Week of August 27th, 2018

Aretha Franklin and her many contributions to the world of music.

As Britain and the European Union negotiate on a Brexit deal, fears abound.

Before the Syrian war in 2011, nearly 25 percent of young people went to college, which is almost completely subsidized by the government.

(Markets Edition) President Trump is making a Friday trip to Charlotte, N.C. to sign an order designed to help set up retirement plans for small businesses. Then, we look at how the borrowing binge from the U.S. federal government is actually affecting other countries already dealing with a variety of other money challenges. Also, in China, a draft of a civil code is missing a very key piece: any reference to family planning. Does this mean China could end its much-discussed two-child policy? Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Ladder (ladderlife.com). (08/31/2018)

A nation known for its two-child policy per family has removed references to family planning in a draft of sweeping civil code. Does this mean the end of birth limits?

(U.S. Edition) The U.S. and European Union seem to have reignited their feud over trade. The EU offered to drop European car tariffs if the U.S. followed suit, but President Trump declined to do so in an interview. Where does this leave the two sides? Also, Wells Fargo is making bad news again. This time, the bank suspended or fired more than a dozen employees over forged meal receipts. Then, we head to the Minnesota State Fair, which can tell us a lot about trade and agriculture if you look past the food on a stick – or right at it. Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Ladder (ladderlife.com). (08/31/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Got your morning coffee? Now, so does Coca-Cola – it’s buying coffee chain Costa for just more than $5 billion. Then, the Argentine peso has seen a sharp drop against the U.S. dollar so far this year as it suffers from another financial crisis. We’ll explore what’s happening and how the president is trying to fix it. Afterwards, a checkbook-printing company was in the news this week because of a labor strike … which got us thinking: How many people still use checks anyway? Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Ladder (ladderlife.com). (08/31/2018)

Tech giants want to preempt tough California legislation before it becomes a standard.

Back in June, California passed the strictest online privacy law in the country, set to go into effect in 2020. The law would, among other things, require companies to be more transparent about what data they collect and why, tell people whom they’re sharing it with and let consumers delete personal information. The United States has no federal online privacy laws. But some tech companies are so worried about the effects of California’s law that they’re now asking for nationwide rules. Molly Wood talks with New York Times technology reporter Cecilia Kang, who’s been covering the topic, for a deeper take. (08/31/18)

After two years of scandals, now the bank is dealing with employees who forged meal receipts.

How U.S. interest rates cause trouble in Turkey, Argentina, and beyond

Why the company's paid parental leave policy for its suppliers could be a game changer.

Arthur Brooks explains why ideas are the engine of the economy.

“We have more licensed establishments than anywhere in the city. And we absolutely have more 311 complaints.”

(Markets Edition) In the ongoing odyssey on tariffs, the Trump administration is allowing U.S. companies some leeway to import more metals. Quotas used to be a way around U.S. metal tariffs, but some businesses are still having problems. We also take another look at the new-look NAFTA as the Friday deadline closes in for Canada to sign on. Then, we take a look at the diversity – or lack of it – within American orchestras, and how one group is working toward altering that perception. Today’s show is sponsored by Abby Connect (Abbyconnect.com/morning) and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (08/30/2018)

The U.S. International Trade Commission finds itself in more of the spotlight now that the White House is taking a bigger role in tariffs.

Gabrielle Skinner is in a coaching session for auditions at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. She’s one of 18 musicians here, and she plays an excerpt from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on her viola.  Skinner, who plays with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in New York, is Latina and said sometimes she’s treated like an […]

(U.S. Edition) President Trump has given Canada a Friday deadline to get on board with a revised trade agreement designed to replace NAFTA. One of the big sticking points in negotiations is how Canada protects its dairy industry. Then, Argentina is requesting that the International Monetary Fund expedite the payment of a $50-billion aid package it got in June. This gives off the appearance to many that Argentina’s economy is struggling even more than they thought. Also, we take a look at French president Emmanuel Macron’s idea for a pool of funds that extends to all euro-using countries in the event of an economic emergency. Today’s show is sponsored by Abby Connect (Abbyconnect.com/morning) and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (08/30/2018)

What kind of shape is South America's second-largest economy in?

