Stacey Vanek Smith

For some, the American dream keeps inching farther away. Stacey Vanek Smith looks at the challenges many minority citizens face as they attempt to join the ranks of the middle class.

While the film and TV writers' strike is in its ninth week, the Directors Guild is gearing up to do their own contract negotiations. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports what happens in these talks could affect the writers.

With threats of budget cuts always looming, public schools have come to rely on their students as a resource for generating funds. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on the business of school fundraising.

Best Buy is going gangbusters. Circuit City's shares are down 75% so far this year, and things are expected to get worse. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on how two companies selling similar stuff have wound up in such different places.

The Hollywood writers may be able to drum up support for their cause, but not without costing the local economy millions. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on the projected losses to the entertainment industry if the strike lasts into May.

Nearly 5 million pint-size primpers hit spas every year in this country. And the budding self-indulgent set is also hoping for spa toys under the Christmas tree. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Five New England banks are pledging $100 million to help certain homeowners battling subprime. But Stacey Vanek-Smith reports the program does pose a risk to home equity, and some think it doesn't go far enough.

Department-store entertainment use to be a guy in a tuxedo tinkling the ivories. But with a stronger focus on young consumers, big retail shops are now bringing in DJs to get shoppers moving. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

It's the busiest day of the year for the U.S. Postal Service, and it could use the business. Despite delivering half the mail in the world, the U.S. Post Office suffered $5 billion in losses this year. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Dow Jones shareholders, mainly the Bancroft family, are expected to formally approve the takeover by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp tomorrow. They'll get $5 billion in exchange for giving up the Wall Street Journal. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on what's in store for the companies and the paper.