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An auto worker tightens bolts on a Focus at a Ford plant in Michigan in October. Labor unions predicted in 1993 that NAFTA would send many U.S. manufacturing jobs to Mexico, and they continue to argue that the pact prompted a race to the bottom for workers.

What Has NAFTA Meant For Workers? That Debate's Still Raging

Two decades ago, labor unions warned that the North American Free Trade Agreement would drive away U.S. jobs and push wages down. Today, unions feel as strongly as ever that NAFTA was a mistake for U.S. workers, but quantifying the factors behind the decline in the middle class is no simple matter.

Polish free-diver Mateusz Malina (second from right), accompanied by judges and safety divers, at the Little Blue Hole free-diving competition in Dahab, Egypt, last month. Malina blacked out on this dive, but on the previous day he broke the Polish national record for free-diving without fins by diving 272 feet.

Some Competitors Say Free-Diving Needs A Safety Sea Change

Free-diving is a risky sport, involving swimming deep into the ocean without the aid of air tanks. But after a diver's death in November, some free-divers worry that the sport's governing body is still not doing enough to prevent common injuries and reel in overambitious competitors.

Gov. Bentley is brushing off criticism that he's trying to run Alabama State University and says he will continue a financial review of university spending.

Gov. Bentley Says He's Not Behind Pension Change

Gov. Robert Bentley says his disagreement with state pension fund Chief David Bronner over expanding the state Medicaid program had nothing to do with new…

Utah Rep. Jim Matheson delivers a speech in October 2012. The veteran Democrat says he'll retire at the end of his seventh term.

Red State Retirement Takes Democratic House Seat Out Of Play

Rep. Jim Matheson of Utah was facing a tough re-election fight in his heavily conservative district. In 2012, he barely won, defeating Republican Mia Love by fewer than 800 votes.

Superlow inflation means workers often don't see big raises and consumers may delay buying, thinking prices will drop some more.

Prices Are Low, And That Could Be Bad

With low prices, consumers feel less pain at the gas pump and the grocery store. But superlow inflation often means workers don't see big raises. And it can hurt the economy because consumers hold off purchases, thinking prices will drop some more.

Think a graphic novel is too visual to make a good audiobook? Think again. The audio version of <em>Civil War </em>uses sound effects, music and a full cast to bring the superhero story to life.

Hear, Here: Four Audiobooks With A Brand-New Sound

Forget the taped readings of yore. Today's audiobooks feature integrated musical performances, movie-quality sound effects and all-star casts of rotating narrators. Take a peek at the new world of listenable literature with AudioFile magazine founder Robin Whitten's list of four notable audiobooks from 2013.

The Stars Come Out For Holiday Bakers

What's cozier than curling up by a window on a starry night, watching a few starry flakes of snow drifting down, nibbling the sugary points of a star cookie one by one? Nibbling three different types of star cookies!

Is A 500-Year-Old German Beer Law Heritage Worth Honoring?

A German brewers association is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for a 500-year-old law that dictates how to make beer. The brewers argue that the law ensures purity in German beers. But others say the law is from a bygone era.

Law Schools See Drop In First-Year Students

Law schools are seeing their lowest enrollment numbers of first-year students since the 1970s. It's partly due to the recent recession and partly due to the high cost of law school, according to the president of the American Bar Association.

Want More Holiday Music? Ring Up Dial-A-Carol

Missing the Christmas spirit? Dial-a-Carol may help you get into the holiday mood.

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