Jul 30, 2012

Marketplace for Monday, July 30, 2012

Apple and Samsung go to court today over a patent dispute, but before the jury makes a decision, wonky tech legalese will have to be translated into layman's terms. Cash-strapped local governments may have found a creative way to create affordable housing: convince homeowners to rent out basements, garages and spare rooms. The U.S. Postal Service's impending default on pension payments has some employees worried about their retirement benefits. Thousands in China this weekend violently protested the building of a new pipeline. A Senate committee released a new report today criticizing the quality of instruction and spending practices at for-profit colleges. And commentator Mark Bittman has a solution for those worried about climate change.

Segments From this episode

Final Note

Apollo U.S. flags still standing on the moon

by Kai Ryssdal

Jul 30, 2012

A new series of pictures of the moon show five of the six American flags put up by the Apollo crews 40 years ago are still standing.

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USPS teeters on the brink of default

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Jul 30, 2012

Unless Congress does something by Wednesday, the postal service is going miss a $5.5 billion payment it owes the Treasury Department. In the long run, this could affect you, the taxpayer.

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City planners warm to 'accessory apartments'

by John Dimsdale

Jul 30, 2012

But many frown on using extra space in single-family homes for housing.

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Atlanta puts new tax for transit to a vote

by Jim Burress

Jul 30, 2012

A proposal to add a penny to Atlanta's sales tax would mean billions raised for transit projects, winning the backing of business leaders but attracting a strange mix of opponents.

Report: A boom industry profits from U.S. student aid

by Adriene Hill

Jul 30, 2012

A report issued by U.S. Sen. Thomas Harkin describes the explosive growth of for-profit colleges, from trade schools to online universities, fueled by federal loans to students who, more often than not, drop out.

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Commentary

Worried about climate change? Eat less meat.

by Marketplace Contributor

Jul 30, 2012

Commentator Mark Bittman says industrial meat production accounts for at least one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions.

Antsy consumers prompt weak corporate results

by Mark Garrison

Jul 30, 2012

As companies miss their sales targets, more are citing weak consumer confidence as the reason for lower expected profits this year.

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Speaking the language of Apple v. Samsung

by Queena Kim

Jul 30, 2012

The trial hinges on whether Samsung violated Apple's patents. But technology may be the least of it.

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In China, thousands protest against pollution

by Rob Schmitz

Jul 30, 2012

Weekend protests about waste from a paper mill near Shanghai are the latest sign of rising public anger over environmental pollution.

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Apple and Samsung go to court today over a patent dispute, but before the jury makes a decision, wonky tech legalese will have to be translated into layman’s terms. Cash-strapped local governments may have found a creative way to create affordable housing: convince homeowners to rent out basements, garages and spare rooms. The U.S. Postal Service’s impending default on pension payments has some employees worried about their retirement benefits. Thousands in China this weekend violently protested the building of a new pipeline. A Senate committee released a new report today criticizing the quality of instruction and spending practices at for-profit colleges. And commentator Mark Bittman has a solution for those worried about climate change.