Week of March 31st, 2008

In Amy Westervelt's recent Sustainable Industries interview with L. Hunter Lovins, Lovins makes the case that greenwashing is good. "Hypocrisy is…

Politicians on both sides of the aisle are wrangling over their proposed fixes to the housing mess, Tess asks Nick Retsinas about possible solutions and reforms.

Looking for a formula to aid your house hunting? Commentator and MIT professor Dan Ariely says science doesn't have much to offer us when it comes to finding the right home.

Homes that banks are eager to unload can be a big bargain for buyers willing to put in some elbow grease. Marianne Russ visits bank-owned homes to see if you really get what you pay for.

The older the listing, the more desperate the seller, right? Maybe not. Dan Grech explains the controversial way some sellers turn back the clock on their listings.

With all the negative housing news, a glimmer of hope: falling prices mean many people can now afford a new home. We meet a couple moving into their first house this weekend.

The way we think about our homes has changed drastically over the years. Tess asks Chris Thornberg if the American dream of home ownership for all is realistic anymore.

The current housing crisis is talked about by a lot of people, but how bad is it really? Tess asks Marketplace's Chris Farrell to help us understand the scope of the problem.

The U.S. edition of the Wall Street Journal is going to be printed and sold in London for the first time, which some see as a predatory move by the Journal's new boss, Rupert Murdoch. Stephen Beard reports on the opening salvo of a new circulation war.

A new division of publisher HarperCollins is trying to turn the old model of selling books inside out. Jeremy Hobson reports on a new chapter in a struggling industry.

Kai Ryssdal chats with Kim Clark of U.S. News & World Report about what happened on Wall Street this week and what may lie ahead.

Are Prius drivers really concerned about their carbon footprints, or are they more interested in being seen in a hybrid? Commentator Rob Walker says the days of status shopping are behind us.

The Great Depression of the 1930s came about from problems in the banking system. Today's economic woes are primarily rooted in investment banks and hedge funds. Kai Ryssdal looks at how the names have changed but the underlying problems are the same.

Democratic leaders have sent the president a letter asking for more withdrawals of U.S. troops from Iraq. It's the first shot in a looming battle over another emergency spending bill for the war on terror. John Dimsdale reports.

Another bad report on the economy from the government today: 80,000 jobs lost in March, the biggest monthly drop in five years. How bad are things going to get? Marketplace's Alisa Roth went looking for answers.

The latest report from the Labor Department marks the loss of 80,000 jobs, the biggest drop in five years. Alisa Roth reports what sectors were hit the hardest and when analysts are predicting things might get better.

Even though several high-profile Iraq war films have failed at the box office, there are several more in the pipeline. Doug Krizner talks to Variety's Mike Speier about why these films fail commercially even with critical acclaim.

The Latin American bank IDB is holding its annual meeting today in Miami. Dan Grech reports Latin America may not be as healthy as it seems, but prudent fiscal policy can help it weather a U.S. downturn.

MySpace is preparing to launch a new music Web site which it hopes will beat iTunes competition. Ashley Milne-Tyte looks into what advantages the new MySpace site might have and where their edge might be dull.

Republican presidential hopeful Senator John McCain hasn't exhibited the money-making power of his Democratic contemporaries, with one-sixth the earning power. But Jeremy Hobson reports he still has a potential ace in the hole.

For the latest in our Housing Madness series, we wanted to talk to someone taking advantage of the down market and buying property. Ashley Milne-Tyte found a first-time buyer in New York City — where you'd least expect it.

Virgin Atlantic might soon do away with its specialty in-flight massage and beauty staff. Scott Jagow talks to reporter Angela Jameson about why the carrier budgets for 280 beauty therapists with a fleet of only 38 planes.

Question: my wife and I just had our first child. We are wondering what sort of investment/saving plan would be the best to start for him. We are…

The American Bankruptcy Institute holds its annual meeting today, and sure as the economy is struggling, the bankruptcy industry is having a great year. Jeff Tyler reports those bigger profits are bittersweet.

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, April 4, 2008

Marketplace Money for April 5-6, 2008

Investor and philanthropist George Soros says the financial system as we know it is broken. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about his new book in which he offers what he calls a new paradigm for the financial markets.

Speedo's new LZR Racer swimsuit is going to be the hottest thing in the Olympic pool this summer. Some are crediting it for the world records that have been falling during qualifying trials this spring. Diana Nyad tells Kai Ryssal more about it.

The IRS says tax rebates will start going out on May 2. Commentator and behavioral economist Dan Ariely says the government might not realize it, but the way we get our cash will affect the way we spend it.

The money on Wall Street is again flowing into home building. Marketplace's Jill Barshay reports on why investors are betting against the housing bust.

