Jul 7, 2021

We’ve reached a record high in job openings. But who’s hiring?

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Plus, grocery supply chains, stockpiling and why America can't quit coal.

Segments From this episode

U.S. job openings high for second consecutive month

by Caroline Champlin

Jul 7, 2021

Which sectors are the most eager for workers? And are workers ready to commit?

There were some 9.2 million new job postings in the May, Bureau of Labor Statistics — nearly the same number that were posted in April.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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Grocers are stockpiling, but that probably won't ease the pain of rising prices

by Kristin Schwab

Jul 7, 2021

High labor costs and supply shortages could spell higher prices at the checkout lane.

As grocers stockpile food and dry goods, storage costs might be passed on to consumers.

Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images

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Coal use rises as natural gas prices spike

by Andy Uhler

Jul 7, 2021

Long term, coal isn't a good option as an energy source. But the competition between coal and natural gas is what matters now.

Although the U.S. and other developed nations still use carbon-heavy coal in electricity production, the industry is declining.

Sean Gallup via Getty Images

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Shelf Life

Could the history of cooling help us understand global warming?

by Eric Dean Wilson

Jul 7, 2021

Air conditioning makes individuals cooler, but the planet hotter. Writer Eric Dean Wilson explores that paradox in his new book.

Workers install an air conditioning unit in a food stall in Shanghai in 2013. In a new book called "After Cooling," writer Eric Dean Wilson wrestles with the societal costs of individual air conditioning.

Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

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Many companies face a stockpiling dilemma in a pandemic-influenced inventory world

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Jul 7, 2021

Stockpiling raw materials has presented a variety of challenges to supply chains, like available warehouse space and shelf life.

Stockpiling requires storage space, which is expensive and in short supply.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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A new British strawberry offers picnic season until November

by Victoria Craig

Jul 7, 2021

Strawberries and cream is a popular treat with Wimbledon tennis fans, and a new breed of the fruit could extend production season.

The Ace strawberry provides good flavor, size and yield, a fruit breeder says. It also requires fewer workers to harvest.

Victoria Craig/BBC

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Music from the episode

Run, Alive, Run Felix Laband

Cut It Upwards Kelpe

I'd Rather Be with You Bootsy Collins

Ungodly Fruit Wax Tailor

Passionfruit Drake

Habits (Stay High) Tove Lo

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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