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Economy

GOP Candidates Reopen Debate Over Gold

If president, Newt Gingrich says he would appoint a monetary policy commission to reconsider returning to the gold standard. Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images

GOP Candidates Reopen Debate Over Gold

The glitter of the gold standard has attracted another fan: Newt Gingrich, who recently suggested it might be a good idea to re-establish the link between the value of the dollar and gold. But there's disagreement over whether that's a good idea.

GOP Candidates Reopen Debate Over Gold

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Your Money

Two-Tier Wage System Shortchanging Workers?

When the auto industry was struggling financially, UAW and Detroit's Big Three automakers negotiated a system giving new employees lower wages and fewer benefits than employees hired before the deal was struck. Host Michel Martin speaks with a local reporter, as well as an autoworker who took a buy-out and was rehired at the same plant.

Two-Tier Wage System Shortchanging Workers?

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Business

Dan Gilbert: Connectivity Is Name Of The Game

Detroit native Dan Gilbert is the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of Quicken Loans. He bought several downtown properties that cover about 2 million square feet. He says he hopes to attract new businesses, prevent brain drain and make the area a top tech hub. Gilbert discusses his vision with host Michel Martin.

Dan Gilbert: Connectivity Is Name Of The Game

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National

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing On City's Crisis

Bing is facing a massive financial crisis and population plunge in Detroit. He's also trying to avoid a state takeover of the city. The former businessman and NBA star speaks with host Michel Martin about what it takes to transform the city.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing On City's Crisis

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Europe

Most EU Nations To Sign Pact To Stop Overspending

European Union nations — except Britain and the Czech Republic — have agreed to sign a treaty to enforce budget discipline in the eurozone. European leaders meeting in Brussels Monday also promised to stimulate growth and create jobs.

Most EU Nations To Sign Pact To Stop Overspending

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Mortgage Giant Places Bets Against Homeowners

NPR and ProPublica have found that Freddie Mac, the giant government-owned mortgage company, has been placing financial bets against homeowners. Specifically, Freddie Mac has made targeted investments that pay off if homeowners are unable to refinance their mortgages. At the same time, Freddie has been making it harder for many homeowners to get new loans.

Mortgage Giant Places Bets Against Homeowners

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Your Money

As Homeowners Struggle, Freddie Mac Benefits

An investigation by ProPublica and NPR finds that Freddie Mac has invested billions of dollars in bets against struggling homeowners. Public records show that Freddie Mac, in a potential conflict of interest, sought to make gains when homeowners failed to qualify for refinancing.

As Homeowners Struggle, Freddie Mac Benefits

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Europe

EU Struggles To Solve Greek Debt Crisis

Greek officials have been working with private lenders to try to reduce their debt-load. Meanwhile European Union officials are in Brussels to deal with the financial crisis. Renee Montagne talks to Zanny Minton Beddoes, an editor at The Economist, for an update on the crisis.

EU Struggles To Solve Greek Debt Crisis

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Tennessee Gov. Haslam Proposes Modest Tax Cuts

WPLN

With no income tax, Tennessee lives and dies by the sales tax. Revenues have increased each of the last 21 months, but the budget still isn't where it was five years ago. Still, Gov. Bill Haslam has proposed lowering the tax on food and trimming back the estate tax.

Tennessee Gov. Haslam Proposes Modest Tax Cuts

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Made In The USA: Saving The American Brand

General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, recovered from near disaster after a financial bailout from the federal government. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images hide caption

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Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Business

Made In The USA: Saving The American Brand

Kodak, an iconic American brand that helped build the town of Rochester, N.Y., recently filed for bankruptcy, due in part to competition from foreign manufacturers. The U.S. auto industry went through a similar upheaval a few years ago. But the Big Three are booming again, thanks to a federal bailout and restructuring. Can other American brands also be saved?

Made In The USA: Saving The American Brand

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GM CEO: No Apologies For Accepting U.S. Bailout

General Motors CEO Daniel Akerson, shown at the Detroit auto show earlier this month, tells NPR: "We want to produce the world's best vehicles, improve our margins, cash flow and profitability, but we have a long, long road to walk." Paul Sancya/AP hide caption

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Business

GM CEO: No Apologies For Accepting U.S. Bailout

Three years ago, General Motors was hemorrhaging money until the government decided to bail it out. Today, the company is thriving. GM's CEO Daniel Akerson talks about the resurgence.

GM CEO: No Apologies For Accepting U.S. Bailout

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Obama's Plan To Kick-Start Housing Market

In his State of the Union address, President Obama unveiled a new plan for the struggling U.S. housing market. As described, the program would let responsible homeowners take advantage of record-low borrowing costs through refinancing. Host Scott Simon talks with New York Times columnist Joe Nocera about the president's plans.

Obama's Plan To Kick-Start Housing Market

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Other File-Sharing Sites: 'We're Not Megaupload'

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Business

Other File-Sharing Sites: 'We're Not Megaupload'

The now-shuttered website's uploader rewards program paid those who put up the most-downloaded content — what might be seen as incentivizing piracy. Now, sites like MediaFire and RapidShare are trying to distance themselves from Megaupload's legal issues and make clear they don't run a similar program.

Other File-Sharing Sites: 'We're Not Megaupload'

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Opposing Candidates Favor Similar Economic Solution: Worker Retraining

President Obama waves after speaking at a UPS facility in Las Vegas on Thursday. Nevada is one stop on the president's latest road trip focusing on the economy. Julie Jacobson/AP hide caption

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Julie Jacobson/AP

It's All Politics

Opposing Candidates Favor Similar Economic Solution: Worker Retraining

Amid all the rancor, there is some common ground among Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and President Obama: worker retraining. It's an issue with broad political appeal, particularly in Florida where the job situation remains bleak.

Opposing Candidates Favor Similar Economic Solution: Worker Retraining

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