The Federation of Small Business said his call to force firms who wanted to bid for public contracts to offer apprenticeships would harm enterprise.

BBC: Labour conference: Miliband vows 'new bargain' for UK

There's also a call for the G20 this autumn to co-ordinate action in a bid to bring down inflationary pressures, which looks like a heavy hint that the oil price and speculation in other commodities should be constrained.

BBC: Britain pushes hard choices for Europe's hard core

When Carson Pirie Scott, another midwestern chain, made a hostile bid for Younkers, Martin picked up the phone to call Gould.

FORBES: Businessman with a politician's touch

If you think you know the last senator to run for president who was defeated in his next bid for re-election to the Senate, give us a call.

NPR: Political Junkie: Clinton, Lieberman and Holder

Atticus Capital, which owns 1% of Barclays, has written to the British bank's Chairman, Marcus Agius, requesting that he call off his bid for Dutch rival ABN Amro.

FORBES: Barclays Hears Dissent On ABN Amro