Insight on Business

The Business News Headlines 20 October 2021

Happy Mid-Week to you and this is what we've got for the business news headlines for Wednesday the 20th of October...

• Why people are quitting in just 4 words;
• A massive pork recall is out;
• Hey Dallas...check the sky for something new;
• That Biden idea with the IRS...well....
• Truck Drivers and the Supply Chain;
• The Wall Street Report;
• And, where have all the women gone?

Thanks for coming by!

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 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.

Staying Vital in Small Town Iowa

It's a return visit from Lyle Muller of Iowa Watch - The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism. Today we're talking about the 1118 incorporated and unincorporated communities in Iowa and the success/failure of business, population growth and quality of life. How some small communities are doing when it comes to all manner of business issues. We'll also talk about broadband and how some towns have been able to go it alone. It's a fascinating conversation that is not unique to Iowa.  Here is that article and here is our 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 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.

The Business News Headlines & More 4 October 2021

From social media outages to a whistleblower from Facebook on 60 Minutes...it's been quite the day kicking off the first full week of October. A reminder to click ahead for the interview with Lyle Muller from Iowa Watch as we talk about business and small communities and the struggle to stay...vital.  In the news:

• Stocks took a drubbing today and why;
• Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp down. Why?
• A busy data week ahead;
• The Biden Administration and high meat prices;
• Pharmacy retailers in court...think opioids;
• Captain Kirk is really headed for space;
• Oil prices rise and why;
• The Wall Street Report;
• "Going back to the office is so...2019."

It's a return visit from Lyle Muller of Iowa Watch - The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism. Today we're talking about the 1118 incorporated and unincorporated communities in Iowa and the success/failure of business, population growth and quality of life. How some small communities are doing when it comes to all manner of business issues. We'll also talk about broadband and how some towns have been able to go it alone. It's a fascinating conversation that is not unique to Iowa.  Here is that article and here is our 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 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.

The Business News Headlines & More 27 September 2021

Welcome back and we hope you had a great weekend. The weather here, for the first weekend of Autumn was...amazing. Our interview
today is with the former Chief of Staff for First Lady Michelle Obama. Jackie Norris is back in Iowa running a business and now running for the Des Moines Public School Board.  But first the news:

• Retailers take some drastic action due to supply issues;
• Oops, Amazon is ticking off more customers;
• The price of oil is headed up and why;
• Tesla may dominate the EV market but...there is a but;
• A new economic report is out about our GDP;
• The Wall Street Report
• Women leaders and "Office Housework".

Then stick with us for this conversation with business owner Jackie Norris. She served as Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, came back to Iowa to run a company and is now running for the Des Moines Public School Board. We talk about it all right here:

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 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.

The Business News Headlines 16 September 2021

It is the Thursday Edition of the business news headlines. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so you're getting Chap Ramsey and the written version of the headlines.  Here is what's been going on:

• August Retail Surprise - It was a complete surprise as data showed retail sales grew by .7% in August. Economists had projected retail sales would fall by .8%.  Meanwhile if auto sales are excluded sales jumped by 1.8%. It was a solid report.
• Wall Street - You would think that those kinds of numbers would boost Wall Street and while they did for a bit the markets ended the day mixed. Those numbers in just a bit.
• New Jobless Numbers - This is what may have muted the markets. New jobless numbers came in 20,000 higher than the week before. Ending September 11. 332,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims.
• Just Inhale - Despite opposition from health groups Phillip Morris (think cigarettes) announced that it had taken control of the U.K. inhaler company Vectura. Phillip Morris is hoping to see over half of it's revenue come from non-smoking products by 2025.
• Guaranteed Income Test - What was non-existent just just six years ago is now catching on in 20 U.S. cities test the idea of guaranteed income. Most of the programs are paid for by using donations. But they all have one thing in common: they give some of society’s poorest and most marginalized people cold-hard cash, and then let them spend it however they want. And, it's catching on with some 45% of Americans favoring some type of guaranteed income program. 
• Rents - Rents nationwide are rising at a fast pace, according to a new analysis from Realtor.com. The median rent for all sizes of rentals nationwide was $1,607 as of August, representing an increase of 11.5% from a year ago.
• Wall Street - Stocks ended the day mixed with the Dow falling by 63 points the close at 34,751. The S&P 500 was down by nearly 7 points closing at 4,473. The Nasdaq outperformed getting 20 points above the flat-line to end the trade at 15,181.
• Bye Bye - And, finally there is this: HBO abruptly lost 5 million subscribers this week, after its agreement with Amazon to sell digital subscriptions through its Prime service ended. Prime members have long been able to subscribe to HBO for $15 per month. HBO says they are willing to lose customers, in the short term, as they attempt to build their own relationship with consumers.

