Business and Financial News : NPR

Northrop, EADS Beat Boeing for Pentagon Contract

February 29, 2008 • The Air Force has awarded a huge defense contract to build midflight refueling tankers to the team of Northrop Grumman and Airbus parent EADS, in a deal that could be worth up to $40 billion over the next 10 years. The initial contract is to build nearly 200 aircraft as the Air Force moves to phase out its aging fleet.

Northrop, EADS Beat Boeing for Pentagon Contract

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Artists Lament Polaroid's Latest Development

February 29, 2008 • Many of us have moved on to digital photography, but fans of Polaroid photos are mourning what they see as the end of an era. Polaroid, which no longer makes instant cameras, announced it would also stop manufacturing the film.

Artists Lament Polaroid's Latest Development

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Media

'Marketplace' Report: New York Times Ads Drop

February 29, 2008 • The paper reported an almost ten percent drop in advertising revenue. We examine how the paper can deal with lost revenue and dissident investors who want the focus to shift even further to the Internet.

'Marketplace' Report: New York Times Ads Drop

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Music Articles

Universal Offers to Buy Univision's Music Division

February 29, 2008 • The world's largest music company, Universal, announced Thursday plans to buy the music division of Spanish language media giant Univision for a reported $100 million.

Universal Offers to Buy Univision's Music Division

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Economy

Slump, Costs, Put Vallejo on Brink of Bankruptcy

February 28, 2008 • A San Francisco suburb that has been hit hard by the sagging housing market is on the verge of going broke. Officials in Vallejo, Calif., will decide whether to declare bankruptcy this week, as they face big increases for police and fire protection — and sagging tax revenues.

Slump, Costs, Put Vallejo on Brink of Bankruptcy

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World

Law Grants More Protection for Chinese Workers

February 28, 2008 • Life could get a little better for Chinese workers this year. On Jan. 1, Beijing instituted a new law requiring businesses to give workers written contracts and to pay compensation if they're fired. But there are already signs of resistance.

Law Grants More Protection for Chinese Workers

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Economy

'Marketplace' Report: Renewable Energy

February 28, 2008 • The House has extended tax incentives for renewable energies, but President Bush is threatening a veto. Is it really all about start-up costs?

'Marketplace' Report: Renewable Energy

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Your Money

A Portfolio Check-Up During Tough Times

February 28, 2008 • David Gardner, co-founder of the Motley Fool, talks about how to navigate the stock market in today's turbulent economy. He also checks in on the $10,000 imaginary dollars in Neal Conan's fantasy stock portfolio. Is it time to reconsider Talk of the Nation's investments?

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Your Money

What Does 'Stagflation' Mean for You?

February 28, 2008 • On Thursday, President Bush addressed concerns about the country's sluggish economy. As higher oil prices, foreclosures and the weakened dollar make headlines, the word "stagflation" has started floating around. What does it all mean for your finances?

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Internet Thins the Ranks of Bike Messengers

February 28, 2008 • As businesses send more information through the Web, they're making fewer calls to bike messengers. Cyclist Austin Horse says that has taken a toll on his livelihood.

Internet Thins the Ranks of Bike Messengers

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The Dollar Weak, New York Stores Turns to the Euro

February 28, 2008 • Shopkeepers in New York City have started accepting the currency of the European Union, as the American dollar remains weak and tourists jet in for bargains.

The Dollar Weak, New York Stores Turns to the Euro

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National

What Happens When City Hall Goes Bankrupt?

February 28, 2008 • Why do cities and towns declare bankruptcy? For the same reason that individuals and corporations do: They're broke and can't pay their debts. Life in bankrupt places doesn't come to a standstill — garbage is still collected, fires extinguished — but forget about that new school or bridge.

World

German Tax-Evasion Scandal Stirs Outrage

February 28, 2008 • German authorities begin a major crackdown on tax evasion, armed with an extensive list of clients of a bank in Liechtenstein. The tiny principality is a favored destination for the money of wealthy Germans avoiding the taxman.

German Tax-Evasion Scandal Stirs Outrage

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Levitt Bankruptcy Leaves Homeowners in the Cold

February 27, 2008 • Last fall, the storied developer Levitt and Sons halted construction on dozens of projects from South Carolina to Florida. Now many customers are stuck with devalued homes in half-built neighborhoods.

Levitt Bankruptcy Leaves Homeowners in the Cold

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National

Yes, We Take Euros: Riding a Currency Shift

February 27, 2008 • As the value of the dollar plunges against the euro, some merchants in New York City are accepting the foreign currency instead — especially in areas rich with tourists and European visitors.

Yes, We Take Euros: Riding a Currency Shift

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