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12/23/16: Coal is having a comeback, but can it last?
Dec 23, 2016

12/23/16: Coal is having a comeback, but can it last?

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The thing about nuclear weapons is ... they're really expensive. On today's Weekly Wrap Molly Wood talks to Nela Richardson from Redfin and Felix Salmon of Fusion about this week's economic news. One of the biggest stories they discussed is Trump's statement about expanding the United State's "nuclear capabilities." Also: A look at the coal industry. Coal mining firms have been in a significant slump, but now there may be signs of recovery. Finally: We hear from a shop owner in Southern California about the challenges of sustaining a a family-owned Christmas shop since 1962. 

Segments From this episode

Atlanta mall lures customers by offering events

Dec 23, 2016
A mall developer landed on "experiences" as the way to compete for retail shoppers in an online world.
Atlantic Station lets local groups use its space at a discounted rate because people who come for events often shop at the mall too.
Immanuel Cruz

Stats brings Christmas to California year after year

Dec 23, 2016
The Stathatos family have been in the business of holiday decor for more than 50 years.
Holiday decoration display at Stats Floral Supply in Pasadena, CA 
Robert Garrova/Marketplace

Artificial intelligence could soon eclipse touch screens

Dec 23, 2016
Silicon Valley is well on its way toward a world of voice-activated interfaces.
Shoppers test out the Google Home. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Coal is having a comeback — can it last?

Dec 23, 2016
Don't call it a comeback (maybe)
Coal falls off a conveyor belt as it's off loaded from trucks from local coal mines at the Savage Energy Terminal on August 26, 2016 in Price, Utah. 
George Frey/Getty Images

There is a patchwork of minimum wages across the U.S.

Dec 23, 2016
Congress hasn’t raised the federal minimum wage since 2009, but many states and localities have.
California Governor Jerry Brown signs the bill that will raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022 while surrounded by supporters and politicians on stage at the Ronald Reagan State Building in downtown Los Angeles, California on April 4, 2016. 
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

How to put those Amazon boxes to good use after Christmas

Dec 23, 2016
Amazon and other retailers have teamed up with Goodwill for a donation program
Packages are stored at the Amazon electronic commerce company's logistics center in San Fernando de Henares, near Madrid, on the eve of 'Black Friday', on November 24, 2016.
GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images

The thing about nuclear weapons is … they’re really expensive. On today’s Weekly Wrap Molly Wood talks to Nela Richardson from Redfin and Felix Salmon of Fusion about this week’s economic news. One of the biggest stories they discussed is Trump’s statement about expanding the United State’s “nuclear capabilities.” Also: A look at the coal industry. Coal mining firms have been in a significant slump, but now there may be signs of recovery. Finally: We hear from a shop owner in Southern California about the challenges of sustaining a a family-owned Christmas shop since 1962. 

Music from the episode

Christmas Unicorn Sufjan Stevens
Fireball (feat. John Ryan) Pitbull, John Ryan
Christmas Is Coming Jason Gray
Hypnotize The Notorious B.I.G.
Seven Nation Army The White Stripes