Week of August 26th, 2019

The U.S. Commerce Department delivered new evidence on Friday that the American consumer is helping to fuel economic growth.

Plus: More tariffs starting Sunday, and the rise of consumer debt with consumer spending.

At a town hall discussion moderated by Kai Ryssdal, the answer seemed to be “no.”

EPA justifies its rollback of methane emission regulations for the oil and gas industry.

A Trump administration proposal to roll back Obama-era rules to limit methane emissions is likely to face multiple legal challenges.

Processed food has been going out of fashion for years, but healthy snacks are driving up sales for old-school food companies like the Campbell Soup Co.

A new round of U.S. tariffs of 15% on a wide range of goods from China is set to begin on Sept. 1. The list of targeted imports includes televisions, smartwatches and footwear. We take a look at some of the ramifications. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

We have discussion on the Fed and politics. Then we talk markets, along with how food companies are selling us on the idea of healthier snacks.

Another round of tariffs on Chinese goods is coming, and the effects are expected to be more visible this time. We delve into the use and effect of algorithms on Wall Street. Also, environmental groups are bracing for battle over an EPA proposal on methane.

Workers in Hong Kong worry about choosing between protecting protest rights and keeping their jobs. India’s auto sector an indicator of slowing economic growth. 

Reviews and ratings can be easily manipulated, and criteria for the label are unclear.

The average closing time has fallen by almost half in the past two years, according to one survey.

Here’s how and why the stock market responds instantaneously to tweets by President Trump.

Today, a look at some of the Chinese products subject to new tariffs. Plus: 100-year bonds, algorithms and volatility.  

“You just have to put your ear to the ground and take some plane rides,” said Randy Goodman, vice president at Green America Inc.

Investors would sign up to loan the U.S. government money for 50 or even 100 years.

About $300 billion worth of Chinese goods are getting hit with tariffs this weekend, including merry-go-rounds and lithium-ion batteries.

In celebration of the 150th season of college football, let’s run the numbers on the intense sport.

Aparna Nancherla talks about tying her job to her struggles with mental health. Plus: How we all became our own mini corporations.

Ford looked into why sales of its Transit van were higher among small businesses and found mobile storefronts replacing brick and mortar.

The United Kingdom is supposed to leave the European Union on March 29. What does this mean for the U.S.?

We look at the bright side of extremely low interest rates with Diane Swonk. We also examine the growing trend of transit van sales. Then, we look at how climate change could be affecting the U.K. economy.

It’s been a big week for Brexit.  The queen gave the green light for the government, led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to suspend parliament after members return from summer recess from early September until Oct. 14. That’s just two weeks before Brexit.  The decision sparked outrage, support, a drop in the value of the […]

When people get married, they often end up merging a lot of things — kitchen stuff, books, families, finances. Though that last one seems to be changing, at least somewhat. Just 11% of Gen Xers and 13% of baby boomers keep their finances separate from their spouse or partner, according to a survey Bank of […]

Usually donations are supposed to fund the campaign, but in this case it was the opposite.

A survey from New American Economy says the region has more than 73,000 immigrant entrepreneurs.

We update the trade war, with China appearing to step back. Also, we look at Dems, debate and donations. Then, we see how immigrants impact Atlanta.

We shed some light on the confusion over what happens next. Then, Africa could be the next frontier for AI. Plus, how gardeners in London are tackling climate change.

Hybrid and all-electric planes will probably be a thing within five years.

Plus: Why tech manufacturing is moving to Vietnam and a conversation with the president of the Dallas Fed.

A proposed settlement would reportedly see the OxyContin maker declaring bankruptcy and paying big. Is that enough for people on the ground?

A series about how we live today. But to make it work, we need your input.

The workplace messaging app has more than 10 million active users. Stewart Butterfield, the company’s co-founder and, CEO discusses the future of workplace communication.

One Denver couple’s “accessory dwelling unit” became their home.

Robert Kaplan, president of the Dallas Fed, talks to Kai Ryssdal about the state of the economy, and why monetary policy isn’t the answer to everything.

“If you try me and get ‘no reply,’ you can get by ‘with a little help from my friends,'” writes this Beatles fan.

Income share agreements, free tuition and college funds.

Robert Half International found more than half of workers surveyed compared notes on pay and benefits with co-workers.

We talk with Susan Schmidt about the psychology of the markets. Also, BP is pulling out of Alaska after 60 years. Then, we hear how law schools are offering the choice of LSAT or GRE.

The timing of the decision took lawmakers by surprise. One called the move “sinister.”

