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.
Marketplace All-in-One - How will the global economy fare in 2026?
From the BBC World Service: The past 12 months have brought lots of turbulence to global economies, from fast-changing U.S. tariff policies to the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence. As we ring in the new year, what might 2026 hold? Plus, billions of dollars have poured into AI development, but there are increasing concerns about a market bubble. What are the chances it will burst?
Marketplace All-in-One - A tech company that ‘happens to build homes’
When it comes to homebuilding, Ronda Conger, vice president of CBH Homes, wants to be like the Savannah Bananas.
“We are out there trying to do things so differently,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons we embraced AI so quickly.”
But there are growing fears that artificial intelligence will begin to replace human employees. For Conger’s team, the bots are doing the grunt work, so the real humans can shine.
PBS News Hour - World - Trump signals Russia blocking path to peace as CIA rejects Putin’s drone attack claim
The CIA has assessed that Ukraine was not targeting a residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent drone attack, a claim that Putin told President Trump, and that Trump seemed to accept. Trump now suggests that he agrees with European leaders that it's Russia blocking the path to a peace agreement. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Angela Stent. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
PBS News Hour - World - Onboard an expedition to study a massive, melting glacier in Antarctica
Some call it the 'Doomsday Glacier,' a vast expanse of Antarctic ice roughly the size of Florida. As temperatures rise, the Thwaites Glacier is melting fast and threatens to raise global sea levels. That's why a team of nearly 40 researchers is embarking on a two-month journey to study it. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien is with the expedition and reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
PBS News Hour - World - Azerbaijan-Armenia peace plan hinges on narrow strip of land along Iran border
President Trump has claimed to have solved eight conflicts since he began his second term. One of those is between Azerbaijan and Armenia, rivals since the collapse of the USSR, whose leaders met with Trump in the Oval Office this summer. Special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky and producer Katia Patin travelled to the Armenian border with Iran to assess whether that agreement could lead to peace. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Marketplace All-in-One - What’s next for the job market in 2026
Total jobless claims fell last week, which is the second-lowest reading in the last two years. Experts, though, say it’s likely a seasonal blip — especially since the labor market has been slowing all year. In this episode, what might be ahead in 2026. Plus: Los Angeles expands rent control, influencers change the consumer economy with “shopaganda,” and tribute bands get a moment in the spotlight.
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Marketplace All-in-One - Skyrocketing health insurance premiums for millions after today
Enhanced subsidies for health insurance policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are set to expire at the end of today. That means skyrocketing premiums for some Obamacare enrollees. Premiums are expected to more than double, according to the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, and some healthier people are expected to drop their insurance. Plus, 2025 was the year that generative AI exploded, divided, and created trust issues. We'll take a look back.
Marketplace All-in-One - An unwelcome surprise for some student loan borrowers
People who are in default on their federal student loans could start seeing their wages garnished in the new year. Next week, the Department of Education plans to start sending out letters to borrowers who have missed at least nine months of payments, letting them know the government will begin taking 15% from their paychecks. Also, the U.S. Mint pressed the final batch of pennies last month. We examine the penny's 232-year run.
Marketplace All-in-One - A gig worker strike threatens New Year’s Eve deliveries in India
From the BBC World Service: Tens of thousands of app-based delivery workers in India are holding a day-long strike that is likely to impact food delivery services on the final day of the year. They're demanding better wages and improvements in safety conditions, among other things. We hear more. Then, a British company says it's a step closer to manufacturing materials in space, and we look at the role of AI over the past year.