This morning, President Donald Trump revealed his choice to lead the Federal Reserve: It's Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor and more recent Fed critic. If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would replace Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May. Warsh had called for "regime change" at the Fed. On today's show, we'll dig into Warsh's background and perspective. Plus, from "Marketplace Tech," we'll hear how a Nevada startup is taking used electric vehicle batteries to help power a data center.

An increasing number of states in the U.S. not only require high schools to teach financial literacy but also require them to incorporate the fundamentals of free-market capitalism into their lesson plans. We head back to the classroom to hear how these lessons are changing as a growing number of students voice skepticism about capitalism. (Need to head back to Econ 101? Take our quiz to find out.) Plus, following last week's economic blackout in Minneapolis, we examine the history of general strikes in the U.S.

From the BBC World Service: Panama’s Supreme Court has annulled a contract allowing for a Hong Kong company to operate two ports on the major shipping route. The canal handles 5% of all shipping traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific, and the news comes as the Trump administration seeks to curb Chinese influence in the region. Then, Madagascar recently opened its first-ever stretch of highway. Can it speed up trade and spur economic development in the country?

The Trump administration held a summit yesterday, all about Trump Accounts — those are investment accounts for babies born during his term. The government has promised to contribute $1,000 to every American child, no matter what their family’s income is. We’ll help you understand the details. Plus, we'll learn how vital Latino-owned businesses are to the economy and unpack the Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged.

Last year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending gender-affirming care for transgender children and teenagers under 19. Since then, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new rule that would ban hospitals offering that care from receiving Medicaid and Medicare funding. The attacks on transition-related care are having a profound effect on transgender kids and their families, but they’re also having an impact on health care providers. Today, we'll hear more. But first: progress on a deal to avoid a partial government shutdown.

From the BBC World Service: U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the latest political leader to visit China for trade talks. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Starmer that Beijing is ready to develop a long-term strategic partnership. Since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on most imports, countries around the world have been scrambling to sign new trade deals. Plus, as South Africa has been grappling with 30% U.S. tariffs, farmers there are also looking to China.

We’ve been deluged with the annual economic and market forecasts that traditionally mark the turn of a new year. Is it worth paying attention to these forecasts, or are they a waste of time? Maybe a little bit of both? Today, we're joined by Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell to assess their worth. But first, we'll discuss some of the forecasts and market conditions the Federal Reserve has in mind at this week's meeting. And, Boeing’s revenue is up, as are its airplane delivery numbers.

There's a chance that the federal government will shut down late this week over reform and funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which also includes ICE. We'll break down the likelihood of a shutdown, demands of Senate Democrats, and potential impacts to ICE. Plus, the Fed likely won't cut interest rates today. And the 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of foreign visitors. Will U.S. authorities let them in?

From the BBC World Service: One of the world’s leading technology bosses has warned there could be “carnage" if a bubble in AI share prices bursts. The chief executive of Cisco, Chuck Robbins, has told the BBC that while some companies won’t survive, artificial intelligence will be “bigger than the internet.” Plus, we take you to Saudi Arabia, where the construction of a huge skyscraper — 20 times the size of the Empire State Building — has been suspended.

President Donald Trump is rolling out plans to make housing more affordable. He's ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, proposed a ban on private equity purchasing single-family homes, and floated the idea of 50-year mortgages — all while continuing his pressure campaign on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Will they work? Also, tech earnings this week will offer investors a window into the AI boom, and what we’re watching as the Fed meets.