Aug 24, 2017

08/24/2017: Renewable energy isn’t what’s holding back coal

Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

A new report shows that the main cause of plant closures isn't wind or solar energy — it's natural gas. On today's show, we'll look at why this energy source is such a threat and where policy goes from here. Afterwards, we'll discuss NFL's deal with Chinese internet giant Tencent to stream its games in China, and then talk about how Britain's "Corn Laws" from the 19th century are playing a role in Brexit negotiations.

Segments From this episode

The NFL looks to China for a few hundred million fans

by Reema Khrais

Aug 24, 2017

The NFL this week said it was partnering with Chinese tech giant Tencent — which attracts more than a billion users to its platforms, including social network WeChat — to build its base of football fans in China as U.S. audiences decline. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. Stories You Might […]

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To cool down city streets, Los Angeles is painting them gray

by Jed Kim

Aug 24, 2017

Los Angeles is testing out cool pavements on about a dozen blocks around the city.

A stretch of Coronado St. in Los Angeles is one of 15 blocks that is piloting a cool pavement.

Jed Kim/Marketplace

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CEO switch up at Chevron is expected

by Aaron Schrank

Aug 24, 2017

Chevron CEO John Watson is likely to step down soon, the Wall Street Journal reported this week. If there is a switch up at Chevron, it’s not because of losses. Chevron continues to outperform competitors in a turbulent time. A new CEO would likely keep focused on refining. Click the audio player above to hear the […]

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Mid-day Update

08/24/2017: America's AAA credit rating is at risk

by David Brancaccio

Aug 24, 2017

We've had federal government shutdowns and we've bumped into the federal borrowing limit, but now there's danger of both happening at the same time. Economist Julia Coronado MacroPolicy Perspectives joins us to talk about the issue, along with the state of the markets. Afterwards, we'll discuss the likely CEO shake-up at Chevron, and then look at Los Angeles' plans for reflective pavement so that it can keep city streets cooler.

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Deals like Amazon-Whole Foods are a "new territory" for the Federal Trade Commission

by David Brancaccio and Janet Nguyen

Aug 24, 2017

The Amazon-Whole Foods deal is shaking up the retail industry.

A view of a Whole Foods market in New York.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

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What's to blame for the demise of coal and nuclear plants? Another fossil fuel

by Marielle Segarra

Aug 24, 2017

Natural gas plants are less expensive.

Flared natural gas burns off at Apache Corporation's operations at the Deadwood natural gas plant in Garden City, Texas.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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A new report shows that the main cause of plant closures isn’t wind or solar energy — it’s natural gas. On today’s show, we’ll look at why this energy source is such a threat and where policy goes from here. Afterwards, we’ll discuss NFL’s deal with Chinese internet giant Tencent to stream its games in China, and then talk about how Britain’s “Corn Laws” from the 19th century are playing a role in Brexit negotiations.