Latest from Stephen Ryan

• Nov 18, 2022

  The workers who built Qatar’s World Cup

  

  The brand-new, state-of-the-art soccer complexes that make up the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar, which kicks off this weekend, would not be if it weren’t for the migrant workers from Asia and Africa who built them. And yet those workers endured poor living and working conditions, long hours and little pay. We look into the country’s “kafala” labor system, which has received renewed criticism in the leadup to the Cup. Also, a look at new Biden administration guidelines that make it easier for student loan borrowers in bankruptcy to dismiss their debt.

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• Nov 18, 2022

  Taking stock at COP

  

  From the BBC World Service: As the U.N.’s COP27 climate conference concludes, there are still disagreements over a number of issues. The biggest is the question of compensation for the countries most affected by climate change. Plus, how Lebanon’s economic crisis is driving some young men into the arms of the Islamic State. And, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is at a “crisis point” after continued Russian bombardment.

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• Nov 17, 2022

  Bill seeks to end NDAs when it comes to sexual harassment at work

  

  First, Diane Swonk of KPMG helps us decipher how consumer data potentially impacts the Fed. A bill that bans nondisclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment at work in heading to President Biden’s desk. Urban revitalization expert and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Majora Carter discusses the power of the all-cash deal in the housing market.

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• Nov 17, 2022

  Was last week the right time to borrow for a house?

  

  What impact could falling mortgage rates have on homebuyers? Sticking with the housing market, we check in with urban revitalization specialist Majora Carter. Then, we look into the challenges that come with the spike in hiring for diversity and inclusion managers. 

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• Nov 17, 2022

  Finance chief sets out U.K.’s future

  

  From the BBC World Service: After a period of political and economic turmoil, the U.K.’s new finance minister is unveiling a series of spending cuts and tax rises. What do small businesses want to hear? Plus, an Australian billionaire kicks off an infrastructure fund for post-war Ukraine. And, how the gaming industry is making big titles more accessible for people with disabilities.

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• Nov 16, 2022

  Spending ascended in the month of October

  

  Retail sales numbers came in higher than expected, and Scott Wren of the Wells Fargo Investment Institute helps us understand what that means for the economy. Also, thousands and thousands of UC graduate workers are striking. We look into the reason why. And, you can add Walmart to the list of companies having to settle up in the wake of an opioid lawsuit.

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• Nov 16, 2022

  New York Fed says consumers are getting deeper in debt

  

  The increase in credit card debt is the biggest in decades, but let’s look beyond. For the Economic Pulse, we speak to the founder of a nonprofit that helps Black business owners get established in the Mississippi Delta.

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• Nov 16, 2022

  Could the Poland missile strike impact Europe’s energy supplies?

  

  From the BBC World Service: A key oil pipeline supplying European countries was taken offline after a missile landed near Poland’s border with Ukraine. How significant is the Druzhba pipeline for Europe’s energy infrastructure? Plus, Wednesday marks a “new age” for the European Union as landmark legislation called the Digital Services Act, or DSA, comes into effect.

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• Nov 15, 2022

  Department of Transportation lights up airlines with millions in fines

  

  The fines come following all the drama about flight delays and cancellations. Drew Matus of Metlife checks in with us regarding today’s market activity. The global pandemic ushered in another level of online shopping, which spelled doom for many malls across the nation – but one mall in Portland has adapted.

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• Nov 15, 2022

  Google fined for how it can find people

  

  The tech giant has to pay millions to settle a lawsuit over how it has been collecting user data. The BBC reports on how frustration over COVID restrictions are starting to boil over in China. The Economist’s climate innovation editor checks in from the – where else – COP27 climate summit in Egypt.

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