For entrepreneurs and aspiring CEOs, one of the ultimate tests of mettle is appearing on the hit show Shark Tank, which pits high-rolling investors against contestants looking for a deal to help take their businesses to the next level of development. We catch up with Megan Klein, founder of Little Saints, a company that has been at the forefront of the non-alcoholic cocktail industry, who recently appeared on the show and made her pitch to the sharks. And, we chat with University of Michigan Professor Erik Gordon about consumer confidence ahead of the election and which candidate voters trust more on the economy.

Americans nowadays don’t agree on much, but most have one thing in common: disappointment in their government and the direction of the country. According to University of Chicago Professor James Robinson, who jointly won the Nobel Prize in Economics this year, a lot of this discontentment can be tied back to economic inequality and a perception that economic gains of the past few decades haven’t substantially improved normal people’s lives. Plus, an update on Boeing as striking machinists reject the company’s latest offer in ongoing labor negotiations.

From the BBC World Service: In an exclusive BBC interview, IMF Deputy Director Gita Gopinath said tit-for-tat tariffs cause global losses in growth equivalent in size to the economies of France and Germany. And, Canada is one of America’s largest trading partners, so how do its residents feel about the upcoming election?

Today’s quarterly earnings report painted a gloomy picture for the embattled aviation giant — the company reportedly lost $6 billion in the three months ending in September. A look at what this means in the context of the numerous crises the plane-maker has been facing in recent years. Plus, what a recent outbreak of E. coli linked to McDonald’s hamburgers could mean for the fast food giant. And, how a diversity program is looking to bring country music artists belonging to traditionally underrepresented groups into the music industry.

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement will come up for renewal in the second year of a Trump or Harris presidency, which comes at a time of tension in the U.S. trade relationship with China and Chinese businesses increasingly building facilities in Mexico. Marketplace’s David Brancaccio speaks with the Wall Street Journal’s Santiago Pere about potential disruptions in the two countries’ trade relationship. Plus, a look at the IRS’s new inflation-adjusted tax brackets for the upcoming tax year and what that means for taxpayers.

From the BBC World Service: Indian Prime Minster Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia in what President Putin is framing as a propaganda victory amid the war in Ukraine. Then, a communications satellite designed and built by the troubled aerospace giant Boeing has broken up in orbit. And, as the new NBA season gets underway, we hear about Africa’s continuing influence on the league.

The way you bank and apply for credit could fundamentally change in the next couple of years. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued new rules this morning to give consumers more control over their financial data, and spur competition in financial services. Then, it appears to be a quiet period for business ahead of the election. And later, how can companies tackle worker loneliness and isolation without forced fun?

Dating apps boomed during the pandemic, when online dating was pretty much the only way to meet romantic connections. And while the honeymoon period seems to be waning between big-name dating apps and users, smaller apps are having a moment. Today, we’ll take the pulse of the industry with Robyn Exton, CEO and founder of the sapphic dating and community app HER. Also: a potential major lithium discovery in southwestern Arkansas.

From the BBC World Service: Hyundai Motor India shares have made their trading debut after a $3.3 billion initial public offering, but the price has already slipped. We’ll discuss. Then, Russia is hosting the BRICS summit of emerging economies. Plus, Spain has seen a record number of migrant arrivals this year, raising questions over what role migrants should play in the Spanish economy.

Leaders of finance from around the world gather starting today in Washington, D.C., for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The meetings come at a fraught time for the global economy and with U.S. elections looming in the background. We’ll hear more, including how markets are bracing for the upcoming election. Also: the frozen potato biz and a potential end to the Boeing strike.

If the election is contested again in November, will corporate leaders push back? It’s a thorny but pertinent question, especially as companies have dialed back on commitments to DEI, LGBTQ+ rights and other issues in recent months. Today, we’ll explore what responsibility corporations have to American democracy. Also on this morning’s program: Campaigns spend big to court some of America’s 3 million expat voters.

From the BBC World Service: A civil trial is beginning in London to determine whether the mining company was responsible for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse. Then, ByteDance has sacked an intern for “maliciously interfering” with the training of one of its artificial intelligence models. And more than 100 professional women’s soccer players have published an open letter calling on FIFA to end its sponsorship deal with state-owned Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco.

After working hours, that is. The European Union is now considering rules to formalize a “right to disconnect” for employees — a legal right to ignore those pesky work-related emails, calls or messages when you’re not working. Presently, around 20 countries have such laws. We’ll learn more. Also on the program, we’ll hear about homebuilder optimism, Netflix’s slower subscriber growth and the reasons behind climbing interest rates.

For this month’s Econ Extra Credit, we’re watching “Join or Die: A Film About Why You Should Join a Club.” Today, we’re joined by the films co-producers to discuss the threat loneliness poses to our individual health and the health of our community, as well as the benefits of joining a club — anything from a bowling team to a pickleball league or PTA. But first, we’ll take the pulse of China’s economy.

From the BBC World Service: China’s GDP grew in the third quarter at the slowest pace since early last year. Then, in Japan, the anime industry has hit a milestone: its value has topped $2 billion thanks to hit movies and the growth of streaming services. And the European Union is looking at “right to switch off” rules for employees, a legal right to ignore business emails and calls outside of working hours.

Have you tried to cancel a subscription or membership recently and gotten the run-around? The Federal Trade Commission says it should be as easy to cancel as it is to sign up. We’ll learn about the new rule entails. Plus, incentives for German automakers to make cars stateside could be on the way. And we’ll also hear a snippet from the latest season of Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, “How We Survive.”

From the BBC World Service: When NASA astronauts return to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years, they will do so in style … wearing Prada. We’ll hear more. Plus, TSMC, the Taiwanese tech giant that controls more than half the world’s output of advanced chips, posted profits of $10.1 billion in the last three months. And on Friday, China will announce growth figures. What can we expect?

A shortage of IV fluid is forcing hospitals across the country to conserve and even postpone surgeries and procedures after an IV fluid production facility in North Carolina was hit by the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene. It’s vital for hospitals, and the shortage clues us in to some of the economics of health care. Also on the program: what challenges Ulta Beauty faces and where the money from the FDIC comes from.

The Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program has run dry, meaning the feds can’t make new, low-interest loans to help people rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The SBA says it won’t be able to make any new disaster loans until Congress appropriates more money, but members of Congress aren’t scheduled to be back in session until November. And later: Canada’s tourism industry recovery and California’s gasoline reserve.

As part of our ongoing Office Politics series, we’ve heard the case for no political talk at work. Today, we’re joined by Michael Reszler of the Better Arguments to learn about healthier ways to disagree and to broach political discourse — in the workplace and beyond. We’ll also get a taste of the process. But first, banks are making a lot of money on investment banking. We’ll unpack.

From the BBC World Service: An Italian naval ship carrying migrants has reached Albania, the first relocation under a new agreement between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The move faces criticism from human rights groups. We’ll hear more about the deal and its financial implications. Also on the show: a look at Hong Kong’s housing size minimum and Canada’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.

There’s a way U.S. companies could help employees pay down student loan debt the way the boss can help you save for retirement. But will your company go for it? We’ll discuss. First, the lowest-income countries are getting poorer and more in debt, the World Bank finds. Then, we’ll hear some business advice from a 9-year-old entrepreneur, courtesy of our friends over at “Million Bazillion.”

On today’s program, we’re joined by Simon Johnson at MIT, who yesterday was one of several U.S. economists to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. He studied which systems and institutions contribute to prosperity and which contribute to poverty and inequality. We’ll hear Johnson’s conversation with “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio. Also, Alphabet/Google is turning to nuclear reactors to fuel artificial intelligence systems.

From the BBC World Service: Leaders and officials from India, Pakistan, China and other countries in the region will meet in Islamabad during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to discuss how to boost their security, cooperation and economic ties. Then, competition from China and tariffs on Chinese-made cars take centerstage at the Paris Motor Show. And as some content becomes unavailable on streaming platforms, should we just buy more physical media?

This morning, the Nobel committee announced the winners of the economics prize: three economists focused on how social institutions affect poverty and wealth within and among countries. The winners were Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson of MIT and James A. Robinson at the University of Chicago. Today, we’ll discuss some of their research findings. Plus, how can cultural intelligence help companies bridge a divided workplace in the run-up to the election?

More than 400,000 electricity customers are out of power across Florida this morning. After the storm, ports, transfer terminals and roads were closed, and that’s disrupted the supply of critical products, including gasoline. We’ll get into it. Then, you may be getting an inundation of fundraising texts and emails from the Trump-Vance or Harris-Walz. But do the campaigns really need your money at this point? And later, we’ll learn about hotel-to-housing conversions.

From the BBC World Service: All roads lead to Paris as the City of Light hosts its major motor show, with French and ­Chinese car manufacturers dominating the event with new reveals. Then, South America has exceeded its record for wildfires this year. The Amazon rainforest is seeing its worst fires in two decades; an area bigger than Sri Lanka has burned in the Brazilian Amazon alone.

Stocks are increasingly an important source of household wealth. Thanks to the booming stock market, U.S. household wealth surged to a record high last year, per Federal Reserve data. But there are continued racial differences in stock ownership, which has big implications for the racial wealth gap. We’ll learn more. Also on the show: producer prices remain tame, and business travel spending rebounds.

“We’ve just softened the boundaries a little bit and allowed politics to creep into the workplace,” says Sean Westwood, director of the Polarization Research Lab at Dartmouth. As part of our Office Politics series in the lead-up to the election, we’re focusing on how companies intensify or ease political divides. Today: the argument for just not talking about politics or other divisive matters at work. But first, Trump and Harris turn their attention to automakers.

From the BBC World Service: Chinese police have detained four workers of the Taiwanese iPhone maker Foxconn in circumstances Taipei has described as “strange.” The employees were arrested in Zhengzhou on “breach of trust” charges. We’ll unpack. Then, Portugal wants to bring in a new law to give a decade of tax breaks to people up to the age of 35. And “ghost” distilleries are being resurrected as demand for rare whiskey soars,

The value of gold is up 28% since the beginning of the year. And while some see the precious metal as shiny and pretty, central banks around the globe view it differently — as a safe asset during a time of geopolitical tensions. Also on the program: We’ll discuss how markets are responding to this morning’s inflation data, and we’ll hear about a lawsuit against some top universities for alleged financial aid price-fixing.

Later this morning, we’ll get the consumer price index for September. While inflation is way down from its peak in June 2022, consumers are frustrated with persistently high prices. We’ll hear more. Plus, how does a Nobel win in literature influence book sales? We’ll hear from the publishers of last year’s Nobel laureate, Norwegian playwright and author Jon Fosse, about how they dealt with a surge in demand.

From the BBC World Service: Ratan Tata was one of India’s most internationally recognized industrialists. The tycoon oversaw a 50-fold rise in profits in his two decades as chairman of Tata Group and acquired brands like carmaker Jaguar Land Rover. He died at age 86. Also: How is Swedish furniture giant Ikea going to hit its eco targets? Plus, the drugmaker behind Zantac agrees to a huge payout.

Medicare does not pay for general, long-term care. Now, Kamala Harris, the Democrat’s candidate for president, wants to expand Medicare to pay for long-term care for older people in their home. That would need an amenable new Congress, but many families are presently left trying to piece together care for older relatives. Also on today’s show: potential structure changes to Google and the rising value of the U.S. dollar.

In a time of fraught political polarization, it’s hard for companies to decide whether to take political stands or remain quietly on the sidelines. Today, as a continuation of our Office Politics series, we’ll hear why some places that once mixed business and politics may be keeping a lower profile now. Then, nearly a month into a strike, negotiations between aerospace giant Boeing and its union members have broken off. We hear why.

From the BBC World Service: The U.S. Department of Justice is taking aim at Google, saying the tech giant might need to be broken up because it’s too dominant in the market. This comes after a major ruling in August where a judge found Google has been running an illegal monopoly when it comes to online searches. Plus, an agency enabling the international mail system celebrates its 150th birthday.

The video game industry is bigger than movies and music combined. As part of our ongoing Skin in the Game series, we’re chatting with journalist Jason Schreier about the rise and fall of Blizzard, the company behind such games as World of Warcraft. It’s a story about the push and pull between creativity and business know-how. Also on the show: Small business uncertainty reaches an all-time high.

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward the Tampa Bay region, home to some 3 million people, residents there are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Helene caused billions of dollars in damage. Yet nearly every homeowner who may be affected lacks adequate flood insurance. Plus, our TVs may also be watching us. And we’re coming up on one year since Microsoft finalized the largest video game deal ever: $68 billion for Activision Blizzard.

From the BBC World Service: Days after the European Union voted in favor of steep import taxes on electric vehicles from China, Beijing has now hit back with tariffs on brandy imports. Other EU products could also face extra charges. Then, Uber’s CEO reflects on the benefits of low-cost EVs from China. And later: A major copper mine in Panama remains closed, hampering the country’s economy.

Third quarter earnings season kicks off this week, when we’ll get a view of the economy through the lens of the companies on the front lines. We had a banner jobs report last week. Are banner earnings next? And what would all that mean for future rate cuts? Also on the show, we’ll examine why labor force participation has hovered at around 63% for a few years now.

The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released a new study this morning, looking at how the Harris and Trump campaigns’ spending plans would affect the national debt. Both estimates are pretty dire. We’ll hear the latest. Plus, the global private equity market was worth $579 billion in 2000; today, it’s worth over $8 trillion. But is there trouble ahead for private equity?

From the BBC World Service: The biggest rise in oil prices for nearly two years was recorded on Friday, as the world watches mounting tensions in the Middle East and how Israel will respond to attacks by Iran. Then, an aging population is straining future growth prospects for Malaysia’s economy. And a British woman who spent nearly half a century wondering why a dream job application went unanswered has finally found out why.

Several times a year, millions of honeybees are transported back and forth across the country to help pollinate the nation’s crops. Whose job is it to move them? Plus, what to make of the gangbusters September jobs report.

Dockworkers have suspended their strike until Jan. 15 in response to a new, higher wage offer from port operators. But what about their demands around automation? Plus, a judge blocks the Biden administration’s latest student debt relief plan, and the complicated work of tracking political donations by companies and business owners.

From the BBC World Service: The European Union has given the green light to big tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, but not all member states or European car manufacturers are happy with the decision.

Will the ongoing port strike lead to food shortages? It depends on both businesses and shoppers. Plus, retailers bet on big consumer spending this holiday season, OpenAI’s massive new valuation, and a “temperature check” on U.S.-China economic relations.

As we enter day three of port strikes along the East and Gulf Coasts, ports on the West Coast are fielding record high amounts of diverted cargo. Plus, reassessing the legality of election betting, and the knock-on effects of stricter new SNAP requirements for older adults.

From the BBC World Service: The Japanese stock market gains followed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba saying the time wasn’t right for further increases in borrowing costs. Elsewhere, a court in Singapore has sentenced former transport minister S. Iswaran to 12 months in prison for corruption and obstruction of justice; he’s the first former or sitting cabinet minister in the city-state to be jailed. And in order to combat droughts which disrupt the workings of the Panama Canal, the Canal Authority is planning to build a new reservoir — but opponents say it’ll displace thousands of people.

How businesses strategically funnel cash toward political causes, what they hope to gain, and what they might be risking. Plus, the trucking industry braces for the impact of the dockworkers strike, and an antitrust case against Amazon moves forward.

Dockworkers from East and Gulf Coast ports enter the second day of a strike, with tensions centered around wages and automation. Plus, crude oil prices rise slightly amid escalating violence in the Middle East, and new car sales stall in response to high prices and interest rates.

From the BBC World Service: The San José is being hailed as the most valuable shipwreck in the world — it’s a Spanish galleon which sank in the Caribbean more than 300 years ago. Now there’s a legal battle over who has a claim to the treasure, which is valued at £18 billion. Plus, global oil prices rise amid increasing tension in the Middle East.

Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s latest work flopped at the box office over the weekend. Coppola self-funded the film, “Megalopolis,” to the tune of $120 million. Yet it made just $4 million in its opening weekend. It’s the latest original film — one that’s not a sequel or remake — to struggle to attract audiences to the theater. Then, remittances to India top $100 billion a year.

The strike is impacting shipments of things like fresh food, cars and machinery. Workers reportedly want a 77% raise over six years and want to keep their jobs of loading and unloading ships from being automated. We’ll discuss the major economic ripple effects the strike could have. Then, CVS is considering splitting itself up. And later: a voice from “the room where it happens” on U.S.-China trade.

From the BBC World Service: Police have clashed with protesting garment workers in Bangladesh, who are demanding higher wages and better working conditions. We’ll examine the impact the protests could have on global fashion supply chains. Plus, India is the only country to have received $100 billion in a single year from citizens working abroad and sending remittances back home. What does that mean for those workers and the Indian economy?

Gavin Newsom vetoed a landmark artificial intelligence safety bill yesterday, siding with skeptical tech giants who that it would stifle innovation. The bill would have established a state-wide entity to oversee AI breakthroughs. We’ll hear more. Then, economists’ biggest economic concern right now is not the upcoming presidential election but the moves of the Fed. Plus, how can humans be more human at work? AI may be able to help.

As part of our ongoing Office Politics series, we’re taking a look at businesses what happens when businesses lean on their employees to vote for the candidates and polices that are in the company’s best interest. It’s a practice that’s legal, and companies point out labor unions do it too. Yet it’s not without risk for the companies. Also, inflation cooled in August, yet housing inflation remains sticky. Why is that?

From the BBC World Service: Thailand has launched the first phase of its flagship $14 billion stimulus handout plan, which will eventually see an estimated 45 million people receive about $300 each to encourage spending. Plus, devastating floods have hit central Europe. What are the economic impacts? We’ll also hear from the chairman of coffee chain Lavazza on global expansion and record-high coffee prices.

In the run-up to the election, we’re looking at political polarization in America — specifically, the role companies play in intensifying or easing political divides — in our Office Politics series. This time, we’re tackling the touchy subject of talking politics at work, which has become increasingly tense in recent years. We chat with Alison Taylor, executive director of the think tank Ethical Systems, about the interaction between our work and civic lives. And, the “Low-down” on this morning’s inflation numbers with FHN Financial’s Christopher Low.

President Biden just signed a bill to fund the government for the next three months, but extra money for the federal government’s disaster management agency, FEMA, was not in the legislation. A look at why the agency was asking for more funds and how fewer resources can impact communities recovering from disasters. The labor dispute between some of the largest U.S. ports and dockworkers escalated Friday, with employers calling for federal intervention to force a restart in negotiations. And, Southwest Airlines announced that it will scrap one of the features that set it apart in a crowded airline market: no pre-assigned seating.

From the BBC World Service: Japan’s ruling party has elected Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader, positioning the political veteran as the next prime minister of Japan. A look at what his ascent could mean for the country’s economic policy. Ticketing websites have been overwhelmed after millions of people in India tried to book to see Coldplay’s concerts next year; as well as technical problems and long digital queues, there’s concern over alleged price gouging. And, scientists in China have discovered the world’s oldest known cheese – from 3500 years ago.

We’re now just days from a potential strike by dockworkers that would stretch from the Gulf of Mexico on up the East Coast. Oct. 1 is the deadline for an agreement between ports and the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers. What sort of ripple effects might such a strike have? Plus, Congress has approved a temporary spending bill to keep the government open — for another few months.

Last week, refinance applications were up 20% from a week earlier. The number of people who could benefit from refinancing — especially those who took out mortgages with interest rates in the high 6% to 7% range — has been growing over the last few weeks, but not everyone is making the jump. Plus, OpenAI looks to switch from a nonprofit to for-profit entity, and buy now, pay later is expected to surge this year.

From the BBC World Service: This week, Chinas has really been trying to get its economy back on track. Today, China’s leaders has rolled out additional measures to shore up its struggling economy, including reforms to banking, business and property, as well as more help for the poor. We’ll hear more. Plus, Pakistan has agreed to a $7 billion funding deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Once upon a time, there was department store chain called Kmart. Now, the bargain retailer is closing its last full-scale store in the lower 48. Kmart has struggled for years in the shadow of its two biggest imitators: Target and Walmart. Also on the show: OpenAI is looking to expand its artificial intelligence data centers. Plus, is this especially tense presidential campaign eating away at the economy?

That is the question facing many companies, especially as we lead up to the contentious 2024 election. Today, we’ll hear how about some companies responded — from opting to ban political talk in the workplace and ones that emailed customers with telling them how to vote — as well as their thorny results. First, we’ll learn what we can glean from key economic speeches from former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

From the BBC World Service: Prisons in Britain are grappling with overcrowding, staff shortages and funding cuts — all of which are making a bad situation worse. The government has started to release prisoners early to reduce pressure on the system. Meanwhile, talks are kicking off today between trade unions and Volkswagen on proposed cuts to its workforce in Germany. And, there are calls for more private business investment in India.

Those who have been waiting patiently for the housing market to cool down may have to wait even longer for lower prices. Data released today indicates that there’s been no reprieve for prospective homebuyers, as prices have stayed stubbornly high despite a recent rate cut by the Fed. Dr. David Kelly of JPMorgan Global Funds walks us through the report. China’s economy is looking to receive a boost after policymakers passed the largest economic stimulus package since the pandemic to buoy stagnating growth. Retailers are preparing for the holiday season by beginning to hire thousands of seasonal workers. And, why some parents are turning to a Barbie-theme “dumb” phone as a potential first device for their kids.

The art market is in somewhat of a funk right now. Auction houses are reporting that demand for new pieces of art has dipped recently, partly due to external conditions like higher interest rates. While the downturn upends years of strong sales, art critic Blake Gopnik argues that a correction may ultimately benefit the long-run fortunes of artists. And, a look inside the Justice Department’s reported case against Visa over monopoly claims in the debit card market.

From the BBC World Service: Shein, a Chinese fashion giant, has come under fire over claims the company is dodging UK taxes. A look at why some want the government to step in. The Chinese government is stepping up efforts to revive its slowing economy. Everton Football Club, one of England’s top football teams, is set for a takeover by an American investment group. And a new – and very pink – Barbie-branded phone is hitting the U.S. market.

Kamala Harris is promising to release new details this week about economic policies she would pursue if elected president. But behind closed doors, she’s facing pressure to loosen the Biden administration’s crackdown on corporate consolidation. The foot soldier in that effort has been Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, and some big-money Democratic donors have called for her replacement. Also: CFO gloom, and housing inventory’s impact on home prices.

Would it surprise you to learn that a quarter of Americans say that they’ve avoided a work colleague due to differing political views? Today, as part of our Office Politics series, we’re joined by Sean Westwood, director of Dartmouth’s Polarization Research Lab, to do the numbers on polarization’s impact on the workplace. Then, Congressional negotiators reached a bipartisan deal over the weekend to avoid a government shutdown in a week.

From the BBC World Service: Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn into office in Sri Lanka, promising “clean” politics as the country recovers from one of its worst-ever economic crises. We hear more. Then, as cross-border clashes continue in the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, we ask how businesses in the affected regions of Lebanon are grappling. Also on the program: a Tamagotchi store in the U.K. and a WTO challenge to China’s EU dairy product investigation.

This September marks 40 years since the birth of the generic drug industry in the United States. They saved Americans nearly $450 billion last year alone. But all is not well in the industry — big players are leaving, and drug shortages are common. Will we still be able to depend on affordable, high-quality generics in the future? Also: new rules on bank mergers, and a disagreement between the stock market and bond market.

We’re digging into Office Politics, our series in which we talk to companies that use their brands to push policies and candidates, as well as organizations that try to dial down the political temperature. Today: When a business shows support or opposition to a particular side of a partisan issue, what does it mean for the consumers who don’t agree? But first: unpacking a credit card interest rate cap proposed by Donald Trump.

From the BBC World Service: The killing of a Japanese schoolboy in the Chinese city of Shenzhen has sparked anxiety among Japanese expats living in China, with top firms warning their workers to be vigilant. Plus, mass tourism in parts of Europe has sparked protests this summer, but one small Mediterranean country is enthusiastically embracing those on vacation. And heavy rock band Iron Maiden announce a 50th anniversary world tour.

Earlier this week we explored the offshore financial system, where foreign companies and wealthy individuals can stash their wealth under especially favorable financial conditions. Today, we’re hearing about ways to discourage the ultra wealthy from hiding their cash offshore. Turns out good ol’ shame may hold some answers. But first, we examine how rate cuts might affect the housing market. Plus, who’s going to foot the bill for the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

Now that the Federal Reserve has started to cut interest rates, are we headed back to a world of cheap money? This morning, we’ll unpack what yesterday’s rate cut means for car loans, personal loans, credit cards, mortgages and more. Plus, there’s a huge difference that just half a penny can make. We’ll examine a change coming to stock trades. Also on the show: How do you define a supermarket?

