One minute the headlines say we're zooming towards a recession, the next minute economic surveys say we're actually OK. What's going on? Tess Vigeland talks to economists Diane Swonk and Michael Englund.
To rebuild a city, you have to know who's back and who's not. Tess Vigeland talks to New Orleans demographer Allison Plyer about the state of the Crescent City three years after Hurricane Katrina.
Full disclosure first: This is not an Olympics story. It's about a soccer team in Germany that made it to the big league, the Bundesliga. But Brett Neely reports that many Germans are not so happy with the team's success.
When it gets really hot out and your air conditioner conks out, Russ Wichterman could be your knight in shining armor. Wichterman tells us what it's like to be an air conditioning repairman.
Stockbroker and business analyst David Johnson in Dallas chats with host Tess Vigeland about the week on Wall Street. The go over markets, commodities, oil, the dollar and whether or not we can relax.
Sears, JCPenny and other stores are re-branding to appeal to a younger clientele. Sears even sought image advice from MTV. Nancy Farghalli reports that the new looks are ready for back-to-school shoppers.
A ruling by a Federal appeals court that open-source software can be protected by copyright is expected to have enormous effect not just for coders, but for the tech world at large. Jeremy Hobson reports.
Buying a New York Times at a newsstand Monday will cost an extra quarter, making it $1.50. But with people already pinching pennies and newspaper circulations declining, why raise the price? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The price of natural gas is down. But it's not just because of lower crude oil prices or word that three states will provide new supplies. Dan Grech reports on an unexpected factor in the availability of the important fuel.
The dollar is gaining strength in foreign exchange markets, particularly against the euro. Is that a good thing? It depends. John Dimsdale reports how a stronger dollar affects the American economy.
Many investors put their money into auction-rate securities, but had trouble getting money back when the credit crunch hit. Tess Vigeland talks to Bob Moon, who's been following the securities' settlement case.
Investments in emerging markets like China were all the rage a year ago. Now that they're in the same slump as the U.S, is overseas investing still a hot ticket? Tess talks to Andrew Ang of Columbia's Business School.
Last week, Marketplace's Steve Henn profiled companies that make money selling your medical info online. This week he explains why that's legal, even with privacy laws.
Does it pay to be prudent? Economics editor Chris Farrell thinks so. This week, he talks with Tess Vigeland about the pros and cons of bank and mortgage bailouts.
Opera myth number one debunked: You don't have to be heavy to sing big. Professional tenor Richard Troxell takes us through the riveting highs and lows of his job.
So you're one of the lucky tourists in Beijing to see the Olympics. Are you having trouble getting good deals when you go shopping? Scott Tong strolls through the Silk Market and shows us how it's done.
Energy drinks are a multibillion-dollar industry with scores of brands on the shelves. But which is worth stocking up on in your fridge? We asked energy drink junkie Sean Cole to go exploring.
Commodity prices have been on a steep decline lately as demand for things like oil, copper and wheat has been ebbing. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports why the dollar's recent rally has started turning things around.
Coney Island is famous for its kitsch charm, but a looming redevelopment plan hoping to bring in hotels other mainstream commerce is threatening to change the amusement park for good. Jill Barshay reports.
When high profile CEOs contribute to a political campaign, what's more valuable: the money, or the weight of their support? Steve Henn explores the question and the political influence of CEOs in this economy.
Liechtenstein, long known in Europe as a "safe" place for foreign depositors, is planning to pass on info to tax authorities about certain undeclared accounts. Stephen Beard reports on the move to avoid scandal.
With Vermont's contracts with out-of-state electricity plants set to expire, residents are nervous about rising rates. But a group of environmentalists may have found a local solution. Jane Lindholm reports.
Louisiana banned cockfighting, and some locals who view the practice as a longstanding tradition are sad to see it go. Kate Archer Kent also reports its profitability could also force cockfighting to continue underground.
As U.S. swimming Olympian Michael Phelps goes for more gold in the Beijing games, his agent is expecting more sponsorship deals. But Scott Tong reports why China may not be the best market for him.
