Artificial intelligence is still in its early stages, and most Americans don’t use it at work — yet. But a new survey shows 70% of workers are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about employers using AI in human resources decision-making, like hiring, firing and promotions. In this episode, we’ll dig into some AI job fears. Plus, New York Community Bank stock takes a wild ride after Moody’s dings its credit rating, and Ford’s electric vehicle sales are down, but its savings on emissions fines are up.

When banks let you take out a mortgage, the money they lend you might come from their reserves. But more often than not, banks turn around and sell your loan to an investor — and make an instant profit. In this episode, all about the secondary market for mortgages. Plus, JPMorgan Chase invests in its brick-and-mortar presence, household debt ticks up, and why China’s stock market is struggling.

To train generative artificial intelligence models, many companies use images they find online without paying the artists. We’ll hear about two tools that help creators protect their work from being scraped for data. Also in this episode: Recruiting and staffing jobs are on the rebound, streaming services struggle to turn a profit and unregulated space pollution poses a threat to Earth’s atmosphere.

The tight labor market means employers are competing for workers, sometimes strenuously. But it isn’t all smooth sailing for job searchers either — prolonged interviewing and companies’ recession fears mean scoring a job can be tough. In this episode, what’s worse: trying to hire or get hired? Plus, a website that uses “Seinfeld” to explain legal policy, a look at how immigration stabilizes our economy and a tour of zero-carbon homes in coastal California.

Universal Music Group pulled its songs from TikTok after the video platform’s license expired Wednesday. Now, creators will have to avoid using some of today’s biggest hits. Also in this episode: what it means when the BLS says productivity is up, why it matters that wage gains are slowing down and how popular food brands are connected to prison labor.

For some Americans, buying a home feels like an impossible goal — especially in this market. Maybe that’s why more renters than ever say they’re likely to be renters for life. In this episode: Homeownership is out of reach for some and just not a priority for others. Plus, the Federal Reserve hints at when we might see interest rates cut, and AI training methods raise ethical questions about “fair use.”

At $34 trillion, U.S. federal debt is at a record level. And economists say we’re entering uncharted waters with a 120% debt-to-GDP ratio. So, when should we start to worry? Also in this episode: Consumer confidence reaches a two-year high, activity heats up in the corporate bond market and beef Wellington takes center stage at Shanghai restaurants.

Jobs in office support (think custodians, security guards) grew just 2.6% in 2023, according to a  Bureau of Labor Statistics report tracking employment in different sectors. That may reflect a sluggish return to in-person work more than growth in the sector. In this episode, the office support ecosystem. Plus, Baltimore will use blockchain tech to battle vacant homes, teen employment hits a 14-year high and importers struggle with price spikes.

The U.S. economy has had a sunny start to 2024 — so why is corporate America laying on the layoffs? Plus, the effects of “digital redlining” in the rural South; the Biden administration takes a closer look at liquefied natural gas exports; and apparel brands recruit the help of “mid-size” influencers to more effectively court consumers.

The latest reading on the U.S. economy shows unexpected growth, led by spending on hotels, dining out and video games. We check in with some businesses that are feeling the consumer love. So that’s how the economy is doing. But how are people feeling about it? Split, according to a new poll that shows a growing divide between what high- and low-income earners think. Also: Profits from home sales fell but are still more than double what they were five years ago. And a doctor talks about her book on racism in medicine.