Jan 10, 2017

01/10/2017: Hearings on hearings on hearings

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Confirmation hearings for the Trump administration are underway on Capitol Hill. We'll look at what to expect from Wilbur Ross and Rex Tillerson in the coming days. Plus, the trials of the marijuana and magazine businesses, and the problem of American productivity.

Segments From this episode

Where Trump's Secretary of State falls on climate change

by Jed Kim

Jan 10, 2017

An oil CEO may seem dire for climate change, but he has some moderate leanings.

Exxon Mobil chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson gestures while speaking at a discussion organized by the Economic Club of Washington on the energy innovations that have led to a new era of energy abundance for North America in Washington, DC on March 12, 2015.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

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Brand identity is the key for magazines

by Reema Khrais

Jan 10, 2017

Glossy and costly is a winner for some in the magazine industry.

Magazines are on display at a newsstand on February 25, 2015 in Lille.

PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images

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The real estate industry smells big money in marijuana

by Sam Harnett

Jan 10, 2017

Right now could be a very good time to own a big commercial space in California. Why? Marijuana.

An employee with medicinal marijuana plants in the flowering room at Tweed INC. in Smith Falls, Ontario, on December 5, 2016.

LARS HAGBERG/AFP/Getty Images

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What a 48-team World Cup means for FIFA — and soccer fans

by Kai Ryssdal and Robert Garrova

Jan 10, 2017

Soccer's international governing body hopes to move past its corruption scandal and expand the World Cup. Will it generate more money in the process?

Daniel Sturridge of England beats goalkeeper Craig Gordon of Scotland to score their first goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

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New York to shutter huge nuclear energy plant

by Scott Tong

Jan 10, 2017

Big challenges on the horizon for replacing nuclear power.

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Will Wilbur Ross be good for trade?

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Jan 10, 2017

Update: After this story aired, Ross’ hearing was delayed to January 18. The original audio appears above. Wilbur Ross, president-elect Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary, is scheduled to begin his confirmation hearings next week. Ross has decades of experience as an investor in distressed companies buying failing textile outlets and steel mills and coal mines. […]

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Final Note

Clemson University won, but was prepared for the worst

by Kai Ryssdal

Jan 10, 2017

An insurance policy allowed them to save more than $1 million after the championship victory, to make sure coaches received their bonuses.

Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game 35-31 at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida.

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

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What killed U.S. productivity?

by Mitchell Hartman

Jan 10, 2017

Northwestern University economist Robert Gordon argues that new technology can't improve living standards as dramatically as it did 100 years ago.

When productivity slows, employers generate less extra capital from their business activities to boost workers’ pay.

LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images

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Confirmation hearings for the Trump administration are underway on Capitol Hill. We’ll look at what to expect from Wilbur Ross and Rex Tillerson in the coming days. Plus, the trials of the marijuana and magazine businesses, and the problem of American productivity.