How worried should we be about inflation?
Consumer prices are at a 31-year high and people are feeling it from the grocery store to the pump. What is driving inflation and how concerned should we be?
Listen 49:29
(AP Photo/LM Otero)
Inflation is at a 31-year high and Americans are feeling the pain, paying for the increased prices on food, goods, services, energy and gas. But why have consumer prices risen so fast and how concerned should we be? Is it “transitory” as some economists have argued, or is it signaling long-term financial problems? And what steps, if any, should the government be taking to slow inflation? Former Federal Reserve and White House economist CLAUDIA SAHM joins us, along with University of Michigan public policy and economics professor JUSTIN WOLFERS. We’ll also hear from PAT KENNEDY, founder and executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank, about how steep prices and supply chain backups are impacting their distribution of diapers and period products to homeless shelters, food pantries and social service organizations.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
Why high prices toppled Democrats — and other governments around the world
Voters really don't like inflation. In fact, whenever there's a sustained jump in the cost of living, the party in power often pays a price.
2 weeks ago
Trump’s economic plans would worsen inflation, experts say
They fear that Trump's proposals would “reignite’’ inflation, which has plummeted since peaking at 9.1% in 2022 and is nearly back to the Fed’s 2% target.
1 month ago
What’s going on with the price of groceries?
Cooling inflation hasn’t translated to lower prices on store shelves. We’ll look at how sticker-shock over grocery costs is having an impact on consumers and voters.
Air Date: September 24, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 51:51