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, Alcoa. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?
President Bush and other world leaders are in St. Petersburg, Russia, for the G8 Summit this weekend. It's the first time the conference has been held in the former Soviet country. And Russians are really looking forward to it. Stephen Beard reports.
The battle between Israel and Hezbollah is pushing the price of oil even higher. That's more disposable income for Middle East oil sellers. Scott Tong looks into whether some of that money is paying for the violence in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
The Association of Trial Lawyers of America is considering changing its name to the American Association for Justice. Hillary Wicai looks at why some argue it's a good idea.
Fertilizer runoff from the fields of Corn Belt farmers is one of the root causes behind declining fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. What can be done? Sam Eaton reports. Second of two parts.
There's been speculation that the cooling of the housing market could result in lower retail sales. Commentator and retail consultant Michael Silverstein isn't buying it.
You've got a bungalow in Spain. They've got a brownstone in New York. And both of you are thinking 'Let's trade properties for a little R&R vacation.' Tess Vigeland calculates the cost of a house swap.
Leaders of the Group of 8 leading nations are heading for St. Petersburg, Russia for this weekend's summit, where President Putin will try to convince them Russia is a dependable supplier of oil and gas. Stephen Beard reports.
The two aviation giants have already begun posturing in advance of next week's Farnborough air show, during which billions of dollars in new contracts is expected to be awarded. Jason Paur reports.
Host Mark Austin Thomas talks to Daily Variety managing editor Michael Speier about films that have a huge opening weekend at the box office — and then seem to disappear.
With gold prices climbing back toward record highs, Hillary Wicai wonders if there are any resale treasures hiding in her jewelry box. She fills us in on the market for scrap gold.
With yesterday's verdict in New Jersey, Merck has now won more than half of the Vioxx liability lawsuits filed against it. Is the decision to fight individual cases paying off? Helen Palmer reports.
Mexico City's central plaza has been full of election protestors lately. And those protestors bring their pesos. Dan Grech reports on one sector of the economy that thrives on dissent.
Retail giant Wal-Mart has relaxed its zero-tolerance shoplifting policy. It's stopped prosecuting people who steal less than $25 in goods. Lisa Napoli report.
The Israeli port city of Haifa — well inside the country's borders — was hit by rockets today, an attack that preceded Israel's second bombing of Beirut's airport. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to journalist Hillary Krieger.
Worldwatch Institute's latest report on the health of our planet finds that the global economy is booming — but it's taking a toll on the environment. Helen Palmer reports.
Russian energy giant Rosneft was set to go public tomorrow in Moscow and on the London Stock Exchange, but the threat of legal action may halt those plans. Stephen Beard reports
Beirut's been experiencing its first economic boom since Lebanon's civil war ended — but it's based largely on tourism. How will today's attacks affect the economy there? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to the Wall Street Journal's Karby Leggett.
That's Zero Interest Rate Policy — long Japan's response to a decade of deflationary recession. But tomorrow, Japan's central bank is expected to reinstate interest rates for the first time in five years. Steve Herman has the story.
Back in 2004, Sony Music merged with BMG to create the world's second largest music company. Today, a European court ruling may unravel that merger. Ashley Milne-Tyte explains.
Sam Eaton reports on how agricultural runoff in the Mississippi River continues to flow into the Gulf of Mexico, suffocating sea life and threatening a once-thriving Louisiana industry. First of two parts.
The Mouse House has announced it will put out 10 fewer films a year and substantially reduce its workforce. Will the rest of Hollywood follow suit? Lisa Napoli reports.
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in six years. Personal finance expert Chris Farrell and host Scott Jagow talk about why that matters to Americans.
There is such a thing as a free lunch for poor kids in school over the summer, but only about one in five actually eats those meals. A new report suggests the problem isn't money — it's paperwork. Hillary Wicai reports.
The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote today on plans by Comcast and Time Warner to buy out bankrupt Adelphia. As Steve Tripoli reports, there's widespread support for the plan, but also vocal concern.
Worldwatch Institute offers its latest look at the health of the planet and finds the global economy is booming — but with environmental consequences. Helen Palmer reports.
