Can Greece Get A Handle On Its Notorious Tax System?
A big problem for Greece as it attempts to climb out of its fiscal hole is its corrupt and inefficient tax system. The tax code is maddeningly complex and evasion is high.
Europe
The Greek Banks Are Open Again, But The Sales Tax Just Went Up
The good news for Greeks is that banks are open again. The bad news is a sales tax hike that's made most things more expensive. It's an attempt to raise more tax revenue and balance the budget.
Female Genital Mutilation Is A U.S. Problem, Too
A new report says an estimated half a million American girls are at risk. The U.S. and other developed countries can learn from efforts in Africa to eliminate the practice.
In Merkel's Uncomfortable Moment, A Glimpse Of Germany's Difficult Decisions
At a recent event, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met a Palestinian girl, who said she hoped to stay in Germany. When Merkel explained why she couldn't, the moment caught the people's attention.
Are The French Always On Vacation Or Does It Just Seem That Way?
Many French people now enjoy nine weeks of vacation a year. Vacation in France is seen as a human right, one expert says, but it divides the haves from the have nots.
Greeks Still Face Transaction Limits After Banks Reopen
In Greece, banks reopened Monday for the first time in three weeks, allowing customers to make deposits. But people still face severe withdrawal limits in an effort to keep money inside the country.
Irate French Farmers Block Tourist Sites To Protest Low Meat And Dairy Prices
President Francois Hollande said he would present an emergency package of measures that would give farmers tax breaks and financial aid to save them from bankruptcy, the Telegraph reports.
In Transylvania, Donating Blood Will Get You Concert Tickets
The Romanian region is the home of Dracula, but less than 2 percent of the people donate blood.
British Prime Minister Announces Program To Defeat Islamist Extremism
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Peter Neumann of Kings College London about United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron's remarks on defeating Islamist extremism.
American Zach Johnson Wins British Open In Historic 3-Way Playoff
NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Ron Sirak of Golf Digest about how Jordan Spieth could have been the first golfer since 1953 to win the Masters, U.S. Open and the British Open in the same year.