#38 Planet Money: Fears of a Clown

Figuring a little cushion couldn't hurt, West Virginia's Centra Bank got involved in the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Then CEO Douglas Leech decided the restrictions weren't worth the hassle and moved to repay the money. Getting out cost the healthy bank $750,000, for complicated reasons. Now David Kestenbaum has the chance to live his radio dream: Stopping his NPR story midway so he can explain it for the rest of us.

And clown Mandy Dalton says it's tough out there, buying $300 funky shoes in the middle of a deep recession and a swine flu panic.