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Dec 17, 2020

Grim forecast if Congress can’t come up with new pandemic relief

Without more aid, one report says 5 million more people could fall into poverty next month. And even if a relief package passes very soon, it’ll still take a while to get money to people. Plus, the first fully at-home COVID test. And, how mall Santas have adjusted to the pandemic.

People receive bags of food, including turkeys, at a Thanksgiving food distribution site sponsored by area health centers, churches and local politicians on Nov. 20, 2020 in New York City. — People receive bags of food, including turkeys, at a Thanksgiving food distribution site sponsored by area health centers, churches and local politicians on Nov. 20, 2020 in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Segments From This Episode

If Congress fails to extend pandemic unemployment benefits, close to 5 million people will fall into poverty in January, report finds
That’s according to research from Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy. Megan Curran, a researcher there, has more.
885,000 people signed up for unemployment benefits last week, the highest number in nearly four months. Meanwhile, the housing market is not only recovering, but also exceeding expectations.
That’s the “K-shaped” recovery for you. “Those who have money, and can afford to get a bigger house are building, and also supporting the economy on that side of it,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton. “While those who are hit hardest by COVID layoffs are seeing the problems that they face compound.”
Australian company first to develop fully at-home COVID test
by Victoria Craig
Ellume Health
Everything needed for the test — which the FDA gave emergency authorization — is inside the box, except for a smartphone.
Mall Santas are doing things a little differently this year
by Emily Siner
Emily Siner/WPLN News
There are fewer lines, mandatory masks, socially distanced photo-ops and even video calls with Santa.

Music from the episode

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