Marketplace All-in-One

Health care is a major sticking point between Republicans and Democrats in the government shutdown standoff. Congressional Democrats are refusing to endorse a temporary spending bill that allows Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies to expire. Today, we look at what an end to subsidies could mean for your insurance — even if you don't get your health care through the ACA. Also: trade talks between the U.S. and Canada, and a comparison of the AI boom and the dot-com bubble.

Later this week, we’ll learn more about how the Federal Reserve decided to cut interest rates when the Federal Open Market Committee releases the minutes of its most recent meeting. The document will give us clues about what's ahead and where FOMC members' priorities lie. Also on this morning's show: the IRS will now have a CEO, renewable energy becomes the world's largest electricity source, and OPEC producers decide to expand output.

From the BBC World Service: Energy thinktank Ember says that for the first time, solar and wind met all new global electricity demand in the first half of this year. Could this be a turning point for the global energy system? Then, London police dismantled an international gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen cell phones. And, Zimbabwe is on a quest to become Africa’s blueberry capital after it signed a tariff-free export protocol with China.

The number of scams involving job postings and offers nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The change translates to more than $500 million in reported losses. These scams have proliferated on legitimate job boards and you might have even received some via email or text message — fake recruiters reach out with “enticing” offers which are too good to be true. Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with Mark Anthony Dyson, author of the Job Scam Report newsletter, about how to spot scams.

Bridget and Ryan are at the Podcast Hosts for Youths Sleepaway Camp, but Ryan just can’t fall asleep. That’s when they meet Dougie Pickles, host of the Cozy Critters sleepy time podcast, with a surprising bedtime trick. Together, they unpack the world where animals and money collide, learn what bull and bear markets are, and introduce us to a fishy little entrepreneur, all while soothing Ryan to sleep. Plus, what do you think is more expensive to feed, a tiger or an elephant?If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

OpenAI announced it will invest big time in chipmaker AMD, potentially in exchange for a stake in the firm. As AI investment has ramped up, similar deals have become common. Do these partnerships signal a strengthening sector? Or are they a symptom of an AI bubble headed toward a burst? Also in this episode: Regional banks merge under Trump appointees’ relaxed regulatory rule, retailers are optimistic about the upcoming holiday shopping season, and Houston’s housing market experiences knock-on effects of deportation duress.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Over the weekend, the White House threatened more layoffs if negotiations between Democrats and Republicans continue to go nowhere. Meanwhile, 100,000 earlier federal layoffs and buyouts finally took effect last week. But stocks hit a record on Friday. What gives? We'll discuss with Julia Coronado, founder and president of MacroPolicy Perspectives. Plus, a lack of trust in artificial intelligence is hampering its adoption among small and mid-sized businesses.

The nonprofit One Earth has been tracking $400 billion worth of private investment in climate change solutions. Thing is, the amount of money being invested in climate causes is both not enough and unevenly distributed. This morning, we'll find out what’s driving the gap and what can be done about it. But first, Costco members will soon be able to buy discounted weight-loss drugs, and beer makers are struggling with tariffs and changing consumer demand.

From the BBC World Service: The Nikkei 225 stock index in Japan rose sharply on the first day of trading after Sanae Takaichi won the contest to lead the country's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Then, Jaguar Land Rover plans to resume vehicle production in the U.K. today, six weeks after a cyberattack forced a production pause. And, although the artificial intelligence industry is worth close to $250 billion, some businesses are rejecting its use altogether. We'll hear from them.

Algorithms, which are just sets of instructions expressed in code, are harder to restrict than physical goods. But, as Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino reports, governments — including the U.S. — have long tried to prevent their export.

