Marketplace All-in-One

Henry Epp, a healthcare and pharmaceutical policy reporter, discusses a groundbreaking 71% discount on diabetes and obesity drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, soon to significantly lower costs for Medicare recipients. Harshon Rattenpaul, a field reporter, delves into innovative bidding systems for food donations, revealing how a points-based market helps food banks prioritize what they need most. Both guests highlight the intricate balance of negotiation in healthcare and food security.

Discover how Alibaba's cloud computing revenue surged by 34%, fueled by booming AI product sales. In energy news, Iran's new policy aims to slash gas subsidies, putting more pressure on consumers. Meanwhile, India is racing to secure Russian oil amid looming U.S. deadlines. International medical students are increasingly flocking to Bulgaria for affordable education, despite warnings of a looming healthcare workforce drain. Plus, a quirky story about a German parking inspector embroiled in a million-euro embezzlement case wraps up the discussion.

Elizabeth Troval, a Marketplace reporter, delves into the challenges faced by Houston’s refugee farmers due to lost USDA funding, highlighting community efforts to support them. Dylan Mietinen, a digital producer, shares the whimsical history of Jell-O, exploring its rise as an affordable treat and its role during economic hardships. The discussion also touches on modern food insecurity, with budget-friendly recipes aimed at helping families navigate cooking amidst rising ingredient costs and busy holiday schedules.

Hannah Quay-de la Vallee, a Senior Technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology, coauthored a report on transparency in AI education technologies. She discusses how AI is increasingly used in classrooms and the potential risks it poses, including privacy violations and inequitable treatment. Hannah emphasizes the need for a transparency rubric for vendors, focusing on data governance and success metrics. She encourages schools to evaluate these tools carefully, highlighting the importance of context and ongoing monitoring in educational settings.

Jessica Rett, a linguist at UCLA, delves into the term 'affordability,' highlighting its subjective nature compared to the broader term 'economy.' Kristen Schwab discusses recent retail sales trends, noting consumer fatigue ahead of the holidays. Abdullah Al-Burrani, an economist, emphasizes the rising costs of essentials like groceries and housing, contrasting them with stagnant incomes. Together, they tackle how personal experiences shape perceptions of affordability, making it a crucial yet elusive economic issue.

Dustin Gouker, a gambling industry writer and analyst, dives into the booming world of online sports betting and the disruption caused by prediction markets. He explains how companies like FanDuel and DraftKings are adapting to this shift. Gouker contrasts traditional sportsbooks with prediction markets, highlights ongoing legal battles, and discusses the mixed reactions from sports leagues. With betting now at our fingertips, he raises concerns about youth access and the integrity of this evolving industry.

In this insightful discussion, retiree James from Durham, North Carolina, shares his firsthand experience living on $1,200 monthly from Social Security. He highlights the stark reality faced by many retirees, with medical and housing costs continually rising. James reveals that even with Social Security, living comfortably is a challenge, pushing many older adults close to the poverty line. The talk also touches on national poverty statistics, illustrating the broader struggles of seniors in America.

Kimberly Adams is a Marketplace reporter who investigates holiday food prices, while Samantha Fields delves into rising Affordable Care Act premiums. They explore conflicting narratives around Thanksgiving food costs, examining how menu choices impact budgets. Fields highlights family stories about dramatic premium increases and discusses the ripple effects of expiring subsidies. As insurers brace for a sicker risk pool, the duo sheds light on how families might adjust their holiday plans and healthcare choices in response to rising costs.

In this gripping discussion, Nick Marsh, a BBC reporter in Singapore, delves into the lawsuit against Binance, alleging it enabled terrorist groups to move $1 billion. He reveals that over 300 plaintiffs accuse Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao of complicity with groups like Hamas. Marsh also explores post-attack fund transfers, Zhao's prior legal troubles linked to a money-laundering case, and the political ramifications of his pardon by Trump. Additionally, he touches on broader issues like the risks to Europe’s undersea cables.

Denice Ross, a senior advisor at the Federation of American Scientists and former U.S. chief data scientist, discusses the alarming loss of vital federal datasets during the Trump administration. She reveals how crucial data on climate, health, and demographics disappeared, impacting both research and community decision-making. Ross highlights specific examples such as the removal of EPA's EJ Screen and the cancellation of the HIGH-FILD dataset. She warns that while private entities can assist, they can't fully replace the comprehensive and irreplaceable nature of federal data.