Italy's borrowing rates climb over 7 percent, and it looks increasingly likely that a technocratic government might need to step in at the end of Silvio Berlusconi's leadership. Italy is also facing another crisis: a shortage of white truffles. A Senate panel looks at the best way to improve transportation infrastructure in the U.S., and the FCC will announce a deal to bring low-cost computers and Internet connections to low-income households.
Segments From this episode
Mid-day Update
Mid-day Extra: Are brands politically neutral?
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
As Election Day results come pouring in, we look at one study that shows how Republicans and Democrats differ in their brand preferences.
Pros and cons of a technocratic government
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
With elected officials in the eurozone failing to fix their countries' problems, technocratic governments may rise to take over. But there are downsides in allowing the technical experts to come in.
Retailers introduce interactive 'shopping walls'
by Stacey Vanek Smith
Nov 9, 2011
Stores like Sears and Wal-Mart are debuting walls where shoppers can scan QR codes and make purchases with their phones.
Italy's other crisis: White truffle shortage
by Adriene Hill
Nov 9, 2011
A dry summer has hurt the white truffle harvest in Italy, leaving an impact on the usually lucrative market.
Why insurance companies want the individual mandate
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
The individual mandate that would require all Americans buy health insurance is one of the heated issues coming to the Supreme Court as it considers the constitutionality of Obamacare.
Lagarde speaks in China, warns of a 'lost decade'
by Rob Schmitz
Nov 9, 2011
The head of the IMF, Christine Legarde, thinks the world economy is on the verge of a 'lost decade,' and is turning to the Chinese to help prevent it.
Cost of borrowing in Italy hits record high
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
Markets are worried as the cost of borrowing in Italy heads over 7 percent, even after plans for Silvio Berlusconi to step down.
BBC World Service
Italian bond yields reach 7%, increasing worries in Europe
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
With the cost of borrowing hitting record highs in Italy, banks, pension funds and insurance companies worry about the repercussions.
Senate panel debates transportation spending
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
Members of the Senate today will discuss how to improve the country's infrastructure, and how we can go about funding the changes.
Josh Brown: Italy too big not to be bailed out
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
We speak to Josh Brown of Fusion Analytics about Italy passing the 7 percent mark on its bond yields, and what that could mean in the coming months.
FCC announces $4 billlion to bring Internet to low-income families
by David Gura
Nov 9, 2011
The Federal Communications Commission is announcing a $4 billion plan today to help bring cable and computer companies together to provide low-cost Internet connections.
Berlusconi's eventual departure cheers Italians, but not markets
by Marketplace Staff
Nov 9, 2011
Today in Italy, citizens are generally happy about the idea that Berlusconi will soon be gone from power. But it isn't fast enough to save the markets.