Dec 21, 2016

12/21/2016: The Brilliant doctor who helped eradicate smallpox

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Though the U.S. housing market has improved in recent years, experts say there are too few homes for sale. And that means prices are rising — maybe a little too quickly. Next, we'll look at the troubles hounding Italy's Monte dei Paschi, the world's oldest bank, and interview physician Larry Brilliant about getting rid of smallpox.

Segments From this episode

How rock 'n' roll doctor Larry Brilliant helped eradicate smallpox

by David Brancaccio

Dec 21, 2016

Larry Brilliant joined us to talk about his new memoir, "Sometimes Brilliant."

Larry Brilliant speaks onstage at an event in New York City.

Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images for HBO

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Too few houses on the market help force prices up

by Annie Baxter

Dec 21, 2016

The higher prices are an obstacle to people hoping to move up, keeping them from putting their houses up for sale.

PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images

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ICE releases mothers and children who came to U.S. from Central America

by Marketplace Contributor

Dec 21, 2016

The release coincided with a state judge’s ruling that Texas could not license two family detention facilities as child care centers.

Central American women and children rest in a cafeteria of a San Antonio Mennonite church after being released from detention facilities in South Texas.

Joey Palacios/Texas Public Radio

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A call to recall talking – and listening – dolls

by Jed Kim

Dec 21, 2016

The interactive dolls can be listened in on while children play with them.

Jayla, aged 4, plays with a 'My Friend Cayla' doll at Hamleys toy shop in London, England. The doll connects to smart devices using Bluetooth and can interact with users.

Rob Stothard/Getty Images

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Thousands see reduced Social Security checks because of unpaid student loans

by Kimberly Adams

Dec 21, 2016

The Department of Education reclaimed about $171 million from these checks.

William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

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Mid-day Update

12/21/16: Market reaction to Trump's presidency

by David Brancaccio

Dec 21, 2016

The government is reducing Social Security payments for older Americans because of unpaid student loans. As a result, the Department of Education reclaimed about $171 million last year. We'll also look at the markets' current optimism — along with the risks that come with a rosy outlook — and a line of interactive dolls that consumer advocates say could invade children's privacy.

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Though the U.S. housing market has improved in recent years, experts say there are too few homes for sale. And that means prices are rising — maybe a little too quickly. Next, we’ll look at the troubles hounding Italy’s Monte dei Paschi, the world’s oldest bank, and interview physician Larry Brilliant about getting rid of smallpox.