The president has given Canada until Friday to sign on to a new trade agreement, but the dairy industry has been one of the prime sticking points during negotiations.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … A global trade war has raised concerns about the impact on the world’s biggest economies. But it’s emerging markets that have been rattled most this year – Argentina’s push for faster aid from the International Monetary Fund is just the latest example. Then, James Dyson is best known for his bladeless fans and bagless vacuum cleaners. Now, he’s getting into electric cars. Afterwards, the Nano from carmaker Tata was marketed as the world’s cheapest car, but nearly a decade after it launched, production has stopped. We’ll take you to India – where just three of those cars sold in June – to talk to residents about why the company’s marketing turned off would-be buyers. Today’s show is sponsored by Abby Connect (Abbyconnect.com/morning) and Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace). (08/30/2018)

This week’s shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, was broadcast live on Twitch, the streaming platform acquired by Amazon for a billion dollars in 2016. Two people were killed while they were competing in a Madden NFL video game tournament. The shooter later killed himself. Twitch has removed video of the shooting from its site (although it’s still available elsewhere online) and announced increased security for its annual TwitchCon gathering in October. Electronic Arts, maker of the Madden video game, said it’s canceling three upcoming esports events. The entire business model of esports is built on live streaming competitive video game playing. So how might Twitch respond? We talk with Dmitri Williams from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism about the responsibility streaming services have over what goes out on their platforms. (08/30/18)

The fatal shooting in Jacksonville, Florida, makes esports the latest online arena to struggle with issues of violence.

We've got your comments on the workplace air conditioning wars.

The modern treks are not necessarily religious and they can boost local economies.

An executive chef in San Juan describes life in the food industry post-Hurricane Maria.

Nearly two million people visit the 12-day Minnesota State Fair every year. Visitors can take in live music, eat a lot of fried food and sweets, hop on carnival rides, and take in exhibits that celebrate the state’s agriculture industry. The fair is also a place for citizens to meet with their elected officials to discuss the big issues of the day, like a trade war.

"We are looking at companies and technology well before everyone else recognizes what it is and where it's going," Ann Miura-Ko says.

Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urges government to work "day and night" on economic problems.

(Markets Edition) The Federal Reserve confirmed a new vice chair on Tuesday. His name is Richard Clarida, and unlike Fed chair Jerome Powell, he’s an academic. Nancy Marshall Genzer told us more about him. Also, school time in France means we’ll get a look at a new French law that actually bans mobile phones in school for students 15-years-old and younger. We then examine a lesser-known form of college admissions that allows admitted students to begin school during in their sophomore year … meaning that they need to find another place to go for the first year. Today’s show is sponsored by Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (08/29/2018)

Ann Miura-Ko wants to find entrepreneurs who can build great businesses, wherever they may exist.

As part of the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States and Mexico have tentatively agreed to new higher labor standards. One provision that has automakers’ attention requires 40-45 percent of a car be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour. The goal is to incentivize car companies […]

Customers nationwide can now buy tires online at Amazon, and the local Sears will put them on. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

(U.S. Edition) The NAFTA renegotiation saga continues, with the U.S. and Mexico tentatively agreeing to higher labor standards. Automakers are focusing on a provision that 40 to 45 percent of a car to be constructed by workers making at least $16 per hour. Marketplace’s Andy Uhler looks into how that policy can be enforced, and how it impacts American automakers. Then, we move from autos to tires, examining how Sears and Amazon are joining forces to alter the way people get them. What led these two competitors to partner up? Also, we examine inflation, and how the talk of last week’s central bankers’ meeting in Wyoming focused on the concept known as NAIRU, or non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment. Chris Farrell told us more. Today’s show is sponsored by Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (08/29/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Aston Martin – James Bond’s car brand of choice – is revving up for a trading debut on the London Stock Exchange. The company’s boss explains why he believes now, with Brexit looming on the horizon, is the right time to take the luxury carmaker public. Then, for some parents, back-to-school season is the most wonderful time of the year. But for kids in France who face a cell phone ban in schools, it puts a damper on heading back to the classroom. We chat with France’s education minister about the effectiveness of device bans. Afterwards, Iran’s supreme leader today asked his country’s government to work “day and night” to resolve economic problems as U.S. sanctions and a worsening drought are causing a lot of pain for Iranians. Today’s show is sponsored by Battelle (Battelle.org/QI), Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (08/29/2018)

The social media platform plays an outsized role in spreading news … and hate speech in the country.

