Oct 9, 2024

Evaluating the damage

Saul Martinez/Getty Images

A severe hurricane season puts risk models to the test. Plus, Boeing workers' union wants pensions back in the contract.

Segments From this episode

Why insurance companies and homeowners need better hurricane modeling

by Amy Scott

Oct 9, 2024

More frequent severe storms mean there are, unfortunately, more opportunities to learn how to better estimate economic damage.

Two people survey damage to their home after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, last month. It may soon be difficult to differentiate damage from Helene and Hurricane Milton, expected to make landfall late Wednesday.

Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

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Corporate bonds have been having a banner year

by Justin Ho

Oct 9, 2024

As government bond yields have fallen, corporate bonds have attracted more investors. The cash may boost private-sector spending.

Corporate bonds are attracting more investor interest as yields on government debt slide.

Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images

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Why are mortgage rates going up again?

by Samantha Fields

Oct 9, 2024

It's all about expectations. Mortgage rates fell in anticipation of the Fed cutting interest rates. But then came the strong September jobs report.

That strong jobs report last week likely helped push mortgage rates back up.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Why pensions are part of labor discussions again

by Caleigh Wells

Oct 9, 2024

Last year, just 15% of workers had access to pension plans. Now, unionized workers like the ones at Boeing are negotiating to get them back.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker Union District 751 voted to go on strike back in July. Pensions have become a sticking point in contract negotiations.

Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images

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Presidential campaigns are spending big to win a single electoral vote

by Kimberly Adams

Oct 9, 2024

Though it's in a reliably red state, Omaha may make a big difference in November. Down-ballot and state proposals also draw funds nationwide.

The district around Omaha, Nebraska, could be pivotal in the Electoral College this year. Democratic residents see themselves as living in a blue outpost, illustrated on lawn signs.

Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images

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My Economy

In a time of uncertainty, this businessman says sales of his trailers have slowed down

by Sarah Leeson

Oct 9, 2024

Mike Woglom of Cargo Trailer Sales in Pennsylvania sells equipment that's widely needed but often unnoticed.

Trailers like those Mike Woglom sells play an underappreciated role in the U.S. economy.

Marianne Todd/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

"6000 ft" Bonobo, Totally Extinct Dinosaurs

"Natural Green" Blazo

"It Starts with Bongos" Kid Spatula

"Chameleon" Emancipator, 9 Theory

"The Execution of All Things" Rilo Kiley

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 Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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