In the tough global economy, trade is returning to its roots. Yes, bartering is back.

Looking for work will be a challenging prospect in the coming months as the nation grapples with a wilting economy. Eric Janszen, president of iTulip Inc. and a former venture capitalist, joins The Takeaway to discuss the plight and repercussions of unemployment.

The NBA season begins tonight. The Takeaway looks at how the tough economy is playing out on the hardwood.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many Americans have equated fear with terrorist acts. But new research shows that a greater fear has finally trumped terror: the current financial crisis.

The stock market fluctuations are only the beginning of the recession story. Bob Brusca, Chief Economist with Fact & Opinion Economics, untangles the recession web of weak retail sales, weak industrial output and growing unemployment.

The race is on for every vote, especially in the toss-up states of Indiana and North Carolina. After last night’s presidential debate the undecided voters in the toss-up states may have reached some decisions. Catherine Welch of WHQR in North Carolina and Micah Schweizer of WNIN in Indiana went to debate parties in their states and report the audience reactions and decisions.

As the fires in California continue to burn, the Takeaway gets an update on the situation from 35 year firefighting veteran, Tom Kruschke, Retired Fire Captain with Ventura County Fire Department

Following Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr.’s announcement of a $250 billion infusion into the nation’s banks yesterday, the market closed down slightly. To discuss new plans and provisions for the financial system, Mark Landler of the New York Times joins us.

On October 10, Republican presidential nominee John McCain unveiled an economic plan that would waive rules forcing senior citizens to withdraw from their IRAs or 401(k)s beginning at age 70 1/2. Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama also supports the idea. What could the proposed rule change means for retirees?

In our ongoing look at the economy, we turn to Dante Chinni of The Christian Science Monitor's Patchwork Nation project, which uses demographic information to look at America beyond state lines. No more red state or blue state. Chinni tells The Takeaway about the affluent way of life at risk in the "Monied 'Burbs."

As the White House and Congressional leaders maneuver to drum up support for a $700 billion economic bailout package, several Republican and Democratic lawmakers have said they're prepared to switch their votes. But New York Times reporter David Herszenhorn tells us that others are still agonizing over today's vote amid a continuing deluge of calls from angry constituents.

The year was 1968, and political unrest was proliferating around the world. As Mexico City was preparing to host the Olympic Games, a political demonstration turned into a bloodbath. London Evening News sports reporter Bob Trevor was in Mexico covering the Games, but found himself in the middle of a very different story.

Just ahead of the vice presidential nominees' debate this evening, new polls indicate a rise in Democratic Senator Barack Obama's popularity. Adam Nagourney of the New York Times assesses what these new polls mean for the campaigns.

Tonight, millions of viewers will watch the one and only debate between the vice-presidential nominees: Senator Joe Biden, D-Del, and Governor Sarah Palin, R-Alaska. Rita Farrell, former Reuters correspondent, discusses what viewers can expect from Sen. Biden.

In spite of high gas prices, people are still driving their cars. Car buying, however, is another story.

The American Dream — owning your own home — is still within reach! The Takeaway talks with Christine Clifford, vice president of Wholesale Access Mortgage Research, who explains the recent history and coming trends in mortgage lending. And, hopeful homebuyer Grace Smokowski is seeking a mortgage. She tells us her story.

Guest: Jeffrey Miron, senior lecturer, Department of Economics, Harvard University

Guest: Libby Casey, Washington, D.C., correspondent, Alaska Public Radio Network

Wondering if the proposed Wall Street bailout is a good idea? You're in good company. On Tuesday, more than 100 academic economists sent a letter sent to Congress protesting the bailout. Jeffrey Miron, Harvard University economist, talks with The Takeaway about the resistance to government intervention.