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Medicare, Pell Grants and the Immigration Act of 1965 were all passed under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Several important government agencies were formed too. In fact, some historians argue that LBJ’s Great Society agenda was the last major shift in the relationship between the executive branch and the U.S. economy. In this episode, how does legislation passed under President Joe Biden compare?

About 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike today over pay, yes, but also the automation of their jobs. We take a look at mechanization on the docks and how truckers feel the pain of shipping delays and slowdowns. Plus, the U.S. increased the number of available jobs in August, data centers are going higher and sleeker, and learning about white labels the hard way.

Sept. 30 marks the end of a yearlong grace period that came after a several yearslong pause on student loan repayments. Starting tomorrow, missing a payment will affect borrowers’ credit scores. Are the most vulnerable borrowers prepared to pay? Also in this episode: Women’s sports sponsorships gain ground, Zillow introduces climate risk scores for homebuyers, and a potential longshoremen’s strike looms on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

Disposable income was up 0.2% in August from July, the latest personal consumption expenditures report shows. It’s good news that income is outpacing inflation, but major life expenses like homeownership or retirement are still out of reach for many Americans. Also in this episode: Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign may benefit from Divine Nine-affiliated PACs, California decides how best to recycle EV batteries, and Denver property owners will pay an annual tax to fund sidewalk maintenance.

Good job, everyone! We’re working harder — or at least, more efficiently. Despite a cooling labor market, we’re producing more product per hour, which has major economic benefits. In the long run, that should boost the economy and heat up hiring — hopefully. Also in this episode: The military tries lowering its aircrafts’ carbon footprint; Shanghai modernizes its e-payments for visitors; and while women are a growing Formula One fan base, they aren’t yet in the driver’s seat.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6% right now — a better deal than 8%, which is where rates were a year ago. But home prices have grown tremendously in the past several years. So how much can falling rates really help prospective buyers? Also in this episode: a customs broker preps for a potential port strike, Dame Judi Dench could be your next AI assistant, and college football conference shake-ups are all about the money.

Last week’s interest rate cut was supposed lower borrowing costs across the economy. But there’s been a surprising coda: The interest rate on the 10-year T-note went up. So, while the Federal Reserve intended to provide an economic reprieve, some loans may have become just a little more expensive. Also in this episode: New York and Las Vegas lead in home price growth, cement needs to go green and soft skills strengthen job skills.

There’s a good chance you’ve used a computer powered by Intel — it’s a longtime Silicon Valley giant. But rival chipmaker Qualcomm is looking to get bigger. In this episode, why Intel, legendary but past its prime, may be ripe for takeover. Plus: Southwest Airlines faces pressure from an activist investor, talking to a human customer service rep has become a privilege and federally sponsored free COVID tests are back.

Ever wanted to burn up physical manifestations of the year’s heart-wrenching grief and financial dread in a 50-foot-tall, marionette-shaped effigy? Same! In this episode, we visit the 100th Burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where attendees do just that. Plus: Climate change may be to blame for pricey potato chips and corporations rehire old executives in unstable times.

Interest rates fell in the wake of yesterday’s cut by the Federal Reserve — kinda. Truth is, most lenders had anticipated this move for a while and already lowered their rates before the Fed’s announcement. But we’ll have to wait for some of the other ripple effects. Also in this episode: Educators cautiously consider artificial intelligence products, consumers aren’t too interested in the new iPhone and we visit a remote edge of Alaska where national security and climate change clash.