For those ready to jump into the real estate market, the National Association of Realtors has agreed to share the housing database called the Multiple Listing Service with rival brokers on the Internet. Author Elizabeth Razzi explains.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes did it. So did Eva Longoria and Tony Parker. But saying vows in exotic places is not just for Hollywood royalty. One study says destination weddings quadrupled in the last decade. Why are they so popular?
You caught "Scrubs, the Musical" on NBC, right? On this week's A Day in the Work Life, we learn singing doctors are not just make-believe. Dr. Ari Perry performs some of his material and tells how music keeps him sane.
This week, Tess Vigeland and economics editor Chris Farrell talk to a parent trying to save money for his child's college education and a man trying to get a mortgage.
As part of a potential class action settlement with TransUnion this week, consumers are going to be able to get a free copy of their credit score. Host Tess Vigeland talks with economics editor Chris Farrell about this new service.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is exploring whether credit-rating agencies that rate security or bond investments should also be required to rank how risky they are. Host Tess Vigeland talks to corporate law professor Eric Talley.
Fidelity Investments wants more of the index fund business, so it's trying to lure customers away from rival Vanguard by taking out full-page newspaper ads boasting that Fidelity has lower expenses. Nancy Marshall Genzer has the story
Maine's annual lobster catch was down 15 percent last year. But a pair of lobster-catching brothers came up with a plan to beat the economic odds — they rent their traps to their customers and FedEx them the catch.
It's hard to find a TV show or movie these days that doesn't have name-brand products in the scenes. Amy Scott takes a look at where product placement is headed.
The job tips given to graduates today are all quantity, no quality. Author and commentator Megan Hustad calls for tossing out today's motivational slogans for some good old-fashioned advice.
Anti-immigrant violence in South Africa has forced tens of thousands from their homes and could have a long-lasting economic impact on the region. Gretchen Wilson reports from outside Johannesburg.
Your credit score could mean all the difference in the world when you need to borrow money. Thanks to a massive class-action lawsuit, TransUnion will be offering millions a free peek at theirs. Jill Barshay explains.
Despite a nearly 18% drop in Ford's stock since he offered to buy 20 million shares of the ailing automaker, Kirk Kerkorian says the deal is still on the table. Alisa Roth examines his motivation.
There's been plenty of talk about speculation driving up oil prices, but big investors don't deserve all the blame. Kai Ryssdal asks energy analyst Peter Beutel where all those billions invested in oil came from.
A recent report based on census data showed that women who out-earned their male suitors and partners made them feel uncomfortable and inadequate. Sean Cole tries to find out if this is really true.
After the success of Indiana Jones, Paramount is looking to cash in on another character back. Renita Jablonski talks to Variety's Mike Speier about who else could make a comeback on Jones's heels.
United's CEO sent a note to employees today saying the airline was not going to merge with US Airways. Jeremy Hobson reports why mergers aren't necessarily a good idea anyway but why this might add to US Airways' trouble.
A record 2,500 delegates finished a three-day conference on African development today in Japan, discussing everything from HIV to microfinance. Lucy Craft reports on how Japan hopes to be a bigger player in Africa.
A cancer drug used to treat colon, head and neck cancer is said to boost survival rates in patients with certain type of lung cancer. Janet Babin reports dramatic Erbitux trial results could make prescriptions explode.
British Airways has raised its fuel surcharges for the second time in a month and the thirteenth time in four years — this time by 27 percent. Stephen Beard reports what other airlines are also pushing up fees.
There are still problems and ways to help in the aftermath of this China's big quake, but aid money has been pouring in. Scott Jagow talks to Scott Tong in Shanghai about supportive actions that have been happening over there.
Even when there's not a direct hurricane hit on U.S. coastal towns, beach erosion can be tremendous. And after the storms, states spend millions of dollars shoring up those beaches. Dan Grech has more from Florida.
Al Gore is hosting a fundraiser for the Democratic party. It'll cost you $28,000 to get into the room. But Steve Henn reports even though Democrats have been doing fine fundraising, the party is almost broke.
Publishing is a world of increased competition, shrinking margins and long waits to see any green. Jill Barshay reports on how publishing houses are coping with changing times.
In recent years, IndyCar Racing has spun out, falling from one of the most exciting moments in sports to a distant second to NASCAR. Kai Ryssdal talks to sports expert Diana Nyad about the future of the IRL.
A new Senate bill would cut U.S. greenhouse emissions by 70 percent. Most lawmakers agree on the goal but debate remains over how to design a system that's fair to businesses. Sam Eaton reports.
Apple's products continue to wow consumers, but commentator and Internet scholar Jonathan Zittrain argues the company's recent moves toward proprietary systems lock out the company's oldest fans.
Rising food prices mean an opportunity for boosting agricultural infrastructure, but unless aid programs shift their focus, the incentives won't trickle down to the poorest regions. Jeff Tyler reports.
Credit got many of us into this financial mess, but can credit get us back out? Many Americans think so, and credit card companies are happy to oblige. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Tight economic times for consumers are meaning big jumps in profits for value retailers such as Costco and Big Lots. Bob Moon explains how stores are adapting to consumers' shrinking budgets.
The CEOs of United and US Airways are meeting today, and merger talks may not be too far off. But despite obvious hurdles, including different labor unions and systems, Jeremy Hobson reports they may not have much choice.
Indian automaker Tata Motors announced its yearly results this week and further details on how it plans to takeover Jaguar and Land Rover. Mehul Srivastava reports the impact of Tata's news on shares.
The yo-yoing of gas prices is dizzying, and one theory points to index speculators as one reason for the price volatility. Economics correspondent Chris Farrell talks to Scott Jagow about whether index and speculators belong together.
Even in an era of economic downturn and the big box store, independent book store Skylight Books is expanding. Commentator Kerry Slattery says it's all thanks to growing shopper awareness for the impact of local businesses.
New York State is introducing an enhanced drivers license which will double as a passport to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. The license is an attempt to make business travel more efficient. Alisa Roth reports.
Christian Dior is making some high-profile apologies to China after actress Sharon Stone made comments about the earthquake in Sichuan. Stephen Beard reports why the red-carpet gaffe is causing red faces.
A record 288 spellers are participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which kicks off its finals today in Washington. John Dimsdale reports how spelling bees are a successful practice internationally.
After 85 years on Wall Street, investment bank Bear Stearns will soon disappear. This morning, the bank's shareholders vote on the JP Morgan buyout. Jill Barshay reports why the bank is ready to accept a low buyout.
This summer's next big blockbuster: you, if you're willing to foot the bill. Cash Peters explains how to get your life story — or something like it — immortalized on film.
Supply and demand are all well and good, but are overeager investors really to blame for skyrocketing gas prices? Commentator David Frum gives his take on the speculation about speculators.
You can plan and research all you want, but sometimes things just happen they way they're going to happen. Kai Ryssdal talks to physicist Leonard Mlodinow about living in a world ruled by chance.
Rising commodity prices are providing endless opportunities for speculators, but as Steve Henn reports, some investors are losing the stomach for one volatile nursery rhyme commodity.
The smaller of the two actors unions, AFTRA, reached a tentative agreement with producers today, but as Jeff Tyler explains, the real question is whether the larger SAG will do the same.
Blaming rising energy prices, Dow Chemical announced plans to raise prices on its products this weekend. Marketplace's Dan Grech explains how others may be tempted to follow suit.
The price of oil dropped this week to $127 a barrel, and there's reason to believe it may stay lower. Jeremy Hobson gets feedback from an oil analyst who says oil prices have traditionally been higher around Memorial Day.
For the first time in almost 60 years, high-level heads of China and Taiwan met to discuss economic cooperation. Lisa Chow reports from Beijing this could leave mainland Chinese free to visit Taiwan whenever they wanted.
In the midst of a tax evasion scandal in the U.S., UBS has reportedly told some of its staff not to travel there for fear of being arrested by U.S. authorities. Stephen Beard explains why the request was made.
Netflix and Blockbuster are both up against big contenders as Apple and Amazon grow their online movie businesses. Jennifer Collins reports how the two rental companies plan to fend off competition.
Rising prices are causing dollar stores across the country to see a surge in their business. Alisa Roth visits one in New York to see what she can get, and how inflation can actually hurt these stores down the road.
Exxon Mobil shareholders are holding their annual meeting in Dallas today, where some will push for a focus on climate change. But some shareholders think they should only concentrate on making money. Jeff Tyler has more.
All three presidential candidates are in support of cap-and-trade, but a closer look shows views differ on how polluter permits should be allocated. Commentator Robert Reich is voting for a carbon auction.
Norwegian-born businessman and science enthusiast Fred Kavli wanted to give something back. Thus was created the Kavli prize for nanoscience, neuroscience and astrophysics. Janet Babin has more.
Put something popular up on YouTube? Might be time to find an agent. Kai visits United Talent Agency's online division in Hollywood to learn about digital representation.
