A major fight is brewing over who has the right to regulate prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. In a brief in a Nevada court case, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission argued it should regulate prediction markets, but states say the platforms should follow state gambling laws. Later in the episode, we unpack departure plans for the European Central Bank's president and hear why geopolitics are making Sweden rethink its decision to not adopt the euro.
Marketplace All-in-One - Where’s the AI productivity jump?
Though most companies are incorporating generative AI into their workflows, it doesn’t seem to be boosting output just yet. A survey of almost 6,000 companies found that AI hasn’t made waves in productivity or employment for most. Plus, we hear why fewer students are enrolling in computer science classes and majors. And later in the program, tariff-induced price uncertainty is hitting one Portland-based construction firm hard.
Marketplace All-in-One - Japan posts strong export numbers
From the BBC World Service: Japan’s export figures were the strongest in three years, climbing 16.8% year over year in January. The data sharply beat market expectations. Plus, the German drugs giant Bayer is offering to pay more than $10 billion to settle claims over the weedkiller Roundup. And, European commercial flights have resumed to Venezuela for the first time since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.
Marketplace All-in-One - Can software companies survive the AI boom?
As artificial intelligence companies roll out more sophisticated agents, many analysts and investors raised concerns that AI could replace traditional software. Some are dubbing this the “SaaSpocolypse.”
New AI tools allow users to “vibe code,” or describe what you’d like to create in plain language and have the AI generate the code for you. This could make some software easier for companies to create themselves.
Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, a technology research firm, to learn more.
PBS News Hour - World - News Wrap: U.S. says progress made in indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program
In our news wrap Tuesday, Geneva hosted rounds of high-level talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine and limiting Iran's nuclear program, repair work is underway to fix a sewer line on the Potomac River as a political battle is raging over a sewage spill and a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore a slavery-related exhibit at George Washington's former home in Philadelphia. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Marketplace All-in-One - Why would the Fed loosen mortgage regulations?
After the 2008 housing market crash, new rules required banks hold capital reserves proportional to the home loans they issued. In response, banks issued fewer mortgages and non-banks filled in the gap. Easing those rules — which the Fed is considering — could make it a bit easier for Americans to get a mortgage. Also in this episode: Vaccine research and development suffers under federal funding cuts, home builders give industry sentiment updates, and physical media sees a comeback.
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.
PBS News Hour - World - Ukrainians face brutal cold without heat after Russian attacks on energy grid
Russia launched nearly 400 drones and 29 missiles at Ukraine overnight. During the war that will enter its fifth year next week, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving millions there without heat or electricity for weeks at a time. Producer and videographer Amanda Bailly and Nick Schifrin report on the residents of Kyiv facing record-setting cold while under fire. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Marketplace All-in-One - Medical providers grapple with Trump’s attempts to end gender-affirming care for minors
In December, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new rule that would ban hospitals from receiving any Medicare and Medicaid funding if they offer gender-affirming care for minors. Today, Kimberly checks in with Marketplace’s Samantha Fields to hear about her reporting on how this is affecting health care providers across the country. Plus, we’ll get into how the proposed rule fits into a larger wave of restrictions on transgender health care, years in the making.
In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicago Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies At 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson’s story in Chicago begins in the 1960s when he moved to the city to study at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Not long after his move, he met Martin Luther King Jr. and asked him for a job at the Chicago chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Operation Breadbasket.
Since then, Rev. Jesse Jackson became a symbol for the Civil Rights Movement, Black politics and Black America.
Rev. Jackson died on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the age of 84.
In the Loop looks back at the life and impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson on civil rights, politics, the nation and Chicago with Rev. Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ and Natalie Moore, senior lecturer, Northwestern Medill School and Chicago Sun-Times
columnist.
For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Marketplace All-in-One - Why gas prices are on their way down
Inflation is gradually moderating. For some consumer goods, like gasoline, prices are outright declining. Gas prices are down 7.5% since last January, according to AAA. The reason has to do with basic economic principles. Also on the program: We discuss a nicely balanced economy (for now) and — from "Building Tomorrow," a collaboration by Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour — hear about a clear, step-by-step "almost paint-by-numbers" approach to address the housing affordability crisis.