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Marketplace for Thursday, April 18, 2013
Apr 18, 2013

Marketplace for Thursday, April 18, 2013

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Many U.S. communities had been fighting to get fertilizer plants nearby. It brings plenty of jobs to town. With the accident in Texas, are they rethinking their hopes? Bill cramming, those strange charges on your phone bill, is back and mobile. The FTC has started taking a crack at these services.

Segments From this episode

Checks sent to foreclosure victims are bouncing

Apr 18, 2013
Thankfully, it seems it's just a paperwork snafu.

Rethinking how the inflation rate is calculated

Apr 18, 2013
Every month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics sends hundreds of workers out to stores to gather prices of about 80,000 goods and services. But there's a new computer program that combs through the Internet and grabs prices.

Texas explosion raises concerns for other towns eying fertilizer plants

Apr 18, 2013
Small communities are fighting to get fertilizer factories to locate nearby. After the West, Texas, explosion, some people who live near proposed plants are reconsidering the risk.
Smoke rises in the distance about half a mile from the West Fertilizer Company April 18, 2013 in West, Texas. A massive explosion at the fertilizer company injured more than 100 people and left damaged buildings for blocks in every direction.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

An old scam becomes new again: Bill-cramming scams are going mobile

Apr 18, 2013
Unauthorized charges for things like dating advice and horoscopes are making their way to more cell phone bills. And now the FTC is cracking down.

No classes needed: Southern New Hampshire University emphasizes skills

Apr 18, 2013
Students at Southern New Hampshire University can now receive federal financial aid for a "self-paced online program" with no traditional courses or professors. It’s all about mastering competencies. Will it work?

NYC parking nightmare could get worse, fines for painting curbs

Apr 18, 2013
Parking can be so bad in New York City, some frustrated residents have taken to reserving spots by painting the curb. Now, they could see higher fines.

As PC sales fall, supercomputers soar

Apr 18, 2013
Supercomputing are in hot demand. But not just from governments and large companies. Smaller businesses facing complex challenges are seeking some of the faster computers in the world.

Can other states learn from the "economic genius" of Texas?

Apr 18, 2013
Erica Grieder, author of "Big Hot, Cheap and Right," on what the rest of the country can learn from the economic genius of Texas.

Many U.S. communities had been fighting to get fertilizer plants nearby. It brings plenty of jobs to town. With the accident in Texas, are they rethinking their hopes? Bill cramming, those strange charges on your phone bill, is back and mobile. The FTC has started taking a crack at these services.

Music from the episode

Breakers Local Natives
Breakers Local Natives