Erika Soderstrom

Associate Producer

Erika works with a group of extraordinary producers to chase business and economic stories heard on “Marketplace Morning Report.”

Latest from Erika Soderstrom

Jun 24, 2021
China takes Australia to WTO in tariffs fight that includes kitchen sinks
Robert Hradil/Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: Beijing is challenging tariffs that Australian authorities imposed two years ago on steel products. Last week, Australia challenged tariffs of over 200% that China imposed on Australian wine exports last November. Plus, thousands of people in Hong Kong wait in line for hours to buy the final edition of Apple Daily, the pro-democracy newspaper, which is closing down after increased pressure from Chinese authorities. And, Buckingham Palace admits it needs to “do better” in recruiting people of color for its staff.
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Jun 23, 2021
It takes more than a “Help Wanted” sign to get people back to the labor force
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
Half of states have now decided to opt out of the extra $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits. Governors say they’re trying to help businesses that don’t pay enough to compete with government benefits to fill 9 million openings. But it’s not just an open job that people need to get back to work. Also, May saw a record year-over-year price increase for existing homes. But we need to be careful when comparing this year’s data to that of 2020. And, frustrated would-be homebuyers look for a light at the end of the tunnel in this hot housing market.
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Jun 23, 2021
Teamsters union turns its attention to Amazon
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
The Teamsters union is set to vote Thursday on a plan to help Amazon workers unionize. Also, it’s sometimes called “thermostat hijacking” or “thermostat sharing”: Customers check the temperature only to see it set to warmer than they had programmed. Turns out this is something they’ve consented to, and it has to do with managing the power grid during a heat wave. And, keeping an eye out for corporate “rainbow washing” during Pride Month.
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Jun 23, 2021
Britain’s travel industry is fed up with COVID restrictions
Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: Pilots, cabin crew and other aviation workers are demanding government action to save the summer vacation season and protect jobs. British Health Minister Matt Hancock says political leaders are working on plans to further relax pandemic rules, including those involving international travel. Plus, Hong Kong’s leading pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will publish its last ever edition Thursday. And, the financial strain of COVID starts to hit foreign aid spending.
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Jun 22, 2021
Tourism in Hawaii is approaching pre-pandemic levels
Marco Garcia/Getty Images
Businesses in Hawaii welcome the demand but are struggling to keep up. Also, awaiting congressional testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell today, we revisit the debate over inflation. Plus, trying to make sense of seesawing on the stock market. And, is Washington prepping to break up tech giants? We take a look at a package of antitrust bills the House Judiciary Committee is set to consider tomorrow.
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Jun 22, 2021
Americans got more serious about financial planning during COVID
Ridofranz via Getty Images
People spent more time working to get their financial act together over the last year. That’s the upshot from two recent surveys of how people’s behavior and attitudes toward money have changed since the pandemic hit. Plus, the Supreme Court rules against NCAA limits on educational benefits for college athletes. And, a closer look at supply chain diversity programs, the means by which companies and government agencies do more business with suppliers owned by underrepresented groups. We speak with one expert who says that whole system needs a reboot.
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Jun 22, 2021
Cardboard makers see surge in demand, but …
Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: You might be surprised to see their profits. Companies making packing materials for Amazon and other retailers have seen a sharp fall in orders from corporate clients, with more people working from home. Plus, India accuses Twitter of defying new social media content rules. And, the U.K. starts talks to join the CPTPP, a trading group of countries around the Pacific Ocean. The economic benefits could be limited.
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Jun 21, 2021
Older Americans have the fastest-growing student debt
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Nearly 9 million Americans 50 and up still have student debt, either from loans they took out to pay for their own education or for their kids’ educations, according to the Department of Education. Plus, taking stock of how markets reacted to the Federal Reserve’s latest economic assessment last week. And, Chinese citizens are still processing the change in birth policy announced last month that will allow couples to have three children instead of the current maximum of two. A number of women have turned to humor in their reactions.
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Jun 21, 2021
As summer travel heats up, American Airlines is cutting flights
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
American Airlines, which is flying more than its competitors, is canceling hundreds of flights. One reason is a labor shortage. Plus, ditching your dining plans could cost you: Restaurants are cracking down on people who don’t show up for reservations. And, chronicling Amazon’s constant growth and the challenges it faces as Prime Day kicks off.
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Jun 21, 2021
What challenges face Amazon without Bezos at the helm?
David Ryder/Getty Images
Brad Stone, author of “Amazon Unbound,” explains how Bezos shaped Amazon’s business and culture.
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