Week of October 23rd, 2017

We discuss the hurdles it faces.

How'd America become a regulatory state? We went looking in a D.C.-area kitchen.

The award-winning author of "Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich," tells us what we need to know about the popular retirement savings account.

On this episode, we discuss the Affordable Care Act, get the lowdown on 401(k) plans and go inside the world of mature beauty tutorials on YouTube. Plus, stories on fashion subscription services and the unregulated business of donating a body to science. Weezer takes the Marketplace Quiz. 

Stitch Fix's IPO could mean more competition, and "there isn't room for tons of these."

The massive e-tailer may be getting into the pharmaceutical industry.

Yes, many social influencers are millennials. But the category to watch might be the over-35 crowd.

But how did they actually come about — and why? We play a segment from the new season of Marketplace’s The Uncertain Hour, a documentary podcast exploring the origin of regulations in America, starting with the story of one fervent homemaker, Ruth Desmond. And as the tax bill countdown begins, we look at how tax cuts will be paid for — likely by getting rid of nearly every deduction. Plus, is Amazon planning a takeover of the prescription drug and business-to-business office supply industries, too?        

The Trump administration slashed money for health care marketing and enrollment helpers.

(Markets Edition) The House of Representatives has passed a budget blueprint that paves the way for an overhaul of America’s tax system. But there are many, many unanswered questions about tax reform. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams is here with a monster list of the devils that lurk in the details. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Christopher Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, about the U.S. economy’s growth. Then, we’ll discuss CVS attempt to merge with Aetna in a $66 billion deal — a move that CVS may need to stay competitive since Amazon may enter the pharmaceutical industry (again).

But in the meantime the rock band takes the Marketplace Quiz.

Applicants weren't limited to the U.S.

Atlanta tax fund seeks to prevent displacement of residents as neighborhood changes.

(U.S. Edition) You go to CVS for shampoo, Tylenol and, maybe soon, your health insurance. The company is in talks to buy the health insurance company Aetna for more than $66 billion. We’ll take a look at why someone would want a health insurance company these days, and the obstacles in the way of this merger. Afterwards, we’ll look at how the energy industry is in a minor rebound. Then, to cap off today’s show, Washington Post columnist Allan Sloan joins us to discuss his guess for Amazon’s second headquarters. Hint: He doesn’t think it’ll be in the U.S.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service…A big day in the ongoing drama between Spain and the separatist region of Catalonia, as Madrid prepares to take direct rule over the area after it voted in favor of independence a few weeks ago. We ask what the economic impact of this turmoil has been. Afterwards, physical trading on the floor of Hong Kong’s stock exchange ends today after 31 years. We speak to traders right as the final bell goes off. Then – the US recently lifted sanctions on Sudan after two decades. Who is profiting most from the change?

Think about all the apps you use in a day: Amazon, Facebook, Gmail, maybe Lyft or Uber. In China, some of those apps are banned. But it’s possible to use one app — WeChat — to do lots of things, like sending messages and ordering taxis. Facebook Messenger is trying to take on the same role in the U.S. Jennifer Pak, Marketplace’s new China correspondent, gives us the lowdown on WeChat and talks about why there’s no equivalent in the U.S. … yet. 

President Donald Trump announced a 90-day public health emergency to deal with the opioid crisis, but didn’t allot any new funds, so many are wondering if this will even scratch the surface of the problem. Deregulation is a hot topic among Republicans right now, and FCC head Ajit Pai is planning to dismantle rules limiting ownership of multiple media companies in one market. Plus, Kai catches up with the production supervisor for “Hamilton” to talk about what it’s been like taking the show on the road.

There can be a "diffusion of responsibility" when a group of people see something bad happen.

It's not easy being a swing actor, but the show depends on them, says production supervisor Jason Bassett.

The president of the civil rights group talks with us about rewarding companies that treat all customers equally.

(Markets Edition) Amazon will soon provide a delivery service where employees will unlock your door and drop off packages when you aren’t home. And this isn’t a pilot project: it’ll roll out in 37 cities next month. We’ll look at how this whole thing will work and how much it’ll cost you. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Diane Swonk from DS Economics about what we can expect from tomorrow’s third-quarter GDP report, and then  discuss news that the FCC might make it easier for media companies to own more news outlets in the same local market.  

(U.S. Edition) You might encounter even longer lines at the airport starting today. Any person traveling to the U.S. will be subject to new, tighter screenings. On today’s show, we’ll take a look at what these new rules will entail. Afterwards, we’ll discuss Europe’s rising fortunes — which may be enough for the European Central Bank to roll back its economic stimulus system. Then, we’ll look at growing concerns about the amount of oil and gas that thieves are stealing from pipelines in Mexico. 

