
Warren Buffett steps down, ending an era at Berkshire
2026/1/02 | 9 mins.
Greg Abel has officially taken the reins at Berkshire Hathaway, stepping into the role long held by the titan of value investing, Warren Buffett. We look at what Abel’s leadership could mean for an empire that touches everything from energy to insurance. Plus, stocks had a strong year, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting double-digit gains, but the job market tells a very different story. And do professional movie critics still matter in an age of Reddit threads and Letterboxd reviews?

Amid wide healthcare cuts, a bright spot for rural hospitals
2026/1/02 | 6 mins.
Healthcare costs are climbing for many Americans as enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits roll back, raising premiums for middle-income households unless Congress intervenes. In this vacuum, we look at a major new federal investment aimed at expanding healthcare access in rural communities. Plus, U.S. travel is sending mixed signals this year — domestic travel is booming, but fewer international visitors are visiting the States, and that shift is being felt by America’s museums.

Protests continue in Iran over economic policies
2026/1/02 | 7 mins.
From the BBC World Service: Iranian authorities say at least seven people were killed in protests on Thursday, the fifth day of demonstrations against the government's economic policies. Plus, the U.S. Department of Commerce will reduce controversial anti-dumping tariffs on some Italian pasta brands, which were accused of selling their products in the U.S. at artificially low prices. And we look at one profession that has become a casualty of the digital age — the film critic.

Trying to stay off your phone? There’s an app for that
2026/1/02 | 4 mins.
The digital detox economy is estimated to grow to $20 billion by 2032. The gamification that got you addicted to your phone might be the key to putting it down.

The year in charitable giving
2026/1/01 | 26 mins.
The winter holiday season is a key time for nonprofit fundraising — an estimated 30% of annual giving happens in December. But in 2025, highly publicized federal cuts resulted in an individual giving boost throughout the year. In this episode, some nonprofits worry demand will soon outgrow those private donations. Plus: Latino immigrants say deportation fears are reminiscent of the Covid-19 lockdown, communities fight to buy back private utilities, and “This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais gives tips for sticking to financial New Year’s resolutions.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.



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