The Fiscal Cliff: A Love Story
Wonks from across the political spectrum look at the upside of the cliff.
Business
After Fruitless Weekend, Congress Still Seeks Fiscal Deal
Both the House and the Senate were in session Sunday evening, but a bipartisan push by Senate leaders fell short. Monday is the last day to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts, though Congress may still reach a deal over the next few days.
A Tough Year For Unions, With Few Bright Spots Ahead
This year, two states passed right-to-work laws, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker survived a recall attempt. Harold Meyerson of The American Prospect says the future for organized labor remains bleak.
Major Port Strike Averted — For Now
A threatened strike by the International Longshoremen's Association at 14 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts has been called off. Federal negotiators say the union has reached an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance and will extend contract talks.
Parking Meter Rates To Rise In Chicago
In 2013, Chicago will have the most expensive parking meters in North America. The rate to park in the heart of downtown will jump 75 cents an hour — up to $6.50 an hour.
SEC Filing Reveals Apple CEO's Pay Package
Apple CEO Tim Cook got a relatively modest $4.2 million in salary for the latest fiscal year. That's after the company's board set him up with stock now worth $510 million for taking the reins in 2011.
E-Books Destroying Traditional Publishing? The Story's Not That Simple
Conventional wisdom says e-books are destroying the traditional publishing business model. But the story's not that simple. For one thing, flexible pricing allows publishers to hold what amount to one-day-only sales on any given title — which means more people will discover that book.
Music-Streaming Services Hunt For Paying Customers
Services like Pandora and Spotify have been trying to win over two types of customers: younger people who don't buy music at all and older people who still like physical albums. But it's been difficult to lure customers willing to pay for music they won't own or that they can find for free online.
BlackBerry Drops To Bottom Of Smartphone List
The company that makes BlackBerry, Research in Motion, had only 5 percent of the global smartphone market in 2012. That's down from 11 percent the year before, according to the market research firm IHS iSuppli. Also in the 5 percent club: Nokia and HTC.
5 Days Left To Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff" Extremes
President Obama returns to Washington Thursday as do members of the U.S. Senate. They're cutting holiday plans short in hopes of coming up with a deal to avoid the tax hikes and budget cuts set to take effect on Jan. 1.