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The labor participation rate for women is now lower than it’s been in 30 years, meaning more gaps in resumes. On today’s show, we’ll spend some time talking with women and employers about how they’re approaching that challenge. Plus, a look at what separates the states that have hit pre-pandemic unemployment levels from the ones that haven’t. Later on, we’ll look at the changing credit card industry and new laws that give renters legal counsel. We wrap up today’s show with a look at the cultural and economic fallout from a much (much) older pandemic.

The U.S. had a record 9.21 million job openings in May, but mix-and-matching those jobs with the millions of Americans who are out of work isn’t easy. We’ll talk about whether all those openings signal a recovering economy or a struggle to hire. Plus, grocery supply chains, stockpiling and why America can’t quit coal.

The company behind the Weather Channel announced a $5-a-month streaming service, Weather Channel Plus, and Rupert Murdoch is launching his own Fox Weather later this year. Is this what peak streaming looks like? We’ll talk about it, plus: Iceland’s short workweek and the short-term training industry. But first: Is OPEC+’s crisis an opportunity for American shale?

Jeff Bezos is stepping down as Amazon’s longtime CEO to focus on other projects, like his Blue Origin space venture. We look at how commercial space flight is still wide open when it comes to rules for passengers. We also talk about how colleges in Maine are witnessing an influx of out-of-state students, the world’s oldest sweet shop adapting to modern times and how business travel is still shaking off the impact of the pandemic.

Burnout is rampant in this workforce, and the quit rate is accelerating. Some firms are taking companywide summer vacations, but do they actually help? Today, we look into it, plus the housing shortage and China’s solar ascendancy. But first, a deep dive into this morning’s jobs report and the “last mile” of economic recovery.

Because of the semiconductor chip shortage we’ve been talking about lately, the average wait time for chips is 18 weeks. That’s forced Ford to suspend or dial down production at some of its factories, adding to the roller-coaster nature of auto industry jobs. Also, recruiting the next generation of venture capitalists from historically Black colleges, surging propane prices and the vulnerable state of U.S. electric grids in a changing climate.

As the president considers an executive order that would tighten the reins on industries ruled by a few major players, we look into  the Obama and Trump administrations’ policies on corporate  competition. Also, we talk about post-pandemic career changes, free Obamacare and what exactly trade promotion authority is.

The pandemic has increased the need for mental health care. However, the boost in demand has shed light on the logistical challenges that may confront those seeking help. We examine the disparity between mental and physical health benefits. Also today, how a “beer game” illustrates the workings of supply chains, the consumer confidence index and the art of car haggling.

The Pacific Northwest is enduring a record-setting heat wave, which has ignited a run on air conditioners. While AC isn’t known as an essential need in that region, its sudden widespread use stirs questions about whether the infrastructure can adapt. Also today, we look at the extended child tax credit’s effect on poverty, the Fed’s housing market tightrope and the first Black woman to get a Ph.D. in economics.

More companies are making decisions about how and if their workers will return to offices. According to one survey, more than 70% of workers want to keep the option to work remotely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to spend all their time working from home. As people take a break from their apartments and roommates and look to other spaces to park their laptops, it’s creating a business opportunity for others. Today: the evolution of WFH. Also, the Weekly Wrap, the extension of the eviction moratorium and the shift in how we shop for clothes.