(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … After years of debt binges, bail-outs and sluggish growth, the European economic recovery is gaining traction. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has laid out his vision for the future of Europe in a major speech. Macron called on policymakers to defend democracy in the European Union and work harder to build up the eurozone's defenses against another economic meltdown. But with political deadlock in Italy and populism on the rise, is Macron’s grand plan destined to fail? We also take a look at financial market reaction as China releases its latest growth figures. Plus, a London-based company is teaming up with America's Department of Homeland Security to make long border queues a thing of the past. We find out how it works.
(Markets Edition) 2017: spectacular year for global economic growth. 2018: not so much. We'll talk to economist Julia Coronado from MacroPolicy Perspectives about whether our lackluster first quarter is just hitting a few bumps in the road, or whether the global economy has plateaued. Afterwards, we'll chat with travel aficionado Mark Orlowski about the best ways to turn your credit card reward points into airline tickets.
(U.S. Edition) Can states force online retailers to collect sales taxes? That question is at the heart of a case headed to the Supreme Court tomorrow. We'll talk about the players involved and how much states and local governments are losing in tax dollars. Afterwards, we'll find out why the new GOP tax bill is confusing small business owners. Plus, with public-private partnerships a key part of the Trump administration's infrastructure plan, we'll look at a $2.3 billion project in Central Florida that both state and private companies are working on.
(Global edition) From the BBC World Service … The boss of WPP, the world’s biggest advertising firm, quit Saturday amid allegations of personal misconduct. What does his departure signal for the future of the ad business, and is there a chance he could return to the industry? Then, the U.S. is weighing a third round of sanctions against Russia today, targeting companies with links to chemical weapons use in Syria. But is Russia ready to flex its own retaliation muscles – and who will it hurt more? Plus, China’s microblogging site, Weibo, reversed a decision to remove all gay content after a backlash from users.
(Markets Edition) Every five years or so, the Farm Bill — which sets the country's food and agriculture policy — goes up for renewal. Much of its funding is related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps. House Republicans want to add work requirements for SNAP recipients, which would include working or enrolling in job training at least 20 hours a week. We'll talk to the vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee — Glenn Thompson (R-PA) — about why they're pushing for these requirements. Afterwards, we'll chat with Chris Low — chief economist at FTN Financial — about the disconnect between consumer confidence and consumer spending. While confidence is at record highs, spending not so much...
(U.S. Edition) One of President Trump's first acts in office was pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Now he may just re-enter the deal. While talks are still in their early stages, we'll discuss who the potential winners and losers would be if the U.S. were to rejoin the agreement. Afterwards, we'll look at another major free trade announcement: 44 African countries have signed up for the African Continental Free Area, which would create one of the largest free-trade zones in the world. Plus: We talk about the huge reorganization plans happening at VW. The company has named a new CEO — Herbert Diess — to succeed Matthias Müller.