Week of October 22nd, 2012

Peanut farmers in the South are reaping a bumper crop. That’s bringing down wholesale prices and likely will benefit consumers, at some point.

The retired Army general is known for the NATO bombing campaign to help drive out Slobadan Milosevic. Now, Wesley Clark hopes to start a coal extraction project in Kosovo.

Farmers produced two-thirds more peanuts this year than last, so it looks like the price of peanut butter is coming down. The Northeast is bracing itself for hurricane Sandy. The Chinese government blocked The New York Times’ website within the mainland because of an investigative report about a government official. Silicon Valley may be the most well-known tech hub in the U.S. but other cities, like Chicago, are also trying to foster entrepreneurship. Honda is celebrating 30 years of manufacturing in America — which brings up the question of “What is an American car?” And four-star general Wesley Clark has started a coal mining venture in poverty-stricken Kosovo, a place where his name and reputation means a lot.

The Windy City tries to lure tech entrepreneurs to create a new startup ecosystem.

Japanese automakers are getting more American, just as the Detroit companies get more global.

Weather, speculation, and the economy all impact food prices. So are you paying more for groceries today than in decades past? Find out with the Marketplace Grocery Shop Simulator.

A new set of beetles is taking North America by storm, and this time the casualty is the lumber industry. What does this mean for home building and other lumber needs in the U.S.?

Utilities spent billions a year ago repairing lines and equipment damaged by storms Irene and Alfred — and were roundly criticizing for leaving many people without power for days. They're intent on being prepared for Sandy.

This week we’ve got a feast of food stories. Host Tess Vigeland takes a winding tour of cheap eats in Los Angeles with L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold. Our cheap food pursuit continues with a recipe tester from Cooking Light Magazine who was tasked with creating five dinners for a family of four — on just a $50 budget. We talk about a pair of books that deal with how we produce and consume food in the U.S. today. Plus, a little Halloween fun. And go virtual grocery shopping through the decades with our simulator.

Tech stocks have had quite a day today and quite a week. Apple, Amazon and Microsoft are all in the spotlight for various reasons.

Beijing blocks the New York Times’ English and Chinese-language websites after a report on the riches amassed by the prime minister’s relatives.

The riddle of third-quarter GDP: Consumers consuming, but business ain't booming. China's reaction to a New York Times expose on the country's leader. A new beetles invasion — this time, the main casualty is not wilting teenage girls, it's Canadian lumber and cost of building U.S. homes.

Corporate contributions to groups rare

The government is estimating U.S. GDP grew two percent for the past three months. The figure is better than economists had expected — but then again, they weren't expecting much.

NBA commissioner David Stern will step down in 2014 after 30 years at the league's helm. In that time, it transformed from an also-ran sport into a $5 billion a year business with a global following.

One issue we haven't heard about too much this election season is climate change. What are the candidates position on the topic and why aren't we hearing about it.

Our Weekly Wrap guests discuss slow economic growth in U.S., and what's the future for corporate profits at tech companies such as Apple.

President Obama and Gov. Romney have raised just shy of $2 billion collectively. Here are a few things they could do with that money.

It's launch day for Microsoft's radical new operating system Windows 8. Many have already watched a good chunk of this weekend's new blockbuster, Cloud Atlas — seven minutes worth.

This weekend marks the opening of the much anticipated sci-fi film Cloud Atlas, and a lot of people are planning on seeing it. Many have already watched a good chunk though — seven minutes worth. Not through illegal downloads, mind you, but with the help of a giant trailer released online by the film’s studio. It’s part of a growing strategy in the movie making business: use every technology possible to hype a film.

China is blocking access to the New York Times website this morning because the site is featuring an expose on Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and his family's accumulation of $2.7 billion in wealth.

Merger talks between Random House and Penguin could be the first sign of a big shake-up for the publishing industry.

Voters in the Windy City to decide whether City Hall can negotiate for cheaper electricity rates.

China is blocking access to the New York Times website because the Times is featuring an expose on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his family’s accumulation of $2.7 billion in wealth. The election is just 11 days away and out on the stump, the candidate are talking jobs, taxes, and entitlements. One thing we haven’t heard much about this election season is climate change. Voters in Chicago will decide on election day whether the city can negotiate for cheaper electricity rates. Merger talks between Random House and Penguin could be the first sign of a big shake-up for the publishing industry.

Thousands of London investment bankers have lost their jobs or jumped ship. How are they faring? Some have reinvented themselves as entrepreneurs.

CEOs from across the country are asking Congress to figure out how to decrease the deficit. But how pure are their intentions?

Microsoft will release Windows 8 tomorrow, but meanwhile, many companies are still resisting change and using Windows 98. A number of airlines are no longer offering long-distance nonstop flights. Amazon.com has gotten into movie-making and money-lending businesses. It looks like financial reforms could dampen the housing market forecast. Gallup editor-in-chief Frank Newport discusses the importance and reliability of polls. Reporter Stephen Beard talks to Londoners who have left the banking sector and have taken major pay cuts so they could start their own businesses. And Felix Salmon of Reuters talks about American CEOs who want to reduce debt and the deficit.

