Mar 6, 2019

Who controls the future of AI?

An AI cancer detection microscope by Google is seen during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2018 (WAIC 2018) in Shanghai on September 18, 2018. STR/AFP/Getty Images

If we let AI keep developing on its current course, author Amy Webb says we probably won't like where it takes us. Plus: Why "birth tourism" is booming, and a look inside the Fed's latest Beige Book.

Segments From this episode

Shelf Life

An artificial intelligence battle is coming between the U.S. and China

by Kai Ryssdal and Bridget Bodnar

Mar 6, 2019

And sooner than you think, futurist Amy Webb says.

Josep Lago/AFP/Getty Images

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The Federal Reserve

The Beige Book, illustrated: worker shortages, immigration woes and tariff chaos

by Jana Kasperkevic and Rose Conlon

Mar 6, 2019

The collection of anecdotes lets us in on interesting economic realities.

Rose Conlon/Marketplace

Why Trump didn't shrink the trade deficit in 2018

by Tracey Samuelson

Mar 7, 2019

Americans imported a record number of goods last year, according to new data from the Commerce Department released Wednesday. U.S. service exports also hit a record high. The net effect was the largest trade deficit since 2008 — $621 billion, up nearly 13 percent from the prior year. However, many economists say the U.S. trade deficit […]

President Donald Trump's administration is said to be considering changes to the way the trade deficit is calculated.

Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images

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FDA approves new Johnson & Johnson drug for depression

by Renata Sago

Mar 6, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first new kind of drug to treat depression since Prozac hit the scene in the late 1980s. Spravato is a nasal spray from Johnson & Johnson that’s a close cousin of ketamine, an anesthetic that’s sometimes used recreationally and often known as “Special K.” Because ketamine can cause […]

Janssen Pharmaceutica

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Why Chinese parents come to America to give birth

by Jennifer Pak

Mar 6, 2019

Every year, thousands travel to ensure U.S. citizenship for their babies, experts say. Here are two of their stories.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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Family Dollar shutters stores in reorganization

by Kimberly Adams

Mar 7, 2019

400 stores will close.

A woman walks by a Family Dollar store on December 11, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. As the income gap between rich and poor continues to grow, dollar and 99 cent stores have become increasingly popular in both urban and rural America. Dollar General, one of several discount retail chains, has become one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S. According to the Institute for Local Self Reliance, there are now over 30,000 dollar stores in the U.S., up from around 18,000 a decade ago. Dollar General and Dollar Tree alone are expected to have 50k stores in the next few years.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Tightrope (feat. Big Boi) - Big Boi Vocal Edit Janelle Monáe, Big Boi

Un Universo Para Los Dos Oktoberklubben

Stella Here We Go Magic

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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