May 10, 2021

States are starting to drop out of federal pandemic unemployment programs

Arkansas, Montana and South Carolina are opting out, but the U.S. economy is down more than 8 million jobs since the pandemic hit. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

The leaders of Arkansas, Montana and South Carolina say the benefits are too generous. Also on the show: A pipeline hack reveals critical infrastructure vulnerabilities in the U.S., and Texas farmers are still reeling from the February freeze.

Segments From this episode

Colonial Pipeline hack reveals critical infrastructure risks

by Scott Tong

May 10, 2021

The Biden administration plans new cyber rules for agencies and contractors involved in critical infrastructure.

Hackers breached the operations of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers fuel to the eastern United States.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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Copper’s soaring price points to recovery, green-economy demand

by Sabri Ben-Achour

May 10, 2021

Copper, especially, is a key ingredient in electric cars, wind turbines and batteries. Suppliers are not ready to meet the demand.

A new copper mine can take five to 10 years to come online. Above, copper rods used in machine parts.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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3 states will exit federal pandemic unemployment programs. More are likely to follow.

by Samantha Fields

May 10, 2021

The Republican governors of Arkansas, Montana and South Carolina say the benefits keep people out of the workforce.

Arkansas, Montana and South Carolina are opting out, but the U.S. economy is down more than 8 million jobs since the pandemic hit.

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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Farmers in Texas still reeling from the February freeze

by Andy Uhler

May 10, 2021

For some, insurance money is coming in, but according to one farmer, "it never makes you whole."

“Technically I've lost two crops," says Dale Murden, above in one of his citrus groves. "The one that was being harvested for the 2021 season, and now zero crop for the 2021/2022 season."

Andy Uhler/Marketplace

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In China, it’s heads for a real estate win, or "rotten tails" — you lose

by Jennifer Pak

May 10, 2021

Owning property (or not) can determine your future in China. But it’s a gamble that doesn’t always pay off for those who have invested their life savings.

Last year, musician Chen Peng took Marketplace to the development in Zhengzhou where he bought a two-bedroom condo. The development remains unfinished today.

Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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How COVID-19 might change packaging for good

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

May 10, 2021

“I think you've had a lot of pent-up innovation,” says Matt Reynolds, editor of Packaging World.

Cardboard overflowing recycling bins. With home delivery a big part of the lockdown experience, Matt Reynolds says consumers are "asking brands to be more aware" of container sustainability.

Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

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Music from the episode

A Mineral Love Bibio

Greyhounds De La Soul

Wind Travel Richard Houghten

Magic Spell This Is The Kit

Summertime Magic Zikomo

Not Dead Yet Lord Huron

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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