News Bush Nominates Gutierrez to Head Commerce November 30, 2004 • President Bush nominates Carlos Gutierrez as Commerce secretary. The CEO and chairman of Kellogg's is considered one of the country's most prominent Hispanic executives. Gutierrez built an impressive record at the cereal company and now is called upon to help reform Social Security, simplify the tax code and make life easier for small business owners. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.
Car Device Acts as High-Tech Repo Man November 30, 2004 • For people with bad credit, getting a car loan can be a challenge. But the auto industry has come up with a novel idea for letting poor creditors drive new cars off the lot: a kindler, gentler and automated repo-man. Hear NPR's Jack Speer.
Opinion Pop Culture Branson and Trump: Two Business Styles, Televised November 30, 2004 • Donald Trump's reality show The Apprentice is doing well in its second season, but another telegenic tycoon has surfaced: Virgin CEO Richard Branson now has a reality series called Rebel Billionaire. Hear John Byrne of Fast Company on what the shows reveal about Trump and Branson
Pop Culture Record Run on 'Jeopardy!' May Be at an End November 30, 2004 • The unprecedented success of a contestant on Jeopardy! may finally come to a close Tuesday, according to a wide range of rumors. The big winner, Ken Jennings, has accumulated more than $2.5 million over the course of some 70 shows.
Your Money The Marketplace Report: Free Yearly Credit Reports November 30, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Tess Vigeland of Marketplace about a new credit reporting law that takes effect this week, allowing consumers in 12 Western U.S. states to get a free copy of their credit report each year.
Opinion Media Media Flaps Put Focus on Ombudsmen November 30, 2004 • Controversial incidents involving accuracy and decency standards have raised the normally low profile of media ombudsmen.
Economy Slate's Moneybox: Wal-Mart's Holiday Woes November 30, 2004 • Slate columnist Daniel Gross examines whether a disappointing start to the holiday shopping season for Wal-Mart could present opportunities for other retailers. The nation's largest retailer reported less-than-normal sales as the busiest American buying period begins.
The Color of Money Don't Overspend for the Holidays November 30, 2004 • The holiday season can be tough on a budget. With a few hints and some advice on favorite gifts, it's easier not to overspend.
Technology Verizon Attempts to Block City's Move to Provide Internet Access November 29, 2004 • Philadelphia wants to hook up the entire city with high-speed, wireless Internet access in order to spur economic development. But Verizon has successfully backed a state bill that would make it illegal for any government entity in to compete with the telecom company in providing high-speed Internet service. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.
The Marketplace Report: The Business Week Ahead November 29, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Tess Vigeland of Marketplace about the week ahead in business and economics.
Economy Moderate U.S. Holiday Retail Outlook November 29, 2004 • NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with Howard Davidowitz, chairman of the consulting and investment banking firm Davidowitz and Associates, about shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend. Many retail businesses reported a major revenue boost -- but overall, Davidowitz predicts just moderate holiday spending.
Low-Wage America Jeans Plant Gives Hourly Workers a Safety Net November 29, 2004 • One in four U.S. jobs now qualifies as low income, according to the Census Bureau. NPR's Elaine Korry reports on the efforts of Levi-Strauss and Co., to help workers cope with -- and avoid -- a crisis.
Major Employers Focus on Benefits for Domestic Partners November 28, 2004 • Many companies across the country are offering benefits to domestic partners, including two-thirds of the large corporations that make up the Fortune 100. NPR's Wendy Kaufman reports.
Sales Season Starts with Modest Expectations November 28, 2004 • Shoppers and retailers are in the thick of the buying season. But at stores in the Washington, D.C., area, retailers are keeping their expectations realistic. And some shoppers say they don't have as much to spend as they did in 2003. NPR's Nancy Marshall-Genzer reports.
Analysis Big Retailers May Face an 'Ugly' Future November 28, 2004 • Retailers will show a modest increase in holiday sales over 2003, predicts analyst Howard Davidowitz. But he says this year's purchases are heavy on luxury items, and stores appealing to the masses are less well off. Meanwhile, rising interest rates and consumer debt make for an "ugly" future. Hear Davidowitz and NPR's Liane Hansen.