FDA Blocks Generic OxyContin, Widely Abused Narcotic
Regulators said yesterday that generic drugmakers would not be licensed to make cheap versions of Purdue Pharma's OxyContin, a powerful and widely abused narcotic.
regulation
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowksi to Leave Agency
FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, a Democrat appointed by President Obama, plans to announce his resignation Friday. His departure creates a second vacancy on the 5-member FCC.
Employers Caught Off Guard by 'Unfair' Health-Care Fee
Next year, most big employers will owe $63 for every employee they insure, with the money going into a $25 billion fund -- and they're not happy about it.
Seeing 2 Kinds of Green Amid the Black Gold of Canada's Oil Sands
When it comes to energy, what we desire is a source that's cheap, reliable and clean -- but so far, there's no way to get all three attributes in one abundant source. And nowhere are the trade-offs that surround those competing desires more obvious than in Canada's oil sands.
Big Oil Isn't as Profitable as Everyone Thinks
Americans spend a lot of money on oil: about $632 billion a year. And the big oil producers report eye-popping annual profits, like ExxonMobil's $41 billion in 2011. Numbers like that may make you feel like we're getting robbed at the pump ... but it's not that simple.
Court Upholds Rules to Stop 'Deceptive' Airfare Advertising
The government can regulate airlines' "unfair and deceptive" advertising practices by requiring them to show consumers a total ticket price that includes taxes and fees in their ads, the U.S. Court of Appeals said Tuesday, rejecting an industry challenge.
Business Leaders Cry for Urgent Action at G20 Meeting
Top business executives from about 350 companies are urging world leaders to show more urgency in addressing economic malaise or risk an even deeper global crisis than in 2008-2009.
New Safe-Sex Porn Law Could Cost L.A. Billions
Many industries complain that new government regulations are bad for business; now, we're hearing it from the adult film biz. A proposed L.A. city regulation to require porn actors to use condoms has adult film makers threatening to leave Tinseltown -- and to take the lion's share of an $8 billion-a-year industry with them.
Alabama County Avoids Bankruptcy Filing
Jefferson County, Alabama's, sewer debt crisis is coming to a close. Commissioners voted Friday on a deal framework that will let it restructure and partially write off $3.14 billion debt, saving the county from filing for Chapter 9 in what would have been the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Oil Speculators: Manipulators or Savvy Investors?
As the price of oil has soared over the past few months, an army of commentators has accused "speculators" of manipulating the oil market to profit from the misery of the American people. But how much are these big investors to blame for our pain at the pump, and how much is simply a matter of supply and demand?
Goodbye, Free Checking; Hello, New Bank Fees
The era of free checking accounts is coming to an end. Many consumers will face an extra $144 a year in account fees, plus higher dues for their debit cars, and increased ATM charges, too. It's all part of a banking industry backlash against last year's consumer friendly financial reforms.
What Facebook's Goldman Deal Says About Tech IPOs
Facebook and many other tech startups have realized that the hassles and headaches of an IPO in the U.S. aren't always worthwhile. Thanks to willing venture capitalists and private investors, it's easier than ever for tech companies to avoid the lure of going public.
New Year Hurdles: Top 10 Challenges for CEOs in 2011
With the recession over -- in a sense, anyway -- many CEOs are happy to be standing. And after three tumultuous years, some are even cautiously optimistic. But 2011 is sure to present a whole new set of obstacles for corporate chiefs to confront -- and conquer.