From the BBC World Service: As questions are being asked about how walkie talkies and pagers were detonated in Lebanon, an action which killed at least 30 people and injured thousands, two manufacturers — Japan’s Icom and Taiwan’s Gold Apollo — have denied any link to the deadly blasts. We’ll dig in. Also: Why has a Chinese milk tea company been forced to apologize over a social media video?

We learned this week that retail sales rose in August. A big part of that was thanks to online shopping, which was up almost 8% from last year. And retailers think e-commerce has even more room to grow. Plus, it’s a big day for the direction of the economy. And later, we’ll hear about corporate executives’ thoughts on the economy, artificial intelligence and the return-to-the-office push.

Today, the Federal Reserve will announce what it will do with the interest rates that steer the economy. It’ll cut them — that’s almost certain, but the question is how aggressively. The Fed is independent. Fed Chairs generally refuse to get dragged into politics, though their decisions can be politicized. We’ll look at the politics of rate decisions. Then, we’ll examine why Patagonia encourages its employees to get political.

From the BBC World Service: Norway’s electric vehicle policies appear to be paying off. There, nine out of 10 new cars sold is electric. The Nordic nation wants to be the first country to stop selling gas and diesel-engine vehicles. Also on the show: Sri Lankans head to the polls this weekend, two years on from the economic crisis that left the country in turmoil.

Every year, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation updates progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals — how the world is doing on lifting people from poverty, ensuring gender equality, and improving health, sanitation and more. Today, we’re joined by Bill Gates to hear about stalling progress on public health initiatives, as well as opportunities for greater investment. Plus, what we can expect from the Federal Reserve tomorrow?

Later this morning, we’ll to get an update on how much inventory businesses built up in July, courtesy of the Census Bureau. Meanwhile, the Logistics Managers’ Index found that inventory levels picked up in August after contracting throughout the summer, ahead of this year’s holiday shopping season. It appears to be a return to just-in-time inventory for companies. And later: the secretive and scandalous world of offshore finance.

From the BBC World Service: A comprehensive study has found goods imports and exports between the United Kingdom and European Union have slumped since Brexit, with red tape continuing to tie up British businesses. The value of U.K. goods exported to the EU fell by 27%. We dig in. Also on the program: Farmers in Malawi are looking for ways to use harvests damaged by extreme weather, such as turning bananas into wine.

Retail sales data out Tuesday morning will offer a peek into how consumers are doing right now. As we inch closer to the holiday shopping season, a new forecast from consulting firm Deloitte predicts that holiday spending is likely to grow this year — but not quite as much as in the recent past. We’ll discuss. Also: backlash to digital nomads, and interest rate decisions this week in the U.S., U.K, and Japan.

Later today, TikTok and U.S. government lawyers will face off at the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C. It’s a crucial hearing that will help determine the fate of the video-sharing app in the United States, which could potentially be banned over national security concerns. Then, to kick off our “Office Politics” series examining how companies are responding to polarization, we’ll hear from Sticker Mule’s CEO about endorsing Trump and denouncing political divisiveness.

From the BBC World Service: A hearing looking into the English club Manchester City’s alleged breaking of the Premier League’s financial rules is underway. The outcome could have enormous ramifications for the Premier League as a whole. Plus, Shanghai — China’s financial hub — has been hit by its worst typhoon in 70 years. And it’s becoming increasingly popular to travel while working remotely, but in some cities, there’s been a backlash against so-called “digital nomads.”

China’s top legislature has approved a plan to raise the retirement age as the country faces an aging workforce. It’s the first adjustment in decades, one that many economists say is long overdue — but it’s not universally popular. Plus, the current economic snapshot as the Fed prepares for a crucial interest rate decision. And later, is canned spaghetti carbonara a delicious innovation from Heinz or, as some critics call it, an abomination?

Some 14 million people in the South have been under flood watches from Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. The slow-moving storm is dumping huge amounts of rain, posing major flooding risks. Yet only 6% of homeowners nationwide have flood insurance. Plus, more than 30,000 Boeing workers have walked off the job, and roughly 43 million Americans lived in poverty last year.

From the BBC World Service: Boeing factory workers have voted to go on strike, a move which may threaten the delivery of some aircrafts and delay the production of some planes for the aerospace company. Then, the United Kingdom government is moving to ban junk food ads on television before 9 p.m. Also in the U.K.: Heinz launches spaghetti carbonara in a can, much to the horror of many Italians.

Boeing and the union representing 33,000 of its workers reached a tentative labor deal over the weekend. Now, the rank and file appear ready to reject that deal, with a vote today. Many workers have been expressing frustration this week over the contract’s terms and could vote to go on strike at midnight. Also on the program: A look at women’s long-fought battle to carve out a seat for themselves on Wall Street.

According to settlement tracking group Peace Now, the Israeli government has seized more Palestinian land for settlements in the West Bank this year than at any time in the last three decades. Now, some synagogues in the U.S. and Canada are being criticized — and picketed — for hosting real-estate fairs that pitch property for sale in Israel and the Occupied Territories to North American Jews. We’ll learn more. But first, we’ll look at why the gender pay gap is widening.

From the BBC World Service: A European consumer rights group has lodged a formal complaint accusing game developers behind popular titles like Fortnite and Minecraft of tricking players into spending more cash than they might realize. Then, we travel to Italy, where the shipyards of Monfalcone have attracted workers from Bangladesh. But there are tensions with locals. Earlier this year, the town’s mayor even banned cricket, an extremely popular sport popular in Bangladesh.

The first — and potentially only — presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is officially in the books. Economic issues took up plenty of air time. We’ll unpack how markets appear to be digesting both candidates’ performances and policies. Plus, fresh Labor Department data shows that annual inflation cooled in August to 2.5% — the lowest rate since February 2021. How might Fed officials respond?

Over the last decade, nearly 50 million have been on an ACA plan at some point — that’s one in seven Americans. Plus, New York Fashion Week comes to a close today. It featured a pop-up shop from none other than Walmart and is part of the superstore’s attempt to lean into fashion. But first, the economy played a starring role in last night’s presidential debate. We’ll discuss.

From the BBC World Service: Like the U.S., the European Union recently slapped import duties on Chinese electric vehicles. It says it’s protecting European automakers from unfair competition, but not everyone — such as Spain’s prime minister and Belgian firm Umicore — agrees. Then, Kenya’s main airport is facing major disruption after workers staged a go-slow protest over a proposed 30-year lease deal with the Indian conglomerate, the Adani Group.

Yesterday, we talked about surveys of farmers, which showed a growing economic pessimism in that sector. Today, survey data from the National Federation of Independent Business show a decline in optimism among small businesses generally in August. So what exactly is behind the souring mood among investors, consumers and others? We’ll discuss. Also this morning’s program: a closer look at the business of manifesting.

The restaurant industry has been through a lot in recent years — hemorrhaging workers during the pandemic and struggling to bring them back; grappling with inflation that’s up and foot traffic that’s down. Then, there’s the transformation of tipping. We’ll check in on some of the latest trends impacting restaurants. Then, U.S. tech giants owe billions in taxes and fines to Europe, and we’ll examine misinformation about illegal voting by non-citizens.

From the BBC World Service: Two long-running legal cases concluded in Europe today — a $14 billion tax dispute for Apple and a $2.6 billion antitrust fine for Google. Both companies lost out. We’ll hear about the latest developments Plus, do you believe you can get what you want through positive thinking? If so, you may be part of the increasingly valuable manifesting movement.

Purdue’s Farmer Sentiment Index hit an 8-year low in August, and half of agricultural economists surveyed by the University of Missouri last month say the farm economy is in a recession. Input and borrowing costs are still high, while prices for commodities have been trending down. We’ll unpack, but first will mull how likely a government shutdown is before the election. And, will it be another rough week for markets?

After a rough year, Boeing was facing a possible strike to add to its list of problems. But no longer. The aerospace company has reached a tentative deal with its largest labor union, with the hopes of averting a strike. We’ll hear more. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to square off in their first debate tomorrow evening. We’ll do some math on their fiscal proposals.

From the BBC World Service: Afghanistan is facing a food crisis. Some 3.2 million children under the age of 5 are malnourished, and health services do not have the resources to cope. Plus, South Korea is removing pictures of soldiers from the armed forces communications network amid concerns over sexually explicit deepfake manipulation. Then, some runners are willing to pay others to notch up an impressive time on the fitness app, Strava.

Former President Donald Trump says he’ll establish a government efficiency commission if re-elected in November, and it would be headed by Elon Musk. Musk’s various ventures are regulated by federal agencies, which are currently investigating several of his companies. We’ll hear more. Plus, the NFL goes global, and traders lean toward a half-point rate cut this month.

Federal Reserve independence has come into the spotlight recently, with former President Donald Trump indicating he thinks the president should have some influence in the Fed’s actions. Today, we wind the clock back to when exactly that happened: In 1971, President Richard Nixon devised a scheme to sway then-Federal Reserve Chair Arthur Burns — and the direction of the U.S. economy — in the run-up to reelection. But first: Hiring was weaker than expected in August.

From the BBC World Service: It’s the world’s largest convenience chain, with 85,000 stores — and Seven & i Holdings said the $40 billion takeover bid for 7-Eleven from rival Alimentation Couche-Tard “grossly undervalues” the business. We’ll hear the latest on why the deal seems to be falling apart. Also on this morning’s show: How do you put a value on Banksy’s street art to local neighborhoods?

Private payroll company ADP reports that 99,000 jobs were added to the economy in August, less than in July. This continual cooling in demand for workers can be considered a good thing — as long as we don’t go through the ice. But first, Nordstrom’s department stores could go private. Plus: what we know about how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris want to change our tax bills.

As divisive as politics can be, especially this election season, you can actually find some small areas of common ground. That currently includes some limited bipartisan focus on policies that aim to support families raising children. Today, we’ll look at some of the latest research regarding support for care proposals. Also on the show: the economy as an Impressionist painting and trends in the subscription economy.

From the BBC World Service: China’s President Xi Jinping has announced almost $51 billion in new funding for the continent — in projects including infrastructure and clean energy, with a promise to create a million jobs. But there are warnings about the debt burden facing some countries. Also: An inquiry into an apartment block fire in the United Kingdom is heavily critical of cladding manufacturers, successive governments and regulators.

A new Washington Post investigation examines a program in which workers with disabilities are employed for much less than minimum wage — sometimes less than a dollar an hour. It’s legally sanctioned and aimed at training people with disabilities to work and eventually go on to higher-paying jobs. But it doesn’t always work out that way. Plus, entrepreneurs are getting their turn in the political spotlight, and markets respond to a weak manufacturing report.

AI chipmaking company Nvidia lost $279 billion in market value yesterday, and its shares kept falling in after-hours trading overnight. Despite reports of an escalating Department of Justice antitrust probe, the stock’s decline centers more on questions around the future of artificial intelligence. We hear more. We also explore the shifting geography of U.S. oil production and learn how gaps in USDA food programs are being filled by tribal governments.

From the BBC World Service: Financial markets in Asia and the U.S. have tumbled with investor concerns that the U.S. economy could be headed toward recession. Then, in Mexico, Congress is expected to pass judicial reforms that have prompted judges and court staff protests. And in an attempt to address a falling birth rate, the government in South Korea plans to bring in domestic workers from the Philippines to support families.

There are fundamental challenges facing global supply chains today: the rise of protectionism, competition with China and more. Like a crystal ball, we can look to the shipping industry to understand how these are unfolding. Germany-based DHL Group is one of the world’s largest logistics and shipping businesses, and the company’s CEO recently spoke in an exclusive interview to our Marketplace colleague, the BBC’s Leanna Byrne. Also: a lookahead at this week’s economic data.

Lots of folks had Labor Day barbecues this past weekend, but plenty spent it moving too. It was a big move-in weekend for renters. And while rent prices have been moderating, they’re still way higher than they were a few years ago. We’ll hear more. But first: why so many hotel workers are going on strike and how the FAA is looking to curb a shortage of air traffic controllers.

From the BBC World Service: The trial of the former chief executive of Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, is getting under way in Germany over his role in a major diesel emissions scandal. We’ll rehash the controversy and hear the latest. And in an exclusive interview, the chief executive of logistics group DHL warns about the challenges facing global trade and the German economy, which is the largest in Europe.

From the BBC World Service: Activists are blocking roads across Israel during a general strike called to demand the government agree to a ceasefire deal in Gaza to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Plus, a look at a global scam tricking foreign students in Britain into paying tens of thousands of dollars for worthless work visa documents. And, there is a new way of making the world’s favorite indulgence — chocolate.

Labor Day weekend is usually a hectic travel weekend, but this year is set to break records as people travel across the country to celebrate the holiday. We look at the economic drivers of what’s projected to be a very busy few days at airports, highways, and train stations nationwide. Plus, a look at a new chocolate production technique promising to boost the fortunes of producers and consumers of the much-loved treat.

Since the beginning of labor unions and collective action in the workplace, songs have served as a way to build camaraderie and communicate complaints between workers. As part of our “Econ Extra Credit” series, we delve into the storied history of the humble work hymn and how songs continue to shape organized labor efforts today. Plus, a look at how monetary policymakers at the Fed might analyze upcoming jobs numbers as they consider a potential rate cut.

Interest rates in America are guided by a key inflation reading released today, and it came in line with expectations, showing year-over-year inflation was pretty tame. We chat with FHN Financial Chief Economist Christopher Low about how to unpack recent inflation data and what it says about a potential Fed rate cut. Also on the show: the potential economic boon provided by a reunion of the British band Oasis.

The Paralympic Games are now underway in Paris, and a record number of broadcasters around the world will be covering this year’s events, including para swimming, wheelchair rugby and tennis. NBC — the games’ U.S. broadcast partner — reported that Paralympic ad sales are up 60% over the Tokyo games in 2021. Also on the show: the presidential candidates on economic policy and a big moving day in Boston.

From the BBC World Service: A dispute over local laws in Brazil could mean that the X platform is blocked in the country. And with the announcement that the British band Oasis is reforming, we look at the figures behind the hype.

Members of Congress are calling on the Agriculture Department to fix supply chain problems. Several groups of lawmakers are saying some tribes and food banks that rely on supplies from USDA distribution programs are reporting empty shelves because promised food deliveries never came. Also, a growing minority of Americans worry curbing climate change will hurt the economy, and Singapore’s government is pushing older workers to keep working.

Latinas’ contribution to the U.S. economy grew more than 50% between 2010 and 2021. In 2021, it totaled $1.3 trillion, new data shows. But despite their economic rise, Latina workers are still overrepresented in certain low-wage jobs. We’ll hear more. But first, Nvidia reported superb results, but that still disappointed some on Wall Street. And we’ll learn the latest developments in the arrest of Telegram’s Pavel Durov.

From the BBC World Service: In Argentina, police have clashed with demonstrating senior citizens in the capital, Buenos Aires. The protesters are angry that President Javier Milei is to veto a pension increase as part of his austerity drive. Plus, the founder and boss of Telegram has been banned from leaving France . And in Singapore, we look at how an aging population is affecting the workforce.

This morning, the U.S. surgeon general issued a public health advisory regarding the mental health of parents. Vivek Murthy says parents are dealing with significant stresses that prior generations didn’t have to deal with, and they need more support from the government and their employers. Plus, dude, we’re getting the band back together! A look at at the economics behind why Oasis is going on a reunion tour.

The stock for semiconductor chipmaker Nvidia has skyrocketed with the growth of generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT. But investors have noticed that the actual profits from AI have tended to lag the hype. Today, Nvidia will release its profits and we’ll learn how much of this underlying hardware AI companies are still buying. And later: how Aug. 28 keeps showing up at turning points in the Civil Rights Movement.

From the BBC World Service: Sir Keir Starmer is meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. It’s the start of a landmark post-Brexit visit to Berlin, where the aim is to reset the United Kingdom’s relationship with Germany and the broader European Union. Also on the show: halted Toyota production in Japan, an oil leak in the Red Sea and a U.K.-based company that sees value in bringing onboard older workers.

A federal judge in Oregon will continue hearing arguments about whether to pause efforts to merge the grocery chains Albertsons and Kroger in a nearly $25 billion deal. The Federal Trade Commission believes prices would go up and consumers would lose. We’ll hear more. Plus, Canada announces sweeping tariffs on Chinese EVs, San Fransisco Fed President Mary Daly chats about rate cuts, and businesses cater to India’s growing elderly population.

You may have heard the phrase “be cool, stay in school” before. That’s a bit hard when it’s this hot out though. More than 10,000 schools nationwide lack air conditioning, according to the Center for Climate Integrity. Installing ACs is costly — but so is heat’s impact on student learning. Also on the program: We’ll look at the growing push to erase medical debt, a burden impacting millions of Americans.

From the BBC World Service: Following the lead of the U.S. and the European Union, Canada says it will impose a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum from China. Plus, it’s estimated that there will be 350 million adults over 60 in India by 2050; so it’s no surprise that companies are increasingly looking to cash in on the silver economy’s substantial spending power.

Over the weekend, French authorities arrested the 39-year-old founder of the messaging app Telegram. This reportedly has to do with a wide-ranging investigation into illegal activity on the app. But some are decrying the arrest as a free speech violation – saying it threatens the very essence of what makes Telegram useful. We dig in. Plus, an eco-friendly concert and a look at how bond markets are responding to signals of interest rate cuts.

Last week’s jobless numbers revealed that more than 1.8 million people were drawing unemployment. Among the irks for would-be workers? A frustrating uptick in the number of “ghost jobs,” or postings that stay up on jobs sites for months on end without a hire. Also on the show: a moment of clarity on the future of interest rates and the sunsetting of a free COVID-19 vaccine program for uninsured adults.

From the BBC World Service: Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of messaging platform Telegram, was arrested in France for allowing a wide range of crimes to take place on the platform due to insufficient moderation. Then, a “right to disconnect” law comes into force in Australia. We’ll hear how employees are feeling about the change. Plus, English band Massive Attack performed in Bristol — without the use of diesel generators.

Cryptocurrency companies have been pumping lots of money into 2024 federal elections — more than $119 million so far, or almost half of corporate money given during elections this year, according to consumer advocacy group Public Citizen. Also on the show: The Democratic National Convention wraps up with an emphasis on the middle class, and Copenhagen’s underground tunnel network aims to help the city deal with the worst of the climate crisis.

Vice President Kamala Harris closed the Democratic National Convention last night with an acceptance speech that broadly laid out her priorities. On the dollars and cents side of things, she highlighted protecting Social Security and Medicare, addressing the housing shortage in this country and a tax cut for middle-income households. Plus, arbitration agreements have become increasingly more common buried in the terms and conditions for various apps and services.

From the BBC World Service: The visit comes not long after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which didn’t go over well with some European leaders. Then, Canada’s government has ordered employers and rail unions involved in a huge dispute to take part in arbitration. And the Danish capital Copenhagen is trying to prepare the city for the future dangers of extreme weather.

The economy and the higher cost of living due to inflation are important factors shaping this election. Tonight, when Vice President Kamala Harris delivers her primetime acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, many viewers will be listening for what she plans to do to lessen the strain on their pocketbooks. We’ll hear more. Then, we’ll talk with a content creator attending the DNC and hear some positive news on productivity.

The U.S. economy added 800,000 fewer jobs than originally thought between the first quarter of last year and this year, according to updated data from the Labor Department. It’s no crisis, but it does mean the labor market has been cooling faster than expected. It’s yet another reason people will be dissecting every signal they can from the Federal Reserve on when it might cut interest rates. Also, startups are increasingly a target for spies.

From the BBC World Service: British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch’s body has been recovered after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday morning. Then, Canada’s rail freight transport network is coming to a halt over a job contracts. And Australia is in the grip of a housing crisis due to soaring rents and property prices. It’s estimated that more than 120,000 people are now homeless.

A lot of Chicagoland restaurants were hoping for a shot in the arm courtesy of the Democratic National Convention this week. But so far, that hasn’t seemed to be the case for some businesses. We hear more. Then: a look at why Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s word choice in Jackson Hole will be so closely scrutinized. And later, older workers with disabilities have made gains thanks to remote work.

Noncompete agreements, where your employer has you sign a contract promising you won’t work for a competitor in the future, were originally used to protect intellectual property but now are so widespread that they can apply to fast food workers. The Federal Trade Commission wanted to ban noncompetes but a federal judge in Texas has blocked the ban. Also: Chicago’s economic landscape during the DNC and greater access to work permits for undocumented immigrants.

From the BBC World Service: First on the program, Shein is suing Temu for copyright infringement. The court case comes as Shein itself fends off similar allegations from a host of brands and independent artists. Then, Australia has just approved plans for the world’s largest solar plant. And later, the search for six people missing after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily is now in its third day.

Former President Barack Obama is set to speak tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The theme today: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” Part of that vision? The U.S. economy. President Joe Biden spoke at the convention last night, highlighting his administration’s economic policies. Former President Donald Trump was also talking about the economy on the campaign trail. We’ll discuss. Then, the Department of Transportation wants the nation’s infrastructure to get a tech upgrade.

President Joe Biden’s victory lap at the Democratic National Convention last night included a lot of mentions of how far the economy has come from the depths of pandemic lockdowns. While there’s a lot to celebrate, the nation’s mayors have a message for convention-goers: Do more to address housing affordability. Plus, consumers are waiting for a rate cut to make big financial decisions, and AI is changing how we predict the weather.

From the BBC World Service: Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch are among the six still missing after a yacht sunk in bad weather in Sicily on Monday. One body has been recovered. We’re hear the latest on the incident and learn more about those missing. And later, a Scottish horror film has finally been released — 17 years after filming first got under way.

Picture this: Lush greenery, the picturesque Tetons and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in a cowboy hat. (Maybe.) This week, roughly 120 academics, Fed policy makers and journalists are descending on Wyoming for the annual Jackson Hole Symposium. We’ll hear more about the event combining mountain hikes and monetary policy. But first, inflation remains a raw nerve as Vice President Kamala Harris begins to outline her economic policy goals.

The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago today. While Democrats will be touting the Biden administration’s accomplishments, Kamala Harris has to articulate a clear and distinguishable economic message to help sway voters — one that says the next four years will be better for their pocketbooks than the last. Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is cracking down on homeless encampments. Where are all those people going to go?

From the BBC World Service: The owner of convenience store giant 7-Eleven has received a takeover offer from Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, which runs the Circle K chain. Then, long COVID has cost Australia’s economy over an estimated $6 billion, with 100 million working hours lost in 2022 alone. Then, Indonesia has inaugurated its new — and partially built — capital city of Nusantara, as part of an ambitious $30 billion plan.

A landmark federal staffing mandate has prompted fierce disagreement between resident advocates and the nursing home industry. Nursing home owners describe the minimums as extreme, warning they could force some facilities out of business. Though advocates welcomed the new mandate, they say it’s more lenient than ideal. We hear about this fierce — and personal — debate. Plus: a major Social Security number data breach and parsing more retail sales data.

Some big changes to the real estate market are on the way this weekend. Under a settlement reached earlier this year, the National Association of Realtors is changing rules that determine how real estate agents make their money. Buyers and sellers, this matters to you. Then, a new McKinsey Global Institute report finds it’ll take sweeping transformation to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

From the BBC World Service: Bavarian Nordic — the manufacturer of the only mpox vaccine — wants to extend the shot’s license in Europe to include those ages 12 to 17, as a more deadly version of the virus spreads largely through young children in Africa. Also on the program: Protests in response to the violent rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata has reignited talks of women’s workplace safety.

Shoppers were shopping more energetically than expected in July, with retail sales up 1%. This is boosting stocks but making players in the bond market fret that they might not get as many interest rate cuts this year with the U.S. economy still showing such strength. We’ll discuss at the top of show. Also on the program: a look at banned fake reviews and what happens when a Chinese EV-maker comes to Turkey.

This week, the Justice Department is reportedly considering asking for a break up of Google after the company was deemed an illegal monopoly. We’ll describe how that may pan out and how it could potentially help smaller search engines. But first, the Biden administration is expected to unveil the results of Medicare’s first price negotiations with drug companies today. And later: What do vet clinics and Skittles have in common?

From the BBC World Service: China’s biggest electric carmaker, BYD, is planning a $1 billion factory in Turkey, which will allow it to avoid new tariffs imposed by Europe on Chinese exporters. We hear from the where the factory will be built. Then, Germany issues an arrest warrant linked to explosions that hit the subsea pipeline carrying Russian gas to Europe. Plus, North Korea is partially reopening to foreign tourists.

