Nova Safo

Nova Safo, a Marketplace reporter focusing on immigration and workforce issues, dives into the impact of the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee on rural health care staffing. This fee exacerbates existing shortages in essential health workers, halting critical hires in struggling hospitals. The conversation highlights how rural areas face intensified pressure, risking the availability of medical care. Additionally, insights on a Bitcoin downturn, Panera's sales slump, and the EV market's resilience enrich the discussion.

Nova Safo, a Marketplace journalist specializing in policy and economics, discusses a federal court ruling restoring millions in Homeland Security grants to various states after a controversial funding freeze. Meanwhile, Charles Dennis, executive director at Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland, highlights the looming challenges local food banks face as SNAP changes threaten food access. He emphasizes the surge in demand for assistance and the importance of community support during tough times.

Join Nova Saffo, a Marketplace reporter specializing in consumer travel economics, and Mitchell Hartman, a fellow reporter focusing on AI in retail, as they delve into the complexities of holiday travel. The duo reports on AAA's forecast of 122 million travelers, revealing lower gas prices but rising costs for hotels and flights. They also explore how AI is revolutionizing holiday shopping, sharing Hartman's humorous experiment with ChatGPT to find the perfect gift, while discussing the potential pitfalls of AI recommendations favoring larger retailers.

Nova Safo, a journalist covering labor market trends for Marketplace, dives into the changing job landscape as we head into 2026. With hiring slowing post-COVID, Safo discusses key factors like immigration limits and retiring baby boomers affecting the workforce. Insights reveal a forecast of a 'low-hire, low-fire' environment, while potential tax and rate cuts in 2025 could encourage hiring later on. The uncertain impact of AI on jobs, especially for entry-level roles, adds another layer of complexity to future employment.

Nova Safo, a Marketplace reporter skilled in corporate governance, dives into the intricacies of recent legislation that reopened the U.S. government. He breaks down the implications of proposed limits on proxy advisory firms, discussing their influential role in corporate voting and potential risks of undermining shareholder participation. The conversation also touches on Canada’s ambitions to become an energy superpower, exploring local economic benefits and environmental concerns linked to escalating LNG exports. It's a vibrant discussion balancing politics and corporate governance.