Inflation at 8.5% A New Four-Decade High

Inflation ticks up again to a new four-decade high of 8.5%. This is now the sixth straight month of inflation over 6%. The current rate of inflation continues to be driven by high energy costs and more rises in grocery prices. Some economists hope that we are hitting a peak as prices in some sectors begin to ease, but the overall problem persists. Gwynn Guilford, economics reporter at the WSJ, joins us for more.

Next, a new proposal in California would shorten the work week to four days and force overtime beyond that. The plan would apply to companies with more than 500 employees and could in effect raise employees’ wages by 25% increasing costs for employers. There are currently pilot projects with 38 companies exploring the effects of switching to a four day work week. Wes Venteicher, reporter at The Sacramento Bee, joins us for what to know.

Finally, health experts with the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force will be issuing draft guidance that all children as young as 8 years old should be screened for anxiety. One of the things they point to is the effect that the pandemic has had on young kids and also an increase in numbers of kids aged 6-17 that have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Brianna Abbot, health reporter at the WSJ, joins us for what’s in the recommendations.

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