Starbucks has hired Brian Niccol to become its new CEO following a slump in the company’s sales in Q3. Niccol took over Chipotle in 2018, and Chipotle’s stock price has shot up 700% under his tenure. Before that, Niccol led a brand revamp at Taco Bell. We’ll hear more. Then, consumer inflation is easing toward the Federal Reserve’s target, and Montreal makes a bet on nightlife by permitting all-night drinking.

Employers, recruiters and job candidates are increasingly turning to generative AI to help with the often tedious hiring process. This has led to an influx of applications for many job postings. It’s a trend that’s added efficiency — and another layer of complexity — to the jobs marketplace. Also: a look at sales of PCs with integrated AI. And the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is cracking down on contract for deed home sales.

From the BBC World Service: Chinese electric vehicle maker Zeekr says it’s come up with the world’s fastest-charging battery, which can be replenished in 10 minutes. Plus, there’s further backlash against over-tourism in Spain, where one city is planning to cut water supplies to illegal short term rentals. And is Montreal about to join the ranks of cities that never sleep? It’s planning special 24-hour zones to help boost its economy.

Elon Musk made news yesterday during his conversation with former President Donald Trump, which live-streamed on X. In it, Musk advocated for reducing federal government spending and reducing deficits as a way of fighting inflation, and he angled for a role in the administration if Trump wins. Plus, what would it take to see an emergency interest rate cut? Then, A generally strong job market has led to economic improvements for people without higher levels of education.

An analysis from The Economist looks at people who feel “left behind” in America — those who got the short end of globalization and deindustrialization, people who took the biggest hits in recent decades from not having advanced education — and shows that that group has been seeing economic improvement under the Trump and Biden administrations. Plus, Harris and Trump look to nix federal taxes on tips, and consumers expect inflation to become less of a problem.

From the BBC World Service: One person has died and thousands of homes and businesses have been evacuated due to the fires close to Athens, all during the country’s peak tourist season. The fire started some 20 miles away from the capital. We’ll hear about the latest developments.. Also, Western airlines are dropping routes to China. Why?

A recent survey shows a slightly larger percentage of Americans trust Vice President Kamala Harris to handle the economy over former President Donald Trump. It’s the first time the poll has found the Democratic nominee leading Trump on economic issues this year. We’ll dig in. Then, what are forecasters expecting from this week’s inflation readings? And we’ll also hear about temp gigs and the youth unemployment rate.

This week, Nusantara is set to become Indonesia’s new planned capital, with a price tag of $33 billion. Egypt is also relocating its capital, with an estimated cost of $59 billion. While other governments have moved their seats of government, is all the expense worth it? Also: a preview of where consumers think inflation is headed and a look at how the presidential campaigns are diverging on Federal Reserve independence.

From the BBC World Service: Billionaire media tycoon Jimmy Lai has lost his bid at Hong Kong’s highest court to overturn his conviction on charges relating to unauthorized pro-democracy protests in 2019. We’ll discuss the fallout of his rejected appeal. Plus, global youth unemployment is at a low, though some regions are still feeling the impact of COVID-19. And how did South Africa turn around its electricity grid to stop rolling blackouts?

Marketplace’s Nancy Marshall-Genzer has been gathering perspectives on the economy from Kent County, Michigan — a swing county in a swing state. More than that, the county is divided. And how people vote is playing an increasingly large role in how well they view the economy. Also: how consumers in China are feeling the pinch of rising prices, and what a rate cut by the Federal Reserve would mean for consumer debt and savings.

As president, Donald Trump was highly critical of the Federal Reserve and Chairman Jerome Powell. Now, Trump is signaling that he would want to have more say on interest rate decisions should he win the election in November — even though the Fed’s relative independence is seen as a key pillar of U.S. economic strength. Also on the program: how a summer camp is marrying mariachi music with exposure to careers in STEM.

From the BBC World Service: There’s been a lot of talk about the Olympics’ boost to Paris’ economy, but what about the athletes themselves? The all-encompassing influence of social media looks set to create some surprising winners. And breaking — better known as breakdancing — makes its Olympics debut, yet it’s not in the line-up for the LA games in 2028. Now could be the chance to grab the spotlight and secure some funding.

Scoop litter from canals. Volunteer on an urban farm. Use a bike to get around. As a perk for climate-friendly actions, visitors to Copenhagen are being offered rewards like free ice cream, a glass of wine and museum discounts. Could programs like this make tourism more sustainable? Also, we’ll hear more about the mixed signals the economy is giving and Delta passengers’ class-action lawsuit over compensation for last month’s CrowdStrike travel fiasco.

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage peaked at just under 8% in October 2023. Rates have hovered around 7% for a good part of this year but have dipped further thanks to the prospect of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve come September. We’ll also travel once again to Kent County, Michigan — a swing county in a swing state — to hear how the economy is influencing voters there. Plus: quarterly results from two big media companies.

From the BBC World Service: Following weeks of protests in Bangladesh, a new interim prime minister is being sworn in and the economy is reopening, including the crucial garments industry. Then, three Taylor Swift concerts have been canceled in Vienna, because of security concerns. It’s a big disappointment for local businesses expecting to benefit from Swiftanomics. And would you volunteer to pick up trash while on vacation? Copenhagen is incentivizing visitors to do so.

We now know who the Veep wants as Veep: Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Tuesday that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be her running mate in this year’s presidential election. But what does he bring to the table economically? We’ll dig in. Plus, total household debt in the U.S. is creeping up, and a new nonprofit aims to measure whether companies’ carbon removal plans actually work.

A measure of stock market volatility called the VIX has been swinging up and down wildly since Monday’s investor sell-off. Thing is, the month of August has a reputation for volatility — and this week has certainly been living up to that rep. We’ll also hear more on the challenges facing Boeing and travel back to Kent County, Michigan — a swing county in a swing state — to hear how businesspeople there view the economy.

From the BBC World Service: Novo Nordisk, the company behind popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, didn’t sell as many of those medications as expected in the second quarter. A lot has to do with supply issues and competition. Then, a Nobel Prize winner has been chosen as Bangladesh’s interim leader. And Spain’s tourism industry is hitting new records, but not everyone is thrilled with the surge in visitors.

In the midst of recent market volatility, many investors are seeking safe havens for their money. Cue the handy-dandy certificate of deposit, which is currently giving guaranteed returns of 4% or 5% at many financial institutions — but that may change when the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates. Also: a look at Japan’s market rebound, cash prizes that come with Olympic medals and the Justice Department’s antitrust case against Google.

After the surge downward in stock prices yesterday, U.S. stock index futures have stabilized for now. The kindling for the Monday fire sale was Friday’s weaker-than-expected jobs report. We’ll hear more and learn from an expert how best to deal with anxiety and your investment portfolio. And we’ll also head to Kent County, Michigan — a swing county in a swing state — to hear how consumers there view the economy.

From the BBC World Service: After a dramatic 12% drop yesterday, Japanese stocks have rebounded — with the Nikkei 225 finishing more than 10% higher at the close of trading. Then, following weeks of unrest in Bangladesh and the resignation of its prime minster, the IMF says it’s committed to the country’s economic stability. And we’ll hear about a scam targeting Chinese people around the world, in which criminals pretend to be Chinese police.

In early trading this Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite Index both fell more than 1,000 points, but recovered some. A weaker jobs report on Friday suggests to some that the Federal Reserve was too slow to lower interest rates raising the possibility of a recession in the U.S. We’ll hear the latest. And later, what happens when K-Pop meets AI?

U.S. stock index futures are pointing to one amid worries that elevated interest rates from the U.S. Federal Reserve might lead to a recession rather than a soft landing. We’ll check in on global markets. And later in the program, grocery prices are elevated. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is launching an investigation to assess if companies are juicing profits by raising prices.

From the BBC World Service: The fall was most dramatic in Japan where, the Nikkei suffered its biggest one-day points drop ever. Then, the prime minister of Bangladesh has resigned and left the country following a protest that started over job shortages. And in in South Korea, AI is causing a split in the K-pop world, with some fans annoyed that K-pop stars are using AI to make music videos and experiment with song writing.

The economy added 114,000 jobs in July. Analysts were expecting a slowdown, but not that much of one. Unemployment rose more than expected too. Markets are tumbling on the news amid worries that the Federal Reserve may have waited too long to cut interest rates. We’ll discuss. Plus, a housing crunch means pain for furniture retailers, and a grassroots program in the U.K. is making the sport of fencing more accessible.

We’re in the middle of another heat wave, which can make cooler parts of the country seem more attractive. And a new analysis shows that some Americans are reversing migration patterns. Typically, people are leaving colder states for warmer ones. Now, more Americans are staying put, while others are moving from warmer places to cooler ones. But first: Markets tumble as investors blink before The Fed does.

From the BBC World Service: Fencing is currently having its moment on the Olympic stage in Paris and has been around since the very first modern, organized Olympics. And in the United Kingdom, one grassroots group is making fencing more accessible, investing in growing its popularity and helping Muslim women and girls access more organized sport. Also on today’s show Japan’s stocks tumble on concerns over the U.S. economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has set the stage for the central bank’s first rate cut in four years — but we’ll still likely have to wait a few weeks. Anticipation of a rate cut has already had ripple effects across markets, including for mortgage rates. Then, there’s a shortage of poll workers. What’s being done to boost hiring? Plus, the Biden administration takes another crack at student loan relief.

It’s been about two years since President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science law. A week after that anniversary marks two years since the signing of the the Inflation Reduction Act. Today, we’re joined by Heather Boushey, a member of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, to discuss what the arrival of federal investments is beginning to look like. But first, we’ll break down Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks at yesterday’s press conference.

From the BBC World Service: The world’s first comprehensive set of rules governing artificial intelligence has come into force across the European Union, but it’ll take two years for the law to be fully implemented. Plus, tensions between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah are making a dire economic situation even worse for people in Lebanon. And later, young people in Nigeria are taking to the streets over economic hardship.

Restaurants are having a tough year, with high prices keeping customers away. Cue some innovation. Today, we’ll visit Wonder on New York City’s Upper West Side, which looks like a typical fast-food place from the outside but is actually a startup serving dishes from multiple restaurant brands. We’ll also learn more about Boeing’s space travel business, corporate investments in AI and Microsoft’s calls for laws on deepfake fraud.

Central bankers can adjust something called the Fed Funds interest rate in a way that makes borrowing more or less expensive in their campaign to bring inflation down to a healthy rate. But it’s like a lot of things in life: Timing is everything. We’ll discuss what to expect. Also on the show: Home purchase deals fell apart in June, and Roblox, the online game platform for kids, is grappling with a predator problem.

From the BBC World Service: Dozens of employees at ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, have been hospitalized after what seems to be a food poisoning outbreak. Then, heavy rains have caused deadly landslides In the Indian state of Kerala, known for its tea plantations. And South Africa is the latest country to welcome remote workers known as digital nomads, but in Cape Town, locals are unhappy.

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked new regulation that would have required airlines to disclose all their fees upfront so customers can better comparison-shop. The rule was scheduled to take effect in late fall. Now, its fate is up in the air. Then, we’ll hear how young Nigerians are responding to a cost of living crisis and what it costs to keep the International Space Station running.

Donald Trump’s social media company is trading at around $30 — down early 40% since it launched on the stock exchange this spring. So far for the former president, the wealth there is locked up on paper. But something called a “Standby Equity Purchase Agreement” could mean cold, hard cash in former president’s hands. Also, the Senate is poised to approve legislation aimed at protecting children online. We’ll hear the latest.

From the BBC World Service: Security forces have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in Venezuela, who demonstrating against Sunday’s disputed election result. President Nicolás Maduro, who was declared the winner, alleges that his opponents are trying to stage a coup. Later in this mornings’s program, we’ll examine the increasing numbers of young people leaving Nigeria.

What are the chances of an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve this week? And how much will the central bank be paying attention to the unemployment report? We’ll discuss that and more as the guardians of rates gather for a meeting tomorrow and Wednesday. Then, we’ll unpack what Venezuela’s presidential election results mean for the country’s economy and hear why electric vehicle demand has been slowing.

A new survey from the Pew Research Center finds that money is a major factor in the kids-or-no-kids decision. Among adults under 50 who say they’re unlikely to have children, 36% say they can’t afford them. Also on the show: We’ll examine an $80 million settlement involving banks and price-fixing of bonds, and hear about pollution-reducing projects in 30 states that will use $4.3 billion in EPA grants.

From the BBC World Service: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been declared the winner of the county’s election — but the result has sparked accusations of fraud from the opposition, who claim their candidate actually won. Then, Japanese airports are cracking down on a novel and potentially hazardous way of traveling through endless airport corridors: electric passenger-carrying suitcases. And later, we look at why Australia’s minimum wage increase hasn’t got everyone’s support.

The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics are slated to get underway today in Paris. And while artificial intelligence isn’t competing (yet), it is playing a role in scoring, crowd control and security, and even finding talent. Also on the show: Inflation inches closer toward the Federal Reserve’s target in June, and California’s Supreme Court deals a blow to efforts by gig workers to be classified as employees with certain benefits.

A new study from researchers at Harvard’s Opportunity Insights and the Census Bureau finds that children have a better chance at moving up the economic ladder if most of the adults they interact with are employed — not just in the household but beyond. We’ll delve in. Plus, the Biden White House still has lots on its economic plate before a new president comes to power in six months.

From the BBC World Service: Just as the Olympics are getting underway in Paris, the French train network has been hit by arson attacks, causing major delays and disruption. The incident will put even more focus on security at the games, which is already extremely tight. Then, we’ll look at how AI is being used to help make athletes’ lives easier and scoring more accurate at this year’s Games.

You’ve probably heard of dynamic pricing, like on ride-sharing apps. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is looking into surveillance pricing, which is when companies charge you a different price than someone else for the same product or service based on data they have on where you are and clues about your interests and lifestyle. We’ll unpack. Plus, GDP was higher than anticipated in the second quarter — but it wasn’t driven by consumers.

Wall Street indexes are droopy this morning after a surge downward yesterday. The S&P 500 fell 2.3% and the Nasdaq had its deepest drop in two years. Some are calling it “rebalancing” as investors pull back from some of their tech darlings. And, as a follow-up to yesterday’s episode, we check in with Juan Carlos Cisneros Suarez, who has been waiting for a visa and has skills in computer programming or robotics.

From the BBC World Service: The stock market sell-off is spreading from the U.S. to Asia and Europe. There have been declines across the board, but companies specializing in AI and semiconductor chips have been hit especially hard. Part of it has to do with expectations of additional trade restrictions from the U.S. on chip trade with China. Then, smaller brands are competing against fashion giants to deck out this year’s Olympic athletes.

“We started breaking down crying, because I didn’t think I would get out for my mother’s funeral.” “I’m about $10,000 out of pocket right now for just lodging, food and transportation.” These are just a few of the pained frustrations passengers at Atlanta’s airport, Delta’s primary hub, shared after flight delays and cancellations following the recent CrowdStrike outage. Also: sluggish home sales, the ban on noncompete agreements and politicization of the Federal Reserve.

Working for cash off the books is illegal. But there are routes to work for immigrants who don’t have permission to in the U.S. as an independent contractor or by establishing a Limited Liability Company, or LLC. Today, we’ll hear from one young man who’s seeking a visa that would allow him to work — but he’s looking to start an LLC in the meantime. But first: Tesla is losing ground overseas.

From the BBC World Service: Some of the world’s biggest civilian and defense aviation businesses are gathered at this year’s Farnborough Airshow, a trade expo in the south of England. But with deals on the table, it’s clear that plane makers are struggling to keep up with demand. Also: a look at the the realities of Venezuela’s struggling economy as citizens head to the polls on Sunday.

Despite threats of legal challenges from the right, Vice President Kamala Harris’ camp appears poised to inherit around $100 million from what was the Biden-Harris campaign — and that’s after an additional $100 million was raised in the 24 hours after Sunday’s shake-up. So how will a new name at the top of the Democratic ticket change how campaign dollars are spent? Plus, little stocks are starting to get bigger attention.

The Crowsdstrike software update — which knocked out an estimated 8.5 million Windows computers and impacted airlines, government operations and 9-1-1 emergency calls, is continuing to wreak havoc, and outage costs are estimated to be several billion dollars. We’ll discuss the latest and hear what to do if you’re one of the many, many passengers who’s been affected. And later: Why is everyone talking about “The Magnificent Seven” tech stocks?

From the BBC World Service: In India’s recent election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party won a third term but lost its ruling majority. Now, the coalition released its first budget, focusing on stability and boosting the economy. Then, the founder of South Korea’s popular KakaoTalk app has been arrested on allegations of manipulating stock prices. And there are growing calls to add an African country to the highly lucrative Formula One series of races.

Economic markets take a beat to adjust to Biden’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election; what the entire cybersecurity industry can learn from Friday’s CrowdStrike outage; and a new law makes it easier to pull emergency cash from a retirement account.

On the heels of the President’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election, assessing how history will remember the Biden economy. Plus, continued fallout from Friday’s CrowdStrike outage and global tech meltdown

From the BBC World Service: After Joe Biden announced he’s dropping out of the presidential race, Kamala Harris has secured the backing of some of the Democrats’ biggest donors; so what are investors thinking? Students in Bangladesh continue their protests a day after the Supreme Court eliminated most of the government job quotas they were fighting against. In Spain, concerns about tourism’s impact on locals has sparked protests on the island of Mallorca, with hundreds of people taking to the streets.

New data out this week on retail sales, shipping rates and more offer a snapshot of the economy’s overall health. Plus, the knock-on economic effects of tariffs, and Shanghai becomes a hyper-competitive hub for cafes.

Donald Trump promised sweeping changes to tax policy and interest rates, but would he really have the power to carry those out? Plus, why Silicon Valley billionaires are suddenly flocking to the GOP, and a widespread tech outage has disrupted businesses around the globe, including major airlines.

From the BBC World Service: A raft of businesses and organizations running Microsoft’s Windows apps have been affected by a major global IT outage. Students in Bangladesh are continuing their blockade of roads across the country, in protest of a quota system on government jobs. You may think of Rome or Paris when asked about the café capital of the world – but China’s financial capital is becoming a new contender. At least that’s what Shanghai’s local government claims.

First, semiconductor manufacturer TSMC has seen a surge in sales, yet its stock took a hit yesterday. That followed news the U.S. might further curb exports to China and comments by former President Donald Trump that TSMC’s home base of Taiwan would need to start paying for its own defense. Then, as the U.S.-China economic relationship becomes more contentious, where does that leave Europe? We dig in. And later: why women’s health is so far behind the curve.

At the start of this week’s Republican National Convention, Republicans adopted a new platform that promises to preserve Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, while also pledging to cut taxes for working Americans. Can those two objectives be squared? We’ll also hear more about the economics of J.D. Vance and learn how Gaza’s farmers are faring amid war. Plus, from today’s “Marketplace Tech,” how can we limit the fallout from misinformation after political violence?

From the BBC World Service: Despite big profits for chipmakers, the prospect of further curbs on exports of semiconductor technology to China has prompted a major sell-off by investors. Plus, a court in South Korea has ruled same-sex couples should be eligible for the same health insurance benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. And we hear how conflict in Gaza is affecting those who earn a living from the land.

The GOP wants to be clear that it’s pro-cryptocurrency. The official Republican platform adopted earlier this week says the party will “defend the right to mine bitcoin.” We’ll hear more about the intersection of digital assets and politics. Plus, dinners in Spain tend to start pretty darn late — after 9 p.m. on average. One reason is that the working day runs deep into the evening. But could things be changing?

According to Milwaukee’s visitors bureau, hosting the Republican National Convention this week comes with $200 million in additional economic activity. But that figure doesn’t include business lost when locals try to avoid the crowds. Plus, stock prices wake up with a hangover. And later, it’s day 2 of Amazon Prime Day. Today, we check in on Amazon’s pledge to spend $1.2 billion to provide free job training to about 300,000 employees.

From the BBC World Service: Workers at an Amazon warehouse in the United Kingdom have failed to gain union recognition by the slimmest of margins. A majority of support was needed but just under 50% voted in favor. Then, in Bangladesh, thousands of students have been protesting over a lack of jobs. And in Spain, some are questioning the culture of working well into the evening.

If the Trump/Vance ticket emerges the winner in November, what might a Vice President J.D. Vance’s perspective on the government’s role in business and trade look like? Hint, Vance sees a big role for government. Then, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has given investors tantalizing hints on when rate cuts may occur. Plus, industrialized countries are getting older. What might immigration mean for economies as populations age?

Yesterday, former President Donald Trump announced that Ohio Senator, author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance would be his running mate. But as a populist conservative, Vance’s economic views buck those of the traditional, Republican establishment. We’ll hear more. Also, we’ll hear about the Secret Service’s additional responsibilities besides protecting presidents and unpack how political turmoil and violence might affect the United States’ position in the global business community.

From the BBC World Service: The United Kingdom’s 500-year-old postal service is up for sale. The Royal Mail, with its iconic red mailboxes, operates similarly to the United States Postal Service, but is publicly listed. Now, a $6.5 billion offer has been accepted from Daniel Křetínský, who explains why the nationally important company should be entrusted to him. Also: a look at the self-storage boom in Canada and beyond.

As people process news of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, some of that processing may occur at work. And the workplace — like the rest of America — is a polarized place. Today, we’re joined by Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, to hear how managers can guide healthy conversations over differing political viewpoints. Plus: a pulse check on China’s economy.

Stocks are set to open higher two days after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. And this week, Republicans begin their convention in Milwaukee to formally nominate Trump as their presidential candidate. We’ll take a closer look at how investors are responding. Then, we’ll hear about reports of toxic metals in tampons and examine how World War I shaped labor participation for women.

From the BBC World Service: China’s leaders meet to talk about its economy as official figures show growth is slowing again, clocking the country’s economic growth rate at 4.7% over the second quarter. How might the government respond? And later in the program, music marketing is changing. We take a look at how music reviewers on TikTok are influencing the industry as a whole.

Feelings about the economy have been sort of middling, with consumers optimistic about jobs but pessimistic about prices. But there’s another aspect of consumer surveys that doesn’t often get reported — sentiment can skew heavily partisan. Today: how consumers see the world through Republican or Democrat lenses. Plus, we’ll do the numbers on wholesale prices, hear about a Marathon Oil pollution settlement and learn about a downturn in TV and film production.

Australia is sometimes called a “migration nation,” as a third of its population was born abroad. That said, people with disabilities are often not welcome. Many foreigners with disabilities or serious medical conditions are routinely denied an Australian visa. But there’s pressure for policy change. Also on the show: A three-judge panel has concluded that many U.S. college athletes are likely employees and may be protected under federal minimum wage laws.

From the BBC World Service: Colombia’s president says a lot of the country’s problems would be solved and the country’s armed conflict could end within a day if the United Nations declared cocaine legal across the world. We’ll discuss. Then, China is constructing twice as many solar and wind plants as the rest of the world combined, and many foreigners with disabilities in Australia are denied visas.

A Senate committee is set to hold a hearing later this month on a new bill that would ban stock trading by members of Congress and their families. The legislation was unveiled yesterday. Some lawmakers are outperforming the market — and that’s spurred copycat funds ordinary investors can jump into. But first, inflation this morning came in lower than expected. And later: why the FTC is taking a closer look at pharmacy benefit managers.

The closely-watched consumer price index is slated to be released later this morning. Despite agita over continued rising prices, incomes have continued to outpace inflation. But consumer sentiment and spending can be fickle things. We’ll hear more. Plus, does Citibank have a problem with its safety systems? Regulators seem to think so. Also: Be wary of that unsolicited job offer. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

From the BBC World Service: Indigenous leaders in Brazil are asking the United Nations to pressure President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to stop illegal mining on their Amazon lands. We’ll hear the latest. Then, a potential rival group may soon rival the Economic Community of West African States. And later, Greece imposes regulations to limit the areas on beaches that bars and restaurants can use after complaints by locals.

A major regional bank has agreed to resolve claims that it harmed thousands of customers by opening fake accounts, and charging for unnecessary insurance tied to car and truck loans. Fifth Third Bank will pay millions of dollars and is labeling these “legacy issues.” We’ll unpack. Then, we’ll also do some bond and stock markets Powell-parsing, and visit a Danish town where Novo Nordisk is racing to boost weight-loss drug production.

Would you work weekends? Make a longer commute? Even take a pay cut? While unemployment isn’t high by historic standards, it is higher than it was last summer. A new survey outlines the sacrifices some workers are willing to make to avoid getting the axe. Plus, a new platform elevates Black country artists, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted that the central bank may be getting closer to cutting rates.

