Dec 13, 2021

How the Kentucky tornadoes are compounding an existing housing crisis

“We want to make sure that people have the ability to live and rebuild,” said Adrienne Bush, Executive Director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. Photo by GUNNAR WORD/AFP via Getty Images

Also: What an award for an EV truck signals in the car industry and a check-in with a California program aimed at housing homeless folks in hotels.

Segments From this episode

Supply chains stressed by U.S. consumers buying up a storm

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 13, 2021

Consumption of durable goods in the U.S. is well above pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating supply chain bottlenecks caused by the pandemic.

Wages are up. Inflation is up. And consumer demand? That's up, too.

Jon Cherry via Getty Images

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Unlike last year, holiday shipping's running pretty smoothly — at least, so far

by Savannah Maher

Dec 13, 2021

Gift-givers seem to be paying attention to messages urging them to ship early.

USPS and private shipping companies appear to be handling holiday shipping better than last year. Above, a FedEx worker makes deliveries in New York City.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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Kentucky housing advocate on tornado recovery: “We can’t go back to the status quo”

by Amy Scott and Maria Hollenhorst

Dec 13, 2021

Even before the tornadoes destroyed more than a thousand homes, Kentucky had a shortage of affordable rentals.

A homeowner reacts to tornado damage on Dec. 12 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “We want to make sure that people have the ability to live and rebuild,” said Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky.

Gunnar Word/AFP via Getty Images

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Rivian nabs MotorTrend award in positive sign for electric truck segment

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Dec 13, 2021

Electric vehicles have been known more for eco-consciousness and finesse than ruggedness and power.

The Rivian R1T, which won MotorTrend's 2022 truck of the year award, is seen on stage at the LA Auto Show on Nov. 17.

Frederic J. Brown /AFP via Getty Images

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California's Project Roomkey "has really worked for a lot of people"

by Amy Scott and Anais Amin

Dec 13, 2021

A Bay Area nonprofit has helped nearly 400 people move from the program into stable housing.

A resident gathers her belongings in a motel room provided to people needing shelter through Project Roomkey.

Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

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Will Brits embrace economic recovery under the mistletoe this Christmas?

by Stephen Beard

Dec 13, 2021

Some say the return of the U.K.’s only annual mistletoe auction heralds the beginning of the end of COVID-induced social distancing.

Mistletoe consultant Jonathan Briggs surrounded by his beloved berries. "It's not surprising it was seen as something magical," he said.

Mimisse Beard

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Music from the episode

Down for the Fifth Time Flamingosis

Cuffed Nick Hakim

Girls In June Dirty Art Club

Space is the Place Ezra Collective

Timeless (Instrumental) J Dilla

You Got Me The Roots, Tariq Trotter, Erykah Badu, Eve

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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