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“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound? Everyone knows it’s Slinky!”
What started as a mechanism to keep equipment stable on board a Navy ship ended as one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century.
What started as a mechanism to keep equipment stable on board a Navy ship ended as one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century.
From a ship in WWII to the toy aisle: A look back at how Slinky sprang into the zeitgeist
“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound? Everyone knows it’s Slinky!”
www.marketplace.org
December 25, 2025 at 11:43 PM
“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound? Everyone knows it’s Slinky!”
What started as a mechanism to keep equipment stable on board a Navy ship ended as one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century.
What started as a mechanism to keep equipment stable on board a Navy ship ended as one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century.
Home heating costs are expected to jump more than 9% this winter.
Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.
Today on Marketplace.
The weather outside is frightful (so's the heating bill)
Home heating costs are expected to jump more than 9% this winter. Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.
www.marketplace.org
December 25, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Home heating costs are expected to jump more than 9% this winter.
Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.
Today on Marketplace.
Reposted by Marketplace
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters? Our own Emily Macune unwraps this. 🎅✉️🎁 Reporting by Janet Nguyen.
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters?
YouTube video by Marketplace APM
www.youtube.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters? Our own Emily Macune unwraps this. 🎅✉️🎁 Reporting by Janet Nguyen.
For Sarai and Huxley Dunsany, the idea for their pop-up vintage tech museum, the Retro Roadshow, started with a vintage tech collection.
Running a vintage tech museum as a family
Sarai and Huxley Dunsany tell the story of turning Huxley’s vintage technology collection into the family business.
mktplc.org
December 25, 2025 at 5:59 PM
For Sarai and Huxley Dunsany, the idea for their pop-up vintage tech museum, the Retro Roadshow, started with a vintage tech collection.
"There is somewhere around 1.1 trillion Lego elements that have been made at this point."
Daniel Konstanski, author of “The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks,” tells the tale of how a small Danish company developed the world’s most adored building toy.
Daniel Konstanski, author of “The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks,” tells the tale of how a small Danish company developed the world’s most adored building toy.
A brief history of Lego bricks
Daniel Konstanski, author of “The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks,” tells the tale of how a small Danish company developed the world’s most adored building toy.
www.marketplace.org
December 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"There is somewhere around 1.1 trillion Lego elements that have been made at this point."
Daniel Konstanski, author of “The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks,” tells the tale of how a small Danish company developed the world’s most adored building toy.
Daniel Konstanski, author of “The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks,” tells the tale of how a small Danish company developed the world’s most adored building toy.
Despite a bright spot in new unemployment claims, the labor market will likely continue on its current trajectory.
Plus: agrivoltaics, recession recipes, AI investment, and Legos.
Plus: agrivoltaics, recession recipes, AI investment, and Legos.
The job market won't start fresh in 2026
Despite a bright spot in new unemployment claims, the labor market will likely continue on its current trajectory. Plus: agrivoltaics, recession recipes, AI investment, and Legos.
www.marketplace.org
December 25, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Despite a bright spot in new unemployment claims, the labor market will likely continue on its current trajectory.
Plus: agrivoltaics, recession recipes, AI investment, and Legos.
Plus: agrivoltaics, recession recipes, AI investment, and Legos.
This year, it seemed like return-to-office orders were everywhere. But according to some new research, that’s not all bad news for those who’ve enjoyed more work flexibility, particularly for younger workers.
Back to the office? For some younger workers, that’s not such a bad thing
Many workers earlier in their careers see return-to-office policies as a way to build relationships and gain mentorship.
mktplc.org
December 24, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This year, it seemed like return-to-office orders were everywhere. But according to some new research, that’s not all bad news for those who’ve enjoyed more work flexibility, particularly for younger workers.
BBC’s Anna Holligan chronicles how a university lab is using dead trees and fungus to make an Earth-friendly insulation.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Mushrooms could help curb plastic waste
BBC’s Anna Holligan chronicles how a university lab is using dead trees and fungus to make an Earth-friendly insulation.
mktplc.org
December 24, 2025 at 9:59 PM
BBC’s Anna Holligan chronicles how a university lab is using dead trees and fungus to make an Earth-friendly insulation.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
Today on Marketplace Tech.
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters? Our own Emily Macune unwraps this. 🎅✉️🎁 Reporting by Janet Nguyen.
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters?
YouTube video by Marketplace APM
www.youtube.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
What do post offices do with “Dear Santa” letters? Our own Emily Macune unwraps this. 🎅✉️🎁 Reporting by Janet Nguyen.
Homeowners insurance doesn’t usually get top billing in the housing conversation. But lately, it’s getting harder to ignore, with premiums rising across much of the country.
Homeowners insurance skyrockets as climate risk rises
According to new research, climate risks are continuing to drive homeowner’s insurance skyward.
www.marketplace.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Homeowners insurance doesn’t usually get top billing in the housing conversation. But lately, it’s getting harder to ignore, with premiums rising across much of the country.
Holiday spending is strong this year: Up 3.9% according to Mastercard and 4.2% according to Visa. But it’s not clear whether the increase is driven by hope or anxiety.
Holiday spending is up this year, according to Visa and Mastercard
But it’s not clear whether the increase is driven by hope or anxiety.
www.marketplace.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Holiday spending is strong this year: Up 3.9% according to Mastercard and 4.2% according to Visa. But it’s not clear whether the increase is driven by hope or anxiety.
From July through September, U.S. GDP 4.3%, the highest in two years. That was driven by strong consumer spending and AI infrastructure investment.
Plus: homeowners insurance, holiday spending, and ACA insurance alternatives.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: homeowners insurance, holiday spending, and ACA insurance alternatives.
Today on Marketplace.
U.S. GDP sees healthy growth
The growth was driven by strong consumer spending and AI infrastructure investment. Plus: homeowners insurance, holiday spending, and ACA insurance alternatives.
www.marketplace.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:18 AM
From July through September, U.S. GDP 4.3%, the highest in two years. That was driven by strong consumer spending and AI infrastructure investment.
Plus: homeowners insurance, holiday spending, and ACA insurance alternatives.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: homeowners insurance, holiday spending, and ACA insurance alternatives.
Today on Marketplace.
It's a confusing and stressful time for consumers trying to make decisions about their health insurance plans for next year. With virtually no chance that Congress will extend ACA subsidies, millions may see their premiums double, triple or quadruple for 2026.
Looking for cheaper health insurance outside the ACA? Beware.
Options that might seem like alternatives, like fixed indemnities and short-term plans, don’t offer comprehensive medical coverage and aren’t subject to ACA patient protections.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM
It's a confusing and stressful time for consumers trying to make decisions about their health insurance plans for next year. With virtually no chance that Congress will extend ACA subsidies, millions may see their premiums double, triple or quadruple for 2026.
Reposted by Marketplace
Yesterday was a BIG DAY for us: @marketplace.org aired a lovely segment about our Retro Roadshow! It feels incredible to be getting exposure and recognition like this. 2025 has been amazing, and we're making big plans for 2026 - we hope to see you all in person!
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
Running a vintage tech museum as a family
Sarai and Huxley Dunsany tell the story of turning Huxley’s vintage technology collection into the family business.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Yesterday was a BIG DAY for us: @marketplace.org aired a lovely segment about our Retro Roadshow! It feels incredible to be getting exposure and recognition like this. 2025 has been amazing, and we're making big plans for 2026 - we hope to see you all in person!
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
Disney has become the first major media company to strike a content licensing deal with Sora, OpenAI's short-form video platform.
Here's what this means for all your favorite cartoon characters, as well as for the artists and writers behind them.👇
Here's what this means for all your favorite cartoon characters, as well as for the artists and writers behind them.👇
Disney is getting into the AI game
Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and purchasing ChatGPT for employees.
mktplc.org
December 23, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Disney has become the first major media company to strike a content licensing deal with Sora, OpenAI's short-form video platform.
Here's what this means for all your favorite cartoon characters, as well as for the artists and writers behind them.👇
Here's what this means for all your favorite cartoon characters, as well as for the artists and writers behind them.👇
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We’re at a critical moment for independent journalism, and community support is more important than ever. Make your gift now: https://mktplc.org/4au1Xjh
We’re at a critical moment for independent journalism, and community support is more important than ever. Make your gift now: https://mktplc.org/4au1Xjh
December 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Your support powers the reporting that millions rely on every day. You’re not just a donor – you’re an Investor in truth and trust.
We’re at a critical moment for independent journalism, and community support is more important than ever. Make your gift now: https://mktplc.org/4au1Xjh
We’re at a critical moment for independent journalism, and community support is more important than ever. Make your gift now: https://mktplc.org/4au1Xjh
Every week in the U.S., companies and regulators announce recalls of around 60 products including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, foods and beverages, and automotive recalls.
But sometimes, products remain accessible to consumers, even after they're recalled. Here's why.
