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You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

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Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories
Dec 15, 2011

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, December 15, 2011

With the Iowa caucuses just a few weeks out, we take at closer look at the economic policies of Republican candidate Newt Gingrich. Federal student aid programs could be on the chopping block. Russia is about to get its invitation to join the World Trade Organization as ministers from the group’s 153 members meet in Geneva.  And our weekly Attitude Check, part of our partnership with Gallup, looks at how Americans feel about the crisis in Europe.

Segments From This Episode

  • Research in Motion was the smartphone’s pioneer. But the BlackBerry’s core business customers are switching to iPhone and Android devices.

  • The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims this week has fallen to the lowest point since May of 2008 — and it isn't just holiday retail hiring causing the shift.

  • This morning, a right-wing Republican and left-wing Democrat have announced a plan to reform Medicare that may — that may — put policy over politics.

  • Weekly jobless numbers out this week show positive signs for the country's economy recovery, but mortage lending rates tell a different story.

  • The budget debate in Washington has put a lot of programs in danger, including those that depend on research and development tax cuts to innovate.

  • Point guard Chris Paul is moving to Los Angeles to play for the Clippers. What can that do for his own fame, and for the team's success down the line?

  • There is a new plan to help save the planet and prevent global warming... by taking off your tie.
    Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

    With the Iowa caucuses just a few weeks out, we take at closer look at the economic policies of Republican candidate Newt Gingrich. Federal student aid programs could be on the chopping block. Russia is about to get its invitation to join the World Trade Organization as ministers from the group's 153 members meet in Geneva. And our weekly Attitude Check, part of our partnership with Gallup, looks at how Americans feel about the crisis in Europe.

  • The former speaker of the house is currently leading the polls for the Republican presidential nomination. What do his economic policies entail?

  • The Chinese government will start to levy duties on imported cars made in the United States.

  • Will Ferrell recently taped a series of commercials for Old Milwaukee, pro bono.

  • If the euro collapses, Britain's economy could shrink by up to 8 percent. That could have a big effect on the country's defense spending.

  • The countdown begins in Washington to come up with a budget before midnight tomorrow, and one place cuts could come from are federal student loan programs.

  • After years of bickering over terms, Russia is getting an invitation to join the World Trade Organization. WTO ministers start a three day meeting in Geneva today.

  • We speak to Frank Newport, editor-in-chief at Gallup, about how much Americans really care about the ongoing crisis in Europe.

With the Iowa caucuses just a few weeks out, we take at closer look at the economic policies of Republican candidate Newt Gingrich. Federal student aid programs could be on the chopping block. Russia is about to get its invitation to join the World Trade Organization as ministers from the group’s 153 members meet in Geneva.  And our weekly Attitude Check, part of our partnership with Gallup, looks at how Americans feel about the crisis in Europe.

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, December 15, 2011