From the BBC World Service: A union representing workers at South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics has called on its 30,000 members to go on strike indefinitely as part of its campaign for better pay and benefits. Plus, NATO members are holding a three-day summit to mark the organization’s 75th birthday — and the focus is on Ukraine. Then, we visit the Danish town where Novo Nordisk, maker of weight-loss drug Ozempic, is based.

After last month’s Supreme Court ruling, a judge weighs whether to allow lawsuits against Sackler family members. Plus, waiting on word from Jerome Powell and the Fed, and what happens when an online DNA test kicks up complicated history.

Military spending and aid for Ukraine are high on the agenda at this week’s NATO summit; Americans added more than $11 billion to consumer debt in May; and a practical look at newly-implemented guidelines from the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

From the BBC World Service: India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, is in Russia to “deepen ties” between the two countries on Mr. Modi’s first trip to Russia since the beginning of its war Ukraine. China’s biggest electric carmaker — and Tesla’s big rival — BYD has reached a deal to build a $1 billion manufacturing plant in Turkey. And Sweden marks 50 years of paid parental leave for couples to share.

You may have gotten the unsolicited texts, LinkedIn messages or other offers from scammers posing as recruiters. The may even have a legitimate-looking listing on a job hiring site. You have a virtual interview, then the recruiter starts asking for personal information like your Social Security number to fill out “employment paperwork” — but actually they’re stealing your identity. Plus, examining the Sahm Rule and use of the U.S. dollar in Lebanon.

Paramount Global, which owns Paramount Studios, CBS and more, has agreed to merge with Skydance Media, the source of some of Paramount’s biggest films. The deal will cost Skydance and its founder David Ellison $8 billion and would cement Ellison’s position as a Hollywood mogul. We’ll unpack. Plus, more Americans are traveling abroad thanks to a strong U.S. dollar. And there’s more people looking for work, but it’s taking them longer to find jobs.

From the BBC World Service: France is facing political gridlock after a left-wing alliance emerged as the surprise winner of France’s snap election. The coalition secured the most seats but no outright majority. Also on the program: Trust in Lebanon’s financial system is at an all-time low, after a banking collapse and hyperinflation. Plus, Samsung is experiencing its first-ever strike in South Korea the over pay and holidays.

The U.S. economy added 206,000 jobs in June, according to the labor department. But job growth in previous months was revised down significantly. What can we make of this data? And what does it mean for next steps for the Federal Reserve? Workers also saw the slowest pace of wage growth in two years. And later: views on France’s election and economy from a farmers market in the French city of Lille.

While the Labour Party saw a historic win in Thursday’s general election in the U.K., the new prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is without a raft of money to implement sweeping reforms. So how will the new government differ economically from the one seen under Conservative rule? And later, it’s hard to prepare a meal with a newborn in your hands. That inspired one couple to open a restaurant in Atlanta.

From the BBC World Service: The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, won a sweeping victory in the U.K.’s general election held Thursday. We’ll hear from voters about what they hope for in the new government and interrogate just how much change the new administration can realistically deliver. Plus, French voters are also going to the polls on Sunday, and the cost of living is weighing heavy on voters’ minds.

As part of our “Golden Promises” series, we’re exploring the battle over slavery reparations in California. Today, Marketplace special correspondent Lee Hawkins speaks with Lotte Lieb Dula, founder of Reparations 4 Slavery, about the discovery of her family’s connection to slavery and how she’s working to repair and make things right. Also on the show: Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s next steps on energy could make waves in the U.S., especially in Texas.

The national debt is tremendous and growing. And as lawmakers talk about ways to address it, Social Security spending — which totals roughly $1.5 trillion a year — is often brought up as playing a big role. But by law, Social Security cannot contribute to the national debt. Today, we’ll parse exactly how the Social Security Administration invests money and pays out. Then, heat insurance in India has helped thousands of female workers.

From the BBC World Service: Hurricane Beryl has hit Jamaica after leaving an “Armageddon-like” trail in Grenada, but the Jamaican prime minster says the worst is yet to come. We’ll hear more. Then, in India, women in the western state of Gujarat are being offered compensation that allows them to stay home during periods of extremely hot weather. And Japan’s digital minister has declared victory in his war against floppy disks.

Tractor Supply Company — a farm, lawn and home improvement chain mainly in rural areas — recently announced it would abandon most of its diversity and climate advocacy goals. Now, the head of the National Black Farmers Association is calling for the resignation of Tractor Supply’s CEO. But first, we’ll unpack how markets are responding to “the Trump trade.” And later: job cuts at John Deere, the first Esports World Cup and traction for indie game studios.

Artificial intelligence requires an enormous amount of electricity. Google, with AI now added, says it increased its carbon emissions last year, despite a pledge to reach net-zero by 2030. So what are Google and other companies doing to address efficiency issues? We’ll discuss. Then, tomorrow is the United Kingdom’s general election, and the harsh realities of economic stagnation are on the minds of many voters there.

From the BBC World Service: The United Kingdom goes to the polls in the general election tomorrow — and polling suggests the economy is the No. 1 issue with voters. We hear the key economic anxieties voters are voicing. Then, the Esports World Cup kicks off today in Saudi Arabia, and there are calls in China for greater restrictions on the sale of hyper-realistic silicone face masks.

More than 60 million Americans are facing a potentially record-breaking heat wave across the South and Western U.S. this week. Still, people will be showing up to work on farms, construction sites and other workplaces where extreme heat exposure is a threat. Now, the Labor Department is proposing new safety standards. Also: a conversation with James LeBrecht, co-director of the film “Crip Camp” about accessibility in the film industry.

Standard economic indicators like the unemployment and inflation rates are backward-looking. Now, a new tool, the Zeta Economic Indicator, analyzes the economy in real time and utilizes artificial intelligence. We’ll hear more. Plus, regulators in France are set to level antitrust charges against chipmaker Nvidia, and the EU says a Meta subscription service violates Europe’s Digital Markets Act. Then, is paying farmers to conserve Colorado River water worth the cost?

From the BBC World Service: Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe is presenting lawmakers with a deal made by creditors after the country’s 2022 financial crisis, but the government is facing criticism over the agreement. Also: Samsung workers in South Korea are planning a strike. Then, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly — the maker of popular weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound — says more needs to be done on global drug counterfeiting.

This morning, we’re talking economics and global politics. First, the far-right saw major wins in the first round of France’s elections. Then, high housing costs are weighing on the minds of voters in the United Kingdom, who head to the polls on Thursday. Plus, there are reports that Boeing will be offered a Justice Department arrangement that would allow the company to avoid a trial in connection with two 737 MAX crashes.

Or does it hinder free speech? That’s the thorny issue the Supreme Court is expected to decide in just a few hours, as it releases its final rulings in what’s been another highly consequential term. We’ll hear more on a case challenging how social media companies deal with content on their platforms. Plus, a look at Major League Soccer’s surging popularity and how the Dawes Act cratered Indigenous wealth.

From the BBC World Service: Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party has pulled off a victory in the first round of elections in France and could turn French politics on its head. Then, with only three days to go before the United Kingdom’s general election, one of the big issues is housing costs. But are any of the political parties’ pledges giving people hope that they can solve Britain’s housing crunch?

Last night, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump sparred off. Today, we’ll recap some of economic issues spotlighted in the presidential debate. Inflation was one of the hot topics, and the latest release of the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation shows inflation cooling — but how you experience rising prices can be splintered along partisan lines. We discuss. Also, Amazon plans on launching a “discount” section with goods shipped direct from China.

A rule of thumb is that market players don’t like uncertainty. The question this morning is whether there’s more or less of it in the wake of President Joe Biden’s rough showing against former President Donald Trump during last night’s debate. We’ll track how the debate is affecting the movement of money. Plus, Social Security cuts are inevitable by 2035 unless lawmakers act. Can a similar crunch from the ’80s offer guidance?

From the BBC World Service: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a security pact with the European Union during a visit to Brussels. We’ll delve in. Then, following weeks of protests in Argentina over proposed austerity reforms, the country’s parliament has approved controversial measures put forward by President Javier Millei. And later, prolonged heatwaves in India have boosted sales of air conditioning units.

As cities look to grow and innovate in the recovery from the pandemic, some are pushing for new sports stadiums. The idea is that fresh ballparks attract visitors and create jobs, but these projects are almost always funded by public dollars. We’ll do the numbers on the investment and payoff. Also on the show: A ransomware attack could put a sizable dent in auto sales this month, and marketing around Pride is down this year.

In a 6-3 ruling, Supreme Court justices have narrowed the scope of federal corruption law, as it pertains to state and local officials. Justices ruled that a former mayor in Indiana did not commit a crime when he took $13,000 as a purported consulting fee after — not before — awarding city contracts to a trucking company. We’ll also have an honest conversation about Social Security funding. Plus, is Nike a dinosaur brand?

From the BBC World Service: The Japanese Yen has fallen to its weakest level against the U.S. dollar for nearly 40 years. It’s causing jitters in the markets, and analysts warn about potential government intervention. Then, protests are continuing in Kenya over the unpopular new finance bill. And as Barcelona becomes the latest city to crack down on short-term rentals, we hear from an unhappy property owner.

A federal judge has rejected an antitrust settlement that would have lowered the fees Visa and Mastercard charge every time you use your credit card to pay for a purchase. The judge ruled the settlement did not go far enough, agreeing with retailers who want to chip away at the power held by credit card companies. We’ll hear more. Then, hundreds of thousands of home sitting empty in Japanese cities. Expatriates are noticing.

Volkswagen says it’s putting $5 billion into U.S. electric truck company Rivian. The cash infusion comes at a crucial time for Rivian, as it watches other EV startups go under. But VW also needs something out of this. We unpack. Plus, why it’s so difficult to maintain America’s aging bridge infrastructure and how the market for online comics is doing as Webtoon Entertainment looks to go public.

From the BBC World Service: At least 13 people have been killed and many more injured after police fired into crowds protesting Kenya’s controversial finance bill in Nairobi. An angry crowd stormed the parliament before setting parts of it on fire. Protests have taken place for several days. How did Kenya get here? Also: a look at the expats buying and renovating some of the 9 million empty homes in Japan.

Parts of President Joe Biden’s student loan repayment plan — which widens eligibility for income-based loan repayment — are on hold after federal judges in Kansas and Missouri issued rulings yesterday in lawsuits brought by a group of Republican attorneys general. We dig in. We also delve into stock market volatility and the future of the cruise industry. And later: a look at how reality TV came to be.

When it comes to reality TV, don’t give too much credit to the “reality” part. Yet despite its heavy editing and construction, reality TV has sometimes shaped the wider culture. In this episode, we talk about the economic calculus that led to a genre so many people love to watch, love to hate or both. But first: Nvidia shares enter correction territory.

From the BBC World Service: After 14 months of a civil war, a severe humanitarian and economic crisis is unfolding in Sudan. Grain shipments from Ukraine have ceased, humanitarian aid faces significant blockades and the country faces the largest displacement of children worldwide. We’ll hear more about the conflict and its impact. We’ll also learn more about the role of tax policy in the upcoming U.K. election and a land dispute involving Catholic nuns in Spain.

Job creation has been robust coming out of the worst of COVID, yet threats to workers remain: international competition, the Green Transition, artificial intelligence. How can workers respond? Today, we explore wage insurance as an option that could help. Also: What’s behind this election year stock rally? But first, Apple’s App Store has run afoul of European regulators. We’ll unpack.

The deadline for students and parents to get their federal financial aid form into colleges and universities is this Sunday. With all that data you input on income and savings, there’s still something big missing: overall household wealth. Some education policy researchers say the financial aid system should be taking a closer look at big assets, like homes. Also: Federal prosecutors are recommending criminal charges against Boeing, and visas for nurses are running out again.

From the BBC World Service: Brussels has accused Apple of violating EU competition rules with its App Store. It’s the first time EU regulators have enforced the new Digital Markets Act against a major tech firm. Then, Indian students are furious following the last-minute cancellation of a crucial entrance test for post-graduate medical courses. And rental scams are on the rise in the U.K., with some criminals targeting illegal cannabis farms.

In a flurry of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the Justices’ lack of action on one case is a major victory for the tribal gaming industry. The court left in place an agreement between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state of Florida, and left the door open for tribal nations to expand into online gaming. We’ll delve into the impact. And we’ll also examine how immigration policy has shaped the U.S. economy.

TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has six months to divest or the U.S. plans to ban the app for national security reasons. But in a new court filing, ByteDance calls the U.S. government’s demands unconstitutional and says government officials have refused to seriously negotiate for two years. Also, AI comes for banking jobs. And later, what if your deepfake was circulating halfway across the world in China?

From the BBC World Service: Kenya’s government has been forced to drop some of its plans for new taxes, but widespread protests are continuing over its controversial finance bill. We’ll hear about the government’s intent behind the proposed new taxes, as well as which policies have now been scrapped. Also, what does a British court judgement on the climate impact of oil projects mean for future developments?

In the U.S., the Federal Reserve has decided to keep rates elevated for a year now. The Fed’s goal is to hit a 2% inflation target, but that last mile has been difficult. And part of it has to do with how we are able to lock in debt at times of lower rates in the U.S. We’ll discuss. We’ll also hear about RV sales, then the Europe and China’s tit-for-tat trade battle.

Cannabis is now legal — for medical or recreational use — in 38 states, plus D.C. But marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, meaning there are stringent rules governing the transportation of cannabis. That can leave some parts of the industry stranded, sometimes on literal islands. Today, we travel to Martha’s Vineyard to hear how those hurdles have impacted one dispensary. Plus, a look at fossil fuel use and the effort to reopen a criminal case against Boeing.

From the BBC World Service: Chinese carmakers are urging Beijing to slap import taxes of up to 25% on some European cars, following the European Union’s confirmation that it will place tariffs of up to 38% on electric vehicle imports from China. Then, global fossil fuel use and carbon emissions hit record highs last year, despite growing energy production from wind and solar. And charities are worried about the impact of some G7 governments’ slashing foreign aid budgets.

One effort in trying to narrow the racial wealth gap is by supporting Black-owned businesses. That effort grew in 2020 amid racial justice protests after the murder of George Floyd, but where do things stand now? We check in. Plus, Brooklyn’s Long Time Tattoo is a queer Asian American Pacific Islander run tattoo collective that’s helping create an inclusive space for clients, other tattoo artists and the wider community.

Part of the of the racial wealth gap is a gap in business ownership. Today, we’re joined by Kezia Williams, CEO of the Black upStart, a national initiative and curriculum for Black entrepreneurs, for a conversation about some of the hurdles Black business owners face and efforts to close the gap. Also on the program: A new study finds that expanding early childhood education could be well worth the investment.

From the BBC World Service: Amazon could be forced to recognize a trade union for the first time in the United Kingdom, as staff at its warehouse in Coventry, England, begin consulting with the GMB general trade union union ahead of a July vote. Also: An Afrobeats track has become the first of the genre to break one billion streams. We’ll explore the genre’s rapid growth.

Yet another Boeing whistleblower is set to testify at a Senate hearing this afternoon, citing a failure to properly track defective parts in the company’s factories. Plus, the tragedy of errors and shortcuts that led to last year’s Titan submersible implosion.

The Treasury and IRS announced a new initiative Monday to close a tax loophole for wealthy people that could raise more than $50 billion in revenue over the next decade. Plus, the evolving economics of “gayborhoods” in U.S. cities.

From the BBC World Service: Russia’s Vladimir Putin is visiting North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un for the first time in 24 years, as the pair look to deepen their relationship in the face of international isolation. And: Wildfires forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate the Greek island of Rhodes last year – now there’s a focus on how to make tourism more sustainable.

Wall Street investors bet on extra rate cuts this year, in spite of Fed predictions that there will be just one. Plus, Megabus parent company Coach USA has filed for bankruptcy after ridership dropped during the pandemic and failed to recover. And for Baltimore firms, work on the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction is personal.  

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called for cigarette-style warning labels aimed at young users of social media platforms, citing social media’s significant contributions to the mental health crisis among adolescents. Plus, a surge in secondhand shopping among consumers, and a look inside the world of gender-affirming vocal coaching.    

From the BBC World Service: Emmanuel Macron has kicked off a fortnight of frenetic election campaigning as he gambles everything to stave off a big challenge from the far right. German sportswear giant Adidas is investigating what it calls ‘potential compliance violations in China’ after reports that senior managers at the Chinese branch allegedly received bribes from suppliers. The European Soccer Championship has kicked off and it offers significant branding opportunities — this year, Nike is outspending its rivals, securing 37.5% of the visibility with nine team deals.

Four years ago, the pandemic sent the world economy into disarray. Panic buying led to widespread backlogs, with shipping gridlocks so bad you could see them in satellite images. It all revealed a troubling reality: Our global supply chain is incredibly fragile. Where did things go wrong? We discuss. Also, Tesla shareholders voted to restore CEO Elon Musk’s pay package valued at $44.9 billion, so let’s talk about how CEO pay gets determined.

Israel is withholding $35 million in tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, which provides limited self-governance for the Palestinian people in the West Bank. The move threatens to worsen an already dire financial situation there, even as a war devastates Gaza, the other Palestinian enclave. Plus, big questions linger following the end of a strike at University of California campuses. And Wells Fargo fired some employees for “fake working.”

From the BBC World Service: Every year, more than a million Muslims from around the globe make a pilgrimage in Mecca. But there’s a lucrative trade in fake permits, and the number of scams has caused raised concerns for Saudi authorities. Then, Thailand scraps a planned $8 tourism fee for visitors arriving by air. And Virgin Australia is set to allow dogs and cats to fly in the main cabin of its planes.

Federal campaigns get much of the spotlight, but state and local races can be as consequential for residents’ lives. Funders know that. Today, we’ll trace some of this year’s campaign spending behind state elections, local elections and ballot initiatives. We’ll also hear about a G7 plan to use seized Russian assets to help Ukraine. Plus, inflation for wholesalers was negative last month. What’s a central bank to do with that?

Gay bars are often a fixture of queer nightlife and can help foster a sense of community. Yet across the country, gay bars have shuttered at an alarming pace, down around 45% between 2002 and 2023. But queer nightlife isn’t disappearing — it may just be evolving. We’ll hear more. But first: Interest rates are staying where they are, so where do we go from here?

From the BBC World Service: Demonstrators argued that the measures, which include cutting state spending and watering down workers’ rights, will hurt millions of working Argentinians. Meanwhile, leaders of the G7 are meeting in Italy to discuss increasing economic pressure on Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. And around the world, hundreds of thousands of tons of nuclear waste are piling up in temporary storage, but Finland thinks it has a solution.

The general public doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with economists on why inflation happens or on how to fight it, a new survey finds. We’ll unpack. Plus, a resilient U.S. economy lifts global economic outlook. And later: The Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged today. But let’s revisit the ’70s and ’80s, when the Fed was battling double-digit inflation and didn’t have the luxury of patiently holding interest rates steady.

It’s been called the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. And it’s massive — six times the size of Disneyland. When Hyundai’s Metaplant comes online, it will pump out up to 300,000 electric vehicles per year, plus batteries. Jobs at the plant will pay more than the area average, and job training will be free of charge. We’ll hear more. Also on the program: banishing medical debt from credit reports.

From the BBC World Service: The European Commission will add tariffs to electric vehicles coming into the European Union from China, and China’s not too happy about it. Then, the World Health Organization (WHO) has blamed major industries — tobacco, ultra-processed foods, fossil fuels and alcohol — for 2.7 million deaths a year in Europe. Also: news on bread in Egypt and spicy ramen noodles in Denmark.

We’re heading into another summer with the specter of serious supply chain disruptions. The union representing dockworkers at ports on the East and Gulf Coasts has called off negotiations with shipping companies, because the union says those companies are trying to replace workers with automation. Also: a look at how failing to meet kids’ basic needs hurts their educational outcomes and how bankruptcy has become an “escape hatch” for big corporations.

Today, we’re heading to the Georgia-South Carolina border to hear about a program that pays as they train. It’s at the Savannah River Site, overseen by the Department of Energy, where workers do everything from from dimming down highly toxic plutonium into something no longer weapons-grade to processing spent fuel rods pulled from nuclear reactors. Also on the show: a lawsuit over forever chemicals in the nation’s drinking water.

From the BBC World Service: Singapore Airlines has offered $10,000 compensation payments to passengers who suffered minor injuries during a flight that hit sudden, extreme turbulence last month. Then, European soccer championships kick off on Friday, and a thriving market has popped up to sell counterfeit replica kits. And later: Nollywood, Nigeria’s movie industry, could be worth as much as $15 billion by 2025, but questions are being raised over safety.

The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meets tomorrow and Wednesday for its fourth interest rate-setting meeting of the year. We can say with almost total certainty that the Fed will do nothing to those interest rates, and recent news on the job market isn’t likely to change the Fed’s thinking. Then, Reddit is pushing deeper into advertising. And later: how the Tribeca Festival came to be such a moneymaker for New York City.

You know the Georgia peach logo at the end of shows like “WandaVision” or “The Walking Dead?” The peach means a production was filmed in Georgia, where major tax credits are helping the state grow its film industry. Today, we head to Atlanta to hear about the pipeline for show business gigs there. Plus, Americans are paying down their credit card balances thanks to a strong labor market.

From the BBC World Service: France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called snap parliamentary elections in the wake of a big victory for rival Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the European Parliament vote. We’ll unpack. Then, Malaysia is ending its blanket subsidy for diesel, which means prices will go up by 50%. And Honda is the latest Japanese carmaker to be inspected for safety certification issues.

We learned this morning that the U.S. economy added 272,000 new jobs in May. That’s a lot more than many economists predicted. On the other hand, the unemployment rate did tick up to 4%. We’ll put those numbers into context. Then, two federal agencies are launching two separate antitrust probes into the giants of the artificial intelligence race. And later: a look at candy maker Bazooka’s recent injection of investment money from major athletes.

How many people got hired and how many people were unemployed last month? We’ll find that out later this morning when the government releases U.S. jobs numbers. Economists are predicting hiring remained steady compared to the month before. We’ll hear why the figures are important to the Federal Reserve, as well as what they hint about AI’s impact on the workforce. Plus, how can cities get out of “a real estate doom loop?”

From the BBC World Service: Workers belonging to the largest union at tech giant Samsung have gone on strike for the first time ever over a pay dispute. Then, McDonald’s no longer has the exclusive right to market chicken Big Mac. Also, and nearly 2 million more teenagers will be eligible to vote in EU elections, and a woman who says she inspired “Baby Reindeer” is suing Netflix for defamation and damages.

A new report out of investment advisor Vanguard finds that more than 40% of employer matches go to the richest 20% of workers — and it’s not just because they have the highest salaries. We’ll discuss the problems with the 401(k) model and hear a potential fix. Plus, St. Louis is grappling with a “real estate doom loop.” How did it get there and how might it get out?

It’s been one week since former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to influence the 2016 election. So what’s to become of the publicly traded company he heads, Trump Media and Technology Group? Can a convicted felon legally be a principal of a publicly traded company? We discuss. Also on the show; Nvidia stock, congestion pricing and wage growth.

From the BBC World Service: Vladimir Putin is hosting the International Economic Forum. There’s a bit of a contradiction there: Despite being the most sanctioned country in the world, Russia’s economy is set to grow faster than all advanced economies this year. Also, Gen Z is posing a challenge for alcohol companies. And later, tourism officials in Henan, China, admitted the famous Yuntai Falls use hidden water pipes to boost the flow.

When we do the numbers, we tell you what’s happening on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. Now, a couple of Wall Street financial firms are backing an upstart in Texas that wants to challenge the dominance of the two big players in New York. Then, China’s generative AI business has gotten its first infusion of cash from a foreign investor. Plus, does Boston regret not hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics?

At the height of pandemic lockdowns, folks stayed in yet also desperately wanted to get out. Enter the open streets movement, which advocates for roads being temporarily closed off to cars and expanded for pedestrians and public space. Now, advocates in Brooklyn are pushing to make some of those changes more permanent. Plus, manufacturing and construction appear to lose steam, and the Amazon Labor Union will link up with Teamsters.

From the BBC World Service: Following India’s national elections, it might be harder for Modi to push his economic policies through, as his party didn’t win enough seats to have a parliamentary majority. Then, China is looking to compete in generative AI and Saudi Arabia is investing in one of its biggest start-ups. And Poland is voting in European Union elections this weekend, and a major point of contention is Europe’s support for Ukraine.

