Canning -- the source of jams, pickles and relishes that seems tied to the last century -- is on the upswing. There is a debate whether the trend stems from the tight economy or the local food movement, but its fans say the results are delicious.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has spent much of the back-to-school season talking with teachers and parents. His department recently oversaw the awarding of more than $4 billion to public schools in select states. While he's addressed countless teachers in recent weeks, now, he tackles students' questions.

Experts disagree on the path the U.S. economy will take in upcoming months. Manufacturing is up, as is unemployment. Personal spending continues to drag, and the housing market remains weak. Alex Blumberg and Jacob Goldstein of NPR's Planet Money talk about what to expect in the coming months.

There's still another major round of primaries left in 2010, but the true political junkies have their eyes locked on November's midterm elections. And the top issues seem clear: the economy, tax cuts, Afghanistan, health care, gay marriage and immigration.