Americans are giving the economy mixed reviews
Oct 30, 2023

Americans are giving the economy mixed reviews

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Stress about the economy has inched up since last year — but so has optimism. Plus, United Parcel Service is working to improve package return logistics.

Segments From this episode

Why are Americans' views on the economy so mixed?

Oct 30, 2023
In one poll, 44% of respondents say they’re stressed about the economy. Meanwhile, 34% say they’re optimistic.
Change is hard. And it’s not fun, even if your raise does cover how much extra you’re spending at the grocery store. 
Mario Tama/Getty Images

How much are employers paying for labor? That's where the ECI comes in.

Oct 30, 2023
The employment cost index, a favorite Federal Reserve data point, captures the cost of employing people, including benefits.
The employment cost index doesn't just calculate wages. It also factors in how much employers spend on benefits.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Biden signs wide-ranging executive order on AI safeguards and regulations

Oct 30, 2023
This executive order attempts to set new standards for how we develop, test, and use AI — in government as well as within private industry.
President Biden's recent executive order about artificial intelligence contains orders for government agencies and suggestions for the private sector.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

We can charge phones wirelessly. What about electric vehicles?

Oct 30, 2023
Boosters of the technology say it could reduce the size — and cost — of EV batteries.
While current EVs require charging stations, proponents of wireless charging say the technology could reduce the size — and cost — of EV batteries.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

UPS moves further into "reverse logistics" with purchase of Happy Returns

Oct 30, 2023
Delivery giant grows its network of sites where customers can send back packages by adding 10,000 Happy Returns drop-off locations.
Expanding its network of drop-off locations promises to boost the efficiency of UPS' package pickup operation.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

How do you prevent New York City subway flooding in extreme rain?

Oct 30, 2023
Climate change is making extreme rain more common. Raised metal grates and higher curbs are helping at the Chambers Street station.
As torrential downpours become more common in the Northeast, the MTA and the city are trying to mitigate stormwater flooding in part by raising curbs and metal grates.
John Lamparski/Getty Images

Music from the episode

Green Eyes Arlo Parks
Tidal Wave Butcher Brown
Redbone Childish Gambino
Circles Post Malone
Perfect Circle Nujabes
Rising Son Takuya Kuroda
Get By Talib Kweli

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer
Maria Hollenhorst Producer II
Andie Corban Producer I
Sarah Leeson Producer I
Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II
Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I
Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer