Dec 30, 2020

Relief checks are starting to arrive

Getting checks out to Americans who are already in the IRS’ system should be quick this time around. Jeff Fusco/Getty Images

On today's show: Relief payments via debit card have advantages and drawbacks. Plus, Congress finally bans surprise medical bills.

Segments From this episode

COVID & Unemployment

Millions will get their relief payment via debit card. That's good ... and bad

by Justin Ho

Dec 30, 2020

Cards are usually cheaper than checks. Unless there's a dispute.

President Donald Trump holds one of the prepaid debit cards being issued by the IRS, during a Cabinet meeting in May.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

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No more surprise medical bills. What will that mean for insurance premiums?

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Dec 30, 2020

One thing that’s not clear is how this might affect your insurance premiums.

Health workers in New York City carry a patient to an ambulance in April.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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COVID-19

2020, the year of the pandemic, and pandemic hobbies

by Alli Fam and Kimberly Adams

Dec 30, 2020

To fill unexpected free time or to cope with stress, people have picked up hobbies: sculpting action figures and DJing socially distanced parties are just a few.

After getting furloughed from his job, Miles McAlpin has been creating custom action figures.

Courtesy of Miles McAlpin

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Book sales are up, but is that helping independent sellers?

by Andy Uhler

Dec 30, 2020

Book sales are up almost 8% this year. Mega online stores benefited the most, but some small players are pivoting in hopes of getting ahead.

James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Books in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, speaks with a customer on Nov. 24.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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COVID-19

As COVID-19 vaccines roll out, researchers still seek diverse pool for clinical trials

by Blake Farmer

Dec 30, 2020

Latinx and Black participants are underrepresented in typical clinical vaccine trials.

A sign calling for trial volunteers at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida, in August.

Leila Macor/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Headlines (feat. Westside Gunn, Conway & Benny) DJ Premier, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Benny The Butcher

Luv(sic.) pt3 (feat. Shing02) Nujabes, Shing02

Waterfalls Tree Theater

Be Alright The Foreign Exchange

Good to Me Freddie Joachim

Good Will Come to You Fruit Bats

Dancin - Krono Remix Aaron Smith, Luvli, Krono

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

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