Weeks of violence between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan has triggered an urgent humanitarian crisis and devastated the country’s economy. One listener called to ask how the conflict might impact the global economy. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the U.S. treasurer’s job and how Netflix might dispose of its enormous DVD inventory. Plus, why the end of the helium shortage is still up in the air.

Here’s everything we talked about today:




“As Sudan’s conflict continues into its second week, here’s what to know” from NPR







“Sudan conflict deals new blow to stagnant economy” from Reuters







“Analysis: UAE, Egypt closer to different sides in Sudan conflict” from Al Jazeera







“If Sudan’s Conflict Spreads to Chad, the Whole Sahel Is at Risk” from Foreign Policy







“What the new U.S. Treasurer could mean for Indian Country” from Marketplace







“History of the Treasury” from the U.S. Department of the Treasury







“Um … what’s a DVD again?” from Marketplace







“Netflix Will End Its DVD Service, 5.2 Billion Discs Later” from The New York Times







“Redbox wants to save Netflix’s DVD business” from The Verge







“Helium’s been rising — in price — and it’s bringing businesses down” from Marketplace







“Helium shortage 4.0 – Continuing uncertainty in the market” from Gasworld







“With helium in short supply, scientists are worried” from Marketplace





If you’ve got a question about business, tech or the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART, or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.