Planet Money The Rest of the Story, 2025
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Dec 26, 2025 
This week, Sarah Gonzalez, a Planet Money reporter known for her insightful coverage of international issues, dives into the ongoing situation in Gaza. She shares how cash shortages persist, while food availability has improved post-ceasefire. Sarah also touches on significant individual stories, shedding light on the resilience of those affected by the conflict. Additionally, listeners get updates on intriguing stories like a safer saw innovation and the evolving world of subscriptions in the digital age.
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Subscription Economy's Growth And Regulatory Push
- The subscription model expanded from software to nearly every consumer category, fueling oversubscription and cancellation friction.
- Regulatory attempts like the FTC's Click to Cancel aimed to equalize sign-up and cancellation ease but face legal and political hurdles.
Rocket Money's Ironic Pivot
- Haroon Mokhtarzada and his brothers built Rocket Money to help people track and cancel subscriptions.
- They ironically pivoted to charging a subscription and later sold the company for over a billion dollars.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Undercut Retail Prices
- Lab-grown diamonds have wholesale costs far below retail, pressuring traditional pricing.
- Retail prices for comparable lab-grown stones have fallen but still lag manufacturing costs.