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Matt Levin

Senior Reporter

SHORT BIO

Matt covers AI for Marketplace, where he tries to be as polite as he can to every chatbot he meets … because, well, he’s seen sci-fi movies. Matt also covers some crypto and housing, with a taste for stories that make you say: "huh, that's kinda weird.”

Before joining Marketplace Matt was a data and housing reporter for CalMatters, focused on California politics and policy. Before that he was a statistics jockey for a think tank, focused on poverty and inequality. And long before that Matt was a really terrible teenage cashier for Toys R Us.

Matt’s previous honors include awards from the Online News Association and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and SPJ awards.

Latest Stories (301)

When the IPO market sours, the effects ripple across the economy

by Matt Levin
Jan 13, 2022
Investors seem less welcoming to IPOs than in 2021.
2021 was a huge year for public stock offerings. But 2022? Maybe not. That could affect venture capital, government budgets and the housing market.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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There's a different kind of gold rush in California: Sports gambling

by Matt Levin
Jan 11, 2022
Everyone from Native American tribes to online entities wants a piece of what some call the "holy grail" of the sports gambling landscape.
Various group entities like Fanduel and Native American tribes are vying for control of the sports gambling scene in California.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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How rising mortgage rates will and will not impact housing prices

by Matt Levin
Jan 10, 2022
Higher interest rates could slow down price growth, according to housing economists.
courtneyk via Getty Images
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Are there marketing opportunities in inflation?

by Matt Levin
Jan 7, 2022
One fast food business says rising grocery prices give it a reason to focus ads on cost.
Instead of shying away from the words "inflation" in the '70s, Campbell Soup chose to use it a corny ad campaign.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Will the pandemic change convention-going permanently?

by Matt Levin
Jan 6, 2022
The electronics convention CES is seeing many companies dial back their participation thanks to omicron.
At CES 2022, free masks are provided, as well as stickers indicating how much touch attendants are comfortable with. Attendance is down considerably this year with the spread of omicron.
Alex Wong via Getty Images
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Will the sports collectibles market have another good year?

by Matt Levin
Jan 5, 2022
The trading card business has soared during the pandemic. In the future, innovation may help drive growth.
A man sells vintage baseball cards outside Yankee Stadium. The trading card industry is marketing to millennials now.
Chris McGrath via Getty Images
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Quitting Time

Transit systems struggle to find enough bus drivers

by Matt Levin
Jan 4, 2022
Some drivers are retiring, others are going to work for commercial delivery services.
Higher wages from private competitors and a workforce near retirement has led to a bus driver shortage. Above, a Detroit bus driver poses for a portrait in 2020.
Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images
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Sacramento considers a "right to housing" for people without homes

by Matt Levin
Jan 3, 2022
If the city lacks enough homeless housing, the proposal would allow a homeless person to sue. But short-term shelter must be accepted.
A homeless man adjusts a tent at a Sacramento encampment in 2009. Today, more than 11,000 people are homeless in the California capital.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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The economics of New Year's resolutions in the time of omicron

by Matt Levin
Dec 29, 2021
“Fresh starts” are planned annually, but this year, COVID-19 is helping to shape the resolutions people make.
As the pandemic stretches into its third year, New Year's resolutions may have to be more flexible.
Cn0ra via Getty Images
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Omicron poses a heavy lift for gym owners

by Matt Levin
Dec 29, 2021
The usual New Year's resolution bump in the workout business may fizzle with the quick spread of the variant.
Companies peddling wellness can experience a boost in sales after the holiday season as people implement their New Year's resolutions.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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