Marketplace

An estimated 50,000 civil service jobs were slated to become political appointments under a Trump-era executive order. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, there’s a chance he’ll reinstate it, leading to the biggest federal workforce shakeup in nearly 150 years. Also in this episode: A new resource for farmers market pricing and the key to sustainable wage growth.

Consumer spending has been strong since the post-pandemic-crash economy got back on its feet, and it continues to prop up GDP. But too much spending, as well as too little, could mess with the Federal Reserve’s goals of stable prices and maximum employment. Also in this episode: WNBA players want a contract to match their popularity and brand power, wage growth stays ahead of inflation and farmers are having a down year.

Solar panels are key in the transition to cleaner energy. But despite oodles of federal investment, there are still obstacles in the way of the U.S. manufacturing industry. Also in this episode: Home price increases slow, “The Diplomat” showrunner aims for authenticity, and the Fed’s next move.

If Donald Trump is reelected president, the Federal Reserve’s political independence would go “right out the window,” Alan Blinder, a former Fed vice chairman, told us. In this special episode, economists weigh in on the importance of Fed autonomy in policymaking, and what political interference — something Trump is threatening — could mean for the global economy.

Tupperware, the once-innovative plastic container brand, filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago. Other companies still sell via party, but Tupperware pioneered the model. What happened? Also in this episode: Gummy candy overtakes chocolate in the Halloween sales race, and a family trip overseas inspires a claw machine arcade business in Colorado.

Machinists who have been on strike against Boeing for over a month just rejected a second contract. A major sticking point? Pensions, which the company suspended 10 years ago, in favor of 401(k) contributions. In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of each. Plus: Colorado’s oldest business will become a co-op, a tight housing market means fixer-uppers are cool again and recent hurricanes test the catastrophe bond market.

In 2022, over half of adult Gen Zers spent at least 30% of their income on rent. They’ve got it slightly better than millennials did 10 years prior, but not by much. In this episode, how being “rent burdened” could affect young people down the line. Plus: The Federal Reserve turns its attention to the job market, more stadiums introduce facial recognition software and fewer kids went straight from high school to college this year.

It’s been nearly a year since the United Auto Workers ended its strike against General Motors, and the automaker has defied expectations with strong third-quarter earnings. Why is GM doing so well when other carmakers are struggling? Plus: Quebec is using a pension fund to build a light-rail system, and “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal plays U.S. president in a climate war game with two Department of Defense retirees.

Half a century has passed since the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was enacted, guaranteeing women equal access to credit. In this episode, we look back on gender-based credit discrimination and discuss other forms of lending bias that still exist today. Plus: What’s at stake for Boeing as machinists vote on a tentative contract, the tipped minimum wage is on the ballot and the value of the U.S. dollar goes under the microscope during corporate earnings season.

Dozens of people wait in line at the U.S. consulate in Shanghai in hopes of scoring a visa. One worry on their minds? Whether the outcome of the U.S. presidential election will ease tensions between the two nations or heat them up. Plus, why builders are breaking ground on more single-family homes and fewer apartment complexes, and how mobile homes became an integral part of the American housing stock.

Recent surveys have found that uncertainty surrounding the presidential election is impacting consumer’s outlook on the economy. Why are people feeling this way despite strong spending numbers and the recent interest rate cut? Also in this episode: Asheville businesses cope with water scarcity, oil markets are in “backwardation,” and clothing resale platforms struggle to turn a profit.

An estimated 13 million older adults are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Fewer than 4 million are registered. SNAP benefits can be a lifeline for food-insecure Americans, but they’ve got to apply. Plus, mortgage rates are up, and the European Central Bank is expected to cut rates again.

Walgreens plans to close about 14% of its national footprint in the next three years, making it the third major drugstore chain in the past year to signal it’s struggling. In this episode: Why have drugstores become a tricky business model, and what happens when communities lose a pharmacy? Plus: Electric vehicle adoption grows but Americans are still cautious, an inventory data point helps indicate where the economy’s headed, and some family foster agencies are scrambling after their biggest insurer in California pulls out of the market.

JPMorgan Chase and other major banks are setting aside extra cash in anticipation of an uptick in bad loans. Lending always comes with some risk, but right now, banks are worried about a few specific types of debt. Also in this episode: Some discouraged job seekers aren’t included in the official unemployment tally, OPEC downgrades its demand forecast — again, and Russian bots take over online poker games.

As Election Day grows closer, economic-minded voters wanna know: How much do Harris and Trump plan on adding to the national debt? The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reviewed the campaign promises of both candidates and predicted a spending range for each. In this episode, will Trump or Harris dig a deeper debt hole — and why should voters care? Plus, thousands in North Carolina are still without power, and why a mining company is paying billions for a lithium firm when the metal’s prices are down.

Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, counts himself as a data dog. It’s a name for economic policymakers who take the long view and are usually game to wait for more numbers. Goolsbee spoke with “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal about his voracious appetite for information and what he calls “the hardest thing that a central bank has to do.” Plus: Sports ticket prices are up 10% in the last year, and California requires retailers to help fund textile recycling.

As the Southeast assesses Hurricane Helene’s damage, Milton barrels toward Florida’s west coast. The proximity of the storms will make it harder for homeowners and insurers to estimate each one’s impact — and likely drive up recovery costs. Also in this episode: Corporate bonds shine after the Fed’s rate cut, the mortgage rate honeymoon is over and Nebraska’s elections attract major campaign spending — along with some odd yard signs.

Natural disaster recovery is often expensive, but this season is shaping up to be particularly costly and painful. The Southeast is reeling from Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton is expected to inflict more damage starting tomorrow night. Disaster preparedness can reduce the economic burden of recovery, but not all localities can afford to be prepared. Also in this episode: The Fed’s interest rate cut raised business owners’ optimism and China invites more young Americans to visit.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, firms have taken some unprecedented measures to balance out the effects of lockdown, inflation and supply chain backups, leaving some economic predictors sorta … off. How can forecasters do their jobs when so many economic patterns have changed? Also in this episode: The Author’s Guild announces an anti-AI marketing strategy, consumer credit climbs, and for some agents, the National Association of Realtors settlement was the last straw.

It’s a cautionary tale: Boeing was known for its reliably constructed aircraft. But when outsourcing for the sake of the bottom line went too far, product quality — and Boeing’s reputation — diminished. In this episode, the delicate balance of profit and perfection. Plus, the specialty contracting sector adds tons of jobs and an outdoor sleepaway camp in Wyoming combats brain drain.