Friday News Roundup - International
We follow stories from Ireland, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
Economy
Zeynep Tufekci: How Is Our Attention Packaged And Sold As A Commodity?
Why is it so easy to burn through an hour on YouTube or Facebook? Sociologist Zeynep Tufekci explains how advertisting algorithms have turned our attention into a valuable commodity.
Trump Administration Considers Steep Tariffs Against Foreign Automakers
The president has suggested this will be good for U.S. autoworkers, but economists and industry executives warn the move could spark a destructive trade war that would hurt all countries involved.
The Money Detectives
Recent news has cast a spotlight on a little-known regulatory agency quietly working behind the scenes of our economy. What is FinCEN and why is it so important?
The Billion-Dollar Discount Chain: How Dollar General Remade America
There are more than 13,000 Dollar General stores in the United States.
Efforts To Loosen Banking Rules Worry Fed Official Neel Kashkari
Rachel Martin talks to Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari about moves by lawmakers and regulators to roll back rules for financial intuitions.
Opioid Crisis Takes A Toll On Economic Outlook For Many Americans, Fed Says
One out of five Americans say they personally know someone who has been addicted to opioids or prescription painkillers, according to a new report about the economic well-being of U.S. households.
Most Inane Deduction?
The mortgage interest deduction is popular, but it has numerous distorting effects on the economy – and economists also say that it does exactly the opposite of what people think.
Congress Rolls Back Part Of Dodd-Frank, Easing Rules For Midsize, Smaller Banks
The House gave final passage to a bill that would allow banks with up to $250 billion in assets to escape some of the toughest regulations under the 2010 law meant to shore up the financial system.
Kilauea's Wrath Threatens Power Plant — And Hawaii's Most Powerful Industry
The volcano's lava has crept near a geothermal energy plant, risking the release of dangerous fumes. Meanwhile, the fiery flow is already hurting a major tourist stop and the locals who rely on it.