Marketplace: Tuesday, August 17, 2004

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A look at today's markets (closing numbers)
DOW 18.28 (0.18%) ; NASDAQ 12.41 (0.70%) ; S&P 500 2.37 (0.22%)

Newscast Both are big box retailers. Both promise heavy discounts. Both have become icons of the suburban American landscape. Oh, and and as of this August 17th there's one other thing that Wal-Mart and Costco have in common. They're both facing class action lawsuits for gender discrimination... Costco is test marketing a new product that's sure to bring a smile to shoppers at its Chicago area stores. Near the mattress aisle, you can check out discount coffins. Six models in six colors. About $800 each... US Airways is trying to avoid financial demise. Again. The airline says it has to scrounge up $1.5 billion by the end of next month to keep from defaulting on a government loan... The last time several states decided to rise up against Washington, the federal victory was rather conclusive. But you've gotta wonder if Washington's going to win this one. Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced his state--Illinois--will join the ranks of several others in bypassing federal drug laws... Listen to all newscast items

Features Google's IPO approach Over the next 24 hours, you're going to be swimming in news about Google. This is not a traditional public offering. So Google is an exception - but not the first. Two years ago, a Salt Lake City company called Overstock.com decided to go public. And company CEO Patrick Byrne thought about a conventional IPO... Q + A: Host David Brown with Patrick Byrne Related Story: Last Call for Investors to Bid on Google Clover over Dover - Blur Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Playing games with consumer numbers For the first time in 8 months, consumer prices have dropped. The Commerce Department today reported that back in July, gasoline prices slipped so much, it brought the overall index of consumer prices down a tenth of a percent. But our commentator and policy analyst wonders if there isn't something missing from the numbers. Commentator: Amelia Tyagi Related Story: Consumer prices fall in July Since You've Been Gone - Aretha Franklin Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource The booming business of bankruptcy Bankruptcy: bad. Unless there's no other way. When you're in over your head like MCI was, bankruptcy may be you only out. Still, as MCI has learned there's no getting around it. Today we learned this will be the most expensive bankruptcy ever. The company will have to pony up $600 million to pay the lawyers, consultants, auditors and other advisors who've been helping the telecom giant worm its way back to solvency. For those who make a living bringing companies back to life, 'business: gooood.' Reporter: Jeff Tyler Related Story: MCI lawyers, consultants want $613 million for handling bankruptcy Bankrupt - Doug Hoekstra Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource "Please Mister Postman, look and see...." It's time to hear from you, with another Marketplace letters segment with David Brown. Mr. Writer - Stereophonics Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource Greyhound to roll down fewer roads Tomorrow, Greyhound Bus Lines will begin leaving the driving to someone else. The Dallas-based carrier is abandoning 262 stops in the Midwest and Northwest to try to keep rolling. In South Dakota, Greyhound is pulling out altogether... Reporter: Curt Nickish Related Story: Leaving towns in the dust Magic Bus - Duran Duran

Coming up on Marketplace... A nation of product testers...