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service…Today, the European Central Bank meets to decide whether or not it will ease off its program to buy bonds to boost growth. What does that mean for the Euro? Afterwards, Kenyans head to the polls today – again. A presidential election in August was annulled by the country’s highest court, causing turmoil and protests. We look at what impact political uncertainty has had on the country’s tourism industry. Then – a group of fourteen countries in western and central Africa will be watching what comes out of Brussels with interest. That’s because they use the CFA franc – a currency that’s pegged to the Euro. In Senegal, there have been protests suggesting that the currency is a legacy of colonialism – and should be abolished.

Bad Rabbit ransomware has started spreading in the U.S.

A ransomware attack called Bad Rabbit hit this week, starting in Europe and spreading to businesses in the U.S. This is the latest in a string of ransomware attacks in the past year. On this episode, we look at how an attack affected KQED, the National Public Radio affiliate in San Francisco. And we talk to a security expert about how to protect your business and recover from an attack. 

The loss of oil and gas from Mexican pipelines currently totals more than $1 billion a year, leaving some U.S. companies skittish about entering the market.

In the 1950s, some food companies were ripping off customers and using additives that haven’t been tested for safety. A Virginia housewife went to the FDA to expose the truth.

That question is illegal in some places, as a new wave of laws in cities and states prohibit employers from asking for a job candidate’s salary history in the hiring process. And the Senate struck down a rule that made it easier for consumers to sue banks and credit card companies for financial relief, which also allows banks to keep using mandatory arbitration clauses. We explore what this means for consumers like yourself and the arbitration industry. Plus, on this week’s edition of Corner Office, we talk to the CEO of the National Park Foundation, which is tasked with raising private funds for the National Park Service. The NPS needs those funds badly — they released a proposal today that would more than double the entrance fee at some of the most popular parks during peak visits.  

The National Park Foundation helps fill the gap when the Park Service's $3 billion budget falls short.

One couple in San Diego confronts an uncertain future for themselves and the businesses they've built

Narrowing the pay gap between men and women is the goal of new laws in California, Oregon, New York City, San Francisco and other jurisdictions.

The president's tweets make the job tougher.

(Markets Edition) Congress has quashed a federal rule to stop banks from making consumers go into arbitration when they want to resolve a financial dispute. On today’s show, we’ll look at the future of the watchdog agency — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — that was behind this regulation. Afterwards, Susan Schmidt from Westwood Holdings Group joins us to chat about the 10-year Treasury yield’s rise. And finally, we’ll look at why female entrepreneurs get less funding than men, with an eye on the language differences venture capitalists use when speaking to them.  

The social network has struggled to overcome a few challenges, including online harassment.

Mainly, that they're everywhere.

(U.S. Edition) The U.S. Senate has voted to kill a federal rule that banned banks from forcing customers into arbitration, which would then make it easier for consumers to sue their banks in class-action lawsuits.We’ll look at what the process of arbitration entails and why Republicans came out strongly against the rule. Afterwards, we’ll discuss a new survey that shows Americans, for the first time, will spend more shopping online than in stores. Then, we’ll talk to one unauthorized immigrant in Houston about how she’s dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. 

Challenges like housing, transportation and finances are especially difficult.

How impact investors hope to change the world while profiting from it.

There’s a group of venture capital firms that want to change the world for the better and make money. This is called impact investing. One of the firms working in this space is Impact America Fund, which invests in companies with diverse missions – for instance, a startup that helps African-American stylists sell their own hair extensions. Marketplace Tech host Molly Woods talks with Impact America Fund founder Kesha Cash about the sometimes complex collision of money and mission in venture capital.

Ethical capitalism? Moral capitalism? Enlightened capitalism?

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service…U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he wants to strengthen cooperation and trade between America and India, but there are still some disagreements to be worked out. Afterwards, we’ll tell you about a law firm specializing in offshore accounts that said it suffered a hack last year, potentially revealing details on some of Britain’s wealthiest people. Then, Britain’s economy grew slightly more than expected in the third quarter but it’s still one of the slowest growing advanced nations. We’ll take you just outside central London to meet one business owner who’s worried about Brexit’s impact and tell you how he’s trying to mitigate it.  

The rule that would have allowed consumers to join together to sue their bank or credit card company to resolve financial disputes.

A study published in the Harvard Business Review looks at how investors view male and female entrepreneurs differently.

It's up to you to choose.

Out with the old and in with the new: New York’s iconic Lord & Taylor building will become the headquarters of WeWork, a co-working startup that transformed the office leasing business to become the largest leaser of new office space. They’re on the up for now, hurtling toward a future as a full-on millenial lifestyle brand with more than 150,000 members worldwide. In other HQ news, we tell a tale of two Dallases, one before and one and after it failed to woo Boeing’s corporate headquarters. And there’s an uptick in enrollment in historically black colleges and universities. We go to Morgan State University in Baltimore to find out why.  

Janice Min, part owner and former editor of The Hollywood reporter, discusses the industry in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein allegations.

"It's been fun and profitable. It's been moving forward," says Ron Hill of Cleveland.

The 2017 Race for Results report shows the disparities and barriers immigrant families face.

