Mar 10, 2022

The origin story of Russian oligarchs

The wealth and power of Russian oligarchs are closely linked to Vladimir Putin.

Segments From this episode

Though wages are rising, inflation is winning the race

by Marielle Segarra

Mar 10, 2022

Some economists figured wages would get ahead of the inflation rate this year. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine.

Inflation hit 7.9% for February. Wage increases can't keep up the pace.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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Public transit could get a boost from high gas prices

by Savannah Maher

Mar 10, 2022

Bus and train ridership has dipped since the start of the pandemic. High fuel prices, spurred in part by the war in Ukraine, may change that.

With gasoline prices reaching record highs, many people are on board with public transportation.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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How has the war in Ukraine affected global hunger?

by Kai Ryssdal and Richard Cunningham

Mar 10, 2022

Even if globally significant crops in the Ukraine and Russia are eventually harvested, the chief economist of the UN World Food Programme warns they may not make it out of either country.

Some 50% of the UN World Food Programme’s grain comes from areas of Ukraine and Russia.

Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images

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Among the aid Ukrainian refugees can expect: cold, hard cash

by Stephanie Hughes

Mar 10, 2022

Red Cross founder Clara Barton gave cash to war refugees in the 1870s. Now, aid organizations say it empowers refugees more than in-kind aid.

Residents of Kharkiv, Ukraine, take shelter in a metro station. As aid pours in, many experts believe money would provide the greatest benefit to victims of the war.

Emre Caylak/AFP Getty Images

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Who are the Russian oligarchs being sanctioned, and how did they get so rich?

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Mar 10, 2022

Their fates and fortunes are tied closely to Vladimir Putin's.

Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

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Could U.K. fracking wean Europe off its addiction to Russian gas?

by Stephen Beard

Mar 10, 2022

The government says it is mulling the possibility of lifting the fracking suspension to ease the energy crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine.

$The United Kingdom shut down fracking for safety and environmental reasons in 2019; the wells were due to be filled with concrete as early as next week. Above, a Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston, England.$

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Citations Mildlife

Hypercolor goosetaf, anbuu, chromonicci

Feather Little Dragon

Orchids Monster Rally

Gun Metal Grey The Budos Band

Heartbreaker Crazy P

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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