Faux diamonds sparking a gem war

This Valentine's Day, some consumers are opting for high-quality diamonds produced in a lab. They're cheaper and guilt-free — and the mined diamond industry isn't happy about it.

Poor people gotta eat too

Commentator Angela Glover Blackwell says grocers would be wise to invest in inner cities, where healthy food choices are limited and dense populations offer more profit per square foot.

Charging up the immigration debate

Bank of America is reportedly marketing credit cards to customers without Social Security numbers. The company launched the new program in 51 Los Angeles branches last week and hopes to take it national later this year.

Paid sick days for all

Democrats want to guarantee all Americans seven days of paid sick leave a year, but passing the legislation won't be a slam dunk: Some Republicans and the business lobby are resistant.

Two checked bags? That'll be $500

British Airways is coming under fire for a new policy which requires travelers to pay as much as $500 for a second piece of checked luggage. But there are many exceptions to the new rule.

Market correction ahead

All good things must come to an end: Some analysts say Wall Street's long-lived upswing is due for a correction any day now. And it'll probably happen when we least expect it.

Yo yo, tax man

Who says there's no market for taxertainment? The company that makes TurboTax software is using rapper Vanilla Ice as a spokesman to scratch up some business.

Car parts stuck on trains?

Canadian National Railway workers are striking over wages and if that dispute drags on, it could stop assembly lines at U.S. auto plants in their tracks.

North Korea agrees to de-nuke

Just four months after it tested a nuclear bomb, North Korea has agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor and eventually dismantle its atomic weapons program. Seems economic sanctions may have done the trick.

Alcoa's new suitors

Metal prices are hot right now and that's got two wealthy mining companies fighting over the affections of the struggling aluminum giant. They're reportedly serenading Alcoa with buyout offers to the tune of $40 billion.