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09/15/2017: Things are happening
Sep 15, 2017

09/15/2017: Things are happening

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Say you're a company that has data on zillions of Americans, like a hospital, or a bank, or, you know, Equifax. Consumers have very little control over those companies, besides trusting them to keep their data safe. How hard can that be? We'll look into it. Facebook is already in some hot water for selling ads to a Russian "troll farm." Now a ProPublica investigation found the site's ad-targeting tools can be used to reach racists and anti-Semites. Plus, we'll look back at all the week's business and economic news. Never a dull moment. Someone should put that on a hat or something.

Segments From this episode

Facebook let ad buyers target hate groups

Sep 15, 2017
ProPublica reporters investigated a tip and found that they could spend $30 to purchase Facebook ads specifically targeted to “Jew haters” and other anti-Semitic groups. ProPublica alerted Facebook, and the site said such ad audience options were the result of algorithms that automatically create categories based on the interests expressed by Facebook users. Facebook said it […]

Blue Bottle could gain shelf space but lose chic with Nestle majority stake

Sep 15, 2017
Like many startups, getting bought by a huge company is the dream for many small entrepreneurial food and beverage brands. Global food corporations are facing backlash, and specialty and craft focused products can help them increase sales. Blue Bottle leadership will retain some control and its headquarters in Oakland, California, but translating its very specific […]

This Los Angeles incubator wants to jumpstart the green economy

Sep 15, 2017
At the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, companies have access to mentors and laser cutters, too.
LA Cleantech Incubator's Advanced Prototyping Center.
Robert Garrova/Marketplace

Is bipartisanship good for the economy?

Sep 15, 2017
We already know what partisans think.
President Donald Trump meets with Democratic and Republican members of Congress in the Cabinet Room of the White House September 13, 2017 in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Say you’re a company that has data on zillions of Americans, like a hospital, or a bank, or, you know, Equifax. Consumers have very little control over those companies, besides trusting them to keep their data safe. How hard can that be? We’ll look into it. Facebook is already in some hot water for selling ads to a Russian “troll farm.” Now a ProPublica investigation found the site’s ad-targeting tools can be used to reach racists and anti-Semites. Plus, we’ll look back at all the week’s business and economic news. Never a dull moment. Someone should put that on a hat or something.

Music from the episode

Banquet Bloc Party
Let's Get It Started - Spike Mix The Black Eyed Peas
Seven Nation Army The White Stripes
Seven Nation Army The White Stripes