Marketplace All-in-One

Voter frustration with the economy helped the Democrats win control of Congress. But data centers were also on the ballot yesterday, and they got a big thumbs down from voters. Voters were deciding on more than 40 data center measures. According to the tracking website Data Centers on the Ballot, voters passed 33 provisions to restrict data centers. Only one proposal to allow more data centers passed. Plus, the day after midterms, how should you navigate political conversations at work?

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

This story includes references to suicide, self-harm and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Available 24/7.

A growing number of lawsuits accuse AI companies of harming users — alleging chatbots have encouraged self-harm, reinforced delusions, or failed to recognize signs of distress.

And yet at the same time, a growing number of users, particularly younger ones, say they're turning to AI for emotional support.

Dr. John Torous studies how technology interacts with mental health. He says in the case of AI, it's complicated.

More on this:

Nearly 2 out of 3 teens and tweens use AI chatbots, new research shows — from NPR

An independent benchmark for AI in mental health — from MindBench.ai

Development, validation and AI chatbot evaluation of the Adolescent Mental Health AI Response Tool — from Nature

The September Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey from the BLS is out, and things in this labor market are mostly unchanged, although quits were up a bit. Still, economists are clear: Now is not the time to leave your job without another one lined up. Also in this episode: That stiff labor market may be hampering productivity, warehousing costs are up as retailers scramble for the holidays, and pro baseball faces a lockout in 2027.

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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

What continued productivity growth might say about this economy
Quits ticked up in September, but economists say it’s still a terrible time to leave your job
Sometimes leaving the workforce turns into a labor of love
Why warehouse space is getting harder and more expensive to come by
Companies invest big in pet food research
MLB players look to defend free labor market as owners push for a salary cap

It’s a big week for labor market data, including data on wages, unemployment, and job turnover. But before the employment floodgates open, it’s worth looking at a group of workers who have stepped back from the labor force: Men ages 25 to 54 — who were almost all working half a century ago — are participating significantly less today. What gives? Also: a look at how the U.S. trade balance is holding up.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories in this episode:

Why are so many men opting out of the labor force?

Back in September, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission cleared the way for the trading of tokenized stocks. The so-called “Innovation Exemption” temporarily lifts some regulations to allow for the issuance of digital tokens, which represent shares in a corporation or organization. In other words, it’s another way for investors to trade. This morning, we explain it all. But first, Marriott’s earnings beat expectations, even as some customers tighten their belts.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories in this podcast:

Marriott beats earnings expectations despite worries about affordability
Tokenized stocks, explained