Japanese electronics makers Sony and Panasonic are throwing in the towel when it comes to flat screen TVs. Bested by their Korean counterparts, the companies recently announced they are shrinking their money-losing operations. Analyst and investors are wondering why they didn't do it sooner.

The lawmakers' vote on the plan is also a test of Italy's leadership, and whether it's stable enough to deal with its troubled government finances. Meanwhile, major U.S. banks have backed off plans to impose new debit card fees, but thousands of people still shifted their money to smaller institutions.

After a week of intense political drama played out on the world stage, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is expected to step down Monday. He will make way for a coalition government that's supposed to steer the country through austerity measures and save a bailout deal that is widely seen as Greece's last chance to preserve its economy.

Critics have long questioned the quality of private prisons and the promises of economic benefits where they are built. But proponents say private prisons not only save taxpayers money, but they also generate income for the surrounding community.

It's not just any party cup; it's the king of the keggers. Born in the '70s, the ubiquitous red Solo cup is the official drinking vessel at barbecues, fairs and college parties across America. It's changed over the years, but it'll never be too old for beer pong.

The Labor Department said Friday that unemployment ticked down last month from 9.1 percent to 9 percent. Overall, job growth was modest, a continuation of a trend that's been with us all year. Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's business correspondent Yuki Noguchi.

A new Pew survey finds that Gen Xers, now in their 30s and 40s, are feeling harder hit by the recession than other groups as they struggle to raise children and save for their own retirement. Always a diverse group, they are split in support for President Obama and Mitt Romney.

A Labor Department report showed that the October unemployment rate fell a tenth of a percent to 9 percent in October. Friday's number was less than what most economists had hoped for.