May 23, 2006

Marketplace PM for May 23, 2006

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Segments From this episode

Depends what you mean by 'gouged' . . .

by Marketplace Staff

May 23, 2006

The FTC ruled that oil companies didn't manipulate the market after Hurricane Katrina. But it did find 15 situations that could be labeled as price gouging. Commentator and consumer advocate Jamie Court defines the term.

$400 million fine slapped on Fannie Mae

by Kai Ryssdal

May 23, 2006

A scathing government report accuses Fannie Mae of "arrogant and unethical" financial practices. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Wall Street Journal reporter James R. Hagerty whether the company really needed to be cooking the books.

A privatized guest worker program?

by Hillary Wicai

May 23, 2006

Republican Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana is floating a proposal to establish a temporary worker program operated by private industry. His plan would require all applicants to leave the country. Hillary Wicai reports.

Vonage goes public Wednesday

by Janet Babin

May 23, 2006

Internet phone service provider Vonage will price its initial public offering later today. And the company could use the cash, Janet Babin reports, as it faces growing competition in the VoIP (voice-over-Internet protocol) business.

Teaming up to beat the Mafia

by Marketplace Staff

May 23, 2006

In Palermo, Sicily, business owners have had enough of the Mafia and are refusing to pay protection money. They are sticking together, believing there may be safety in numbers. Megan Williams reports.

Hercules battles Wal-Mart

by Lisa Napoli

May 23, 2006

The Hercules, Calif. City Council meets tonight to discuss using the power of eminent domain to seize 17 acres on which Wal-Mart intends to build a store. Lisa Napoli reports.

'Green chemistry' hitting the market

by Sarah Gardner

May 23, 2006

Decades of toxic spills and pollution have caused a backlash against the notion that chemistry can improve daily life, but "green chemistry" is catching on — even in big business labs. Sarah Gardner reports.