More billionaires than ever ranked in Forbes' annual list. Here are the top 10
There are now more than 3,000 billionaires in the world, according to Forbes' annual ranking of the wealthiest people. They collectively hold about $16.1 trillion in wealth.
'Captain Phillips' Review And Why Boston's Accent Isn't Easy
Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks, is based on a real-life case of a freighter overtaken by Somali pirates in 2009. You might know the story, but critic Kenneth Turan says this film will exceed your expectations. Plus, Morning Edition investigates what it takes to have a convincing Boston accent.
Commissions From Managed-Futures Market Can Wipe Out Profits
Steve Inskeep talks to David Evans about his investigative piece appearing in the November issue of Bloomberg Markets Magazine. The story, "Fleeced by Fees," is about consumers losing profits on their financial investments due to fees and commissions.
Web Glitches Hinder Mississippians Signing Up For Insurance
Mississippi is one of 34 states that has let the federal government run its health insurance exchange. It has had the same glitches and long wait times as other states. Despite the trouble, people are slowly signing up.
Boehner Proposes 6-Week Increase In Debt Limit
House Speaker John Boehner is proposing a six-week debt ceiling increase to his Republican caucus. If adopted, it would take away the immediate threat to financial markets.
10 Days Into Shutdown, 'We've Got To Do Better Than This'
A partial federal shutdown has prompted angry debate nationwide. Sen. Michael Bennet, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tells Steve Inskeep that on the budget impasse issue, "The divide between Democrats and Republicans is less than the divide that exists in the Republican Party."
Texas Couple Props Up Head Start While Government Is Closed
Laura and John Arnold of Houston have pledged up to $10 million to keep the Head Start program running in six states. The preschool program for children from low-income families abruptly closed in some areas last Friday because of a lack of funding.
Foundation To Pay Military Death Benefits During Shutdown
The partial government shutdown has forced the Pentagon to delay payments to the families of troops killed while serving in the U.S. military. Normally these families would receive a $100,000 payment three days after the death of member of the Armed Forces. More than 20 have died since the shutdown began. A private, non-profit group called the Fisher House Foundation will pay the death benefits during the shutdown.
Canadian Alice Munro Wins Nobel's Literature Prize
Alice Munro, "master of the contemporary short story," has won the Nobel Prize in Literature," the Royal Swedish Academy announced Thursday morning. In 2009, she won the Man Booker International Prize for her lifetime work.