During the COVID-19 recession, many economists predicted a K-shaped economic recovery in the United States. This meant that high-income Americans bounced back quicker than those at the lower end of the income scale. However, Peter Atwater, who coined the phrase “K-shaped recovery,” warns that economic inequality has worsened since the pandemic recovery began. While some low-wage workers have seen wage gains, this only tells part of the story.
The show also explores an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision regarding a publicly funded religious charter school and delves into the fragility of global shipping supply chains. This may be influencing Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates.
One listener shares their experience of adapting their home to accommodate living with friends, and a happy wedding anniversary is extended to Susanna. The show encourages audience participation through questions and comments sent to makemesmart@marketplace.org or through voicemails to 508-U-B-SMART.