Jul 29, 2021

Why some builders are intentionally constructing fewer homes

Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

Plus, how a Lake Mead marina is faring amid low water levels, the largest GDP decline in decades and revisiting last year's coin shortage.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

Our lost GDP year

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Jul 29, 2021

U.S. GDP grew 6.5% from April through June, less than many economists expected. However, it’s caught up to pre-pandemic levels.

Many businesses were still closed at Union Station in Washington, D.C., in May. GDP grew 6.5% in the spring quarter, rebounding after the pandemic lockdown.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

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Homebuilders are constructing fewer homes ... on purpose

by Amy Scott

Jul 29, 2021

Some companies have decided it's better to hold back right now.

Despite a hot housing market, new data from Zonda show that 85% of homebuilders are intentionally capping their sales.

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

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A Warmer World

Lake Mead business struggles to stay afloat as water drops to historic low

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Jul 29, 2021

“It’s a tough season this year,” says Lisa Duncan of Temple Bar Marina. Slips are filled, but the boat launch is closed for now.

The closure of Lake Mead’s Temple Bar boat ramp due to low water levels has impacted revenue at the restaurant, hotel and retail store that Lisa Duncan, manages at Temple Bar Marina, she says.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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Revisiting the coin shortage

According to Lance Noggle, a member of the U.S. Coin Task Force, it’s less of an issue of coin shortages as it is coin stagnation — as in coins just sitting in piggy banks and not in the hands of retailers or financial institutions.

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Bars missing a key ingredient: alcohol

by Caroline Champlin

Jul 29, 2021

Managers are reworking their cocktail menus as shortages of materials and labor make some brands unavailable for weeks.

Several states are dealing with shortages of alcoholic beverages, thanks to high demand coupled with packaging problems.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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Love Crocs? Hate Crocs? Either's OK with the company's CEO.

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios

Jul 29, 2021

Crocs are — and have been — back. Socks are the latest addition to the company's line of products.

Courtesy of Crocs

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Music from the episode

Wonton Medeski, Martin & Wood

Hands of Time Kraak & Smaak, Alxndr London

Sun Dress Freddie Joachim

Burning Maggie Rogers

Hot In The Shade Poolside

Bus In These Streets Thundercat

Maria También Khruangbin

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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