Mar 17, 2021

We know what Jay Powell is thinking

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Mark Makela/Getty Images

On today's show: What the Federal Reserve chair said about inflation and the economic outlook. Plus, pandemic-induced patience might not last.

Segments From this episode

COVID & Unemployment

With unemployment high, why can't companies find the workers they need?

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Mar 17, 2021

There are many theories, including unemployment benefits being too high, a skills mismatch and low wages.

Businesses could attract more workers if they raised wages, one expert says. According to the National Federation Independent Business, that's starting to happen.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Inflation watch: Shipping container rates and prices soar on U.S. customer demand

by Scott Tong

Mar 17, 2021

Clogged U.S. ports don't just mean a longer wait time for you, the consumer. They also mean ripple effects for Chinese exporters.

Shipping traffic jams in North American are creating a container shortage in China, where almost all containers are manufactured.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

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United States of Work

For small-business owners, “it’s just never-ending”

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Mar 17, 2021

An independent hairstylist reflects on her newfound respect for small-business ownership after a year on her own.

Hairstylist Ashley Nelson’s private suite in downtown Boise, Idaho. She's looking to grow and bring people with her.

Courtesy of Ashley Nelson

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Have we become more patient during the pandemic?

by Kristin Schwab

Mar 17, 2021

"We don't find that patience in one context is necessarily related to patience in another context," said one expert.

After a year of standing in line to enter stores, pick up groceries, have our temperature checked, we may be getting better at waiting. But will it last?

Scott Heins/Getty Images

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Background checks in dating apps aim to promote safety, but raise privacy concerns

by Kimberly Adams

Mar 17, 2021

A leading dating-app company is working with a nonprofit to bring criminal checks to one of its platforms.

A woman walks past a Tinder advertisement.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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The big empty: San Francisco is sitting on millions of square feet of vacant office space

by Matt Levin

Mar 17, 2021

Which raises the question: Does it look the city's going to ghost itself?

While other office spaces remain empty, some trophy properties, like the Salesforce building, center, remain hot commodities.

Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Let's Love Crown City Rockers

Oh Devil Electric Guest

Canto del Sol Combo Lulo

The Rip Tide Beirut

Make Me Better Little People

I Feel It Coming The Weeknd, Daft Punk

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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