With a rocket launch Wednesday, a private entrepreneur kicked off his project to build a privately owned and operated space station — and possibly the beginnings of a new space race. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
The price of oil has hit a new high following the Israeli air raids on Lebanon. Crude reached almost $76 a barrel in London this morning and the crisis is spilling over into other financial markets. Stephen Beard reports.
House lawmakers continue a hearing today into fraud allegations surrounding the $21.4 billion New York City was given in recovery funds following Sept. 11. Hillary Wicai reports.
Walt Disney plans to cut its annual movie production slate in half and eliminate jobs to trim costs. But why cut back on the heels of its big summer smash hits? Host Kai Ryssdal asks Daily Variety Managing Editor Michael Speier.
Tax revenues are way up, President Bush touted yesterday, so the budget deficit will be almost $130 billion smaller than predicted this year. But commentator Robert Reich says the administration's numbers still don't add up.
Supporters of defeated Mexican presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are massing for a march on Mexico City, saying the narrow election was stolen. But the candidate has a fine line to walk with his supporters. Dan Grech reports.
The US Army said today it will end Halliburton's exclusive multibillion-dollar logistics contract in Iraq. It will re-bid the contract out to multiple companies later this year. Scott Tong has the story.
Al Gore screened his documentary about global warming today at what may seem like an unlikely location: Wal-Mart's corporate headquarters. Lisa Napoli explains.
Chinese automaker Nanjing said today it will build a new MG coupe in Oklahoma. The move would make it the first Chinese car company to set up shop in the US. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The supplement widely used to relieve joint pain has been found to effectively fade age spots as well. Helen Palmer reports on glucosamine's new market potential.
The nation's largest biotech company in terms of market capitalization blew past Wall Street expectations in its most recent earnings report. Rachel Dornhelm has more.
Three British bankers are being extradited to the US for Enron-related crimes and the business community there is not happy about it. Host Scott Jagow asks European Correspondent Stephen Beard what the uproar is all about.
Halliburton has been accused for years of bilking the US government with its exclusive contract. And now the Army has decided to end the deal and hand over those services to three companies. Hillary Wicai reports.
A big announcement from Google yesterday comes as welcome news to economically-depressed Michigan: The search engine will build a new facility in Ann Arbor. Steve Tripoli reports.
House lawmakers look to close a loophole that could allow Wal-Mart, Home Depot and other retailers to open commercial banks. A hearing on the issue is scheduled today. Hillary Wicai reports.
Today the European Commission fined Microsoft more than $350 million for failing to comply with an anti-trust ruling. It's also threatened to charge the company additional multi-million dollar penalties. Stephen Beard reports.
The Senate has drafted a resolution making it easier for Americans to buy cheaper prescription drugs north of the border. But as Helen Palmer reports, those drugs aren't as attractive as they once were.
Those colorful new $10 and $20 dollar bills might be easy on the eye and tough on counterfeiters — but they're also tough on the environment. Nancy Mullane reports
Trade figures for May show that the US imported $63 billion more in goods than it exported. That's the sixth-largest trade deficit in history, but it's just a sign of the times. Stacey Vanek-Smith explains.
Yesterday, Colorado lawmakers passed what they call the toughest immigration law in the nation, requiring proof of citizenship to apply for public benefits such as Medicare and unemployment insurance. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
A driver was killed in Boston today when a panel in one of the city's Big Dig tunnels collapsed. It's a sad chapter in one of the most expensive and mismanaged public works project in history. Sean Cole reports.
Normally, Washington's revolving door involves congressional staffers who trade in their positions for big bucks lobbying on K Street. But commentator Jeff Birnbaum says now there's a twist that has even K Street shaking its head.
Before a country can join the World Trade Organization, all 149 member nations must agree. The US has been the last holdout blocking Russia's admission — but now they're deep in negotiations. Bob Moon reports.
Hundreds were killed in seven bomb explosions in Mumbai today. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Financial Times reporter Khozem Merchant about why the explosions targeted first-class passengers on commuter trains in the country's financial hub.
The House passed a bill today that would prohibit online gambling. Of course, saying it and enforcing it are two different things. But Hillary Wicai explains how this bill tries to choke off the money.
