When Greg Smith quit his job at Goldman Sachs, he slammed his former employer in a blistering newspaper essay. People don't often quit with such a public display of vitriol. But when they do, it certainly gets attention.

Republican Gov. John Kasich has proposed an increase in taxes on the extraction of natural gas. This follows last week's announcement of increased regulations on drilling.

After the latest Greece bailout, Europe's attention has turned to Spain, which has been breaking European Union spending rules for years. But the Spanish government has now caved to pressure to lower its deficit.

As gas prices rise, more people who need to get around rural areas are boarding local transit buses and vans. Many of the low-income riders can't afford to drive. But the cost of transporting the riders is bursting town budgets.

Barbers and beauticians are splitting hairs over an iconic image: the swirling red, white and blue striped pole that often stands outside a barber shop. Barbers in several states are proposing legislation to prevent shops without a licensed barber from using the striped pole.