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Core inflation registered 6.6% in September on a yearly basis. But just how much pain you feel paying your bills depends on who you are and what those bills are for. In today’s show, a look at why the headline inflation figure is probably different from the inflation you feel. Plus, the factors behind sky-high airfares, the problem-solving prowess of women in leadership and the hurdles to correcting unequal federal policies.

A recent proposal by the Joe Biden administration could reclassify gig workers as employees rather than independent contractors and expand benefits and protections for millions of Americans. Today, a look at what the move would mean for workers and companies. Also, big but slowing price increases for producers, a dramatic cooling in the mortgage business and a firsthand account of Hurricane Ian’s damage near Fort Myers, Florida.

A union representing freight railroad workers rejected the most recent tentative contract with major railroads, meaning that a strike — and threat to the supply chain — is once again possible. Today, we’ll take a look at the concerns over working conditions and the costs of a strike. Plus, a sign of small business optimism, a drop in computer demand and discussion of financial reparations following a wrongful conviction.

Today, we’ll provide an economic preview for the week ahead. First, we’ll take a look at Social Security’s anticipated cost-of-living adjustment and hear what the historic increase would mean for recipients being squeezed by inflation. Then, we’ll dive into what Wall Street will be listening for in this week’s corporate earnings calls and check out the hefty discounts shoppers can expect this holiday season.

The economy has made a remarkable recovery since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, but where would we be without that downturn? On today’s show, we talk “what ifs” with economists. Plus: semiconductor demand, oversharing on LinkedIn and what to make of the September jobs report.

When the pandemic began, many working moms took a step back from their careers. Now, multitudes of women are still sidelined due to a lack of affordable, reliable child care. Today, how a worker shortage in the sector creates a barrier to women reentering the job market. Plus, potential food relief for Floridians reeling from Ian, a rural hospital’s reopening struggles and the battle over Iran’s internet censorship.

Critics are worried that the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates too quickly and may tip the economy into a recession without taming inflation. So what else can the Fed do? Today, we dive into the policy, politics and power at Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s fingertips. Plus, a squeeze in warehouse space, a predicted slowdown in global trade and the people locked out of China by its zero-COVID policy.

The number of job openings dipped 10% between July and August — a bigger drop than many economists predicted. It might show that the imbalance between supply and demand for labor is shrinking, and could be a sign that the Fed’s rate hikes are working. Plus, how workers are “performing” productivity, why importers are struggling to take advantage of a strong dollar, and when will this bear market finally end?

Europe is looking to boost imports of liquefied natural gas as winter approaches. But supply chain problems abound, from too few ships to transport natural gas and too few facilities to load and unload it. Today, a look at what it’ll take to solve Europe’s energy crisis. Plus, rising interest rates hit manufacturing, libraries are stretched thin and a vineyard tries to adapt to the climate crisis.

The economy seems full of contradictions right now. The threat of a recession looms and inflation is rampant, but consumers are still spending. Economists often look to history when making predictions, but the past offers little guidance to make sense of our current economic moment. Plus, the challenges of moving to more storm-resilient infrastructure and the toll of rising energy costs on U.K. businesses.

Last year, dozens of container ships waited off the Californian coast — some for weeks — to  dock and unload all the goods consumers were demanding. But those backlogs have eased substantially. Today, we’ll take a trip to the Marine Exchange of Southern California to hear what’s changed since and what hasn’t. Plus, why jobless claims are dipping and what Hurricane Ian means for Florida’s fragile insurance industry.

The U.S. dollar has been appreciating this year as investors take advantage of climbing interest rates. But the value of the dollar is forcing economies around the globe to pay the price. Today, we’ll delve into how a strong dollar is affecting imports, exports and the debts of foreign countries. Plus, the Bank of England makes a drastic move, and Hurricane Ian highlights power grid resilience.

Plenty of folks who began working from home during the pandemic are still there. Today, we’ll take a look at how much that WFH reality may be pushing up housing costs and what it means for the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight. Plus, how portfolio dips affect your spending, how women’s colleges are responding to financial pressures and what Gallup’s CEO thinks about happiness and work.

The stock market is not the economy. But financial markets around the world are looking at economic conditions right now and not liking what they’re seeing. Today, we’ll unpack the threats to global economic growth, which experts warn won’t let up anytime soon. Also, investors bail on British bonds, HIPAA excludes health apps and workers who cleaned a coal ash spill fight for compensation — and their lives.

The soft landing the Federal Reserve hopes for the economy appears increasingly out of reach. Stocks tumbled this week and fears of a global recession loom, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell isn’t looking to back off his inflation fight. Today, we’ll try to chart the rocky path ahead. Plus, a look at natural gas reserves, a check-in with publishers and booksellers, and a taste of the nonalcoholic beverage industry.