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, donor-advised funds. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?
You no longer work at the company. But you think you're owed a pension. How can you find out? Money Magazine's Ellen McGirt digs for lost retirement accounts.
The US labor market added 121,000 jobs last month. But that was below analysts' expectations. Meanwhile, wages were up. Could that signal inflation? Bob Moon reports that economists are scratching their heads about what it all means.
Ceremonies in Britain today commemorated those who died in last year's subway and bus bombings. But beneath the grief is growing anger over the amount of government support provided to the injured and bereaved. Stephen Beard reports.
There's been talk lately about, for the first time, charging admission to the Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums. Meanwhile, other museums have been dropping admissions fees. Lisa Napoli reports.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg tells a Senate hearing that the economies of his city and the nation would collapse if illegal immigrants were deported. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
In a victory for consumer activists, the Bush administration has loosened rules requiring specific documentation for Medicaid recipients to prove citizenship. Helen Palmer reports.
New job numbers were up in June, but the improvement was weaker than expected. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports that good news might be seen as bad news by inflation hawks anyway.
Claudine LoMonaco looks at how continuing increases in the number of Border Patrol agents have impacted the economy in the Southwest desert town of Douglas, Arizona.
Record label EMI has teamed with a talent management agency to launch a new label that gives artists a percentage of sales rather than advanced payments upon signing. Ashley Milne-Tyte explains.
With Thursday's Florida Supreme Court ruling, Philip Morris parent Altria may have new impetus to put the Marlboro maker and other brands on the sales block. Lisa Napoli reports.
Directors for the world's largest automaker today are scheduled to discuss joining forces with Nissan and Renault. But GM executives are none too keen on the idea. Amy Scott reports.
In the year since the London bombings, the British government has been trying to improve security for the city's extensive subway system. That's proven difficult, mainly due to impractical logistics reports Stephen Beard.
The British government has been accused of dramatically underestimating the scale of immigration into the UK as an influx of workers from Eastern Europe puts pressure on housing and public services. Stephen Beard reports.
Commentator Ian Ayres says small shareholders who think their tiny piece of a company leaves them with little voting power could follow the example of recent Greece and use "deliberative polling."
The Irish parliament voted today to privatize its national airline. While US airlines are struggling, carriers abroad have been raking in the profits — especially Aer Lingus. So why let it go? Jeff Tyler reports.
Microsoft is expected to show off its new media player to music labels this week, hoping to head off rival Apple by offering more features the record industry wants. But will consumers buy it? Annie Baxter reports.
A recent survey of entrepreneurs revealed that most earned money as kids, many via a paper route. The classic paperboy has gone the way of Mayberry. So is America losing an entrepreneurial breeding ground? Curt Nickisch looks below the fold.
Tomorrow GM's board meets to discuss a possible alliance with Nissan and Renault. GM CEO Rick Wagoner is reportedly opposed, but he's taking it seriously. That's more than you can say for some analysts. Amy Scott explains.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense may be missing $1.2 billion due to fraud. Ben Gilbert follows one of the inspector generals tasked with tracking down the money and those responsible.
Today, the Florida Supreme Court rejected a $145 billion award against tobacco companies. That decision could free them to do some corporate deal-making that wouldn't have been possible before. Helen Palmer reports.
Thousands of cash transfers are being delayed or blocked by companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram — so that Muslim-sounding names can be checked for possible terror links on a government watch list. Bob Moon reports.
State-run newspapers in China today reported the government plans to force Wal-Mart and other foreign firms to allow employees to join a union. But it's not a win for the little guy, Jocelyn Ford reports.
Business of sports commentator Diana Nyad and host Scott Jagow discuss new technology debuting at this weekend's World Cup final that measures the effectiveness of billboard advertising.
While you were sleeping, Mexican officials have been counting and re-counting votes in its presidential election. Host Mark Austin Thomas talks to Marketplace Americas Desk correspondent Dan Gretch.
Business of sports expert David Carter and host Mark Austin Thomas talk about the generation of sports legends heading for the door — and how marketers will replace them.
Enron's founder and convicted former CEO, Kenneth Lay died of a heart attack today. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to veteran energy reporter Barbara Shook about Lay's legacy in the energy business.
The Bank of China's shares made a strong debut Wednesday on the Shanghai stock market. The sale raised $2.5 billion, making it mainland China's biggest IPO. Jocelyn Ford reports.
At least 50 companies have had to open their books to the feds in the scandal of backdating stock options. Now, the SEC appears ready to pursue civil charges against one of them. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Japan instituted some sanctions after North Korea's missile tests. Now the US is pushing for a "strong signal" from the UN. But what do you take from a country with little in the way of legitimate economy? Scott Tong reports.
Universal Music wants to save the compact disc. The company said today it's unveiling new packaging to make CDs more attractive to consumers who've been lured about by digital downloads. Lisa Napoli reports.
It may take months to resolve Mexico's disputed presidential elections, but the winner appears to be business-friendly Felipe Calderon. What policies is he likely to pursue if he's declared the winner? Dan Grech reports.
