Economics & Business

If America defaults on its debt this week, it won’t be the first economic superpower to do so. Imperial Spain was a chronic defaulter in the 16th and 17th centuries, and this helped lead to its downfall.

The city of canals welcomes up to a dozen massive cruise ships a day. They are critical for the city’s economy, but critics say the ships are endangering the fragile canal and the city itself.

The Korean automaker Hyundai plans to eliminate the old-fashioned cigarette lighter socket in their newest vehicles, replacing it with a USB jack. Paul Eisenstein, editor of TheDetroitBureau.com says the innovation may not fly with many drivers who like to charge gadgets ranging from GPS systems to radar detectors — and even hair dryers.

The IMF warns that the looming prospect of Congress blocking an increase in the debt ceiling might be catastrophic, not just for the US, but also the world.

Mary Kay Magistad spent a quarter of a century living in Asia, reporting on that region’s explosive growth. Now that she’s come home, she finds herself breathing a little easier — but straining her ears at the silence.