News From the Control Tower - 9/20/2022

News from the Control Tower: Our weekly curated list of news stories affecting you and your finances.

This week’s reads include:

1.       At eBay, Lurid Crimes and the Search for Punishment

The victims of a bizarre cyberstalking operation are trying to hold the chief executive and the culture of the company responsible.

2.       Uncurrent Events: The Great Inflation

Recent inflation in the United States has many people looking for parallels in other inflationary periods in American history, particularly the Great Inflation, a period from 1965-1980 during which the inflation rate twice reached double digits.[1] This post gives an overview of FRASER’s historical resources documenting the U.S. “Great Inflation” and the policy responses to the issue.

3.       Cracking Down on a Wall Street Trend: E.S.G. Makeovers

In recent years, financial firms have revamped dozens of mutual funds into E.S.G. dedicated funds — seeking to cash in on growing demand for such investments.

4.       Billionaire No More: Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company

The company’s non-voting stock, worth close to $3 billion, will be owned by a collective that will use all profits that aren’t reinvested into the business to fight climate change.

5.       World’s First Flying Bike Makes U.S. Debut

Japanese startup AERWINS has developed the world's first flying bike. It's already on sale in Japan and a smaller version is slated for a U.S. release in 2023 with an estimated price tag of $777,000.

Bonus:  Man Tells of Losing His Arm to an Alligator, Followed by Days Lost in a Swamp

Eric Merda meant to go exploring, but ended up in what he described as a nightmare survival story.