Dec 10, 2021

More than just a number

A shopper reaches for produce at a grocery store on a street in New York, New York on December 10, 2021. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP) (Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images) Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images

Also on today's program: The Weekly Wrap, a look at how artificial intelligence can influence hiring and a trip to the ballet.

Segments From this episode

The Weekly Wrap

Kai Ryssdal is joined by the Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell and ADP’S Nela Richardson to chat about inflation, wage growth and next week’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee.

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For people on benefits, inflation adjustments lag behind

by Amanda Peacher

Dec 10, 2021

Social security and SNAP benefits are adjusted every year for inflation. While that tends to be enough in normal years, it's not enough right now.

For those on fixed incomes, inflated prices on everyday items like rent and food can hit particularly hard.

Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

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Shopping for toys is no child's play this season

Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys in Carrboro, North Carolina, describes what she’s seeing in the shop this holiday season.

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New NYC law restricts hiring based on artificial intelligence

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Dec 10, 2021

Employers won’t be allowed to use AI to screen job candidates unless the tech has gone through an audit to check for bias.

New York City follows Maryland and Illinois in implementing laws to curb algorithmic discrimination in hiring.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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A Warmer World

FEMA plans to double down on climate preparedness

by Samantha Fields

Dec 10, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's new strategic plan focuses on helping communities adapt to the changing climate.

A FEMA task force searches a flooded North Carolina neighborhood in 2018. The emergency response agency is boosting its investment in helping communities withstand destructive weather.

Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images

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Ballet's biggest production changes how it depicts Asians

by Kristin Schwab

Dec 10, 2021

An increase in violence against Asian Americans during the pandemic have strengthened calls to change "The Nutcracker."

Pacific Northwest Ballet corps de ballet dancer Christian Poppe as the Cricket with dancers in a scene from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.

Photo © Angela Sterling

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Music from the episode

Agrimony MF DOOM

Lovin Millionyoung

My Only Swerving El Ten Eleven

Beat Goes On Pete Rock

Dancer in a Daydream Ace of Base

Disco Ulysses (Instrumental) Vulfpeck

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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