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May 21, 2009

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Segments From this episode

Why does GMAC need more money?

May 21, 2009
GMAC, the auto finance arm of General Motors, is set to collect billions in government aid. Why does it need more money and is this unfair to other automakers? Tamara Keith reports.

Furloughs hit private sector

May 21, 2009
Soon many state and county offices will be temporarily closed as employees take unpaid leave. But it's not just local governments adopting furloughs to cut costs. Sam Eaton reports.

U.K. outlook downgraded, U.S. next?

May 21, 2009
Standard & Poor's has downgraded the UK's economic outlook from stable to negative. Could the U.S. be next? Stephen Beard reports.

Commission to look at causes of crisis

May 21, 2009
A new commission will look at what caused America's financial crisis. Sen. Kent Conrad helped co-author the bill to create the commission and talks with Kai Ryssdal about what he expects to find.

Indiana town builds hope on machinery

May 21, 2009
Muncie, Ind., was once a manufacturing hub, but the recession has taken nearly all of those jobs away. So the city is banking on a new piece of machinery to help get it somewhat back on track. Kai Ryssdal reports.

Raise gas tax to get more efficient cars

May 21, 2009
The Obama administration is making fuel-efficiency regulations tougher. Commentator Paul Kedrosky says these reforms don't make much economic sense and offers an alternative to get more efficient cars built.

More to piracy than 'maritime mugging'

May 21, 2009
Professor Peter Leeson talks with Kai Ryssdal about high-seas piracy, and what we can learn about Somali pirates from their 18th century forebearers.

Less is more at the fast food drive-thru

May 21, 2009
Fast food joints adjusting to a down economy are finding many consumers want more than just value in their extra-value meals. Andrea Gardner explains.

Music from the episode

Sandusky Uncle Tupelo
In A Big Country Big Country
Movement - Instrumental The Shanghai Restoration Project
More Than This - Remastered Roxy Music