Jittery investors continue to punish stocks of companies that may (or may not) face major disruption from artificial intelligence. Last week, it was software firms, then insurance brokers. Now, it’s financial brokerages that offer people planning advice — the likes of Charles Schwab, Raymond James, and Ameriprise. But what's lost when we lose human capabilities in financial services? Plus, U.S. allies like Canada and the U.K. are increasingly turning to China for trade deals.
Marketplace All-in-One - Russia bans WhatsApp
From the BBC World Service: Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, the Kremlin confirmed. The app has more than 100 million users in Russia, who have now been cut off from the platform, and the Russian government is pushing users to download Max, Russia's state-owned messaging platform. Then, China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell by 0.3% in 2025, the first full year to show a decline. And, as summers get hotter, Europeans are looking to "coolcation" in colder climes.
Marketplace All-in-One - Crypto’s big growth on the books and in the shadows
Cryptocurrency is being used more frequently in illegal transactions — about $158 billion was used in illicit crypto activity last year. That’s an all-time high, according to a new report from the startup TRM Labs. This comes as the overall crypto ecosystem is growing and, it should be said, legitimate uses of crypto are growing at a faster rate than illegitimate ones. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Ari Redbord, global head of policy at TRM Labs and one of the authors of the new report, to learn more.
Marketplace All-in-One - Help! My dad is dating a scammer!
Reema is joined by Sam Sanders (host of KCRW’s “The Sam Sanders Show”) to answer your questions about money and dating. We’ve got questions about scammers, secret investments, and secondary partners.
If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And if you have a sticky money situation you need advice on, call and leave us a message at 347-RING-TIU or email uncomfortable@marketplace.org
PBS News Hour - World - News Wrap: Canadian police identify mass shooting suspect
In our news wrap Wednesday, Canadian police said the mass shooting suspect who killed eight people was an 18-year-old with a history of mental health issues, investigators in Arizona are widening their search for Nancy Guthrie after releasing a man they had detained for questioning and "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek has died after a battle with cancer. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
PBS News Hour - World - Netanyahu meets with Trump as U.S. restarts talks on Iran’s nuclear program
President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a hastily arranged meeting to discuss renewed talks with Iran over its nuclear program. This week, Trump is emphasizing diplomacy with Iran, and that's worrying Israel. Stephanie Sy examines Israel's demands for the talks and why aggressive Israeli action against Palestinians in the West Bank may cause a rift between the leaders. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
PBS News Hour - World - Mideast experts on what Israel wants from U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions
For perspective on President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Geoff Bennett spoke with two people with extensive experience dealing with Israel and Iran. Dennis Ross played leading roles in the Middle East peace process for both Democratic and Republican administrations, and Alan Eyre had a four-decade career in the U.S. foreign service focusing on the Middle East. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Marketplace All-in-One - Here’s what we learned from the January jobs report
The January jobs report came out Wednesday, and on the surface, it was better than expected. The economy added more jobs than it has in months and the unemployment rate remained stable. But topline numbers don’t tell the whole story. After that: Trump’s immigration policies weigh on the labor market, Iran tensions cause choppy oil prices, and a new law brings whole milk back to school lunch programs.
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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Ask Chicago’s Mayor: February 2026
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Jan. 31 instructing Chicago police to document alleged abuses by federal immigration agents and refer wrongdoers to the Cook County State’s Attorney for prosecution. State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke questioned the order’s legality, calling it “wholly inappropriate,” and Mayor Johnson walked back his order on Tuesday, saying officers would still document alleged misconduct but would not refer cases to the county’s top prosecutor. Mayor Johnson answers questions from listeners and host Sasha-Ann Simons about that and other topics.
For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Marketplace All-in-One - Texas’ energy grid, 5 years after Winter Storm Uri
Five years ago, Winter Storm Uri took out the lights across the Lone Star State. Hundreds of people died, millions of Texans were left without heat, and it cost the state billions. What’s changed since then? Plus, new payroll numbers are higher than expected, and unemployment is slightly down, but revisions to last year’s totals complicate the story. And later, we check out what one of the country’s most environmentally friendly homes looks like 18 years later.