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Economy roundup: tariffs, inflation, and other things that may or may not matter
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Jul 16, 2025
Listen 1:38:51
Economy roundup: tariffs, inflation, and other things that may or may not matter

Today on AirTalk, the state of the US economy amid tariff threats, ICE raids, and inflation; what it means to tease your partner; how disabled people are at higher risk during natural disasters, and what your first pop culture introduction was to America.

American flag with digital blurred words in background
An American flag is displayed on a desk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on July 15, 2025, in New York City.
(
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
)

Economy roundup: tariffs, inflation, and other things that may or may not matter

Listen 28:59
Economy roundup: tariffs, inflation, and other things that may or may not matter

Today on AirTalk, we’re asking the age-old question: what’s going on with the economy? These days, quite a lot. The latest batch of inflation data from June showed a slight uptick in how fast prices are rising, but overall inflation remains well below pandemic highs. President Donald Trump recently renewed volleys in the ongoing trade wars, with over 20 countries set to be hit with higher import taxes come August 1. Market responses to these exchanged blows have become more muted over time, with the S&P 500 stock index hitting record highs recently after having plunged in March and April. So, given the full economic landscape, what factors impacting the economy are worth paying attention to right now? Here to help explain what’s going on is Susan Schmidt, portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources.

Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ and teasing each other

Listen 20:33
Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ and teasing each other

Who doesn't do a little teasing every now and then? Especially with their significant other. It can be a sign of endearment, an inside joke, or just your sense of humor. But does teasing ever go too far? Today on AirTalk, we want to hear your thoughts about teasing in relationships. Is teasing your sign of affection? How do you and your partner communicate? Maybe your partner is someone who can dish it but can't take being teased back. Are some topics just off limits to teasing? Was there a time when you or your significant other crossed a line when making fun of each other? Share with us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Natural disasters leave those with disabilities at greater risk, how can the inequities be addressed?

Listen 30:03
Natural disasters leave those with disabilities at greater risk, how can the inequities be addressed?

Recent reporting on the Eaton Fire by LAist reporter Erin Stone helped offer context as to how crucial emergency response units are in evacuating residents during natural disasters. 911 calls made by an Altadena resident with a disability showed how some of our most vulnerable residents can struggle to receive help at times of a natural disaster. In another case, two Altadeneans with disabilities lost their lives following three phone calls made on their behalf. So what can be learned from this event on a county-level? Today on AirTalk, we’ll recap how the events of the Eaton Fire impacted residents with disabilities, and what can be learned to mitigate some of those inequities. Joining us this morning is Erin Stone, climate and environment reporter for LAist.

We reached out to the L.A. County CEO’s office, the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and the L.A. Fire Department for this conversation. We either didn’t hear back or were told the departments were actively evaluating and couldn’t speak to the matter. 

Coming to the US: What was your first pop culture introduction to the country?

Listen 19:15
Coming to the US: What was your first pop culture introduction to the country?

Moving to the United States from another country can be a culture shock. Especially if the only reference you have for the U.S. is from movies, TV shows, and music. Who else thought that every high school in the country would look like the one in Grease? Or that all of New York was just nightclubs and disco like in Friday Night Fever? Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from our expats. What was your first pop culture reference for the United States? Was there a movie or a celebrity that introduced you to American culture abroad? Did you get a warped sense of what the U.S. would be like from these Hollywood depictions? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report Morning Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek