The White House urges Congress to avoid the ‘sequester’ — with apocolyptic examples of what could happen if it doesn’t. Automakers introduce new diesel models for U.S. drivers. Eve Troeh explains how researchers are trying to persuade taxpayers to save, not spend, their refunds. In Eastern China, air pollultion levels have reached historic levels, but Rob Schmitz looks at business opportunities that have actually brightened amid the smog. As the fight over background checks on gun-buyers heats up, David Gura finds out what it really takes to buy a firearm. And as ‘Nemo’ hits the East Coast, flight attendant Sara Keagle talks about being grounded in the snow.
Segments From this episode
Guns and dollars
Background check: what it really takes to buy a gun
by David Gura
Feb 7, 2013
In most states, buyers fill out a federal form that the gun dealer keeps in his shop. In restrictive states, for some guns, buyers need to provide references.
Pollution boosts clean air industry in China
by Rob Schmitz
Feb 7, 2013
Severe air pollution in Eastern China this year has spurred an economic boom for companies making filtration machines, masks, and even clean air 'domes'.
Just say no to 'Nemo'
by Kai Ryssdal
Feb 8, 2013
Why we should boycott 'Nemo' and any other storm name the Weather Channel dreams up.
Persuading us to save not spend our tax refund
by Tracey Samuelson
Feb 8, 2013
Researchers to track a TurboTax reminder at the "golden moment" when taxpayers can be motivated to save.
Massive snow storm snarls U.S. airlines, passengers
by Kai Ryssdal
Feb 8, 2013
As snowstorm 'Nemo' approaches the East Coast, airlines are preemptively cancelling thousands of flights. That means headaches for many travelers, but how does being grounded affect those work in the airline industry?
'Sequester' could cripple recovery: White House
by Kai Ryssdal
Feb 8, 2013
Today the White House released a fact sheet on how the sequester could potentially impact jobs, the economy, and the middle class.
U.S. oil imports are down, narrowing the trade deficit
by Eve Troeh
Feb 8, 2013
The transportation system for fuel in the U.S. is inadequate, though, so some oil always has to be imported to where it's needed.
We used to be China
What would your city look like with Beijing's air? A smog simulator
by Marketplace Contributor
Feb 8, 2013
We imagine what would other cities might look like with Beijing-quality air.