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Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, May 24, 2012

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As budget woes continue to plague lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as well as leaders in Europe, we speak to the leader of California, Gov. Jerry Brown, over his state's financial issues. Officials in Houston are trying to figure out what to do with the Astrodome -- renovate it or tear it down. Manufacturers are reporting slowing sales of desktop and laptop PCs suggesting a slow down in economic growth, but computer sales may no longer be a reliable indicator of new hires and overall business growth.

Segments From this episode

PC sales no longer a reliable indicator of business growth

May 24, 2012
The latest numbers on sales of durable goods come out today. Analysts used to watch computer sales for what they might tell us about business growth, but those numbers alone aren't a good enough indicator anymore.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to create prepaid card regulations

May 24, 2012
The new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced this week its efforts to regulate prepaid debit cards. Regulators fear the cards aren’t backed by protections given regular credit card holders.

Astrodome could get $270 million fix-up

May 24, 2012
Once touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the futuristic stadium might have a future as an events venue.

Will Facebook switch from NASDAQ to NYSE?

May 24, 2012
After technical snafus on the NASDAQ market interfered with the launch of Facebook stock, there are reports the New York Stock Exhange reached out to Facebook to pick up their business.

Euro officials talk 'Grexit' of Greece from euro

May 24, 2012
Euro leaders say they are committed to Greece staying with the euro, but talk of an exit is growing louder. Finance ministers have advised euro zone members to draw up contingency plans for what's being called an "amiable divorce" from Greece.

Times-Picayune to cut back jobs and production schedule

May 24, 2012
The main newspaper in New Orleans, which received praise in its Katrina coverage, has announced budget cuts which will mean staff layoffs and a reduction in print editions to three days a week.
The front page of the Times-Picayune in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Chris Graythen/Stringer/Getty Images

Earthquake halts cheese production in Italy

May 24, 2012
People in northern Italy are still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake this week that killed seven. It struck hardest in some of Italy's richest farmland and ten percent of the world's supply of Parmesan has been affected.

PODCAST: A run on kosher chocolate chips, Rewriting Korean subtitles

May 24, 2012
As budget woes continue to plague lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as well as leaders in Europe, we speak to the leader of California, Gov. Jerry Brown, over his state's financial issues. Officials in Houston are trying to figure out what to do with the Astrodome -- renovate it or tear it down. Manufacturers are reporting slowing sales of desktop and laptop PCs suggesting a slow down in economic growth, but computer sales may no longer be a reliable indicator of new hires and overall business growth.
A chocolate factory in Strasbourg, France. This week observant-Jews have flocked to Trader Joe's to buy out their last stock of kosher chocolate chips.
Frederick Florin/Getty Images

Euro leaders plan for Greece to 'divorce' the euro

May 24, 2012
Although eurozone members want Greece to keep the euro, contingency plans are being made in case there is a parting of ways. The cost and wider economic effects of a possible Greek exit are highly uncertain.

Los Angeles moves to eliminate plastic bags

May 24, 2012
The Los Angeles City Council has voted to phase out plastic bags at the checkout with a ten cent tax. Other cities around the country have enacted similar measures, but Los Angeles is the largest U.S. city to do so.

Gov. Jerry Brown: We're going to cut and hopefully tax

May 24, 2012
California Gov. Jerry Brown talks about his plan to balance the state's budget. Currently, California is facing a deficit of close to $16 billion.

How your job shapes your vote for president

May 24, 2012
According to Gallup, what you do for a living, not how much money you make, may determine your vote in November.

As budget woes continue to plague lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as well as leaders in Europe, we speak to the leader of California, Gov. Jerry Brown, over his state’s financial issues. Officials in Houston are trying to figure out what to do with the Astrodome — renovate it or tear it down. Manufacturers are reporting slowing sales of desktop and laptop PCs suggesting a slow down in economic growth, but computer sales may no longer be a reliable indicator of new hires and overall business growth.