Oil

The latest forecast calls for Tropical Storm Gustav to make landfall on the Gulf Coast Monday morning. Kai Ryssdal talks with oil worker Buddy Bollfrass about how oil companies are getting ready.

The dollar is up this morning against the trend over the last several months. Stephen Beard talks to Scott Jagow about fears of a continued struggle in the Eurozone economy and why the dollar is rising again.

Host Kai Ryssdal goes over the week's big financial stories with stockbroker and business analyst David Johnson in Dallas, Texas. Fannie and Freddie, the Russians and gyrations on the stock market come up.

Companies are reporting their profits for the second quarter, and oil and energy have profited from high prices. But Amy Scott reports if you don't count banks and other financial companies, earnings actually improved a bit.

NATO wagged a finger at Russia today, warning that the invasion of Georgia was jeopardizing Russia's relationship with NATO. Russia's response was stern. From London, Steven Beard has the story.

Tropical Storm Fay has encouraged Shell to remove hundreds of workers from oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. But Dan Grech reports that oil production has not been affected so far, according to energy firms.

BHP Billiton reported record earnings, today, but there are questions about the company's $130 billion all-share bid for its rival, Rio Tinto. Stephen Beard reports given BHP's strong earnings, Rio can demand a much better offer.

Oil drillers have been descending on farms in the Midwest to sink new wells, and that's making some farmers rich. But it's also damaging the environment and wrecking other farmers' lives. Peter O'Dowd reports.

The price of natural gas is down. But it's not just because of lower crude oil prices or word that three states will provide new supplies. Dan Grech reports on an unexpected factor in the availability of the important fuel.