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Demand for sawdust has grown tremendously, with prices in some parts of the country doubling. But the housing slump means there's less of this unlikely commodity to go around. Nina Keck reports.

So far, 2008 has been a roller coaster year for commodities. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Financial Times columnist John Authers about the role speculation played in the wild prices.

While the world watches the speed of its athletes, China's economy continues sprinting on as well. Now economists are trying to determine just how fast it's going. Scott Tong reports.

Protests have already begun near Olympic sites in Beijing in anticipation of Friday's opening ceremonies. Commentator David Frum wonders if a slumping economy might be the key to opening up Chinese society.

First, the $100 laptop. Now, computers as inexpensive as $12. An MIT team hopes to create the low-cost machines by looking to technology from the early days of computing. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.

America's largest private prison operator is preparing to report its earnings and analysts are wondering how the for-profit prison industry will cope with a down economy. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Rising costs have driven Archer Daniels Midland, the world's largest grain processor, to plan a move away from corn as the primary component in its ethanol production. Dan Grech reports.

Freddie Mac posted its fourth-straight quarterly loss, signaling continued gray skies in the housing market and reminding investors of the firm's uncertain future. Alisa Roth reports.

As we approach the Summer Olympics in Beijing -- and all the advertising that goes with it -- MSNBC.com offers a look at "The top 8 Olympic marke...

Minor-league sports teams and smaller colleges are being hit especially hard by the rising costs of travel. And that means you could be paying more...