It's time once again for economics editor Chris Farrell to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the Straight Story. This week, Warren Buffett gifted $30 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chris says even Americans of humble means can learn a lot about charitable giving from the Wizard of Omaha.
Life is hard enough without having to decipher everything. Each week, Marketplace Money brings you a word or a phrase that has bubbled to the top of the news. For instance, zombie debt. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?
As we speak, recent college grads are getting acquainted with "the real world." You know, the world where health insurance is costly and getting costlier. Tess talks with Georgetown University's Karen Pollitz about health care options for grads — and the tradeoffs involved.
On this week's A Day in the Work Life, our look at how folks trade their time for money, we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday — and pledge allegiance to a fireworks operator.
It's one of the smallest words in the English language and probably the toughest to say to the boss. Dr. Dory Hollander is the founder of WiseWorkplaces. She tells Tess how to say no — without losing your job.
A company called Yodlee promises you'll soon be able to consolidate all your financial information on its single, easy-to-access Web site. The catch? You have to supply passwords to all your financial accounts. Tess Vigeland asks MSNBC technical reporter Bob Sullivan if the convenience is worth the risk of identity theft.
Cake… dress… tux… catering… after dropping thousands of dollars on a wedding, there's still one important expense left: the rings. How much do couples typically spend — and can they get away with less? Sean Cole prices out the wedding ring market.
The Internet firm Cendant sold its Orbitz travel booking site to the Blackstone Group for $4 billion. Marketplace's Jeff Tyler reports that Cendant's looking to keep its business simple.
Some of the hottest American real estate these days is the nation's tollway system. Indiana announced this week a 75-year lease of its toll roads to foreign investors for $3.8 billion. Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker reports.
Political philosopher and commentator Benjamin Barber worries that Warren Buffett's bequest to the Gates Foundation may pose threats to civil society and philanthropy that people haven't considered.
NEWS ANALYSIS: The visit of President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi to Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion brings to light The King's views on economic policy. Reporter Kim Green explains to Tess Vigeland.
The Internal Revenue Service is shutting down. But, alas, not for good. Marketplace's Hillary Wicai reports that the East Coast floods have washed out the taxman — but just temporarily.
As more pharmaceutical companies lose patents on blockbuster drugs, they're undercutting the price of their own products to stay competitive. Amy Scott explains.
Efforts by GE, Siemens and other companies to devise safety procedures for cargo containers could be an example of the private sector looking to get ahead of possible government regulation. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
India's growing call center industry offers help with computers and Internet use, but relatively few Indians have access to that technology themselves. But as Miranda Kennedy reports, that's starting to change.
A British supermarket owned by Wal-Mart has avoided a strike planned to coincide with England playing in the World Cup tomorrow. Analysts say it's the kind of deal Wal-Mart would never do in the US. Stephen Beard reports.
China launches the world's highest altitude train tomorrow. The government says the train bound for Tibet will help the local economy by bringing in lots of tourists. But Jocelyn Ford tells us many Tibetans worry they won't benefit financially.
The Tour de France begins Saturday without marquee cyclist Lance Armstrong. Alex Cohen looks at whether his absence with hurt the event's draw in the US and its TV ad revenue.
On the heels of the delayed launched of its new operating software, Microsoft announced yet another delay for its Office 2007 software package. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Tenet Health Care has been reeling for almost four years now from allegations it scammed the Medicare system out of huge payments. Today, the company announced it's settling them for $900 million. Helen Palmer has the story.
With pressure from states and local governments to find additional sources of revenue, Congress today is discussing plans to open up offshore regions to oil and natural gas drilling. Scott Tong reports.
If you long to work with wild animals, well, there just aren't many places to learn that trade. But a college in Moorpark, California could be just the ticket. Marketplace contributor Cash Peters checked it out.
This weekend Mexicans elect a new president. So far, the campaign has centered around Mexico's economy and its future as the two candidates have very different approaches to running the economy. Dan Grech reports.
Hospital chain Tenet was accused of scamming the Medicare system and consequently the nation's older folks. Today, the company agreed to pay more than $700 million to settle the allegations. Amy Scott reports.
