Apr 17, 2023

The price tag of those debt limit debates

Julia Nikhinson/Getty Images

The last debt limit stalemates drove up the cost of government borrowing — and that's happening yet again. Plus, why most factories in China are short of workers.

Segments From this episode

Raising the Debt Ceiling

The last time the U.S. almost defaulted on its loans, the consequences were expensive

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Apr 17, 2023

The phrase "debt ceiling" brings some people right back to 2011, when the U.S. also went down to the wire.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy delivers a speech about the economy and debt ceiling at the New York Stock Exchange on April 17. McCarthy said that “defaulting on our debt is not an option.” But neither McCarthy nor the White House are showing any signs of compromising.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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You can pay your taxes in cash — if you're up for the challenge

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Apr 17, 2023

Jay Zagorsky of Boston University paid his taxes in $100 bills and exact change. A cashless society has some disadvantages, he says.

"There are some advantages of cash that we're going to lose once we suddenly go to a pure cashless economy," says Boston University professor Jay Zagorsky.

Murtaja Lateef/AFP via Getty Images

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Why more workers in China are ruling out factory jobs

by Jennifer Pak

Apr 17, 2023

Despite high unemployment among young people, most factories are short of workers. It might reflect false promises and poor conditions.

Production in progress at a factory in China's eastern Anhui province. Factory work has lost much of its popularity as a career choice. “The workers just don't trust factory owners,” one former employee said.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

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Layoffs signal retailers are adjusting to more sharp turns

by Savannah Peters

Apr 17, 2023

Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are cutting staff as consumers pull back on discretionary spending.

Retail sales had a weak showing in March, and stores like Best Buy and Walmart are laying off workers.

Ken Betancur/Getty Images

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Could AI be used to sway federal rule-making?

by Kimberly Adams

Apr 17, 2023

Federal agencies often ask the public to weigh in on rules and their implementation. But how could programs like ChatGPT affect or influence that process?

George Washington University's Mark Febrizio argues that tech like ChatGPT could make it easier for more people to weigh in on policymaking.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

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My Economy

The way of water: Running a business on the banks of the Wisconsin River

by Nicholas Guiang

Apr 17, 2023

As seasonal businesses focus on inflation and new hires for the summer, the shadow of a possible recession looms in the background.

"In general, people will continue to recreate even during a recession," said Scott Teuber of Wisconsin River Outings.

courtesy Scott Teuber

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Music from the episode

Benzoin Gum MF DOOM

black coffee Elijah Who

Calling (Never Stop) Anchorsong

Vur Vai Kwesta

Philodendron Fields Monster Rally

Curious Worriers

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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