Latest from Alex Schroeder

• Feb 14, 2019

  The chemical bothers

  The EPA says it’s taking action on harmful chemicals known as “PFAS,” which are found in everyday objects. Germany’s economy didn’t grow last year, and that’s good news. Plus, we hear from Efosa Ojomo, author of “The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty,” about taking a Silicon Valley-style approach to development. Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, Pitney Bowes and Indeed.

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• Feb 13, 2019

  A Norse-course meal

  A new report finds that, while unemployment around the world is relatively low, a lot of the jobs people have just stink. The consumer price index is also low, but will inflation stay down? Plus, there’s paleo. There’s keto. Now, there’s the “Nordic diet.” Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 13, 2019

  Do central banks or governments own gold reserves?

  From the BBC World Service… More than 200 flights in and out of Belgium, impacting tens of thousands of travelers, have been cancelled due to a 24-hour strike by the country’s main transportation unions. And, reports estimate it could cost the local economy 14-million dollars. Then, as Italy’s government central bank and government tussle over gold ownership, we investigate which one really owns the precious metal reserves. Plus,  a U.S. executive order signed in April directed Homeland Security to issue H-1B visas to the most skilled and best-paid foreigners. But now there’s been a drop off in the number of skilled graduates applying for visas in places like India. Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 13, 2019

  A cannabis conundrum

  Sprint and T-Mobile head to Capitol Hill to talk about their proposed, giant merger, but will it be what consumers need? As the threat of another government shutdown looms, we take a look at the toll the previous one has already taken on some federal workers. Seven million Americans are 90 days or more late on their car payments. Plus, how can farmers grow hemp when cannabis is still illegal federally? Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 12, 2019

  Why people quitting their jobs might be a good thing

  For all the talk of a booming economy, small businesses are pessimistic about the future, according to one recent survey. We look at what the coolest-sounding report on government data says about jobs in the U.S. Marco Rubio actually wants to raise one type of tax now. “Hamilton” isn’t the only show taking on politics on and off The Great White Way. Today’s show is sponsored by the Alliance for Lifetime Income, Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 12, 2019

  Can a blackout save South Africa’s state-owned power company?

  From the BBC World Service… Nissan sales took another tumble in 2018 and today slashed targets in key markets like China, the U.S. and Europe. So, can the company navigate slowing demand and executive turnover amid a troubled global economy? Then, South Africa’s state-owned power company is struggling under tens-of-billions of dollars of debt, shrinking revenues and aging power stations. Now, a self-imposed blackout aimed at preventing a collapse of the company could end up adding pain to the economy. Plus, we follow cherry tomatoes on their journey from Spain to the U.K. and explore what the fresh food market for Britain looks like post Brexit. Today’s show is sponsored by the Alliance for Lifetime Income, Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 12, 2019

  Means of the mid-aged

  The FDA cracks down on the dietary supplement industry. Car insurance in California is cheaper than in other states, and heavy regulation might be to thank. Plus, Marketplace Senior Economics Contributor Chris Farrell talks about his new book Purpose and a Paycheck: Finding Meaning, Money and Happiness in the Second Half of Life. And if you’ve ever wanted to own the the house where the richest man in the world lived, now’s your chance. Today’s show is sponsored by the Alliance for Lifetime Income, Kronos, WellFrame  and Indeed.

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• Feb 11, 2019

  Why a bathroom bluetooth speaker could be a renter’s cause for alarm

  Everyday items like toilet paper and garbage bags are getting a little more expensive, at least more than official inflation numbers would suggest. It’s no secret the rent is too darn high in the Golden State, but after Californians rejected a cost control measure last year, lawmakers are looking for other ways to protect renters from the skyrocketing cost of living. The U.S.-China tariff deadline looms. Plus, as Venezuela’s political and economic crisis deepens, the government is on the hunt for dollars. Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, Pitney Bowes and Indeed.

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• Feb 11, 2019

  The higher ed wealth gap

  Colleges and universities are bringing in a record amount of money in charitable donations, and it’s no surprise which schools are getting the most. Construction in the U.S. appears to keep growing, but companies are having trouble hiring enough good workers to keep up with demand. A new report shows the powerful impact of breast cancer screenings over the decades. Plus, we take a brief look at Russia’s looming Internet shutdown. Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, Pitney Bowes and Indeed.

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• Feb 11, 2019

  Equine flu threatens British horse racing industry

  Delegations from the U.S. and China are meeting again to restart talks aimed at ending the ongoing trade stalemate. But, what would a win for eitherside look like, and is China now more willing to give in as consumer spending continues to slip? Then, it’s been 40 years since revolutionaries overthrew Iran’s monarchy, but the economy is struggling today. Plus, horse racing is the second-biggest spectator sport in Britain, generating billions for the economy. But just a month to go until a key racing event, 174 stables are in quarantine amid an outbreak of highly contagious equine flu. Today’s show is sponsored by Kronos, Pitney Bowes and Indeed.

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