Some law schools are expanding entrance exam options as a way to try and encourage more diverse students to apply.

A New Jersey-based company is offering brands like Tide, Gillette and Dove in reusable containers.

Best Buy reports quarterly earnings, as the shadow of tariffs looms against consumer electronics made in China.

The U.K. government seeks a suspension of Parliament as Brexit looms. South Korea gets dropped from Japan’s list of most-favored trading partners. Sunday retailing is controversial in Britain. 

The tariff saga is now poised to affect the world of electronics. Consumers and retailers like Best Buy are doing what they can to prepare. In China, the nation’s social credit score system could extend to companies. Also, we look at an East Coast service that offers products in reusable packaging.

Faiza Patel of NYU explains how some districts are using computer programs to flag potential threats on social media and in email.

Maybe never… or maybe we’re in one now.

The Oklahoma Attorney General cited the Business Roundtable’s new pledge in a case involving Johnson & Johnson.

Plus: Why Amazon is streaming the Fenty runway show, and what you’re really getting when you pay for fast internet.

Laura Bliss of CityLab explains why appliance manufacturers are investing in their alert sounds and jingles.

Why internet speed seems to have a bad connection with price.

Marketers bombard seniors with discount offers. Some seniors couldn’t care less.

Amazon wants to grow its apparel business. Could a retail collaboration with Rihanna be far behind?

Johnson & Johnson is appealing the decision, which could be the first of many legal battles.

In 2017 and 2018 some one million students studying abroad returned to China.

Pharma giant Johnson & Johnson has been ordered by a judge to pay $572 million for underplaying the impact of opioids. We examine what the verdict means. Karyn Cavanaugh checks in to talk about the markets, and we look at how a new Golden State law allows cooks to sell food from home.

A California “microenterprise” permit allows people to sell the food they prepare at home directly to consumers.

KFC joins the meat-alternative craze with a veggie-based protein, as competitors are learning how to scale up their supply chains.

The low-cost retailers will pay a fine and pay more attention to sell-by dates.

The Federal Election Commission, the body that watches over campaign finances, is down another commissioner. What does this mean? Also, the story of one man leaving his budding career in the U.S. to move back to China and be a pro Lego builder. Finally, we look in on how KFC is starting to offer non-meat options.

Iran’s President Rouhani reiterates that he will only talk to the U.S. if sanctions are lifted. A Grammy-winning musician secures $250 million for Africa’s women entrepreneurs.

A psychology professor weighs in on how screens might benefit teens.

If approved, the regulation would raise the threshold for required appraisals to transactions above $400,000.

Sixty percent of the island’s population doesn’t have the resources to prepare for the storm, one expert says.

The price tag is high for Otezla, a blockbuster medication with significant upside market potential.

Plus: The robocalls are getting sneakier, and Puerto Rico is prepping for hurricane season.

There was retaliation, escalation and now possibly a return to the negotiating table. It’s hard to tell where things stand.

It took little effort and $9.95 for our reporter to call co-workers from what appeared to be the boss’ phone number.

When news breaks on the trade war, algorithms and wishful thinking kick in.

President Trump is trying to use the law in unprecedented ways.

A company that turns toys into movies and TV buys a company whose cartoons make great toys.

In a bid to revitalize the auto industry in Mexico, some Mexican entrepreneurs want to get into the electric car business using all-Mexican talent and components. They hope to put Mexico on the map not only for manufacturing vehicles, but also for designing them. The idea is to spark a new auto industry in Mexico, […]

It’s time to talk about the markets with Julia Coronado. We also preview the S&P/Case-Shiller National Home Price Index’s release this week, as the steady growth of home prices appears to be slowing down. Then, in Mexico, entrepreneurs are getting into the electric car business and making it as local as possible: all-Mexican parts, talent and design.

Market volatility and the possibility of a recession have affected some retirees’ financial decisions.

At one Connecticut school, the road to an auto repair career starts with vintage cars.

Lower mortgage rates change the buying equation.

Bankrate.com ranks a range of STEM majors as most valuable based primarily on median salary and the unemployment rate of graduates.

President Trump tried to lighten the tone of trade talk with China at the G7 meeting in France. Also, home prices have grown steadily for about seven years, but the growth is slowing down. The S&P/Case-Shiller National Home Price Index’s release this week could provide a clearer picture. Then, we look at how vintage cars could be the key to the future of auto repair.

President Trump says China has requested resumption of trade talks. German business confidence falls to its lowest level in nearly seven years.

The 1985 movie “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” shows a future with no fossil fuels and no renewable energy.