Facebook is one of the only sources of news in Myanmar, where the government has engaged in serious human rights abuses against its minority Rohingya population, according to the United Nations. Politicians and activists have been warning Facebook that hate speech and misinformation on its platform have helped spread violence against the Rohingya. In 2014, for example, false messages helped create a riot that killed two people. This week, Facebook did finally ban some people and groups, including the country’s commander in chief. Zeynep Tufekci, who studies the impact of technology on society and politics, tells Molly Wood that Facebook went into Myanmar with just tech in mind, not the impact it might have on societies around the world. (08/29/18)

The confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s pick to replace outgoing Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, is scheduled to begin next week. Kavanaugh is likely to face questions on his view of a legal principal called the Chevron Doctrine. It says in cases where a law is ambiguous, regulators have room to interpret […]

About a year ago, we were doing a lot of stories about a retail apocalypse — online shopping leading to the destruction of department stores, malls, anything built out of bricks and mortar. Fast forward to this year and things couldn’t be more different. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen strong quarterly results from everyone […]

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland was back in Washington on Tuesday, rejoining NAFTA negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer after weeks on the sidelines. The United States and Mexico have sketched out the beginnings of an agreement, and the question now is whether Canada can be brought into the deal. On Monday, President Donald […]

"The slowdown is a good thing for homebuyers,” one economist says.

Are this country’s biggest companies keeping wages down? The Fed is looking into it.

Wildfires are expected to be deadlier and costlier in coming years. State utilities say they can't afford to keep paying for damages.

With hundreds of first-time candidates on the ballot across the country this year, many are learning the ropes of campaigning as they go.

It is officially new iPhone season for techies. Apple usually announces its new phones in early September, and rumors about the gadgets are already flying. But earlier this month, the Chinese phone maker Huawei became the second-largest phone manufacturer in the world by market share. Samsung is No. 1. That’s a big deal because Apple needs to sell lots of high-end phones in China where Huawei dominates and because Huawei got to No. 2 in the world without even selling phones in America. Most Chinese-made phones are unofficially banned because of government security concerns. Ryan Reith keeps track of the mobile phone industry at research firm IDC. He said Chinese phone makers are getting increasingly powerful. (08/28/18)

On Monday, the United States and Mexico reached a tentative agreement on updates to the North American Free Trade Agreement. So now it’s Canada’s turn, right? Maybe. Today, Canada’s foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, is in Washington to get her country in on the NAFTA rewrite. The big sticking points? Dairy and infrastructure.  Click on the […]

Not quite. At least, not yet. The U.S. and Mexico have reached a preliminary deal on updates to NAFTA. Negotiators focused on car manufacturing, digital trade and agriculture. Now, it’s Canada’s turn. Canada’s foreign minister visits Washington today to continue trade negotiations on behalf of her country. We look at the sticking points that remain for Canada in joining the revised deal. Then, we talk with reporter David Zweig, who recently wrote about the FCC radio band auction’s impact on wireless microphones, and the theater companies and schools across the country that use them.  Today’s show is brought to you by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Alliance For Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors). (08/28/2018)  

The trade deficit got a little bigger last month — that means we imported more than we exported. Is this goods coming in under the wire because of tariffs? Then, Toyota is investing $500 million in Uber. They’re aiming to build a fleet of autonomous vehicles and put them on the road in the next few years. And, say you won a primary congressional race. Now your scrappy primary team is facing the big fight of the general election, and you need more people.  What jobs need staff and what can be farmed out to volunteers? We profile one of these new candidates as they scramble to get ready for the big election in November.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… A preliminary new trade agreement between the U.S. and Mexico looks to shift some auto manufacturing away from China and into Mexico and seeks to improve labor provisions. So, what impact could this have on the global auto industry? Then, the UN security council meets to discuss a demanding human rights report and possible further action in Myanmar. Will this have an impact on the economy, hungry for foreign investment after decades of military rule? Then, a hot, dry summer might be ideal beach-going weather, but in many parts of the world, it’s meant hardship for farmers and higher food prices for consumers. We’ll take you to a farm in Southeast England to see just how the unusual conditions have impacted food growers and what action they’re taking over the long term.  (08/28/2018)

Chinese smartphone makers are getting bigger, even without the American market.

