The End of 6% Real Estate Commissions? & Uber and Lyft Are Out in Minneapolis

In October, a federal antitrust lawsuit verdict found the National Association of Realtors and other big brokerages guilty of colluding to inflate home selling commissions. Experts forecast a substantial shakeup in the industry, with high job losses for real estate agents and an increased push to become more open and competitive with fee structures.

As of May 1, US homebuyers may pay a little more or a little less in mortgage fees depending on their credit score—and a lot of people are unhappy about the news. Recent mortgage fee adjustments have stirred controversy among some housing finance experts and Republican officials, and put the agency responsible for the changes on the defensive.

Concerns are mounting that the weakening of the housing market portends a softening of the wider economy, and that we may be headed for another Great Recession similar to that of 2007-09. However, some experts say it’s more likely that the current softening will be moderate and short-lived—because it’s caused, not by financial irresponsibility, but by purposeful increases to interest rates by the Federal Reserve to calm an overly strong market. Some believe higher mortgage rates may be the new normal, which would be in line with historical trends—meaning the era of super-low rates may be permanently over.

Curious about how Uber and Airbnb grew from seedlings to internet juggernauts?

The Upstarts covers the history of Uber and Airbnb, from their founding in 2008 to present day of 2016. Learn how each company started as just a side project, gathered momentum, and grew exponentially throughout the world. Learn how neither Uber nor Airbnb was the first idea of its kind, but through strategy and will, they came to dominate. Also learn how Uber and Airbnb attracted the ire of government, incumbents, the collaterally damaged, and its own customers.

The Biden administration backs a plan to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour through a series of steps over the next four years, placing it at more than double the current rate of $7.25. Proponents argue the wage increase would lower poverty levels and thus benefit the economy. Opponents argue it would increase unemployment and therefore hurt the economy.

The failure of Enron in the early 2000’s is one of the largest bankruptcies in US history. Shareholders were wiped out, and tens of thousands of employees left with worthless retirement accounts. This book recounts the rise and fall of Enron, and how the company constructed a massively complex accounting scandal that was doomed to failure.

Enron’s downfall is the predictable mixture of human greed, poorly structured incentives, and lack of sanity checks when everyone has their fingers in the pie. In smaller ways, we too are subject to the same pulls as Enron managers and employees. The warning - if we were put into the same situation, we might not have behaved any differently.

Warren Buffett is the world’s most successful investor, but he also thinks of himself as a teacher in the field of investing and economics. Compiled from Buffett’s annual reports to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, The Essays of Warren Buffett provides a glimpse into the mind of a man whose ideas contrast with those of the typical Wall Street mogul. His insights on investing are simple yet difficult to put into practice, while his thoughts on the culture of the wider business world shine a light on the values that shape modern finance.

In this guide, we’ll cover Buffett’s writings on investment, his recommended approaches, and some widely accepted economic practices that he considers to be wrong. We’ll also look at the opinions of other financial experts, both those who agree with Buffett and those who present an alternate view. We’ll place Buffett’s essays in their historical context and look at how well his ideas hold up in the modern world of high finance.

As the Women’s World Cup approaches, players are embroiled in battles with officials around equal rights and equal treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the recent issues and how they might affect the upcoming global tournament.

Dive into the lives, laughs, and lessons of professional comedians Matt McCusker and Shane Gillis on Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast, as they navigate everything from the emotional turbulence of relocation to the oddities of everyday life. This episode peels back the layers of vulnerability comedians seldom show, moving from heartfelt revelations about the significance of cultural identity and personal growth to the comedic gold nuggets found in hotel bathroom amenities and gluten-free dining in Austin.

Amidst the anecdotes and existential musings, "Ep 464 - Not A Fireside Chat" traverses the terrains of professional stand-up, social commentary, and the quirks of the entertainment industry. From the dynamic perspectives on sports broadcasting to the intimate behind-the-scenes look at podcast production, McCusker and Gillis engage in a freewheeling conversation that sheds light on the complexity of crafting comedic content while staying true to their roots amidst a rapidly changing world. Join these witty minds as they juxtapose sobering societal insights with their trademark humor in an episode that promises to keep listeners grinning and pondering long after the laughter fades.

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know", co-hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the chilling account of the Hyatt Regency Skywalk disaster. Echoing through the annals of US history, this horrifying event claimed 114 lives and injured hundreds. Yet, the catastrophe was not simply a product of unfortunate circumstances, but a consequence of structural negligence. Clark and Bryant explore the events of that fateful day, from the immediate panic to the intense rescue operations and the subsequent investigation into the disaster's cause.

Their narrative isn't limited to the physical aspects of the disaster. In moving detail, they uncover the human narrative that seeped from the wreckage - tales of survival, bravery, loss, and community response. They reveal how the consequences rippled beyond the immediate victims impacting Kansas City, and even reshaping international regulations in civil engineering. In this compelling episode, listeners are invited to consider the profound, lasting impacts of the Hyatt Regency disaster.

US shoplifting losses reached $100 billion in 2021, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels and affecting major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Nordstrom. Experts are divided on the causes of the shoplifting surge and disagree on whether shoplifting is an unprecedented crisis or an exaggerated narrative pushed by retailers.

Dive into the intricate workings of American politics, power shifts, and international leadership with the PBD Podcast's latest episode featuring Patrick Bet-David, Tom Ellsworth, Adam Sosnick, Vincent Oshana, and special guest Benjamin Netanyahu. Witness a robust dialogue that spans the significant migratory trends redefining the political landscape, the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, and the crucial role of charismatic leadership on a global scale. The panel sifts through the nuances of today's administration, contrasting real-life leaders with fictional ones like Eminem's character in "8 Mile," and scrutinizing the implications of endorsements in an ever-shifting political arena.

Join these insightful speakers as they pivot the conversation to pressing economic issues like consumer debt, the astonishing impact of retail crime, and inflationary pressures affecting everyday Americans. They analyze socioeconomic changes driving domestic migration and crime rates while debating the legacy of the pandemic on societal evolution. With their gaze firmly fixed on the essence of leadership, they explore the qualities that define effective leaders through historical parallels, contemplate the scandals and strategies in current politics, and tease the potential of upcoming political bids. The podcast ties together with invitations to further engagement, underscoring a strong commitment to dissecting complex issues facing today's society.

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? In How Brands Grow, marketing professor Byron Sharp argues that many of the marketing principles commonly taught in business schools are unsubstantiated myths. By examining the real-world data that indicates which marketing techniques succeed and which fail, Sharp claims to have discovered a new set of empirical rules that directly contradict the widely-held “common sense” principles of marketing.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Sharp believes most marketers get wrong about where a brand’s profits come from and the psychology behind consumers’ purchasing decisions. Furthermore, we’ll define what Sharp believes to be the optimal strategy to market any brand. In addition, we’ll contrast Sharp’s theories with those of marketing experts who argue against his contrarian stance, such as Al Ries and Jack Trout (Positioning) and Seth Godin (Purple Cow). Finally, we’ll update Sharp’s theories in light of the most recent marketing developments and trends, including personalized advertising, social media engagement, and the renaissance of the subscription business model.