Feb 1, 2021

Caught in the unemployment benefits gap

Congress signed the last COVID-19 relief bill in December, so where are people's unemployment benefits? Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

More than a month after the latest COVID-19 relief bill became law, millions of Americans are still waiting for the money. Plus: No, silver is not the next GameStop.

Segments From this episode

Why is the price of silver soaring?

by David Brancaccio , Nova Safo , Victoria Craig and Alex Schroeder

Feb 1, 2021

Individual investors are apparently fueling the increase. It's a similar strategy to what we've seen with GameStop stock.

Retail investors are now targeting big banks who have bet against the price of silver.

Bet_Noire via Getty Images

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Facing "grim" outlook, construction industry awaits Biden infrastructure plan

by Amy Scott

Feb 1, 2021

The new administration is expected to unveil a $2 trillion proposal this month.

Construction workers at a project in New York City. Over the past four years, the industry has been frustrated by infrastructure-spending promises that never materialized.

Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

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Biden team faces pressure over who leads key banking regulator

by Kimberly Adams

Feb 1, 2021

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency oversees most U.S. banking assets and can influence economic inequality.

Whoever the president taps to run the OCC will play an important role in addressing economic inequality, including the racial wealth gap.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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COVID & Unemployment

Unemployment benefits have not resumed for many Americans

by Samantha Fields

Feb 1, 2021

Over a month after the last COVID-19 relief bill extended benefits for millions, many are still waiting for money to arrive.

Congress signed the last COVID-19 relief bill in December, so where are people's unemployment benefits?

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

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Shelf Life

The “afterlife” of mass incarceration

by Reuben Jonathan Miller

Feb 1, 2021

In a new book, sociologist Reuben Jonathan Miller explores the punishments formerly imprisoned people face after their release. Read an excerpt here.

Inmates worship during Christmas Mass at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. In a new book, sociologist Reuben Jonathan Miller examines the effects of incarceration after it ends.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Sound of Silver LCD Soundsystem

Horizon - Poolside Remix Tycho, Poolside

Tell Me Groove Theory

Magic Spell This Is The Kit

Brea Oddisee

Eple Röyksopp

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

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