It’s been a disheartening time in the Middle East lately. Today’s guest host, Reema Khrais, shares how the recent conflict has affected her family in Gaza. We’ll also discuss how the ever-increasing U.S. deficit reached new heights in the past year. Plus, what have you splurged on lately?

Here’s everything we talked about:

• • “Gaza aid stalled at Egypt border amid wrangling at Rafah” from The Washington Post
• • “US Budget Gap Widened 23% During Year on Rate Rise, Revenue Drop” from Bloomberg
• • “U.S. Deficit, Pegged at $1.7 Trillion, Effectively Doubled in 2023” from The New York Times
• • “Why Doesn’t Artificial Banana Flavor Taste Like Bananas?” from Food and Wine
• • Defend Your Splurge and sign up for the This Is Uncomfortable newsletter

If you’ve got a question about today’s economy, send it our way. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.