Jul 3, 2017

07/03/2017: Sure, it’s summer, but let’s talk about school

Eighteen-year-old Martha said a big reason she's staying at home for college is to help support her mom, who's undocumented and fearful of deportation. Reema Khrais/Marketplace

We know, we know: It's the height of summer vacation, but sadly policy waits for no one. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has made school choice a priority, and charter schools are one pillar of that choice. But as charters become more popular, it's becoming apparent that the choice isn't being applied equally, and that's re-segregating some school districts. Plus, millions of students will head to college this fall, including an unknown number of undocumented students. Being a first-generation college student is tough, but undocumented status complicates things on another level. We'll talk with a few students about what they're going through. Plus, the latest news from Tesla, and just in time for the holiday weekend, a conversation with a professional grill master.

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How Weber Grills came to be

by Kai Ryssdal

Jul 3, 2017

Weber's 'brand godfather' spent his career building 'barbecue culture around the world.'

Elevated propane prices are making cookouts less affordable and might do the same to home heating when the winter comes.

Johannes Simon/Getty Images

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Georgia's weighted charter school lottery aims to give disadvantaged kids better odds, but few schools use it

by Marketplace Contributor

Jul 3, 2017

In Georgia, the name of a child eligible for the weighted school lottery can be entered up to five times.

Students line up to leave lunch at the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School in the Grant Park neighborhood recently.

Grant Blankenship

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Al Jazeera gives Qatar outsized influence

by Jed Kim

Jul 3, 2017

As of today, Qatar, tiny in population but swimming in vast natural gas reserves, has until Wednesday to meet the demands of angry neighbors in the region. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain all cut ties with Qatar last month, accusing it of supporting terrorism. The countries have issued 13 demands they […]

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The Tesla for the rest of us is here

by Scott Tong

Jul 3, 2017

The $35,000 Model 3 is on track for production this week.

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Blue-collar jobs that pay 6 figures are going unfilled

by Kai Ryssdal and Emily Henderson

Jul 3, 2017

'This is an avenue for even some folks with college degrees.'

“There are a lot of people with college degrees now competing for some of the most competitive jobs out there, and some of them are ending up applying for jobs at 84 Lumber,” Prashant Gopal says.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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How politics influence college plans for some undocumented students

by Reema Khrais

Jul 3, 2017

When deciding on which school to go to, safety from detainment or deportation is likely to tip the balance.

Eighteen-year-old Martha said a big reason she's staying at home for college is to help support her mom, who's undocumented and fearful of deportation.

Reema Khrais/Marketplace

LISTEN

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We know, we know: It’s the height of summer vacation, but sadly policy waits for no one. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has made school choice a priority, and charter schools are one pillar of that choice. But as charters become more popular, it’s becoming apparent that the choice isn’t being applied equally, and that’s re-segregating some school districts. Plus, millions of students will head to college this fall, including an unknown number of undocumented students. Being a first-generation college student is tough, but undocumented status complicates things on another level. We’ll talk with a few students about what they’re going through. Plus, the latest news from Tesla, and just in time for the holiday weekend, a conversation with a professional grill master.