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Latest Stories

Funding for climate tech startups is waning. Much of it's moving to AI.

Nov 11, 2024
Investing in AI has been an easy pitch this year, while the capital-intensive nature of green energy startups has put off some funders.
Funding for startups focused on climate change has suffered a chill, partly because of the costs of building out solutions.
Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images

When the U.S. Forest Service’s budget shrinks, who pumps campground toilets?

Nov 11, 2024
The U.S. Forest Service is likely facing half a billion dollars in budget cuts from Congress. This means the federal agency will have less money and staff for maintaining public lands. In western Wyoming, a nonprofit is helping fill the gaps.
The freshly cleaned public toilets at a campground on the Bridger-Teton. This is an annual check list item that keeps the toilets usable for visitors. 
Caitlin Tan

What a second Trump term means for U.S. fiscal health

U.S. fiscal health is at higher risk after Trump won the election. Marketplace's David Brancaccio speaks with Harvard professor Jason Furman to learn more.
"President Trump was basically every week announcing a new area of income that would not be subject to tax," said professor Jason Furman. "You add all of that up, and it's more than $10 trillion worth of promises."
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Here's why veterans, on average, tend to start more businesses

Nov 11, 2024
Turns out, the military teaches a lot of the skills that make good entrepreneurs.
Veterans own about 5.4% of the nation’s businesses, generating more than $900 billion in revenue.
coldsnowstorm/Getty Images

Shopping the Rose Bowl Flea Market like a pro

Bring cash. Don't be afraid to haggle. Oh, and stay hydrated. It can get hot out there.
Among Annette Vartanian's top tips for flea market shopping: Bring cash, always be scanning and don't hesitate to negotiate.
David Brancaccio/Marketplace

Smart thermostats and virtual power plants make the most of excess energy

Nov 8, 2024
These tools help lower peak demand as our economy is increasingly electrified.
A virtual power plant in Texas would use smart thermostats to cool homes when demand — and prices — are lower, and raise the temperature when they are higher.
Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Consumer sentiment rises again as inflation pressures ease

Nov 8, 2024
The University of Michigan survey was done before Election Day. Optimism about future economic conditions is at best level in nearly four years.
Most Americans don't believe that which leader is in power has a big effect on their economic lives, according to The Conference Board. Prices and inflation top most consumers' lists.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

There are several solutions at the local, state and federal level to solve the housing shortage.
Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Despite looming tariffs and "the worst harvest I've ever had," Iowa farmer remains optimistic

Nov 8, 2024
Corn and soybean farmer April Hemmes is preparing for new tariffs from a second Trump administration.
April Hemmes says farmers like her are "running scared" because over half of their soybeans are exported to China.
Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

How do natural disasters impact consumer spending?

Nov 8, 2024
They cause billions of dollars worth in damage, but many regional economies prove to be resilient.
An aerial view of destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Mario Tama/Getty Images