The giant online retailer is expanding into everything from banking to movie-making.

The software giant is betting big on Windows 8, but many businesses could hold back.

Gallup editor-in-chief Frank Newport addresses recent criticism of Gallup's polling.

Some fear stricter lending and mortgage standards could chill housing market.

The FDA already regulates how much caffeine can be added to soft drinks. New reports of five deaths of people who drank Monster energy drinks raises concern in the industry of FDA regulation.

Contest is No. 1 among outside spending groups

Every bit of public data — housing, employment, consumer spending — changes how voters feel about the state of the nation — and about their own well-being.

A new report that suggests the U.S. might not be spending enough money on the right airports. New data on durable goods, jobless claims, and pending home sales are out this morning. And, why people around the world are putting their toenails in the mail.

Ski resorts are opening today in some parts of California after an early storm dumped several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Today's open at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe is the earliest open in 51 years.

International air travel to and from the U.S. has more than doubled in the last 20 years to 152 million trips in 2011 according to a new report from the Bookings Institution.

Last week's initial claims for unemployment are out, and they seem to resume a positive jobs trend that had been interrupted by a couple of hiccups in recent weeks.

The stakes couldn't be higher for Microsoft as the company launches Windows 8 and the Surface tablet. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says the release is an epic moment for the company on par with Windows 95.

With the fiscal cliff looming, an all-star group of CEOs wants both parties to get serious about the deficit. The fix they're calling for will be tough for both parties to swallow.

Gallup's national daily tracking poll gained some attention this past week. Some critics say the poll, which shows a solid lead for Governor Mitt Romney, is out-of-step with other national polls that indicate the race is much closer.

Ford has announced the closure of its last vehicle manufacturing plant in the UK. The company is reportedly shutting down a van factory and shifting production to Turkey.

It's the 612th anniversary of the death of the famous author. Turns out, he invented the word many of us use commonly in social media today.

When Microsoft proposes to radically change things, it is time to pay attention.

In a given day, you probably spend more hours gazing at Microsoft than you do your lover. Think about it: Microsoft controls the desktop of more than 80 percent of computers, and many of us have grown accustomed to that face. So when Microsoft proposes to radically change things, as is the case with Windows 8, it is time to pay attention.

Not everything in the economy hinges on who wins in November. Whether it's President Obama or President Romney — we're predicting three things are certain by 2016.

A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that multi-generational living is on the rise. In 2010, 4.4 percent of U.S. households had three or more generations living under one roof.

Federal prosecutors in New York are accusing Bank of America of defrauding the government by rushing home loans through the approval process, then selling them to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that multi-generational living is on the rise. In 2010, 4.4 percent of U.S. households had three or more generations living under one roof.

Federal prosecutors in New York are accusing the bank of defrauding the government by rushing home loans through the approval process, then selling them to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Some Fargo residents didn't love the Coen Brothers' famous film. So will they embrace a TV adaptation 16 years later?

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan addressed poverty today in a speech at Cleveland State University. A new survey says U.S. carbon emissions are falling and will go down almost 17 percent by 2020. Barnes and Noble has released the list of the 63 stores where its customers may have been victims of credit theft. New online startups are creating virtual banks where kids can deposit their allowance and either save it or spend it. Britain’s last iconic black cab maker may be going out of business. And Krissy Clark talks to two small business owners about their views on the election.

The maker of London’s famed black cabs has filed for bankruptcy protection. Recession, quality issues and competition have hit profits.

The average child’s allowance is $65 a month. That’s $780 a year. How do you keep track of all that money? A slew of online startups is trying to solve that problem — creating virtual banks managed by parents and their kids.

Business owners share friendship and a passion for dirt bikes, but are far apart when it comes to taxes and politics.

VP candidate says businesses can grow jobs and private donations can displace the safety net.

The old political punchline about moving to Canada if an election goes the wrong way is more than a joke to some — and a lot harder to pull off than most people suspect.

Normally negative GOP spending groups show softer side of Mitt

Barnes & Noble said debit card keypads in 63 stores were hacked so customers' data was stolen as they swiped their cards.

Global warming didn't get even a mention in the three presidential debates, but a new study says the U.S. is on track to meet its pledge to reduce emissions by one-sixth. A major reason: the power of federal regulation.

The European Union is accusing Microsoft of failing to comply with an anti-trust agreement, meaning Microsoft could face a hefty fine.

This is a Marketplace.org Reader

Manufacturing activity in October rises to a three month high and China eclipses the U.S. in foreign direct investment.

The prospect of automatic tax increases and budget cuts creates uncertainty, holding back investment and hiring. Companies also are preparing to make their case to Congress for how to avoid the fiscal cliff entirely.

