Week of November 9th, 2020

We’re trying out a new game today. But first: Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, Charles Koch’s new self-reflection and why Elon Musk is “a boob.”

We kick off today’s show with a look at who’s taking charge of economic recovery. Plus, what campaigns learned in 2020 about how to spend their money.

Businesses that sell outdoor gear, from bikes to kayaks, have been doing well in the pandemic, but other parts of the outdoor recreation economy have struggled.

Walmart is converting 42 warehouses that normally ship products to its stores so they can also fulfill online orders.

They’re tax-free, high-interest and in demand, potentially reflecting confidence in the economy.

With COVID and trade barriers limiting supply, her inventory is worth more but replacing it isn’t simple.

Local organizing over national ads and more focus on mail-in voting are some of the takeaways from the recent election.

Election certification happens after every general election. This year, it’s looking to be costly.

And the growth of home prices is outpacing that of incomes. Plus, amid rising COVID-19 cases, still no progress on more federal aid. And, eight months into the pandemic in the U.S., the coronavirus is now hitting rural communities hard.

Some companies are giving workers extra time off, including more mental health days.

Electric and gas debt is expected to be more than $24 billion by the end of this year, at least three times what it was last year.

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Congress “may need to do more” to cushion the blow from the pandemic.

The White House issued an executive order banning U.S. investments in a few dozen Chinese firms. Plus, how employers are (or aren’t) responding to increased stress for workers. And, the growing number of Americans unable to pay their utility bills.

China congratulates President-elect Joe Biden on his victory. Plus, Diwali will be celebrated by millions all over the world this weekend, though businesses catering to the Indian festival of lights are feeling the coronavirus pinch.

Grundy County, Tennessee, is seeing new cases of COVID-19 every day, but health services are not readily available there.

Social media platforms don’t exist in a vacuum.

We’re talking case counts, lockdowns and Christmas with Kimberly Adams today.

Kai Ryssdal talks with Gbenga Ajilore of the Center for American Progress, who argues that pandemic economic relief should be more inclusive.

The CARES Act made it easier to get money out of retirement savings early. But that only helps people with enough cushion to have a 401(k).

Amid the pandemic, about 1,000 of the most vulnerable students have been attending a form of in-person school.

On today’s show: Some students in Baltimore are back in the classroom but still learning online. And a look at what a “skinny” COVID-19 relief package would, or wouldn’t, do for people who need it.

People have been seeking safety for their money during the pandemic. With fewer things to spend it on, the cash piles up.

Low inflation is a sign that the recovery may be losing steam.

Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler is headed for a runoff that could determine control of the U.S. Senate — and the WNBA team she co-owns is supporting her opponent.

A COVID vaccine from the pharmaceutical company has been shown to be highly promising.

“It’s hard to see how electing any president makes a difference to people’s long-term portfolios,” says Barry Ritholtz.

But overall retail sales in China for the year are still down significantly due to the pandemic.

Plus, retailers compete by increasing health and safety measures to attract customers. And, despite positive vaccine news this week, oil demand could be a long way from returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Moderna’s clinical trial has accumulated sufficient data on volunteers with infections to analyze vaccine efficacy.

The figures coincide with a sharp resurgence in confirmed viral infections to an all-time high above 120,000 a day.

A new report from the Brookings Institution says counties where the majority of voters supported President-elect Joe Biden are responsible for a much larger share of economic activity than those that supported President Trump.

Moderna says it’s moving to a new phase of testing for its vaccine. Plus, more than $100 billion in spending on China’s Singles’ Day. And, how to approach your investment portfolio now that there’s a new president-elect.

Because, yes, the pandemic is still raging, and a lot of customers are still hesitant to go shopping.

Fifteen Southeast Asian countries are meeting in Vietnam to agree to a partnership that aims to lower tariffs. Plus, how might a Biden administration approach Africa, which is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world?

President-elect Biden promises to be less restrictive with the program for highly skilled foreign workers, which could help the tech industry.

We’re looking back to 2000 and beyond for this Whadda Ya Wanna Know Wednesday.

Over 100,000 new coronavirus cases were recorded every day for more than a week, and hospitalizations around the country reached a record high on Tuesday.

The company is following in the footsteps of its success with the iPhone.

On today’s show: As COVID-19 surges again across the U.S., hospitals are having trouble finding enough staff. Later, we check in on two small businesses to see how they’re faring in the pandemic.

Nostalgia, art and investment potential have led to an increase in the sports card market, one expert says.

Wendy Edelberg of the Hamilton Project is feeling better after the election, but says the state of the economy is still “panic-inducing.”

Two PPP recipients discuss their relief loans and the challenges of staying open through the pandemic.

