Business

Tourism Industry Gears Up For Lifting Of Cuban Travel Ban

4:11pm December 20, 2014

by Yuki Noguchi

Obama says normalizing ties with Cuba will eventually mean relaxing rules on travel to Cuba. It may take some time for the new rules to take effect but travel agents are already getting phone calls.

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The number of catalogs mailed in the U.S. peaked in 2007, according to the Direct Marketing Association. It's come down since then, but last year it reached 11.9 billion.

Here's Why Retailers Keep Sending You Catalogs

7:51pm December 19, 2014

by Uri Berliner

While other things made with paper have become obsolete, Americans received nearly 12 billion catalogs in the mail last year — and they love them, says one business consultant.

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Responding to criticism over the handling of The Interview, Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton says his studio "very much wanted to keep the picture in release."

CEO Says Sony Pictures 'Did Not Capitulate,' Is Exploring Options

7:33pm December 19, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Melissa Block talks to Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton about the cyber attack against his company and the cancellation of the Christmas Day release of The Interview.

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Obama Says Sony Should Not Have Pulled Film Over Threats

7:04pm December 19, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

"That's not what America's about," the president said in a news conference, calling the cancellation of The Interview's release a "mistake." The FBI has accused North Korea of being behind the attack.

World News

New Cuba Relationship Could Be A Boon For American Farmers

6:58pm December 19, 2014

by Jackie Northam

Two-thirds of the food Cubans eat is imported — but the reestablishment of ties with the U.S. could open opportunities for American farmers.

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People walk near several buildings of a Pegatron factory in Shanghai, China, in July 2013. Pegatron is a supplier for Apple products.

World News

Apple Responds To BBC On Conditions At Asian iPhone Suppliers

3:23pm December 19, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Jeff Williams, the tech giant's vice president for operations, told British-based employees that Apple has done more than any other company to ensure fair and safe working conditions.

Instagram Is Now Valued At $35 Billion By Citigroup Analysts

3:19pm December 19, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Less than three years ago, Facebook purchased Instagram for $1 billion. The photo-sharing service is said to have more than 300 million users.

The "Rusty Radiator" award for most offensive or stereotypical portrayal of the developing world in a fundraising video went to Feed a Child South Africa.

And The Award For Most Offensive Fundraising Video Goes To ...

2:34pm December 19, 2014

by Anders Kelto

If you're a charity that wants to help the developing world, you really, really, really don't want to win a "Rusty Radiator."

3 Business Best-Sellers Show Inequality Is Now The Hot Topic

2:30pm December 19, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Many business books try to help you get rich quick. But three of 2014's biggest sellers focused on unfairness and inequality. Economists say expect more: Books on inequality are riding a huge wave.

National

Sony Cancels Christmas Day Release Of 'The Interview' Amid Threats

12:32pm December 19, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The move follows the decision by major U.S. theater chains not to screen the comedy that centers on a plot to assassinate North Korea's leader.