Wednesday, June 25, 2003 The Marketplace Morning Report with Kai Ryssdal and Tess Vigeland is a series of seven 9-minute business news modules airing weekdays. This timely report delivers a global business newscast and a hard-hitting feature report. Visit the archive to browse previous stories. Note: Each of the broadcasts contains some of the newscast items below and one of the features. Since only a few radio markets get all seven broadcasts, we've made them available below.

Broadcasts Listen: 2:50 | 3:50 | 4:50 | 5:50 | 6:50 | 7:50 | 8:50 (times are a.m., Pacific Standard Time)

Newscast Stories From Washington, DC: Amy Scott reports that a House committee is looking at how Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are regulated: a bill has been introduced that would abolish their regulator and set up a new one. From New York: Sam Eaton explores possible solutions lawmakers are considering for strengthening the economic situation in rural America -- and rural areas want different economic help than cities. From New York: Judy Martin looks at efforts and challenges for establishing a global treaty to protect the rights of workers with disabilities. From the Work & Family Desk: Stephen Henn reports most that low-income families are unable to get into the subsidized childcare programs they need. From the Health Desk: With M&M Mars announcing plans for a Snickers energy bar, Tanya Ott explores the marketability of “healthy” candy. From Beijing: Jocelyn Ford has the story on China’s government censoring a financial magazine because of its coverage of a politically sensitive bank loan scandal. From Tokyo: Jessica Smith finds that Japan’s new version of “The Game of Life” is very realistic. From London: Stephen Beard reports that the EU is calling on member states to take action to cut the amount of air pollution from ships -- ships emit as much sulfur as cars trucks and factories, combined. Features New Granny Food Japan’s struggling baby food manufacturers have found a new market they can really sink their teeth into: the country’s senior population. From Tokyo, Lucy Craft reports.

Commentary - Robert Reich on Medicare Congress is rushing to put the wraps on a Medicare drug benefits bill. But Marketplace commentator Robert Reich questions just who really benefits from the proposed legislation. He says the Medicare plan spreads the money around the wrong way.