Marketplace Business News

01/11/2026

Alexandra Petri at The Atlantic spent five months attempting to do federal work targeted for cuts — including forecasting the weather, mowing the lawn at national parks, and collecting price data for eggs.

Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal spoke with Petri about her experiment.

Alexandra Petri at The Atlantic spent five months attempting to do federal work targeted for cuts — including forecasting the weather and collecting price data.

01/11/2026

Survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires saved everything from stuffed animals to bricks. But they also lost a lot.

A group of high school journalists interviewed those in wildfire-ravaged communities, asking them about objects lost and objects found.

A team of high schoolers interviewed fire survivors in Southern California. Survivors remember what they lost and what they managed to save.

01/11/2026

The LA fires took everything from Pauline Gray one year ago. Despite this, Gray is feeling positive about the new year.

Our own David Brancaccio spoke with Gray about what lies ahead.

Pauline Gray’s house burned down in the LA fires. She lost everything. But she’s a planner — and determined to stay positive through the rebuilding process.

01/10/2026

Despite being landlocked, surfers and kayakers are flocking to Boise, Idaho.

The city’s artificial whitewater waves built into its river have transformed the local economy, and other communities are following suit.

These “perfect waves” attract kayakers, river surfers, and plenty of visitors.

01/10/2026

You might think that winemakers would turn their noses up at the idea of selling at a discount retailer. But in Napa Valley, wine enthusiasts are hunting for discounted gems at their local Costco.

Lower demand has winemakers turning to Costco to get their bottles in front of customers — at a discount.

01/10/2026

A year after the Eaton fire completely destroyed his business, Jimmy Orlandini is still waiting for his building to be rebuilt.
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​​He spoke with Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal in front of where his Altadena Hardware once stood.

Almost a year after the Eaton fire destroyed his business, Jimmy Orlandini of Altadena Hardware is still looking for a temporary location to move into before his building can be rebuilt.

01/10/2026

A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.

A cloudy outlook for consumer demand is causing many business owners to limit their growth plans out of caution. But keeping growth in check can have upsides.

01/10/2026

Why is the long-term unemployed rate climbing? Plus: AI agriculture, hurricane recovery, and tempered growth expectations.

Today on Marketplace.

Why the long-term unemployed rate is climbing. Plus: AI agriculture, hurricane recovery, and tempered growth expectations.

01/09/2026

The Labor Department productivity report showed productivity increased 4.9% in the third quarter. It’s the quickest growth in two years.

So why does the labor market remain stalled?

The Labor Department’s shutdown-delayed report shows third quarter productivity grew at the fastest pace in two years — a 4.9% annualized gain.

01/09/2026

When it comes to rebuilt homes getting insurance, part of the equation is how fire-resilient they are. But there are hurdles to making a home more fire-hardy.

01/09/2026

It's that time again! Did Marketplace make you smarter this week? Take our news quiz to find out.👇

Every week, the Marketplace news quiz brings you a fresh set of questions about the economy — from the quirky to the wonky. Whether you’re a news ju**ie, a casual scroller or just love a little trivia with your morning coffee, the quiz is a fast, fun wa...

01/09/2026

In New York City, 3- and 4-year-old children can already go to preschool for free.

Now, that program is expanding.

Two year-olds in “high-need” areas will be the first to benefit from free child care that older preschoolers already receive.