Latest from Jo Critcher

• Dec 26, 2022

  Why inflated eggs were a part of your Christmas baking

  

  The price of eggs has spiked, and we get into some of the reasons why. Also, our very own Andy Uhler joins us for a year-end wrap on energy.

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• Dec 26, 2022

  2022: The year prices rose

  

  From the BBC World Service: Today we look back at some of the stories we’ve covered this year, from economic pressures in Greece and Turkey to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It was a period in which war in Ukraine and post-COVID supply chain problems caused rising inflation around the world. Turkey was already grappling with higher prices, so we traveled to the country to get a sense of the impact on household budgets.

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• Dec 23, 2022

  Let’s talk pantomime. It’s probably not what you’re thinking.

  

  First, lawmakers are closing on the passage of a big government funding bill. In Europe, Airbnb has been ordered to offer up some information to tax authorities. Also, there’s a host of reasons why air travel is still a very difficult undertaking. Finally, the BBC explores the Christmas tradition of “pantomimes,” but they aren’t what you might be expecting.

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• Dec 23, 2022

  Big federal spending bill brings new retirement benefits

  

  Lawmakers are close to passing a $1.7 trillion government funding bill, and we follow where the money is going. Also, we speak with Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, about the cloudy picture of consumer rights in the digital age.

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• Dec 23, 2022

  Japan’s inflation hits fresh 40-year high

  

  From the BBC World Service: For decades, inflation in Japan has been strictly controlled by the central bank. But in the past year, the yen has fallen dramatically against the dollar, driving up the cost of imports, and as a result – prices. Plus, we hear from Sir Ian McKellen on the post-COVID return of pantomimes – a festive British tradition, and a crucial part of the theater industry’s year.

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• Dec 22, 2022

  FCC calls for record fine against telephone spammers

  

  The FCC is proposing a fine of more than $300 million against an international operation that has made billions of robocalls. The FCC is saying that laws were broken. Diane Swonk of KPMG  offers up market analysis amid news of revised economic growth. Also, holiday ads have gotten emotional in the face of inflation.

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• Dec 22, 2022

  Two execs tied to FTX plead guilty to criminal charges as SBF is extradited to U.S.

  

  The former executives are Caroline Ellison, who headed Alameda Research, and Gary Wang, an FTX co-founder. Also, as part of our Econ Extra Credit series on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we discuss community-centered banking.

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• Dec 22, 2022

  Brexit puts the brakes on U.K. trade

  

  From the BBC World Service: When the U.K. left the European Union, it stepped away from a free trade area. Negotiations for the new relationship were long and complex, concluding just before Christmas two years ago. Now, more than half of U.K. businesses who trade with Europe say they’ve faced problems with those new arrangements. We hear from some of them. Plus, one of the biggest manufacturers of electric trucks in the world says adoption of the new technology is being held back by the energy crisis. And, what are the latest trends in the global toy market?

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• Dec 21, 2022

  Wells Fargo’s miscues prove costly

  

  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau settled with the bank, which will pay billions in fines and damages. We get into the details. Elsewhere, a report examines the struggles of tribes and federal relief funding.

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• Dec 21, 2022

  Attention, adults who dig Legos, action figures and other toys: Companies see you.

  

  First, Twitter boss Elon Musk said he’ll abide by the results of a poll that showed a majority of users wanting him to step down. We check in on the Colorado River. Also, nostalgia among adults is boosting the toy industry.

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