For the first installment of our "Hot Jobs" series, we check out the source for summer gear and meet Eduardo Lora, manager of a bikini shop in Miami Beach.
The rising cost of gas isn't the only thing to worry about. Commentator Glenn Hubbard says the costs of health care programs for seniors face a big increase and the candidates have different ideas on what to do.
For Wesley Silcox, the defending World Champion in bull riding, getting bucked around in the ring is almost becoming less painful than filling up the truck to drive to and from rodeos. Host Bob Moon caught up with Silcox on the road.
Make sure you don't get fleeced when you take off for a litle R&R. Host Tess Vigeland asks Frommer's creator Pauline Frommer about what to keep your eyes peeled for when traveling.
While other airlines cut flights and tack on fees, Southwest Airlines has avoided passing rising costs on it to customers by locking in fuel prices years in advance. Jeff Tyler reports.
The Fed is getting a lot of heat for not doing anything about the weakness in the dollar and experts all have their own suggestion on what the Fed should do next. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
John and Lupe Rodriguez lacked a good credit score, but with the help of a new program, they managed to get a loan without going subprime. David Brancaccio reports.
Political tension and astronomical inflation have taken a toll on Zimbabwe's economy, but some investors see opportunity amid the turmoil. Gretchen Wilson reports.
In our continuing series on the essential elements of estate planning, Kiplinger's John Ventura returns to talk to Tess Vigeland about establishing a durable power of attorney.
As part of our series on estate planning, we're talking to people familiar with dealing with death. This week, we hear from one of our listeners forced to confront her own mortality.
In this edition of Getting Personal, Chris and Tess talk about Employee Stock Purchase Plans, emergency money for students overseas and financial planning towards the end of life.
Between exchange rates and gas prices, the economy is conspiring to keep us cooped up all summer long. Commentator Robert Reich tries to align his travel plans with his bank account.
All eyes are on Washington as the Supreme Court wraps up its term. Economics editor Chris Farrell sets the story straight on some of the court's recent workplace-related rulings.
Credit counselors have noted a trend: One spouse who's been unfaithful with their pocketbook asking for help with the debt they've kept secret from their partner. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Last week, Marketplace's Bob Moon examined a way to borrow from Social Security without breaking the bank. Bob's back this week with host Tess Vigeland to answer some of your questions on the option.
Wall Street is coming off a huge sell-off this morning. FTN Financial's Chris Lowe talks to Renita Jablonski about how it could have happened, the weather in the market now and whether we might bottom out any time soon.
Iron Man has surprised the box office by coming out ahead of Indiana Jones. Renita Jablonski talks to Variety Managing Editor Stuart Levine about what other films are doing well and what's been a disaster so far.
Wall Street got you feeling not so well this morning? Steve Henn hit the streets to hear favored cures for a hangover — but points out it may not be enough to get us out of a rough economy in the next year.
The waters have yet to recede in flooded towns along the Mississippi River, but many are thinking about reconstruction. Jeff Tyler reports repairs will challenge states that already had trouble balancing budgets before.
Major losses this week made this June the worst the Dow has seen in 78 years. Scott Jagow talks to Amy Scott in New York about what's causing the plunge and how psychology might play a role in the potential upswing.
The presidential nominees have been hearing a lot from manufacturers about what they'd want out of their future leader. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports universal health care and China are two of several big issues.
Churches usually don't have to pay property taxes, because the IRS considers them nonprofit causes. But when congregations meet in places that offer other services, the lines can be blurry. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Drought and disease have harmed the crop of cocoa beans, doubling the price in many places. But government scientists are working with the cocoa bean genome to solve the productivity issue. Janet Babin reports.
The week on Wall Street has been tough, and it's not ending well. Scott Jagow talks to Stephen Beard in London about the effect on the European markets, which has been partially motivated by a gloomy report on the Fed.
Chinese officials are condemning houses damaged by the recent earthquake as part of the clean-up effort, but some residents fear officials are just paving the way for new development. Lisa Chow reports.
Although Britain has sanctions against Zimbabwe's government, some British-owned businesses are still pumping money into the African nation. Stephen Beard reports.
Violence across Mexico has intensified as the government has fought against the country's powerful drug cartels, often well-armed from the U.S. Host Bob Moon asks journalist James Verini what can be done to stem the cross-border arms trade.
