Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Forget free market competition

Jun 22, 2007
E.U. leaders are working to finalize a basic set of agreed upon principles, but if it stands, a decision to leave free market competition out of the treaty could have far-reaching implications inside Europe and out. Stephen Beard explains.

Smoking scare tactics saving lives, $$

Jun 22, 2007
New York City health officials say smoking has fallen 20 percent over the past few years, mostly due to ads featuring cancer victims and a tough ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. Amy Scott reports.

No limit to poker's potential

Jun 22, 2007
Players and fans from around the globe are in Las Vegas for the annual World Series of Poker -- or they're watching it on TV. It's become wildly popular, says Diana Nyad, because it's a brand of reality TV we can all relate to.

Right portion, right business model

Jun 22, 2007
T.G.I. Friday's is bucking casual dining's super-size-me trend to offer a new "Right Portion, Right Price" menu. Customers get about 2/3 the food for about 2/3 the price. And for Friday's it's meant more customers, higher profits. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Title IX goes from court to classroom

Jun 22, 2007
Hundreds of U.S. schools are using changes made to the federal Title IX law last fall to extend boys- and girls-only classes beyond gym and sex ed. But critics say that could lead to the very stereotyping and discrimination the law's meant to prevent. Sally Herships reports.

Greeting cards still feelin' the love

Jun 22, 2007
You might think all those thank you e-mails and free e-cards and party Evites you receive would pile up and start weighing down the greeting card industry's bottom line, but profits are soaring. Jill Barshay looks at how they're keeping paper cards alive.

Short-term loans without the shark

Jun 22, 2007
The storefronts are a hallmark of lower-income neighborhoods. "Payday loan" operations offer short-term loans to people who need emergency cash, but often at outrageously high interest rates. Now the government's looking for better options. Alisa Roth reports.

For public good, not for profit.

Calling off Manhunt 2

Jun 22, 2007
The creators of the hyper-violent Grand Theft Auto video game series may have gone too far this time. A sequel to a best-selling gorefest has been banned in the U.K. and won't be sold in the U.S. Stephen Beard reports.

EPA's new smog rules are a little hazy

Jun 21, 2007
The EPA announced new recommendations today on tightening limits on ground-level ozone. But, as Sarah Gardner reports, the agency's decision was about as clear as a summer day here in Los Angeles.

Title IX has pumped up women's sports

Jun 21, 2007
The law that requires colleges receiving federal money to provide equal opportunities for men and women went into effect 35 years ago this weekend. Business-of-sports commentator Diana Nyad takes a look at its impact.
Ivory Latta of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the semifinal game of the 2007 NCAA Women's Final Four.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images