A federal appeals court panel has suspended a competition to award grants to businesses that are majority-owned by Black women. The panel ruled the program, run by Atlanta-based venture capital firm Fearless Fund, is likely discriminatory. We’ll parse the details. Then, Shein is looking to go public in London rather than New York. Why is that? And the price of Forever stamps are about to go up yet again.

From the BBC World Service: In India’s elections, early signs are pointing to a majority for a right-wing alliance of parties, led by India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi. It won’t be a landslide win, however. What does that mean for policy and the markets? And later in the program: Nigeria’s government says it’s made a new offer to try to bring the country’s general strike to a close.

At its recent meeting, the oil cartel OPEC+ agreed to keep its lower production limits in place to try to prop up fuel prices. To the concern of producers and the delight of consumers, crude has been going for less than $80 a barrel since the beginning of May. And that’s being reflected at the pump. Plus, what’s behind GM’s move from the landmark Renaissance Center in Detroit?

As you’ve likely heard by now, Claudia Sheinbaum won Mexico’s presidential election in a landslide victory and is slated to become the nation’s first female president. But Mexico is facing a major budget deficit, exacerbated by spending on infrastructure and social programs. We’ll discuss what Sheinbaum’s win means for the economy. Plus, we’ll examine the latest in the meme stock craze after the value of GameStop shares soared in premarket trading.

This week, we’re examining the ways cities are adapting to the future of how we live and work. Some of these changes were sped up by the pandemic, but some are a long-time coming — like evolving tech in the auto industry. In Detroit, an abandoned train station has been brought back to life by the Ford Motor Company as a center for tech innovation. Will the investment pay off? But first: automakers and deep sea mining.

From the BBC World Service: Mexico is set to elect its first female president, and South Africa’s African National Congress party has lost its majority after 30 years. So what will that look like for the economies of both countries? Then, a BBC investigation finds evidence about the fate of Ruja Ignatova — the woman on the FBI’s 10 most-wanted list for her alleged participation in a fake crypto scheme worth $4.5 billion.

Earlier this week, we took a look at the economies of Gaza and the West Bank before and during the current conflict. On today’s show, we’ll examine how Israel’s economy was doing before Oct. 7. (To hear how Israel’s economy has been altered by war, check out this episode.) Plus, inflation is stuck at a rate higher than the Federal Reserve would like to see.

Starting next year, more people will be able to file their taxes directly and electronically with the IRS without a middleman. This past tax season, the IRS ran a small trial run in a few states and says it went well, so the agency’s making its free direct file program permanent. It’s expanding eligibility for the program too. Also: the Israeli economy and how it’s changed as a result of war.

From the BBC World Service: The U.S. needs to stop interfering in the affairs of Taiwan — that was the verdict of China’s defense minister, Admiral Dong Jun, who made the comments during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at a security conference in Singapore. Then, parts of India are experiencing an extreme heat wave, and Mexico’s citizens go to the polls on Sunday in a historic election.

Thursday marks the end of the 90-day period the FAA gave Boeing to come up with a plan to improve its safety and quality-control practices, something prompted by a fuselage panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Boeing has already announced a number of changes since then. What more do we expect to learn today? Also on the program: the number of wholesale goods sitting on shelves a dramatic decline in foreclosures.

In the months since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Palestine’s economy has been radically altered. Today, we hear about the conflict’s impact on the West Bank, Palestinian tax revenue and what recovery from such destruction and devastation in Gaza could potentially look like. Plus, the rise in artificial intelligence requires lots of data computing centers to power that AI. And all those data centers use lots of electricity.

From the BBC World Service: Iceland is once again witnessing the raw power of nature as a volcano erupts about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik, impacting trade.Then, more than two years into the war with Russia, Ukraine is auctioning off the Hotel Ukraina. The proceeds will go toward the war effort. Also: a conversation with one of Latin America’s only female leaders, Laura Chinchilla, the president of Costa Rica.

When you buy a stock, your brokerage has to go out and buy it for you. It sometimes doesn’t happen immediately and can take up to two days. As part of a push to reduce risk in the stock market, a new Securities and Exchange Commission rule says it needs to happen faster. Plus, why consumers are feeling better than expected and how pricey child care is holding back women in the workforce.

Despite cooling inflation, many Americans still say higher prices make it difficult to make ends meet. That’s especially the case for parents. The cost of child care has far outpaced overall inflation for the past few decades, to the point that it’s affecting the labor force. We discuss. But first: Tensions between Exxon-Mobil and some of its shareholders may well boil over this morning when the company holds its annual shareholder meeting.

From the BBC World Service: Australian mining giant BHP wants to buy rival Anglo American, but it’s had two bids turned down and was recently denied an extension for takeover talks. Then, the union representing Samsung Electronics in South Korea has threatened to go on strike over demands for higher wages. And South Africa heads to the polls and the leading ANC party may lose its parliamentary majority.

Hurricane season officially begins this week, and forecasters are predicting a record number of storms to barrel through the Atlantic Ocean this year. While that means potential destruction to homes, businesses and infrastructure, one industry is particularly at risk: oil and natural gas. We’ll unpack. Plus, “there is no economic solution for a political problem”: Trinity College professor of economics Ibrahim Shikaki reflects on Gaza’s economy at time of war.

Beneath the tremendous human suffering wrought by war in Gaza is a harsh economic reality. Today, we’re examining the state of the Palestinian economy before, during and potentially after the war, and will hear more about Palestine’s entrenched dependency on Israel’s economy. But first: The White House is introducing a set of carbon credit standards to help figure out if carbon offsets are achieving what they purport to.

From the BBC World Service: Soccer superstar David Beckham has signed a deal to be a global ambassador for AliExpress, an online retail platform owned by Chinese technology giant Alibaba. The announcement comes as the Euros soccer tournament is due to kick off in Germany next month. Plus, billions of dollars are being poured into AI despite lack of uptake, and the FBI is investigating the sale of stolen British Museum goods.

Higher fares, crowded airports, cancellations and delays have done little to dampen the appetite for air travel going into the summer months. Airlines say they’ve done a lot to ramp up for the strong demand but are being hampered by a shortage of air traffic controllers. Plus, a pulse check on Houston’s clothing resale market and a new device in Australia to help farmers save livestock during drought.

In this election cycle, campaigns are looking to get your votes — and political contributions — any way they can. The Donald Trump campaign recently announced it will accept campaign contributions in cryptocurrencies, joining independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. But there are nuances and transparency issues that come with such donations. Also on the show: a preview of the economic data-heavy week ahead and an investment in hurricane forecasting.

From the BBC World Service: Paula Vennells was CEO of the government-owned Post Office business from 2012 to 2019, when forensic accountants looked into claims that sub-postmasters had been wrongly prosecuted for errors caused by software. We hear some takeaways from her testimony. Then, the leaders of China, South Korea and Japan have vowed to speed up negotiations to reach a free trade deal. Also: What would persuade more of us to take up electric vehicles?

The Justice Department is suing Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, saying that it violated antitrust law. Live Nation controls at least 80% of box office sales at major concert venues, and owns or controls more than 60% of large amphitheaters in the U.S. Yet we may not know the upshot of the lawsuit for consumers for quite some time. Also: a look inside the wide world of indie video games. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

The NCAA, the governing body for college sports, and the five biggest athletic conferences have agreed to a landmark $2.8 billion settlement of a class-action suit. If approved by a judge, it’ll means that schools would be allowed to share revenues with student athletes going forward. Then, we’ll have a conversation about capitalism and activism in college athletics. And later: Will you be “quiet vacationing” this holiday weekend? Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

From the BBC World Service: Google is expanding its network infrastructure, with an aim of enhancing internet connectivity and competing in the cloud computing market. Then, days after President Biden imposed higher tariffs on EVs from China, Elon Musk says he doesn’t support them — contradicting a warning he made back in January that Chinese carmakers would “demolish” global competitors if there were no trade barriers. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

A recent poll conducted for the Guardian newspaper asked people how they felt about the economy. It finds nearly three in five Americans (wrongly) believe the U.S. is in a recession. About half think the stock market is down for the year. (It’s not.) What’s behind the disconnect? Plus, tariffs designed to create higher-paying jobs stateside may fail to do that. And we’ll hear the history behind the Ticketmaster antitrust lawsuit. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

Writer Andrew Lipstein embarked on a quest to freak himself out about passive investments: Things like buying index funds, for instance all the companies in the S&P 500, setting it and forgetting it. Lipstein spent time with a professional investor who argues index funds play a dangerous role in the market that may not end well. We hear that story. But first, chipmaker Nvidia reports a seven-fold increase in profits. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

From the BBC World Service: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer are on the campaign trail after Sunak called a surprise summer election. We set the backdrop for this upcoming election, including an interrogation of the freshest economic figures and a look at the economic mood among British consumers. Also on the show: What do changing music tastes mean for guitar companies? Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

The high tech industry has been grappling with a downturn in recent years. But a new report shows that the picture for the tech sector in Texas is a bit sunnier than in other parts of the country. Why is that? Then, Lowe’s and Target feel the effects of a pinched consumer, and sugar production — once Cuba’s most important and profitable trade — is nearing collapse. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

Inflation may be cooling, but it certainly isn’t cold. Americans are still getting burned by rising prices. That’s one conclusion from a new Federal Reserve survey, which notes that parents in particular are struggling. Then, one report shows just how many homes are overvalued, especially in the South. Plus, we’ll hear how the Accion Digital Transformation Fund is trying to help people with no bank accounts get one. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

From the BBC World Service: Amid worsening inflation, a scarcity of basic goods and a decadeslong U.S. economic embargo, Cubans are enduring some of their bleakest economic times since the Cold War. We hear from the country’s sugar plantations, where production has hit an all-time low. Plus, a look at why a medical strike in Mozambique is having a deadly impact and how extreme heat is affecting India’s workers. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

On Wednesday, we get glimpses of two very different ends of the economy: Both retailer Target and AI chipmaker Nvidia report earnings. One lives in the world of consumers facing high interest rates, while the other occupies the sphere of cutting edge technology. What can we anticipate? Then, caregiving is a major factor behind the rise of multigenerational households in the U.S. We’ll hear from one family who came to live together. Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

Houston residents are once again rebuilding after a severe windstorm delivered damage to cars, businesses and homes last week. Insurers are just beginning to assess the extent of the damage — at a time when insurance is getting pricier and harder to find. Then, the FDIC’s chair says he will step down once a successor is confirmed following investigations into toxic culture at the agency. Plus, can legislation save local news? Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

From the BBC World Service: Artificial intelligence has been argued to be the tech of our time, and lawmakers have been grappling with how to regulate it. Today, the European Union approved what it says is the first AI law of its kind in the world. Plus, we hear how Japanese authorities are clamping down on tiresome tourists. And why has the U.S. takeover of a Premier League soccer club run into overtime? Our May fundraiser ends Friday, and we need your help to reach our goal. Give today and help fund public service journalism for all!

The popular Red Lobster restaurant seafood chain has officially filed for bankruptcy protection. The eatery has struggled with high labor costs, expensive leases and a popular promotion that ate into profits. Today, we’ll trace back Red Lobster’s struggles. Then, the final results of major New York auction house sales show the art world is struggling to overcome a recession. And later: What’s it like living in a multigenerational residential community? It’s your last chance to double your impact during our May fundraiser — the Investors Challenge Fund is matching donations up to $25,000 today! Give right now!

The Chinese government is putting sanctions on three U.S. defense companies. The move came as Taiwan swore in its new president, who called on China to stop trying to intimidate the country, and includes the latest economic restrictions between the U.S. and China as both countries move to protect domestic industries. Plus, health care providers continue to reel from a February cyberattack, and analysts worry about the adverse effects of Google’s AI-powered search results. It’s your last chance to double your impact during our May fundraiser — the Investors Challenge Fund is matching donations up to $25,000 today! Give right now!

From the BBC World Service: Taiwan’s new leader, William Lai, has called for China to stop threatening the island, with tensions between the two keenly watched from abroad. But the economy remains a major issue for Taiwan residents. We’ll hear more. Also on the program: Brazil counts the costs of major, devastating flooding activity. Then, people in the Italian city of Latina talk about the impact of inflation and immigration. It’s your last chance to double your impact during our May fundraiser — the Investors Challenge Fund is matching donations up to $25,000 today! Give right now!

This week, media giants have been gathering in New York City for the upfronts, where networks and streaming platforms try to court ad buyers by previewing shows for the seasons ahead. We’ll take the pulse of ad spending as streaming continues to outshine traditional broadcast television. And we’ll also hear about China’s property sector prop-up and priorities for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau now that its future is no longer in jeopardy. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.

Pro-Palestinian protests have disrupted campus life at colleges and universities in the United States in response to Israel’s intense bombardments on Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Similar demonstrations have taken place in Europe too, where protesters are demanding their schools divest from Israeli-linked companies. Plus, Americans are going into debt to pay for groceries, and results from an United Auto Workers’ union vote at an Alabama plant are expected today. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.

From the BBC World Service: The Chinese government says it will buy up millions of unsold homes across the country in a major intervention in the property market. The move come as the sector’s continuing slump threatens the whole economy. Also on today’s program: Students across Europe are demanding their universities cut financial and institutional ties with Israel, and Sir Paul McCartney becomes the first billionaire British musician. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.  

Since the Paris Climate Agreement, banks together have funneled trillion into fossil fuel companies, according to the 15th Banking on Climate Chaos report. Last year, JPMorgan Chase was the No. 1 fossil fuel financier in the world. Some of the other top investors? Citibank, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. We’ll discuss. Then, the Federal Trade Commission is trying to crack down on fabricated reviews. Problem is, fake reviews are a global industry. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.

Stock traders on Wall Street were feeling bullish on Wednesday. All three major stock indexes in the U.S. rose to record highs on the back of yesterday’s inflation report. The consumer price index report, which showed inflation cooling, made traders optimistic about the prospect of an interest rate cut. Then, we’ll delve into the staggering costs of inequities in mental health care and hear how Americans are feeling about tariffs on Chinese goods. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.

From the BBC World Service: China’s leader Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin. With both countries facing trading restrictions, more business is being done between the two. We’ll discuss. Also on the program: Can you really trust online consumer reviews? Regulators want to bring in new rules to tackle fakes. Marketplace is currently tracking behind target for this budget year — that means listeners like you can make a critical difference by investing in our journalism today.

The consumer price index is up 3.4% in a year, and — setting aside volatile food and fuels costs — the CPI increase over 12 months was the lowest in three years. For people fervently hoping interest rates will go down sooner rather than later, this is good news. But can there be too much slowing? We dig in. Plus, we’ll hear how the economy of Necoclí, Colombia, has shifted to serve migrants stopping there. The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.

The consumer price index comes out later this morning. It’s designed to measure inflation but ignores one of the biggest categories of price increases hitting consumers: the cost of borrowing money. We’ll unpack why that’s the case. Also, a bipartisan group of Senators wants the federal government to spend $30 billion to address artificial intelligence development. Then, school districts face tough choices as pandemic funding ends The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.

From the BBC World Service: Roughly 500,000 migrants traveled through dense jungles on the Colombia-Panama border last year, according to the United Nations. We’ll hear how businesses in a beach town have shifted their focus to cater to the new arrivals. Plus, China vowed to retaliate against President Biden’s significant tariffs on some Chinese imports. Meanwhile, Russia’s President Putin spoke of his country’s close ties to China ahead of a visit to Beijing. The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.  

Shares of video game retailer GameStop skyrocketed nearly 75% yesterday and are poised to shoot even higher today. That comes after the trader who championed the last run-up in GameStop’s share value posted on social media for the first time since 2021. We’ll hear the latest. Also on the program: regulator concerns over election bets and a dip in medical student residency applications in states with abortion bans. The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.

At Rochester Regional Health in New York, aggressive collection activities on medical debts are barred. Patients are not sued, their wages are not garnished, and unpaid bills won’t sink their credit scores. We’ll hear about the health system’s shift to the uncommon model and learn more about its impact. But first, the Biden administration is announcing increased tariffs on imports from China. And later, how can the WNBA sustain its surging popularity? The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.

From the BBC World Service: Today, we examine the controversial law proposed by the Eastern European nation of Georgia, where organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from overseas would be classified as ‘”foreign agents.” This is seen as a fork in the road for the country: Does its future lie with Europe or Russia? Then, rapid growth in the Indian tech hub of Bengaluru has put pressure on crucial water resources. The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Joe Rush of Florida. Give now and double your impact.

This year, the Dow and S&P have repeatedly hit record highs. But even as the value of the stock market grows, the number of firms traded on the market is shrinking, and has been since the mid-1990s. And when fewer companies are public, it limits our understanding of what’s happening in the economy. Plus, a preview of wholesale inflation and retail sales, and a closer look at the impact of RTO mandates.

Following a big union win last month at a VW plant in Tennessee, the United Auto Workers face a new test in the South: Workers at a Mercedes-Benz assembly-and-battery complex in Alabama begin voting on whether to join the UAW this week. Can the labor organizing momentum be sustained? Also: why a cap on credit card late fees is getting delayed and how to go into debt without anyone noticing.

From the BBC World Service: With global demand high for the most advanced tech chips, the South Korean government plans to boost its sector with more than $7 billion investment. We’ll discuss where the funding is likely to be funneled and paint a picture of the U.S.-China tensions over chips that it butts up against. Also, the Russian army is hiring Cuban nationals for its war efforts against Ukraine.

To get between Dallas and Houston, it’s an bogged down 240-mile roadtrip that can sometimes take five hours. Amtrak wants a bullet train to get the job done in 90 minutes and says it could be built within a decade — if federal funding comes through. Plus, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on who will pay to rebuild after the Baltimore bridge collapse and a preview of next week’s retail sales figures. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

If you save up your miles or credit card points for vacations, you may be treating them a bit like savings. But unlike money in your savings account, a company can change the value of those points. Today, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins Marketplace’s David Brancaccio to make the case for greater transparency in airline and credit card rewards programs. Also: the San Francisco Fed President on the future of interest rates. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

From the BBC World Service: Shares in major Chinese electric carmakers have fallen following reports that the U.S. is preparing to bring additional tariffs against Chinese companies, specifically aimed at EVs and other sectors. Then, rat remains have been found in sliced bread in Japan, triggering recalls. And the Eurovision Song Contest, watched by 200,000,000 people worldwide, has faced controversy over Israel’s inclusion in the show. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

A new class of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1s, like Wegovy and Zepbound, helped grow the weight loss industry to nearly $90 billion last year. Now, weight loss companies, apps and fitness companies are adapting their to programs include the drugs, as well. Also, allegations of serious fraud threaten a big U.S.-U.K. soccer deal, and China’s latest trade data showed a return to growth in April. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

A recent TransUnion report shows borrowers aged 22 to 24 are carrying an average of roughly $2,800 in credit card debt — adjusted for inflation, that’s more than millennials in the same age range a decade ago. Then, an ad for Apple’s latest iPad has gone viral … for the wrong reasons. And what might America’s next economy look like? We discuss what achieving an economic framework that works for everyone might entail. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

From the BBC World Service: The European Union plans to use profits from frozen Russian assets to fund arms to Ukraine, which could be worth around $3 billion a year. Plus, the head of public relations at China’s biggest search engine, Baidu, apologized after glorifying a work-till-you-drop culture. And as China’s President Xi Jinping concludes his European tour in Hungary, we look at the country’s growing EV battery industry. Support our nonprofit newsroom today and pick up a fun thank-you gift like our new Shrinkflation mini tote bag or the fan favorite KaiPA pint glass!

A new report from an independent law firm says that big changes are needed at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to address widespread allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination and that FDIC’s management’s response has been “insufficient.” We’ll discuss. Plus, there was a big slowdown of consumer credit growth in March. And can the “Las Vegas of the East” move away from gambling revenue to entertainment?

Anheuser-Busch, maker of Bud Light, reported earnings this morning. The company has been slowly recovering since last year, when Bud Light became the target of a conservative boycott over a 45-second promotional video posted by a transgender influencer. We’ll delve into the backlash and get a taste of the light beer market. Also on the show: FTX investors might get their money back, and the Biden administration overhauls requirements for retirement planners.

From the BBC World Service: Chinese president Xi Jinping is in Serbia aiming to deepen political and economic ties. China has invested heavily in the Eastern European country as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Then, we take a closer look at how devastating rains have hit Kenya, where thousands have been displaced and crops ruined. We also head to Macau, where Chinese authorities want to see the territory diversify away from gambling.

How “joint fundraising committees” bring in hefty political donations without technically running afoul of contribution limits; plus, checking in on the Biden administration’s multi-billion-dollar plan to remove lead pipes — and improve drinking water safety — across the country.

In the absence of federal paid sick leave, some states work to fill the gap. Plus, a new report on the looming Social Security and Medicare budget shortfalls, and what to expect from Reddit’s first earnings report since its March IPO.

From the BBC World Service: Argentina’s president has cut public sector jobs, reduced energy and transport subsidies and devalued the country’s currency in the five months since he became leader — but Javier Milei denies ordinary Argentines are paying for the stringent measures. Also: What does a butter-free croissant say about France’s changing food and agriculture industries?

The Biden administration announces new initiatives to ease the transition to EVs — particularly in swing states like Michigan. Plus, Sweden sees growing economic inequality, and markets guess at the timeline for interest rate cuts.

A growing number of Americans are worried they won’t have enough money to live on once they reach retirement. Plus, a $79 million fine for selling “phantom flights” at Qantas, succession plans at Berkshire Hathaway, new health care access for DACA recipients, and Boeing preps for a spacecraft launch.

From the BBC World Service: China’s President Xi Jinping visits Europe for the first time in five years, and trade tensions look likely to be high on the agenda. Has Sweden become a paradise for the superrich? It’s had a reputation for championing social equality, but there’s been a rapid boom in the number of Swedish multimillionaires and billionaires in recent years. The actor Will Ferrell is the latest Hollywood megastar to invest in English soccer club Leeds United — following in the footsteps of Russell Crowe.

The bond market is surging after news that 175,000 people were in payrolls in April versus March. That’s less than expected and 44% lower than a month earlier. And it’s the sort of result that those anxious about elevated interest rates want to see. We’ll discuss. Also on the program: Nonprofit hospitals say legislative efforts requiring them to provide more free care could actually hurt the people they’re intended to help.

It’s been just over a month since Trump Media & Technology Group — ticker symbol DJT — started trading on the Nasdaq. The initial public offering has come with lawsuits, wild swings in the share price and potential windfalls for former President Donald Trump. We unpack it all. Plus, Apple reported lackluster results on Thursday, and we’ll take the pulse of the comic book sector ahead of Free Comic Book Day.

From the BBC World Service: Turkey says trade with Israel — worth around $7 billion a year — will halt until a permanent ceasefire is secured in Gaza and sufficient humanitarian aid is allowed in. Plus, the Japanese government appears to have spent $35 billion propping up the yen this week, according to data released by the Bank of Japan. However, the weak yen is boosting tourism, and some people aren’t happy about that.

A new report from FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center shows people 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to fraudsters and scammers last year. That’s up 11% in a year, with an average loss of $34,000 per victim. On today’s show, we’ll hear the latest in elder financial exploitation. We’ll also learn more about Tesla’s surprising move to scrap its EV charging team. Plus, a rate hike could still be on the table.

The Biden administration has issued guidelines for a tax credit aimed at promoting greener aviation fuel. Currently, sustainable aviation fuel accounts for a fraction of all jet fuel and costs more than twice as much as fossil fuels. Will the tax subsidy work as intended? Plus, interest rates are a good news, bad news story. And we’ll take a closer look at the changing economics of sports broadcasting.Federal subsidies aim to provide a boost to sustainable jet fuel

From the BBC World Service: The European Union is looking into how Meta handles political content. Now, one of Britain’s top computer scientists has warned that it’s too late to prevent artificial intelligence from being misused to influence voters. Plus, cocoa prices have plunged in the last few weeks. And the electric vehicle industry is struggling right now, but the mood’s been optimistic at this week’s Beijing Auto Show.

Hampered by insufficient infrastructure, famous musicians would often leave India out of their world tours. But the country’s massive, young population makes it a potentially lucrative market, and more musicians are opting to stop and perform there. Thanks to increased investment, it seems India’s live music industry is primed to take off. Also on the program: betting on skee ball and a look at fresh payroll data.

A new Alabama law that restricts diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum in public institutions goes into effect Oct. 1. In response, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is calling on Black athletes to boycott playing sports at Alabama colleges and universities in hopes that the potential economic loss will lead to the law’s repeal. We’ll examine. Plus, the Federal Trade Commission is challenging patents on 20 brand-name drugs.

