Insight on Business

Business Headlines and Fixing a Broken Housing System

It's the final day of April and the worst month for Wall Street since last September. Welcome to the Tuesday Edition of the Business News Headlines for this the 30th of April.  We kick things off with that story and follow several others before we get to a conversation about housing with author Jenny Schuetz and her book, Fixer Upper: How to Repair America's Broken Housing Systems. We are grateful to the Polk County Housing Trust Fund for making Jenny, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution available for this conversation.   Meanwhile, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Wages climb and the Fed thinks that's bad;
• U.S. newspapers sue AI creators and why;
• Amazon posts solid profits;
• The (awful) Wall Street Report;
• Walmart gets "glitzy" with groceries and why.

For the interview we're talking about housing and the many barriers there are to attain the "American Dream". Things like high interest rates, not enough new affordable housing being built, not enough housing stock on the market...it all makes it increasingly difficult to become a homeowner.  Enter Jenny Schuetz the author of "Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America's Broken Housing Systems". Here we talk about the barriers of homeownership and she offers solutions. Our thanks to the Polk County Housing Trust Fund for making Jenny available for this conversation. To listen click our player below:

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Business Headlines and the Workers Memorial 29 April 2024

Welcome to the Monday Edition of the Business News Headlines.  Glad you are with us. Over the  past week labor unions across Iowa have been holding Worker Memorials to remember the men and women who were killed on or at the job site this past year. Today the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO held such a memorial at the Iowa State Capital. I have been to many of these events over the years but never one where so many names were read. Today seventy-three individuals who are now gone but not forgotten were remembered. I was struck by that huge number and at the ages of some of the deceased. Following the event I sat down with Paula Martinez the President of the local union and asked..."Why?".  It was an emotional event for many of us...  Here are the other stories we have for you today:

• Driverless Semi-Trucks?  Yep, coming soon;
• Older affluent Americans are driving the economy...but;
• Recent airline stories have prompted Congress to act;
• Chipotle employees may again eat...chicken;
• The Supreme Court will take up an unusual case;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Remembering the 73 Iowans with Paula Martinez.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 26 April 2024

It's the "Late Edition" of the Business News Headlines. Why "late"? It was a zoo here at "Radio Ranch" as we were playing "catch-up" on a host of things that had to be done before we even started writing the news of the day. In addition I did an interview with our friend Jeff Stein from News Talk 1540 KXEL about the impact the war in Gaza is having on local Jewish Congregations in Iowa. If you want to listen to that piece you can hear if here.  Also, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Inflation is "stuck" and what that means;
• The Feds are taking a second look at Tesla Auto-Pilot and why;
• Ford has pumped the breaks on EV's and making good with hybrids;
• Some SWEET Trader Joe's news for you;
• The Wall Street Report;
• And, women's sports is having a moment.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Always Creating meet Brent Roske

We've had the pleasure of knowing Brent Roske filmmaker, TV host and the creator of The Flamingo Network on Roku for years. We first met when he was doing his syndicated show "Roske on Politics" which is resuming this year. He recently launched The Flamingo Network on Roku with films "Diana in Love" and "Art on Wheels" both of which we'll talk about in this conversation. Also on his network Brent has a show about reclaiming historic homes, a travel series and a cooking show. He keeps busy traveling to warmer destinations than here in Iowa and we were fortunate to catch up with him for a cup of coffee and this conversation. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 25 April 2024

Good to be back with you after having the past two days off in observance of Passover. We spent the time with family and friends along with conducting two Seder Meals one at home and the other with the congregation I've served for the past thirty-six years. Today, we're back with the business news headlines and thank you for being with us. Also, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Our Gross Domestic Product shrank in the first quarter;
• But, there is a but about that from Janet Yellen;
• President Biden was in Upstate New York...think chips;
• Net Neutrality is back and that's a good thing;
• Whoa,15 bucks a pack for cigarettes!
• The Wall Street Report;
• We're not making babies and...why.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and Brent Roske 22 April 2024

Welcome to Monday and the Business News Headlines for this the 22nd day of April. Glad you are with us. Click through our business stories of the day and then, stay with us for a conversation with filmmaker, TV host and the founder of The Flamingo Network on Roku. We've had the pleasure of knowing Brent Roske for years starting with his work "Roske on Politics" that's relaunching this year.  He has also created  the films "Diana in Love" and "Art on Wheels". He does travel shows, cooking shows and "Spruce it Up" for those of you who enjoy fixing up historic homes. Make sure you click through after the news headlines. Meanwhile, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Tennessee Governor doubles down on unions;
• Delta flight attendants get a raise and why;
• So, crocodile handbags are a no-no?
• Kroger and Albertsons agree to sell more stores;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Business leaders are tired of employees commenting on social issues.

For the interview click ahead for my conversation with Brent Roske. We think you'll enjoy getting to know more about his creative abilities and his work in TV and movies.  To listen to that conversation click our player below:

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 18 April 2024

It's been a busy day here at "Radio Ranch" as we've been following a string of economic reports that continues to show the strength of the U.S. economy even in the face of crippling interest rates and stubborn inflation. And we start things off today detailing those reports. Meanwhile, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• The economy and unemployment;
• The economy and home sales;
• The economy and mid-Atlantic manufacturing;
• Who wins? Plastic or the environment a Starbucks story;
• The TikToc ban gets new life in the U.S. House;
• The sad story of Tesla stock prices yet again;
• The Wall Street Report
• Where are tech workers headed? You might be surprised.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Entrepreneur Steve Wilke-Shapiro on Beautiful/Functional Design

Why not start a business during the height of the pandemic? Which is what happened when entrepreneur and architect Steve Wilke- Shapiro created Sequel Architecture and Interiors. His work not only focuses on preservation but also mixing the new with, sometimes, the very old. The result is a stunning project that ranges from the small to the very large. Recently Steve has added an interior designer to his firm having realizing some might want those "extra touches". Beyond that Wilke-Shapiro has a very unique way in which he handles his client interaction.  Meet Steve!  

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 17 April 2024

It's been a tough couple of days for Wall Street as investors have a host of things to worry about.  Today was no different.  Meanwhile President Biden made some promises today to American steelworkers that may heat up some international issues and we'll kick things off with that story. Also make sure you click ahead for the interview with entrepreneur and Architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture and Interiors. Also a reminder, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• The U.S. President, Japan and U.S. Steel;
• Really? $56 billion for Elon? It will be a touch sell;
• The IMF sees a much better economic picture;
• Disney actors want to join a union;
• Meanwhile Disneyland to get a makeover;
• Drive a Ford Bronco or Maverick? Listen up;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Good news for those who suffer from sleep apnea. 

For the interview you'll meet entrepreneur and architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture and Interiors. His work not only focuses on preservation but also mixing the new with, sometimes, the very old. The result is a stunning project that ranges from the small to the very large. To listen to that conversation just click our player below. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 16 April 2024

We're going nowhere fast. We kick things off today with the speculation the U.S. Central Bank will delay cuts to it's preferred lending rate until late this year...if at all. The issue is that inflation continues to be well above the Fed's target of 2%.  One has to wonder if that target is realistic. Meanwhile, later in the newscast, we have a story about how job seekers are demanding even more money that usual to switch jobs and that does not help the situation. And, a reminder, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• The grim prospect of a lack of rate cuts;
• Southern Governors warn about joining a union;
• More consumer protection regarding air travel;
• Truth Social continues to bleed even with new features;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Job seekers seek much higher pay levels and why;
• The pay-gap between men and women continues to widen.

And if you missed our segment on firearms, gun show and firearm safety, which was a big download yesterday, you can check that out by following this LINK. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.