Marketplace Morning Report

The #MeToo movement brings about changes to state harassment laws across the country. Facebook cracks down on so-called deepfakes. Plus, what has been the real impact of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran?

From the BBC World Service… Sanctions have punished Iran economically but haven’t necessarily accomplished their political goal. A South African business icon and friend of Nelson Mandela dies at 99 years old. Plus, sales of Rolls-Royce cars jump 25%, but no electric model just yet.

What does market activity indicate about the future of tensions between the U.S. and Iran? Accounting for lower car sales in 2019. Plus, carpooling in France gets a bump from transit strikes.

The price of crude keeps rising following the U.S. assassination of an Iranian military leader in Iraq. What does the first Consumer Electronics Show of the new decade have on deck? Plus, streaming services are shelling out big bucks for pop star documentaries.

From the BBC World Service… How will Iraq’s economy cope if the U.S. heaps sanctions upon it? Australian PM Scott Morrison pledges cash for bushfire-ravaged areas. Plus, ethical veganism is now protected under the U.K.’s equality laws.

What will be the economic blowback for U.S. allies following the deadly attack on an Iranian military leader in Iraq? The job market is going gangbusters, but that’s not lifting wages for the one who could use the help the most. Plus, in the age of ubiquitous screens, old-fashioned board games are still wildly popular.

Oil prices spike following a U.S. airstrike on an Iranian military leader in Iraq. Fed bankers predict the economies of nine states will shrink in 2020. Labor unions continue to face an uphill battle with the Trump Administration. Plus, the race to get you from point A to point B through the air is on.

From BBC World Service… Oil prices spike after Iran vowed to take revenge on the U.S. for killing its top military general. Plus, companies have added ping-pong tables, beer fridges and even saunas to their offices, but is having fun at work good for business?

The new year is bringing clarity on some major trade deals. States are taking on data breaches and trying to protect the information companies keep on consumers. Plus, designers are making Washington D.C. a fashion destination.

Illinois aims for transparency in A.I.-assisted job interviews. Google vows to stop the use of the “Double Irish Dutch Sandwich” tax loophole in Europe. Remembering the late David Stern’s tenure as NBA commissioner. Plus, how the lack of parking is affecting hiring in Austin’s trendy South Congress neighborhood.