The Indicator from Planet Money

Nicholas Matthews, an air traffic controller at Savannah–Hilton Head International Airport and former Air Force controller, shares his gripping experiences during the recent government shutdown. He discusses the immense stress of maintaining calm communication while working without pay, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the financial strain on controllers. Matthews emphasizes their vital role in safety and the challenges posed by understaffing in the FAA. He highlights the importance of resolving political stalemates for the sake of both controllers and public safety.

Lizanne Saunders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, and John Campbell, Harvard Economics Professor and co-creator of the CAPE Ratio, explore the alarming spike in the Shiller PE Ratio, now at its highest since 1999. They break down how this ratio reflects investor sentiment and discuss its implications for long-term returns. The duo also draws intriguing parallels between today’s AI-driven market and the dot-com bubble, raising questions about whether we are in a similar investment frenzy.

Jackie Northam, an NPR international affairs correspondent, dives into the complexities of Russian oil sales amidst ongoing sanctions. Despite over 5,000 sanctions against Russia, many countries continue to buy its oil, often skirting their own regulations. Jackie highlights Taiwan’s significant role, particularly how private firms are navigating sanctions. The conversation also touches on the hypocrisy of other nations, like Turkey and India, that openly purchase Russian oil while publicly supporting Ukraine. The geopolitical implications of these actions reveal a tangled web of economic interests.

Joshua Aaron, developer of the controversial ICEBlock app, shares his motivation behind creating a tool for crowdsourcing ICE sightings. He discusses the app's design intent for privacy and speed. The conversation reveals how media attention rapidly increased its user base. However, Apple ultimately removed ICEBlock, citing concerns about targeting law enforcement. Joshua raises critical questions about Apple's power and its implications for free speech, while connecting this case to the Epic Games litigation, underscoring the clash between tech giants and government pressures.

AI is stepping into the hiring arena, and surprisingly, it’s winning over candidate hearts. A recent study reveals that 78% of candidates prefer AI interviews, seeing them as less judgmental. Adrian experiences this technology firsthand with Anna, the AI recruiter. The results show AI interviews can actually reduce perceived discrimination and boost hiring rates. As companies plan to scale this technology globally, it might redefine recruitment and allow human recruiters to focus on more analytical tasks.

Explore the intriguing impacts of school cellphone bans, where a study reveals a slight boost in test scores. Delve into the unsettling trend of white-collar job cuts, particularly at Amazon, influenced by the rise of AI. As Halloween approaches, prepare for a shocking 10.8% increase in candy prices due to tariffs and supply chain issues, along with a peek into shrinkflation affecting favorite treats. Get ready for spooktacular economic insights!

Milen Vaishnav, Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment, dives into the complicated relationship between India and China. He explores how recent trade tensions with the U.S. might be nudging India closer to China. The conversation highlights potential economic collaboration, as well as the historical roots of their territorial disputes. Despite signs of thawing relations, Milen cautions that this newfound cooperation could be more of a strategic convenience than a lasting bond.

The discussion dives into the critical role of health insurance subsidies amid a potential government shutdown. It highlights the Affordable Care Act's fight against pre-existing condition discrimination and how subsidies drive affordability. The research reveals how adverse selection raises premiums with sicker enrollees. The hosts explore whether expiring subsidies could trigger a death spiral in the market, wrapping up with a lively debate on the best approach: reforming the system or maintaining the subsidies for continued coverage.

Jennifer Nicol Victor, a political science professor, dives into the roots of Marxism and its current political implications. She explains Marx’s critiques of capitalism and the concept of labor exploitation. The discussion reveals how Marxism transitioned from theory to a revolutionary movement inspiring global uprisings. Victor highlights how the term has evolved into a political weapon, evoking fear and fostering partisanship in modern discourse. She posits that Marx would be astonished to see his ideas used in such a contentious manner rather than for genuine debate.

In this discussion, Jasmine Sun, an independent writer and tech culture commentator, dives into the unique slang emerging among AI-era tech workers. She highlights the paradox of abundant AI investments alongside job scarcity, revealing how terms like 'high agency'—symbolizing resourcefulness—and 'NPC,' referring to those seen as automatable, reflect deep anxieties. The conversation also touches on the competitive atmosphere fostered by fears of AI-induced inequality, showcasing a complex dialogue around Silicon Valley's evolving lexicon.