Marketplace: Tuesday, June 01, 2004

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A look at today's markets (closing numbers)
DOW 14.20 (.14%%) ; NASDAQ 4.03 (.20%%) ; S&P 500 .56 (.05%%)

Newscast "I quit!" On this June 1st, that was the dramatic announcement from the president and chief operating officer of one of the biggest media companies in America. Mel Karmazin's sudden resignation from his high-profile post at Viacom leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Viacom stock fell 1.25 percent. Karmazin's departure was the corporate story commanding attention today--but before Karmazin's resignation--before the markets opened--there was high anxiety over oil prices. Over the weekend, terrorists in Saudi Arabia targeted a housing compound for foreign oil workers, killing 22 people. High crude prices, high prices at the pumps--and it's only June first. Just in time for the unofficial start of summer, Iowa-based Winnebago -- the company best known for its recreational vehicles -- had a surprise for those who thought fuel prices would put a damper on sales. A trade group of purchasing manufacturers offered better than expected news about manufacturing today. It's growing--with factories adding an estimated 100,000 new jobs last month, according to the Institute for Supply Management. Listen to all newscast items

Features Dow Corning Comes Clean It spent most of the last decade fighting lawsuits and restructuring its debt. But today, the 61-year-old joint venture between Dow Chemical and Corning finally emerged from bankruptcy. Dow Corning was at the center of a scandal over its silicone breast implants. Thousands of women sued complaining of illnesses brought on by leaks and ruptures. The women are getting compensation - and Dow Corning is getting a second chance. Reporter: Helen Palmer Related Story: Dow Corning Emerges from Bankruptcy We Laugh Indoors - Death Cab for Cutie Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Battles Over Tort Reform The lawsuits against Dow Corning offered a classic example of a tort case. The plaintiffs charged the company had a duty to protect customers--that Dow breached that duty--and that breach caused measurable damages. The courts are full of tort cases. The cost of litigation--the cost of settling---the cost of jury awards---has had corporations begging for relief. Today Senate leaders announced plans to take up tort reform as soon as next week. The bill would shift cases against interstate corporations from state to federal courts. Boosters of the bill argue businesses shouldn't have to wage battles in 50 separate states--especially those where juries tend to be generous. Our commentator claims the momentum behind tort reform speaks volumes about how business is done in Washington. Commentator: Jamie Court Related Story: Images clash over tort reforms The Vulture - Clinic Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Hustler of Haiti The U.S.-led military in Haiti handed power over to United Nations peacekeepers today. About 3,600 mostly U.S. troops will leave Haiti this month. They'll be replaced by nearly double that number of UN troops and civilian police from 30 different countries. It's still uncertain whether they'll be able to disarm factions and restore peace there. But reporter Steven Dudley found the sheer number of relatively well-heeled UN workers is creating opportunities for some businesses. Reporter: Steven Dudley Related Story: Let's get Haiti right, Annan tells UN troops I Don't Want to Go Back Empty Handed - SerArt Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource (Rural Health) Help Wanted! A little-known program that brings doctors to remote areas of the United States expired today. The so-called "J-1" visa waivers allow foreign doctors who've trained in the U.S. to stay past their visa limits -- if they agree to practice in a rural area. Since 9/11, though, doctors who've applied for J-1 waivers have had a tougher time getting them... and now legislation to re-authorize the program is stuck in committee. Reporter: Sarah Gardner Web Resource: Health Worker Shortages And The Potential Of Immigration Policy Ay Doctor - Maná Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

Coming up on Marketplace... For some high school graduates the chance to make a difference takes multiple forms.