Business and Financial News : NPR

Alternative Energy And Ideas For The Auto Industry

July 31, 2010 • The long-term recovery of the U.S. auto industry will depend largely on American automotive creativity and innovation. Many industry watchers expect a new fleet of electric and hybrid cars to help buoy the U.S. car industry's comeback. Guest host Jacki Lyden talks with Ray Wert, editor-in-chief of Jalopnik.com, about the restructured U.S. auto industry and the importance of design innovation and creativity.

Obama Attempts Jump Start In Detroit

July 31, 2010 • President Obama went to Michigan on Friday, the "ground zero" of the recession, to kick off a campaign highlighting the turnaround in the U.S. auto industry.

By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence

Pelicans rest on an oil retention boom near Grand Isle, La. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

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Mario Tama/Getty Images

Science

By Hiring Gulf Scientists, BP May Be Buying Silence

July 31, 2010 • For months now, local scientists have been out on Gulf waters, advising the cleanup and measuring the damage. But there is growing concern that some of the best minds are being sidelined, since they've signed on as paid consultants to BP.

The Two-Way

BlackBerry Maker To Take On iPad

July 30, 2010 • Research in Motion plans on unveiling its own tablet computer to compete with the iPad.

Energy

Chevy Volt May Not Cut Efficiency Mustard

July 30, 2010 • Robert Siegel speaks with John Voelcker, editor of GreenCarReports.com, and senior editor of High Gear Media Inc., about why the Chevy Volt may not qualify for a California Tax Rebate of $5,000, and why single drivers of Volts may not be able to use the HOV lanes in California, as the Nissan Leaf drivers will.

SEC Accuses Billionaire Brothers Of Fraud

July 30, 2010 • The SEC has sued two Texas billionaire brothers known for their support of conservatives, claiming they misled investors to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Smart bandages, including this one from Corventis, can transmit cardiac data in real time from a patient's body to a doctor. Courtesy of Mark Dastrup hide caption

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Courtesy of Mark Dastrup

Your Health

High-Tech 'Band-Aids' Call Doctors

CPR News

July 30, 2010 • A new generation of wireless medical sensors mounted on an adhesive strip can call a doctor and transmit key data when they detect a problem. But federal regulators, who want to make sure the technology is safe, have yet to iron out regulations for these devices.

Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Risk

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iStockphoto.com

Shots - Health News

Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Risk

July 30, 2010 • Calcium supplements are widely prescribed, particularly among women over 50, as a way to reduce fractures and increase bone density. But a new study suggests those pills carry some potential risks for your heart.

Cities, Websites And Hotels At Odds Over Taxes

The question is: How much in taxes should the city get if you book this online? Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Cities, Websites And Hotels At Odds Over Taxes

July 30, 2010 • Online travel companies such as Orbitz and Expedia don't believe they need to collect taxes on the full amount they charge for hotel rooms. This has led to a big lobbying fight in Congress and dozens of lawsuits nationwide.

Economy

Optimism Revs Up At GM, Chrysler Plants

Michigan Radio

July 30, 2010 • President Obama visits GM and Chrysler auto plants in Detroit on Friday to call attention to the successes -- so far -- of the bailed-out companies. A White House report says the industry has added 55,000 jobs, GM will stay open during its usual two-week summer shutdown and Chrysler added another production shift.

Shots - Health News

Health Care Fight Heats Up Over New Tax Report Repeal Effort

July 30, 2010 • A battle is being waged by small businesses, accountants, and members of Congress to repeal a new tax reporting requirement in the health law. But it could raise $16 billion for the government.

Why Same Hotel Rooms Generate Different Tax Bills

July 30, 2010 • How you make your reservation -- through an online travel company or directly with the hotel -- could determine how much a city is able to collect.

Disney Sells Miramax

July 30, 2010 • Miramax will no longer be part of Disney's entertainment empire. The Walt Disney Co. said it has sold the film studio -- famous for offbeat hits like Pulp Fiction -- to an investment company partly run by a construction magnate.

Is Auto Recovery Here To Stay?

July 30, 2010 • President Obama on Friday wants to call attention to the successes of the bailed-out companies by visiting automakers in Michigan. Micheline Maynard, who has covered the industry for more than two decades, discusses whether or not the good news in Detroit will last.

Planet Money

Pricing The Non-Human Cost Of BP Spill

July 30, 2010 • BP has spent more than $4 billion cleaning up the oil spill. But what about the non-human cost. How much should BP pay for dead and injured animals?