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Business

Economy Grows, But Job Production Lags

The U.S. Commerce Department says the nation's economy grew at a 4 percent annual rate during the last three months of 2003 -- somewhat less robust than analysts had expected. The numbers suggest an economy sustaining momentum as it enters the new year, but economists warn that the recovery could falter without a sizable increase in new jobs. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

Economy Grows, But Job Production Lags

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Arts & Life

Pixar, Disney Split

Pixar Animation and the Walt Disney Co. announce they will end the 12-year partnership that has produced such hit movies as Toy Story, Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo. The two firms failed to agree to the terms of a new contract. Analysts see the split as a blow to Disney, which has struggled recently with its own animated films. Hear NPR's Kim Masters.

Pixar, Disney to End Partnership

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Halliburton Posts Big Quarterly Loss

The Halliburton oil services company records a $947 million fourth-quarter loss, reflecting a $1.1 billion charge to settle hundreds of thousands of asbestos claims. But revenues for the period were up 63 percent. Hear NPR's John Burnett.

Halliburton Posts Big Quarterly Loss

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GOP Revives Bankruptcy Reform Fight

Congressional Republicans renew efforts to rewrite the nation's bankruptcy laws in order to tighten rules for debtors. The House passes the bankruptcy reform bill -- for the ninth time since 1997. The bill is likely to meet stiff opposition from Senate Democrats, who have helped defeat it in the past. Hear NPR's Peter Overby.

GOP Revives Bankruptcy Reform Fight

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Fed Statement Shakes World Markets

The Federal Reserve sparked a sell-off in world financial markets Wednesday, after tweaking the phrasing of its interest-rate policy. Fed policy makers decided to keep interest rates at current lows, but removed the phrase "considerable period" in describing how long they will continue to do so. Hear NPR's Jack Speer.

Fed Statement Shakes World Markets

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Congress Questions FCC Decency Rules

Congressmen grill Federal Communications Commission regulators over the agency's efforts to curtail indecent language and content on the nation's airwaves. Republican and Democrat lawmakers on the House telecommunications subcommittee joined in calling for stiffer penalties for infractions. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.

Congress Questions FCC Decency Rules

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Cunard Stakes Future on Queen Mary 2

The Queen Mary 2, the world's largest and most expensive cruise ship, arrives in Florida after completing her maiden transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England. Cunard Lines, owned by the giant Carnival corporation, hopes the luxury liner -- and the fanfare it's generating -- will reverse the company's flagging fortunes. Hear NPR's Phillip Davis.

Cunard Stakes Future on Queen Mary 2

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Testimony Begins in Martha Stewart Trial

Opening arguments began Tuesday in the federal fraud trial of Martha Stewart and her former Merrill Lynch stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic. Prosecutors allege the two lied about a stock trade to hide evidence of insider trading. Defense lawyers say Bacanovic had been pressuring Stewart to sell her shares of ImClone, and the two had an informal deal to sell the stock if it dropped below $60 a share. Hear NPR's Jim Zarroli.

Testimony Begins in Martha Stewart Trial

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FCC to Probe Payola in Music Radio

FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein says he will launch an investigation into allegations that record companies are paying radio stations to get music on the air. The practice has been common for decades, even though it was outlawed following a congressional probe in the 1960s. Hear NPR's Rick Karr.

FCC to Probe Payola in Music Radio

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Stewart Fraud Trial Begins

Martha Stewart's trial on charges of obstructing justice and securities fraud begins in New York. Federal prosecutors say Stewart lied to them when questioned about a suspicious stock trade. Stewart's attorney counters that the government's case lacks solid evidence. A jury of eight women and four men will hear the case. NPR's Michele Norris talks with NPR's Jim Zarroli.

Martha Stewart's Fraud Trial Begins

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Iowa Farmer Focus of Wind-Energy Debate

An Iowa farmer is at the center of a legal battle that could have far-reaching effects for the future of wind-generated power in the United States. The dispute is over whether people who put up wind turbines have the right to connect them to the power grid and sell excess electricity back to utilities. NPR's Greg Allen reports.

Iowa Farmer Focus of Wind-Energy Debate

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Amazon.com Enables Online Donations to Candidates

Beginning Friday, shoppers at Amazon.com -- the site best known for selling books and music -- can donate up to $200 to many of the biggest national political candidates. NPR's Peter Overby reports.

Amazon.com Enables Online Donations to Candidates

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Report: Two at Halliburton Unit Took Iraq Kickbacks

A report in Friday's Wall Street Journal alleges two employees of the Halliburton subsidiary company Kellogg, Brown and Root took kickbacks totaling as much as $6 million from a Kuwaiti company to secure a sub-contract supplying U.S. troops in Iraq. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and Wall Street Journal reporter Neil King.

Report: Two at Halliburton Unit Took Iraq Kickbacks

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