Marketplace Morning Report

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, provides keen insights into the disappointing December jobs report, revealing only 50,000 new positions created. She discusses how the declining unemployment rate can hide deeper labor market issues, including low workforce participation and stress among workers. The conversation also touches on the emotional recovery of LA fire survivors, sharing poignant stories of cherished items lost and found, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.

Residents in Altadena face challenges as they strive to rebuild fire-resistant homes, confronting issues like cost and material availability. The podcast explores the outdated one-by-one construction methods still widely used. It also highlights innovative cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels that promise faster builds and resilience against fires. Discussions include the potential for lower carbon footprints and the positive impact on forest health. However, obstacles persist, including financial constraints and cultural resistance to new building techniques.

G.R. Gahl, a reporter with the BBC Persian service, provides insightful analysis of the ongoing protests in Iran, discussing the economic grievances driving demonstrators and the government's drastic internet shutdown. Nick Marsh, a BBC journalist specializing in food issues, delves into the significant expansion of Nestlé's infant formula recall, exploring the contamination risks and the potential fallout for the company. Together, they highlight pressing global issues and their far-reaching implications.

Pauline Gray, a retired neonatal nurse and Altadena homeowner, shares her journey of rebuilding after California's devastating fires. She details her property loss and financial strategies for recovery. Joining her is Kristen Schwab, a Marketplace reporter, who dives into the controversial use of biometric surveillance in grocery stores like Wegmans. They discuss how retailers harness technology to track shoppers and the concerning privacy risks, including bias in facial recognition and limited options for customers to opt-out.

Ellen, a local resident and block captain, dives into the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, discussing the challenges faced by neighbors with homes still standing. She raises alarming concerns about toxic smoke and the hidden dangers of contamination, sharing shocking lab results that revealed heavy metals and asbestos. Insurance companies come under fire for denying claims based on inadequate assessments, pushing homeowners to pay out of pocket for necessary remediation. Ellen's insights highlight the ongoing struggle for safety and support in the wake of disaster.

From the BBC World Service: After a rocky 2025, many analysts expect a similarly unsettled 2026. Plus, a new study indicates faster weight gain after quitting GLP-1 drugs, and X has failed to meet a deadline to address explicit content generated by its AI chatbot Grok.

In this insightful discussion, neighbors Louis and Erica provide heartfelt accounts of their experiences following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Altadena. Louis shares the emotional turmoil of escaping the flames and the complexities of rebuilding, which were further complicated by family changes. Meanwhile, Erica reveals her strategy for a fast rebuild, hiring a contractor and navigating permits—an often frustrating process. Both families reflect on community support, financial impacts, and the difficult choices faced in their recovery journeys.

A survey released in the fall finds that most people displaced by the Southern California wildfires a year ago are still living in temporary housing. Since so few homes have been rebuilt, how are people paying for shelter? Today, we'll hear how survivors have organized to demand accountability and the resources needed. Plus, a semiconductor chip shortage echoes the great supply chain crisis of 2020, but this time it's driven by AI.

Itica de Jong, an aviation reporter for De Telegraaf, discusses the chaos at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, with over 700 flights canceled due to severe weather and de-icing fluid shortages. She highlights the challenges faced by KLM and the extensive logistics of returning stranded passengers. Joe Leahy, the Beijing correspondent for the Financial Times, explores the geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. actions on Venezuelan oil and how it affects China's energy strategies, raising alarms about potential economic fallout.

Dustin Kunkel, a father of two and solar-panel business worker, shares his personal journey after losing his home in the Eaton Fire. He discusses the daunting task of interviewing 30 contractors to find the right fit for rebuilding. Kunkel reveals the stark reality of contractor enthusiasm that often fizzled out and the bitter economics of bids that have risen sharply post-fire. He also highlights the current market disparities affecting rebuilding projects in Los Angeles County, painting a vivid picture of resilience amid recovery.