Business
Ireland-based Intrade lets users bet money on all manner of predictions — like if a particular film will win an Oscar. The site is ceasing operations in the U.S.
A Bet Or A Prediction? Intrade's Purpose Is Debated
()The "prediction market" site Intrade's decision to close in the U.S. highlights how the company exists in a regulatory gray area, somewhere between trading and betting. Intrade says it hopes to operate legally in the U.S. eventually. In the meantime, American users must close their accounts by year's end.
Would Raising Taxes On Investment Income Hurt The Economy?
The rates on capital gains and dividends are on the table in the negotiations over the fiscal cliff.
()The Salt
Quinoa Craze Inspires North America To Start Growing Its Own()
A North American quinoa boom may be just over the horizon, plant breeders say, as the Rocky Mountains, much of Canada, and the Pacific Northwest all have potential as production regions. Right now, almost all of the world's supply of the ancient superfood comes from a few suitable growing places in South America.
It's All Politics
Why Dividends, Capital Gains Are Big Part Of Fiscal Cliff Talks()
The tax code has long favored investment income over the money you get in your paycheck. But today's rates on dividends and capital gains are especially low, dating to tax cuts installed under President George W. Bush. And they're one target in the talks to avert a so-called fiscal cliff.
The Salt
Key To E. Coli-Free Spinach May Be An Ultrasonic Spa Treatment()
A new way to clean spinach combines an old technique and a new one to get the disease-causing bacteria. But there aren't any commercial orders for the ultrasonic spinach spa just yet.
The Two-Way
Third-Quarter Economic Growth Revised Upward ()
Gross domestic product grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate, the government says. Not only is that a sharp upward revision from the previous estimate, it's also growth at twice the rate of the second quarter.
The 'Not Too Crazy' Pulls Ahead In Car Race()
The race to make cars more fuel efficient means automakers are spending a lot more time in wind tunnels to get that sleek look. The result? A convergence in the way cars look.
Planet Money
A Huge Pay Cut For Doctors Is Hiding In The Fiscal Cliff()
On Jan. 1, Medicare is set to cut payments to doctors by nearly 30 percent. Lawmakers of both parties want to prevent this. So why is it imminent?
The Salt
No Simple Recipe For Weighing Food Waste At Mario Batali's Lupa()
November 28, 2012 Despite good intentions, tracking food waste with a high-tech software system just didn't work for one of Mario Batali's exclusive restaurants. Restaurants waste about 10 percent of the food they buy, but getting that to change will require changing hearts and minds.
The Two-Way
Economy Is Growing At A 'Measured Pace,' Federal Reserve Says()
November 28, 2012 The central bank says conditions continued to improve, though not dramatically, in recent weeks. The report adds to other evidence that the economy is moving along fast enough to keep unemployment from rising, but not fast enough to bring the jobless rate down sharply.
Propeller Planes Come Back Amid High Fuel Prices()
November 28, 2012 WABERecord-high fuel costs have hammered airlines, forcing executives to eliminate flights, cut back on unprofitable routes and make passengers pay for many perks that used to be free. Now the airlines are looking at other ways to save money — and they're turning to propeller planes.