Jul 6, 2022

That “inflation relief” money could drive prices higher

Kathryn Judge, author of "Direct," discusses the major role of middlemen in our lives. Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Some states are distributing inflation rebates, but some economists are critical of the programs. Plus, who steps up when local governments go broke?

Segments From this episode

It takes a long time to get from a federal drilling lease to actual oil

by Andy Uhler

Jul 6, 2022

Companies have to evaluate their prospects, then come up with a budget and manage crew and equipment logistics.

While the Biden administration has reopened federal land and offshore sites to oil and gas leases, it can take months or years to actually start pumping oil. Above, an oil well in Garden City, Texas.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Walmart to charge transportation fees to some suppliers

by Stephanie Hughes

Jul 6, 2022

The retailer says it's part of an effort to keep prices low for customers. That can be hard to do in the long term.

The fees Walmart charges will eventually be passed on to consumers.

George Frey/Getty Images

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As inflation rises, this Michigan business owner is taking a chance on a second store

by Sean McHenry

Jul 6, 2022

"I'm taking a very, very big risk opening another retail location," says Annie Lang Hartman, owner of the Michigan retail brand Wild Lettie.

Annie Lang Hartman has opened a second retail store, above, in Suttons Bay, Michigan.

Courtesy Annie Lang Hartman

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Credit scores and the bias behind them

Credit scores reflect not just financial behavior, but discrimination within our economic system.

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Around a dozen states are handing out tax rebates. Could that fuel more inflation?

by Kristin Schwab

Jul 6, 2022

It's a bit like the stimulus payments the federal government handed out early in the pandemic. Just don't call it stimulus.

Some economists think "inflation relief checks" should be more targeted or distributed in installments.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Shelf Life

When governments fail to address community issues, who steps in?

by Michelle Wilde Anderson

Jul 6, 2022

In an excerpt from "The Fight to Save the Town," the author describes how residents get by in an Oregon county with a declining government.

A person in Detroit walks past the remains of the Packard Motor Car Co., which ceased production in the late 1950s.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Next To You Poolside

Carino The Marias

Summer Nights Raaginder, Wisechild

It Starts with Bongos Kid Spatula

Meet Me in the Woods Lord Huron

Breaking Your Silence Generationals

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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