From the BBC World Service: The European Commission is investigating how Meta handles political content, including a suspected Russian influence campaign. That issue is particularly important with so many elections coming up around the world. Also, WhatsApp is banned in some countries, yet WhatsApp’s boss says millions are using workarounds to access it. Then, what has stopped many international music artists from touring in India, and why are things changing?

Corporations play a major role in emitting climate-altering greenhouse gases, and businesses need to be fully on board if the world is going to avoid the worst of the climate crisis. But lessons on climate change’s effects on business aren’t always taught in MBA programs. Now, a group of educators is trying to change that. Plus: a major FCC fine for cell companies and a preview of the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week.

Students nationwide are pushing colleges and universities to sell off investments in companies they say profit from the war in Gaza. We’ll chart the history of calls for divestment, including student protests more than 30 years ago demanding colleges cut ties with any company that did business in apartheid South Africa. Also, new federal regulation is expected to save hundreds of lives each year, and inflation indexes aren’t one size fits all.

From the BBC World Service: Tesla’s China-based rival BYD became the world’s best-selling electric vehicle maker in January, but has since seen profits drop as slower demand and more competition take a bite. We’ll hear more. Also on this morning’s program: How will England’s Premier League soccer competition — home to giants like Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea — change if it adopts a proposed squad spending cap?

This week, we’re getting important insights on how the U.S. economy is doing. We’ll receive reports on consumer confidence, the unemployment rate and how many jobs are out there. And in the middle of it all, the Federal Reserve is meeting to discuss what to do with interest rates. We’ll sort through it all. Plus, musicians love the sounds of nature. Now, those sounds can help support environmental causes.

A copper mining company recently turned down a $39 billion takeover bid because it was too low. Right now, the price of copper is near a 2-year high and headed higher. And the metal is critical in many clean energy technologies. Plus, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady at its latest policy meetings. When might that change? We also examine the fallout of a strong U.S. dollar.

From the BBC World Service: Tesla CEO Elon Musk paid a visit to China, where he’s been trying to clear regulatory hurdles that have hindered the company’s self-driving technology roll-out there. Then, Sweden’s police have been inundated with reports from people who have been swindled out of their gold belongings. And later, musicians who sample nature can now split their profits with environmental causes through a new United Nations-backed project.

The Federal Communications Commission has repealed a Trump-era ruling that ended net neutrality — basically the idea that internet providers can’t favor some sites or apps over others. We dig into why it’s such a hot topic and how the new decision might affect your internet access. Plus, the inflation outlook with Chris Low from FHN Financial.

Consumer sentiment reports reflect a universal truth: Lower income households feel the punch of inflation worse than wealthy households. But affordable housing — and lack thereof — is one issue that brings Americans together, across the wealth divide. Plus, Christopher Bass tells us what it’s like to be a high school basketball coach with a massive social media following. At just 5 years old, he’s got big hoop dreams.

From the BBC World Service: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday — we’ll get into what they spoke about. Plus, Chinese tech company ByteDance says it has no intention of selling TikTok to comply with a new U.S. law. And back in January, Japan Airlines announced its first female president and chief executive. We’ll hear from a former flight attendant who says Japan has a ways to go when it comes to workplace gender equality.

The U.S. economy grew by just 1.6% last quarter — falling very short of expectations. At the same time, inflation was up, according to the latest PCE. What’s the Federal Reserve’s next move? Plus, small businesses could see big productivity gains by collaborating with other firms, a McKinsey report shows.

New emissions standards for fossil fuel power plants would require them to eliminate 90% of the carbon dioxide they emit, or close. But the Supreme Court could strike down the regulations before they go into effect. Plus, New Jersey announces an incentive for residents to sue New York and Congress weighs a new path for funding medical research.

From the BBC World Service: Venice, Italy, has become the first city in the world to charge day trippers. But is $5.30 enough to keep a lid on tourist numbers? And, we’ll take a look at the $300 billion ‘modest fashion’ industry as thousands of models, designers and buyers arrive in Istanbul for Modest Fashion Week.

Call it a manufacturing resurrection: Orders for durable goods — big-ticket items from washing machines to airplanes — rose 2.6% in March. It’s a sign that manufacturing is coming back online and the economy is getting get back to where the Fed wants it to be. Plus, it’s earnings season. How are companies doing so far? Then, we head to the Spanish city of Algeciras, where one out of four people is unemployed.

The Joe Biden administration has announced a pair of new measures to strengthen worker protections. It’s widening eligibility for overtime, bringing in millions of more employees, and is looking to largely ban on noncompete agreements, which bar workers from joining competing companies. We’ll hear more. We’ll also hear more about what all is included in the $95 billion foreign aid package and how internet providers have been lobbying against lower broadband prices.

From the BBC World Service: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in China with a long list of global issues on his agenda: There’s conflict in the Middle East, America’s support for Taiwan and the way China supplies crucial technology to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Also: key issues for women voting in India’s general election and southern Spain’s struggle with the highest unemployment rate in Europe.

EV maker Tesla will release quarterly results after markets close on Tuesday, but the company has been struggling so far this year. Beset by stiff global competition, Tesla has been cutting prices and laying off workers. We’ll set the stage for the big financial release. Plus, high mortgage rates bring about a real estate quandary. And as part of this month’s Econ Extra Credit, we examine how baseball’s Negro Leagues navigated the Great Depression.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments today on whether the National Labor Relations Board has to meet a higher burden of proof when intervening on behalf of workers trying to unionize. Starbucks is challenging some of the agency’s powers. We’ll hear more about the case in question. Plus, El Salvador’s unsafe reputation is transforming, but the country is heavily in debt. What are the economic realities. everyday Salvadorans?

From the BBC World Service: The British government’s policy of sending migrants to the African nation of Rwanda is set to become law, but the United Nations and Europe’s highest court have urged the U.K. to drop the proposals. Then, two years since a state of emergency was introduced in El Salvador to try to reduce crime, the Central American country is safer but its economy is still struggling.

On Monday, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in a case that could determine whether cities can fine or arrest people in homeless encampments. The case comes at a time when higher interest rates and rising insurance costs are making it more expensive to build low-income housing — especially in California. Also: the macroeconomic vibe for the week ahead and Ireland’s big bet on high-tech media production.

For the first time, autoworkers at a foreign-owned plant in a Southern state have voted to unionize. The United Auto Workers union recently saw a landslide victory at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee — a win that comes years of failed unionization efforts in the South. We’ll discuss what comes next. Then, we’ll hear the role janitors from El Salvador have played in local labor movements in Houston.

From the BBC World Service: We hear from Ukrainians after a military aid package gets approval in the U.S. House of Representatives. Then, Ecuadorians vote to tighten security in its fight against gang violence, as the government fears that recent violence could damage the country’s tourism. Plus, the hit TV series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in Northern Ireland. We’ll explore the big bet on film, TV and gaming there.

The message from several officials at the Federal Reserve this week? Don’t expect an interest rate cut anytime soon. And we’ll discuss why there’s a chance that “higher for longer” may not be the end of it. Plus, hospitality businesses in New York City say they’re struggling to fill open jobs. New migrants arriving in the city could help solve that problem — if they get authorized to work.

Bitcoin is trading well above where it did in 2023. Friday or Saturday, something called the “bitcoin halving” is supposed to happen — an event that occurs roughly every four years where the number of new bitcoins that come into circulation drops in half. And it’s a big deal for the whole philosophical premise of bitcoin. We’ll unpack. Also on the show: explaining a big filing day for PACs and understanding China’s “Great Firewall.”

From the BBC World Service: Hospitality businesses in New York City have said quicker work permits for arriving migrants could be key to filling vacancies in the sector – but city authorities are struggling to cope with the number of people arriving. Also: Palau was praised for its marine sanctuary that banned commercial fishing. Now, the government wants to allow more maritime industry to boost the economy.

This week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finalized regulations to ensure that most employees around the country are entitled to unpaid time off and other accommodations for a range of pregnancy-related medical needs, from nausea and gestational diabetes to abortion care. We’ll learn more. Also on today’s show: a drumbeat of “higher for longer” from Fed officials, the Biden administration’s show of support for American steel, and gaming furniture that’s all grown up.

When the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was built in the ’70s, it was a chance for workers to prove themselves on a massive construction project. Following its collapse, those workers look back on what many considered to be a monument to their work — and what happens when that monument is gone. Also: foreign aid could be bundled with a forced sale of TikTok, and European Union leaders agree to tighten sanctions on Iran.

From the BBC World Service: The European Commission has given TikTok 24 hours to provide more information on its new app, which pays users to watch videos, as officials raise concerns about potential harms. Then, we’ll hear more about the European Union’s efforts to sanction Iran following its attack on Israel. And later on the show: Why is the Pacific Island of Palau’s tourism sector struggling to recover from the pandemic?

The United Auto Workers union is trying to organize foreign vehicle factories in the South, and today, workers at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, begin voting on whether to join the UAW. We’ll hear what’s at stake. Then, we’ll take a look at why TGI Friday’s is faltering while Texas Roadhouse thrives. Plus, a look at how a Detroit deconstruction company provides jobs and promotes sustainability.

For this month’s Econ Extra Credit, we’re watching “The League,” which chronicles the history of baseball’s Negro Leagues, established several decades before the sport was integrated. The Leagues gave rise to many Black businesses and entrepreneurs. Today, we have a conversation with Larry Lester, co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. Also on the program: Aircraft-maker Boeing faces scrutiny over safety practices during two Senate hearings.

From the BBC World Service: Despite extensive sanctions, the International Monetary Fund has forecast Russia’s economy will grow more than any other rich nation this year. Also: The small Pacific Island nation of Palau has warned delays to U.S. funding could open the door to China’s influence in the region.

The European Union’s Digital Services Act requires big internet platforms to create searchable public libraries of their ads, allowing researchers to see who an ad is targeting and reaching and what it’s urging its audience to do. But a new assessment finds that those libraries are lacking. We dig in. Plus, China’s economy grew faster than expected, but Chinese consumers are still struggling. We’ll also hear how to find reasonably high interest rates on savings.

Big corporate landlords provide the company RealPage with data you can’t just see on Zillow, like the rent a tenant actually pays versus what’s advertised publicly. In return, the company recommends a rent price to set. Now, lawsuits are alleging that RealPage uses the data for wide scale rent-fixing. Also: the latest news on shares of Trump Media and a frank conversation about the shame that comes with debt.

From the BBC World Service: Economic growth in China, the world’s second biggest economy, beat expectations in the first quarter. Official data shows it’s being led by the manufacturing sector, but domestic demand is still weak. Plus, the Panama Canal will permit more ships from next month, easing congestion. And Colombia has become a top destination for so-called digital nomad; we take a look at how this is affecting the economy.

On today’s program, we’re taking a closer look at immigration and entrepreneurship. Immigrants are more likely to start a new company than U.S.-born citizens, studies show. And those new businesses need to make hires — turns out, immigrant entrepreneurs are associated with a net gain in jobs. We’ll discuss. Also, a boost in the Internal Revenue Service budget seems to be making a difference, and investors respond to rising tensions in the Middle East.

Today is Tax Day. While payers in 12 states have the opportunity to use a pilot IRS system to directly file their taxes online, tax software companies like Intuit and H&R Block have introduced generative artificial intelligence assistants to be more competitive. But do they work? Then, Samsung beats out Apple for title of the world’s biggest smartphone maker, and we examine how residents of “news deserts” access their local news.

From the BBC World Service: Tensions continue to run high in the Middle East after Iran’s recent drone and missile attacks against Israel. We’ll delve into how this weekend’s events could make a bad situation worse for Iran’s heavily sanctioned economy and the people living there. Plus, we’ll hear how the ongoing war in Ukraine could provide another big hit to energy prices, and we’ll preview the outlook for Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency.

The unemployment gap between Black and white workers has consistently been around 2 to 1 ever since the government started disaggregating the data more than five decades ago. While the Black unemployment rate is relatively low historically, the gap remains. We’ll discuss the institutional reasons why and how best to tackle the issue. Also on today’s program: the return of standardized testing and a preview of Senate hearings centered on Boeing’s manufacturing and safety practices.

Next month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will tell us how much of the income generated by workers’ toil actually went to them in Q1. That stat is called labor share of national income — and it’s shrinking. Plus, a government committee that scrutinizes deals between foreign companies and American firms may be getting more power. And 14 states are opting out of a summer EBT program that would help families buy groceries. Wanna learn more about labor share of income and see Marketplace reporter Nancy Marshall Genzer get a pie in the face? Check out the Marketplace TikTok feed.

From the BBC World Service: Thousands of victims of a huge investment scam believe police in London have nearly $4 billion worth of bitcoin that belongs to them and want the British government to give it back. Then, The European Central bank held interest rates steady but gave strong hints about future rate cuts. Plus, we hear about padel, one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and its Olympic ambitions

On Wednesday, Republicans, Democrats and college officials took to Capitol Hill to vent about the Education Department’s botched rollout of a newer, simplified FAFSA form. That’s the form high school students fill out and send to colleges to determine financial aid offers — and it’s affected millions of students. We’ll also discuss fresh wholesale inflation figures and get a sneak peak at the latest season of Marketplace’s “Million Bazillion” podcast, which tackles kids’ biggest money questions.

Meta’s latest answer to protecting kids on Instagram is automatically blurring images that may contain nudity. The company says it will test this on the platform’s direct messaging feature. We’ll parse the details. Plus, the FCC is requiring large internet providers to post “broadband nutrition labels” that provide a snapshot of charges and performance data. Will they impact consumers’ internet diet? And a recent survey finds that CEOs are feeling pretty optimistic.

From the BBC World Service: A Vietnamese court sentenced property developer Truong My Lan to death after she was convicted of taking $44 billion from one of Vietnam’s largest banks. Also, South Korea’s liberal opposition party won in a landslide majority in the country’s general election. And paralympian Stef Reid is asking sportswear companies who use amputee athletes in their marketing why it’s not possible to buy single shoes.

That’s the conclusion of many investors this morning, following the release of the consumer price index. Consumer inflation clocked in at 3.5% annually, while central bankers are looking for a figure closer to 2%. We’ll talk through the data. Plus, a European court ruled that two Russian oligarchs were wrongly sanctioned following Russia’a invasion of Ukraine. And the Congressional Budget Office found that immigration means gains for U.S. economy.

The value of a typical home has reached $1 million or more in 550 U.S. cities, according to Zillow. That’s a record high, and those not-so-affordable homes are proliferating well beyond the usual high-cost metro areas like New York, San Francisco and LA. Also on the program: what to expect from today’s consumer price index report and how a cocktail with roots in wartime propaganda manages to stay relevant.

From the BBC World Service: Rising food prices, strikes and paying for an aging population were familiar themes as South Koreans voted today. Then, Spain has become the latest country to scrap so-called “golden visas,” where foreign nationals are granted residency rights in exchange for investments. And later, we hear about the aviation industry’s race against time to produce enough sustainable aviation fuel to meet the industry’s growing demands.

Walmart has opted to settle a $45 million class-action lawsuit over allegedly inflating prices for certain products sold by weight, such as produce and meat products. That means if you purchased “weighted goods” from Walmart, you could be eligible for a payout of up to $500. Plus, investors are braced for the release of March’s consumer price index tomorrow, and we examine how funding from the CHIPS Act is being doled out.

“What we’re living through is a historic, tectonic change in how news is produced, consumed and paid for,” says Tim Franklin at Northwestern University’s Local News Initiative. And he’s feeling encouraged. Today, we’ll discuss some of the economic models that could help bolster the sustainability of local news. But first, Tesla recently settled a case challenging how the company marketed its driver-assistance technology. We’ll hear more.

From the BBC World Service: After U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned about cheap Chinese green imports, business leaders in Europe are sharing their concerns about Beijing’s impact on the sector. Then, the money-laundering of 27 people connected to the Panama Papers gets underway. And later: Politicians have long utilized social media to reach voters. But whether (semi-embarassing) short dance videos are in store, is utilizing TikTok the right move for politicians?

You may want to shield your eyes. No, we’re not talking about the solar eclipse — though please do wear the appropriate glasses. Today, we’re talking about eye-popping college costs. One such example? At Vanderbilt University, some students could see a sticker price of nearly $100,000 for the upcoming school year. Also on the show: President Joe Biden’s latest student loan forgiveness plan and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s “difficult conversations” in China.

According to a Deloitte study, employed women pay $15 billion more each year for out-of-pocket health care than men do. We’ll unpack the reasons why and the toll these extravagant costs can take. In other health news, federal officials are taking a closer look at the role of private equity in health care. Also, two lawmakers on Capitol Hill have proposed national standards on data privacy. We’ll discuss.

From the BBC World Service: A Supreme Court judge in Brazil has launched an investigation into Elon Musk after he said he’ll defy a court order to block certain accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter. Also on the program: A chip giant looks to build a factory in Arizona, we take a closer look at seller fees on eBay, and small business owners react to TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S.

A survey of corporate executives in the U.S. and elsewhere finds that nearly half expect to employ fewer people because of new artificial intelligence tools — and they expect that change to happen in the next five years. We’ll hear more. Plus, hiring was stronger than expected last month, continuing the Fed’s predicament. And later on the show, an immigrant family in Waterloo, Iowa, reflects on multigenerational living.

More than a week after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the crews of eight large cargo ships are stuck in Baltimore’s port indefinitely. Today, we tag along with a port chaplain who’s helping care for the crew members, offering a lifeline of comfort and connection. We’ll also preview March’s jobs numbers and hear about “green bank” government grants to aid the clean energy transition.

From the BBC World Service: McDonald’s is buying back all its stores in Israel following global boycotts over the Israel-Hamas War. We discuss the franchisee business model and what customers could make of the move. Then, Argentina is expected to face its worse-ever dengue season yet, and there’s a shortage of insect repellent. Plus, Saudi Arabia has struck a lucrative deal to host the Women’s Tennis Association Finals for three years.

Sometimes, annual corporate shareholder meetings are mundane. That was not the case this year at Disney, where there was an unusually bitter and public battle for say in how the company is run. We’ll take a closer examination of the proxy battle and its outcome. Also on the program: expectations of March job gains, the Fed’s no-win situation, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to China and airline responses to Boeing’s production delays.

Thursday marks 56 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. On today’s program, we hear how Dr. King’s family is fighting to maintain access to the civiil rights leader’s words, continuing to safeguard his intellectual property, and promoting a legacy of nonviolent social change and racial unity. We’ll also learn more about a decline in the number of women in c-suite positions last year.

From the BBC World Service: U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is to meet officials in China for the second time in less than a year. What exactly can we expect from visit with government officials and business leaders? Then, Kenya’s health care system is in chaos as 4,000 public sector doctors and workers have gone on strike. Also: how is AI changing the next generation of prosthetics for people with disabilities?

The Chinese-based platform Temu is transforming e-commerce, and it’s recently surged in popularity in the U.S. Described as being “like Amazon on steroids,” Temu’s products are often cheap and unbranded — but those low prices could be coming at high costs. Also on the program: few visible cracks in the labor market, a lack of remote work training, and an obituary for General Electric as a corporate conglomerate.

Multigenerational living arrangements began to decline in the 1950s, thanks to the growth of suburbs, new job opportunities for those willing to move and the rise of senior housing. Yet from 1971 to 2021, the number of people living in multigenerational family households quadrupled. Why? Housing affordability plays a big role. But first: How might Taiwan’s major earthquake impact the global supply chain for semiconductor chips?

From the BBC World Service: A joint report from the United Nations and the World Bank suggests it would cost $18 billion to reconstruct infrastructure and buildings in Gaza. We consider where that money might come from. Plus, Taiwan has experienced its most powerful earthquake in 25 years. Then, we take a look at the Chinese-owned online retail platform, Temu. How does it manage to list products so cheaply?

The yield on 10-year Treasury notes ticked up sharply to 4.4% this morning, and the thought of extended higher interest rates has stock investors in a cautious mood. We’ll discuss. Then, Google is promising to delete mountains of data following a class-action lawsuit. And it was last call for one of the oldest casinos on the Las Vegas strip this morning. We’ll took a look back at the history of the Tropicana.

Consumers lost more than $1.1 billion to impersonation scams in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This week, a new rule from the FTC went into effect that prohibits people from impersonating government agencies and businesses, and gives the FTC more tools to go after scammers. Plus, the United States and United Kingdom are teaming up to tackle AI safety, and the end of certain internet subsidies threatens telehealth access.

From the BBC World Service: India is likely to experience more heat wave days than normal between April and June, potentially hitting agricultural production and hampering government efforts to bring down food inflation. There’s also a worry that soaring temperatures could deter people from voting in the upcoming elections. Also on the program: an agreement tackling the risk of AI, England’s expanded taxpayer-funded child care and the Dutch word for doing nothing

We’ve been taking a close look on this program at the burdens of medical debt. Back in 2020, Congress passed the so-called “No Surprises Act” to protect patients from unexpected big bills for out-of-network medical care — and turns out, its wider impact on health care spending has yielded mixed results. But first on the show, California’s new $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast food goes into effect today. We’ll unpack reactions.

Funding for public schools partially depends on the number of students enrolled. But some public school districts are considering closing and consolidating schools due to enrollment declines that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Cato Institute survey. We hear more. We’ll also learn more about agriculture’s impact on Colorado River basin levels and an anti-redlining law that’s currently on hold.

From the BBC World Service: China may be showing signs of an economic recovery, with factory output slightly up for the first time in six months — an indicator that the country’s pandemic-induced slowdown may be starting to ease. Plus, in Germany, people can smoke cannabis in public starting today. Then, Turkey’s main opposition party has claimed big election victories in major cities; high inflation and general economic weakness may partially be behind the wins.

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign says it hauled in over $25 million at a New York City fundraiser last night, where Biden appeared alongside former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. So far, Biden is far out-raising Republican former president Donald Trump, but winning the money race doesn’t always translate into winning elections. And prices rose 0.3% in February, according to the personal consumption expenditures index. What should we make of that figure?

On the 2030 U.S. Census, Arab Americans will have their own box to check for the first time ever. And federal agencies are now being instructed to add a “Middle Eastern or North African” option to all data collection forms. One outcome? A clearer picture of economic conditions in Arab American communities. Then, a look at relief funds flowing into Maryland, and how medical debt can exacerbate existing pain and suffering.

From the BBC World Service: Thousands of tourists usually flock to Jerusalem and Bethlehem during Easter, but there’s been a massive drop since the war in Gaza. That’s hit local livelihoods. Then, we hear from an FTX investor discuss the moment he had to tell his clients their cash was gone. Plus, the price of cocoa surged to an all-time high this week.

The Port of Baltimore remains cut off after the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It’s already having effects on supply chains, but it’s also impacting the jobs and livelihoods of folks in the region. We unpack. Plus, households accumulated more wealth during the pandemic recovery than would have been expected, U.S. hydropower took a hit last year, and a new Tennessee law aims to protect musicians from generative AI.

Seven of the largest U.S. sportsbooks, including FanDuel and DraftKings, are launching a trade group to promote responsible gambling. The move comes as legal sports wagers surge and as the NBA and MLB each investigate high-profile betting scandals involving athletes. Also on today’s show, we hear how the Baltimore bridge collapse is impacting workers there and look at proposed legislation aimed at tackling some of the burdens of medical debt.

From the BBC World Service: There is good news for Australian wine producers: They’ll no longer face tariffs from their largest trading partner, China. Also in China, smartphone giant Xiaomi moves into the EV market. What’s behind the move? Plus, dates are often associated with the holy month of Ramadan and the breaking of fast. We take an examination of how supply chain stressors are affecting the economy of dates.

Medical debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in America. Throughout the week, we’ll hear portions of a recent “Marketplace Morning Report” event to better understand what’s behind some of these exorbitant costs and hear about potential solutions. Plus, rerouting ships away from the Port of Baltimore will take time and money. We look at the potentials costs and see what other ports stand to gain.

The child care system in the U.S. is in crisis. The latest government funding bill just approved by the White House included a $1 billion increase for programs focused on child care and early childhood learning. Advocates see the boost as a win but caution that it still isn’t enough. Then, we’ll discuss what you need to know about the stock market debut of Donald Trump’s Truth Social.

From the BBC World Service: China’s leaders are trying to find ways to battle what many economists have described as a demographic ticking time bomb. One in five people are over 60 there, making it the largest elderly population in the world. Plus, flying cars have long been a futuristic dream. A European company has developed — and successfully flown — its “AirCar” but just sold the technology to China.

After a container ship struck a column of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, the structure collapsed and sent multiple cars into frigid waters. We’ll discuss what we know so far about the collision and its likely impacts on one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. Also on the program, we’ll hear useful context for the current crisis unfolding in Haiti and what a path forward might look like.

