Latest from Jonathan Frewin

• Jul 9, 2021

  Nothing brings people together like infrastructure

  

  Both labor unions and business groups are uniting to push for the bipartisan infrastructure spending bill on the table in Washington. Plus, as the Olympic flame arrives in Tokyo, an update on the new no-spectator policy for the Summer Games. And, President Biden could sign an executive order as early as today intended to increase competition and cut down on aggressive pricing in the ocean shipping and freight rail industries.

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• Jul 9, 2021

  Chinese companies are some of pro soccer’s biggest sponsors

  

  From the BBC World Service: You’ll see ads and billboards for brands like Alipay, TikTok and Hisense while watching this weekend’s championship game in the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Why are Chinese firms so keen on reaching sports fans at this international soccer competition? Plus, the Biden administration is expected to add several more Chinese companies to its list of firms that are restricted from doing business with Americans companies. Beijing pledges to take action to protect its interests. And, 10 years since South Sudan became the newest country in the world, what a decade of political unrest has done to its people and economy.

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• Jul 8, 2021

  Why more people are quitting their jobs, and why that’s good

  

  We’re quitting our jobs at a very fast pace — not something you do if you’re worried about the future. Workers may be looking for something that’s a better fit with their values and goals, and they’re willing to take a risk to find that job and career. Also, people are starting new businesses at a high rate. Plus, why it’s looking like we might hear from the Federal Reserve about raising interest rates sooner than previously expected. And, now that the economy is opening up, are we going to start swiping our way back to credit card debt?

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• Jul 8, 2021

  Going after Google in court … again

  

  Attorneys general of 36 states plus the District of Columbia are suing Google over the way it runs its mobile app store. It’s just the latest antitrust challenge to Big Tech. Also, President Biden is expected to sign an executive order this week that will give workers more freedom from noncompete clauses after they leave a job, and make it easier for some workers to move across state lines. And, summer music festivals start their comeback tour.

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• Jul 8, 2021

  How much inflation is too much inflation?

  

  From the BBC World Service: The European Central Bank seems to be taking a page out of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s book, incorporating some flexibility on inflation, as economies react to the easing of COVID restrictions. Plus, the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse is a fresh blow to the Caribbean country, which has a long history of political instability and dismal economic performance. And, as COVID cases rise, Japan declares another state of emergency in Tokyo for the duration of the Olympic Games this summer.

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• Jul 7, 2021

  Schools struggle to get enough teachers for the summer

  

  Teachers are exhausted after the past year, and even bonuses offered by school districts may not be enough to hire adequate staff. Meanwhile, enrollment for summer school is expected to be at an all-time high. Plus, can the White House get Russia to rein in cybercriminals and ransomware attacks? Also, Chinese regulators order ride-hailing service Didi to be taken off of app stores shortly after the company made its U.S. stock market debut. And, a new tactic in the public relations push to get more Americans vaccinated: calling on moms to spread the message.

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• Jul 7, 2021

  What can the antibiotics industry learn from COVID?

  

  And, specifically, how the U.S. government responded to COVID with Operation Warp Speed. The antibiotics industry needs revitalizing, and some solutions may lie in how the U.S. approached vaccine and therapeutics development during the pandemic. Plus, the force was not with Microsoft. The Department of Defense has canceled its contract with the technology company and instead will pursue a deal with multiple cloud providers.

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• Jul 7, 2021

  The giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal has resumed its voyage

  

  From the BBC World Service: It caused a major disruption back in March on a shipping route that carries around 12% of global trade. Now, the Ever Given has been released by Egyptian authorities after the negotiation of a compensation deal. Plus, why fintech company Wise, formerly TransferWise, has chosen a direct listing on the London Stock Exchange rather than a traditional IPO. And, China is tightening rules on its big technology companies looking to list on stock markets overseas.

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• Jul 6, 2021

  What’s the Fed thinking?

  

  There’s another chance this week for investors to figure out what the Federal Reserve will do next when it comes to monetary policy and interest rates. The Fed will release the minutes from its June meeting on Wednesday. Plus, Hong Kong says it’s trying to crack down on doxxing, but big tech companies argue new data privacy rules there threaten free expression. And, the latest from “Million Bazillion,” Marketplace’s podcast about money for kids and their families: Where did banks come from?

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• Jul 6, 2021

  A standoff over oil production

  

  Talks among members of OPEC and its allies ended without a deal on how to increase production levels. That leaves oil markets with some uncertainty as demand for fuel increases along with economic recoveries. Plus, an extension of food assistance for families who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch, even during summer vacation. And, nonprofits like zoos and aquariums can once again rely on ticket sales to help pay the bills.

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