Segments From This Episode

• Checks sent to foreclosure victims are bouncing

  by Kai Ryssdal

  Thankfully, it seems it's just a paperwork snafu.

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• Rethinking how the inflation rate is calculated

  by Marketplace Contributor

  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.

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• Texas explosion raises concerns for other towns eying fertilizer plants

  by Noel King

  

  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.

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

  by Queena Kim

  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.

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• No classes needed: Southern New Hampshire University emphasizes skills

  by Amy Scott

  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?

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• NYC parking nightmare could get worse, fines for painting curbs

  by Kai Ryssdal

  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.

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• As PC sales fall, supercomputers soar

  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.

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

  by Kai Ryssdal

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

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