As the co-founder of Microsoft leaves to focus on his charitable work, the business world pauses to look back on the legacy of one of the most successful businessmen in history. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
After North Korea released details on its nuclear program, President Bush lifted some sanctions against the communist nation. Host Bob Moon talks with professor David Kang about the impact of the new developments.
California has released its plans to achieve the goals of landmark global warming legislation it passed in 2006. The state wants to reduce greenhouse emissions and ramp up renewable energy production by 2020. Sam Eaton reports.
Home sellers who managed to avoid foreclosure are now posting some pretty steep asking prices, which could draw out the housing crisis even longer. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Anheuser-Busch is said to be planning the sale of its theme parks to raise $3 billion in an effort to ward off a takeover by InBev. But analysts predict InBev might respond with a higher shareholder bid. Stephen Beard reports.
Senate leaders wanted to pass a housing bill before the July 4 weekend that would help 400,000 Americans. But the legislation has been slowed by debate over tax breaks for renewable energy. Steve Henn reports.
Staffing is a unique problem for China's thriving hotel industry. Lisa Chow reports why lack of experience, cultural differences and low pay have created a dearth of good hotel customer service in the country.
The AFL-CIO federation of unions is expected to put its support behind Barack Obama for president, hoping to influence key middle-class voters. Jill Barshay reports on the value of the group's endorsement.
Presidential candidate John McCain wants to hold a government-sponsored contest to invent an efficient car battery. But some criticize the idea as a campaign gimmick. Scott Jagow talks to economic correspondent Chris Farrell.
Even though fuel efficiency standards were updated a few months ago, they already sound outdated. Some groups wish to set shorter-term goals beyond the current 35-mpg target. Sarah Gardner reports.
In an effort to ease the pressures of higher-education costs, Congress lowered the interest rates on government-backed college loans. More action is on the way. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
Just as Bank of America was winning approval to take ownership of Countrywide, Illinois and California filed lawsuits against the mortgage lender for allowing borrowers to take on loans beyond their means. Jeff Tyler reports.
Countries that were once mainstays for foreigners looking to adopt are starting to cut back on the practice, meaning heartbreak for prospective parents and hard times for adoption agencies. Jennifer Collins reports.
It's difficult talking to kids about managing an inheritance, but wealth management firm GenSpring aims to make an otherwise tough conversation into a game. Sean Cole reports.
Medicare is preparing to make medical supply companies compete against each other on prices. But as host Bob Moon learns from New York Times business columnist David Leonhardt, there may be a fight ahead.
Barack Obama's campaign is breaking new ground by negotiating with national TV networks to carry his campaign ads. Host Bob Moon talks with Ad Age's Ira Teinowitz about how the strategy might affect the election.
The mortgage crisis was the last thing many American homeowners wanted, but commentator David Frum argues there may be a silver lining to the dark clouds hanging over the housing market.
Chrysler hopes to counter lagging car sales by offering wireless Internet connections in its 2009 models, a plan that's got safety advocates shaking their heads. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The state of Illinois is suing Countrywide for unfair and deceptive business practices, claiming the lender designed mortgage products with Wall Street in mind. Steve Henn reports other accusations against the company.
London-based mining giant Anglo American says it's acting out of a sense of responsibility by building a platinum mine in Zimbabwe. But critics say the project will prop up the Mugabe regime. Stephen Beard reports.
The Registered Traveler Program allows frequent flyers the ability to get through security faster. But some passengers would rather not let the government have an imprint of their iris. John Dimsdale has more.
Software firms are starting to focus on security for smart phones to help prevent loss or theft of important data. Jill Barshay reports we could start seeing cell phone viruses as soon as within six months.
Bill Gates is stepping down as the head of Microsoft to devote more time to his foundation. Janet Babin looks back at his career as an industry leader, the impact he had on the tech world and the company structure he left behind.
The Securities Exchange Commission is expected to announce a new proposal on credit rating agencies today. Amy Scott reports the SEC will propose reforms to make fund managers do more of their own research.
Big government and big business are often in a power struggle over the market, and Americans swing between outrage at one or the other. But commentator Robert Reich says both are necessary parts of a modern economy.
Google has unveiled an audience measurement tool that strengthens the search engine's already large advertising business. Host Bob Moon asks Media Week's Mike Shields about the new service's impact.
