Feb 4, 2025

Yes, the U.S. owes itself money

Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

Part of our national debt is money the U.S. government owes the U.S. government. Plus, the cleanup after the LA wildfires will take at least a year.

Segments From this episode

Tariffs are looming. But a lot of things are shaping oil prices this year.

by Elizabeth Trovall

Feb 4, 2025

Thanks to abundant supply and fairly flat demand, oil prices are forecast to fall — unless tariffs and geopolitics get in the way.

Despite abundant supply and flattening demand, oil prices have been volatile thanks to the threat of tariffs.

David McNew/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Lenders see brisk demand for business loans

by Justin Ho

Feb 4, 2025

A Federal Reserve survey of bankers shows clients are finding opportunities to borrow and invest, though demand for mortgages is muted.

Bankers say companies are seeing opportunities to borrow and invest.

sshepard/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Why the labor market is "standing over a cliff"

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Feb 4, 2025

The low hiring rate reveals weakness despite low unemployment, says Kathryn Anne Edwards. Per the JOLTS report, openings declined in December.

Labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards says the low hiring rate reflects the weakness of U.S. workers' prospects, despite the low unemployment rate.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

National Debt

Why the U.S. government owes itself money

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Feb 4, 2025

The US government is $36 trillion in debt. But who is owed all that money?

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talks to press after the Dec. 20 approval of a stopgap funding bill that omitted President Donald Trump's debt ceiling suspension call.

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Los Angeles Wildfires

Cleaning up Los Angeles neighborhoods destroyed by wildfires will take at least a year. Here's why.

by Caleigh Wells

Feb 4, 2025

Homeowners can speed up the process by paying for private debris removal, but that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The LA wildfires in January burned more than 16,000 buildings. More than 6,800 buildings were destroyed in the Palisades Fire alone.

Courtesy Sue Pascoe

LISTEN

EMBED

Music from the episode

When the Night is Over Lord Huron

Toad Lick East Forest

In Your Light Goyte

Weird Fishes / Arpeggi Radiohead

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

Nicholas Guiang Assistant Producer

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

3:02 PM PST