Marketplace All-in-One

At some point or another, we all experience physical pain. We push through it or turn to medicine, from aspirin to opioids. New research published in the journal Science highlights a more mechanical alternative: a biodegradable implant that cools down a nerve to block pain signals. It looks like a small, clear rubber band with tiny channels snaking through it. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams spoke with John Rogers, a biomedical engineer at Northwestern University who led the research and design of the device. He explained how the technology works and the challenges involved in managing chronic as well as acute pain.

This is your Friday reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still here. Today, the World Health Organization warned about new viruses driving up cases, hospitalizations and deaths around the globe. We’ll discuss the latest wave. You know what else is here? Climate change. The United Kingdom is experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Plus, Kimberly Adams and Kai Ryssdal give us their hot takes on BMW’s heated seats, some frozen treats and more.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We want to hear from you. Send us your thoughts or questions to [email protected] or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

Starting Saturday, anyone in the United States undergoing a mental health crisis can seek help by dialing 988. But mental health advocates are already overwhelmed, and they’re now concerned that the crisis line is being launched before it has enough funding or counselors. Plus, CPI sorrows in the Weekly Wrap, a consumer spending spree and the unionization boom.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety or depression, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Here’s how to find help outside the U.S.

China’s strict COVID lockdowns have kept cases largely under control there. But at what cost? Today we got a snapshot from second-quarter GDP growth numbers. Plus, we break down the latest retail sales numbers with FHN Financial’s Christopher Low. Also, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia appears to have spoiled the next part of the Biden administration’s economic agenda. And, a look back at how the housing shortage in the U.S. has gotten so dire.

Social events in the workplace can be great if you’re new or need a chance to network. And don’t get me wrong — you don’t want a completely bleak work environment with no play. But the “forced fun” can get old real quick. As part of our Econ Extra Credit project, this month we’re watching the Apple TV+ show “Severance,” which satirizes all that office merriment. Also on the show today: a progress report for U.S. oil producers who are trying to pump more crude to help bring fuel and energy prices down.

From the BBC World Service: Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has tendered his resignation after the populist member of his coalition government, 5-Star Movement, withdrew its support for a confidence vote. Also, China’s latest growth figures are a far cry from the country’s own target. And we look at how Lebanon’s reliance on remittances — money sent by citizens working abroad — is being hit by the global economic crisis.

This week, a consortium of news organizations published a series of articles on what they’re calling the Uber Files: more than 120,000 documents, texts and emails initially leaked to The Guardian newspaper. The files show how, between 2013 and 2017, Uber lobbied aggressively to enter and dominate otherwise tightly regulated taxi markets. It’s the subject of “Quality Assurance,” where we take a second look at a big tech story. Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams speaks with Ben King, a senior journalist for BBC News covering economics, who has been following the rollout of these documents.

The Social Security Administration is debating how much to increase payments in 2023 due to inflation, and the boost could be the biggest since the ’80s. We’ll explain the obscure measure it uses to calculate its annual cost-of-living increase. Plus, taking the ferry in New York City is about to get more affordable for some riders. And, Worldle meets board games!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Join Kimberly and Kai tomorrow for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

When companies have extra cash, they may use it to build facilities, hire employees or purchase their own stock. But JPMorgan reported disappointing financial results today and said it would suspend its stock buybacks, which some economists interpret as a Wall Street behemoth prepping for an impending recession. Plus, higher interest rates hit homebuilders, Shanghai businesses tally the COVID lockdown’s costs and schools get creative to address hiring headaches.

Diane Swonk of Grant Thornton joins us on a day where stocks have opened lower and the producer price index is up. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is entertaining the idea of a price cap on Russian oil. The World Economic Forum once calculated that it would take a century to reach gender parity around the globe. Now … it says it’ll take even longer.