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05/04/2018: The economy is weird right now
May 4, 2018

05/04/2018: The economy is weird right now

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The labor market, to be specific. It's been out of whack for a while, and this morning's jobs report only got stranger. Last month saw 3.9 percent unemployment, the lowest in 18 years. Finding a job is pretty easy, but wages still aren't rising. What's changed since 2000? That's where we'll start today. Then: Obamacare is still the law of the land, minus the individual mandate, which Republicans removed as part of the new tax plan. As a result, premiums are going up again. Plus: How'd things go with this week's China trade talks? And why is the New York Times' food critic going after ice cream sundaes? Two equally important questions we'll answer today.

Segments From this episode

Talks but no deal after U.S. China trade talks

May 4, 2018
A high-powered U.S. trade delegation is heading back from Beijing after two days of trade talks with senior Chinese officials. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told reporters the two teams had “good conversations.” The American team brought a list of demands to the talks, including cutting $200 billion from China’s trade surplus with the U.S. […]

The labor market, to be specific. It’s been out of whack for a while, and this morning’s jobs report only got stranger. Last month saw 3.9 percent unemployment, the lowest in 18 years. Finding a job is pretty easy, but wages still aren’t rising. What’s changed since 2000? That’s where we’ll start today. Then: Obamacare is still the law of the land, minus the individual mandate, which Republicans removed as part of the new tax plan. As a result, premiums are going up again. Plus: How’d things go with this week’s China trade talks? And why is the New York Times’ food critic going after ice cream sundaes? Two equally important questions we’ll answer today.

Music from the episode

Opposite People Fela Kuti
Mermaid In Heaven The Neptunes
Let It Happen Tame Impala
Respiration Black Star, Common
Chicago Falcon The Budos Band