Monthly Archives: March 2011
Airline fare hikes blamed on rising fuel prices
A sixth increase in airline ticket prices for the year has brought the average price of a ticket up to $260 as gas prices continue to rise.Android selling more smartphones than Research in Motion
Android is now the best selling operating system for smartphones. It has finally dethroned Research in Motion, maker of the Blackberry.US considers replacing paper dollar bills with dollar coins
The U.S. Government Accountability Office wants $1 bills to be replaced entirely by $1 coins. Hundreds of billions of dollars could be saved.Consumers borrowing more money but not from credit cards
A recently released Federal Reserve report indicates that more people are borrowing money, but fewer of them are doing so with credit cards.Libya needs food: The struggles of humanitarian aid
The crisis in Libya rages on, and refugees are finding it difficult to obtain food. The U.N. and U.S. are spearheading food delivery efforts.Million-dollar home sales increase as prices continue to slide
Wealthy Americans are taking advantage of depressed prices and low mortgage rates on large loans while the housing market continues to decline.At final hearing for TARP, critics call bailout program a failure
As TARP ends, the Treasury official in charge of it defended the program, but critics said that it only helped Wall Street, not Main Street.Gas price rises nationwide fueling speculation of energy crisis
The quickly rising gas prices are fueling fears of a global energy crisis, though the unrest in Libya has not created a shortage of supply.Peanut butter recall 2011 highlights danger of cutting funding
In a recall expected to cost $50 million or more, peanut butter in 16 states has been recalled; it's one of hundreds of recalls each year.Small business hiring big reason for drop in unemployment rate
Small businesses, which have been bearing the lion's share of job creation in the economic recovery, are picking up the pace. Unemployment is dropping.Blue Shield of California audit deems 59% rate hikes reasonable
Some insurance customers in California are facing rate hikes of up to 59 percent. Though the state can review, it does not have legal recourse.Plunging interest rates make mortgages low cost loans for now
Those who can qualify for financing could make a killing in the current real estate market. Low interest rates make mortgages low cost loans.CFPB directorship post in doubt for Elizabeth Warren
The White House still hasn't been able to secure spots for CFPB and OFR leadership. The gridlock is a palpable manifestation of the status quo.More carry-on luggage costing TSA millions
As travelers balk at airline baggage fees, more are carrying their luggage through security. Extra inspection costs TSA $260 million per year.Tapping US oil reserves will not lower gas prices, Obama says
Oil industry analysts and the White House administration insist tapping the oil reserve would do little to combat rising gas and oil prices.February jobs report shows decline in unemployment
The Labor Department has just released the February jobs report, which shows that unemployment has continued to decline so far this year.FDA recalls 500 medicines; low cost can mean unsafe manufacturing
The FDA has recalled more than 500 prescription medications that have been sold without being tested for safety, a relatively common problem.
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