(Markets Edition) The head of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, a trade association that represents tech companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter, will testify before Congress today. CEO Randall Rothenberg has already released a prepared testimony about the rules that govern digital ads, which we’ll examine on today’s show. Afterwards, we’ll discuss a new study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation that looks at the challenges that children of immigrants of color face. Then, we’ll talk about the race to get a breathalyzer that can detect marijuana.   

Boeing’s rejection of Dallas as a corporate headquarters location 16 years ago helped spur the city's current growth in the arts.

Rising racial tension is one reason for the growth.

What alternatives are out there?

(U.S. Edition) On Trump’s plate when he heads to Capitol Hill today: the legislative agenda. There’s a lot for Congress to do in just 30 days. On today’s show, we’ll look at some of the issues they’ll need to tackle. Afterwards, we’ll discuss the EU’s investigation into the possible collusion of various German car companies, and then visit Houston to find out how one family is coping post-Harvey.

A number of companies are trying to develop tests that can be used by law enforcement to determine if drivers are impaired.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … The United States is flexing its financial muscle to isolate Myanmar’s military after more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled since August, saying they were targeted by military operations. Next, after a 10-year surge in elephant poaching in Africa, killing for ivory is on the decline….but the gentle giants aren’t out of harm’s way just yet. Then, we’ll take you to Delhi where despite making 1,500 movies each year, theater companies struggle to make money. But the production of a treasured love story has become a rare exception … capturing the hearts not only of theater-goers and production staff, but investors, too. 

A bunch of creatives have already dreamed about what the colonization of Mars would look like. Science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson believes the way we colonize Mars will be similar to how we govern Antarctica. Marketplace Tech’s Molly Wood talks to Robinson, who wrote the Mars trilogy, about his detailed vision for life on the red planet.

Colonizing Mars won't be a moneymaker, according to sci fi author Kim Stanley Robinson.

A professor of fire ecology discusses the trade-offs in one of the costliest fire seasons in memory.

As Texans wait to for relief funds and repairs post-Hurricane Harvey, the in-between life can be frustrating.

Would it be profitable? One science fiction writer isn't so sure.

We explore how nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements isolate victims and protect the reputations of alleged harassers and their companies. Plus, updates on Congress’ frantic race toward tax reform, why corn is still king (hint: ethanol lobbyists have been doing their jobs) and the backbone of modern finance: collateralized loan obligation. As it nears its end, we recap one of the most destructive fire seasons in recent history — 9 million acres burned nationwide and $2 billion was spent on firefighting alone. One industry particularly affected in Northern California was marijuana farming, so guest host Adriene Hill tours a decimated weed farm.   

While legal in the state, cannabis farms are still federally outlawed, which means no insurance payouts.

Executive producer Jeff Fager talks about his book on the history of the show.

(Markets Edition) On today’s show, we’re recapping the latest 401(k) controversy. Reports said Republicans were thinking about reducing the annual contributions you can make to this retirement account, but Trump has refuted this on Twitter. Afterwards, we’ll discuss Tesla’s plans to build a factory in China and then check out Hasbro’s plans to start its own movie studio. Plus: We visit Oxford to talk with residents who say they’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of tourists visiting the region.  

Victims have a hard choice: settle and sign confidentiality agreements or go to court.

(U.S. Edition) Amid the U.S. Senate’s approval of a $4 trillion budget plan, House Speaker Paul Ryan says the GOP will add another tax bracket to its tax plan for the highest-income earners (upping the number to four). We’ll look at why we’re seeing an extra bracket, and then discuss other changes Republicans are thinking about making to their tax plan, including a huge reduction in the amount of money you can put in your 401(k). Afterwards, we’ll talk about a new study from Bankrate that shows low-income consumers end up paying more money in monthly bank fees than other customers. And finally, we’ll look at the popularity of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty makeup line, which boasts dozens of foundation shades. 

Oxford is the latest European city to experience a backlash against mass tourism.

(Global edition) From the BBC World Service … Japan’s prime minister secured his coalition party’s parliamentary super majority in a snap election this weekend, but even as investors cheer the victory, can Shinzo Abe win the ongoing fight against deflation and mounting debt? Afterwards, the air quality in London regularly breaks legal air pollution limits. Now the city’s mayor is taking matters into his own hands with a new charge to drivers of the most polluting diesel vehicles.  Then, we’ll take you to South Korea where an international air show displaying U.S. fighter jets is being used as a show of force to Pyongyang. 

Fenty Beauty isn't just for white women or just for women of color — it's for everyone.

Facebook told us this month that it suspended two accounts that may have had ties to Russian operatives. The account “Blacktivist” paid attention to issues in the black community, and accrued more followers than the official Black Lives Matters account did. Another one named “Secured Borders” called for a crackdown on illegal immigration. People who followed these accounts said they seemed genuine, and engaged with them like real organizations. It made us wonder: what happens when social media meets propaganda? Marketplace Tech’s Molly Wood talks with Wendy Schiller, a political science professor at Brown, about the history propaganda and how social media changed its reach.

It's about more than audience reach.