Dec 28, 2011

Marketplace for Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz over new sanctions that could limit its oil and gas industry. Meanwhile, Poland wants to do business with China. Heidi Moore looks back on the year for the banking industry. U.S. states are cutting back smoking prevention programs. The city of Memphis, Tenn., continues on a slow recovery, while Texas is still dealing with the effects of a major drought. And commentator Robert Reich talks about what he thinks will be 2012's defining political issue.

Segments From this episode

Why Iran is pushing back on sanctions

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 28, 2011

As the European Union prepares to increase sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the Islamic Republic has retaliated with a threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for oil exports.

Poland sees China links as key to growth

by Christopher Werth

Dec 28, 2011

Poland has prospered in recent years as many European nations fell into debt. It sees partnership with China as a key element in sustaining growth.

Commentary

2012's defining political issue

by Robert Reich

Dec 28, 2011

Bye-bye 2011. So what will we be talking about in 2012? Here's a hint: The federal government.

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The drought that keeps on taking

by Eve Troeh

Dec 28, 2011

Poised to become the worst two-year drought on record, the Texas drought will be felt far into 2012.

States snuff out smoking prevention programs

by Gregory Warner

Dec 28, 2011

Faced with big budget gaps, state governments are taking money away from programs that help people quit smoking. Analysts say this will cost more in the long run.

2011 in review: The banking industry

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 28, 2011

From pesky hidden fees to the status of Dodd-Frank financial reform, from the impact of Europe's debt crisis to lending -- we look back at the year in banking.

Memphis mayor on the city's recovery

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 28, 2011

In the summer of 2010, Memphis was filled with abandoned houses and other effects of the subprime crisis. A year and a half later, how's the city doing?

Final Note

Observations of Kim Jong-Il's funeral

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 28, 2011

The body of North Korea's Dear Leader Kim Jong-Il was driven through Pyongyang today -- in none other than a U.S.-made Lincoln Continental?

Music from the episode

Changing The Airborne Toxic Event

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