Nov 17, 2022

Ticketmaster, monopolies and the wrath of Swifties

A majority of GDP growth came from people splurging on concerts, restaurants and durable goods. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

After a debacle over Taylor Swift tickets, Ticketmaster is being called a monopoly by fans and politicians. Plus, should developing countries be asked to "leapfrog" fossil fuels and move straight to renewables?

Segments From this episode

How Ticketmaster came to dominate live events (and incur the wrath of Taylor Swift fans)

by Kristin Schwab

Nov 17, 2022

In addition to selling tickets, the company controls venues and manages artists. Some lawmakers say it's a monopoly.

The company is under scrutiny following last year's debacle involving problems with Taylor Swift tickets.

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

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Unionized Starbucks workers at more than 100 stores strike

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Nov 17, 2022

Striking workers are taking advantage of a holiday promotion to protest the company’s approach to union negotiations.

Workers on strike outside of a San Francisco Starbucks on Nov. 17. Employees at more than 100 unionized Starbucks locations walked off the job Thursday.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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COVID-19

What it's like returning to China's zero-COVID bubble

by Jennifer Pak

Nov 17, 2022

China is simplifying some of the rules to enter its zero-COVID bubble, but many hurdles remain.

Passengers from Pak's flight from Toronto in November are welcomed by staff at Shanghai's Pudong airport in hazmat suits.

Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

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A Warmer World

Are current climate initiatives unfair to developing nations?

by Kai Ryssdal and Richard Cunningham

Nov 17, 2022

Rahul Tongia of the Brookings Institution argues that a swift, large-scale energy transition is unrealistic for poor countries, and unnecessary.

Participants arrive Thursday at the COP27 climate conference, where world leaders are discussing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impacts of climate change.

Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

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FCC readies broadband map to help allocate funds for higher speeds

by Savannah Peters

Nov 17, 2022

Identifying where high-speed internet is available has been tricky. But the map may give officials a better idea of who's left out.

The new map may address stubborn inequality in the reach of broadband internet. Tribal and rural communities could benefit.

Getty Images

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Music from the episode

So Good Pete Rock, The Soul Brothers

It is What It is Blood Orange

Ungodly Fruit Wax Tailor

Dark Rooms Dans Le Noir

Wishing Well Substantial

I'm a Rock Jitwam

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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