Gambling is a big business for American Indian tribes — and that means big money for their members. But a growing number say they're being forced out of the pot. Rachel Dornhelm has the story.
Franchising in China is growing at about 40 percent a year, one of the fastest-developing markets in the world. And Beijing recently changed the rules to make it easier for foreign franchises to join in. Jocelyn Ford reports.
The presidential election was Sunday, but today Mexico begins the official recount. It could take several days, but it looks as though the markets have already picked their winner. Dan Grech reports from Mexico City.
Friday is the first anniversary of the London bombings that killed 56 people. The British government has repeatedly rejected calls for an investigation into the atrocity. Stephen Beard tells us why.
House and Senate lawmakers convene field hearings today on immigration reform. But as Scott Tong reports, the testimony is likely to be only what the lawmakers want to hear.
What if you could fold up a computer screen and stuff it into your back pocket like a newspaper? Rachel Dornhelm reports on a new technology that might just help revive old media.
The SEC is investigating dozens of firms for back-dating stock options. Now, the Wall Street Journal says the SEC is ready to file charges against one company. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Japan has already announced some limited economic sanctions against North Korea, after it launched several test missiles over the holiday. But critics say more drastic sanctions are needed. Jocelyn Ford reports.
A group of economic advisors today recommended the European Commission drastically lower the threshold for hedge fund investing. It's a move many would like to see copied in the US, Amy Scott reports.
Every time you get in the car you're spewing a teeny bit of pollution into the atmosphere. But some ordinary people have come up with an innovative system to help neutralize our polluting ways. Sam Eaton explains.
Every week 30 million-plus people grab coffee at Starbucks. That's a lot of cups. This spring, the company introduced a cup made with 10% post-consumer recycled fiber, the first of its kind. Sarah Gardner tells the tale.
Seems there's nowhere that's safe from ads anymore, certainly not the movie theater. In fact, the fastest-growing advertising medium is one you watch with a tub of popcorn in your lap. Lisa Napoli reports.
There's an ancient city in the Moroccan Sahara full of stars — the Tinseltown variety. Gladiator and Alexander were shot there, and Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Russell Crowe can't get enough of Ouarzazate. John Laurenson reports.
The Freedom of Information Act turns 40 today. It was intended as a tool for journalists to keep government honest — but businesses use it more than anyone. Jeff Tyler reports.
Lawmakers return to their districts this holiday week to meet and mingle with constituents. But the official Democratic and Republican talking points may not gibe with voters' economic concerns. Scott Tong reports.
Will stormy weather in rain-soaked parts of the country and intense drought in others put a crimp on legal fireworks sales? The pyrotechnics industry doesn't think so. Alex Cohen reports.
The boards of automakers Nissan and Renault yesterday approved talks with GM to create an alliance that would provide nearly one-quarter of all cars sold in the world. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Felipe Calderon appears to be the winner of Mexico's presidential election, but the country may be on the verge of political and possibly economic paralysis. Dan Grech reports.
Europe could be on the brink of a new wave of takeover activity. Investment firm Permira has just raised the continent's largest-ever private equity fund. Stephen Beard fills us in.
New Jersey was mostly closed today. By Wednesday, state parks, beaches — and even Atlantic City's casinos — could also be closed. Amy Scott reports on the shutdown and the budget battle that prompted it.
Gettysburg, Pa. was the site of our Civil War's bloodiest battle 143 years ago. Now that slots-only gambling has been legalized in Pennsylvania, some want to build a casino and spa near the battlefield. The verbal guns are blazing, reports Martha Woodroof.
Hundreds of construction sites in New York City have closed due to striking construction workers. If no agreement is reached, the strike could affect more than a thousand sites after the July 4 holiday. Bob Moon reports.
Mexico's election authority says Sunday's presidential race is a statistical dead heat and it will take days to finish counting ballots. From Mexico City, Dan Grech has more on the economic impact of the uncertainty.
Two top executives at EADS, the European firm that builds Airbus, have resigned after the company announced costly delays for the super-jumbo A380 jet and a brewing stock option scandal. Stephen Beard reports.
Sportswear giants Adidas and Puma both hail from one small town in southern Germany. They actually began as one family-owned company until a bitter rivalry split it — and their hometown — in two. Kyle James has the story.
Newspapers around the country have recently chronicled the dire economic plight of many black men. Commentator Marcellus Andrews says the issue has less to do with racism and more to do with the nature of our economy.
India is slowly dismantling its deeply entrenched caste system. Miranda Kennedy has the story of one Untouchable who's bucked the constraints of social hierarchy.
Two top executives at European aircraft maker Airbus and its parent company have quit, forced out of office two weeks after announcing delays in the company's new super jumbo jet A380. Stephen Beard reports.
It will likely be a couple days before we know who won Mexico's presidential election. Marketplace Americas Desk correspondent Dan Grech talks to host Mark Austin Thomas from Mexico City.
All but essential state services are closed in New Jersey today. That could leave thousands of government workers without paychecks. It also spells trouble for the state's casino industry. Amy Scott explains.
