Marketplace Morning Report

How a proposed tax on WhatsApp brought Lebanon’s economy to a near halt. Homeowners are staying put longer, raising prices. Plus, tariffs on EU goods kicked in last week, raising prices on your favorite fancy cheeses.

From the BBC World Service… U.S. regulators probe India tech giant Infosys. Mario Draghi prepares for his final meeting as European Central Bank chief. Plus, why Michelin stars matter.

Google researchers say their computing has reached quantum levels. Caterpillar misses earnings targets. Plus, a former Trump economic adviser jumps on the cryptocurrency bandwagon.

Mark Zuckerberg talks to lawmakers about Facebook’s forthcoming digital currency Libra today. A Nike board member is set to take over as CEO. Plus, the new documentary “The Pollinators” follows beekeepers as they truck bees back and forth to farms in an effort to save them from myriad threats.

From the BBC World Service… Confused by Brexit? We’ll guide you through the next steps as Britain’s Halloween deadline to leave the European Union is on course to be missed. South Korea becomes the latest nation to introduce tougher rules on vaping. Plus, as more private money pours into space exploration, an increasing amount of startups are disrupting the industry. We hear how “India’s space woman” is shaping the space race.

Corporate earnings are trending down, but the home building industry is going gangbusters. The government is looking to hire half a million census takers in a tight labor market. Plus, the NBA kicks off today with a game likely ending past midnight on the East Coast, but the league is moving up game times to increase viewership.

Exxon Mobil is in court today for allegedly lying to investors about their action on climate change. Fur is out at Macy’s, but not necessarily out of our culture. Plus, Chipotle makes a comeback thanks to avocados, social media and online orders. Oh, and half the world’s banks might not survive a recession.

From the BBC World Service… Canada’s Justin Trudeau has retained power in a narrow election win. We hear from Montreal, where a campaign about the economy and environment was marred by controversy and personal jibes. Plus, inequality and austerity are driving political unrest around the world. Does social media also play a role, and what are the protesters learning from each other?

Corporate quarterly earnings appear to suffer due to the trade war. New Jersey’s new “American Dream” mega-mall hopes to revive an industry in decline. Plus, French startups are on the front lines of the fight against food waste.

The opioid crisis has cost the economy over $600 billion, according to new analysis. Will pegging cryptocurrencies like Facebook’s Libra to so-called “stable coins” ease regulators’ concerns? Plus, brick-and-mortar retailers turn to food to attract customers.