Pinching pennies, casting ballots: a midterms dispatch from the Midwest
Summary
This Up First Sunday Story examines the affordability crisis in the Midwest, where rising costs for food, housing, and energy are straining residents despite the region's historical reputation for low prices. Host Aisha Roscoe speaks with Midwest Newsroom editors Holly Edgell and Daniel Wheaton, who share data on price hikes and interviews with voters in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. The episode highlights how individuals are coping through side jobs, food banks, and creative budgeting, while analyzing how these economic pressures are influencing voter sentiment ahead of the midterm…
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Midwest affordability crisis
Sponsor announcements
Origin of the Midwest Newsroom affordability series
Rising food costs and reliance on credit
Interview with Linda Rufus on food banks
Data analysis: Grocery price increases
Housing and rent affordability challenges
Interview with Chuck Martins on rent and labor
Student debt and the gig economy
Case study: Moving from Portland to Kansas City
Political responses and midterm candidates
Sponsor announcements
Survey results on voter priorities
Voting intentions of the Schindler couple
Chuck Martins' political views and economic outlook
Voter pessimism and economic policy impact
Expert analysis on wage stagnation and inflation
Melanie Magania on the cost of financial stress
Credits and final sponsor messages
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