Manufacturing rises in U.S.
U.S. manufacturing had modest gains in December, boosting the economy at the start of the new year.
Avis buys Zipcar for $491M
AP: Avis is buying Zipcar for $491.2 million, joining the expanding car sharing market.
‘Fiscal cliff’ analysis: Taxes to rise for most Americans despite deal
Chicago Tribune: While the tax package that Congress passed New Year’s Day will protect 99 percent of Americans from an income tax increase, most of them will still end up paying more federal taxes in 2013.
U.S. markets surge after Congress approves ‘cliff’ deal
Washington Post: U.S. markets surged more than 2 percent Wednesday morning, hours after Congress approved a plan to avoid the “fiscal cliff” by raising taxes on American’s wealthiest households.
Hostess to split up brands in bankruptcy sale
AP: Hostess expects to sell of its snack cakes and bread brands like Twinkies and Wonder Bread to separate buyers.
Mint testing new metals for cheaper coins
AP: The Philadelphia Mint is testing a variety of recipes to make coins more cheaply without altering quality, durability, size or appearance.
Pet owners spending more for Christmas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Pet owners are spending more to indulge their pets during the holidays.
Obama picks Kerry for Secretary of State
New York Times: President Obama will nominate Senator John Kerry as secretary of state, succeeding Hillary Clinton.
Nike reports profits, better strategy in China
Nike’s second-quarter profits are up, and the company is back on track in China, according to CEO Mark Parker.
25,000 Oregonians to lose unemployment benefits
Federal unemployment benefits will run out for 25,000 Oregonians by the end of the year.