Prescription Drug Ads March 31, 2006 • Only two countries -- the United States and New Zealand -- allow prescription drug ads on television. Thanks to these ads, we've all heard of the little purple pill and can probably name two sources of cholesterol. But is a little knowledge a dangerous thing? Ira Flatow leads a discussion on the pros and cons of allowing drug ads on TV.
Cooling Housing Market Means Changes for Buyers and Sellers March 31, 2006 • Wall Street Journal columnist June Fletcher talks with Steve Inskeep about how the cooling housing market will affect home buyers and sellers. The combination of over-valued houses and rising interest rates means that houses are staying on the marker longer.
Rising Interest Rates Pose Problem for Some Mortgage Holders March 28, 2006 • The sharp rise in home prices is starting to level off in some parts of the country. Financial advisors say it could start to squeeze homeowners, especially those with adjustable-rate mortgages.
Paying at the Pump Inspection Reveals Variations in Gas-Pump Accuracy March 27, 2006 • Government inspections of gas pumps in Seattle have found that many pumps deliver too little or too much gas to the customer. Tim Douglas, an inspector for the Seattle Consumer Affairs Weights and Measures Office, says that although the margin of error is pretty slim, the costs can add up over time.
Business Americans Waking Earlier in the Day March 27, 2006 • The Wall Street Journal reports that a growing number of people are waking up early. More Americans are out of bed pre-dawn, and utility companies have noticed. Television networks are also taking note of the trend.
Confronting the Complex Tax Code a Yearly Ritual March 24, 2006 • Renee Montagne speaks with Ellen Katz, editor of the Tax Savings Report, about the complexity of this year's tax code.
Business Workers Skeptical of GM Buyout Offer March 23, 2006 • General Motors and Delphi, its former subsidiary, will offer early retirement and buy-out packages to more than 100,000 workers. In a deal negotiated with the United Auto Workers union, GM will offer incentives ranging from $35,000 to $140,000 each. While some workers said they were waiting to see the details, many said they doubted the package was attractive enough to induce them to retire. Jerome Vaughn of Detroit Public Radio reports.
All Things Considered Minivans, SUVs Face Tougher Efficiency Standards March 22, 2006 • Minivans and SUVs may need to comply with tougher fuel-efficiency standards. The NHTSA will issue a ruling on April 1. Wall Street Journal reporter Laura Meckler talks with Robert Siegel. Minivans, SUVs Face Tougher Efficiency Standards Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5295391/5295392" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Minivans, SUVs Face Tougher Efficiency Standards Listen Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5295391/5295392" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript
Opinion The Color of Money Best Ways to Avoid Investment Scams March 21, 2006 • Madeleine Brand discusses investment scams -- and ways to avoid them -- with Day to Day personal finance commentator Michelle Singletary, who writes the syndicated column "The Color of Money" for The Washington Post.
National Turning African-American Renters into Buyers March 21, 2006 • Farai Chideya talks with Brian Montgomery, assistant secretary for housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, about the agency's new education campaign meant to help African-Americans buy their first homes.
Airline Eyes Bigger Fares for Choice Seats March 18, 2006 • Northwest Airlines plans to charge extra for aisle seats and exit rows. Other carriers may follow suit.
The Motley Fool Take March 17, 2006 • The New York Stock Exchange recently went public. Will the Big Board be a big winner on Wall Street? David Gardner talks about the business behind The New York Stock Exchange.
Education Cal Regents Decide to Divest from Sudan March 17, 2006 • The Board of Regents of the University of California system vote to stop investing in companies that do business in Sudan. As Frank Stoltze of member station KPCC reports, the decision was made in protest of the Sudanese government's role in ethnic violence that has left more than 100,000 dead and millions homeless.
Tips on Cutting Your Flight Costs March 17, 2006 • In a blow to the frugal traveler, Northwest Airlines will now charge more money for some aisle seats and emergency exit rows. And Southwest Airlines has upped one-way fares by $10. George Hobica, creator of the website Airfarewatchdog.com, gives Madeleine Brand tips on how you can still save money when you fly.
Business BET Founder on to Next Business Challenge March 17, 2006 • Renee Montagne talks to Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television. He retired as the company's CEO at the end of last year. Now he's on to his "second act." Johnson plans to build a consumer financial services company that targets black customers.