Nov 28, 2024

Turkey legs with a side of Treasury bonds

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

While we gorge on turkey today, the U.S. government continues to rack up debt. The national debt is just over $36 trillion. Most would agree there's something to cut in all of that. The question is how?

Segments From this episode

Why is it so hard to cut government spending?

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Part of the problem is how the federal government spends its money. About two-thirds of the federal budget is mandatory spending, a quarter is discretionary and the rest goes to mandatory interest payments.

national debt
U.S. Treasury Department

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Are robots the answer to the shortage of elder care workers?

by Sabri Ben-Achour , Chris Farrell and Alex Schroeder

Nov 28, 2024

A study of Japanese nursing homes found that productivity, quality and quantity of care improved after the adoption of robots.

The International Federation of Robotics says interest in professional service robots is largely driven by staff shortages and lack of applicants.

Ivan Bajic via Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Leanna Byrne Host, BBC

Kelly Silvera Executive Producer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Ariana Rosas Producer

Nic Perez Director/Producer

Dylan Miettinen Digital Producer

John Bruington Media Producer

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

James Graham Producer, BBC

Jo Critcher Producer, BBC

Naomi Rainey Producer, BBC

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