Apr 7, 2010

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Segments From this episode

Goldman Sachs

Goldman writes a very long letter

by Amy Scott

Apr 7, 2010

Goldman Sachs released its annual shareholder letter detailing what happened in 2009, and it's the longest letter to date. Marketplace's Amy Scott tells Bill Radke why the word "client" was used 56 times.

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Now 'Scrabble' is a word in Scrabble

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Apr 7, 2010

Anyone who plays Scrabble knows proper nouns are staunchly forbidden. But in a new version of the game being released in the U.K., the old rule is coming off the books. Stacey Vanek-Smith weighs the pros and cons of the move.

John Gichigi /Allsport/Getty Images

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Are more health lawsuits on the way?

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Apr 7, 2010

In Massachusetts, six major health insurers and the state insurance commission are in court over insurers' desire to raise health premiums. Nancy Marshall Genzer reviews the case and whether we'll see more of these as health reform takes effect.

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Calorie displays don't scare Starbucks

by Jill Barshay

Apr 7, 2010

Starbucks lobbied for lawmakers to require calorie displays at restaurants as part of the new health reform. After New York started requiring calories on menus, the coffee giant learned it could help business. Jill Barshay reports.

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GM finds ways to spin balance sheet

by Bob Moon

Apr 7, 2010

Thanks to what auditors call "fresh-start accounting," General Motors can adjust its debts and assets and put a positive spin on its finances to help it out of bankruptcy. The automaker releases it balance sheet today. Bob Moon reports.

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Ryanair charging for in-flight toilet

by Stephen Beard

Apr 7, 2010

In a move the carrier is hoping will make flights more convenient -- and help their bottom line -- Ryanair is charging a pound per toilet use on short flights. Stephen Beard reports.

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U.S. birth rate dropped in 2008

by Amy Scott

Apr 7, 2010

New data from the Centers for Disease Control shows a 2 percent decline in the U.S. birth rate over the year before. How did the recession weigh into that number? Bill Radke talks to Marketplace's Amy Scott.