Mar 17, 2021

Check your bank accounts

There was some initial confusion because the IRS said that it began processing payments on Friday. People were online on Monday wondering where their deposits were. William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

The first round of those $1,400 direct payments for COVID relief are supposed to clear today for many Americans. Plus, how retailers are competing to attract the consumers who will be spending their relief payments. And, tracking homelessness during the pandemic.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

Many will see $1,400 COVID payments hit bank accounts today

by David Brancaccio and Nova Safo

Mar 17, 2021

Tens of millions of taxpayers will get the direct payments Wednesday if the IRS has their direct deposit information.

There was some initial confusion because the IRS said that it began processing payments on Friday. People were online on Monday wondering where their deposits were.

William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Companies see an opportunity with more relief money headed to consumers

by Justin Ho

Mar 17, 2021

Deals and other offers are likely to appear online, where people have already been shopping during the pandemic.

Consumers are likely to spend this latest round of relief payments quickly, said Matt Kleinschmit, CEO of the market research consultancy Reach3 Insights.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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COVID-19

How many people have been homeless during the pandemic?

by Kyle Vass

Mar 17, 2021

One measure of homelessness is the annual "point-in-time count." Critics say it falls short of identifying the problem's severity.

Michelle Massie (left) and Haleigh Skaggs (right) walk along a riverside path looking for people experiencing homelessness in Huntington, W.Va., Jan. 27, 2021.

Courtesy of Kyle Vass

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Music from the episode

Tower Seven Thievery Corporation

The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

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