(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … German Chancellor Angela Merkel may be one step closer to running Europe’s largest economy as her party votes on whether to form a coalition government with its rivals … five months after elections. We’ll explain what’s at stake. Then, smartphone sales declined at the end of last year for the first time since the pocket-sized devices were invented. So how are giants of the industry pivoting to keep customers upgrading every year? We head to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to find out. Afterward, to Sudan where there’s a row between Egypt and Ethiopia over control of a Nile dam.

(Markets Edition) The big financial story of this week: what the guardians of interest rates said about future interest rates. Christopher Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, stopped by to talk with us about how difficult it is to forecast inflation. Afterwards, we’ll discuss news that the Chinese government has seized control of Anbang, the firm that owns some famous U.S. properties. Plus: We talk about whether “Black Panther” will help create more opportunities in Hollywood for black actors.

(U.S. Edition) The Chinese government has seized the control of Anbang, a firm that owns some high-profile U.S. properties. We’ll look at Anbang’s origins and why China is cracking down on it. Afterwards, we’ll discuss a major Supreme Court case that could affect economic mobility. The case questions whether public-sector unions have a right to collect fees from government workers who refuse to join. Plus: A look at upgrades to the Real ID, and what could happen if states don’t comply with their requirements.  

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … The Royal Bank of Scotland turned its first profit in 10 years, but we’ll explain why looming fears about the bank’s actions in the run up to the financial crisis are hitting the bank’s share price today. Then, Donald Trump Jr. is in India today meeting buyers of his firm’s luxury real-estate business…the same day a new report says inequality in the country has risen sharply for the last three decades. Afterwards, royal waters have plenty to look forward to this year with two weddings and a baby on the way. Britain’s pottery makers are hard at work prepping for 2018’s big events. 

(Markets Edition) The Fed has hinted that it wants to tap the economic brakes again. We’ll talk to economist Diane Swonk about why the Fed is so worried about the economy. Afterwards, we’ll look at a new report that shows more Americans are prioritizing savings. Over half say they now have more emergency savings than credit card debt. Plus: A debate in France over how to pay for saving crumbling cathedrals.

(U.S. Edition) The Federal Reserve recently issued a statement that we’ve translated to mean: the U.S. economy has strengthened to the point that the Fed might want to move interest rates even higher than they thought. On today’s show, we’ll discuss why the markets are getting spooked by this possibility. Afterwards, we’ll look at how the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is failing to provide households with enough nutritious meals, and then talk about how clothing brands putting in more effort to make clothing for people with disabilities.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… A court in Germany will rule whether a ban on polluting cars is a legitimate way of cleaning up air quality. Some are calling it the “kiss of death” for diesel – what could such a decision mean for other countries? Afterward, diesel aside, traffic is a global problem. We’ll take you to Dakar where residents spend three hours a day getting to and from the city center. Then, after launching its oil-backed virtual currency earlier this week, Venezuela is trying to boost the Petro’s uptake – now saying it will accept it in a range of transactions from aviation fuel to fees charged in embassies.

(Markets Edition) The group at the Federal Reserve that makes key decisions about interest rates is getting ready to release minutes from its latest meeting. We’ll talk with Susan Schmidt — senior vice president at Westwood Holdings Group — about some of the factors that may influence them. Next, we’ll look at how Texas funds its higher education system, and then discuss the harsh conditions that builders have to face in the winter.

(U.S. Edition) A group of survivors from the Parkland, Florida mass shooting last week are lobbying for gun control laws, and they’re getting a lot of financial support. We’ll take a look at some of the steps they’ve taken to mobilize, along with some of the donors who are supporting the cause. Afterwards, we’ll examine the criteria Texas uses to fund its colleges and universities, and then we’ll talk to Marketplace regular Allan Sloan about why he thinks there was that big drop in markets earlier this month.