Stacey Vanek Smith

It was a long dry summer across the Southwest United States. And climate experts say it's only going to get worse -- which has made one already scarce commodity all the more precious. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports on the competition for water between cities and the countryside.

Climate change and low rainfall are fast draining Nevada's Lake Mead, which supplies Las Vegas with water. So the city is paying residents as an incentive to conserve. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

The first California grapes to arrive in China 10 years ago were a big deal, and the appreciation for California produce hasn't worn off. Stacey Vanek-Smith has more.

One consequence of the subprime collapse is that mortgage lenders have made it lot harder to get a home loan. Some say too hard, especially in cities where home prices are high. Stacey Vanek-Smith explains.

As California sizzles in triple-digit temperatures, it's expected to break the record for power usage. But Golden State residents still won't pay higher energy rates, and that could be part of the problem, Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Investors are flocking to the safety of bonds as subprime lending fallout continues to drag Wall Street on a wild ride. The returns are nothing special, but some folks just want to know their nest egg is protected. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

With 4.5 million unsold homes sitting on the market, could we be looking at a recession? Stacey Vanek-Smith talks to economists and takes a look into the markets.

Things seem to be falling apart at the seams for some of this country's biggest clothing retailers. Ann Taylor posted a 27% decline in profits, and the Gap is cutting 2,200 jobs with sales down 5%. But both announced big stock buybacks. Why? Stacey Vanek-Smith found out.

The New York Mercantile Exchange is looking for merger partner and it has a lot to offer potential mates. NYMEX stock has been rising by leaps and bounds since it went public late last year. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

The subprime lending fiasco has left the entire banking system a little tight on cash. And it couldn't have come at a worse time for college freshmen in need of student loans. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.