Head of government agencies and investment banks went before a Senate committee to defend the Fed rescue of Bear Stearns, saying greater economic harm would have resulted if action weren't taken. Bob Moon reports.

It's only April and the year is already shaping up to be a tough one for airlines. This morning, ATA became the fourth airline to go under. Alisa Roth reports.

The Senate today is expected to put the finishing touches on a bi-partisan compromise aimed at helping homeowners facing foreclosure. From Washington, Jeremy Hobson gives us the outlines of the plan.

Lately trust between banks has broken down. Consumers have been losing faith, as well. Marketplace's Amy Scott reports on how banks are trying to win back the hearts and minds of both.

Wall Street's been slaughtered by layoffs. About 35,000 finance workers have lost their jobs, according to the latest count. But one segment of high finance is still hiring: hedge funds. Jill Barshay reports.

The health insurance company Wellpoint has announced a new strategy for discouraging medical errors. It says it will no longer reimburse hospitals for botched operations. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's 200-page plan to overhaul financial regulation is a call to change the way the insurance industry is regulated. Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell talks to Scott Jagow.

With airline safety issues increasingly in the news, Congress holds a hearing today on the issue. Jeff Tyler looks into whether outsourcing maintenance to foreign repair shops are at fault.

One item in Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's 200-page plan to overhaul financial regulation is a call to change the way the insurance industry is regulated. Economics editor Chris Farrell talks to Scott Jagow.

Question: I have a $240,000 fixed rate mortgage at 5.75%. My monthly PITI payment is a little under $1,900/month. And I get by OK on my retirement…

Marketplace morning report for Thursday, April 4, 2008

In Georgia, you can't buy liquor in stores on Sunday. But lawmakers are considering a bill to allow Sunday sales, which has given hope to some Georgians looking to wet their weekend whistles. Susanna Capelouto reports.

An international group that sets computer file standards has made Microsoft's Office 2007 the world standard. Janet Babin tells us what the heck that means and why it matters.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is challenging an Arizona immigration law that would allow the state to shut down businesses knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. Dan Grech reports.

The state of Ohio recently changed the rules of the game for its 60,000 employees. As of next month, flex time's not going to be so flexible anymore. Mhari Saito reports.

China may be booming, but commentator David Frum says its growth is more dependent now than ever on the health of the American economy.

A peculiar kind of unregulated financial instrument called a credit default swap was a key factor in why the Fed kept Bear Stearns from failing. Marketplace's John Dimsdale tells Kai Ryssdal about whether Congress might be applying some scrutiny.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress' Joint Economic Committee that he expects the economy to slow even further. And the housing crisis? It's not his problem.

U.S. senators say they are close to a deal on a bill that would include money for counseling people at risk of losing their homes, and incentives for communities and citizens to buy foreclosed properties. Jeremy Hobson reports.

The publisher of the Harry Potter books had a fantastic profit report for last year. But Bloomsbury doesn't have any more Potter books. What now? Stephen Beard reports from London.

Argentine farmers have blockaded roads for three weeks to protest a tax hike on soybean and sunflower seed exports, two of the country's top exports. The government won't relent. Dan Grech explains why.

Although the law banning banks from processing payments to gambling Web sites is more than a year old, it still isn't in effect. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports on why Congress is still working out the details.

Using our tax dollars to bail out the Wall Street debacle just isn't fair, says commentator Robert Reich. Wall Street reaps the rewards and we pay the price.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was in China today talking with his Chinese counterpart about trade, energy and the environment. Lisa Chow reports from Beijing.

Question: I would like your opinion on the retirement goals set by my investment firm. I'm 54 years old and have no debt at all. My house, car, etc…

A House committee looks at giving the FDA more power over the tobacco industry today, and some tobacco companies are OK with the idea. John Dimsdale reports.

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, April 2, 2008

With the dollar falling and the economy in Brazil booming, Brazilian immigrants in the United States are returning home by the thousands. Dan Grech reports.

Kai Ryssdal reviews your letters on issues ranging from corruption in Louisiana to electronic devices marketed to women and an assumption about our audience's demographics.

Most taxpayers will get anywhere from $600 to $1,200 from Uncle Sam as part of the federal plan to stimulate the economy. But many taxpayers will use the money to pay down debts instead. So, as Rico Gagliano reports, the IRS isn't taking any chances.

Treasury Secy. Paulson's plan to get the financial system under control doesn't address a once-obscure kind of credit insurance that's become an enormous money-maker for some of the country's biggest banks and other rich investors. Bob Moon explains.

Since Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow Airport opened last week, more than 250 flights have been canceled due to a backlog of 19,000 suitcases that've been parted from passengers. Janet Babin reports on why it's so hard to get luggage from here to there.