But sometimes, products remain accessible to consumers, even after they're recalled. Here's why.
What actually happens when a product is recalled?
The process often starts with companies and consultants. It involves federal, state, and local regulators too.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Every week in the U.S., companies and regulators announce recalls of around 60 products including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, foods and beverages, and automotive recalls.
But sometimes, products remain accessible to consumers, even after they're recalled. Here's why.
But sometimes, products remain accessible to consumers, even after they're recalled. Here's why.
The greenback is down a little over 9% since January. With some uncertainty in the U.S. economy headed into the new year, the dollar may continue to weaken.
2025 was a bumpy year for the U.S. dollar. What will 2026 bring?
The greenback is down a little over 9% since January. With some uncertainty in the U.S. economy headed into the new year, the dollar may continue to weaken.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:14 PM
The greenback is down a little over 9% since January. With some uncertainty in the U.S. economy headed into the new year, the dollar may continue to weaken.
You probably don’t need an inflation report to tell you this if you’ve been to a grocery store recently — the price of beef continues to skyrocket.
That's because demand is high while cattle inventory is low, and ranchers are cautious about growing their herds at a time of economic uncertainty.
That's because demand is high while cattle inventory is low, and ranchers are cautious about growing their herds at a time of economic uncertainty.
Beef prices keep rising. What will it take to bring them down?
Demand for beef is high at the same time that cattle inventory is low — and ranchers are cautious about investing in growing their herds at a time of economic uncertainty.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:39 AM
You probably don’t need an inflation report to tell you this if you’ve been to a grocery store recently — the price of beef continues to skyrocket.
That's because demand is high while cattle inventory is low, and ranchers are cautious about growing their herds at a time of economic uncertainty.
That's because demand is high while cattle inventory is low, and ranchers are cautious about growing their herds at a time of economic uncertainty.
Gold surpassed $4,400-per-ounce for the first time Monday. Prices are up 60% in 2025. In the same year, the value of the U.S. dollar slipped 9%. What gives?
Plus: beef prices, corporate “storytellers” and a vintage tech museum.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: beef prices, corporate “storytellers” and a vintage tech museum.
Today on Marketplace.
U.S. dollar down, gold hits all-time high
We can thank growing geopolitical uncertainty for both. Plus: beef prices, corporate “storytellers” and a vintage tech museum.
www.marketplace.org
December 23, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Gold surpassed $4,400-per-ounce for the first time Monday. Prices are up 60% in 2025. In the same year, the value of the U.S. dollar slipped 9%. What gives?
Plus: beef prices, corporate “storytellers” and a vintage tech museum.
Today on Marketplace.
Plus: beef prices, corporate “storytellers” and a vintage tech museum.
Today on Marketplace.
Could AI chat bots replace human doctors? Probably not, but that won’t stop people from trying.
Dr. AI will see you now
Just like they did with Google, people are asking AI chatbots about their symptoms. Dr. Hassan Bencheqroun wants to hear what it has to say.
www.marketplace.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Could AI chat bots replace human doctors? Probably not, but that won’t stop people from trying.
8 in 10 consumers will use AI in their holiday shopping this year — for everything from coming up with gift ideas and writing gift messages, to planning and budgeting.
How consumers are using AI for holiday shopping
More retail sites are integrating AI into the online shopping experience.
mktplc.org
December 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
8 in 10 consumers will use AI in their holiday shopping this year — for everything from coming up with gift ideas and writing gift messages, to planning and budgeting.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reconsidering the "Open Banking Rule," leaving confusion among third-party banking apps.
The Biden-era rule that lets you move money on Zelle and Venmo is now in limbo
A CFPB rule designed to give consumers more control over their financial data is now in limbo, as banks and fintech companies clash over who gets access — and at what cost.
mktplc.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reconsidering the "Open Banking Rule," leaving confusion among third-party banking apps.
TikTok has reached a deal that will allow it to keep operating in the U.S. Under the deal, U.S. investors will buy TikTok’s American operations.
Understanding the new TikTok ownership deal
Under the deal, U.S. investors will buy TikTok’s American operations.
mktplc.org
December 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
TikTok has reached a deal that will allow it to keep operating in the U.S. Under the deal, U.S. investors will buy TikTok’s American operations.
Consumers started 2025 feeling optimistic, but they've ended on a low note.
Consumer sentiment dragged down in 2025
Consumers started 2025 feeling optimistic, but have ended on a low note.
mktplc.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Consumers started 2025 feeling optimistic, but they've ended on a low note.