NPR Topics: Business

Direct Flights Take Off Between China, Taiwan

While the U.S. celebrates its freedom this Fourth of July weekend, there's a new freedom being inaugurated a half a world away. Direct weekend flights between mainland China and Taiwan start this weekend. It's the clearest sign of rapprochement since the two sides split apart in 1949.

Businesses Use Economy As Sales Gimmick

Many businesses are using the economic crunch as a marketing tool. But will people spend money if you keep reminding them how tight things are? Seth Stevenson, ad critic for the online magazine Slate, talks about what ads we're watching and what it means.

Retail Changes Key To Starbucks Closings

Starbucks announced this week that it's closing about 600 stores, but it's not the only chain slimming down to meet hard economic times. Retail consultant Howard Davidowitz says consumers are going to get so scared they will start saving and spend less.

Financial Aid Woes Boost Community College Appeal

Despite efforts by the Bush Administration and Congress to quell turmoil in the student loan market, some students are struggling to find money for college. We examine the case of two recent high school graduates who have been promised financial aid, but don't know how much they can count on.

Rebate Checks Also Stimulating the Porn Industry

This year's tax-rebate checks sent out to boost your bank account are also boosting the porn industry. A company that tracks the online adult entertainment market says many sites report a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in membership since May. About a third of these members said the stimulus checks were a factor in their decision to join or renew.

Before Microsoft, Gates Solved A Pancake Problem

Before Bill Gates became a household name, he went to Harvard. His sophomore year, he was assigned a complicated mathematics problem caputred his interest, which — no surprise — he solved. His paper on the solution was published, and until recently it remained the best solution to that problem: stacking pancakes.

What 'Bear Markets' Mean For The Economy

Some economists are saying that the economy has slumped into a "bear market," but what does that term really mean? Co-host Ari Shapiro talks with David Wessel, economics editor of the Wall Street Journal, who says that the way experts talk about the economy can have a significant impact on it.

Saudis Refuse To Boost Output As Oil Summit Ends

A meeting of oil producers and consumers has ended in Madrid, with little hope of any reduction in the price of fuel.

Luxury Retailers Want eBay To Police For Knockoffs

A French court ruled this week that eBay must pay Louis Vuitton more than $60 million in damages for allowing fake goods to be sold through its site. Co-host Ari Shapiro talks with Chris Sprigman, a professor of intellectual property law at the University of Virginia, about the implications of the ruling.

All That And A Bag Of Beer Chips

Co-host Renee Montagne has today's Last Word in business.