker, Rolls-Royce, come under scrutiny? 

“Gov’t looking closer into air cargo security,”
Marketplace, from American Public Media

With the latest news about explosive packages from Yemen being found on aircraft bound for the U.S., there have been a lot of questions about cargo security. Millions of dollars have been spent on passenger screening, but when will cargo screening catch up?  

“Personal info now passed on from airline to gov’t,”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media

According to a new rule going into effect today, personal information like your date of birth and gender must be given to airlines when booking a flight, so they can pass it on to the government. It was a part of the 9/11 Commission’s plan, and a long time coming. 

“No more upfront fees for debt settlement services,”
Marketplace Morning Report, from American Public Media 

People who have turned to debt settlement services to deal with money problems have usually had to pay an upfront fee. Starting today, however, those fees can’t be enforced. 

Comic book writer Harvey Pekar, best known for the American Splendor series, died early this morning at his home in Cleveland, Ohio. We have this appreciation from NPR’s David Gura.