Students and their parents are rushing to refinance student loans before an interest rate increase takes effect this weekend. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
President Bush hosts a farewell summit today for Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi, who steps down in a couple months. Jocelyn Ford has more on the Japanese leader's legacy.
What's in store for the British oil company? Host Scott Jagow talks with Marketplace European correspondent Stephen Beard about this and other scandals plaguing BP.
US regulators have filed a lawsuit against British oil giant BP. They're charging it with manipulating the price of propane, saying it artificially drove up the cost of heating and cooking oil for millions of Americans. Stephen Beard reports.
Lawmakers are expected to introduce legislation today to clamp down on the mostly unregulated hedge fund industry. But those hoping for a shorter leash shouldn't hold their breath, Janet Babin reports.
The city of Anaheim, home to Disneyland and other attractions, will launch citywide wireless Internet capability today. It's a trial run in efforts to bring Wi-Fi to bigger cities, Lisa Napoli reports.
The Food and Drug Administration is said to be close to lifting the 14-year ban on silicone breast implants. Cosmetic surgeons — and some of their patients — can hardly wait. Helen Palmer reports.
UPS announced today it has won a contract to fly priority and first-class US mail on its airplanes, a deal that could spell trouble for FedEx — and passenger airlines. Amy Scott reports.
There's been a big music business merger in the works for years — but Warner Music and EMI can't agree which company will buy out the other. Bob Moon has the story.
The Senate Finance Committee holds hearings today on whether pimps should be forced to pay taxes for their ill-gotten gains, as Congress takes a page from the Elliott Ness playbook to deal with prostitution. Scott Tong reports.
Government ministers gather in Geneva tomorrow for a last ditch effort to save the Doha round of global trade talks. If the talks fail, the economic consequences could be dire. Stephen Beard reports.
When foster children turn 18, states are no longer responsible for their well-being. In places such as Los Angeles County, more than half are homeless within six months of aging out of foster care. Jeff Tyler reports.
The Department of Health and Human Services announces new welfare to work rules today. The move may force thousands of people off of welfare rolls. Hillary Wicai reports.
European plane-maker Airbus has some explaining to do. Today the co-CEO at its parent company EADS went before French lawmakers. Stephen Beard reports.
Commentator David Frum argues the real culprit behind inflationary pressures around the world is higher oil prices, and that Iran's nuclear program only makes matters worse.
HSBC said today a call center employee in India was arrested for handing over people's bank information to thieves.Host Scott Jagow talks to David Wells of the Financial Times about just how secure these call centers are — or aren't.
Telecom equipment maker Nortel said yesterday it was cutting 1,100 jobs and scaling back its pension program to help it compete in an increasingly tight market. Janet Babin reports.
Honda has been pondering where in the Midwest to build its $400 million auto assembly plant which is expected to provide 1,500 jobs. The winner is Greensburg, Indiana. Jocelyn Ford reports.
Today, the US Postal Service and competitor UPS are set to announce a deal to work together. UPS will start carrying US mail on its planes as soon as this weekend. Amy Scott reports.
Quick, what time is it? More of us are checking our cell phones to answer that question, and that's bad news for the wrist watch industry. Doesn't help that watches have fallen out of favor with young people. Lisa Napoli reports.
The Bush Administration yesterday released new rules clarifying the types of work recipients of federal welfare assistance can do. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
The world's largest automaker announced yesterday that sales this year were expected to be lower than last year's. So GM has instituted another new buyer incentive plan to help clear inventory. Bob Moon reports.
Henry Paulson brought his Wall Street bonafides to Capitol Hill today. At his Senate confirmation hearing, the nominee for Treasury secretary addressed a wide range of issues, including the bloated federal deficit.
What happens when a town's only major employer goes under? How do you position yourself for a job in the industry that replaces it? Folks in Kannapolis, N.C., are hoping a new biotech campus will bring the local job market back to life. Simone Orendain reports.
The nation's dominant Spanish-language TV network has been on the block since February. Now a group of private equity companies led by Hollywood mogul Haim Saban is reportedly paying $12.3 billion. Lisa Napoli reports.
