Oct 30, 2023

Americans are giving the economy mixed reviews

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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?

by Kristin Schwab

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

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

by Sean McHenry

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

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

by Kimberly Adams

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

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A Warmer World

We can charge phones wirelessly. What about electric vehicles?

by Henry Epp

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

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

by Stephanie Hughes

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

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

by Samantha Fields

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

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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

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