Gen Z Delays Driver’s Licenses, Ditching Filler Words, and Poland’s Underground Salt Mine

This is The Lofi Brief: calm beats, clear news for March 2, 2026. A short, low-key look at three stories shaping the moment.Today’s StoriesWhy Gen Z Is Delaying Driver’s LicensesFewer 16-year-olds are getting their driver’s licenses compared to past generations, citing costs, safety concerns, rideshare convenience, and shifting cultural priorities. In 1983, about half of U.S. 16-year-olds had licenses — by 2022, that number had fallen to 25%.🔗 Source: Business InsiderHow to Stop Saying “Um” and “Like”Linguists say filler words like “um” and “like” actually serve cognitive and social functions — helping speakers buffer complex thoughts and manage conversations. But in high-stakes settings, overuse can undermine credibility.🔗 Source: TIMEPoland’s Underground Salt KingdomThe Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — features 700 years of mining history, underground chapels carved entirely from salt, and more than 150 miles of tunnels beneath the surface.🔗 Source: CNNThat’s The Lofi Brief.Sources and more reading are in the description.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with some friends.Thanks for listening — we’ll see you next time.Disclaimer: This episode features original music and commentary inspired by publicly reported news. It does not reproduce news articles or broadcasts. Sources are linked for informational purposes.Find the Lofi Brief wherever you listen to podcast:Apple | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Audible If you enjoy the show, please follow and share with others. Music performed by Inner Phases