National / International News

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry open the Hertfordshire studios where the Harry Potter films were produced.

Teachers need to know that pornography is not necessarily 'all bad' and can sometimes be 'helpful', a group of sex education experts has suggested.

The eight-year ban for trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is only the "end of the beginning", says the British Horseracing Authority.

Israel says it is to stop using artillery shells containing white phosphorus, which it was criticised for during the 2008-09 Gaza conflict.

A British man admits threatening to kill 200 people in the US using a false name on a Facebook tribute site set up for a teenage car crash victim.

U.S. GDP grew at an annual pace of 2.5 percent in the first quarter, falling short of the 2.8 percent that economists predicted and disappointing investors. But in uncertain economic times, why aren't economists satisfied if GDP simply holds steady?

"GDP growth is linked to jobs growth," says David Weil, a professor of economics at Brown University. "So unless the economy is growing rapidly enough, it's not going to be able to absorb the new workers who are coming in, much less reduce unemployment."

Each year, as a new -- and bigger -- crop of young people enters the job market, they are counting on GDP growth to make room for them in the job market. But it isn't just about jobs. Economists say that GDP growth affects how we view ourselves as a nation. 

"Most people agree, I think, that output, and hence, their ability to consume should improve. This is sort of the American Dream -- things get better as you look toward the future," says Richard DeKaser, an economist with Wells Fargo. 

Audio Extra: Marketplace Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses GDP growth, consumer confidence and the financial industry -- and it doesn't look good.

 

Audio Extra: Chris Low, chief economist with FTN Financial, explains whether 2.5% GDP growth is the new normal.

 

We're talking scams on Marketplace Money this weekend. Take your pick: Ponzi schemes, real-estate rackets, even having your stuff held hostage by movers.

 I'm frequently asked how you can protect yourself from being fleeced by scammers. Tough question -- there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few general things everyone should keep in mind.

First, it may sound trite but the old adage applies: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We'd all like to think we're the one person who's been offered a totally sweet deal. But chances are, the sweeter the deal, the more likely it's bogus. If you have any doubts, walk away first and ask questions later.

Remember, no one can protect you better than yourself, so do your homework. Take a close look at all credit card and phone bills. Sneaky charges can easily creep onto both. If you don't recognize a particular charge or fee, don't hesitate to call your bank or phone company.

And in this age of identity theft, you have to be your own I.D. cop. I don't think it pays to sign up for a credit-monitoring service unless you're already a fraud victim. Instead, you can get free copies of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. And if you space out each credit agency's report by four months, you can get a full year's worth of credit monitoring without paying a thing.

Also, check with your local AAA. Some state branches of the organization offer free credit monitoring to members.

The bottom line is that there's no shortage of con artists trying to separate you from your money. With a little effort, you keep them at bay.

Pretty much.

Connie Marrero, the world's oldest living former Major League Baseball player celebrates 102nd birthday in native Cuba

A woman says a decision to stand against her father in the Lancashire County Council elections was for political not personal reasons.

Growth was a bit weaker than economists expected, but was well above fourth-quarter 2012's weak 0.4 percent increase. The first-quarter figure is likely to be revised in coming months, perhaps closer to the 3.2 percent growth economists were expecting.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his team will hold a guard of honour for Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

England fly-halves past and present Owen Farrell and Jonny Wilkinson meet in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final at Twickenham

The low pay of Bangladeshis making clothes for the West

A centenary exhibition in London

A supermarket chain is forced to withdraw bags of nuts for failing to declare that they may contain peanuts.

The cause of the blaze at a facility near Moscow is under investigation. Police tell Russian media that most of the estimated 38 victims likely had been under sedation and died in their sleep. Only three people are reported to have survived. A nurse was able to lead two patients to safety.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The driver of an ambulance and a patient are killed when it comes off the road in the New Forest and crashes into a tree.

Shale gas in the UK could help secure domestic energy supplies but may not bring down prices as they have in the US, MPs warn.

BBC Sport's Ben Dirs looks at the diehard snooker fans who are the lifeblood of the sport's famous venue

Preview followed by live coverage of Sunday's game between Chelsea and Swansea in the Premier League.