Week of July 16th, 2018

This week, the U.S. Department of Interior released proposed rule changes for the Endangered Species Act. It’s the 45-year-old act credited with reviving populations of bald eagles, gray wolves, lynxes and roughly 1,600 plants and animals at risk of extinction. Right now, the process used to protect species under the act requires only a scientific […]

President Donald Trump today accused Beijing of manipulating its currency. This is not a new charge. But what has occurred is an 8 percent fall in the Chinese currency against the dollar since the trade spat began in the spring. That helps Chinese exporters, because it effectively makes their products cheaper.   Click the audio […]

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (a listicle after midnight)

We talk to the writer of "The Meg" books, which hit the silver screen in August.

Breaking with tradition, President Donald Trump has criticized the Fed in an interview.

Comic-Con International: San Diego has been a mainstay for over 40 years. Why is that?

(Markets Edition) President Trump has criticized the China and the European for allegedly “manipulating their currencies and interest rates lower.” Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, joined us to discuss how true these claims are. Afterwards, we’ll chat with labor economist Giovanni Peri about what America’s changing immigration policies could mean for wages, employment growth, and the overall economy. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Memory Bank (mymemorybank.com/apm) and Indeed (indeed.com/marketplace). (07/20/2018)

Unemployment is as low as it was at the end of the Clinton era, but other measures of job market recovery are still lagging.

Gender inequality even exists in the world's three comma club.

(U.S. Edition) General Electric has reported second-quarter earnings, revealing that it beat expectations. But over the past year, its stock has been down 50 percent. We’ll take a look at how a company that used to be the most valuable in the world is trying to turn itself around. Afterwards, we’ll discuss how a gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany is causing controversy, and then we’ll turn back the clock to examine whether the job market is as good as it was at the end of the Clinton administration. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Memory Bank (mymemorybank.com/apm) and Indeed (indeed.com/marketplace). (07/20/2018)  

The country needs a legal way to allow more high- and low-skilled workers in to fill jobs, one expert says.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … North Korea’s economy suffered its biggest contraction in two decades as international sanctions imposed over the country’s nuclear programs began to bite. But can the economic pressure on Pyongyang force change to its nuclear policy? Then, feeling tired at work? Spare a thought for a group of women in India who have just won the right to sit down on the job. We’ll explain how the case began. And, what do you do if you’re a luxury clothing brand with excess stock at the end of the season? Apparently you burn it. We’ll delve into the world of fast fashion. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Memory Bank (mymemorybank.com/apm) and Indeed (indeed.com/marketplace). (07/20/2018)

This week, representatives from Google, Twitter and Facebook all spoke at a congressional hearing about how they present news and opinions on their platforms. The next day, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg told the Recode podcast that Facebook shouldn’t overregulate speech on the site, even if it means not banning Holocaust deniers. So how much should these companies be responsible for what is said online? Sounds like a good Quality Assurance topic, the segment where we take a deeper look at a big tech story. Marketplace’s Molly Wood talks with Mike Nuñez, editor at Mashable. (07/20/2018)

Mark Zuckerberg is in a "lose-lose situation" a Mashable editor says.

Why the company is focused on Europe for growth.

Even so-called "domestic" carmakers are global companies with international supply chains.

(Markets Edition) President Trump has threatened “tremendous retribution” against the European Union over trade, possibly targeting imported cars, trucks and auto parts. We’ll look at how groups representing automakers feel about these potential penalties, and what they mean for car prices. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Diane Swonk, chief economist for the firm Grant Thornton, about what she expects the country’s second-quarter GDP results to look like, and then we’ll talk with political risk consultant Ian Bremmer about how America is doing as a brand. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Abby Connect (abbyconnect.com/morning), Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/19/2018)

What is really means to be the song of the summer.

(U.S. Edition) The Senate is voting today on Trump’s pick to head the IRS (Charles Rettig), which comes during a week when the agency is getting blowback for a new policy. We’ll discuss the rule, which says that certain types of nonprofits will no longer have to disclose their big donors. Afterwards, we’ll look at how Tesla investors are getting worried about CEO Elon Musk’s temperament, and then we’ll talk to MIT economics professor David Autor about current trade tensions. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Abby Connect (abbyconnect.com/morning), Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/19/2018)  

Musk's erratic behavior has investors worried about the visionary founder that once drew them in.

Trump's anti-immigration talk is doing some long-term damage to the nation's brand strength, one analyst says.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Brussels is warning European businesses to do more to prepare for a “no deal” Brexit. With 253 days left until the U.K. leaves the European Union and no end in sight to British infighting, should businesses keep calm and carry on? Afterwards, we’ll discuss how Cuba is preparing to change its constitution in a shake-up that will include recognition of private land ownership for the first time in more than 40 years. Then, it’s been branded the world’s most controversial energy project. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will cement Germany’s reliance on Russian gas for decades to come. But as tensions between the EU, the U.S. and Russia intensify, will the pipeline tip the balance of power in favor of the Kremlin? Today’s podcast is sponsored by Abby Connect (abbyconnect.com/morning), Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/19/2018)

We look at whether the company's focus on artificial intelligence is a good business bet.

IBM reported earnings Wednesday. The company has been on a long turnaround path, focusing its business on cloud services, security and data analytics. It’s also investing in artificial intelligence, mostly under the brand of the “Jeopardy”-winning supercomputer Watson. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood talks to Brandon Purcell, an analyst with Forrester, about the profit potential of artificial intelligence for IBM and other tech companies. (07/19/2018)

President Trump has effectively weakened the government's calculation of the costs of carbon emissions. Others are working to make it much stronger.

Builders are looking into long-term solutions.

Why overprescribing antibiotics is increasing fears of "super bugs."

(Markets Edition) The construction of new homes in the U.S. plunged in June, according to data out today. We’ll chat with Susan Schmidt, senior vice president at Westwood Holdings Group, about how much of a cause for concern this is. Afterwards, we’ll discuss a new study that finds urgent care centers are prescribing antiobiotics to nearly half of patients with colds or the flu, which could actually end up harming patients. Then to cap off today’s show, we’ll explore how California’s education system isn’t see much of a return on the state’s lottery revenues. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org), Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace), and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (07/18/2018)

The California Lottery is breaking sales records. This year, revenues will soar to an estimated $6.9 billion. The recent boom has been fueled by a wave of gigantic jackpots. Newer games like Powerball and a $30 scratch ticket offer huge prizes, and California’s lottery players have responded by gambling more and more. Surging revenue should […]

Here are some of your responses.

(U.S. Edition) The European Commission is set to fine Google a record $5 billion over antitrust practices related to its Android system. We’ll explore what this ruling could mean for the way Google operates. Afterwards, we’ll discuss why MGM is planning to sue some of the victims in last October’s mass shooting in Las Vegas. Plus: We’ll explore the economics of birth order with economics professor Sandra Black. She talked to us about evidence that shows first-born children tend to better when it comes to earnings and education. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org), Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace), and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (07/18/2018)

This is on top of a $2.7 billion fine the company received back in 2017 for favoring its shopping listings in search results.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … European regulators have accused the internet search giant of abusing the dominant position of its Android smartphone system. We explain the implications of the European Union’s move. Then, it’s a golden moment for a couple of regions in Africa. Until a few days ago, you couldn’t even make a phone call between Ethiopia and Eritrea. But after two decades of tensions, passenger flights are resuming between the two countries. Finally, where in Africa can you get faster internet speeds than London or Toronto? We reveal all. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org), Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace), and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (07/18/2018).

Older siblings tend to make more.

Research from Google says 70 percent of teenage YouTube subscribers say they relate more to online creators than traditional celebrities. According to the research firm L2, 70 percent of companies use social media influencers to market products. As part of our series on the creator economy, Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood talked to Troy Solomon, who has more than 45,000 Instagram followers for his verified account A Bear Named Troy. (07/18/2018)

"As influencers, we are walking ad space," Troy Solomon says.

From Inner Mongolia to a Georgia gas station, the cryptocurrency really gets around.

In her new documentary, Lauren Greenfield takes on the changing American dream.

It's about your taxes.