Shares of former President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump’s social media company start trading Tuesday morning under the ticker symbol DJT. Initial public offerings can often bounce on their inaugural day, which could boost Trump’s wealth — on paper. But first: some numbers on a critical Baltimore bridge that collapsed overnight. We’ll also analyze Indigenous household finances and hear about a dip in sales at casual restaurant chains like Olive Garden.

From the BBC World Service: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues as aid is still not getting through to large parts of the territory, according to the U.N. agency UNRWA, which reports it is being blocked from delivering food to northern areas. Plus, a court in China sentenced the former president of its football governing body to life in prison for taking bribes, and Canada’s maple syrup reserves reach a 16-year low.

Boeing’s CEO has announced plans to step down just as the company begins negotiations with its largest labor union, which could authorize a strike in July if its demands aren’t meant. Also, the European Union’s antitrust regular investigates Apple, Google and Meta; why new home sales have become such a large chunk of the housing market; and tracing Haiti’s economic history from its founding to the current crisis.

Today’s the deadline for former President Donald Trump to come up with more than $450 million in cash or bond to cover New York State’s civil fraud judgement against him. He could get a quick hit of cash as Truth Social’s parent company goes public with the help of a merger with something called a SPAC. Meanwhile, Nordstrom is making another attempt to remove itself from public trading and go back to being a private company. The retailer tried and failed to make a similar move back in 2018.

From the BBC World Service: In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the World Trade Organization’s director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says that when countries bring production back home — known as “reshoring” — it does not necessarily make supply chains more resilient. She thinks it contributes to a fragmentation of global trading relationships. Plus, how the popularity of the Mediterranean island Ibiza has driven up rents, making life hard for workers and the tourist businesses that employ them. And the streets of Paris see the return of a historic race of cafe servers.

Are grocery prices high because of supply chain problems and rising costs? Or is it because major grocery chains took advantage of those trends to pad their profits? A new report from the Federal Trade Commission suggests the latter. We’ll unpack what the report says. Plus, Biden cancels $5.8 billion in student debt for public service workers, and we’ll hear key takeaways from CERAWeek, the “Super Bowl” of energy.

The House is set to vote on a $1.2 trillion spending package Friday ahead of a partial government shutdown deadline. The proposed appropriations bill includes a significant bump in border security funding, including cash intended to more or less double the number of Border Patrol agents. We’ll also break down the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Apple and hear how the need for insurance is influencing major life decisions.

From the BBC World Service: Nike is replacing Adidas as the sponsor of Germany’s national soccer team. Then, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pleading for more ammunition for Ukraine’s war efforts; German chancellor Olaf Scholz says he’ll back a plan to use money from frozen Russian assets to buy more weapons. And a Swedish pharmacy chain says it won’t sell anti-aging skincare products to kids under the age of 15.

On Thursday, Reddit debuted on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol RDDT. The social network is valuing itself at $6.4 billion. But we wondered: Why go public now? Plus, the Congressional Budget Office says that the national debt will be smaller than previously thought, citing less government spending and more immigration. And we look at why we may end up with higher interest rates over the next few years.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its meeting this week, though it’s penciling in three rate cuts at some point this year. But what does the Fed need to see before it’ll actually lower rates? We’ll discuss. Then, Hermès faces a class-action lawsuit over Birkin bag sales. And the mining of metals beneath our feet is vital to the green energy transition but is often complicated.

From the BBC World Service: The Balkan state Kosovo, which broke away from Serbia in 2008 after a bitter civil war in the late 1990s, currently doesn’t accept transactions in the Serbian dinar. But some Serb-majority areas are still reliant on the currency. We’ll hear more. But first, a Chinese-funded port in Pakistan was attacked by militants. We’ll detail what exactly happened.

The ice cream business is pretty chilly these days. Consumer goods giant Unilever announced this week that it’s going to spin off its ice cream business, which includes familiar names like Ben & Jerry’s, Popsicle and Klondike. The industry is dealing with declining demand, so how does it plan to defrost? Plus, the secret to using AI well at work may involve “more chat and less bot.”

Today, we’re bringing you a very ESG-focused podcast. First, Texas is pulling $8.5 billion from the country’s biggest asset manager, BlackRock, which the state’s school fund says is hostile to the fossil fuel industry. It’s a pushback against ESG investing, in which environmental, social and corporate governance issues factor into decision-making. Then, a new paper says climate resilience is an investment opportunity for big-time institutional investors. We delve in.

From the BBC World Service: China’s foreign minister is making his first trip to Australia in seven years. Will the talks bring a bitter three-year trade war to an end? Plus, the Red Sea is used by 30% of the world’s container ships using the Suez Canal, but the journey is being made perilous by drone attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen. We hear from one of the U.S. warships now patrolling the waters.

Sports Illustrated has a new publisher, which says it will keep producing the magazine’s print editions. We’ll look into the value of a print product in the digital age. But first, Congress still needs to vote on a deal to keep the government funded until September. How likely is it to pass? And later, streaming platform Showmax is ramping up production and boosting a roster of African-made programs.

Nvidia is about as close to a rockstar as you can get in Silicon Valley currently. At a conference hosted in a sports arena, the company’s CEO introduced a new advanced chip that promises to be 30 times faster at some tasks than NVIDIA’s previously most advanced chip. We’ll also hear more about the Bank of Japan’s rate hike decision and discover how a housing justice video game was adapted for stage.

From the BBC World Service: Japan’s central bank has ended its policy of negative interest rates and raised the cost of borrowing for the first time in 17 years. Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, so there’s potential for global economic fallout. We’ll unpack the decision and its impacts. Plus, South African streaming service Showmax is making huge investments in original, African-made content, even while Amazon Prime scales back production investment there.

As shoppers remain price-conscious, why is one U.S. dollar store chain thriving while another one flounders? Plus, SpaceX builds spy satellites for the Pentagon, and environmental protests impact operations at Tesla’s EV factory in Germany.

Made in Detroit, the interactive video game Dot’s Home takes users through a generations-long cycle of housing discrimination. Plus, Apple is in talks with Google for a potential AI integration.

From the BBC World Service: As Western nations condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin’s election win, what does a fifth term of his leadership mean for the country’s economy? Also: Tesla Germany faces eco-protests.

There’s news this morning that the National Association of Realtors, a powerful group that sets home sale standards nationally, reached a settlement following nationwide lawsuits alleging its rules and behaviors were keeping real estate commissions artificially high. The proposed agreement includes a payout and elimination of its rules around commissions. We’ll unpack. Then, we’ll discuss a trickier job for the Federal Reserve and hear reflections from a cabaret co-owner and performer.

The campaign to shrink the federal government is working — in Washington, D.C., at least. Data released by the Labor Department shows that D.C. ranked dead last when it comes to growth in federal government jobs last year. Most federal workers have always been based outside the nation’s capital, but the pandemic turbocharged that, hitting the city’s bottom line. Plus, why is it getting more expensive to do your taxes?

From the BBC World Service: With no credible challengers, Vladimir Putin is set to win Russia’s presidential election, and he’s taking credit for what appears to be a reasonably robust economy. But what’s behind those seemingly good numbers? And 500,000 people are expected to line the streets of Dublin to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade Sunday; 28% of them will be overseas visitors. So how important is the holiday boost for the Irish economy?

Americans have long been known for pulling up stakes and moving for economic opportunity. But rather than chasing higher-paying jobs, more Americans are reluctant to move — and housing costs have something to do with it. Plus, there’s plenty of economic data on the table to discuss: Wholesale inflation came in warm but not hot, retail sales rebounded, and unemployment has stayed under 4% for 25 months now.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives’ passed a bill with bipartisan support that would force parent company ByteDance to either divest — to sell off — TikTok or see the app banned from U.S. app stores. But could such a divestiture happen? And would TikTok still be TikTok? Also on the program: The stock market is on a tear. Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor of The Economist, calls it “rational exuberance.”

From the BBC World Service: TikTok’s chief executive responds to the decision to potentially ban the app in the United States following allegations of links to the Chinese Community Party. We’ll hear some responses from China. Plus, Bitcoin is breaking records, and this time it’s in the right direction — it’s hitting all time highs. So what’s behind the surge?

A year ago, Chilean officials voted to reduce the workweek from 45 hours, longer than in most industrialized countries, to 40. The new rule gives businesses until 2028 to tick down to 40 and is aimed at improving work-life balance. We check how the rollout is going. And the S&P 500 closed at a record high on Tuesday. Can the good times last? We hear the bull’s case for the market.

We’ve been hearing a lot about troubled commercial real estate loans, high office vacancy rates and continued remote work. All of these factors and more are feeding back up the food chain to the folks who design and build office towers and other commercial properties. We’ll discuss. Also: $300 million in new military aid to Ukraine, and a virtual fitness company CEO on staying strong in a changing market.

From the BBC World Service: Argentina’s inflation — the world’s highest — has slowed down from 20.6% in January to 13.2% in February. Then, hundreds of U.K. post office managers were wrongly prosecuted after faulty computer software calculated that money was missing from their branches. Today, the government will introduce legislation to quash the convictions. And businesses in Chile are preparing to cut their employees’ hours from 45 to 40 hours a week following a new law.

It’s practically accepted as truth at this point: Millennials would be the first generation to be worse off than their parents. But recent research casts some doubt on that assessment. We’ll consider some economic findings that reframe things a bit. Plus, prices were up 3.2% annually in February, and month-over-month price increases seem to be going in the wrong direction. That’s not something the Federal Reserve will be happy about.

While the purchasing power of earnings started to catch up to inflation last year, lower- and middle-income workers have been playing catch-up and are trying to dig out of debt. Meanwhile, Americans are working fewer hours on average, and fewer hours can cause total earnings to trail price gains. Also: a closer look at New York Community Bank’s lifeline and an examination of those earmarks in the $460 billion spending package.

From the BBC World Service: Haiti’s prime minister, Ariel Henry, has resigned after days of fierce fighting in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Heavily armed gangs have been roaming the streets there demanding his resignation. Then, India’s Supreme Court has told the country’s state bank to reveal the details of a scheme that allows political parties to receive anonymous donations. And later, as farmer protests continue across Europe, we look at what’s driving them.

The House of Representatives is expected to take up a bill this week that could effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. if the Chinese company that owns it, ByteDance, doesn’t sell off the social media platform. That effort has rare bipartisan support. We’ll unpack the latest. Later: what to make of some firmer-than-expected inflation readings and how the marching band at Prairie View A&M is helping students’ career prospects.

Consumer trust in Boeing is wearing thin since an airplane door ripped off a 737 Max 9 in January, which has been followed by a string of other recent Boeing safety incidents. So how much does faltering trust actually impact the business of air travel? Plus, President Joe Biden will unveil a new budget proposal today, and banks are still grappling with fallout of SVB’s failure one year on.

From the BBC World Service: China’s annual policy meeting has drawn to a close at a time when the country has mountains of debt, high youth unemployment and a property sector in crisis. So what is the government’s plan to boost confidence and steady the economy? Also on today’s program: Sweden officially joins NATO and an Australian politician unveils plans for the world’s largest chocolate fountain.

This morning’s fresh jobs data shows that 275,000 people were added to payrolls last month. But December and January’s payroll numbers were revised down, pointing to a labor market coming off the boil. We dig in. Also on today’s show: President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address touted his economic wins, Google tries to crack down on spam in search results, and revised H1-B visa rules give workers more autonomy.

President Joe Biden could have tiptoed around economics during last night’s State of the Union address, but that’s not what he did. Instead, he pointed to slowing inflation, called out corporations for unfairly raising prices, advocated for a fairer tax code and proposed a mortgage relief credit for first-time homebuyers. We’ll unpack some of the highlights from last night. Then, we’ll hear about a scaling back of proposed banking regulations.

From the BBC World Service: The United Kingdom will be left increasingly reliant on military allies due to a black hole in defense spending, lawmakers warn. Then, it’s a decade since Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 disappeared; we have the latest on the search for the missing plane. And last summer marked the first time in six decades that Hollywood’s actors and writers went on strike simultaneously. How are the repercussions being felt?

The Securities and Exchange Commission passed new rules this week requiring public companies to disclose climate-related risks to investors. The rules are meant to standardize reporting requirements on things like emissions and exposure to climate change-related disasters. We unpack. Also: When will the Fed cut rates? Senators are likely to put Jay Powell on the spot when he testifies. And New York Community Bancorp gets a $1 billion injection from investors.

As part of this month’s Econ Extra Credit series, we’re watching Oscar-nominated documentary shorts. On today’s show, we’re focusing on “The Barber of Little Rock.” The film follows Arlo Washington on his quest to fight economic inequality in Arkansas, where he founded a barber school and a nonprofit loan fund. Today, we’ll hear Washington’s conversation with “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio. But first, the number of cybercrimes reported to the FBI is spiking.

From the BBC World Service: On Friday, Ireland votes on whether to change a clause in the constitution that says a woman’s main duties are as a caregiver in the home. In this special from Dublin, women from different backgrounds speak about their experiences and opportunities in the workplace. We’ll hear their perspectives from Bewley’s, a tea room where the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement first met.

Following Super Tuesday’s results, there hasn’t been a major paradigm shift, even after the suspension of Republican contender Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign. But many people in the world of business are laser-focused on the outcomes of November’s election because of what it can mean for antitrust policy. We delve in. Also: what’s included in spending packages before the House and how a lack of water is impacting the Panama Canal.

The U.S. housing market gained $2.4 trillion over the last year, according to a new Redfin report. Homes in suburban areas saw their values increase by more than 5.6%, which is more than homes in city centers. We add it all up. Plus, Apple has lost market share in China and is pushing an update to mobile operating systems in Europe. Then, lessons in life — and economics — courtesy of an HBCU marching band director.

From the BBC World Service: Sales in China of Apple’s iPhone fell by 24% in the first six weeks of 2024 compared to a year earlier, while competitor Huawei saw its sales jump by 64% during that same period. Also, Singapore’s prime minister defends exclusive access to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and regional neighbors aren’t happy. And the Panama Canal faces a major problem: The canal is running out of water.

There’s news this morning that UnitedHealth paid $22 million to recover systems from a ransomeware gang. The attack impacted a number of doctor’s clinics, especially in rural areas, and some pharmacies struggled to fill prescriptions as a result. Also on the program, we hear more about the state of Japan’s economy, a new satellite that detects methane gas leaks and club closures across the U.K. amid fizzling weeknight business.

Nursing leaders in hospitals around the countries are on the frontlines of a decadeslong nursing shortage. But they’re dealing with retention issues of their own. A new survey found that nearly a third of hospital nurse leaders plan to leave their jobs within a year. We’ll also take a look at the hottest new tech stock and the president’s crackdown on junk fees. Plus, get ready for the political campaign ad deluge.

From the BBC World Service: China’s National People’s Congress is underway, and the government has been laying out its aims for the next year — which includes a 5% growth target. We delve into the latest. Then, Australia plans to boost trade and investment in East Asia. Plus, midweek nights out used to be the norm for British college students. Have sticky floors and expensive drinks lost their appeal?

In its recent quarterly results, Paramount said it would continue several cost-cutting experiments it began in response to last year’s months-long strikes. That’s something it seems every media company is trying to do these days. What will it likely look like? More reality TV, foreign programming and live sports. Also on the show: unpacking what’s included in the the latest government spending bills and explaining the European Union’s $2 billion Apple fine.

Regional lender New York Community Bancorp has already had a rocky year so far and recently replaced its CEO following revelations of “material weaknesses.” NYCB acquired nearly $40 billion in assets last year from the failing Signature Bank, and that rapid growth can make it hard for internal controls to keep up. Also, a federal judge in Alabama struck down an anti-money-laundering law. And interest rates aren’t included in inflation calculations. What gives?

From the BBC World Service: Wigtown, a remote town in Scotland, has turned its fortunes around by building a thriving literary sector. Can other towns see success by taking a leaf out of Wigtown’s book? Plus, the National People’s Congress gets underway tomorrow in Beijing, and getting China’s economy back on track is at the top of the agenda.

They say all politics is local. So where’s the local news coverage this election year? Welcome to a Marketplace Morning Report special we’re calling “Democracy in the Desert. We’ve been traveling to what are called “news deserts” in Super Tuesday states to hear about the business models that are failing or informing voters as they make their choices. We visit a border town in Texas, North Carolina and a Virginia county that’s just about an hour south of Washington, D.C., for more.

The National Urban League is out with its latest assessment on the State of Black America, which measures racial inequality in areas including employment, health care, housing and criminal justice. While some gaps have closed, others still have a long way to go to reach parity. We’ll discuss. Plus, Wall Street is betting on a boom fueled by AI and falling interest rates, and theaters hope the “Dune” sequel will get moviegoers back in seats.

Keith Stickley is the owner of Shenandoah Publications, which prints campus newspapers for colleges around Virginia. He also founded The Free Press, a newspaper that served his hometown and aggressively covered local issues and politicians. But he had to pull the plug on that paper when he just couldn’t make the economics work any longer. We hear his story as part of our Democracy in the Desert series. But first, Congress has barely averted a government shutdown — yet again.

From the BBC World Service: Pay negotiations between German’s national rail operator Deutsche Bahn and its drivers’ union have broken down, threatening six days of rail strikes. Then, the G20 is seriously considering a global minimum tax for billionaires. And yesterday was leap day, meaning that people in France had the chance to buy a newspaper that only comes out every four years.

This week, Disney announced that it’s joining forces with India’s Reliance Industries to create a streaming platform that will serve up everything from live sports — notably cricket — to Disney films to TV dramas. It’s a strategic move from Disney in the world’s most populous country. Plus, goods prices receded, but services inflation is getting sticky. And: the economics (and tunes) of an HBCU marching band.

As part of our Democracy in the Desert series, we head today to King George County, just about an hour’s drive from D.C. There, we hear about how a changing media landscape left a community with few credible news sources and examine the sorts of impacts that’s had. When news go bust, where can people turn? Then, securities regulators are reportedly investigating whether OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, misled investors.

From the BBC World Service: South Korea is threatening to arrest any doctors who continue to strike and says it will ban them from ever practicing again if they don’t return to work. Then, Cuba is asking the World Food Programme to provide milk to children for the first time in its history. And Saudi Arabia has made its biggest push into tennis, but it comes with accusations of sportswashing.

2024 is a leap year, and tomorrow, Feb. 29, is a regular ol’ work day. So what does that additional day mean for your paycheck? It’s pretty straightforward for hourly workers but gets a little more complicated for salaried employees. We’ll also take a look at how recalls impact carmakers, hear about hope for averting a partial government shutdown, and look at why markets aren’t looking at revised GDP figures.

Today, as part of our Democracy in the Desert series, we head to North Carolina, where a Baptist minister seemed to win a 2018 congressional election by roughly 900 votes. But after a fraud scandal involving absentee ballots came to light, officials ordered a new election. We’ll hear how a lack of local news coverage played out in this story. Plus, what ever happened with Apple’s electric car efforts?

A petition to liquidate has been filed in Hong Kong’s High Court against China’s biggest private property developer, Country Garden. Then, South Korea has reported a record-low birth rate despite spending billions to encourage women to have more children. And more than 6,000,000 people visit the Sistine Chapel each year, but big numbers could cause damage to the frescos. We’ll hear about the Vatican’s team of experts who monitor conditions in the chapel.

A growing number of high schools are requiring students to take personal finance courses, and the long-term payoffs are significant. Plus, Macy’s is closing 30% of its stores, Expedia announces layoffs as the post-lockdown travel surge slows, and a $1 billion gift means free tuition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

With local elections looming — and no more daily newspaper in the area — how are residents of Del Rio, Texas getting their information?

From the BBC World Service: Trade unions have led demonstrations in Nigeria, as the country grapples with an economic crisis. Also: There are concerns about the tactics used by companies offering loans via cell phone apps in Kenya.

Recession talks are receding and the the prospects of a soft landing are getting bigger, at least according to a new forecast by the National Association for Business Economics. But while the pros are betting the economy gets better and better this year, what about everyday folks? Then, we’ll pick up our discussion with model, entrepreneur and activist Bethann Hardison about the fits and starts of diversity in the fashion industry.

They say all politics is local. But what are voters to do to get reliable, fact-checked information about local issues and politics when they have few news coverage options? As part of this week’s “Democracy in the Desert” series, we travel to Val Verde County, Texas, to hear how voters get their news ahead of Super Tuesday. Plus, AT&T will give a $5 credit to customers most affected by last week’s network outage.

From the BBC World Service: Europe’s biggest low cost airline, Ryanair, is warning of a 10% rise in ticket prices this summer because delayed deliveries of new aircraft from Boeing could affect capacity. We’ll discuss. Plus, how is Russia’s economy faring after two years of sanctions? Then, we’ll discuss the death of Zong Qinghou, the billionaire beverage magnate who was China’s richest man.

A new AARP survey of women age 50 and up is out. They’re a large demographic — 62 million, according to AARP — and are more likely to vote than other cohorts. They’re also a swing voting bloc, and rising costs are dragging down their personal economies. We’ll also learn about new tribal gaming compacts aimed at protecting tribes’ interests and hear why one economist is watching productivity gains.

For our Econ Extra Credit series this month, we’re watching “Invisible Beauty,” an autobiographical film exploring the life and work of model and activist Bethann Hardison. Today, “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio is in conversation with Hardison to discuss a major cultural moment — walking for designer Chester Weinberg in the ’70s — and how she helped inspire a shift in the world of modeling and fashion. But first, Reddit goes for the IPO. Sign up for our Econ Extra Credit newsletter now.

From the BBC World Service: As Ukraine prepares to mark two years since Russia’s invasion, the International Monetary Fund says the country’s economy is holding up — but funding from the U.S. and other international backers remains essential. In Ukraine, however, delays in international funding are weighing on confidence. Plus, could menopause be considered a disability? Then, a look at the link between trade deals and panda deals.

Commercial real estate is a market that’s been sagging with lots of people still working from home. That’s been a source of consternation for regional banks with exposure to commercial real estate, like New York Community Bancorp, which Moody’s recently downgraded. But is all this anxiety actually overblown? We dig in. Plus, Japan’s stock market climbs out of a decadeslong slump, and the first online-only grocer will soon begin accepting SNAP benefits.

In a bright spot for news on the climate crisis, new data shows that U.S. carbon emissions dipped by 1.8% last year. Most of the reduction in emissions is coming from the power sector. We’ll explore what’s driving the shift and where progress still needs to be made. Plus, Nvidia saw a 265% revenue bump from a year ago. Then, inflation and health care remain key worries for voters.

From the BBC World Service: Tokyo’s main stock exchange closed at a record high on Thursday, beating a three-decade old record and largely due to semiconductor microchips. The surge comes after U.S.-based chipmaker Nvidia posted Q4 financial results that beat estimates. An Nvidia-based bounce drove tech stocks in Europe too. Also on the program: How will Albania’s controversial migration deal with Italy work?

Nvidia, maker of semiconductor chips used for generative AI, reports its Q4 financial results after markets close on Wednesday. The company has forecast major revenue gains, but there was a wave of nervous selling yesterday and the stock is down so far this morning. What should we expect today? Then: the latest student loan forgiveness program, the Richmond Fed president on price hikes’ inflationary impact and a shortage of coins in the Philippines.

As part of our Econ Extra Credit series, we’re exploring race and representation in the world of fashion. Today, we’re joined by fashion and costume historian Shelby Ivey Christie to discuss the industry’s inconsistencies on diversity — including on the runway and on magazine covers, as well as in boardrooms and editorial departments. Also, homeownership swelled before mortgage rates spiked, but disparities remain. Sign up for our Econ Extra Credit newsletter now.

From the BBC World Service: Saturday marks two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. As the conflict continues, rebuilding is a major concern for residents and businesses there – so where’s the money going to come from? Plus, campaigners say beef production by major meatpackers has been linked to illegal deforestation in Brazil, and some retailers in The Philippines are giving customers candy rather than small change because of a coin shortage.

Once upon a time, Sears department stores were everywhere. A subsidiary of Sears launched the Discover card in 1986. It wasn’t unusual for department stores to offer their own credits cards, but the Discover card was accepted by other merchants. Today, we’ll hear a brief primer on the history that predated the recently announced Capital One-Discover purchase. Plus, China slashes mortgage rates, and northeastern Spain faces tough water restrictions.

Capital One says it’s reached an all-stock deal to take over Discover Financial Services. The acquisition would create a stronger rival to Visa and Mastercard, but it’s far from a done deal and is likely to face heavy scrutiny from regulators. Also on the show: why the average age of Americans farmer is on the rise, and what the producer price index can reveal about inflationary trends.

