Oct 18, 2023

How water moves — or stalls — the economy

Mario Tama/Getty Images

We've got three stories about how water moves — or stalls — the economy. Plus, why homebuilding is so expensive right now.

Segments From this episode

America needs more houses, but homebuilders are hobbled by high interest rates

by Henry Epp

Oct 18, 2023

The number of completed homes rose last month. But further up the housing pipeline, homebuilders are starting fewer projects right now.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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With many water workers nearing retirement, utilities seek a younger workforce

by Elizabeth Trovall

Oct 18, 2023

In Texas, for instance, a new law licenses high school students for jobs monitoring and treating drinking water and wastewater.

The water workforce problem has led utilities to recruit young people for training in water and wastewater management.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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How smaller companies are dealing with rising insurance costs for their workers

by Stephanie Hughes

Oct 18, 2023

Annual family premiums for employer coverage went up an average of 7% this year, according to a survey out today from KFF.

Family premiums went up an average of 7% this year, to around $24,000, according to a survey from KFF.

Thicha Satapitanon/Getty Images

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Panama drought makes canal passage "quite the challenge," customs broker says

by Richard Cunningham

Oct 18, 2023

Low water levels in the Panama Canal are forcing a customs broker in Pennsylvania to reroute cargo so it's deliver on time.

Low water levels in the Panama canal are affecting shipping costs globally.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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LinkedIn's "wholesome" vibe could be making it popular with teens

by Kristin Schwab and Sean McHenry

Oct 18, 2023

In addition to getting career boosts, young people like the platform for its positive tone, says journalist Anya Kamenetz.

"I got responses from, like, 65 teenagers," says journalist Anya Kamenetz. "And I just was so surprised to see LinkedIn coming up again and again."

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Music from the episode

Starring You Shafiq Husayn

On It Maestro Nightmares on Wax

When the Night is Over Lord Huron

What Happened? Gillian Moss

They Reminisce Over You Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth

Kamikaze MØ

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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