The United States has long criticized China's economic policies. But as China's economy booms and ours struggles, the Chinese are returning the favor. Host Bob Moon talks with Marketplace's Scott Tong about the shift.
The Sunshine State is negotiating with U.S. Sugar Corp. to buy land that could be instrumental in saving the Everglades. The deal would put the nation's largest cane sugar company out of business. Jeremy Hobson reports.
It's no surprise falling home prices and rising gas and food costs have Americans on edge, but economists are shocked by just how shaky consumer confidence has become, reaching a 16-year low. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
JC Penney is upset about a viral Web video with an ad showing two teenagers speed dressing. The ad, which wasn't made by the company, seems to encourage teenage sex. But Steve Henn reports the ad might be a good thing.
Iron ore is in high demand, and British mining giant Rio Tinto has upped the price almost 100 percent to reflect the boom. Stephen Beard reports because of the way it's traded, the price hike can't be blamed on speculation.
With consumer spending down, state budgets are being faced with difficult choices in order to stay in the black. Some states are considering raising taxes as a better alternative to cutting needed programs. Danielle Karson reports.
Midwestern floods have hurt crops and helped bring corn prices to record highs. To help offset the problem, an Iowa senator is encouraging planting in environmentally-protected lands. Jeff Tyler has more.
Militant attacks on oil rigs in Nigeria have caused the loss of around 300,000 barrels a day. Scott Jagow talks to Gretchen Wilson in Africa about what the militants want and what governments are doing to control the situation.
A House committee is trying to deal with Social Security and Medicare without avoiding them. One method includes creating a bi-partisan commission that would work together on tough decisions. Jeremy Hobson has more.
Silicon Valley is one of the first places that come to mind for jobs in the tech industry. But a report out says tech jobs around North Carolina and even Washington, D.C. have been growing. Janet Babin reports.
With the opposition party's leader forced out of the race, host Tess Vigeland asks reporter Gretchen Wilson in South Africa about the fate of Zimbabwe's presidential election.
Ford and GM are cutting back on SUV production as dealers have a hard time getting existing models off their lots. Is this the beginning of the end for the SUV? Jeff Tyler reports.
On July 1, California starts cracking down on drivers caught with their hands on a cell phone, a move that has accessory manufacturers counting down the days. Rob Schmitz reports.
The money available for veterans to go to college could double if a new GI Bill is approved. Commentator Kim Clark says the measure's costs are greatly offset by the benefits it brings to the troops.
Between a weak dollar, inflation worries and losses by investment banks, the Fed has its work cut out for it. Host Tess Vigeland talks with NYU financial historian Richard Sylla about the path back to a stronger economy.
John McCain and Barack Obama both kicked off their campaigns in Iowa, the state where corn is king, but they have very different views when it comes to corn in the form of ethanol. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
High-fructose corn syrup has been taking heat as a possible cause for the obesity epidemic, so producers are investing in building a more natural reputation for the sweetener. Jill Barshay reports.
The FCC is looking closer at TV advertising and will consider whether more disclosure is necessary. Steve Henn repors on how many ads U.S. TV viewers are being subjected to, and how the FCC could help get a clear message across.
Saudi Arabia vowed to produce more oil and keep prices down at the emergency summit in Jeddah. But the cost per barrel continues to rise. Stephen Beard has more on what other factors could be causing the price hike.
U.S. mayors are working to resolve the housing crisis by using federal money. Rampant foreclosures are especially hurting cities by choking off property tax revenues that fund city services. Jill Barshay reports.
Britain's Millenium Dome had a hard time living up to high expectations, until an American company came in and reinvented the arena. Stephen Beard has more on the continued success of the 02 in London.
Despite shareholders advocating for lower CEO pay, a study out says compensation for chief executives is up from 2006. Scott Jagow asks Fortune Magazine's Allan Sloan why there isn't more pressure on executive paychecks.
Consumer groups are saying the U.S. lags behind other nations in terms of broadband service. The FCC will look into the U.S. Internet connection, but Janet Babin reports we need to redefine what exactly "broadband" is.
A congressional bill on the table encourages more domestic oil production and discourages speculation. But some Democrats say we should do more to explore our existing drilling leases. John Dimsdale has more.
