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The price war: Will cheaper Ford Focus beat out C-Max Energi?

Ford dropped prices on the 2014 Ford Focus Electric by 10 percent from 2013 models' prices last week. Could the move boost sales for the Ford Focus and divert buyers away from Ford's C-Max Energi?
How not to fix the IRS

Simply bashing the IRS for its faults won’t help fix a troubled and often badly-managed agency, Gleckman argues.
Hostess Twinkies return to stores, but unionized jobs disappear (+video)

Hostess Twinkies, the beloved cream-filled sponge cakes, return to stores nationwide today. For many employees, however, the Twinkies comeback is not so sweet: under new ownership, Hostess Brands has not employed any unionized workers, and as few as 20 to 25 percent of the company's former jobs may return.
Retail sales disappoint in June. Is the payroll tax pinch finally here?

Retail sales increased for the third straight month in June, but fell well short of expectations. The retail sales report might hint that consumers are feeling the delayed effects of January's payroll tax hike, according to some analysts.
The farm bill survived. Who supports it?

Although farmers only make up a tiny percentage of the US population, the farm bill has survived politics in part because of Americans' attitudes toward food producers, Karlsson says.
More Americans collecting SNAP food stamps

As the economic downturn stretches on, more Americans are participating in the federal food stamp program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In April alone, the total number of food stamp recipients increased by 2.75 percent from one year ago.
The fear of being broke (and how to use it)

Use your fear of running out of money to motivate yourself to spend wisely, make goals, and stay on track for the future, Hamm advises.
787 Dreamliner fire wasn't caused by faulty batteries

Investigators say Friday's fire on an empty Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane at London's Heathrow Airport wasn't caused by faulty aircraft batteries, but was probably an issue with the fuselage. In January, battery problems with Boeing's Dreamliners grounded the whole fleet.
The National Park system is the best vacation value in the country

The National Park Service provides tremendous value for US travelers. If you’re planning a family summer vacation, keep our national parks and national forests in mind.
Gas prices could soar in August. Here's why.

Motorists could see gas prices rise by 25 to 30 cents per gallon next month-- well before the uptick we expect in September and October. Gas prices typically rise in the fall, but rocketing oil prices and a drop in gold could push the increase earlier, some analysts say.
Save money for the special occasions.

Hamm says he views a day as a big success when he spends as little as possible. Keeping your expenses under control on a day-to-day basis will help you be able to afford big, memorable experiences in the future.
Hulu sale is called off, owners will invest $750 million

The rumored Hulu sale has officially been called off. 21st Century Fox, Disney, and NBCUniversal will remain owners of the online streaming service, and will reinvest $750 million to ensure its growth.
Stocks inch higher in record day on Wall Street

Stocks rallied in the closing minutes on Wall Street Friday, closing high enough to post new record highs for the Dow Jones industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Profits at big banks Wells Fargo and JP Morgan came in better than expected, and that helped financial stocks.
Tesla zips ahead of Model S production goals

Tesla Motors has another bit of good news: it is ahead of its goal to produce 400 Model S vehicles a week, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The numbers come at a good time for Tesla, which is set to debut its Model S in Europe in the next few months.
Walmart Twinkies are here, on sale before Hostess planned

Walmart Twinkies will be on sale this weekend, even though Hostess says it asked retailers to wait until Monday to start selling the iconic snack cakes. Walmart announced Friday that Twinkies were available at about 1,600 stores and that about 3,000 of its 4,000 U.S. stores should have them by Sunday morning.
Dreamliner fire disrupts Heathrow Airport; Boeing shares plunge

Two separate issues involving Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes have disrupted travel and sent Boeing shares falling Friday. A 787 Dreamliner en route from England to the US had to turn back after experiencing a technical issue, and Heathrow Airport briefly shut down its runways after a fire on an empty 787.
Still time for a summer vacation: best deals on 3-, 6-, and 7-day getaways

Summer is fading fast, but with these deals on airfare, hotels, and more, you can book a last-minute getaway and make it back in time for Labor Day.
Paula Deen fires legal team after admitting racial slurs

Paula Deen announced last week she had cut ties with her longtime agent who helped make her a Food Network star and start a media and merchandising empire that has largely collapsed.
The best laptops for gamers

From the Alienware M17x to Samsung's Series 7 Gamer, here are the top 5 laptops for gamers on the market right now.
BMW Mini Countryman: compact, but surprisingly versatile

The Mini Countryman is slightly larger than its predecessors, but it is the modern answer to what a utility vehicle should be, Ireson says. It comes in an all-wheel drive option and offers both manual and automatic six-speed transmission.