The income gap between the wealthiest and poorest Americans is now bigger than at any time since World War II, and probably since before the Great Depression, according to new Internal Revenue Service data. The nation’s richest 1 percent earned 21.2 percent of all income in 2005, while the bottom 50 percent earned 12.8 percent. (The Wall Street Journal)
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
The week's best photosIn Pictures A flooded island, a ballistic missile, and more
-
Who actually needs life insurance?The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotelsThe Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
