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On Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton and Palisades Fires began, killing 31 people and destroying around 13,00 homes in the Los Angeles area. A year later, residents are looking to rebuild the lives and homes they once had. Marketplace’s David Branccacio and his wife lost their Altadena home to the Eaton fire, and have yet to break ground on a new building. But as they continue to plan for construction in the new year, they are focusing on fire-resistance for the future.Branccacio joined “Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino to speak about the technology and building that goes into fire-resistant homes.

The rate of jobless Americans who’ve been out of work for over 27 weeks — also known as “long-term unemployed” — hit 26% in December, according to the latest jobs report. That’s the highest it’s been since February 2022. In this episode, why the rate is rising and what it says about the broader economy. Plus: Businesses curb 2026 growth plans, a farmer discusses AI in agriculture, and we check in with an Asheville, North Carolina, tea company over a year since Hurricane Helene.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.

On today’s show, WNYC reporter Brigid Bergin joins Kimberly to talk about New York City’s brand new Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose campaign on affordability caught nationwide attention. We’ll get into how Mamdani is tackling affordability during his first days in office, how the business community is reacting, and how his administration is navigating an unpredictable White House. Plus, the case for daydreaming more in 2026.Here’s everything we talked about today:"Gov. Hochul, Mayor Mamdani announce push for free child care for NYC 2-year-olds" from Gothamist "NYC to provide expansion of free child care in "high-need" areas" from Marketplace"MAMDANI’S FIRST 100 DAYS: Mayor signs executive orders targeting junk fees and subscription traps" from amNY"The Mamdani vs. big business era begins as mayor pledges 'economic justice'" from Gothamist"Politics Trump administration freezes $10 billion in child, family aid to 5 states over fraud concerns" from CNBC  "The new go-to for Napa Valley wine lovers? Costco" from Marketplace "Google adds proofreading, AI summaries to Gmail with new update" from Marketplace "Why you should put down your phone and daydream instead" from The Washington Post"At grocery stores, shopping with a side of biometric surveillance" from MarketplaceWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email [email protected].

According to the just-released December jobs report, only 50,000 people were hired last month, fewer than expected. Overall, the month capped off the slowest year for job creation since 2020 and the second slowest since 2009. Plus, LA fire survivors share personal items lost and found in the aftermath of the blaze.

Altadena residents eager to build more fire-resistant new homes run up against obstacles of expense, labor, availability of materials, and of course, the question of whether insurance will pay for it.