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MYB: What is private equity?
The back-and-forth on the campaign trail over Gov. Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital is back with a vengeance.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Newt Gingrich are both getting into the mix talking about private equity and Bain's track record, but exactly what is private equity?
In today's "Minding Your Business," Christine Romans explains that private equity is rich investors, like pension funds, university endowments and wealthy people, pooling their money to invest in things that will make them more money – like companies and new technology.
Often, these investors zero in on failing companies. The private money comes in and does some restructuring, which usually means selling divisions and closing failing parts, while reaping the benefits of the successful elements of the company.
SpaceX commercial shuttle makes historic launch
The International Space Station is once again getting supplies from an American shuttle, but this one doesn’t have a NASA logo.
Today at 3:44 a.m. ET, an unmanned dragon capsule, from the commercial space flight company SpaceX, made a historic launch into space.
The shuttle is carrying supplies like clothing and student experiments that will be handed off to astronauts when it reaches the space station in a couple of days.
On Early Start this morning, NASA administrator Charles Bolden says that today is a huge step toward the United States providing its own vehicles to take supplies to the ISS without the help of other countries like Russia.
“It’s fine to rely on partners, but that’s not where the greatest nation in the world wants to be,” says Bolden.
Boulden explains that the launch of the rocket is a joint effort between the SpaceX team and NASA. The idea is that eventually, shuttles similar to the one launched this morning will be able to bring regular people into space.
As for the rumors that the remains of about 300 people, including a former Star Trek actor, are on board the shuttle, Bolden couldn’t comment because he doesn’t know the facts.
“I don’t want to guess and I don’t know very much about it, other than the fact that I think you’re right,” says Bolden.
Woman returns $1,800 found in ATM
When Amanda Allen pulled up to an ATM in Florida, she found quite a surprise: $1,800. While some people may be inclined to keep the money, Allen says she immediately knew that she had to call the police and try to return the cash to it's rightful owner.
“I did what my heart told me to do,” Allen says on Early Start this morning, explaining that the town is filled with hard-working people and she didn't want to take someone else’s hard-earned money.
Joplin native makes documentary about the tornado that devastated her hometown
Following last year's devastating tornado, Joplin native and documentary filmmaker Erica Tremblay returned to the town to visit her family and friends and to see how she could help rebuild her hometown.
After witnessing the destruction caused by the natural disaster, Tremblay's producing partner suggested that they get together a crew and document the stories of the people she knew.
The documentary "Heartland" is the end result, and Tremblay appears on "Early Start" this morning to discuss her work and to explain the back story behind the film.
Tremblay says that while the film began as a disaster documentary, it quickly turned into a story about the human spirit, and how it heals after tragedy.
While she says that working on the project helped her heal, Tremblay explains that it also kept her in the thick of the disaster every day, reminding her about just how much her neighbors had lost in the tragedy.
MYB: Rough start for Facebook stock
In today's "Minding Your Business," Christine Romans explains that it's been a disappointing start for Facebook's IPO investors.
The company's stock has gone down 19% since the IPO launched last week, and yesterday alone, the stock dropped 11% despite the fact that most other stocks were up.
Romans explains that for every dollar lost in the stock price, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg loses about $534 million dollars.
What's next for Chinese activist Chen Guangchang?
Chen Guangcheng arrived in Newark, New Jersey over the weekend with his wife and two children, ending the diplomatic firestorm that erupted after he escaped from house arrest and took to YouTube to complain about abuse he said his family suffered at the hands of authorities.
ChinaAid founder Bob Fu, who was instrumental in getting Chen to the United States, says Chen is dealing with some jet lag but has enjoyed the sunshine and is happy to be in America.
On Early Start this morning, Fu explains how Chen will continue his activism, and explains whether or not he will be in the U.S. permanently.
What's trending for May 21, 2012
New York City's $1 million parking spot, Babe Ruth's $4.4 million jersey, and "Tebow-ing" goes digital in the next version of the popular video game "Madden."
MYB: What can investors expect from Facebook stock this week?
Christine Romans breaks down Facebook’s first day as a public company and explains what investors can expect from the stock this week in today's Minding Your Business.
If you were up early enough to catch the show, you were probably happy to hear Christine’s one thing you need to know today: coffee prices are lower!
It’s been a year of high prices but today, the companies that own brands like Maxwell House, Folgers and Dunkin Donuts are announcing that their coffee will be selling for 4-6 percent lower at retail stores.
Behind the scenes of today's Early Start
Take a peek behind the scenes of today's Early Start...
Ten minutes to showtime!
Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin research the day's top stories.
The Early Start crew gets ready to go on air.
Christine Romans reviews her notes before delivering the news.
Ashleigh, Zoraida & Christine discuss the day's breaking news.
Christine Romans on Super Tuesday voter roundup
Christine Romans breaks down the votes in Tennesse, Georgia and Ohio, and takes a look at how religion and income plays a role when voters cast their ballots.
Super Tuesday: Ohio and religious vote
CNN's Christine Romans on how GOP primary voters cast their ballot based on how important a candidate's religion is to them.
Super Tuesday: Tennessee in a nutshell
CNN's Christine Romans looks deeper at the battle for the GOP nomination in Tennessee.
Super Tuesday: Ohio vote by income
CNN's Christine Romans breaks down Ohio income brackets and how they voted in the GOP primary.
Super Tuesday: Gingrich's Georgia story
CNN's Christine Romans looks deeper at Newt Gingrich's win in Georgia, looking at which voters he won and lost.
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