Julia Coronado joins us to discuss the markets, which reflected a short burst of positivity as July concluded. But, while corporations are feeling better about the economy’s future, lower-income consumers are not. Plus, the Biden administration has launched an online heat check in response to the summer’s extreme temperatures.

The trial over the proposed merger of two massive book publishing companies tells us something about how the Biden administration could enforce antitrust in the future. The head of the Pacific Institute clues us in about the role of business in the world’s water security situation.

From the BBC World Service: It’s hoped to be the first of many commercial sailings and is expected to arrive in Lebanon’s Tripoli Port in around six days. That’s because the Lebanese port of Beirut is largely not operating following a deadly explosion in 2020. Plus: China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan have reported manufacturing slowdowns. And, previous success for Germany’s women’s soccer team hasn’t always translated into more support or money for the sport.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge for inflation went up 6.8% in the year that ended in June, reaching yet another 40-year high. It’s difficult to say, then, that we’ve hit peak inflation, and that’s stretching consumers even thinner, says Christopher Low, chief economist at FHN Financial. A look at what’s in the CHIPS Act, the semiconductor-boosting bill that’s expected to be signed into law soon. And we talked to APM Reports about their recent investigation into allegations against a popular COVID testing company. 

West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has announced his support for a sweeping $430 billion dollar package in the Senate that aims to address climate change and health care. We delve into what’s in the bill and what Manchin’s support means for its prospects in Congress. Plus, a look into Amazon’s latest company results and what they mean for the retail sector. And, China is reportedly considering a relief fund for embattled property developers.

From the BBC World Service: Britain’s defense secretary, Ben Wallace, says a private Russian military company called the Wagner Group has likely been tapped to send troops to the frontlines in Ukraine. Also, the Eurozone reported stronger-than-expected economic growth. Plus, a ship carrying grain from Ukraine is expected to depart Odesa for the first time since the war began. And, you’ve probably heard the phrase “paperless office”, but what about the idea of de-printing and reusing the same paper again?

GDP declined 0.9% in the three months ending in June, and what that means is up for debate. The natural gas saga between the European Union and Russia has affected German chem company BASF. We talk more about finding purpose in your work with “Severance” as a backdrop.

The Fed has raised rates again, and we are about to get a first look at economic growth in the second quarter. As part of our examination of the Apple TV+ show “Severance,” we speak to a Wharton professor about the quest to find purpose in work.

From the BBC World Service: As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, we hear how an agreement struck last week means Turkey will play a vital role in ensuring safe passage for ships from Ukraine. Plus, French President Emmanuel Macron has been on a tour of western Africa as part of a trip to strengthen ties with the continent. And we hear about a new book from the “Time-Travelling” economist.