
About this episode
This episode discusses the recent increase in small business hiring and explores various economic stories including an AI tool launch and challenges faced by Macy's.
For a while now, we’ve talked to small business owners who say they want to hire more employees, but aren’t in a financial position to do it, can’t find qualified applicants, or are too concerned about the economy to make the jump. But two new reports show small business hiring picked up this spring. In this episode, whether that’s a blip or the start of a positive trend. Plus: An AI prescription renewal tool is launched in Utah, Macy’s tries to turn things around, and we visit a river in the Pacific Northwest with two aging bridges at risk of collapse. 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.
People in this episode
Host: Marketplace
Topics covered
- small business hiring
- economic trends
- AI technology
- employment challenges
- business news
Keywords
- small business
- hiring
- economy
- AI prescription tool
- Macy's
- Pacific Northwest
- employment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Macy’s
Places: Utah, Pacific Northwest, small business
More episodes of Marketplace
- The SpaceX share lock-up period, explained · June 12, 2026 · 26 min
- Gas prices will probably go up this summer · June 11, 2026 · 26 min
- May CPI: glass half-empty, glass half-full · June 10, 2026 · 25 min
- Why did BoA tell investors to "take profits"? · June 9, 2026 · 26 min
- Fed eyes sluggish wage growth · June 8, 2026 · 25 min
- It's not just you — healthcare deductibles are ballooning · June 5, 2026 · 25 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Marketplace podcast page.