Marketplace Morning Report

(Markets Edition) The passage of the GOP tax bill will be the biggest overhaul of the American tax system in three decades. So how are economists evaluating the package as a whole? Our senior economics contributor Chris Farrell fills us in. Afterwards, we'll chat with Susan Schmidt, senior portfolio manager at Westwood Holdings Group, about what the tax package will mean for capital expenditures and hiring. Plus: How Washington, D.C. is taking a sweeping step to lower the chances of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.

(U.S. Edition) After a procedural snafu, House Republicans will have to vote on the $1.5 trillion tax bill again. But Senate Republicans are already celebrating after their vote. On today's show, we'll discuss what this new tax system will mean for big banks. Afterwards, we'll look at how a business article from almost a quarter century ago can inform workplace culture. Kathleen Reardon, a USC professor, wrote a piece for the Harvard Business Review called "The Memo Every Woman Keeps in Her Desk," which explores how women should address the issue of sexism at the office.

(U.S. Edition) As Congress gears up to pass the GOP tax overhaul this week, we'll analyze some of the potential drawbacks. Key components of the bill could end up leading to decreased home ownership among younger households and reduce the incentive for companies to subsidize their employees' commuting expenses. Plus: We look at how recess — yes, that 10-20 minute or so break kids have at school — might help children develop the skills it takes to succeed on the job market.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service …The rags-to-riches South African company Steinhoff, which owns American chain Mattress Firm, has seen its share price plunge 80 percent after revelations of accounting irregularities. Today, lenders might decide whether to save the company or force it to sell all of its assets. Then, one of London’s biggest boardroom battles in years reaches a climax today as shareholders vote on the future  of London Stock Exchange chairman Donald Brydon. Afterwards, we’ll take you to Catalonia where political parties are winding down campaigns ahead of an all-important election this week.

(Markets Edition) House Republicans have released an $81 billion disaster relief package aimed at helping regions that need highway repairs and flood prevention. But on today's show, we'll look at one potential caveat here: this package might be attached to a spending bill that Democrats would have to agree to in order to avoid a government shutdown. Afterwards, we'll talk to economist David Kelly, chief global strategist at JP Morgan Funds, about why he thinks BOTH the right and left are wrong about some aspects of the tax overhaul and the U.S. economy. Then, we'll discuss the origins and appeal of the Spanish Christmas Lottery, which has a payout of more than 2 billion euros.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service…South Africa’s governing African National Congress is choosing a new leader. We’ll take you to the region and tell you what the vote means for the languishing economy amid corruption allegations against the incumbent president. Then, cows that text? A look at the latest in wearable tech gadgets farmers are using to help look after their livestock.

(U.S. Edition) A power outage at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport this weekend led to the cancellation of more than a thousand flights, and not everything is back to normal yet. On today's show, we'll discuss some of the lingering effects. Afterwards, we'll chat with author Shaun Rein about his latest book, "The War for China's Wallet," which examines the diplomatic opportunities China will be able to take advantage of as President Trump looks more toward the United State's domestic issues. Then, we'll look at how tax planners and preparers are dealing with clients in the midst of the GOP's push to get their tax bill signed into law.

(Markets Edition) Shortly into the trading day, the Dow, Nasdaq and S&P 500 were all up. We'll talk to economist Julia Coronado, founder of Macropolicy Perspectives, about whether we can attribute some of this to the likely passage of the GOP's tax bill. Afterwards, we'll look at how in recent weeks, officials in Beijing, China have been evicting tens of thousands of migrant workers from "slums" — buildings deemed to be dangerous or not licensed for habitation.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... A day after plane maker Airbus secured a $12 billion deal from Delta, it announced a change of leadership. We’ll tell you what’s behind the shakeup, which comes amid a series of corruption allegations. Then, ever heard of “The Brussels Effect?” It refers to the regulatory power of the European Union, and we’ll explain why it will matter to Britain as it moves on to phase two of its Brexit negotiations. Afterwards, we’ll take you to Fukushima, where farmers there are still struggling to convince people their food is safe to eat nearly seven years after the nuclear disaster.

(Markets Edition) Republicans are still trying to hammer out the details of their tax overhaul, with some concerned about the expiration date for individual tax cuts and who will stay in the top tax bracket. Christopher Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, joined us to talk about how markets are feeling about it. According to them, this tax plan still seems to be on the path for passage, despite reservations from leaders in Congress. Afterwards, we'll chat with Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam from the American Public Media podcast "Dinner Party Download." They have a new book out called "Brunch is Hell," which'll give you the tips you need to throw a successful dinner party.