Feb 8, 2023

When the economy changes, so do our jobs

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Today, we'll do the numbers on our still-shifting labor market. Plus, what it takes to reach a balanced federal budget and what's behind surging natural gas prices in California.

Segments From this episode

What would it take to balance the federal budget?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Feb 8, 2023

You need the courage to make cuts, the wisdom to negotiate and luck, says Linda Bilmes, who worked in the Clinton administration.

In the last half-century, only two presidents have balanced the federal budget: Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton, above with Vice President Al Gore.

Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

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As demand shifts, some businesses are weighed down with too much inventory

by Justin Ho

Feb 8, 2023

Especially those closely tied to the housing market.

Slowing home purchases have left some businesses tied to the housing market — like appliance wholesalers — with a glut of product.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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What's behind California's spiking natural gas prices?

by Lily Jamali

Feb 8, 2023

Ratepayers report their bills are double or even nearly triple what they paid last year.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling for a federal investigation into the factors behind the state's natural gas price spike. Above, a natural gas plant in El Segundo, California.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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In a "restructuring" economy, which industries gained and lost jobs in 2022

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Feb 8, 2023

Here are the industries that saw the biggest job gains and the ones still falling behind.

“It’s a large-scale restructuring, but the labor market goes through large-scale restructurings all the time," said Michael Montgomery of S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Americans’ use of credit is growing, but slowing

by Stephanie Hughes

Feb 8, 2023

In 2022, consumer credit increased 7.8% from the year before. But in December, the growth in borrowing decelerated.

Consumer credit increased 7.8% last year, according to recent Federal Reserve data. But some Americans appear to be getting more cautious about debt.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Adventures in Housing

This couple works to create a safe haven for queer, nonwhite travelers

by Sarah Leeson

Feb 8, 2023

The initial idea was to create global pop-up experiences. But Amber Drew and her wife ended up finding a permanent home in Nicaragua.

Buying property for the Apogeo Collective was not Plan A, but Amber Drew and her wife found an opportunity to become homeowners in Nicaragua.

Amber Drew and Sara Elise

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Music from the episode

Kick, Push Lupe Fiasco

Dark Lady DJ Food

Como Me Quieres Khraungbin

Adventure Monster Rally

Air Pockets Mocky

French Letter J-Walk

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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