(Markets Edition) Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to begin two days of testimony on Capitol Hill, and investors are watching closely. We’ll talk to Gabriela Santos — global market strategist with JP Morgan Funds — about what we should expect. Afterwards, we’ll discuss Goldman Sachs’ new CEO, David Solomon, and why the news is so significant, and then we’ll explore the growing problems restaurants have in finding enough staffing. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors), Avast (avast.com), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/17/2018)

The National Restaurant association projects that sales will grow by 4 percent this year. Celebrity chefs and Instagram foodie streams all point to an industry on the upswing. But staffing restaurants isn’t easy these days. Susan Spicer runs three restaurants in New Orleans, and says this is in part because her industry gets a bad […]

David Solomon, investment banker, has been named the successor to Lloyd Blankfein.

Yes, he spins records under the name "DJ D-Sol."

(U.S. Edition) The Federal Communications Commission has thrown a wrench into a proposed merger between Sinclair Broadcast Group and the Tribune Media Company. We’ll look at why FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who’s considered pretty business-friendly, has a problem with the deal. Afterwards, we’ll discuss the state of Netflix’s growth, and then we’ll examine how Major League Baseball still makes money — even though game attendance is down. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors), Avast (avast.com), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/17/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … About 600 million people are about to benefit from a major free trade agreement between the European Union and Japan in what’s called a “cars-for-cheese deal.” With tariffs on most goods set to disappear, we explain why it’s America — not Asia — that’s suffering from the “protectionist disease.” Then, the world’s largest e-commerce retailer may be running a massive promotion, but in Germany, Amazon’s workers are striking over pay. And, Pakistan’s economy is in trouble: the country has been to the International Monetary Fund more than a dozen times in the last three decades. How does that play into instability and terror? Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors), Avast (avast.com), and USPS (USPS.com/future). (07/17/2018)

Teams aren’t as worried about declining ticket sales because their fortunes aren’t as directly tied to the gate anymore, one analyst says.

The network focused on Latino and Hispanic audiences launched its Creator Network nearly three years ago.

As part of our series on the creator economy, we’re looking at “influencers.” Those are the YouTube and Instagram personalities who get big followings and free products that they then promote to their followers. We’re also looking at the people who find those influencers and connect them with the brands who want to influence people. One of those finders is Jennifer Perri, vice president of the Univision Creator Network. She talks with Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood. 

The U.S. and China have both brought new complaints to the WTO.

Watching the game on TV has made it a lot easier to stay home.

(Markets Edition) We had some strong numbers for retail last month. The U.S. Census Bureau has revealed that June retail sales were up 0.5 percent. We’ll hear from Julia Coronado, founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives, about what these figures say about consumers, the labor market and inflation. Afterwards, we’ll discuss Facebook’s plan to pay Fox News, CNN and ABC to make programs exclusively for the platform, and then we’ll explore how wealthy residents in the Bay Area are sinking $20,000 into fancy heritage chickens and ornate homes for them. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Avast (avast.com), Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace), and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/16/2018).

Backyard chicken keeping has taken off in the Bay Area as residents seek ways to disconnect from technology. Most people spend $1,000 or less on their birds and coops, but a wealthier subset of chicken owners have really gotten into it, in some cases sinking $20,000 or more into fancy heritage chickens and ornate homes […]

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … It’s official: Chinese growth figures showed the economy lost steam in the second quarter against a backdrop of growing trade tensions. Is it time to worry about the world’s second-largest economy? Meanwhile, European Union leaders have urged China, the U.S. and Russia not to start a trade war. We ask if multilateralism, mutual understanding and mutual respect are enough to avoid one. Then, imagine flying from New York to Singapore in just a couple of hours. The boss of Boeing thinks hypersonic jets are coming sooner than you think. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Avast (avast.com), Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace), and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/16/2018).

“It's a wicked satire of American consumerism and of environmental degradation, but it also has this cheerful little character," according to sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson.

Ten years ago this summer, the Pixar film “WALL-E” came out. It’s about a future where humans have ruined earth’s environment with trash, so they live in space, captive to screens, self-driving chairs, and robot servants. One little robot is left on Earth to clean up the mess, until he finds love — and ends up saving humanity from itself. As part of our summer entertainment series, we’re pondering the critiques and lessons of Wall-E with sci-fi writer Kim Stanley Robinson, who also happens to be a big fan of the film.  (07/16/2018)