From the BBC World Service: Professor Sarah Gilbert, who helped develop the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, says more investment is needed now to help prevent future pandemics. Plus: A new gadget dubbed “Earth’s black box” can record 50 years worth of climate data. And, a look at whether green hydrogen could help future-proof climate goals.

Also today: We look at how the omicron variant could determine whether or not the ski industry faces and uphill or downhill battle. The hurricane season of 2021 comes to a close, and a look back shows how historically expensive it has been.

From the BBC World Service: Under pressure from Beijing, the company will move its shares to Hong Kong. Plus, trains have started to run on a new line between Laos and China. But can one of Asia’s poorest countries afford the cost of Chinese financing? And, a group of World Trade Organization member nations agree to a deal to slash red tape and substantially cut trade costs.

Also today: The Senate has evaded a government shutdown with the passing of a spending bill that serves as only a temporary solution.

Also today: Diane Swonk references “Groundhog Day” during our standing markets discussion as everyone struggles to determine what omicron’s impact could actually be on the economy. There are concerns as to what hedge fund ownership could mean for many local news outlets. Grocery chain Kroger is squaring off against Publix in Florida by utilizing a delivery-only approach.

From the BBC World Service: There are several options on the table for the OPEC oil-producing countries and their allies in order to help lower prices, but the omicron variant has added further uncertainty around global demand trends. Plus, why the Asian ride-hailing giant Grab is making its debut on the Nasdaq. And, Turkey’s President Erdogan abruptly replaced the country’s finance minister. 

Also today: We hear about the experience of a stay-at-home dad who left behind his job as a teacher. 

Also today: Susan Schmidt discusses how the combined forces of omicron concerns and inflation are sweeping through the markets. We also check in on the thriving status of buy now pay later services like Afterpay.

Also today: We hear from YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who spoke at length to Kimberly Adams for Marketplace Tech. Federal money could be offer some aid to parts of the ailing construction industry.