Researchers drew on anonymous cellphone tracking data and identified locations associated with the most coronavirus infections. Plus, the “great rotation” for stock market investors in early November. And, ideas for making it simpler to file taxes.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it has received more than 10,000 COVID-related complaints.

“Return free filing” is something 36 countries already do.

“There will be consequences, always, from these choices,” says former WHO chair David Salisbury. “But we try to make them with the best interests of the most people at heart.”

Voters overwhelmingly approved limiting annual interest on small-dollar loans to 36%.

Senate Republicans unveiled a flurry of new spending bills Tuesday and one cuts $11 million out of OSHA. Plus, a new list of advisers for President-elect Joe Biden is out. And, Nebraskans vote to cap interest on payday loans.

Deep discounts usually mean billions in spending on one of the most important online shopping days for internet giant Alibaba. Plus, once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, what’s needed for a mass immunization rollout?

President-elect Joe Biden is inheriting the Trump administration’s antitrust lawsuit against Google, but he could file complaints against others as well.

It’s a bedrock principle of behavioral psychology today. The studies have been replicated on an international scale.

We’ll talk about runoffs, polls, lawsuits and who’s making money from it all in this postelection roundtable.

European Union regulators have accused Amazon of violating antitrust regulations and distorting the market.

Iowa corn and soybean farmer April Hemmes says farmers are wondering how quickly Biden will undo some of Trump’s policies.

On today’s show, a look at the challenge of job searching during COVID-19. Plus, what market distortion is, and what it has to do with Amazon.

Since the pandemic has changed behavior of cosmetics customers, analysts expect both Ulta Beauty and Target to benefit from their partnership.

The unemployment rate is down, and more people are returning to the labor force. But finding a job isn’t easy.

Like all Kentucky bourbons, the famous whiskey brand owes its origin to American tax law.

“I think Mr. Biden is less strident than Mr. Trump is. But Mr. Biden won’t lay off a lot.,” says Erik Gordon of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

As of now, confidence in a potential COVID-19 vaccine is lower than confidence in other vaccines, one specialist says.

It’s not “stay-at-home” stocks like Zoom doing well so far this week. Plus, the number of confirmed COVID cases in the U.S. surpassed 10 million. We spoke to people who say they’re still not worried about the coronavirus at all.

More than 20 million people would lose health insurance if the Supreme Court invalidates the Affordable Care Act.

The EU’s executive commission accuses Amazon of using data to gain an unfair advantage over merchants using its platform.

There’s a key signal on the leadership of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in President-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 task force. Plus, diversifying clinical trials of potential COVID-19 vaccines. And, the Supreme Court once again takes up the fate of Obamacare.

Following positive vaccine news, the next pandemic focus is confidence: How do you build trust in a vaccine developed so quickly? Plus, how “green” bonds can help fuel the shift toward a carbon-free economy.

The human body isn’t wired to stay in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

Researchers say they must overcome deep mistrust of medical research in the Black, Latinx and Native American communities in recruiting volunteers for vaccine testing.

Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler says President-elect Biden will also prioritize more spending on broadband infrastructure.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper is out, and more personnel changes could be coming for the CIA and FBI.

Not to be confused with the Four Seasons hotel.

To build public trust, Pfizer shared details of their trials: who was tested, the race and ethnicity of participants, how they were monitored, how to measure success and funding sources.

On today’s show, a look at President-elect Joe Biden’s plans for office. Plus, why transparency and diversity was important in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial.

Part of the problem is the IRS’ limited resources for marketing, among other reasons.

President-elect Joe Biden said he does not want to ban fracking outright, but producers in Midland are nonetheless preparing for more regulation.

A local authority is proposing to curb street entertainment in the British capital. Performers say a vital visitor attraction — and historic part of London’s culture — could be destroyed.

With so many schools online, screen fatigue, parents opting out and other coronavirus-driven variables, how will districts get the funds they need?

One immunization expert says the Biden team should be talking to state leaders about what they’ll need to roll out vaccines.

Plus, Biden advisers’ talks with drugmaker executives on the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed. And, companies large and small will be adapting business plans to a new White House administration.

Companies large and small are getting ready for changes in trade, taxes and health care policy.

Markets were already sharply higher when Pfizer said that data shows vaccine shots may be 90% effective at preventing COVID-19.

Biden’s COVID task force is expected to tackle funding for state and local governments, as well as schools and small businesses.

A Biden COVID task force will be focused on public health, but also economic strengthening. Plus, markets up again to start this week. And, national registration day for the one-time pandemic relief checks that some people still haven’t received.

British officials are keen to boost the “special relationship” with the United States. Financial markets get a “Biden bounce.” Plus, a vote for the next World Trade Organization leader has been postponed indefinitely.

The deadline for filing information with the IRS to get the money is Nov. 21.

Don’t expect the antitrust lawsuit against Google to go away anytime soon.