Prices on food have been soaring worldwide, including rice, which has doubled in the last couple of months. And the staple for so many people and cultures could get even more expensive. Jeff Tyler reports.

Executives from Big Oil were in the hot seat on Capitol Hill today, trying to defend billions of dollars worth of tax breaks their companies receive. Jeremy Hobson reports.

Airbus has had a rough time lately. Scott Jagow talks to Stephen Beard about the issues the European plane maker is dealing with, including delays with its superjumbo jet, profit losses and allegations of insider trading.

In the latest edition of our Housing Madness series, we look at a group of people who never even took out a subprime loan — or any loan for that matter. Steve Tripoli explores the story from the renters' perspective.

Visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers are expected to hit a record high this year, but a U.S. cap means a large number will be rejected. It also means U.S. jobs won't be filled. Dan Grech reports.

Proposed new powers for the Fed would allow the agency to pre-empt another Bear Stearns-style debacle. Jill Barshay reports this might turn the Fed into a "super cop."

Question: I began receiving Social Security payments at age 62. Now I'm 66, and I've read that I can pay this money back to the government and get…

With Congress back in session, the issue of homeowners struggling from subprime is back on the table. One proposal would force mortgage lenders to refinance bad loans. But commentator Todd Buchholz says not so fast.

Truck drivers upset over the cost of diesel fuel taxes in Pennsylvania are gathering in Harrisburg to voice their dissent. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports there could be more protests in the pipeline.

The credit crisis has inflicted more damage on Swiss banking giant UBS. The bank's got to write down an additional $19 billion for bad mortgage investments. Stephen Beard reports.

Ordinary Americans could benefit from the proposal to control mortgage regulators, but probably not for some time. Jeremy Hobson looks at what the Fed's plan could do for Main Street America.

Marketplace Morning Report for Tuesday, April 1, 2008

"The upfronts" — the events where TV networks tell advertisers what's on and advertisers plunk down billions to buy time — are going to be a bit different this year, beginning this week. Joe Adalian, the TV editor at Variety, explains to Kai Ryssdal.

The amount of cargo being shipped by train has dropped as the U.S. economy has slowed and imports have declined. But the freight-train business still hasn't gone off the rails. Jeff Tyler reports.

Traders dumped shares of Merck and Schering-Plough today on news that cholesterol-lowering medications the companies made and marketed didn't do much for other symptoms of heart disease — and might make them worse. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.

An Agriculture Department report says farmers are planning to plant more soybeans than last year. As they're getting ready for the planting season, those farmers are trying to navigate some complicated finances. Adriene Hill reports.

Commentator Robert Reich says Secretary Paulson made a good sales pitch, but he's short on substance.

Treasury Secy. Paulson admits that, this being a presidential election year, nothing much is going to happen with his announced regulation plan anytime soon. Kai Ryssal talks about it with Joe Grundfest, who used to sit on the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Treasury Secy. Henry Paulson Jr. uses the word stability 21 times as he announces the administration's proposal for new financial market rules and regulations. John Dimsdale reports.

There are many things the Treasury secretary's plan won't do — like rein in the loosely regulated hedge fund industry, or crack down on things like mortgage-backed securities or credit-default swaps. Amy Scott reports on what Henry Paulson didn't say.

Question: I'm 61 and will work until 65 or 66, unless my employer decides otherwise. My financial advisor is recommending that I put my IRA into a…

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has a blueprint for a new, streamlined Federal Reserve engine, complete with new and reorganized powers. But Congress still has to sign off on the bill. Alisa Roth reports.

Meg Whitman is leaving her post today as CEO of eBay to take on a new role as national co-chairwoman of McCain's presidential campaign. Doug Krizner talks to tech analyst Rob Enderle about the issues the company is facing.

Congress is considering a proposal to re-instate a homeowners' loan institution that hasn't existed since the 1930's. Lawmakers want it to profit by buying back troubled mortgages. John Dimsdale reports.

A British survey is forecasting the loss of tens of thousands of financial jobs in the U.K. Stephen Beard reports why there's a growing mood of pessimism and more vulnerability in the U.K. market than the U.S.

New York City health officials have delayed the deadline for restaurants to list calorie counts on their menus. The state's restaurant association will review whether the measure is legal. Amy Scott reports.

Major League Baseball wants to become more eco-friendly in the new season. But some feel green change grows slowly. Sarah Gardner looks into recycling game day programs and using low-flush toilets.

Las Vegas hosts its annual mobile phone industry conference this week, and show announcements have already begun. Lisa Napoli looks into why this proves that in the mobile phone business, phone calls are old news.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will reveal a plan this morning for a new layer of financial regulation. Scott Jagow talks to Fortune's Allan Sloan about what's being called the biggest overhaul since the Great Depression.

Marketplace Morning Report for Monday, March 31, 2008