Fighting poverty is good, but according to commentator and economist Edward Miguel, well-targeted foreign aid can accomplish much, much more in the poorest parts of the world.
China has redirected its manufacturing power to aid those affected by this month's earthquake. Scott Tong takes us to a tent factory in Shanghai working overtime to shelter victims.
At Exxon's annual meeting tomorrow, 15 proposals are up for a vote, including one from the founding Rockefellers. Kai talks with law professor Robert Hillman about shareholder activism.
The Hughes Institute is funding 56 scientists to conduct research of their own choosing. Jeremy Hobson reports what this new funding strategy could mean for biomedical research.
In the past, Borders partnered with Amazon for online sales. Today, they've set out on their own, offering direct sales via a new website. Ashley Milne-Tyte takes a look.
Separate reports today revealed that while home sales are on the rise, prices continue to dive. Amy Scott explains why the housing market can't seem to get past the bad news.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is giving $600 million to a group of 56 scientists. Jeremy Hobson reports what this could mean for biomedical research in general, which often has to get creative to find funding.
Arctic states are meeting in Greenland to discuss the possibility of exploring the Arctic Ocean for oil now that global warming has made it more accessible. Stephen Beard reports environmentalists are dismayed.
When Rick Snow's go-kart business was struggling with the slow economy, he made some changes with the help of a loan — and came face-to-face with the credit crunch. Amy Scott has this first story of a new series.
Starting today, booking a trip with Disney Cruise Lines will cost an extra $8 a day, the latest fuel surcharge in the travel industry. Jeff Tyler reports the hike doesn't necessarily affect cruiser morale.
President Bush has near record-low approval ratings at the moment, but he'll be fundraising in Arizona today with Republican presidential hopeful John McCain. Will this help or hurt his chances? Jeremy Hobson reports.
Despite serious fighting, some real estate in west Beirut is becoming even more valuable. Ben Gilbert takes a stroll with a broker through a formerly war-torn neighborhood and assesses the costs.
Barbie is taking major doll rivals Bratz to court on claims that the Bratz's creator was working for Mattel when he drew up the idea. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports no matter who wins, both companies are struggling.
A trade delegation from Texas will be in Cuba for seven days visiting and talking about food. Dan Grech reports the trip isn't about politics, though it could help foster a positive trading relationship.
As the race for younger audiences grows, networks are in a "rattle battle" for advertising dollars. Tess asks Dade Hayes about the baby entertainment boom.
Talks continue on a new climate change treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, but as Sam Eaton explains, setting short-term goals still causes the most difficulty for politicians.
United Steelworkers and UNITE say joining forces will help them deal with stronger multinational corporations. Stephen Beard takes a closer look at their plans.
Tired of paying top dollar for cat furniture that offers nothing in the way of design? Andrew Phelps introduces us to Elizabeth Paige Smith's line of striking feline wares.
Looking for a formula to aid your house hunting? Commentator and MIT professor Dan Ariely says science doesn't have much to offer us when it comes to finding the right home.
The silver lining of falling housing prices: it's easier for people to afford a new home. The Lee family explains their transition from an apartment to first-time homeownership.
What if everybody in the world consumed like the average American family? Sean Cole went in search of that family and with TV as his guide, he didn't have to look too far.
Recent violence in South Africa has killed at least 50 immigrants and made thousands flee their homes. Gretchen Wilson reports how this could affect the country's economy, which thrives on its immigrant population.
A report out this morning finds 85 percent of the world's fisheries are either fished to capacity or facing collapse. Sam Eaton looks into the problems some countries are facing and what could help curb the issue.
Why have investors traditionally picked on the summer as the time of year that wants the rally? Fortune Magazine's Allan Sloan and Scott Jagow explore whether there's any statistical basis for seasonal bias.
If you've ever flown on a holiday weekend, you've probably felt the pain of a flight delay. Alisa Roth explores how Americans wasted 320 million hours on delays last year and what can be done to solve the problem.
The largest labor union in Britain, UNITE, has agreed to merge with The United Steelworkers, one of this country's biggest unions. The deal will create the first transatlantic labor group. Stephen Beard reports.
When preparing for their big day, brides have another small detail to consider: How fit they'll look in that strapless gown. Many brides are flocking to the gym before they walk down the aisle. Jill Barshay reports.
In a struggling economy, Procter & Gamble can rely on selling products for everyone's needs. Kai Ryssdal talks to CEO A.G. Lafley about higher commodity costs and what he thinks about when he goes shopping.
