Feb 6, 2023

The global economy may not be so bad off after all

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The U.S. economy is doing better than many expected, and there are signs of strength in the global economy too. Plus, utilities increasingly look to recovery bonds.

Segments From this episode

The global economy proves stronger than expected, which is good news for the U.S.

by Mitchell Hartman

Feb 6, 2023

Europe's having a pretty good winter, and other parts of the world aren't doing too badly, either.

The global economy slowed markedly in 2022, and it's expected to weaken further this year. But some patches of the globe are performing better than expected.

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The Census of Agriculture: what it's for, why it matters

by Savannah Maher

Feb 6, 2023

The USDA sends its survey out every five years to create a snapshot of American agriculture, divvy up funds and make policy decisions.

The government uses data from the USDA survey to target resources and inform policy decisions.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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What happens when your streaming show gets "disappeared"?

by Matt Levin

Feb 6, 2023

Dozens of original shows and films have been erased from streaming platforms. Some companies can receive tax breaks by nixing content.

The cast of the HBO Max series "Gordita Chronicles" in June. Despite positive reviews, the show was canceled and eventually removed from the streaming platform.

JC Olivera/Getty Images

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Weathering the economic storm, this small-business owner remains optimistic

by Daisy Palacios

Feb 6, 2023

Like other retail businesspeople, Amelia Freeman-Lynde of Durham, North Carolina, has grappled with supply chain and staffing issues.

Amelia Freeman-Lynde owns Freeman's Creative, a craft shop in Durham, North Carolina. "Not only is it year over year been a really different business, but every month,” she says.

Jade Wilson/Courtesy Freeman-Lynde

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Growth of solar energy and battery capacity yields sunny forecast for the industry

by Samantha Fields

Feb 6, 2023

The federal Energy Information Administration predicts that more than half of the new capacity added to the electric grid this year will be solar.

"Now, there's more incentive and more availability of locations to build new solar projects," an Energy Department spokesman said.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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Utilities' emergency costs spark surge in ratepayer-funded recovery bonds

by Lily Jamali

Feb 6, 2023

To pay off expenses caused by storms or power plant retirements, utilities are increasingly turning to something called securitization.

More than half of states have legislation allowing utilities to use securitization to pay off massive one-time expenses.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Anywhere Madison Cunningham

Mean Green Snarky Puppy

All Too Well Taylor Swift

PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA Beyoncé

Hasta La Raíz Natalia Lafourcade

About Damn Time Lizzo

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

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