Erika Soderstrom

Latest from Erika Soderstrom

• Jul 7, 2021

  Schools struggle to get enough teachers for the summer

  

  Teachers are exhausted after the past year, and even bonuses offered by school districts may not be enough to hire adequate staff. Meanwhile, enrollment for summer school is expected to be at an all-time high. Plus, can the White House get Russia to rein in cybercriminals and ransomware attacks? Also, Chinese regulators order ride-hailing service Didi to be taken off of app stores shortly after the company made its U.S. stock market debut. And, a new tactic in the public relations push to get more Americans vaccinated: calling on moms to spread the message.

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• Jul 7, 2021

  What can the antibiotics industry learn from COVID?

  

  And, specifically, how the U.S. government responded to COVID with Operation Warp Speed. The antibiotics industry needs revitalizing, and some solutions may lie in how the U.S. approached vaccine and therapeutics development during the pandemic. Plus, the force was not with Microsoft. The Department of Defense has canceled its contract with the technology company and instead will pursue a deal with multiple cloud providers.

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• Jul 7, 2021

  The giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal has resumed its voyage

  

  From the BBC World Service: It caused a major disruption back in March on a shipping route that carries around 12% of global trade. Now, the Ever Given has been released by Egyptian authorities after the negotiation of a compensation deal. Plus, why fintech company Wise, formerly TransferWise, has chosen a direct listing on the London Stock Exchange rather than a traditional IPO. And, China is tightening rules on its big technology companies looking to list on stock markets overseas.

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• Jul 6, 2021

  What’s the Fed thinking?

  

  There’s another chance this week for investors to figure out what the Federal Reserve will do next when it comes to monetary policy and interest rates. The Fed will release the minutes from its June meeting on Wednesday. Plus, Hong Kong says it’s trying to crack down on doxxing, but big tech companies argue new data privacy rules there threaten free expression. And, the latest from “Million Bazillion,” Marketplace’s podcast about money for kids and their families: Where did banks come from?

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• Jul 6, 2021

  A standoff over oil production

  

  Talks among members of OPEC and its allies ended without a deal on how to increase production levels. That leaves oil markets with some uncertainty as demand for fuel increases along with economic recoveries. Plus, an extension of food assistance for families who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch, even during summer vacation. And, nonprofits like zoos and aquariums can once again rely on ticket sales to help pay the bills.

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• Jul 6, 2021

  Hong Kong defends new data privacy rules as Big Tech bristles

  

  From the BBC World Service: The Asia Internet Coalition, which represents tech giants operating in Hong Kong, warned some firms might leave the territory over worries about the proposed law. The regulation is intended to tackle “doxxing,” the act of maliciously publishing people’s personal information online. Plus, a court in India asks Twitter to clarify how it is complying with new social media laws in the country. And, Cannes Film Festival rolls out its red carpet after being canceled last year.

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• Jul 5, 2021

  The return of back-to-school shopping

  

  School is back on for the fall, and so is back-to-school shopping. We look at how spending is expected to change. Also, the NCAA has temporarily suspended its rules restricting college athletes from making money by selling the rights to their names, images and likenesses. This new policy will likely prove to be a big financial boon for not just athletes, but also agents. Plus, what Spotify’s expansion into more than 40 African countries means for local streaming services there. And, how the pandemic may have changed theme parks for good going forward.

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• Jul 5, 2021

  The latest global ransomware attack

  

  The hackers behind a massive, worldwide cyberattack have a new demand. Now they apparently want $70 million. Plus, those in commercial fishing fear that offshore wind farms pose an existential threat to their industry. And, another place where touchless technology and mobile transactions are taking hold: U.S. theme parks.

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• Jul 5, 2021

  UAE stands firm against proposals to ramp up oil production

  

  From the BBC World Service: Russia and Saudi Arabia want to increase crude oil production later this year, as many Western countries ease pandemic restrictions. But anything that could see prices fall will be difficult to negotiate with the United Arab Emirates. Plus, a ransomware cyberattack on U.S. company Kaseya is having an effect in Swedish stores and even some schools in New Zealand. And, China’s crackdown on Big Tech is gaining momentum.

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• Jul 2, 2021

  The economy gained 850,000 jobs in June

  

  That’s better than expected. One economist says this is clear evidence that if there are problems in hiring, it’s because the economy is reopening so quickly, and bringing back millions of workers will take time. We also look at wage growth in the U.S. economy, where it’s concentrated and what it says about the state of the labor market. Also, AAA predicts a record number of Americans will travel by car this July Fourth weekend. Meanwhile, gas prices are expected to be at their highest levels since 2014. Plus, the bipartisan infrastructure deal could bring back a tax on toxic chemicals that expired in 1995. And, a roadmap from U.K. officials for how Britain plans to attract business in a post-Brexit world.

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