Marketplace: Thursday, June 3, 2004

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A look at today's markets (closing numbers)
DOW 67.06 (.65%) ; NASDAQ 28.72 (1.44%) ; S&P 500 8.35 (.74%)

Newscast After seven years of heading up the Central Intelligence Agency, Director George Tenet called it quits on this Thursday, June 3rd. George Tenet is the second-longest serving director in the CIA's history. An OPEC oil minister said recently, "We cannot control the speculators. What we can do is increase supply." And that's what the cartel did today. OPEC agreed to hike output starting next month by two million barrels a day. For now at least, oil markets will take what they can get. Crude prices slid 81 cents or two percent to close at $39.15 a barrel in New York today. If the recent run-up in gas prices leaves you wincing at the pump, try filling up a 747. In an effort to lighten their load and save money on fuel, airlines have been removing magazine racks, entertainment systems, even in-seat phones from their planes. Thinking of swinging by KFC for some of that healthy fried chicken? Better stick with the turkey breast and steamed veggies. As part of a settlement with federal regulators today, KFC promised not to make any health claims it can't back up with hard scientific evidence. Listen to all newscast items

Features The Bush Budget Blues The scuttlebutt up on Capitol Hill is that Congress may not approve a budget by the start of the fiscal year. Some GOP moderates have balked at the President's $2.4 trillion spending plan, and also at a last-minute compromise. You may want to get used to it. Commentator: Larry Haas Related Story: House bills have more money for wildfires, less for emergency workers Ayub's Song - Afro Celt Sound System Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and Iraq Among the gamblers cranking the slots and working the craps tables in Vegas this week are a group of entrepreneurs. They're hoping to hit the jackpot - by winning a piece of the business of rebuilding Iraq. The U.S. goverment will eventually dole out more than 18 billion dollars in reconstruction contracts. The U.S. Army invited business people to Vegas to learn about contracts on offer. Reporter: Adam Davidson Related Story: For some, Iraq contracts too much of a gamble Leaving Las Vegas - Sheryl Crow Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Tiananmen Square at Fifteen Fifteen years ago today students gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, to protest government corruption. They chanted and sang and demanded a meeting with top Communist Party officials. The government sent troops to clear the square. By the following morning hundreds, perhaps thousands of people had been killed. Dazed and bloodied survivors stumbled from the smoke and debris. Beijing Bureau Chief Jocelyn Ford caught up with one of those protestors to find out what became of his dreams of democracy and freedom. Reporter: Jocelyn Ford Web Resource: Marketplace's "Fifteen Years After Tiananmen" Coverage The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

Coming up on Marketplace... In 1989, students protesting in Tiananmen Square were killed for their democratic ideals. Fifteen years later the Party line is beginning to blur.