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Marketplace for Wednesday, May 16, 2012
May 16, 2012

Marketplace for Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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Hundreds of millions of dollars in the housing settlement meant to provide relief to struggling homeowners is being used to plug state budget gaps. Commentator Robert Reich says forget the Volcker rule -- let's bring back Glass-Steagall instead. The number of older Americans who are long-term unemployed has more than doubled since the recession. And in the U.S. economy recovery, it looks that the wealthy are recovering more of their money than the poor. Kai Ryssdal talks to a Greek resident about the reported 'bank runs' happening there today. And in the latest installment of Freakonomics, Stephen Dubner talks about the unintended consequences of retirement.

Segments From this episode

Bad news for older workers

May 16, 2012
The Government Accountability Office says the number of long-term unemployed 55 and older has more than doubled since the recession began back in 2007. That's bad news for the economy and children of retirees.

States use homeowner funds to plug budget holes

May 16, 2012
Major banks forked over billions of dollars in a mortgage settlement. Some states are using that money to fix any kind of budget gap.

A reality check on the Greek bank run

May 16, 2012
We check in with one Athens resident about whether Greeks are really withdrawing their cash from local banks in droves and what the mood is like on the streets.

Skechers settles false ad charges on Shape-ups

May 16, 2012
Skechers agrees to pay $50 million to settle charges it made false claims about the health benefits of its Shape-ups and other toning shoes.
The Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner version of Skechers' Shape-ups shoes. Skechers has agreed to pay $50 million to settle charges it made false claims about the health benefits of its Shape-ups and other toning shoes.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Time to bring back Glass-Steagall?

May 16, 2012
Commentator Robert Reich says the Volcker Rule is not strong enough to prevent JPMorgan Chase-style loss.

In economic recovery, the rich recover more

May 16, 2012
The middle-class has lost significant wealth for the long term. The wealthy -- not so much.

Labor Department corrects numbers on female job losses

May 16, 2012
The actual percentage of job losses by women the past three years is lower than the 90 percent Mitt Romney stated last month.

Why early retirement may not be good for your health

May 16, 2012
Freakonomics Radio explores the hidden side of early retirement.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in the housing settlement meant to provide relief to struggling homeowners is being used to plug state budget gaps. Commentator Robert Reich says forget the Volcker rule — let’s bring back Glass-Steagall instead. The number of older Americans who are long-term unemployed has more than doubled since the recession. And in the U.S. economy recovery, it looks that the wealthy are recovering more of their money than the poor. Kai Ryssdal talks to a Greek resident about the reported ‘bank runs’ happening there today. And in the latest installment of Freakonomics, Stephen Dubner talks about the unintended consequences of retirement.