Host Tess Vigeland talks to investigative reporter Steve Henn about his recent discoveries over Alaska fishing trips lawmakers took with top energy executives.
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates another quarter-point on Thursday. Fed officials have made it pretty darn clear they intend to stay tough on inflation. Maybe even a little too clear? Amy Scott reports.
When a rare wildflower appeared in a Northern California plot of land designated for a new subdivision, the real estate developer cried foul. Was it an act of nature or genteel eco-terrorism? Brendan Newnam reports.
Flooding shut down parts of Washington, D.C., today as a hearing on Capitol Hill considered changes to federal flood insurance. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there's growing consensus the program must be reformed so taxpayers don't get soaked. Scott Tong reports.
The world body that acts as a forum for central banks, the Bank for International Settlements, has called for higher interest rates around the world. Stephen Beard reports.
Commentator Vijay Vaitheeswaran calls on European leaders to rethink their cautious stance on Russian energy investment in advance of next month's G8 summit.
After the dot-com bubble burst, stock analysts shied away from definitive stock ratings like "buy" and "sell." But as Amy Scott reports, one high-profile investment bank has had enough of the ambiguous euphemisms that replaced them.
Investor enthusiasm for ethanol-maker Aventine's IPO this week might be even bigger than rival VeraSun's recent public stock offering. Janet Babin reports.
Software giant Microsoft continues its quest to diversify, announcing plans to develop a one-stop business communications platform that would include computer-based phone service. Lisa Napoli reports.
As heavy rains continue to pound the Mid-Atlantic, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill today making government flood insurance more expensive. Scott Tong reports.
News yesterday that a scientific study found Vioxx raised risk of heart attacks after as little as four months of use could hurt Merck's legal strategy against many Vioxx lawsuits. Stacey Vanek-Smith explains.
The nation's dominant Spanish-speaking TV network has been on the block since February. This morning it reached an agreement with a group of private equity companies that's offered $12.3 billion. Scott Tong reports.
With tight restrictions on Pacific salmon fishing, prices for the popular fish are rising and other fisheries are looking to take advantage. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
It gets 60 miles per gallon, only seats two people and was designed by Swatch. Tomorrow, DaimlerChrysler plans to announce it will finally sell its Smart Car in the US. But will the car take off with American drivers? Bob Moon has the story.
More than four million Americans live and work abroad. While Congress has cut taxes for most Americans, these expatriates have just gotten a tax hike. Commentator Tom Easton says it's a raw deal.
The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a case about whether the Bush Administration must regulate carbon dioxide emissions. It could force the issue of global warming. Hillary Wicai reports.
A new investigative report by Marketplace and American RadioWorks finds at least three US senators violated ethics rules by accepting expenses to attend annual Alaska charity fishing trips with energy lobbyists and other executives. Steve Henn reports.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett plans to transfer most of his wealth to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Host Tess Vigeland asks philanthropy experts how the world's largest charity will handle the enormous influx of cash.
Last year only four million Indians bought PCs. This from a country of over a billion. Companies from Intel to Motorola are looking for ways to boost technology use among the millions of India's poor. Miranda Kennedy reports.
Newsweek Wall Street editor Allan Sloan and host Scott Jagow take a look at market trends during the first half of the year and where they might be headed.
A consumer advocacy group is calling on federal regulators to crack down on businesses that claim laser acupuncture can help smokers kick the habit. Alex Cohen reports.
An uproar from US textile companies over cheap Chinese imports last year led to tariffs and restrictions on Chinese bras and other clothing. But now exporters have found a new way to get products into the US. Jocelyn Ford reports.
The state of Washington is boosting tax receipts and efficiency with a drive to weed out bureaucratic jargon in state correspondence. Austin Jenkins reports
One of Europe's longest and most acrimonious takeover battles appears to be over. European steelmaker Arcelor has finally agreed to merge with the Indian-owned Mittal. From London, Stephen Beard reports.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on a bill that would relax restrictions on offshore gas and oil drilling. Steve Tripoli reports.
