Marketplace Morning Report

The video game industry is bigger than movies and music combined. Our ongoing project is called “Skin in the Game,” and it’s a look at what games — and the vast industry that surrounds them — tell us about economics, business, money, careers and equity. And equity, in particular, is at the center of the discussion about what companies are doing and not doing to attract and retain talent who better reflect the diversity of game players and society. For more on that, we spoke with three leaders in the industry: Trinidad Hermida, CEO at The Hermida Company and executive director of the Black in Gaming Foundation. She’s also former head of diversity and inclusion at Niantic. We also spoke with Kevin Johnson, director of development at Double Fine Productions, which is part of the Xbox Game Studios family. And, Jessica Lindl, vice president and global head of education at Unity Technologies.

While the latest COVID vaccines are now out, this is the first round of COVID vaccinations to rely mostly on the usual health insurance and provider networks as opposed to the government. What could possibly go wrong? Plus: Privet, Barbie! Despite Western sanctions, a pirated version of “Barbie” has made it onto the big screens in Moscow.

As a government shutdown looms, mortgage rates have been rising. Those climbing rates have been chilling the housing market. We check in with lenders to see what mortgage demand is like. Then, to combat worker shortages, the Biden administration is releasing a worker training playbook. And later: The editor-in-chief of The Economist explains why she’s more concerned about the growing cost of U.S. debt than the shutdown.

From the BBC World Service: Officially, “Barbie” isn’t showing in Russia, but unofficially, pirated versions are doing a roaring trade in Moscow cinemas. Then, the European Union has the gig economy in its sights; it’s working on legislation that could give gig workers for ride-hailing or food delivery apps more rights. Plus, the giant Chinese property developer Evergrande has confirmed that its founder and chairman has been detained on suspicion of criminal activity. Its shares remain suspended.

A few years ago, an artist was commissioned by a Danish museum to produce one of his signature pieces — a canvas covered in money calling attention to low average incomes and inequality. Instead, he gave the museum blank canvases as part of a work titled “Take the Money and Run.” So what happens when an artist does just that? We also bring you the latest developments on the looming government shutdown.

In many parts of the U.S., it’s still legal to pay workers with disabilities a subminimum wage. But the Department of Labor said this week that it’s planning a comprehensive review of the policy. We dig in. Then, we take a look at the investments needed to avoid climate catastrophe. Plus, what would a government shutdown look like for federal employees?

From the BBC World Service: Shares in crisis-hit Chinese property giant Evergrande have been suspended again in Hong Kong, and it comes after reports its chairman had been placed under police surveillance. Plus, EA Sports’ soccer game FIFA generates billions of dollars, but a fresh commercial approach means this year’s edition has a new name. And later: Why are authorities in Paris keen to subsidize healthcare for the city’s pets?

Earlier this year, people were feeling more upbeat about the economy, with the job market hot and inflation cooling. But consumer confidence fell for the second straight month in September, according to The Conference Board. What’s weighing on consumers’ minds? We also unpack the lawsuit filed against Amazon by the FTC and 17 states, then hear about India’s premium motorcycle business boom.

Late-night talk show fans rejoice: The Hollywood writers strike is over. We outline the wins of the deal — including pay increases, minimum staffing requirements and limits on the use of AI — and discuss what it means for your favorite shows and actors still on strike. Then, what sorts of responsibilities to foodies have to the communities they explore?

From the BBC World Service: Before Brexit, goods moved freely between the United Kingdom and the European Union, but now there are far more rules and checks. BBC international business correspondent Theo Leggett reports on carmakers who are calling for a delay to a new trade tax. Also, the European Court hears a climate case brought by Portuguese youth. Finally, the BBC’s Archana Shukla has gone racing in India as the popularity of motorcycling opens up business opportunities for premium makers.

No, we’re not talking about a 21st century twist on the classic Dick and Jane. The makers of ChatGPT are now giving the artificial intelligence tool the ability speak and see. ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI, is planning to roll out the updated artificial intelligence to paying customers in the coming weeks. We humans discuss the changes. Then, we hear about a standoff over territory in the South China Sea.

From the BBC World Service: Spotify dominates the music streaming landscape, but they’re not about to ban AI-created content. That’s according to its founder and CEO, Daniel Ek, who has been speaking exclusively to the BBC. Additionally, officials in the Philippines have told the BBC that they won’t be daunted by Beijing in a territorial stand-off in the South China Sea, and they have now removed a floating barrier installed by China to block fishing boats. The BBC’s Laura Bicker reports from the island of Palawan.

President Joe Biden will join picketing autoworkers in Michigan today, while former President Donald Trump is slated to visit tomorrow. More labor organizing news also broke overnight: Members of SAG-AFTRA have voted to authorize a strike against 10 major video game companies. Then, Ford pauses construction on a battery plant site. Plus, what exactly does it mean to have a “partial government shutdown”?

The United Auto Workers union has expanded its strike to include some parts distribution centers. The move will impact car companies, car dealers and customers alike. We take a closer look. Then, we explore the mounting pressures brought on by higher interest rates that consumers looking to buy homes or cars are facing.

The Writers Guild of America reached a proposed contract agreement with Hollywood studios over the weekend. While union members still need to ratify the deal, we’ll dig into the latest developments. Then, a Senate bill could make it easier for legal cannabis businesses to access banking services. And later: the unintended consequences on Russians using crypto.

From the BBC World Service: Shares in the Chinese property giant Evergrande have plunged after it said it’s unable to issue new debt, because its subsidiary, Hengda Real Estate Group, is being investigated. Plus, Screenwriters in the U.S. are finally on the brink of ending their nearly five-month long strike — their union has reached a tentative deal with studio bosses. Then, cork or screw top? As the wine industry focuses on sustainable materials, cork is back in demand, helped by an innovation that has solved the problem of “corked” wine. And later: The world’s largest toymaker, Lego, has hit a brick wall in its quest to be more eco-friendly.

The owner of the Everton soccer club in England’s Premier League has agreed to sell the Liverpool-based team to an investment group based in Miami. If approved, it would mean Americans own 10 of the 20 clubs in the world’s most lucrative soccer league. What’s behind the surge in Yankee investment? Then, we examine how to combat both poverty and the climate crisis.

During the pandemic, federal subsidies kept many child care facilities afloat. But that aid will begin to disappear at the end of the month. Meanwhile, federal spending on kids has generally fallen. We examine the impact on children and families. We’ll also do the numbers on a potential government shutdown. And later: a kid-friendly guide to tipping.

From the BBC World Service: The United Kingdom is set to clear a fresh Microsoft-Activision deal. In August, the “Call of Duty” maker agreed to sell its streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment and the U.K.’s regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority has now said this “substantially addresses previous concerns.” Energy giant Chevron and unions have struck a deal to end strikes at two large liquefied natural gas facilities in Australia. The industrial action had threatened to disrupt exports of LNG. Plus, it was all about interest rates this week: Which central banks would up them or hold them? We look at some of those big decisions.

Almost a week into the autoworkers strike, there are few signs of progress. If little movement is made by tomorrow, the United Auto Workers union is promising to expand their strike. We look at the impact this could have. We also examine why more companies are going private and hear how one Skid Row nonprofit is grappling with a dip in volunteerism.