"Papa can you hear me? No? Is this thing on?"

In an interview with the Financial Times over the weekend, the car-hailing company’s CEO said Uber’s adding more electric bikes and scooters to the mix it offers in big cities, where it already has a big and sometimes controversial presence. The move follows Uber’s purchase of JUMP back in April, along with its investment in […]

The Trump administration announced details today of a $12 billion aid package for farmers hurt by the trade war. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other countries have hit soybean producers especially hard, with prices falling about $2 a bushel this summer. The aid package includes help for soybean, wheat and corn farmers, and dairy […]

The unemployment rate continues to hover around historic lows — 3.9 percent as of last month. The tight labor market has been good news for groups that often have a harder time finding jobs, like people 55 and older. Unemployment for them is even lower at 3.1 percent. The number of older Americans in the […]

President Donald Trump will welcome Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta, to the White House today. When it comes to trade and investment, there’s a lot for them to talk about. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

“Years ago it was a 100-meter dash. Now we're running a marathon," one expert says.

The latest GenForward survey examines how millennials view equal rights.

Chinese state-run media commentaries suggest that people in China can weather the trade tariffs for the sake of national pride.

Comedian Marcia Belsky documents the trope in her blog The Headless Women of Hollywood.

Seth Frotman is latest high-level departure from the CFPB since Mick Mulvaney, Trump's budget director, took over.

The White House still needs to negotiate with Canada.

U.S. farmers who are caught up in the wider U.S., China and Mexico trade disputes are expected to get details today on a $12 billion aid package to help offset the effects of retaliatory tariffs. Farmers have been watching prices drop for milk, wheat, soybeans and more, and they don’t even know how to calculate […]

(U.S. Edition) NAFTA negotiators from Mexico and the U.S. met through the weekend to work out the details of their trade agreement. What’s the rush? Negotiations have to be wrapped up by September 1 if the Trump administration wants the current congress to vote on it. Then, government aid is coming to U.S. farmers hit by tariffs, but probably won’t be enough. Farmers are due some relief in the form of subsidies from the USDA, the agency says it it will be spending $12 billion on relief efforts. However, corn, wheat, soybean and dairy farmers caught up in the escalating trade war say they don’t even know how to calculate the total losses. After, we speak to Cathy Cohen from the University of Chicago about her recent findings on gender parity and feminism in the latest GenForward survey of millennials. According to the study, the majority of young people support equality for women but they don’t all call themselves feminists.   Today’s show is brought to you by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (08/27/2018)

We’re expecting the announcement of a deal between Mexico and the U.S. as a part of the NAFTA overhaul. We talk to Julia Coronado from MacroPolicy Perspectives about how the markets might react. Then, Elon Musk abandons plans to take Tesla private despite his tweet saying that he had “funding secured.” Some wonder if Musk has gone from Tesla’s biggest asset to Tesla’s biggest risk. Later, the Iranian parliament has ousted the country’s finance minister. MPs held a vote of no confidence for Masoud Karbasian over problems in the banking system, tax regulation, and his failure to present a plan to fix the economy. Today’s show is brought to you by Indeed (Indeed.com/marketplace) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (08/27/2018)    

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… President Trump will host Kenya’s president at the White House today, a meeting that could bring about partnerships in tourism and infrastructure projects. So, what does this gathering mean for bolstering relations between the U.S. and Africa? Then, Chinese ride-hailing service Didi Chuxing has suspended service following the second murder of a passenger this year. There’s a wave of public backlash on social media, and the government’s transport ministry has called for concrete measures to improve public safety. Afterwards, we’ll investigate corporate governance consequences of declining numbers of private shareholders. (08/27/2018)

MIT research finds false stories often travel further and faster than real ones.

Fake news is enemy No. 1 right now. Companies and governments are trying to figure out who should be in charge of spotting misinformation and getting rid of it. MIT researcher Sinan Aral has found that the not-true stuff, what he calls “false news,” is not only hard to stop, but also really effective. A study published last spring found that false news travels way more efficiently and much farther than the truth. In a recent article in the Harvard Business Review, Aral said misinformation can come at a real cost. (08/27/18)