Oct 23, 2024

Most young Americans are rent burdened

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Will they ever be able to accumulate wealth? Plus, community flood insurance and gloomy farmers.

Segments From this episode

Gen Z is burdened by rent. That doesn't bode well for its future wealth

by Caleigh Wells

Oct 23, 2024

A majority of 18-to-25-year-olds spend more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent.

Two consecutive rent-burdened generations can't keep up with the housing market.

Bridget Bennet for the Washington Post/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

As focus shifts from inflation to employment, the Fed’s job is still tricky

by Mitchell Hartman

Oct 23, 2024

The September rate cut raised hopes for a sturdy labor market into next year and beyond. The effect on jobs, though, may take time.

The labor market has shown strength and fragility this year. Potentially, lower interest rates could be good for business investment and hiring.

Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Fewer 18-year-olds are enrolling as college freshmen this fall

by Stephanie Hughes

Oct 23, 2024

This decline in freshmen is particularly notable at four-year schools — less so at community colleges — and there are a number of reasons for it.

This year, a FAFSA revision came with months-long delays that left some students frustrated or with fewer options.

Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

American farmers are feeling gloomy

by Savannah Peters

Oct 23, 2024

The latest read on farmer sentiment from Purdue hit an eight-year low.

The farming industry is dependent on the broader economy, and farmers are feeling it.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

A NY nonprofit is piloting community-based flood insurance. Could it be a model?

by Samantha Fields

Oct 23, 2024

If a certain amount of rain falls, the nonprofit will get a payout that it could use to quickly give cash grants to affected residents.

Hurricane Ida dumped about 9 inches of rain on New York City on Sept. 1, 2021. Above, Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx on the following day.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Facial recognition now part of being a fan at many stadiums

by Megan Jamerson

Oct 23, 2024

For some would-be concertgoers, the technology is a dealbreaker. But others enjoy the convenience and don't worry about privacy risks.

Concertgoers gather to see Usher perform at the Intuit Dome near Los Angeles. The venue collects data on patrons via an app and face-rec tech.

Megan Jamerson/KCRW

LISTEN

EMBED

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

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

4:23 PM PST