That's a wrap.  Thanks for reading!  Michael will be back in tomorrow.

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 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.

The Business News Headlines 13 September 2021

Welcome back to a new business week and we've got some of the top business news headlines of the day along with a peek at what happened on Wall Street. Here's what we've got:

• That "Religious Exemption" thing;
• U.S. inflation. What's behind it?
• Better ramp up your holiday spending & why;
• New tax rates are proposed;
• How about a taco a day...yeah!
• The Wall Street Report;
• Private business failing at...diversity/

Thanks for being here!

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 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.

Big News for Small Businesses

Two things to do: First, if you own or manage a small business you've got to listen to this short segment as we talk about an important   National Small Business Week and a virtual presentation starting on the 13th. And, pay close attention to the new guidelines for gaining capitol for your small business. And, second, if you know a person who owns or manages a small business send this link to them. It could make a huge difference.  My guest is Veronica Pugin who is the Senior Advisor in the Office of Capital Access for the Small Business Administration. Here too is your link to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program that we talk about. Know there are new guidelines and an easier way in which to apply for business capital. Two things:  Listen and Share!

Thanks for being here!

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 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.

The Business News Headlines & More 10 September 2021

Today a slightly different Friday Edition of the business news headlines. Sure we've got the news but then two conversations. In the first you'll hear about some critical information dealing with small businesses and the Small Business Administration. My guest is Veronica Pugin the Senior Advisor to the Office of Capital Access...think money. Then, as is always the case, Jeff Pitts is in from Cityview with "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro...but, first the news:

• The Biden Vaccine Mandate and...business;
• A new CDC vaccine study is out and it's important;
• Mississippi farm workers sue their employer and why;
• Pregnant and working at Amazon;
• You would think Wells Fargo would...learn;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Say it ain't so: Facebook and Ray-Ban.

Then click through for this important conversation for small business owners/managers. Two things to do: First, if you own or manage a small business you've got to listen to this short segment about National Small Business Week and a virtual presentation starting on the 13th. And, pay close attention to the new guidelines for gaining capitol for your small business. And, second, if you know a person who owns or manages a small business send this link to them. It could make a huge difference.  My guest is Veronica Pugin who is the Senior Advisor in the Office of Capital Access for the Small Business Administration. Here too is your link to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program that we talk about. Know there are new guidelines and an easier way in which to apply for business capital. Two things:  Listen and Share!

It's the one day of the week we get Hyper-Local. Welcome to the Friday Edition with Jeff Pitts the Managing Editor of Cityview Magazine where we chat it up about "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro.  

On tap today we're talking the opening of Cabaret at the Des Moines Playhouse the Grand Re-Opening of Noce...think some of the best live music in the city. Of course the Downtown Farmers Market gets a shout out. A little football talk, think Iowa vs. Iowa State and it is a big deal. Meanwhile in Ottumwa the Cracktastic Plastic Event...you like comics...this is your deal. Alan Jackson is in town. The Central Library Book Sale is a happening thing. Hoyt Sherman Place has the Robert Cray Band. Valley Junction and their farmers market is a happening thing. Wilco and Trampled by Turtles at the Water Works Park on Thursday.  Did we mention the Knoxville Raceway?  Yes we did! Now get out there and have some fun...you deserve it! 

Thanks for being here!

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 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.

Where Are the Workers? - Meet Dave Swenson

It it top of mind for every industry in America...not only where are the workers but many thought that once enhanced unemployment benefits were cut workers would flock to jobs that have been open for months.  But, that's not happening. The question then is...why.  Why would able workers not be applying for jobs? What sectors are the most impacted? What should employers be aware of?  Those questions and more asked, and answered. With us for the conversation is Iowa State University Economist Dave Swenson. He's not only looked at the issue in Iowa but also nationally. So, where have all the workers gone?  Click through to learn more. 

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 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.

The Business News Headlines & More 8 September 2021

Grateful to be back with you again today.  September has been, traditionally, a lousy month for the stock market...and we may be seeing that happening yet again. Here are the business news headlines and stick around for the conversation about jobs, workers and the economy with Iowa State University Economist Dave Swenson. But first the news:

• COVID misinformation being sold where?
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren is asking questions;
• Sen. Ted Cruz says, "Uhm, get a job!"
• Some pilots have concerns about their job;
• The "September Curse" is it real?
• It could be a "Financial Armageddon";
• So, that EV and 2035...hmmmm;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Working past age 60? Maybe not.

Those stories and as promised a conversation about ending unemployment benefits, workers, the economy, the labor participation rate, what employers need to better understand and more. With us for the conversation if Iowa State University Economist Dave Swenson. He's not only looked at the issue in Iowa but also nationally. So, where have all the workers gone?

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 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.