Feb 2, 2022

The difference paid medical leave made for one family

Today, we learn what paid medical leave meant for one family’s financial and mental well-being. Plus, how omicron could distort the jobs report, and what the prices of raw goods tell us about inflation.

Segments From this episode

COVID & Unemployment

Omicron’s peak coincided with key week for jobs data

by Matt Levin

Feb 2, 2022

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' "reference week," used to calculate employment, included Jan. 12 — when omicron was at its worst.

Because people working in leisure and hospitality are less likely to receive paid sick time, they wouldn't show up on January payrolls if they were out sick with omicron during its peak.

Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images

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Rising commodity prices suggest more inflation is on the way

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Feb 2, 2022

The cost of commodities has gone way up, and spendy raw materials suggest more inflation in 2022.

The rising cost of commodities, like coffee and soybeans, indicate that inflation will stick around.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Microbusinesses and the pandemic

This microbusiness owner is riding a roller-coaster

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios

Feb 2, 2022

Running a microbusiness in a pandemic economy is tough. Businesses that rely on human interaction have to be creative to survive.

Amelia Freeman-Lynde, who owns Freeman's Creative in North Carolina, has seen many small businesses suffer hard knocks recently. “It's kind of like, pull yourself up or get out of the game,” she said.

Alex Manness/Courtesy Amelia Freeman-Lynde

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From Alaska to Washington, one couple’s story of paid family leave

by Marielle Segarra

Feb 2, 2022

U.S. federal law requires companies to give workers 12 weeks off a year for family medical situations — unpaid. Whether or not workers get paid leave depends on what state they live in.

Washington is one of 10 states that has paid family medical leave. It made a huge difference for nurse practitioner Julia Mitzel, who was able to tap into it when her husband was undergoing cancer treatment.

Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Rock'n'Roll Marathon

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Adventures in Housing

She made Airbnbs across the country her home and office — with her little dog, too

by Maria Hollenhorst

Feb 2, 2022

Remote work allowed young professional Nataliea Abramowitz to sample life in eight states over about eight months.

Nataliea Abramowitz and Olive in Cadiz, Kentucky, a place she likely never would have visited without the option to work remotely.

Courtesy Nataliea Abramowitz

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Music from the episode

Silent Treatment The Roots

Wait a Minute! WILLOW

Sky's the Limit (feat. 112) - 2014 Remaster The Notorious B.I.G., 112

Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Marvin Gaye

Get By Talib Kweli

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

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