Marketplace Morning Report

Uber ignores a new California law making their drivers official employees. The Trump Administration cracks down on the vaping products targeted at children. Plus, bankrupt coal company is close to reaching a deal with disgruntled miners.

From the BBC World Service…The European Central Bank will probably cut rates today. The first World Vaccination Summit is happening in Brussels. Plus, Brazil’s biofuel industry hopes to keep ethanol on top.

A seemingly stable stock market belies a flurry of investor activity. Taxes on alcohol barely cover the costs of the damages the excessive drinking can cause. Plus, the popularity of the hit song “Old Town Road” is causing headaches for one Massachusetts city.

American firms doing business in China are feeling a bit more pessimistic these days. Pennsylvania reaches out to women to curb straw gun purchases. Plus, why actual dentists aren’t smiling about the popularity of “tele-dental” services.

From the BBC World Service… The more than 300-year-old London Stock Exchange has received an unexpected takeover bid from the owner of Hong Kong’s stock exchange. Germany’s budget is under scrutiny as concerns linger about weakness in Europe’s powerhouse economy. Plus, as China moves to lift tariffs on 16 American product categories, we take a look at the cost of human hair products still impacted by the trade war.

Americans are borrowing like they’re getting paid to do it. Apple’s big product reveal looks to be a lackluster event. Plus, implementation of the Trump Administration’s public charge restrictions could have negative effects on immigrant families for generations to come.

Congress calls 3M to account for its use of chemicals known as PFAS. We examine the damage in the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian and its effect on the region’s main industry, tourism. Plus, all this recession talk is starting to wear on small businesses.

From the BBC World Service… As a deadly virus decimates China’s pig stocks, discontent is growing among consumers hit by rising food inflation. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma is stepping down, marking the end of an era for the firm. Plus, we find out why three of the world’s biggest car makers are not at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year.

China’s exports to the U.S. fell by 16% ahead of scheduled trade talks in October. U.S. state attorneys general hone in on big tech in an antitrust investigation. And how headphones could help with hearing loss.

Congress returns from summer recess to a slate of legislative business including hashing out a spending bill before the end of the month. Gig workers could be reclassified as employees, if a California bill passes. And a profile of one of the “GM Gypsies.”