From the BBC World Service: China’s C919 jetliner is being showcased at the Singapore Airshow. Its Beijing-backed manufacturer is hoping the plane will be a challenger to Airbus’ A320 and Boeing’s 737 Max. Then, doctors in South Korea are striking in protest at plans to train more physicians. And in Spain, the northeastern region of Catalonia has been suffering a record-breaking drought, and a state of emergency has been declared.

Newer technologies allow us to pay using smartphones, smartwatches or even the palms of our hands. But what could you do before such technologies existed … in a place where there aren’t any pockets? Today, we’ll revisit a 1991 story in which Marketplace’s David Brancaccio explored and exposed the payment systems of Cap d’Agde, a naturist village and resort in France. Plus, a look at the economic issues likely to arise at CPAC.

If you could pay for things with just a wave of your hand, would you? Now, Amazon One, tech that scans your hand and links your identity to your credit card, has been rolled out at multiple Whole Foods locations. We’ll hear what the odds of this new tech taking off are and what happens to all that biometric data. Plus, construction companies are still struggling to find building materials.

From the BBC World Service: Japan’s remote Noto Peninsula was rocked by a deadly New Year’s Day earthquake, which killed more than 200 people and damaged or destroyed some 55,000 homes. Communities are still without basics services such as water. First, after weeks of farming protests in Europe, farmers stage demonstrations over European Union agricultural policies in the capital of the Czech Republic.

Microsoft, the owner of Xbox, announced on Thursday that it’s bringing several previously Xbox exclusive games to rival consoles. More could be coming. Playstation and Nintendo have historically used games that can only be played on their gaming consoles to help drive console sales. So what’s behind the shift in strategy for Xbox? Also on the show: closer examinations of wholesale prices and the Biden administration’s latest attempt at student loan cancellation.

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission banned robocalls that use voices generated by artificial intelligence. This comes after New Hampshire voters received phone calls during that state’s primary, which used AI to imitate President Joe Biden and discourage people from heading to the polls. Today, we hear how generative AI is being used to manipulate and what consumers can do to protect themselves. Also: a disappointing snapshot of the manufacturing economy.

From the BBC World Service: Aviation was responsible for 2% of global carbon emissions last year, according to the International Energy Agency, and the industry is under pressure to develop greener engines. But the boss of Airbus, one of the world’s biggest airplane makers, doesn’t think progress is speedy enough. Plus, political drama and a tax investigation ahead of India’s elections and an exploration of dynamic pricing.

Turns out, we weren’t very spendy in the first month of the year. In January, retail sales were down 0.8% — more than many economists expected. It’s an indicator that consumers are feeling weary of high prices and becoming more value-oriented. We’ll discuss. Also on the show: Express, once a mainstay of every mall, could soon file for bankruptcy. Then, college endowments see big returns thanks to solid stock market gains.

Since President Joe Biden took office, more than 3.6 million people have had their federal loans forgiven in full. But what’s that mean for your tax bill? While you don’t have to worry about federal taxes, state taxes could be another story. We’ll provide a helpful explainer. Plus, consumers complain about high prices but spend anyway, and that’s helping turn shoppers on to off brands.

From the BBC World Service: Japan’s economy unexpectedly shrank for the second quarter in a row last year, meaning the country has slipped into recession and lost its spot as the world’s third largest economy. Meanwhile, the U.K. also fell into recession during the final three months of last year. Plus, thousands of vehicles shipped by Volkswagen have been held up at U.S. ports over a Chinese-made component.

Can Can Culinary Cabaret is nestled in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. But the COVID-19 pandemic radically transformed the business, its audiences and the performers who keep the show going. Today, we’ll hear about its return to something that resembles “normal” and what that path was like for onstage storytellers and artists. We’ll also look at how U.S. inflation figures and interest rates affect economies around the globe.

Lovers and chocolate lovers beware: If you’re eyeing a heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, those bonbons are going to come at a cost. Cocoa prices recently hit an all-time high and sugar prices have spiked too. Rather bittersweet, huh? But first, Tuesday’s inflation data headed in the wrong direction — and markets were not pleased. Plus, why does Walmart want to buy bargain television brand Vizio?

From the BBC World Service: Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s third largest democracy. Today, citizens vote in the presidential and legislative elections, which are dominated by issues like future growth and job opportunities. Meanwhile, farmers in India continue protests over the prices they receive for their goods. And we hear from Racheal Kundananji, the soccer player who has set a new transfer record with her move to San Francisco’s Bay FC.

Earlier this morning, the Senate approved a $95 billion aid package for Israel and Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Europe’s defense industries must switch toward arms productions. Manufacturers are struggling to meet demand for ammunition, as the war in Ukraine continues and fears of what another Donald Trump presidency could mean for U.S.-Europe security ties are renewed. Also: inflation lingers, and Airbnb adds yet another fee.

Modeling may seem glamorous, but the realities of the industry can be far from picture-perfect. Today, as part of our Econ Extra Credit series, we take a hard look at what is being done to protect models and hold the agencies that sometimes recruit and exploit them accountable. Also: the most watched program in U.S. history and a brief, planned Valentine’s Day strike among ride-share drivers.

From the BBC World Service: Police in Delhi banned all public gatherings after farmers threatened major demonstrations in India’s capital. Polish farmers stopped several Ukrainian trucks and emptied some of their grain cargo to protest what they say is unfair competition. And couples in the United Kingdom planning to grab takeout for a cozy Valentine’s night in may be disappointed as thousands of delivery drivers plan to go on strike.

Recession? What recession? Many economists predicted an economic downturn last year and were wrong. More are optimistic about the economy for the year ahead, but some now think that the Fed is keeping interest rates too high. We’ll discuss. Also on the show: We’ll examine how Ireland’s government and citizens are addressing booming migration.

Tax season is here. But if you’ve been putting off finding an accountant, good luck. Between a wave of retirees and a drop in the number of people graduating with accounting degrees, the profession is struggling to staff up — and many are turning away work. We’ll also take a look at what sorts of global risks economists are concerned about and what to make of rising mortgage debt.

From the BBC World Service: It’s alleged that Starlink, the internet connection system made by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, is being used by Russian troops. Musk has previously made assurances that Russia wouldn’t be able to use to it. Then, construction of a new ammunition factory gets underway in Germany, and Ireland’s government struggles to provide housing and other necessities for migrants.

We’ll hear from Ad Age’s Jeanine Poggi about this year’s Super Bowl commercials: why brand are trying to keep their campaigns controversy-free and what representation looks like for the country’s most-watched event. Plus, inflation data analysis with FHN Financial’s Chris Low and an update on nuclear fusion technology from Europe.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing yesterday for three pharmaceutical CEOS on “outrageous” drug prices when compared to other countries. Plus, Super Bowl ad trends ahead of the weekend’s big game and results from the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey.

From the BBC World Service: Protests that started in Poland have spread across Europe and now Italian farmers are threatening to bring Rome to a standstill. They say they’re taking a stand against red tape, higher costs and competition from cheaper foreign imports. And, millions of people across Asia are getting ready for Lunar new year celebrations which start tomorrow. But amidst the fun, fears over the economy — particular in China — threaten to dampen the mood.

Thousands of workers in Southeast Asia are forced to work in scorching temperatures. A recent study showed dangerous effects of constant heat on at-risk workers, including health problems. We’ll visit Cambodia’s brick kilns to learn more. Plus, Sen. Amy Klobuchar talks child internet safety, and KPMG’s Diane Swonk dissects the job market.

Disney announced it will take a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games — the creator of popular game platform Fortnite — in an effort to diversify while its linear media struggles. The partnership means we can expect Epic-created games featuring Disney characters in the not-too-distant future. Plus, Federal Reserve higher-ups signal they will take their time on rate cuts and U.S. imports of Chinese goods fell last year.

From the BBC World Service: Consumer prices in China have seen their steepest fall since 2009, adding to deflation woes. In Pakistan, millions are heading to the polls to vote in a new government. And a study on working conditions in Cambodia’s garment and brick industries highlights the risks climate change poses to those already struggling in hot countries.

At least Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen did when describing banks with souring commercial real estate investments. Stock in New York Community Bancorp, a regional bank with commercial real estate loans, fell nearly 30% on Tuesday, and Moody’s downgraded the bank’s credit grade to “junk” status. We examine. Also on the program: why some college athletes are looking to unionize, and why people in India are lining up for work in Israel.

From the BBC World Service: Spanish farmers have joined a wave of protests sweeping Europe. They’re demanding more support from the EU and their government and say they’re fed up with high costs and stringent environmental standards. Then, thousands of Indian men have lined up to apply for construction jobs in Israel, which relies heavily on migrant labor — especially since revoking Palestinian work permits since the war in Gaza.

A new national survey finds that a majority of c-suite executives say diversity initiatives are important for positive business outcomes. The findings come as recent headlines and high-profile business leaders have criticized diversity, equity and inclusion (or DEI) work, and the support comes from across the political spectrum. Also: new SEC oversight for firms like hedge funds and a one-stop shop for sports streaming.

Stock in New York Community Bank plunged last week after it said it was setting aside additional funds as a cushion in case some of its commercial real estate loans went bad. The value of commercial office space is falling as more people work from home, and investors are still skittish. Plus, Canada extends a ban on noncitizen housing purchases. And we’ll hear how one flour mill is rebuilding a year after the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake.

It’s earnings week for big beauty brands: affordable E.l.f. Beauty and luxury brand Estée Lauder, which recently announced thousands of job cuts. But plenty of companies and entrepreneurs are throwing their hat into the cosmetics ring, and Gen Z is forcing many to evolve. Also, President Xi Jinping is set to talk with financial advisors about China’s stock market, and Lyft unveils a pay transparency play for drivers.

From the BBC World Service: A year after the catastrophic earthquakes that killed more than 50,000, aid agencies are warning that major rebuilding still needs to be done. In the worst hit parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria, businesses are making some progress with some help from the U.S. government. However, Save the Children says one-third of those displaced by the disaster are still homeless.

This weekend, negotiators between several Las Vegas casinos and the Culinary Workers Union reached tentative agreements with just hours to go before a strike deadline. This comes as Vegas kicks off Super Bowl week and is slated to welcome more than 300,000 visitors. Then, feds will start collecting information from crypto mining companies about their electricity use, and we’ll look at Canada’s pathway to family reunification for Sudanese refugees.

“Prudent” was the watchword from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in an interview last night with “60 Minutes.” Powell said the Federal Reserve isn’t in a rush to cut interest rates and that, as usual, the timing of any potential rate cuts depends on the data. Plus, we’ll provide a taste of some of the rich sounds from a Minnesota brewery that helps support music education.

From the BBC World Service: Residents of Paris vote to triple parking fees for SUVs, but only if they’re brought from outside the city. We’ll hear more about the change. But first, revenues from Egypt’s Suez Canal were nearly halved in January. And later, are the terms of Canada’s Sudanese family reunification plan too difficult for families to meet?

Some 353,000 more people were on payrolls in January — nearly double what economists expected. The job gains were spread across the economy, but could this labor market growth be inflationary? Also on the program: It’s been nearly a year since regional banks were in crisis, but trouble for commercial real estate means the turmoil isn’t over yet. We’ll also take an inside look at the “Star Wars” vintage merch economy.

Elon Musk is considering reincorporating Tesla in Texas after a court in Delaware, where Tesla is currently incorporated, voided his $56 billion compensation package. But roughly two-thirds of Fortune 500 are incorporated in the First State. We’ll examine why. Plus, Apple and Amazon are doing just fine, as reported in their latest earnings. And how can nature be a measurable part of our economy? The Biden administration seeks to find out.

From the BBC World Service: El Salvador’s current president, Nayib Bukele, is widely expected to be returned to power, but concerns about the economy and human rights violations under his leadership remain. Then, it may take place in a galaxy far, far away, but the trade in “Star Wars” merchandise is generating millions of dollars on this planet.

The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates sometime in 2024 — but that didn’t happen this week and Fed Chair Jerome Powell said not to expect it in March either. We’ll discuss the move (or lack thereof), as well as pressure on the central bank to confront housing costs. Plus, we’re getting more productive, churn in labor market isn’t as frenzied, and Medicare will start negotiating drug prices.

The results from FAFSA, the form students and their parents fill out to see how much financial aid they can get for college, won’t be released this year until March. That’s more than a month later than initially expected, and the delay is stressing out those who work with college applicants. Plus, a look back at the life of Black entrepreneur and economic activist A.G. Gaston.

From the BBC World Service: Like in the United States, politicians across the European Union have been struggling to finalize an aid package for Ukraine. But all 27 EU leaders have just approved a $55 billion aid package for Ukraine, after Hungary’s leader Viktor Orbán initially blocked the funding. Also: a record number of Chinese migrants are traveling through South America to reach the U.S.

A judge has struck down Elon Musk’s compensation package at Tesla, valued at nearly $56 billion. The judge in Delaware — where Tesla is incorporated — called the amount “unfathomable” and said Tesla’s board failed to meet its responsibilities to shareholders. Let’s unpack the case. Plus: why prices for lithium are in free fall and how to build a home without putting out loads of emissions.

Global shipper UPS announced Tuesday that it’s planning to eliminate 12,000 jobs over the next few months — most of them in management. While shareholders love the phrases “trimming the fat,” “cutting costs” and “right-sizing,” why are managers so often the targets? We’ll also hear about a negated pay package for Elon Musk and the tough balancing act for Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

From the BBC World Service: Top United Nations officials are pleading with countries, including the U.S., to reconsider after they withdrew funding for its main aid agency in Gaza. Then, one of the world’s biggest record labels is pulling its music from TikTok after failing to reach a new licensing agreement with the platform. Also: another apology to U.K. Post Office scandal victims and greener construction.

The auto industry had a generally strong 2023. This certainly included Toyota, which reported that it’s held onto its title as the world’s best-selling car company. But during prepared remarks, the company’s chairman also offered an apology. We unpack. Plus, can we expect any interest rate moves from the Federal Reserve this week? Then, we head to Germany, where protests are sweeping the country to counter the far-right Alternative for Deutschland party.

Over the past few weeks, Microsoft overtook Apple to become the most valuable company in the world by market capitalization. And investors will be hoping for more good news on that front when the company announces quarterly earnings on Tuesday. Also on the program: Walmart is offering store managers up to $20,000 in stock a year. We hear more. Plus, if you can’t afford college, how about chicken wings?

From the BBC World Service: Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson said his party had agreed to end its almost two-year boycott of the Northern Ireland Assembly. We’ll discuss. Then, we’ll take a look at ongoing demonstrations across Europe: Hundreds of tractors are blocking major roads into Paris as farmers protest against red tape and foreign competition, and Germany experiences a second weekend of protests against a far-right party’s mass deportation meetings.

Some buy now, pay later platforms are testing out a new model: subscription plans. For these companies, it’s another guaranteed revenue stream and maybe a way to lock in loyal customers. But can they work when paying later is the whole point? Plus, we’ll examine what Evergrande’s liquidation means for the world’s second largest economy. And squeamish listeners beware: We’ll hear how France is grappling with its recent bedbug outbreak.

Consumer spending ticked up in December, and more people are swiping their credit cards. Part of the reason folks are more comfortable putting it on plastic is confidence in the overall job market. But delinquency rates have been climbing too. We’ll hear what economists make of these trends. Also: United Airlines in talks with Airbus and ripple effects of liquidation orders for property giant Evergrande.

From the BBC World Service: Evergrande was once China’s biggest property developer. Now, a judge in Hong Kong has ordered the liquidation of the debt-laden real estate giant, but Evergrande says it’ll continue on China’s mainland. And French farmers take their fight over red tape and environmental policies to Paris. Plus, we hear how that city is tackling the problem of bedbugs ahead of the Summer Olympics.

Tesla had a rough 2023. On Wednesday, CEO Elon Musk warned Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD could overtake global competition without trade barriers, and investors weren’t so impressed. The company’s stock closed down 12% yesterday. Plus, we’ll dig into the most recent PCE data and hear about Japan’s deflation problem.

In 2023, $23 billion in federal contracts went to companies run by tribal nations, Alaska Native corporations and Native Hawaiian organizations. That’s 3% of the total federal contracting pool. We’ll get into why that money — and jobs that come with it — matter. Plus, the indie film market at Sundance and a ten-year high for IBM stock.

From the BBC World Service: British negotiators have walked away from talks with Canada, after it refused to continue a short-term deal that suspended tariffs on cheese; previously, the U.K. had been part of the EU’s agreement for tariff-free imports. Then: There’s been a major u-turn from Apple — it will now allow users in the EU to download apps from rival providers. A federal judge in Brazil has ordered three mining giants to pay almost $10 billion in damages over a deadly dam burst in 2015. And a business-minded Tanzanian teenager on a mission to help other kids learn about money and entrepreneurship.

Mortgage rates have fallen since early last fall, when they hit 8% for the first time since 2000. Now, buyers who were biding their time are finally making moves. And if rates continue to drop, demand is likely to rise. All this is good news to homebuilders. Plus, the latest on the Boeing debacle and an analysis of last quarter’s economic growth.

On Thursday, House lawmakers will unveil a bipartisan bill that will fund safe places to park for people who are living in their vehicles. New Beginnings, a California nonprofit that pioneered the program, says in addition to an influx of families with young children, senior citizens make up half of their safe parking enrollees. We’ll also hear about researchers using satellite radar data to assess the scale of damage done by Israeli forces in Gaza.

From the BBC World Service: Major shipping companies including Maersk and DP World are having to re-route vessels and are predicting extended delays in shipments — the European market and the East Coast are worst affected. Plus, millions of people around the world will be celebrating the birthday today of one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural icons: the poet Robert Burns. This year, the Scottish government aims to use the celebrations to open up economic opportunities.

Japan’s Nikkei index has hit a 34-year high. Meanwhile, China’s markets have hit 5-year lows; the Hang Seng Index lost more than half its value since the end of 2020. Capital is moving in Asia, but what exactly is going on? Then, later in the program, we’ll hear how artificial intelligence is increasingly being used is to commit identity fraud.

The current farm bill, which funds everything from crop insurance to nutrition programs, was set to expire in September. Congress gave itself a yearlong extension to negotiate an update, but it could take longer than that. What issues are likely to get attention in the next bill? Plus, Boeing pauses one factory’s production for a day to focus on quality training, and rail workers in Germany begin a strike.

From the BBC World Service: It’s only been a month since Argentina’s president Javier Milei took office, but already big protests are set to take place over his plans to shake up the country’s economy. Then, as businesses turn to online verification tools, fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated disguises and hack into other people’s accounts. What can be done to stop it?

Just in time for tax season, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a final ruling against Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, over what it claims is deceptive marketing for TurboTax’s free online tax filing software. We’ll dig in to that decision. Then: a look at what’s expected to lose United Airlines money in Q1 and an examination of how luxury development is dividing the island of Barbuda.

After a natural disaster, getting individual aid from FEMA can be a notoriously slow and cumbersome process. But the Biden administration is looking to improve it. We’ll hear how new rules are meant to cut through all the red tape. Plus, some trace Boeing’s problems back to the ’90s. We’ll unpack more of the company’s history. Also on the program: What’s behind global stock rallies?

From the BBC World Service: The U.S. and U.K. conducted additional air strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, as the group continues to attack Red Sea cargo ships. Then, as Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD looks to expand its line-up with luxury models, we’ll hear why the company was right to start at the affordable end. We’ll also see why locals are concerned about plans to boost Barbuda’s tourism sector.

On Monday, we got the latest survey of business conditions from the National Association for Business Economics, and businesses are feeling pretty good these days. More businesses reported positive profit margins, and fewer are anticipating a recession in the coming year. We’ll discuss. Then, we’ll hear about Exxon’s lawsuit to block activist investors’ climate proposals and learn about some of the challenges facing Brazil nut producers in Bolivia.

Scrutiny of Boeing planes have grown beyond the 737 Max 9, the aircraft that was thrust into the spotlight following the Alaska Airlines accident earlier this month. The Federal Aviation Administration has urged airlines to inspect some older 737 model with the same door plug designs as the Max 9. We’ll explore what’s at stake. Plus, higher interest rates and the troubled commercial real estate are piling pressure onto regional banks.

Designed to attract foreign business, Australia’s visa scheme was cut in an immigration overhaul after the government found it was “delivering poor economic outcomes.” Also on the program: A month-long fishing ban comes into force off the French Atlantic coast today. Then we’ll head to Bolivia, the world’s biggest exporter of Brazil nuts. But nut producers there are grappling with volatile prices.

Today, the World Economic Forum is wrapping up in Davos, Switzerland. There, meetings have been held between company heads and global leaders. Key themes include artificial intelligence, increasingly complicated relationships between world powers and prospects of another potential Donald Trump administration. We’ll outline the results of some of these meetings. But first, how are consumers feeling? A lot of it has to do with how they’re doing relative to inflation.

With much of the country frozen right now, some EV owners are going through their first frigid winter and finding that their cars don’t like the cold either. Turns out, EVs tend to lose range and take longer to charge when it’s colder outside. We’ll examine. Plus, Congress approves their third stopgap funding measure in four months, and we look at the factors that could keep a lid on home prices.

From the BBC World Service: In northern India, thousands are lining up for jobs in Israel due to a labor shortage caused by the war with Hamas. Plus, Spanish streaming star David Cánovas, known as TheGrefg, is embroiled in a legal battle with an 80-year-old woman he is trying to evict. And then Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits who’s selling most of his collection at auction later this month.

Globally, the total value of mergers and acquisitions last year was the lowest since in a decade, held back by interest rates, a volatile stock market and a strict regulatory environment. The corporate dealmaking could rebound this year, though. We’ll also paint a picture of our economic moment with a slew of recent data. Plus, could passwords be a thing of the past?

Breakfast — and its more formal cousin, brunch — is “in” for 2024. Consumers like that they’re able to spend less money than they would on a dinner out while still feeling like they’re treating themselves. Meanwhile, restaurants love the profit margins. Also on this morning’s show: flipping through the pages of the Beige Book and analyzing the average workweek in China.

From the BBC World Service: Singapore’s transport minister has resigned after facing multiple charges of corruption; it’s alleged he took kickbacks worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, something he denies. Also, passwords could soon be a thing of the past as companies like Google introduce “passkeys” as a default login for online users. But with the rise of deepfake technology, is any method of verifying our identities completely secure?

A federal judge has blocked JetBlue’s efforts to purchase Spirit Airlines. The Justice Department had filed an antitrust lawsuit, saying the merger would eliminate a low-cost carrier that has been keeping airfares down. Also on the show: We all spent a lot in December, the market for super shoes is running hot, and China’s economic recovery looks shaky.

Many of the nation’s largest banks have reported mixed results recently. Banks often turn to fees – including overdraft charges – to help boost their bottom lines. But a Biden administration rule announced Wednesday would reduce those fees and save consumers billions a year. Then, Apple is making changes to its App Store but will still charge a hefty commission. And shipping rates have soared following continued Red Sea attacks.

From the BBC World Service: Data released on Wednesday showed that China had a population of 1.4 billion at the end of 2023 — a 2.08 million decrease from 2022. The decline underscores concerns about the future growth of the world’s second largest economy. Then, the U.K.’s Post Office scandal rumbles on, and pricey, high-tech sneakers for runners becomes a big business.

Today is the deadline for comments on a proposed rule to increase capital requirements for large banks. It can be useful to think of the money a bank uses to fund its business as a pizza — some slices are equity, others are debt, and others are unknowns. We’ll dish up that analogy. Sticking with the food theme: Mexican food is increasingly popular with young Americans, and one in 10 eateries serves it.

Today is the first full day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Among the challenges to be discussed are artificial intelligence, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, election integrity and the climate crisis. We’ll hear more about what to expect from the meeting of global leaders. Then, Lebanon is projected to slide back into recession as its tourism industry feels the economic shock of the Israel-Hamas war.

From the BBC World Service: Google Play Store has pulled some major crypto exchanges, including Binance and Kraken, in India. The move comes two weeks after India’s financial watchdog said the platforms were operating “illegally” there. Also on the program: A U.S.-owned cargo ship survives a Houthi rebels missile attack, and Lebanon’s economy is hit hard by the war in Gaza

Roughly 1 million people volunteer to work at polls during presidential elections, but recruiting enough poll workers remains a perennial challenge. Those staff shortages can add to wait times at the polls, which, in turn, can depress voter turnout. Now, as many poll workers grow older and end their service, advocacy groups are pushing for young people to step up. Also: Who says college is just for the young?