Staying in the trading game

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson gave his first major speech today. He said the U.S. needs to loosen regulatory rules to stay competitive in the world market, but not everyone agrees. Alisa Roth reports.

New corporate landscape

Private equity firm Blackstone will pay nearly $20 billion for the country's largest corporate real estate owner. It'd be the biggest leveraged buyout in history, and the latest in a growing trend. Amy Scott reports.

China, India trying to play nice

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in India today. The countries claim two of the world's fastest-growing economies and they're trying to forge a partnership — but not without some friction. Miranda Kennedy reports.

Battling the AK-47

Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Larry Kahaner, author of a book about the AK-47. Kahaner explains the past and present significance of this deadly weapon — and why the Pentagon doesn't use it.

Smart (socially-conscious) business

A successful business can't ignore its bottom line — but more and more companies are finding ways to do well by doing good. Alex Goldmark reports.

Ready for a breathalyzer in your car?

Automakers, insurers and MADD are set on changing laws to require breathalyzer ignition technology in the cars of all convicted drunk drivers — and everyone else while they're at it. Hillary Wicai reports.

Banks cash in on forced overdrafts

Many U.S. banks cash checks that arrive on the same day from the largest to smallest dollar amount. That means more overdraft fees for folks in the red, but banks claim that's the way customers want it. Janet Babin explains.

Bring back the parents!

Commentator Sandra Tsing-Loh has a cameo appearance in the upcoming movie "Unaccompanied Minors" about a group of kids stuck in an airport during the holidays. And it wasn't a pretty scene.