New research shows that not only are back-to-the-office mandates unpopular with employees, they lead to more turnover and chase away the employees with the most skills. We’ll delve into the findings. Plus: when a job is quite literally a…
Here in the United States, a partial government shutdown looms after the House of Representatives voted down a Trump-backed temporary spending package. We’ll parse some of the practical implications. Then, we’ll hear about some of the…
From the BBC World Service: An investigation has exposed how Vietnamese migrants in the United Kingdom are working illegally in nail bars to avoid detection. The U.K. government says it’s ramped up raids since July, with fines for…
Stock and bond markets took unnerving tumbles yesterday when the Federal Reserve Chair suggested there won’t be as many interest rate cuts next year. The S&P fell 3% and the Dow fell more than 1,100 points. We could also get a partial…
From the BBC World Service: A new report from the European Central Bank and the European Union’s insurance regulator calls for a big shake-up in Europe’s climate insurance system. It’s planning for a new EU-wide insurance plan that would…
A deal to keep the government funded through the holidays and into the new administration has run into opposition. President-elect Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk are urging Republicans in Congress to vote down a government funding…
Something a tad nontraditional on the wishlist of more children this year? Skin care products. This $180 billion industry has caught the attention of young people born 2010 onward (even if they already have a naturally youthful look). Now,…
Even though inflation has come down from its pandemic highs, some of it is still sticking. Yet average pay has been keeping up with — and even outpacing — rising prices. Turns out, low- and middle-income workers have been making up some…
From the BBC World Service: A potential merger of two of Japan’s largest carmakers could be in the cards; Nissan and Honda have said they’re “exploring various possibilities for future collaboration.” Also on the show: The global skincare…
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed at a news conference on Monday that he is “looking at” the idea of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service. That comes as the USPS ended its last fiscal year with a net loss of $9.5 billion. On this…
Most people like their health insurance. That may come as a surprise after jokes and vitriol over the American health care system flooded social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing. But those who don’t like their…
From the BBC World Service: The rebels running Syria are assuring the country’s business community that they will embrace a free market economy and push to reconnect with global markets. A judge in Brazil has ordered Adele’s record labels…
A fresh poll of academic economists finds more think interest rates will stay higher for longer, given the resilient job market and some of the policies promised by president-elect Donald Trump. Economist Julia Coronado’s team at…
New data from the real estate firm CBRE shows that the average monthly mortgage payment for those buying a home today is about 75% higher than in 2019. Nationally, new monthly mortgage payments are now about 35% more than renting. We’ll…
From the BBC World Service: The $4.5 billion takeover of the 500-year-old British institution by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group has been given the go-ahead. We dig in to the latest. Plus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a crucial vote of…
Following last week’s killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s insurance arm, the head of UnitedHealth Group has written an opinion piece acknowledging the flaws of — and need to fix — present American health care.…
This week, another 1,000 Amazon workers decided to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at an air freight operation in San Bernardino, California. But Amazon does not readily come to the bargaining table and works hard to resist…
From the BBC World Service: Mark Rutte, the head of the Western military alliance NATO, has said member countries must spend more on defense and shouldn’t underestimate the capabilities of Vladimir Putin. Then, labor unions in South Korea…
Prescriptions for Wegovy have doubled and prescriptions for Zepbound have tripled in the past year, according to a recent report from GoodRx, a company that searches for deals on medicines. Weight loss drugs are pricey though, and…
New proposed legislation would make it illegal for one company to own both a pharmacy and a pharmacy-benefit management company. A PBM helps health insurers manage their prescription drug benefits and negotiates prices and rebates; CVS has…
From the BBC World Service: Australia is bringing in new rules to force major tech companies to pay media outlets for news that’s republished on their sites. Then, Mexico has become the latest country to ban electronic cigarettes,…
Just hours after a federal court blocked Albertsons plan to merge with rival Kroger, Albertsons has backed out of the deal and is filing a lawsuit. It would have been a $25 billion merger, which the Federal Trade Commission viewed as…
40% of Americans say they bet on sports through casinos or apps. Americans are projected to bet $150 billion on sports this year — that’s more than the entire annual budget of the state of New York. Today, we’ll consider what’s behind…
From the BBC World Service: Coffee has hit their highest prices ever, with Arabica beans jumping by 80% this year alone. So will the prices filter through to your morning cup? Then, South Korea’s president has refused to step down despite…
Tension over tipping may be softening thanks to some holiday cheer. A new survey from Bankrate finds that more people are planning to tip regular service providers — like child care providers, housekeepers, gardeners and mail carriers —…
Empty nesters own prime real estate and lots of it. There are nearly 21 million empty nester households in the U.S., and if they choose to downsize that could go a ways in addressing the housing shortage, right. Turns out, location and…
From the BBC World Service: Estimates suggest Syria will need at least $400 billion — likely much more — to begin to address its shattered economy. So where will that money come from? We’ll discuss. Then, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin…
Just this past Friday, after a positive jobs report, the S&P 500 hit another record high; it’s up 28% so far this year. If that holds, it’ll be two back-to-back years of more than 20% growth. But at what point does this growth become…
The Assad family ruled Syria for more than half a century, and that dynasty has come to an end. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, or HTS, is consolidating control and will inherit an economy devastated by a decade of brutal civil war…
From the BBC World Service: The price of oil has ticked up after a dramatic weekend in Syria. President Bashar al-Assad fled the country following a rebel offensive that took control of the capital, Damascus, ending his family’s 54-year…