It's called body repatriation and it isn't cheap. But a growing number of businesses are jumping in to help immigrants find ways to send bodies back home for less. Alisa Roth reports.
It was almost a year ago that Israel pulled its settlers out of Gaza. The Palestinians had high hopes for big economic developments, but things haven't exactly turn out as planned. Irris Makler reports.
TV ad buyers and the Nielsen ratings system will begin tracking how many viewers are actually watching TV ads in the new world of TiVos and DVRs. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Abbey Klaassen about the shift.
Travel commentator Rudy Maxa says airports would welcome a two-tier security check-in system if the Transportation Security Administration can work out the kinks.
Been waiting to see which high definition format wins out? One firm has developed a laser head that can read both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs — but do consumers even want high definition? Janet Babin reports.
This morning the House of Representatives starts debating a bill that would declare online gambling illegal. Of course, saying it and enforcing it are two different things. Hillary Wicai reports.
Government auditors find insurance companies give incorrect information about the new Medicare drug benefit program two-thirds of the time. Hillary Wicai reports.
Today the British government is expected to publish the findings of a major review of its energy policy and give the go-ahead to build a new generation of nuclear power plants. Stephen Beard reports.
Second quarter earnings reports are expected to be strong, but don't count on Wall Street to react positively. Bob Moon explains why some investors may not be impressed, even though earnings may be impressive.
Much is at stake in the first trial into whether insurance companies are responsible for the flood and storm-surge damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Sarah Gardner has more.
Drugs or alcohol addictions can take a big toll in the workplace — but recognizing the problem often falls on the shoulders of concerned or frustrated coworkers. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Get ready to pay more for your morning glass of O.J. Florida citrus growers are having problems finding enough workers to pick the fruit. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
A federal judge has ruled that services stripping naughty bits from films sold for home viewing violate copyright laws. Other entrepreneurs, however, are ready to tame your TV for profit. Steve Tripoli reports.
The FDA may significantly change the way it allows drugs to be tested. Marketplace's Helen Palmer explains to host Kai Ryssdal what that change could mean for drug companies and consumers.
This fall students in Britain will start on the country's first bachelor's degree that teaches them everything they need to know about cyber-crime. Stephen Beard reports.
Southwest Airlines passengers flying out of San Diego today are in for something a little bit different — assigned seating. Ethan Lindsey reports on why the no-frills flyer is trying something new.
You might think the continued reports of deaths in Iraq would be hurting the Pentagon's recruiting program. But the Army announced today it's above its goal for this year. Hillary Wicai reports.
Tomorrow the White House is expected to announce the projected budget deficit will be $100 billion less than originally feared, because people paid way more in taxes than expected. But why? Scott Tong reports.
Comptroller General of the United States David Walker has a warning for new Treasury Secy. Henry Paulson and his boss: Fix current economic policies or we're in for a lot of pain.
An Israeli aid raid in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago seriously damaged a power station there. Irris Makler has the story of one Gaza water seller whose business is booming during the territory's prolonged power outage.
Top media moguls arrive in a Rocky Mountain resort town today for their annual weeklong confab. Lisa Napoli reports the influence of gathering is on the wane.
The low-cost airline is testing plans to retire its trademark opening seating policy with assigned boarding. Annie Baxter reports the change has larger implications for the airline industry.
Personal finance expert Chris Farrell and host Scott Jagow look at the dizzying success Warren Buffett has had as an investor and why he's so tough to copy.
The Senate today debates new Homeland Security funding proposals following House efforts to cut anti-terror grants to cities that don't hand over illegal immigrants to federal authorities. Hillary Wicai reports.
Conserative Felipe Calderon has been declared the winner of Mexico's presidential election, but this thing may not be over yet. Dan Grech reports from Mexico City.
Last year, the Army missed its recruiting goals so badly there was talk of reinstating the draft. But it's expected to announce today that this year is a different story — and money's doing some of the talking. Hillary Wicai reports.
The man who invented the bagless vacuum cleaner says a dearth of engineers is putting the British economy at risk. James Dyson has unveiled plans for an engineering college in the UK. Stephen Beard reports.
