There's a major labor shortage in america, and this is another position that's difficult to fill. New orleans has increased its hourly wage from 11 dollars to 19 dollars. The general manager of catalina beach club on long island told me he's worried he'll lose lifeguards to the club next door which is offering three more dollars an hour.
In a global period of belt-tightening, popular anger will spill over. Our correspondent visits places where powderkegs seem closest to being lit; our predictive model suggests where might be next. China’s spies have a deserved reputation for hacking and harassing—but fall surprisingly short on other spooky skills. And why America is suffering a shortfall of lifeguards.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer