Economy
What Would Obama Do (If There's No Debt Ceiling Deal)?
President Obama says he won't negotiate about the borrowing limit. He says the Congress must raise the debt ceiling to pay for spending it's already OK'd. But Republicans say they'll use the threat of default to get more spending cuts from the White House. Obama still has some options if he and Congress can't reach an agreement.
Crazy Or Canny? Talk Grows About $1 Trillion Platinum Coin
In theory, some say, President Obama could have a $1 trillion coin made and that would head off the next big battle over the federal government's debt ceiling.
Geithner Began With 'Smoldering' Economy; What Does He Leave?
Timothy Geithner presided over Treasury at a particularly tumultuous time. The banking system was still in a crisis, and people were soon calling for his head. Naming his replacement four years later, President Obama said Geithner will be remembered "as one of our finest secretaries of the Treasury."
Tough Love and Advice for Entrepreneurs from VentuRealization Mentors
Entrepreneurs often need a reality check as they prepare to launch their new venture.
To Catch Worker Misconduct, Companies Hire Corporate Detectives
As businesses face more complex regulations and heightened scrutiny by prosecutors, companies are turning to investigative firms to help keep watch over their employees. The idea behind the "corporate monitoring" business is to nip misconduct in the bud before law enforcement catches a whiff of it.
iPads, China: Twin Threats To Wisconsin's Paper Industry
The paper industry once employed thousands of people across the state. Now, mills are closing. John Schmid of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on the state of the industry in Wisconsin as well as in China. He explains how the state is losing a publishing-grade paper mill each year.
After The 'Fiscal Cliff,' Businesses Say Some Uncertainty Remains
Even after Congress' action to avert part of the "fiscal cliff," business owners remain cautious about hiring and expanding. Those that are growing cite the underlying economy, but others say uncertainty about government spending is keeping them wary.
'Cliff' Deal Would End Payroll Tax Holiday
As part of the "fiscal cliff" deal moving through Congress, a two-year-old payroll tax holiday comes to an end. Under the tax holiday, the 6.2 percent payroll tax was cut to 4.2 percent for all American workers. NPR's John Ydstie talks about what the change will mean for employees and the economy.
Settlements Underscore Damage Done In Housing Crash
Some of the biggest banks in the country have agreed to pay more than $18 billion to settle allegations of wrongdoing in their mortgage lending. And in a separate settlement, 10 banks agreed to pay more than $8 billion to settle claims they made errors in foreclosing on people's homes.