Samanta lives in Baku, Azerbaijan, which a multi-million pipeline has turned into a boomtown. She isn't part of the boom, but does well, because she is tall, foreign-looking and believably female. Good traits for a transgender sex worker in Baku.
Until now, Europe has escaped the economic problems troubling the United States. But there it was: news today that Germany, France and Italy had terrible second quarters. Stephen Beard reports on what happened.
Oil is an especially volatile commodity this year. First it soared to record prices, now it's going the other way. Host Kai Ryssdal asks an oil expert to help sort this out. You might be surprised by this expert's prediction.
You know the saying, Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apparently Detroit auto makers haven't heard it. Commentator Todd Buchholz says big cars turned out to be just like the dot-com craze. A bubble. And it burst.
Barack Obama unveiled new details about his tax-cut plan today. It includes the tax cuts — and who will pay for them. Jeremy Hobson looked at the math to see if Obama's numbers hold up.
The July Consumer Price Index rose more than expected, as the average weekly earnings fell in the same month. But how does that mesh with plummeting home prices? Mitchell Hartman reports.
A complaint being filed with the Federal Election Commission today says Wal-Mart held meetings telling its workers not to vote for Barack Obama. Alisa Roth reports why advocacy groups are particularly upset Wal-Mart's involved.
If you want to get into the stadium for the Olympic games, it's going to cost you plenty of yuan — and even then, it's hard to find good seats. Scott Tong reports in order to get to the games, people are getting creative.
Analysts in the housing industry rely heavily on RealtyTrac for foreclosure numbers, butthe source can't always see everything. Steve Henn reports tracking the real estate downturn is becoming more difficult.
The troublesome economy has had a visible effect on lower-income folks, but what of those who live a life of luxury? Philip Martin went to the upper-east side of New York and saw how the wealthy were struggling.
The global market story has been about the bleak U.S. economy for awhile now. But today, the E.U. said Germany, France and Italy had terrible second quarters. Scott Jagow talks about the European markets with Stephen Beard.
It's hard to go anywhere in Beijing without seeing the face of hurdler Liu Xiang on billboards, which some fear could eventually lead to the risk of overexposure. But Jamila Trindle reports that might not matter to fans.
Legend has it that politicians interviewed on The Colbert Report see a significant bump in fundraising after they appear on the show. Rico Gagliano did a little research and found the numbers backed up the theory.
Money might not grow on trees, but it's apparently all over the streets. Sally Herships reports on a New York family that's building a nest egg with small change they find just lying around.
The lower-than-expected turnout at the Olympics is disappointing for corporate sponsors and companies that wanted to do business in China during the Games. But they're hanging in there, Scott Tong reports.
The Fed has bailed out banks, advised them on capital assets and now is issuing regulations for the credit-card industry. But who, asks commentator Robert Reich, is minding the Fed?
As many as six banks are said to have agreed to buy back securities from the failed auction-rate market as part of a settlement with federal regulators. Is a global settlement in the works? Bob Moon reports.
Arianna Huffington debuts the first local franchise of her popular news Web site The Huffington Post, aka "HuffPo," on Thursday. Is this a move on the local news turf? Renita Jablonski reports.
A group of Senate moderates are in agreement about a proposal that would allow some offshore drilling. John Dimsdale has details on the compromise plan and talked with a few experts about it.
Detroit's doing all it can about drooping car sales, including plans for new fuel-efficient and smaller models. We ask an industry analyst what happens if consumer preferences swing back to big.
Retail sales dropped for the first time in five months, according to the monthly numbers for July. One thing Americans aren't buying much this summer is big cars. Alisa Roth reports.
Sales of motor vehicles dropped last month and electronics numbers were also low. Alisa Roth reports retailers are cautious as spending slows, but things may pick up in August as students return to school.
A report out says one-quarter of Hispanics in the U.S. don't have a doctor or health provider they routinely see for care. Dan Grech reports many of them are young, single men who rarely get sick and could be at risk later.
