Business

Politics & Government

On Heels Of Sequestration, The Business Of Spending Cuts

4:56pm February 28, 2013

With automatic budget cuts set to take effect Mar. 1, politicians are jockeying to control the message about sequestration and what it will mean for their constituents. Meanwhile, the cuts may create economic choke points that could affect industries from agriculture to air travel.

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Plaintiffs accuse Anheuser-Busch of misleading consumers about the alcohol content in Bud Light, Budweiser and other products. The brewer denies the claims.

National

Budweiser May Seem Watery, But It Tests At Full Strength, Lab Says

3:14pm February 28, 2013

Class-action lawsuits accuse Anheuser-Busch of watering down Budweiser and other beers and then misleading consumers about their alcohol content. The company denies the claims; in tests commissioned by NPR, samples of Budweiser were found to be in line with their advertised alcohol content.

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Environment

After The Spill: The Environment And Economy Of The Gulf

2:30pm February 28, 2013

In July 2010, the oil spill caused by the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion fouled beaches and wetlands, killed wildlife, and ruined seafood businesses. Nearly three years later, as the civil trial against BP begins, those who live and work in the area continue to feel the disaster's effects.

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Job Applicants Are Wary Of Firms' Resume Sorting Software

1:32pm February 28, 2013

by Annie Baxter

Some big companies are using talent management software to narrow the pool of job applicants before an employer reviews the resumes. Human resources officials say in today's economy, the systems are crucial. But employment seekers often find the software puts them at a disadvantage.

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Man sitting on a club chair reading from his laptop.

Experts Boil Telecommuting Decisions Down To Flexibility Vs. Serendipity

12:04pm February 28, 2013

by Yuki Noguchi

Yahoo touched off a debate about the effectiveness of telecommuting when it told employees last week that they may no longer work from home. The policy change was made, according to the company's internal email, to enhance workplace collaboration.

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Sequester Cuts Could Affect Air Safety

12:04pm February 28, 2013

At a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday, FAA administrator Michael Huerta explained to lawmakers what the sequester means to the aviation industry. He said he has limited ability to avoid furloughs for key personnel, such as air traffic controllers. That could lead to delays for passengers and the closing of towers.

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Risser has his usual lunch of soup and beer at an Irish pub across from the state Capitol.

At 85, 'Old-School' Politician Shows No Signs Of Quitting

8:16pm February 27, 2013

by Ina Jaffe

Elected in 1956, Wisconsin state Sen. Fred Risser is the longest-serving state lawmaker in the country. He may not use Facebook, Twitter or email, but he's gotten a lot done over the years. Considered an "institution within an institution" by some, he was just re-elected for another four years.

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Internet gambling has become legal in New Jersey and Nevada, but experts say enforcement and regulations still need to be straightened out.

National

As States Embrace Online Gambling, Questions Arise

6:35pm February 27, 2013

by Jim Zarroli

New Jersey is the newest state to make online gambling legal. Its law limits participation to state residents, but how will that be enforced? And groups that help compulsive gamblers are worried that gamblers won't have to go to casinos to feed their addiction.

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Movie trailers can drive people to the theaters or keep them away altogether.

Arts

Movie Trailer Math: Getting 'Butts In The Seats' In Minutes

3:05pm February 27, 2013

by NPR Staff

Before films hit theaters, they are heralded by trailers that can either drive people to the box office or keep them away. Stephen Garrett, owner of the trailer production company Jump Cut Creative, talks about what it takes to lure audiences without spoiling a film.

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Economy

Presence Vs. Productivity: How Managers View Telecommuting

2:34pm February 27, 2013

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer sparked controversy when she announced an end to company's telecommuting program. A leaked internal memo emphasized that "physically being together" will be important to communication and collaboration within the company. This has raised questions about the benefits of working from home.

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