Category: 4-FrequentNewsStreams

Healthcare costs are climbing for many Americans as enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits roll back, raising premiums for middle-income households unless Congress intervenes. In this vacuum, we look at a major new federal investment aimed at expanding healthcare access in rural communities. Plus, U.S. travel is sending mixed signals this year — domestic travel is booming, but fewer international visitors are visiting the States, and that shift is being felt by America’s museums.

From the BBC World Service: Iranian authorities say at least seven people were killed in protests on Thursday, the fifth day of demonstrations against the government's economic policies. Plus, the U.S. Department of Commerce will reduce controversial anti-dumping tariffs on some Italian pasta brands, which were accused of selling their products in the U.S. at artificially low prices. And we look at one profession that has become a casualty of the digital age — the film critic.

The digital detox economy is estimated to grow to $20 billion by 2032. The gamification that got you addicted to your phone might be the key to putting it down.

Around 40 people are dead and more than 100 are injured after a fire tore through a bar in the Swiss mountain ski town of Crans-Montana. The cause of the fire is still under investigation as the Swiss face a devastating scene. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office and pledged to govern 'expansively and audaciously', protests in Iran turned fatal with at least six people killed, Russia claims a Ukrainian drone strike killed 24 people in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine's Kherson region and millions of Americans are facing higher health care costs after ACA credits expired overnight. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In the last two years, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek traversed the Chinese countryside, marched along the Korean Demilitarized Zone and fended off grizzly bears in Alaska. Now, his expedition from Africa to the tip of South America crosses into the Western Hemisphere. Stephanie Sy reports on Salopek's adventures to date. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The winter holiday season is a key time for nonprofit fundraising — an estimated 30% of annual giving happens in December. But in 2025, highly publicized federal cuts resulted in an individual giving boost throughout the year. In this episode, some nonprofits worry demand will soon outgrow those private donations. Plus: Latino immigrants say deportation fears are reminiscent of the Covid-19 lockdown, communities fight to buy back private utilities, and “This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais gives tips for sticking to financial New Year’s resolutions.

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Hey smarties! Happy New Year. We’re taking a short break for the holidays. In the meantime, we’re sharing an episode from our friends over at “This Is Uncomfortable.” Reema Khrais and the team are getting ready to relaunch the show on Jan. 15. Stay tuned for new episodes!

When newlyweds Chantal and Travis Lisback started searching for their dream home in Seattle, they weren’t entirely on the same page. Chantal was eager to settle down as soon as possible, while Travis was more comfortable waiting a few years. As the search dragged on, what began as a shared dream started to feel more like a standoff. 

This week, a story about how a big life decision can bring to light the money and communication issues you didn’t know were there. Plus, later in the episode, Chantal and Travis sit down with financial therapist Aja Evans to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface, and how to approach money fights with more care and intention. 

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Gas prices hit their lowest level for a December since 2020, according to AAA, thanks largely to a global oil glut that pushed crude prices down about 20% last year. We look at whether cheaper fuel is likely to stick around in 2025. Plus, a new business in New York City doubles as a museum celebrating the history and cultural impact of the photo booth. And we examine how the expiration of federal tax credits is reshaping the electric vehicle market after a rocky year.

Minimum wages are rising in 19 states today, giving millions of workers a pay bump as the new year begins. We break down where wages are increasing and what’s driving those changes. Plus, only about 20% of recyclable household waste actually gets recycled. We explore how AI may be changing the economics of recycling.