Chinese businesses were anticipating higher numbers of foreign tourists for the Beijing Olympics, but so far the influx has fallen a bit short. Jamila Trindle reports even a rush now would fall short of previous expectations.
The FAA wants to shift flight paths over small towns in Connecticut to improve congestion in the New York area. But folks upset over the prospect of jet-filled skies are fighting the move. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
A Russian company is taking over a large Ohio-based pipe and tube manufacturer in one of the biggest steel industry deals this year. Stephen Beard reports Russian steel makers now have a big U.S. presence.
Game enthusiasts are excited about chip company AMD's latest graphics card. And while the technology promises to thrill the eyes, the price tag is similarly mind-blowing. Mitchell Hartman reports.
News of a Chinese food safety official committing suicide has been kept hushed for 11 days. Why would something so big be kept under wraps? Scott Jagow talks to Scott Tong about the need for cover-up during the big games.
China's global integration has helped lift hundreds of millions within the country out of poverty. But commentator Will Wilkinson explains why trade with China has helped poor Americans do better and fought income inequality.
Russia apparently wants to be a superpower again, and the plan looks to be government control over its natural resources — first oil, now grain. Stephen Beard reports the story.
Commentator Marshall Goldman says that Russia doesn't care if the rest of the world thinks it's a bully for attacking Georgia and threatening European oil supplies. She tells us why.
Host Kai Ryssdal reads listener comments on a few of our recent stories. This week, listeners wrote about the cost of fighting wildfires, geriatric medicine and conservative economic policies.
A bottle or two of vino might just have you singing. That's probably why an Italian wine maker is using song to promote its product–and it's hitting all the right notes. Megan Williams has the story.
TV stations have slashed the price of advertising because companies that traditionally buy commercials have cut back spending. That means cheaper airtime for political ads. Steve Henn has the story.
Host Kai Ryssdal goes right to the source to talk about the government's latest crop survey and its prediction for a bumper corn harvest. An Illinois farmer gives his take on the news.
Grain prices could fall as farmers are on pace to produce some of the largest corn and soy crops in history. Senior business correspondent Bob Moon asks if that means lower consumer prices.
A study out this morning from the Government Accountability Office looks at corporations and taxes, and which companies avoid paying them. Alisa Roth looks into how some corporations find tax loopholes.
Chinese sportswear firm Li Ning isn't an official Olympic sponsor, but they're riding enough of a wave to make significant headway with consumers. Scott Tong reports the trick now is to keep the momentum going.
MBA programs saw record applications this year as young workers went to business school. But with the economy the way it is, there may not be as many jobs awaiting those eager grads. Joel Rose reports.
Chrysler's owners say they're considering having Nissan or another car company design vehicles that would be sold under the Chrysler brand. Bob Moon reports how the working relationship could benefit both companies.
The pension fund TIAA-CREF is opening its first overseas office in London. The goal is to to step up investments in European real estate. Stephen Beard reports the credit crunch has created opportunities in Europe.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is holding a foreclosure workshop today. Hoping to bring together troubled borrowers, the seminar is being held at a pro football stadium. Curt Nickisch has more.
Tech watchers are anticipating Dell's unveiling of a new laptop that's lighter and more compact — and more affordable. Mitchell Hartman reports on new "netbook" computers that make up for a lack of storage by being more convenient.
Today begins Red Grouse hunting season in Britain, a.k.a. the glorious 12th. Though it's not a great day for animal rights activists, the hunting of field birds is a thriving economy. Scott Jagow talks to Stephen Beard.
How will the war in Georgia affect Europe, which gets 25 percent of its oil from Russia? Host Kai Ryssdal turns to a European and Eurasian expert to find out.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… trademark infringement? Joel Rose has more on ice cream truck company Mister Softee's legal battle against imposters.
The Defense Department changed the rules for landing a $35 million contract to build an aerial refueling tanker, and now, word is that Boeing won't bid. John Dimsdale reports.
Waste Management today raised by 10 percent its bid to buy its biggest competitor in the trash business. Ashley Milne-Tyte asks what happens to us if that merger goes through.
