Morning Edition
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6:51: Marketplace Morning Report
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Waking up is hard to do, but it's easier with NPR's Morning Edition. Hosts Renee Montagne, Steve Inskeep, and David Greene bring the day's stories and news to radio listeners on the go. Morning Edition provides news in context, airs thoughtful ideas and commentary, and reviews important new music, books, and events in the arts. All with voices and sounds that invite listeners to experience the stories.
Hiring slowed in April. The U.S. economy added 175,000 jobs
April's job growth was down from the previous month, according to a new Labor Department report. The unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.8% to 3.9%, but remains low by historical standards.
Obama Focuses On Newtown, 'Fiscal Cliff'
President Obama has responded forcefully to the Newtown, Conn., shootings this past week. He assigned Vice President Biden to come up with policies aimed at preventing future such tragedies. The president has also been trying to strike a budget deal to avoid the year-end "fiscal cliff."
Plug Pulled On 'Plan B,' House Breaks For Christmas
by Tamara Keith
House Speaker John Boehner was dealt a major defeat Thursday night. After spending most of the week trying to round up votes for his "Plan B" to extend tax cuts for virtually everyone, he pulled the measure without a vote. The clock keeps ticking toward the end of the year, when automatic tax increases and spending cuts are set to hit.
Yes Virginia, There Is A Smartphone-Controlled Toilet
A Japanese company recently announced it has such a device. Using a smartphone app, you can flush without touching the handle. You can also raise and lower the seat, and there are built-in speakers.
Bernie Madoff's Brother Is Headed To Prison
A federal judge sentenced Peter Madoff to the maximum sentence, 10 years, after he pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy.
Medicare Starts To Reward Quality, Not Quantity, Of Care
by Jordan Rau
The nation's biggest insurer is starting to dole out bonuses and penalties to nearly 3,000 hospitals as it ties almost $1 billion in payments to the quality of care provided to patients.
More Israeli Settlements Could Scuttle Peace Plan
by Philip Reeves
After the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to recognize the Palestinians as a non-member state, Israel announced it would expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. If completed, the project would effectively divide the West Bank in two, according to the Palestinians.
Coal Mining Museum Welcomes Solar Panels
The Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum, a former mine in Wales, celebrates the fossil fuel that sparked the industrial revolution. Now it's embracing solar energy. Renewable Energy World reports 200 newly installed solar panels could save the property as much as $650,000 over 25 years on power.
Dead Russian Parliament Member Voted 31 Times
Vyacheslav Osipov voted on 31 different measures despite being dead at the time. The rules allowed other lawmakers to cast votes for him by proxy. He's off the voting rolls now.
Sen. Warner: Gun Laws Alone Won't Solve Problems
Following the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., some staunch supporters of gun rights have shifted their tone and appear open to new action on gun control. One of them is Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. He talks to Steve Inskeep about his position.
South Korea's New Leader Promises Moderate Path
by Anthony Kuhn
South Korea will have its first female president, following Wednesday's close presidential election. Park Geun-hye says she will be open to better relations with North Korea, but she leads a conservative party known for its hardline with Pyongyang.