Jan 9, 2024

What are we gonna do with all this empty space?

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Office buildings in the U.S. and storefronts in Shanghai remain emptier than before the pandemic. What gives?

Segments From this episode

The U.S. November trade deficit was $63B, but that's not the important thing

by Matt Levin

Jan 9, 2024

Trade deficit numbers get a lot of attention in election years. Here are some things to know about the nuance behind the numbers.

"Counterintuitively, an expanding trade deficit is typically associated with stronger economic growth in the United States," says Scott Lincicome with the Cato Institute.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Labor Department wants to get more gig workers on company payrolls

by Savannah Maher

Jan 9, 2024

The previous administration made it easier to classify workers for companies like Uber and DoorDash as independent contractors.

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash said Tuesday they don't plan to change their business models in light of the new rules.

Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images

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Women getting their wings as angel investors

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Jan 9, 2024

The practice of personal investment in startup companies is becoming more diverse. That’s influencing which startups get funded.

Tech executives Allison Barr Allen, Deidre Paknad and Adriana Roche speak on a panel at a TechCrunch gathering in 2022.

Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images for TechCrunch

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That empty feeling: Office vacancy rates hit a new high

by Samantha Fields

Jan 9, 2024

Many companies have decided they want employees in the office only part of the time, but they don't want to pay rent on empty space.

As companies commit to long-term hybrid work environments, less office space is needed, leaving many buildings partially vacant.

C. Taylor Crothers/Getty Images

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Can cloud seeding save a drought-stricken "national treasure"?

by Amy Scott

Jan 9, 2024

Nevada is among several states investing in technology to manipulate the weather.

Above, clouds linger at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Nevada is among several states investing in technology to manipulate the weather.

George Rose/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Merci Cory and the Wongnotes

Karma Taylor Swift

City Slicker J-Walk

Mind Playing Tricks on Me Geto Boys

Toad Lick East Forest

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

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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