This Friday, Microsoft will release it's new Windows 8 operating system which promises a whole new look and feel. How will the system changes play with individual consumers and businesses?

Do you need Apple’s new iPad Mini, a shrunken version of the iPad? No you don’t need it. What you need is love, fulfillment, security and good health. So the question should be, will you want the iPad’s smaller sibling? Apple stresses that the smaller screen is still the same shape as the bigger iPad. This means apps for the regular iPad will fit fine. Plus Apple claims web pages fit better on its screens than they do on rival tablets which look a little squeezed by comparison. What the Mini iPad does squeeze is your wallet.  They want $329 for the base model. That price tag is at the tippy-top of predictions.

The Justice Department says Countrywide Financial — which B of A bought in 2008 — cranked out bad home loans without proper checks to make sure they were legit, and then sold those mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Population gains turned Loudoun County from red to purple.

Los Angeles is one of many cities to offer tax breaks and financial incentives to attract new businesses.

Just in time for Halloween something has Wall Street spooked. Yesterday, the Dow fell by more than 200 points for the second time in three trading days.

Do you need Apple's new iPad Mini. No you don't need it. What you need is love, fulfillment, security and good health. So the question should be, will you want the iPad's smaller sibling?

Just in time for Halloween, something has Wall Street spooked. Yesterday, the Dow fell by more than 200 points for the second time in three trading days. Apple has unveiled its new iPad Mini, which goes on sale Friday — the same day as Microsoft releases its new Windows 8 operating system. If you cut taxes, does the economy get enough of a boost to offset the lost revenue? Los Angeles is one of many cities giving this a try to attract new businesses. The prospect of the fiscal cliff creates uncertainty, which has got some companies preparing to make their case to Congress for avoiding the fiscal cliff entirely.  

The Detroit Tigers take on the San Francisco Giants in first game of the World Series. Detroit has the auto industry, San Fran has the tech sector, but recently both cities have scored solid gains in their housing markets.

Illinois Tool Works isn’t a known bellwether, but its earnings show key trends: As export markets cool, profits come from U.S. sales and cost cuts.

PBS NewsHour's Hari Sreenivasan explains how campaigns are using data to influence what shows up on your computer screen and on your doorstep.

With the presidential election only two weeks away, we take a look the impact of consumer data and digital campaign in this election in our collaboration with PBS Frontline. Meanwhile, The Obama campaign has released a pamphlet outlining the president’s plan for the next four years if re-elected. Many on Wall Street aren’t very happy with the latest crop of corporate earnings. Apple has unveiled the iPad Mini. A billion dollars is being invested in mills around Ohio, which are reviving the state’s steel sector. And Kai Ryssdal speaks with economist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz about Google searches and voting patterns.

One researcher uses Google to track which voters are likely to go to the polls and the candidate they'll choose.

Faster, lighter and with a bigger screen that the competition, but can it compete?

How effective is Obama's 22-page booklet as a marketing tool?

The littler iPad — a little late to the party — not Apple's usual timing. A breakdown of all the China-talk from last night's debate, and are businesses that took stimulus money now supporting politicians against the program?

Earnings season continues this morning with a couple of giants: 3M and UPS. What do their earnings tell us about the state of the economy?

Bauer-backed super PAC assails president

In two hours tech types will gather round their screens big and small for the latest unveiling from Apple. It is widely believed the presentation will introduce a smaller version of the iPad.

Every fracking well requires miles of pipe. The result is new investment in Ohio steel mills — which also benefit from cheap natural gas for fuel.

Are businesses that received money from the federal stimulus package now backing republicans who oppose the program?

European researchers say some apps on Android smartphones leave passwords, bank accounts, and other sensitive info vulnerable to theft. And, how much will the iPad Mini cost?

From "Assurance" to "Esurance" to "preventistry," companies and marketers are increasingly creating new words to describe their businesses and what they offer.

It’s fast and furious, and highly controversial. High-frequency trading is the computer–based buying and selling of shares within fractions of a milli-second. A new study just out in Britain suggests this kind of trading is mostly beneficial.

President Obama's debate vow that a trillion dollars in automatic spending cuts “will not happen” took Washington by surprise. Making those words a reality will require a bipartisan deal that has been elusive so far.

The fact that hackers are lurking is no surprise, but what about news that 185 million users might be vulnerable to thieves who want to steal your data? They won’t divulge which ones, but European researchers say some apps on Android smartphones leave passwords, bank accounts, credit cards, and other sensitive info vulnerable to theft. Eight percent of apps downloaded by the researchers from the official Google Play store were found to have security flaws.

The trial begins this week. Cash-starved school districts are arguing that big budget cuts violate the state constitution's guarantee of fair and adequate education for all its citizens.

One last follow-up to the presidential debate last night and President Obama's comment on fewer horses and bayonets used by the U.S. military.