On today’s show, Kimberly is joined by Marketplace’s very own Henry Epp to chat about his reporting on the “maturing” of the craft beer industry, and just who's sipping all those IPAs and sours. They'll also get into how the Trump administration is using the government shutdown to consolidate power. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here’s everything we talked about today:“For years, craft beer was booming. Now, it’s ‘maturing’” from Marketplace“Trump charts path to total control amid government shutdown” from Axios“AOL’s dial up internet takes its last bow, marking the end of an era” from the Associated Press“Colleges turn to video essays to counter AI-written submissions” from Marketplace Tech“Robots are learning to make human babies. Twenty have already been born.” from The Washington Post“Buy it in ChatGPT: Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol” from OpenAI“The future of loyalty” from Business Insider

The gap between how high-income and low-income Americans are faring in this economy is growing. One example? Fast food restaurants are struggling while sit-down joints that cater to wealthier customers are A-OK. Also in this episode: “Every Screen on the Planet” author Emily Baker-White talks geopolitics behind the U.S.-China TikTok deal and a Wyoming solar panel company preps for the end of federal subsidies for residential installation.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The September hiring and unemployment data won't be released today due to the ongoing government shutdown. These reports are typically among the five most closely watched economic indicators each month. Economist Julia Coronado of Macropolicy Perspectives joins us to discuss. Also on the show: the shutdown's impact on health care — from canceled online doctor's appointments to reduced home health services for seniors. And later, Marketplace's David Brancaccio speaks with a former high school guidance counselor in Sheboygan, WI about how students are preparing to enter the labor market.

The partial government shutdown now means two of the top five most important readouts on the economy will not be released on Friday, as scheduled. It's the newest count of the number of people on payrolls and the separate unemployment rate. Later, David speaks with "Marketplace" senior economics contributor Chris Farrell about new research suggesting there may be even more entrepreneurs in the U.S. than current data suggests.

From the BBC World Service: Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will choose a new leader on Saturday, and he or she will become the country's next prime minister. Germany's Munich Airport closed temporarily overnight due to drone sightings, making it the latest European airport forced to halt operations because of unexplained drone flights. And the French government has launched a campaign against what the Minister of Work calls “the last discrimination”: ageism.

California passed a sweeping law setting up new AI safety rules this week. Meanwhile, YouTube settled a lawsuit brought by President Trump over account suspensions in the wake of the January 6 capitol riot. And an AI-generated “actor” stirred up controversy in Hollywood and pretty much everywhere else. Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with Natasha Mascarenhas, reporter at The Information, to learn more about all these stories on this week’s Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review.

The U.S. is on track for the largest number of announced layoffs since 2020. Yay us! (Kidding.) We can thank a combination of federal cuts and their ripple effects, an uncertain trade environment, and AI experimentation. After that, Jenny Han of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” tells Kai about her career journey from nanny and school librarian to novelist and Amazon Prime showrunner. Plus: recession indicators, a federally-backed lithium mine and industrial outdoor storage.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Messy fights over funding the federal government have become all too familiar in American politics. Why are we like this? On the show today, The Brookings Institution’s Molly Reynolds joins Kimberly to explain how shutdowns became Congress’ political weapon of choice and why the federal budget process has gotten even more complicated under the Trump administration. Plus, we hear from you, our dear listeners.Here’s everything we talked about today:"Congress has long struggled to pass spending bills on time" from Pew Research Center"Government shutdown continues as Senate Democrats hold firm on health care demands" from AP News"How John Thune sees the shutdown ending" from Politico"What are Democrats' demands in the government shutdown fight?" from MarketplaceShow your love for Make Me Smart and our community of curious listeners! Donate now to get us one step closer to our Fall Fundraiser

Federal worker layoffs are near, according to Trump administration officials. Earlier this week, the president said he would use the government shutdown to target "Democrat things." And a shutdown with layoffs may have more serious economic consequences than your average shutdown. For more on that we turn to Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG. Also on today's show: China launches a new visa to attract more international STEM talent.

Unemployment remains relatively low, but the labor market is slowing down. Private payroll company ADP estimates the private sector lost 32,000 jobs last month. Hiring has slowed, and it's taking longer for jobseekers to find work. And where there are people with anxiety and fear, there are scammers to prey on them. The Federal Trade Commission says reports of job scams tripled over the past four years. But first, why the Trump administration is sending memos to universities and what Democrats are demanding to reopen the government.