Jun 20, 2024

Bill Gates goes nuclear, turning a small coal town upside down

Caitlin Tan/Wyoming Public Media

We'll hear from residents of Kemmerer, Wyoming, the site of Bill Gates' first TerraPower nuclear plant. Plus, Shohei Ohtani drives Japanese tourism in Los Angeles.

Segments From this episode

Why Nvidia reigns supreme in the market for AI chips

by Matt Levin

Jun 20, 2024

Nvidia has an estimated 75% to 90% of the chip market, and they're well-positioned to keep it that way.

It’s not easy for other chipmakers to compete against one of the richest companies in the world.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Given the housing shortage, why is it so hard to build new apartments?

by Daniel Ackerman

Jun 20, 2024

Inflation, climate change and zoning laws have increased rents and building costs. Developers are focusing on high-priced luxury units.

Developers, who face stiff costs of their own, are focusing on high-profit luxury units, leaving low-income renters in a precarious position.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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Bill Gates’ nuclear project breaks ground, marking a new chapter for a struggling Wyoming coal town

by Caitlin Tan

Jun 20, 2024

Construction began on the first-of-its-kind nuclear power plant. So far, a coal town in southwest Wyoming is seeing a boost.

Multibillionaire Bill Gates speaks to a crowd at his nuclear company’s groundbreaking near Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Caitlin Tan/Wyoming Public Media

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Summer gasoline demand is down, despite lower prices

by Elizabeth Trovall

Jun 20, 2024

With more efficient vehicles and fewer commuters, less gas is being consumed. But prices are still high for other aspects of summer travel.

Vehicles have generally become more energy-efficient, and there are fewer commuters on the road. Those factors may be keeping a lid on gasoline prices as travel season ramps up.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Librarians aim for better e-book accessibility

by Kai Ryssdal and Aleezeh Hasan

Jun 20, 2024

While e-book rentals may be free for library patrons, public libraries are still on the hook for expensive digital licensing fees.

"Because the copies that we circulate have digital rights management on them, we don't feel that we are violating anything having to do with copyright," says Sarah McCusker, head of the Connecticut Library Association.

Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

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Shohei Ohtani's star power lures Japanese tourists to Los Angeles

by Josie Huang

Jun 20, 2024

Fans of the Dodgers phenom are coming by the thousands, despite the weak yen.

Ohtani has drawn Japanese visitors to LA's Little Tokyo neighborhood, largely because it's not far from Dodger Stadium.

Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Agrimony MF Doom

Equinox Desire J-Walk

Vide Noir Lord Huron

See You Leave RJD2

Passionfruit Drake

Simmer Hayley Williams

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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