Intro

Comcast said it plans to turn its cable networks, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new, separate company. We’ll get into why it could be a sign of what’s to come in the media industry. And, the Joe Biden administration is shifting into overdrive trying to spend money intended to boost microchip manufacturing before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. Plus, we’ll smile about breakthroughs in automatic braking technology and a new version of chess that’s pushing the game forward.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• “Comcast to Spin Off MSNBC, CNBC and Other Cable Networks” from The New York Times
• “It’s Official! Comcast To Spin Off Cable Networks, Sees New Standalone Company A ‘Partner And Acquirer’ Of Media Assets” from Deadline
• “Raimondo’s new mission: Leave no cash for Trump” from Politico
• “Automatic Braking Systems Save Lives. Now They’ll Need to Work at 62 MPH” from Wired
• “The Greatest Chess Player of All Time Is Bored With Chess” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.