SHORT BIO
Kai is the host and senior editor of “Marketplace,” the most widely heard program on business and the economy — radio or television, commercial or public broadcasting — in the country. Kai speaks regularly with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, startup entrepreneurs, small-business owners and everyday participants in the American and global economies. Before his career in broadcasting, Kai served in the United States Navy and United States Foreign Service. He’s a graduate of Emory University and Georgetown University. Kai lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.
Latest Stories (5,837)
Honeybee populations are hitting record numbers. Weren't they dying off before?
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Sarah Leeson
and Sofia Terenzio
May 16, 2024
Scientists were ringing alarm bells about colony collapse disorder a decade ago. Brian Walsh of Vox explains what happened.
The problem of sticky inflation resides with housing, Fed's Goolsbee says
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
May 15, 2024
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee talks the latest CPI release and what it means for the Fed's continued fight against inflation.
211 call centers show financial strain above the poverty line
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Andie Corban
and Aleezeh Hasan
May 14, 2024
Many callers hoping to get referrals have moderate incomes but still struggle, explains Rachel Wolfe of The Wall Street Journal.
Commerce chief lays out blueprint for chip manufacturing in America
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sarah Leeson
May 10, 2024
The supply chain is being built to reduce U.S. vulnerability and seize opportunities like artificial intelligence, Raimondo says.
Inflation is "not yet where it needs to be," Treasury Secretary Yellen says
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sean McHenry
May 9, 2024
Janet Yellen addresses the state of the U.S. economy and underscores the country's rivalry and collaboration with China in an interview.
If the divestment movement succeeds, will it have an economic impact?
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
May 3, 2024
Divestment might not move the needle on government or corporate policy, but it could shift "hearts and minds," says Alison Taylor of NYU.
Looking for a “fresh start” amid Phoenix’s semiconductor boom
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Heather Long
and Maria Hollenhorst
May 2, 2024
The federal government is spending billions to support semiconductor manufacturing. But trainees seeking chipmaking jobs may have to wait.
In the barge business, this year has been "consistent, predictable and profitable"
by
Kai Ryssdal
and Sofia Terenzio
May 1, 2024
At Golding Barge Line in Vicksburg, Mississippi, volume and demand are stable, but rising prices continue to pose a challenge.
Chip factory growth boughs to native plants in Phoenix
by
Maria Hollenhorst
, Kai Ryssdal
and Heather Long
May 1, 2024
Here's the story of one business at the intersection of conservation and growth amid Phoenix’s semiconductor boom.
CHIPS funds are heading to Phoenix, “ground zero for the new economy”
by
Kai Ryssdal
, Heather Long
and Maria Hollenhorst
Apr 30, 2024
An influx of federal investment in the Arizona metropolis is meant to energize the nation's tech industry and accelerate job creation. Will it work?