Business
6:58 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Skechers To Settle FTC Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission has announced that Skechers will pay more than $40 million to settle charges that the company made unfounded claims about its shape-up shoes. The FTC says the marketing was deceptive.

Around the Nation
6:58 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Director John Waters Hitches A Ride With Indie Band

The Baltimore legend is known for his pencil-thin mustache, and for movies like Hairspray. He's said in interviews he enjoys hitchhiking. Recently, the band Here We Go Magic tweeted photos of him in their van.

Around the Nation
6:58 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Student Discovers Mastodon Tooth In His Backyard

An Oklahoma teacher asked her fifth graders to each bring in a rock. One student brought in a stone that looked like a tooth. It turns out it was a tooth, according to the Muskogee Daily Phoenix. The tooth may up to 40 million years old.

Author Interviews
6:32 am
Thu May 17, 2012

'Patriot Of Persia' Revisits 1953 CIA Coup In Iran

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 6:58 am

Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep talks to journalist Christopher de Bellaigue about his book Patriot of Persia: Muhammad Mossadegh and a Tragic Anglo-American Coup.

Middle East
6:31 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Palestinians Tout Non-Violent Resistance

Originally published on Sun May 20, 2012 8:43 am

This week, Palestinian prisoners ended a mass hunger strike aimed at improving their conditions in Israeli prisons after reaching a deal with Israeli authorities. The success of the collective action in wresting concessions from Israel has some Palestinians calling for a greater emphasis on nonviolence in their opposition to Israeli policies.

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Business
6:13 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Would You Pay $1,500 For A Hot Dog?

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 6:58 am

The hot dog is topped with lobster tail, contains safron aioli and is covered in gold dust. Four of the expensive dogs have been sold, and the proceeds donated to charity.

Europe
6:02 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Greek Voters Unlikely To Switch Austerity Views

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 6:58 am

John Peet, Europe editor of The Economist in London, talks to David Greene about European reaction to heightened speculation that Greece may leave the eurozone. Next month, voters are likely to back parties that want to tear up the IMF-EU bailout deal.

Business
4:29 am
Thu May 17, 2012

Business

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 6:58 am

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

NPR's business news starts with some good news for the housing market.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

GREENE: Home foreclosures in the United States are down for the third straight month, according to the foreclosure listing from RealtyTrack. Nationwide, a new RealtyTrack report finds foreclosure rates in April were down 14 percent over last year, hitting the lowest monthly level in nearly in five years. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Television
4:29 am
Thu May 17, 2012

TV Networks Already Focused On Fall Season Shows

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 6:58 am

David Greene talks to reporter Kim Masters about some of the new TV shows coming out of this year's upfront presentations. The upfronts are when the networks present their fall lineups to advertisers and media. Masters is covering the upfronts for The Hollywood Reporter.

Europe
3:31 am
Thu May 17, 2012

'Dire Consequences' If Greece Exits Euro

Credit Louisa Gouliamaki / AFP/Getty Images
People walk past the Bank of Greece headquarters in Athens.

Originally published on Thu May 17, 2012 10:46 am

Euros are being drained out of Greek banks at a rate of up to $1 billion a day this week. In the wake of the country's election turmoil, depositors are nervous about the heightened possibility of a Greek exit from the euro. If that were to happen, euros left in Greek banks could be worth much less than euros outside the country.

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