The Journal. - Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus?

An ugly-cute monster has become a global sensation. PopMart, the company behind Labubus, has leveraged blind-box packaging, scarcity and artist collaborations to turn these collectible plushies into a booming business. WSJ's Kaitlin Wang explains the rise of the Labubu and a "Labubu influencer" describes the appeal. Michelle Hackman hosts.


Further Listening:


- How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet’s Favorite Water Bottle

- Mattel Bets Big on Barbie

- Is Supreme Still the King of Streetwear?

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State of the World from NPR - The Story Behind a Famous Photo of a Starving Child in Gaza

A photo of an emaciated child in Gaza has gone viral, with many in Israel claiming it depicts false information. Our producer in Gaza meets the child and his family, we hear about how he is doing now and about the food insecurity many in Gaza are facing.

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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - The History Of Community Activism In Chicago’s Chinatown

There have been many plans for what should happen to the 62-acre site known as the 78 along the Chicago River at Roosevelt and Canal. The latest is a new stadium for the Chicago Fire soccer team. The project promises more affordable housing and economic growth, but some residents of neighboring Chinatown have concerns and are making them heard. Reset sits down with Sarah Tang, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community’s director for programs, Matthew Zhao, Teen Coalition for Chinatown intern, and Debbie Liu, president of Ping Tom Park Advisory Council. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Science In Action - An end to allergic reactions?

As the United States secretary of health and human services, Robert F Kennedy Jr., announces a $500 million cut to mRNA vaccine research in the United States, we hear a statement from the Nobel Prize winning biologist who made mRNA vaccines possible.

A team of scientists from Northwestern University have uncovered the pathway believed to protect some people from allergic reactions (even when they are sensitive to an allergen) and have tested a drug which could protect the most severely allergic. Also this week, satellite data shows that large parts of the Earth are running dangerously low on ground water.

And although people often believe scientific fraud is committed by a few bad actors, a new paper uncovers networks of journals, editors, and authors who are allegedly cooperating to publish fraudulent papers.

Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Ella Hubber and Alex Mansfield Assistant Producer: Minnie Harrop Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth (Image: Allergy testing. Credit: Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

Motley Fool Money - AppLoving, Airbnb, and More Earnings Surprises

Matt Frankel, Tyler Crowe, and Jon Quast discuss:

- AppLovin's strong second quarter

- Why Airbnb fell on strong earnings

- Retail real estate's surprising strength

- What we're watching for next week


Companies discussed: APP, ABNB, SPG, SKT, O, ZG


Host: Matt Frankel

Guests: Tyler Crowe, Jonathan Wilder

Producer: Anand Chokkavelu

Engineer: Dan Boyd


Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.

We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.


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The Bulwark Podcast - Anne Applebaum: What USAID’s Absence Looks Like on the Ground

The United States, through USAID, not only supplied a big chunk of the world's humanitarian aid, it also provided almost all of the logistical support for other aid organizations to deliver relief as well. Now in Sudan, where the state has disintegrated and millions of people are trying to flee anarchy and civil war, virtually no Western organization is there to provide food and shelter. And no American is working on trying to end the conflict. Plus, Tim Cook joins the CEO suck-up to Trump, a top, well-regarded FBI official who was trying to hold the line under Kash has been pushed out, and Putin may be trying to pause Ukraine's punishing air war on Russia—but he's not showing any sign that he wants peace.

Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.
show notes


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Marketplace All-in-One - Are we in a K-shaped job market?

Remember the K-shaped economy? It’s the idea that the American economy recovered unevenly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week’s bombshell jobs report showed a similar pattern in the labor market, where certain sectors are booming, while others are falling behind. We’ll explain. And, we’ll unpack President Trump’s threats for a 100% tariff on semiconductors and the gap between what workers and employers want out of AI on the job. Plus, we’ll celebrate a listener’s career win!


Here’s everything we talked about today:




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