Inflation has been creeping up. How are Americans feeling its effects?
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
It's Consider This, where every day we go deep on one big news story. Today, inflation. Everyone's feeling it.
The price of gas on the rise again.
On the rise again after President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran had collapsed with strikes intensifying and a renewed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Energy analyst John Kilduff of Again Capital told NPR last week that the price of fuel will most likely continue to climb.
The discount party at the pump is over. We're not going to see much relief.
How did recent gas price spikes and global events push U.S. inflation higher?
We should be going back over $4 a gallon, a national average here, pretty quickly.
The spike in gas prices has also helped push annual inflation to its highest levels in three years. That coupled with the increase in food prices, Americans are feeling the pain. Consider this. Economic data only tells part of the story. We spoke with three people to understand how they are dealing with the high cost of living.
From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow.
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It's Consider This from NPR. The U.S. war in Iran has caused gas prices to skyrocket. Inflation is at a three-year high of 4.2 percent, and wages are not keeping up. To better understand how Americans are coping, we checked in with three people from across the country. Jennifer Browning in Gulfport, Mississippi. Hey, Jennifer.
Hi.
Alex Garcia in Seattle, Washington. Alex, thanks for joining us.
No problem.
And Chuck Lockhart in Whitefield, New Hampshire. Hey, Chuck. Hello. I want to start with introductions from all of you.
Why does NPR say economic data doesn't capture how people actually feel about inflation?
We heard your name, but tell us a little bit about your circumstances, your age, what you do. Jennifer, why don't you start us off?
Okay. I am Jennifer Browning. I'm 44. I do a lot of things. I'm a substitute teacher during the school year. I do DoorDash, Instacart, and recently just started pet sitting as well.
Oh, man, that's a lot of stuff. We're going to get back to all of the stuff you're doing in a moment for sure. Alex, how about you next?
Yeah, hi. I'm Alex Garcia. I own a local sports pub that's been in Seattle since like the 40s. And I have to keep the business going because I have a bunch of starving bartenders who work for me.
Chuck, how about you?
Well, I'm retired. I'm 66. I'm an Iraqi veteran. I used to be in law enforcement and corrections. What's happening currently right now in my life is we're selling a house to move into a more retirement-friendly type dwelling. So we're consolidating.
Yeah, yeah. You know... Like I said, we talk so much about the numbers and the stats, but I think so many people, the economy is a gut feeling. If it feels good or it doesn't feel good, it feels secure. If it doesn't feel secure. Tell me how you're feeling right now. Jennifer, how are you feeling? You mentioned all the different jobs you're working.
Oh, I actually did forget one. During open enrollment season, I am also a licensed health insurance agent.
So that's four or five you just mentioned then?
Yes. Basically, I'm doing anything I can just to keep a roof over my head.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:30
2
How did recent gas price spikes and global events push U.S. inflation higher?
0:30–2:54
3
Why does NPR say economic data doesn't capture how people actually feel about inflation?
2:54–10:45
4
Who are the three Americans interviewed to illustrate how inflation is affecting everyday life?
10:45–11:36
Speakers
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